PSMS Book Reviews

(c) 2001 192 p.
Genre:Books to movies; Coming-of-age stories
Storyline:Character-driven
Tone:Angst-filled; Bittersweet; Emotionally intense
Writing Style:Compelling
Min/Max Grade level:4 - 10
Lexile:1000

Description:At the beginning of eighth grade, learning disabled Max and his new friend Freak, whose birth defect has affected his body but not his brilliant mind, find that when they combine forces they make a powerful team.
In the book, Freak the Mighty, Max and Kevin are complete opposites. Their minds, clothes, and body types are all disparate, except one thing… their heart. Max is immense, both horizontal and vertical. He, and many other people, thinks that he is “dumb”, but is really dyslexic and that is why he is illiterate. He postulated that because he is a ringer of his dad that he will turn into his dad, who is a murderer. Kevin, also named Freak, has a condition where his body stops growing, while his organs develop properly. Freak is also a prodigy; his brain seems too big for his small body. This book is based during the 1990s, in the town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Both Freak and Max live in the accommodations of a neighborhood. Max’s dad killed his mother when he was young. His dad is in jail, he lives with his grandparents, his mom is dead, and he has no friends. What else could go wrong? Max is having a fight with himself. He can’t stand not knowing if he will “become” his father. Unlike Freak who will share his perspective, Max has trouble expressing those feelings, or any feelings. Freak decided that they will go on “adventures”, such as becoming a jockey, and saving peoples purses. Max and Kevin find a purse and return it to a lady named Loretta Lee, who knows Max’s father. After that, his dad got out of jail and kidnapped Max. Freak did a great duty that day by saving Max and sending his dad back to jail. But, soon after that Freak passed away... and Max was devastated. But he knew that he would make Kevin proud.

5 stars! Excellent!

(c) 2013 526 p.

Series:Divergent trilogy, 3

Genre:Dystopian fiction; First person narratives; Multiple perspectives; Science fiction
Storyline:Intricately plotted; World-building
Tone:Bleak; Suspenseful
Writing Style:Compelling
Min/Max Grade level:8 - 12
Lexile:830

Description:The conclusion to the trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world and the consequences of a fateful decision.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a world where you didn't belong in? Were you were the outsider? Well you'll love to read about a girl named Tris who pushes through the tragedies of her beloved family to learn beyond the borders of her hometown.

If you are interested in reading this book make sure you read the first book Divergent. In Allegiant, Tris and her friends want to learn about the area beyond their border. She is locked up in a kind of prison cell, but is free to speak with her friends during the day. Tris is being tested by Evelyn Johnson who is the head master of the prison. She puts the prisoners on truth serum to find out if they were traitors of the accident in the book Insurgent. Since Tris is Divergent she is able to change her thoughts and lie, but how long is she going it be able to keep it a secret? How long will she stand to stay in a prison cell? Do they escape? I think this book was amazing. In fact, the entire series was amazing. The way the author is able to thoroughly explain the characters thoughts and feelings helps me understand emotionally what the characters are feeling. It gives me a picture of facial expressions which can help create a clear image in your head. I also enjoy reading this book because the action and suspense that is played out in the book. The author used wars and breakouts to give the reader something to look forward to. Veronica was able to keep me reading since her word choice and language was understandable. Sometimes authors can exaggerate on certain parts of the book because they don't know what else to do, but Veronica was able to keep things exciting and fresh. If you have read Divergent and Insurgent, and would like to read this book, I would say go for it! Enjoy!

Appeal: Anyone

review by Sam R.

4 stars! Great!

(c) 2013 240 p.

Genre: Biography Informational

character-driven, exciting, likeable

If you like sports and biographies, this is the book for you! The book, written by former Sporting Kansas City Goalkeeper, takes you on a journey through Jimmy Nielsen's soccer-filled life so far."To the Blue Heaven" by Jimmy Nielsen is a very exciting story. This Recently retired Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper takes readers on a detailed journey of his life up to date starting from when he was just a small child. This autobiography includes many important games that Jimmy has been a part of, including the MLS Cup playoffs. I couldn't stop reading this insightful story by of Kansas City sports hero.

