#teenbookreview

[lira-starlights]

“Carry On”- A Book Review

“Have a break, Have a Kit Kat”. This was one of the spells a character chanted during the book, I definitely laughed out loud when I read that.

“Carry On” is very similar to “Harry Potter”. It’s about the Chosen One. It is about magic. It is about friendship. It is about fighting evil. But the relationship between Simon and Baz is definitely different from Harry Potter.

Simon Snow is a Chosen One, and he is rumored to be the most powerful magician alive. Pretty impressive, because he’s only a teen. He is chosen to fight the most evil creature, the Humdrum. With the help of his teacher, the Mage and his friend, Penny, he hopes to destroy it. One problem though, is his roommate, Baz. Simon swears Baz is a vampire, and Baz constantly pesters him, annoys him, and he is always distracted by him. When Baz disappears, Simon receives a strange message from a ghost. Now he has more problems to deal with, what will happen to Simon and the magical world?

As I mentioned before, I love the crazy spells in the book (did I mention they were also chanting lyrics to “Bohemian Rhapsody”?) and I definitely loved the characters. Penny is smart, powerful and a great friend, Baz is mysterious, Simon is dorky but a good guy. It’s such a sweet book and it’s a great read to get your mind off serious things.

There is also a sequel to this book, but I definitely enjoyed this one better. I recommend it!

[portsmouthteenreviews]

This book follows the struggles of King Nikolai Lantsov, both with protecting his country and his monstrous condition.   It also follows Nina Zenik, undercover and grieving, in the most dangerous place in her world.

I adore It! (Read the other Grisha books first!)  Bardugo’s writing style really draws you into her world.  The characters seem very real and you feel for them.  There’s also some good gay representation, which is a plus.  The intertwined stories are separate, but not dissonant, and harmonize well.  

Review by Marguerite.

[lindylibrary]

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Genre: Contemporary

Format: Paperback Book

Plot:  The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a gripping coming of age story about Charlie, a socially awkward fifteen-year-old boy, as he navigates through the ups and downs of new friends and first loves during his freshman year of high school. Through his endeavors to participate in teenage life, he observes what it is like to be a young adult in the early 1990s. Told through a series of letters, this novel is filtered through Charlie’s mind during his high school adventure. Both comical and heart-wrenching, The Perks of Being a Wallflower truthfully captures a teenage experience.

Review:   I liked this book, and i think other teens would enjoy it as well. However, the darker themes in the novel call for a mature audience. I would recommend this to any teen looking for a semi-modern coming of age story.

Rating: 

~ Erin, Teen Book Reviewer

[litsquared]

The Monstrumologist 

by Rick Yancey

Yancey, R. (2009). The Monstrumologist (S. Boyer, Narrator) [Audiobook]. Recorded Books. ASIN: B002UQ93XM; $19.59

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“Yes, my dear child, monsters are real. I happen to have one hanging in my basement.” (Rick Yancey, The Monstrumologist)

This dark, horrifying tale is posthumously told through the first three journals of William “Will” Henry that were discovered in 2007 (making him 131 years old). The story takes place in a small town in New England called New Jerusalem in 1888. Twelve-year-old Will became an apprentice for Dr. Pellinore Warthrop after his parents tragically died in a house fire; his father worked for the doctor prior to his death. Dr. Warthrop is a wealthy and strange old man, and his vocation is even stranger: he is a monstrumologist. The first journal begins with a visit from Erasmus Gray, a grave robber who happened to come across a dead monster wrapped around the body of a young girl. Dr. Warthrop immediately identifies the monster as an Anthropophagi, a man-eating creature that is native to Africa. So, how did it get to New Jerusalem? And how many more were there? After a family is massacred in their home with only the eldest boy surviving, Dr. Warthrop takes Will on a monster-hunting adventure. As the investigation delves deeper into the cause of the ravenous creatures’ presence, Dr. Warthrop and Will are forced to confront familial monsters from their past, and what they discover may be more than a lone monstrumologist and his young apprentice could have ever imagined.

