Pretty Little Liars

   By Sara Shepard

"Never trust a pretty girl with an ugly secret." Junior high best

friends, Aria, Hanna, Emily and Spencer's lives were turned upside

down when one of their best friends, Alison, goes missing. Years later

the girls are now in high school and have grown apart. But when Aria

returns with her family from overseas, the question of what ever

happened to Alison seems to grow stronger. They have also started to

receive mysterious, threatening notes from 'A.' The very first one 'A'

ever wrote was to Aria and it said, "Aria: Surprise! I wonder what

your pig puppet will have to say about this...-A" The girls set out to

find where Alison really went and who exactly is 'A'?

I really enjoyed this book it has a very gripping plot and is hard to

put down. The characters all bring different qualities to the book. I

would definitely recommend this book to young adults and people who

like light reading!

Here is the trailer

A dance with dragons

Kristian Mills

A Dance With Dragons

“Not all men were meant to dance with dragons.” Fantasy lovers beware A Dance With Dragons, book five of a Song of Ice and Fire, George R.R. Martin’s fantasy epic has recently been released. The story starts up directly after book three left off, and runs parallel to book 4, until about halfway through the book, when they merge. Finally after six books of complaining and waiting, it is finally here. Although it took 6 years to write, this is the longest of the books in the series by far, and contains seventeen different perspectives. In the conclusion of book three, many different events had come to pass. In the north, Jon Snow has been elected the 998^th lord commander of the wall, and while the wilding forces were crushed, he now must deal with king Stannis’ rebellion, and preparing for the fast approaching winter. Meanwhile in the south, the realm grieves the loss of Tywin Lannister, murdered in the conclusion of book three by his son Tyrion. In the east, Danearys Targaren struggles with the task of ruling the city of Mereen, while she is surrounded by danger on all sides. A rebellious group known as the Sons of Harpy commit nightly murders, while her other enemies march on her city. With all of the genius plotlines and character development we have grown to expect from George R.R. Martin, this thrilling addition to the bestselling Song of Ice and Fire saga lives up to the greatness of the previous books, and is sure to leave readers begging for more.

Matched

by Ally Condie

 

Many questions enter Cassia's mind as she ponders her future. "Is falling in love with someone's story the same as falling in love with the person himself?" In this perfect society, placed in the hundreds of years beyond the present, the government controls everything. The decide what your occupation will be, when you will die and who you will love. However one minor mistake made by the officials of the city creates a difficult decision for Cassia. Should she choose the safe life, which the government has picked for her? Or should she follow the path of the unknown? Xander, or Ky? In Matched by Ally Condie, Cassia will find out who she really is, without the influence of the officials. This book is an incredible mixture of dystopian and romance. The author does a great job in developing the characters and makes you feel as though you really know them. With this been said, Ally Condie could have done a better job describing the society and what it looked like. Many good writers are able to paint a picture in your mind of the scenery with their description. But you may find yourself making up detail and guessing what the city really looks like. You may hardly notice this! Condie does such an amazing job with everything else, it may not even matter! This book has suspense, romance, and many other characteristics that make it such an exciting read.   

 

To see the book trailer, click the link below!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=xaeNWL8rlBI

"I don't even know who I am." (26). The devoted and dedicated Percy Jackson fans none the less were disappointed when the five part series came to a close. However, now you can look no further, as the first installment of the Heroes of Olympus series has arrived. The first book The Lost Hero (2010), will satisfy any needs the fans of the old series may have. This is due to some of its old charm, humor, adventure, and of course, some of the old characters. The old characters while still in the story however, are not in the spot light as before. Instead, a new trio has arrived, one that is as dysfunctional and deadly as before. The three being Leo, Piper, and Jason. Their main mission is to travel west to the land of the enemy (The Titans) and find a giant who is responsible for much chaos and havoc. This same giant is currently holding Pipers dad captive as his prisoner and as a ransom. To make things worse as the three march their way west, Piper has a secret regarding the whole issue, one that might lead the other two to their deaths. This just shows that the book follows the same sort of plot for adventure as the other books, and has the same form of drama and fighting within the group. Overall this book was very fast paced and action packed, keeping me hooked the whole time. I would recommend this book to anyone who has read the Percy Jackson series and was simply dying for more. However, to those of you who have never read the old series, I would read that first before jumping right ahead to this book. Even though it is a completely different series, it still has much of the same characters and sometimes talks about scenes  in the old books as they look back upon those moments. You won’t completely understand these moments due to the fact that you’ve never read it. Despite the very minor problems such as this, it is a very good book.  It possess the same characteristic as the previous series, and therefore the book thrills and keeps you interested until the much dreaded end.