Appeal: Mostly guys.

5 stars! Excellent!

c2006.; 293 p.

Genre:Spy fiction; Suspense stories
Min/Max Grade level:7 - 9
Lexile:980

Action/Adventure

page-turning, action-oriented, suspenseful,

Suspenseful from the very start! Cherub Maximum Security has a well developed plot and is written in such a manner that you feel that you are in the book. Suspense on every page keeps you reading and reading. With the combination of this as well as well as the easy to follow, easy to understand nature of the book make it a relaxed, quick, and easy read.

James Adams is not the average teenager; he is a spy for the youth branch of MI6, the British intelligence agency. In book three, he is sent to a maximum security prison in Arizona to uncover or possibly arrest a international weapons black market dealer, Jane Oxford, after short range missiles were confiscated from the organization. In the process of gaining intelligence for the mission, James makes a prison escape and is almost murdered by a contract killer. If you are drooling with interest, read this book. Even if you aren't, you may be surprised.

Review by: Sam R.

4 stars! Great!
Genre: Nonfiction (c) 2013 198 p.

Sports and Competition; TV tie-ins

Description:Details one man's thirty-nine day crusade to reclaim James Naismith's original rules of basketball, a fanatical cross-country journey that led him to both NBA players and greats as he attempted to find the money to finance his purchase.
Tone: Funny

If you like stories about basketball and other sports this is a book for you! This book will have u on the edge of your seat, not wanting to put it down.

"The Holy Grail of Hoops" by Josh Swade tells the story of a life-long Kansas Jayhawks fan. Swade describes his attempt to acquire the original riles of basketball written by James Naismith. He describes in great detail all the phone calls and trips he took to try to bring back the historic piece of basketball history back to Lawrence. Could Josh come up with enough money to bring the rules back to KU? You'll have to read "The Holy Grail of Hoops" to find out.

Appeal: Mostly guys

(c) 2012 373 p.

Genre:First person narratives; Multiple perspectives; Science fiction
Tone:Suspenseful, well developed
Min/Max Grade level:6 - 12
Lexile:700
Description:"In a barren land, a shimmering glass dome houses the survivors of the Switch, the period when oxygen levels plunged and the green world withered. A state lottery meant a lucky few won safety, while the rest suffocated in the thin air. And now Alina, Quinn, and Bea--an unlikely trio, each with their own agendas, their own longings and fears--walk straight into the heart of danger. With two days' worth of oxygen in their tanks, they leave the dome. What will happen on the third day?"

It takes sacrifice to be happy...

This book was a great read overall, but it didn't keep me up all night turning the pages. This book was mainly about this girl named Bea, and her friend Quinn. Bea and Quinn live in a world where air is very valuable, and costs a lot of money. So Bea's family is somewhat poor, and Quinn's family are rich. Bea has these feelings for Quinn, but she's too scared to tell him because she doesn't want to jeopardize their friendship. One day, a new girl named Alina comes to their school. Instantly, Quinn falls in love with her, and Bea isn't so happy about this. When Quinn and Bea are on their way to a camp they planned for weeks, Quinn notices Alina trying to escape from the pod. Quickly, Alina explains everything about her. She says that her partner Abel, has died on a mission they tried to complete by their team the REBELS. The Rebels believe that the pod is useless, and that they are just using innocent people to their advantage. So Quinn invites Alina on their camping trip, and Bea has to keep her anger in the whole way. Along the road, Bea, Alina, and Quinn get separated. They also pick up an old lady who is running out of air. On their journey, Bea, Maude, and Alina have to fight their way to where Quinn is.

Appeal: Mostly Girls.

(c) 2005 406 p.

Genre:Science fiction
Storyline:Action-packed
Pace:Fast-paced
Tone:Suspenseful; Thought-provoking
Writing Style:Compelling
Min/Max Grade level:6 - 12

Lexile:770

Description:Just before their sixteenth birthdays, when they will will be transformed into beauties whose only job is to have a great time, Tally's best friend runs away and Tally must find her and turn her in, or never become pretty at all.