The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey is rapturous and will leave horror fans begging for more. I typically do not listen to audiobooks (there are few things I love more than the feeling of a book in my hands); however, I decided to give this one a try since it had won an award for being an amazing audiobook. The experience surpassed all my expectations. Yancey’s eloquent and descriptive writing allowed me to envision every moment, even when I wished I couldn’t (he does not hold back in the gore and gruesome department), and the narrator, Steven Boyer, was superb. The story is more than just a monster-hunting expedition as it includes underlying themes of humans and the natural world, family, fathers and sons, fear, and how the choices we make define who we are. There is also a mystery aspect to this novel that adds to the suspense and will keep you guessing until the end! I give this monstrous horror masterpiece a LIT-rating of five out five and recommend it for ages 12+.

Awards and accolades: 2009 Booklist Starred Review; 2009 Florida Book Award for Young Adult Literature (Silver Medal Winner); ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2010); Michael L. Printz Award (2010); ALA Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults (2010); 2011 Tayshas Reading for Young Adult (Commended); 2011 Texas Lone Star Reading List for Young Adult (Commended); 2011 Volunteer State Book Award for Young Adult (nominee); 2012 Green Mountain Book Award for Grades 9-12 (nominee); and 2012 Young Reader’s Choice Award for Senior/Grades 10-12 (nominee)

Book Cover Image: Dorfman, J., & Cummins, L.R. (2009). The Monstrumologist [Book Cover Image]. Retrieved from https://amzn.to/2DSntin

The Monstrumologist Rick Yancey Book Trailer

COS Productions (Producer). (2009, August 26). The Monstrumologist Rick Yancey Book Trailer [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/WCzqKrAsVwM

[woplteens-blog]

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo:  A Book Review

High school senior Desi Lee always has a plan, it’s what made her the valedictorian of her class and keeps her on track to go to Stanford. However, are all her lists and preparation enough to score her a boyfriend? After meeting the cute and artsy new kid, Luca, Desi decides to put this question to the test. Armed with the infinite wisdom of the Korean dramas she has watched with her father, Desi creates a foolproof plan to get the guy and her happily ever after...that is, if she can pull it off.

This was an enjoyable book to read, I found Desi to be an entertaining and witty protagonist and the story was never dull. This being said, the story was also very predictable, it starts out giving you a list outlining exactly what is going to happen, leaving very little room for surprise. Also, while Desi’s antics were wild and comedic, they seemed too much like a Korean drama rather than a realistic fiction novel. While this was the point, it made it difficult for me to understand how someone as smart and logical as Desi would continue with such an outrageous plan. All this aside, this was an easy read based on an interesting concept that would be great for any teen looking for a cute romance with plenty of swoon-worthy moments.

Arthi Sivendra, West Orange Public Library Teen Book Reviewer

[zillennialgrandma]

**BOOK REVIEW** Orphan Monster Spy by @by_matt_killeen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 / 5 • Talented, artistic, oppressed. Sarah has been learning to survive in a world that has become dangerous for her, her mother, and all other Jewish citizens throughout Europe. So what is a girl to do when she becomes unexpectedly orphaned? That's right. She becomes a spy in a boarding school for the Nazi elite in 1939. Sarah is one of my favourite novel protagonists in a long time. She is resourceful, ballsy, BRAVE, and mouthy. I love how she deals with her horrific situation, how she strategises and overcomes. Matt Killeen expertly weaves Sarah's backstory and experiences of being Jewish in increasing oppressive Austrian/German societies in the 1930s into the wider plot, which I found very educational. I found myself doing lots of research to fill in the gaps where my own knowledge was sadly lacking in this area of European history (this was further sparked by the Author's note at the end of the novel). The plot was SO GOOD. Excellently paced and the twists towards the end of the novel were so brilliantly unexpected, I found myself moving the book as far away from me as I could whilst still being able to read. A thrilling, well researched book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I cannot wait to read book 2 and, hopefully, learn some more about the Captain! • #bookreview #yabookreview #bookblogger #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #bookblog #whattoread #bookrecs #bookphoto #bookstack #booksonbooks #bookspines #bookaesthetic #historicalfiction #wwiifiction #bookpages #bookstagrammer #bookstagramreviews #trillerreader #spyfiction #spynovel #teenlit #teenbookreview #mattkilleen #orphanmonsterspy (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAVxq-ggd_r/?igshid=1hq37wuga38hu