Smash Cut by Sandra Brown

Hannah Kresnak

“The woman with the gentleman gaped in soundless horror at the blood spatter on the elevator wall behind his crumpling form.” When millionaire Paul Wheeler is murdered, his family does their best to find the most experienced lawyer they could find to defend Paul’s accused nephew, Creighton. They end up choosing a man named Derek Mitchell . Wheeler’s mistress, Julie Rutledge, believes Creighton is the killer, due to his obnoxious, greedy personality, and it just so happens that he would inherit his uncle’s fortune, large estate, and anything else that comes with it. Julie is committed to do just about anything to prove Creighton’s guilt, even ruin Derek Mitchell’s career. Derek, as he learns more about Creighton’s darker side, such as his bizarre fascination for murder movies, starts to believe more and more that Julie is right. As the clock ticks down, Julie and Derek join forces to uncover the truth. Has Creighton been basing his murders off of his favorite movies? You’ll only find out if you read this spectacular novel Smash Cut by Sandra Brown. This book is definitely a must-read. The suspense makes this a definite page-turner.  I would definitely recommend this book to murder mystery lovers. The characters are extremely relatable, there is romance, and most of all, there are action scenes one after the other. It is also very well paced, the chapters are short so there are many places where you can leave off. There are definitely no slow parts in this book, and I would definitely recommend anyone to read this book.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qhPTQFo2oA

     He was called the best high school basketball player ever. He made the cover of Sports Illustrated as a junior; he was featured on national television, and signed more than $100 million in promotional contracts before the end of his senior year. He became the no-doubt number one draft choice, right after high school graduation.  LeBron James was born into poverty by a 16 year old mother, without a stable home. This story is about how LeBron didn’t become another kid who failed to do anything in life. “life had been hard, now it is harder.”(17). this was when Gloria, LeBron’s mom, got pregnant. It’s about how he became who he is today. Sports writer David Lee jr. captures all of LeBron’s life and the friends and family members how helped him. I would recommend this book to someone who likes the game of basketball, likes inspiring stories and likes LeBron James.

Megan's Island By Willo Davis Robert

 

This book is an adventure book. There is a mom, a daughter, and a son. They’re names are Megan, and Sandy. They’re brother and sister they moved to their Grandpa’s house for the summer. Megan and her brother Sandy they find a island at the other side of the lake where there grandpa lives Megan and Sandy found a cave and they made a little fort out of it. They made a friend he’s really mean, bossy, rude, he doesn’t care about other people he thinks about himself and the island at the of the river. His Father just got divorce with his wife. He wrote a book, he’s always at home. Their friend help’s Sandy and Megan. Their friend said “ We’ve got sleeping bags and food. Also we have a lantern.” Megan sometimes will get mad at him because he boss Megan and her brother around. Well this is my outside reading i did hope you enjoy.

 

Circles of Seven/Dragons in our Midst

 

Dragons in our Midst

Each circle will be difficult, but with the friendship and faith of dragons, the main character Billy will endor all. The series Dragon’s in our Midst will test the reader’s faith in the breathtaking story Circles of Seven by Bryan Davis (April 2005). Using their dragon trait’s Billy and his beloved friend Bonnie explore a multi-dimensional domain of evil. In this realm, they navigate seven perilous worlds, each one leading into the domain of a powerful enemy. Billy must free all of the prisoners of the enemies mistress Morgan, but how will he do this? Find out in Circles of Seven! Dragon lovers will eat this up. Each page with a hint of religinous fantasy.