This book kept me turning the pages over and over again. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I would definitely recommend this to others. This book is about a girl named Tally, and her friend Shay. Both of them are turning 16 on Sept. 9th, and that's the day they both become pretty. Tally and Shay have been considered "uglies" their whole life, and this is the life changing moment. The week before their operations, Tally talks about how awesome it would be to become pretty like everyone else. But Shay isn't so thrilled about this. Shay tells Tally that she wants to be normal, not to be considered a lower rank than everyone else, but she wants her freedom as a ugly. Tally tells Shay that she is crazy, and all this ends up becoming a huge fight. Then Shay leaves to another town named Smoke. On the day Tally is supposed to get her operation, the man tells her that her operation has gone wrong. But Tally hasn't been in operation yet. So they tell her that she needs to bring Shay back, or else she won't become pretty.

Appeal: Mostly girls.

Genre:Sports and Competition
Tone:Dramatic

Writing Style:Candid; Richly detailed

Description:The Detroit Tigers pitcher and veteran umpire share their respective views on the June 2, 2010 game that was entered into the record books with what the umpire believes was his erroneous call on the final out, tracing their career stories while imparting the significance of the game in their lives.

This book takes readers inside the life of a MLB Umpire and a MLB Pitcher. Joyce and Galarraga describe this historic game from their two different perspectives. "Nobody's Perfect" goes deep into what may be the worst call in baseball history.

"Nobody's Perfect" describes how umpire Jim Joyce and pitcher Armando Galarraga got to where they both are today. Joyce talks about his journey through the ranks as a professional umpire while Galarraga takes readers through his journey as a player. This story analyzes the historic "Almost Perfect Game" through the eyes of the umpire and the player. Joyce goes into great detail about his role in this emotional game. This book includes many stories that should touch readers. Read the book to find out how these two individuals coped with this emotional game.

Appeal: Mostly guys

5 stars! Excellent!

(c) 2008 316 p.

Description:After being sold to a cruel couple in New York City, a slave named Isabel spies for the rebels during the Revolutionary War.
Genre:First person narratives; Historical fiction
Storyline:Character-driven
Pace:Leisurely paced
Tone:Bleak; Strong sense of place
Writing Style:Descriptive; Dialect-rich
Min/Max Grade level:4 - 12
Lexile:780

Chains...broken...Free? If you feel and remember the slaves of 1776 Chains will enhance your memory and give you a heart you've never felt before. Discover what will happen when two sisters are free, but are sold into slavery. Will they be separated? Will they die? Will they be free? Read the book to find out!

A girl living with her aunt is devastated once her mother dies. Her and her sister have no place to live since their aunt is moving and doesn't want anything to do with them. Isabel and Ruth are left with a man named Mr. Robert. He is their master and no matter how much Isabel tries to explain that she is free, he wouldn't listen. Mr. Robert sells the sisters to a lady named Lockton. She wanted them to do her personal jobs and clean the home. It would be the last time Isabel and Ruth would have a free life. They were now sold into slavery. As the book continues on, Isabel gets in to some trouble with Lady Lockton and she would be sentenced to get a mark on her face for trying to run away. The mark I will stand for insolence and everyone she passes by will remember her that way. War comes in and Isabel makes a new friend. His name is Curzon and he works for Washington's soldiers. Curzon gets captured and sent into the prison. Isabel will try to do her best to sneak by the prison to drop off food and blankets. When Lady Lockton finds out Isabel runs away gets Curzon and rows her way all the way down the Jordan River. They were free, but were they really free? Read the book to find out. I would give this book a five out of five because it was truly a heart breaking story that will get you into tears. The book is a sequel so if you really deeply felt for the characters, which I did, I would consider reading the next book!

Appeal: Anyone

5 stars! Excellent!

(c) 2010 335 p.

Genre:Fantasy fiction; Love stories; Paranormal romances; Urban fantasy fiction
Storyline:Action-packed
Pace:Fast-paced
Tone:Romantic; Suspenseful
Writing Style:Compelling
Min/Max Grade level:6 - 12
Lexile:580

Description:Evie, the only known human with the ability to see through supernatural "glamours," works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency (IPCA) tracking down dangerous creatures. (Really, she finds the work dull and would rather be shopping, watching TV, or at the very least at home painting her weapons pink.) But when a mysterious shape-shifter invades the IPCA and brings news of a string of paranormal murders, things start to heat up.