[480primroseteens]

As You Wish by Chelsea Sedoti - A Teen Book Review

By Lexi Goldstein

In the isolated desert town of Madison, one could find it difficult to permanently settle with its constant state of weariness and regret; however one unique opportunity keeps generations from packing their bags. The secret tradition of wishing, a practice of when a Madison teen turns 18 and ventured to an enchanted cave where they have the ability to wish for anything. Though this seems like an incredible occasion, the wish must abide by the eight rules and as always, it will assuredly result in regret. Parents remain in Madison with the hope that their child will make a wish that in some way benefits them and partially removes the weight of their ignorance as an adolescent.

   Most children in Madison are bred for their eighteenth birthday and have had their wish planned for almost their whole life. For seventeen-year-old Eldon, he wants to think about anything but his wish. Money and good looks can only last so long, and watching those around him have broken wishes he dreads his own. Struggling with the essential loss of his beloved sister Ebba, financial issues, and yearn for a past girlfriend; Eldo is lost and confused in a realistic world due to a fictional opportunity. In the month leading up to his wish, he shares his incertitude and concerns. The choice between magnanimity and selfishness will ultimately leave someone unsatisfied. If Eldon decides to wish, what will he wish for? His ultimate yearn for complete happiness may not be achieved by a single wish, but can he achieve it with his own will?

   Chelsea Sedoti’s perspective-altering writing encourages self-motivation and introduces new definitions of happiness and fulfillment. Though Eldon’s journey proves difficult, his passion leads him places no one ever thought he would go….

I personally think this is a creative book which incorporates some relevant topics and sheds a new light on older notions. However, the plot is a little unclear and at some points in the story, such as the beginning, didn’t satisfy my engagement as a reader. Despite the lack of interesting content at certain points, As You Wish is a great read for any teen or young adult with its eye-opening main idea.

Lexi Goldstein is a teen volunteer at the Burlingame Public library

[thedaftunicorn]

Briefest of Brief Summary

Think suicide pact, Turkish girl, white boy, f-ed up pasts, Einstein, Milton, & #feels.

[lira-starlights]

“The Hate U Give”- Book Review

A powerful, thought-provoking book that everyone should, and must read. I’ve reread this book because of the death of George Floyd, and I think this is one of those books that will forever stay with you.

“The Hate U Give” is about Starr, who lives in a poorer neighborhood and goes to a rich high school where most of the students are white. One day, when she is coming home from a party with her childhood friend Khali on a car, they are stopped by a police officer. The police officer aggressively questions Khali and ultimately shoots him, even though Khali was unarmed. So starts Starr’s story about fighting back on inequality and justice.

What I specifically loved about the book is that it addressed such important issues that are still going on today. Racism is still a prominent issue, and this book addresses this perfectly, authentically. It gives you new perspective and a better understanding of the pains and horror people have to go through just because of their race, and you’re left feeling shocked. I also loved Starr. She is such a great character. She has a very distinct voice, she’s strong, powerful, real, and beautiful. Her being able to fight back with her words requires such courage, and Angie Thomas made her such an amazing character.

It was such a moving book, and reading this book will definitely make you want to fight back for injustice and inequality. I cannot recommend this enough.  

[portsmouthteenreviews]

Rebecca Chin loves babysitting Kyle, but when a storm hits and Kyle starts acting strange, she needs the help of her friends to save him.

I thought this was a great book.  Kat Shepherd did a great job diving head first into the story.  This book really gave me the chills, especially because next year I will start babysitting!  Though when I read the back it kinda spoiled it for me.  But other than that I would totally recommend this book!

Reviewed by Ava.