Bryan Davis's other great books

Joey Christensen

The Blind Side

Michael Oher grows up spending many nights with shelter, and he has slept in so many different homes he can’t even remember. After deep consideration and debate, Michael reaches a changing point in his life. He enters Briar crest high school, expecting to play basketball, however, he ends up on the football team, and becomes something that far surpasses all expectations of him. In the NFL, the league has changed immensely. The left tackle is now standing out, as if his importance is greater than most players on the team. Even occasionally greater than the star running backs and quarterbacks. In the book The Blind Side by Michael Lewis,football and family have been put together in this amazing true story. Any readers who have a passion for sports, or are looking for a book about love in a family, this will surpass all expectations, and reach a whole new level. Michael is a very unique person, in a very unusual way. He has an amazing talent for survival instinct, and will do anything to protect his friends and family. “I was gonna put him on the bus…it was time for him to go home”(138) This is an amazing true story, about a once in a life time chance, that is put in front of Michael Oher. And while it might not seem like it, he made the best of it.

Pacific Vortex by Clive Cussler

Pacific Vortex

Pacific Vortex by Clive Cussler is full of action and mystery. Dirk Pitt, the main character, is a very handsome man who is also a respected member of the National Underwater and Marine Agency. One day while at the beach he sees something shining in the ocean, it turns out to be a capsule with a message from a ship that was sunk. Pitt brings the capsule and the message to Admiral Hunter who says he was never on the ship. Pitt and Hunter venture out on a journey to the area where they believe the Starbuck as well as many others have sunk, the Pacific Vortex! “The Navy Department has compiled thirty-eight documented cases of ships over the past thirty years that have sailed into a circular-shaped area north of the Hawaiian Islands and vanished. They want to know why!” (42) When Pitt dives down in to the sub he fines it in perfect condition and sees that the lights are still on. While searching the vessel for possible survivors Pitt is attacked by weird looking men who wielded pistol type guns but much more deadly. Pitt immediately evacuates and heads for the surface to lift the crew of the ship with a helicopter. While the chopper is taking off more of the weird men climb onto the boat! Luckily Pitt brought a gun on the trip and is able to lay fire while they are flying away. Later Dirk finds out that the Pentagon wants to shut down the operation but Pitt refuses to give up and goes out on a second mission. This time he is dropping a group of marines and himself directly over where they left the Starbuck to investigate. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens! Overall the book is awesome because it is full of suspense and action.  Once you start reading you won’t stop until you finish the book.

Cole

Dear John

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

"Passion is passion. It's the excitement between the tedious

spaces, and it doesn't matter where it's directed...It can be 

coins or sports or politics or horses or music or faith...the 

saddest people I've ever met in life are the ones who don't 

care deeply about anything at all," (57). Dear John, by 

Nicholas Sparks, was one of my favorite books that I

have ever read. It is a love story, but it isn't your typical 

love story. This book shows how two people that are totally 

different from one another can fall in love, but although you 

think this love lasts forever, it may not. It shows the struggles

of being in the military away from the ones you love, as 

well as the regular struggles of love. It also shows how love

can change people’s lives forever. But love isn't the only 

thing that can change things. Towards the end of the book we see all of the things that can play a part in the changing of lives. Still we see how some things for some people never change, for example, when Savannah has found new love while John was gone, and John knows this, he still continues the tradition he and Savannah carried together while dating of going out to look at the full moon. The drama sprinkled throughout the book made it so much better. This book is one of the books that you can't put down because you want to know what will happen next, and although it's 271 pages long, it doesn't take long to read at all. I would definitely recommend people to read this wonderful book, as it is definitely worth it, and even if you don’t like romances this book is still a fantastic to read. I would recommend this book to teenage girls who have already read books by Nicholas Sparks, or if you like nontraditional romantic novels. Dear John is a type of book that has you sympathizing with the characters and gets your attention with certain things the author has the characters say, think or even do.