Do you like supernaturals, shape-shifter, police, identiteis, prophecies, fairies, realationships, and/or parapsychology? If you do, then Kiersten White's novel, Paranormalcy, is the book for you.

Paranormalcy follows the ways of the International Paranormal Containment Agency (IPCA), a group tasked with policing a variety of mythological beings, who secretly life their life among humans. The heroine of the story is an IPCA officer named Evie, 16, a teenage girl who has an ability to detect paranormals disguised as human beings. Her allies include a shape-shifting boy named Lend, who she meets as the story begins, and a faerie named Reth, whom she previously admired. Both guys develop interests in Evie's as the story continues, while the three of them are joined by other companions as well. At its center, Paranormalcy examines Evie's attempts to balance her IPCA duties with her growing desire to lead a normal teenage life, and along the way, loses a very close friend, Alisha, a mermaid.

Appeal: Mostly girls

4 stars! Great!

(c) 2009 374 p.

Genre:Science fiction
Storyline:Plot-driven
Pace:Fast-paced
Tone:Bleak; Suspenseful
Writing Style:Compelling
Min/Max Grade level:6 - 12

Description:Sixteen-year-old Thomas wakes up with no memory in the middle of a maze and realizes he must work with the community in which he finds himself if he is to escape.

Sixteen year old Thomas finds himself trapped in a courtyard surrounded by 100 foot walls. These walls have doors on each side that slide open every day to reveal a gigantic maze. In order to escape Thomas must find his way through the maze without getting caught by whatever is lurking out there. Read THE MAZE RUNNER to find out what happens to Thomas when he tries a daring escape attempt.

I liked the maze runner because of how much action there was. At the beginning I thought there wouldn't be much action, but it started with a pretty significant event on the story. In the book there was a desperation feel because Thomas (the main character) is trapped inside giant walls and has to find a way out. This book would probably be popular with just about anyone.

Appeal: Anyone

4 stars! Great!

(c) 2010 390 p.

Genre:Dystopian fiction; First person narratives; Science fiction

Storyline:Character-driven; World-building
Pace:Fast-paced
Tone:Bleak; Menacing; Strong sense of place; Suspenseful
Writing Style:Compelling; Descriptive
Min/Max Grade level:6 - 12
Lexile:800

Description:Two-time Hunger Games survivor Katniss Everdeen is targeted by a vengeful Capitol that vows to make Katniss and all of District 12 pay for the current unrest.

Mocking Jay is the third book in the epic trilogy of the hunger games. In Mocking Jay, Katniss finally decides to rebel against the government. She is on a chain of missions trying to get people to join her and defeat the powerful government. Read the book to find out what happens to Katniss in the last encountering with the government.Mocking jay is kind of hard to follow. But the conflict is creative. The way the characters follow out the missions is very fun to follow. In the book Katniss has to try to avoid the small, unique attacks that the government pulls on the rebels.

Appeal: Anyone

5 stars! Excellent!

(c) 2011 487 p.

Genre:Books to movies; Dystopian fiction; First person narratives; Science fiction

Storyline:Intricately plotted; World-building
Tone:Bleak; Suspenseful
Writing Style:Compelling
Min/Max Grade level:8 - 12
Lexile:700

Description:In a future Chicago, sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

Find out how one rare person survives even though everyone wants to kill her. They just don't know who they're after.

Beatrice Prior lives in a futuristic Chicago. In this city, when you turn 16 you take a test to see which of the 5 factions you belong to. The Abnegation(selfless), Amity(peaceful), Candor(honest), Dauntless(brave), or Erudite(smart). Beatrice takes the test and gets a rare result. She gets three different factions. It is called Divergent, and the government will try to kill any divergents because they can't control them. This is a great action-packed story about Beatrice's quest to survive.

Appeal: Anyone

4 stars! Great!

(c) 2008 238 p.