[litsquared]

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Wytches, Volume 1  by Scott Snyder (story), Jock (art), Matt Hollingsworth (colors), Clem Robins (letters), and David Brothers (editor)

Snyder, S., Jock, Hollingsworth, M., & Robins, C. (2015). Wytches (Vol. 1) (D. Brothers, Ed.). Berkeley, CA: Image Comics. ISBN-13: 978-1632153807; paperback; $9.13

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“Pledged is pledged.” (Snyder, 2015)

Sailor “Sail” Rooks is an anxious thirteen-year-old who has just moved to Litchfield, New Hampshire with her mother, Lucy, who is confined to a wheelchair after a terrible accident, and her father, Charlie, who is a comic book writer with an alcoholic past. Since this is a graphic novel, the story is told through colorful illustrated panels [watch video to view examples]. Some backstory: The Rooks family decided to move to Litchfield after Sail’s malicious school bully named Annie went missing after the two had a confrontation in the woods, and only Sail knows what really happened the day. Moreover, the Rooks family is unaware that their new hometown also has a secret: Wytches, described by local Clara Poirot as “evolution gone wrong. Mutations from thousands of years ago. Maybe formed apart from us, in the ground.” So, when Sail is awoken one night by one of these strange beings the real story behind the Wytches and the meaning of “pledged is pledged” is revealed, and Sail finds herself fighting the ultimate battle…for her life.  

Wytches, Volume 1, written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Jock, is a spectacular and horrifying work of art and literature. Not only is it a horror comic about witches (I mean wytches) that is terrifying (the illustrations will give you chills), but it is also a comic about how crappy parents and the family home can be, along with the added fears of being a teenager (with an underlying message that parenting can be equally as frightening). Sail is nervous, anxious, and bullied at school, her dad was a neglectful alcoholic consumed with his work, while her mom, well, she suffered a terrible accident and can no longer walk. The fears of the characters are genuine and relatable, even when they are dealing with supernatural creatures (or are they?). Also, one of the coolest elements of this novel is the back matter: Snyder provides commentary on what inspired him to write this story and the colorists process is outlined in case you happen to be interested in the field. I can’t wait to read the rest of this limited series (there are FIVE more!) and I give this graphic novel a LIT-rating of five out five. Recommended for ages 15+. Rated M/Mature. (144 pages)

Awards and accolades: 2016 Bram Stoker nomination

Book Cover Image: Jock, & Hollingsworth, M. (2015). Wytches, Volume 1 [Book Cover Image]. Retrieved from https://amzn.to/2zwJ1xY

Wytches Vol. 1 Review

ComicsGuide101 recommends this graphic novel as a “borrow” due to Hollingsworth choice of coloring over Jock’s incredible art. Lucky for you, I’m sure your local library has this horror comic available for borrow now!

ComicsGuide101 (Producer). (2017, April 12). Wytches Vol. 1 Review [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/rijgvu6FkW0

[portsmouthteenreviews]

This book is a sequel to Girl, Stolen.  Cheyenne, the main character, is blind and she is waiting for the trial that will make her captor, Roy, guilty of kidnapping her in the first book.  Since she was kidnapped, her father and stepmom hired a bodyguard for her.  

I really liked this book.  I liked how the point of view changed, so I could see what the criminals were thinking, as well as Cheyenne.

Reviewed by Kate.

[portsmouthteenreviews]

This book was about a girl named Rachel and a boy named Ethan.  Both of them lost a brother at the amusement park, Happy World, and Rachel would like to find out why and put a stop to the owner of Happy World.

I thought this book was good.  Sometimes, it was a little confusing to figure out whose point of view each chapter was in, because sometimes it switched.  I liked how almost every other chapter was a section from Jason’s notebook.

Reviewed by Kate.

[portsmouthteenreviews]

This book is about a group of campers that get stranded in the alaskan wilderness after an earthquake.  They decide to hike to the nearest town, but what they find on their hike changes their plans completely.

I really liked this book because it was creative, but not unrealistic.  I liked the ending, especially because it could have ended in any way.  I think there should be a sequel to this book.

Reviewed by Kate.

[portsmouthteenreviews]

This book is about four people who set off on a dangerous journey to kill the kingpin, who is plotting to take over the world.

I thought this book was good.  At times it was hard to follow, since there are so many different people and places.

Reviewed by Kate