   

                                           Far North
‘’Mayday landed on the river. Engine out. Floating toward the falls’’. These lines had me hooked from the start. I will soon explain why this had me hooked. The book Far North by Will Hobbs is adventurist and is one of few books that doesn't make you want to put the book down. It all starts off as a fifteen-year-old named Gabe Rogers goes with his boarding school roommate into Canada’s Northwest Territories on the Nahanni River. Their pilot is experienced, and they are traveling on the river on their Cessna Seaplane and eventually land after traveling for a few hours from where they started. They are floating down the river at an easy pace and soon find themselves coming upon a huge waterfall that is home for unforgiving rapids. The boys and pilot find themselves between a rock and a hard place and need to decide on what to do during this difficult time. As a personal review of this book, I really enjoyed it because it was full of action and was not boring like some other books out there. I would recommend this book to just about anybody who loves the outdoors like myself, and this is a book that I hope none of us outdoor enthusiasts experience, but is still fun to read. - Charlie Craig

The Green Glass Sea

    In the book The Green Glass Sea Dewey, the main character, has to leave her home and move to a military camp. She has been always interested in building things just like her father.  Since the war Dewey has to stay at home  with her neighbor until her dad gets home and he is sometimes gone for days and sometimes weeks. Her dad is some type of secret military scientist and no one knows exactly what he does or what his project is.”maybe my dad will come home early” (25)Dewey doesn't know when she is going to go back home.  During the time Dewey has been gone she has been building things with scrap parts and ends up making something.  This book is one that you have to know what's going on, focus and stay with it.  The book gets better as you read. I would recommend this book because it is a good book and it shows how the children then lived during the war .

The Percy Jackson series Book Two: "The Sea of Monsters" by Rick Riordan

“Last summer, I fought the Minotaur on top of Half-Blood Hill. This time what I saw up there was even worse: two bulls” (38). Percy Jackson returns in the sequel, The Sea of Monsters, by Rick Riordan for more thrilling adventure. In this book, Percy and his friends, Tyson and Annabeth, have to go rescue one of their campmates, Grover, from a bloodthirsty Cyclops named Polyphemus. However, while Percy, Annabeth and Tyson are away, Camp Half-Blood is in serious danger because someone has poisoned Thalia’s tree with a mysterious substance that is causing the camp’s magical borders to falter.  Therefore, the trio has to try and rescue their friend as well as attempt to find a Golden Fleece that is guarded by the Sea of Monsters on an unknown island. If the three are unable to find the fleece, the one safe place for demigods will be destroyed. This action-packed book is recommended for people between the ages of 10-14, especially for those who really enjoy Mythology and action stories. The book was extremely well written, especially because the characters were believable and it took place in a setting that everyone could relate to. Each of the characters had an important role in the story, which made it all the more enjoyable, and it urged you to keep reading to find out more.

Mocking Jay

MockingJay

“Almost nothing remains of district twelve. Almost a month ago, the capital firebombs obliterating the poor coal miners houses in the seam, the shops in the town, even the justice building.” Katniss Evergreen, girl of fire has survived under the scrutiny of the capitals rein. With Peeta taken captive by the capital, the only option Katniss has is to fight back. In the book Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins, things are getting heated with the capitals knowing of district 13. The book has its ups and downs, sadly the beginning is slow but if you have read the previous books you must read Mockingjay to find out  what happens next. The suspense is amazing in MockingJay with characters as unbelievable as ever.These characters and the writing in the previous books was what made me want to finish the series with mockingjay. Would all my questions be answered ?  After many decades would evil President Snow finally fall? Will the rebels defeat the capital’s army? These are questions that you will have to find out by reading. If you are a fan of the series, I highly recommend reading the final book.