Genre:Psychological fiction; Psychological suspense stories; Suspense stories
Min/Max Grade level: 6 - 12
Lexile: 570

Description:After his parents, two sisters, and he have spent six years in a vast underground compound built by his wealthy father to protect them from a nuclear holocaust, fifteen-year-old Eli, whose twin brother and grandmother were left behind, discovers that his father has perpetrated a monstrous hoax on them all.

This book is very suspenseful. This book is very action packed and he and his family have a lot of problems they have to figure out when they are down there. It makes you not want to put it down!!

Eli and his family are trapped in an underground compound, because their was a nuke. Eli's brother and his grandma didn't make it to the compound fast enough, so Eli is stuck with his mom, dad, and his two sisters. But the coded door won't open for 15 years, they are trapped. Will they ever get out?

Appeal: Anyone

3 stars! Pretty Good

(c) 2008 238 p.

Genre:Psychological fiction; Psychological suspense stories; Suspense stories

Lexile:570

Description:After his parents, two sisters, and he have spent six years in a vast underground compound built by his wealthy father to protect them from a nuclear holocaust, fifteen-year-old Eli, whose twin brother and grandmother were left behind, discovers that his father has perpetrated a monstrous hoax on them all.

Eli's dad had the compound built to keep them safe from a Nuclear War, but what was the real purpose?

The Compound was a solid overall book. At the beginning it was boring, because it is a slow paced book. Eli Yanakakis is the son of Rex Yanakakis, multimillionaire and owner YK industries. He had the compound built to keep his family safe from a nuclear war. Throughout the book, Eli starts to find clues that point that the compound has a dark and twisted meaning, and Eli will stop at nothing to figure it out.

Appeal: Mostly guys

5 stars! Excellent!

(c) 2011 305 p.

Genre:First person narratives; Multiple perspectives; Science fiction
Storyline:Action-packed; World-building
Pace:Fast-paced
Writing Style:Compelling
Min/Max Grade level:6 - 12
Lexile:710

Description:In a dark future, when North America has split into two warring nations, fifteen-year-olds Day, a famous criminal, and prodigy June, the brilliant soldier hired to capture him, discover that they have a common enemy.

Day, the republic's most wanted criminal, has to supply plague cures for his family. June, the only person in the republic with a perfect 1500 on her trial, the republic's new prodigy, looks to avenge her brother Metias's death. Find out what happens as these two teenagers worlds change and come together.

The story starts with two characters, Day, a criminal that steals money and medicine to help his sick brother Eden. And June, who is the brother of Metias, a leader in the republic's army. June got a 1500 on her trial, a perfect score, she was the only person to ever get that high of a score. Soon Metias dies, and June is left alone after her parents died years earlier. This is a great book about how June and Day's worlds come together, and they find that though they are polar opposites, they both need each other to survive.

Appeal: Anyone

3 stars! Pretty Good

(c) 2010 160 p.

Ages 9-12 Fiction
Series:Goddess girls, 1
Genre:Fantasy fiction; Mythological fiction
Min/Max Grade level: 3 - 6

Description:Athena learns that she is a goddess when she is summoned to Mount Olympus by her father, Zeus, and she must quickly adjust to her new status, make friends with the other godboys and goddessgirls, and catch up with all the studies she missed while attending mortal school.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to a goddess school? Be Zeus's daughter? Well you have picked up the right book to read.

It's filled with characters you will want to crush, including Medusa! Get ready to learn about a girl named Athena who has to deal with the baddest girl in school and needs to impress the greatest of all, her father Zeus!Athena has always been above average. She goes to a school on earth called Triton Junior High. Nobody in her school realizes she is a goddess and the daughter of Zeus! Once her father summons her to go to Mount Olympus Academy, Athena finally thinks she can fit into a school until she meets Medusa. Medusa will be her sworn enemy during school and she has to find a way to save herself and overcome Medusa! Does Athena become friends with Medusa? Does she overcome her? Will Athena pass through the academy? You'll have to read the book to find out!

Appeal: Mostly girls

4 stars! Great!

(c) 2012 525 p.

Series:Divergent trilogy, 2
Genre:Dystopian fiction; First person narratives; Science fiction
Storyline:Intricately plotted; World-building
Tone:Bleak; Suspenseful
Writing Style:Compelling
Min/Max Grade level:8 - 12

Description:"As war surges in the dystopian society around her, sixteen-year-old Divergent Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love."