Bradford Z

Steve Jobs - The Man Who Thought Different  
Biography by Karen Blumenthal
 
Since the day we learn to read, nearly every child immediately comes to the conclusion that biography equals boring. However, after reading the book Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different, I realized that the childhood assumption is not necessarily true.This non-fiction heroic journey follows the life of internationally known inventor and innovator, Steve Jobs. When we first meet Jobs, he is a young boy that has to navigate his way through meager friendships and relations with his teachers. Though these early events seem insignificant at first, the book does a fantastic job of really showing the connections between his tough childhood, to his countless successions as an adult. Adopted, fired, and eventually known world-wide for his life-changing products, Steve Jobs accomplished more in forty years than most people do in one lifetime. Though this book isn’t an action-packed adventure filled with car chases and intergalactic battles, it is still a story worth telling. Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different epitomizes the greatness of human spirit, and teaches the reader that one person’s actions can ultimately change the world. “Going to bed and saying we’ve done something wonderful...” says Mr. Jobs, “... that’s what matters to me.”

- Reilly

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas By John Boyne

“Well you’ve been brought here against your will, just as I have. If you ask me, we’re all in the same boat. And it’s leaking.”(40). The book "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" by John Boyne is a fictional story about a boy named Bruno  and his life in a very non-fictional and harsh reality, during World War Two in the 1940'S. Bruno was content with his life in Berlin, and enjoyed playing with his three best friends in his enormous and mysterious house, until the day his father got a promotion. Bruno was forced to leave the city life for a drab, lonely place called "Out-With" (Auschwitz) when his father gets to be called commandant and wears a new fancy suit for his job.  In Out- With, Bruno is terribly lonely for he has no friends to go on adventures with. However he can see many children his age playing together from his bedroom window, the only problem being they are on the other side of a fence, and for some reason all the people on the other side of the fence wear matching blue and white striped pajamas. Despite his fathers order to never come near the fence, he goes on an adventure to the fence and meets a little boy named Schmuel who wears blue and white striped pajamas and is on the other side of the fence. A friendship is formed and between the fence becomes their meeting point everyday. Overtime, Bruno discovers the awful things being done to the so called "Jews" who wore blue and white striped pajamas, and that his father was in charge of all that was happening. Bruno one day crosses the fence to visit where Schmuel lives, a life risking adventure. "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" has an interesting twist on the history of The Holocaust, being seen from an innocent 9 year-olds eyes.  The book is hard to put down and will take the reader from tears of joy to tears of sorrow within chapters. It gets up close and personal with how life was in Auschwitz, and the horrible things a 9 year-old has to witness. I would rate this book ten out of ten, for not only was it historically informational but a drama filled read. However, I would not  recommend this book for anyone who does not fully understand what happened during the Holocaust, or someone who does not like a sad book.

Gone, by Michael Grant

Gone, a novel by Michael Grant, has become very popular due to its compelling plot and gripping suspense. The novel starts slowly, as to keep the reader unaware of coming events. In the town of Perdido Beach, a teen named Sam and his best friend Quincy are in for quite the ride. One day in school, people start to become missing, or gone as the title implies. The observation of the various disappearances lead to a single conclusion, that anyone over the age of fifteen vanishes. The story moves from utter panic in the small town, to anarchy, and eventually, to a crude oligarchy, or a rule by few. Sometimes, the little things in life haven’t really mattered until the disappearances. “The stars are still there,” was said by a girl named Astrid, who was amazed that in this terrible world that they had been forced into, that there would still be stars, as if it were a glimmering sliver of hope. This is a very good read, and I personally would suggest it to you, if you have and afternoon or two to kill. A very uncommon plot is used in this book. Also, the characters are very well developed. The author truly makes you loathe some characters enough that even reading their name makes you seethe with anger. Overall, I very much enjoyed the reading of this book, and would happily suggest it to you, if you are a fan of dystopian teen novels.

Charlie

A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

“When you play the game of thrones you either win or you die.” (401).

If you haven’t already read A Game of Thrones (Martin, George 1996), you should. This book is a part of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. This series has it all- wild fantasy, romance, political games, war- if you can name it, it’s probably there. The first book in the series covers the descent of a world into winter- a very long, terrible winter. This has been the longest Summer in history, lasting an entire 10 years, and in that time the world has become complacent. The Night’s Watch, once a great army dedicated to defending the world against the forces of winter, has become nothing more than the dumping grounds for society’s discards- murderers, rapists, thieves, and more. The ghosts of a rebellion are stirring up trouble, and hero’s are being killed before their destinies can be fulfilled. A Game of Thrones contains all the fantastical creatures, medieval weapons, and interesting characters that could possibly be imagined, and the plot thickens with every page- into a very thick cream by the end of book one, and at the rate it is going it will be an old cheese before it finishes. These books are long. There are over 800 pages in the first book, and the second is longer. If you are looking for a quick read, look elsewhere. This is a tale of epic proportions, but if an interesting and unique plot is your desire, look no further.