This is the book called Insurgent by Veronica Roth. This book is a series of the book Divergent. Tris and Tobias are the "hero" for the city they are living in. They prevented the Dauntless from killing the innocent Abnegation people. But also the world knows that Tris and Tobias are Divergent. Janine Matthews is beaten by Tris and Tobias, yet still doesn't give up on her dream of taking over the city. Would Tobias and Tris be able to save the city from Janine Matthews, or would Janine Matthews take over the city? You will have to read the book to find out.

Tris Prior and Tobias Eaton just saved the world from Janine Matthews. But there's still one more problem. They don't know what Janin is still thinking about. Trid takes a big step to find out what she is doing. But it doesn't work very well.. Tris gets caught by Janine and getting tested what the brain of a Divergents look like. After the test Janine tries to execute Tris but she couldn't since Tobias came with her and saved her at the last moment. Janine's people still tries to find more Divergent to test and to kill them since they are a huge threat to Janine. Would they get caught or would they survive? My opinion about this book is that I really enjoyed it. I never really like reading books but this was different. It kept me going with the story 0, and kept my page turning. I was amaze by the author who wrote the book. I did really enjoyed it and I think anyone could enjoy this book without any problems...Anyone.,

Appeal: For more mature readers because of language or mature content such as but not limited to smoking, drinking, drugs, or references to sex

3 stars! Pretty Good

(c) 2012 315 p.

Genre:Realistic fiction
Storyline: Character-driven
Tone: Bittersweet; Emotionally intense; Moving
Writing Style: Dialogue-rich; Witty
Min/Max Grade level:8 - 12
Lexile: 850

Description:Sixteen-year-old Hazel, a stage IV thyroid cancer patient, has accepted her terminal diagnosis until a chance meeting with a boy at cancer support group forces her to reexamine her perspective on love, loss, and life.

Hazel has just about the worst luck you can have, she has cancer, she is lonely, and she doesn’t really have much to live for, until she meets Augustus. Augustus turns her world upside down (in a good way), and gives her everything she has ever wanted. This book is packed with romance and tragedy, and just about everything in-between.

Hazel has cancer. Every week she goes to a support group with others who have cancer, or are struggling in some component of life. One time at support group she meets Augustus, who completely changes her life for the better. They fall in love do absolutely everything for each other. Overall this book was pretty good, however it wasn’t as good as a lot of people said it was. I heard it was absolutely amazing, and I thought it was just good. The reason I didn’t absolutely love this book is because it was a little slow-paced for me. Another reason I did not love this book is because the end was extremely sad, and I’m not a huge fan of super sad endings. Don’t get me wrong it is a good book, just a little slow and a little sad.

Appeal: Mostly girls

4 stars! Great!

(c) 2007 320 p.

Genre:First person narratives; Multiple perspectives; Realistic fiction
Storyline:Character-driven
Tone:Emotionally intense; Serious
Writing Style:Lyrical
Min/Max Grade level:7 - 12
Lexile:550

Description:When high school student Clay Jenkins receives a box in the mail containing thirteen cassette tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah, who committed suicide, he spends a bewildering and heartbreaking night crisscrossing their town, listening to Hannah's voice recounting the events leading up to her death.

What if you were told you were the reason someone committed suicide? Well, Clay Jenson and twelve others were told just that, and given thirteen tapes telling exactly why.

Hannah Baker committed suicide, but before she did she made thirteen tapes explaining the thirteen reasons why she did what she did. Each reason went with a person and after one person received the tapes they would give them to the next person in the story or the tapes would be released for everyone to hear. This book is told from Clay Jenson, someone receiving the tapes, and Hannah’s point of view. I enjoyed this book. Sometimes I got a little confused on who was speaking because of how it was written, but I always wanted to keep reading. It was a darker book, but I found it interesting and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. This book was entertaining and kept me wanted to read more.

Appeal: Mostly girls.

5 stars! Excellent!

(c) 2011 496 p.

Series:Divergent trilogy, 1
Genre:Books to movies; Dystopian fiction; First person narratives; Science fiction
Storyline:Intricately plotted; World-building
Tone:Bleak; Suspenseful
Writing Style:Compelling
Min/Max Grade level:8 - 12
Lexile:700

Description:In a future Chicago, sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

Tris has always felt a different. Little does she know that what makes her different, could potentially kill her. Tris must outsmart everyone to survive, but she isn’t the only one in danger.

The world is divided into five groups of people, or factions. Each faction provides different things to the city. Tris Prior was a part of Abnegation. Abnegation was a faction that believed in selflessness and helping others. When it is time for Tris to take the aptitude test, a test that tells you what faction you belong in, she gets highly unusual results. She isn’t fit for any one faction, she is fit for three. She chooses to be a part of Dauntless, or the faction that believes in bravery. She must keep her secret hidden to survive, but as the story progresses that gets difficult. I enjoyed this book a lot because it kept me interested (which is pretty hard to do). It was full of suspense and unexpected plot twists. They developed the character well, and it was a very good read. I would definitely recommend this to everybody.

Appeal: Anyone

4 stars! Great!

(c) 2012 352 p.

Series:Ascendance trilogy, 1
Genre:Fantasy fiction; First person narratives
Storyline:Plot-driven
Pace:Fast-paced
Tone:Suspenseful
Writing Style:Attention-grabbing
Min/Max Grade level:2 - 8
Lexile:710

Description:In the country of Carthya, a devious nobleman engages four orphans in a brutal competition to be selected to impersonate the king's long-missing son in an effort to avoid a civil war.

The False Prince is about this guy named Sage, who is the prince in the kingdom that is falling apart because his mother and father and his brother are all dead. To make sure that Sage doesn't get killed, he gets taken to the orphanage and has to act like he does not belong with anything that has to do with the kingdom or loyalty. But one day this guy name Connor comes and takes him and trains him to be the false prince. Would Sage be able to keep his secret or would it be spoiled?

This book The False Prince is an action thrilling book that keeps you turning the pages. I really enjoyed this book because it was like a mind game that contains a lot of thinking. I also liked the characteristic of the characters since they were really fight-able and understandable.

Appeal: Anyone

5 stars! Excellent!

(c) 2005 605 p.

AdultsFiction
Series:Alexander Hawke thrillers, 3
Genre:Adventure stories; Spy fiction; Suspense stories
Storyline:Plot-driven
Pace:Fast-paced
Tone:Suspenseful

Description:When the free world is threatened by an oil-hungry Red China and her allies, Alexander Hawke works with British Naval Intelligence and the CIA to uncover a dangerous scheme intended to topple America and establish China's supremacy.

A real page turner in real detail! Ted Bell's Pirate is the Second Book in the Alex Hawke Series. In detail down to the color and engine type in the getaway car to the description of what the sultan is wearing, this book is a real page turner. A must read for any James Bond, Cherub, or Alex Rider reader.

This book has real action! From preventing a bombing, hostage rescue, and a relative of Napoleon Bonaparte trying to take over Europe are just a few of the plots in the book Pirate. This book is a must read for any adventure lover. The main characters are set up so you can pick up anywhere in the series and you feel as if you have known them all your life and are with them in the story. A true page turner.

Appeal: For more mature readers because of language or mature content such as but not limited to smoking, drinking, drugs, or references to sex

4 stars! Great!

(c) 2011 385 p.

Adults Nonfiction

Genre:Autobiographies (Adult literature); Biography; Biography and Autobiography; Business Writing

Description:Discusses the life and work of Andrew Carnegie, describing how he left Scotland at age thirteen, began a menial job at a bobbin factory, and eventually amassed a fortune, most of which he gave to charitable causes.

The story of the rise of a telegraph office messenger with no high school diploma to the world's wealthiest man. Andrew Carnegie was truly an honest and caring individual, who in the process of his rise to power, still managed to care for others. A real learning opportunity and a must read. A Scottish Immigrant working as a telegraph office messenger transformed into the world's wealthiest person. Learn Carnegie's principles, about his childhood, and his entrance and rise in the business world. A story about how to succeed and examples of how. A real life success story.

Appeal: Anyone