Peter

Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly

“At ten-fifteen on the night of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln slumps forward in his rocking chair. Mary Lincoln, lost in the play until this very instant, stops laughing.” After four years of the disastrous American Civil War the man who kept the country together is assassinated at a play at Fords Theater in Washington DC. What has
happened leading up to this point and how will they find his killer? In Bill O’reilly’s book, Killing Lincoln, he describes the very fine details of what President Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, and his conspirators did two weeks before the assassination up until when Booth was captured and killed. Even knowing the overview of the assassination it was really cool to actually see the fine details of what happened. This book would be
excellent for anyone wanting to know more about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln or American history.

Brian

Will Grayson Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
Are you in search of an exciting read with unexpected twists? Then Will Grayson Will Grayson, written by John Greene and David Levithan is the perfect book for you! Will Grayson Will Grayson is the captivating story of two teenage boys with the same name. When their lives collide unexpectedly and intertwine, the Will Grayson boys experience a series of exhilarating events, including a high school romance and friendship drama. This book will make you never want to put it down, starting on page one! The novel is written with great detail and seems to be written by a teenager, telling his story. At times, this book could be confusing because you never knew which Will Grayson was telling his point of view, but once the Will’s meet, it all comes together. This realistic fiction book is one of the best I've read, because I've never heard of anything like it. The characters are relatable, even though I am a girl and the characters are boys, I can still relate to some of their daily high school problems. “Maybe there's something you're afraid to say, or someone you're afraid to love, or somewhere you're afraid to go. It's gonna hurt. It's gonna hurt because it matters.” Will Grayson Will Grayson is a fantastic read that will appeal to all ages, boys and girls!

 Greer S.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

“I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975. I remember the precise moment, crouching behind the crumbling mud wall, peeking into the alley...” And like that, The Kite Runner begins. Khaled Hosseini, the author, sent me on this journey a week ago, and I have not stopped reading since. Every moment pulls you deeper and deeper in, not letting you stop for a second. A story of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness come together to form something absolutely magnificent. Amir, the protagonist, leads you on his journey regarding the relationship between him and Hassan, his Hazara, or servant. They grow up together in Afghanistan, and even though their social class may be anything but the same, they could not be more alike. Furthermore, Khaled Hosseini has uses irony in an unsurpassable way. In every moment of the book the reader with find themselves screaming at the text willing it to do what they will find satisfying. To the dismay of the reader, this is what makes the book captivating. Every twist and turn is gut-wrenching, leaving the reader dejected but at the same time eager to read on. No other book or author can compare to The Kite Runner and the magnificent work of Khaled Hosseini.

Jake

The Heroes of Olympus, Book One: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Attention all Percy Jackson fans! Do not despair! If you have been craving more about your favorite demi-gods at Camp Half Blood after finishing The Last Olympian you need wait no longer! In The Lost Hero, the mystery of the great prophecy is starting to unravel. Percy Jackson may be missing from the action, but the reader will meet a new generation of heroes (and catch up with a few old friends) as they face a challenge even greater than the return of Kronos. The reader will meet engaging new characters that struggle with the existence of mythological monsters, gods, and heroes in their everyday lives. This new addition to the series keeps the exciting page turning pace of the previous adventures. This new chapter of what promises to be an eventful series also features some local landmarks! Bay Area natives should look for the appearance of Walnut Creek, the Caldecott Tunnel, Napa Valley and our own Mt. Diablo! This book will appeal to all of those that have a love for action and adventure, mystery and of course Greek (and now Roman) Mythology!

P.S. Check out this video interview with author Rick Riordan!

Megan