Kelly's Review: Butter by Erin Jade Lange

Butter is a morbidly obese high school student who introduces readers to his world in this young adult fiction novel. Butter seems to want the same things other kids his age want, but it is harder for him to attain them because of his weight. He is often taunted, but for the most part is the invisible kid at school. He longs for a relationship with his classmate Anna, and he sort of has one with her. Butter pretends to be a kid who attends a nearby high school over the internet to win Anna’s heart. Butter’s discontent with life reaches a boiling point and he proclaims via a blog that on New Year’s Eve he will stream live footage of him eating himself to death. Soon thereafter Butter becomes the most popular kid at school.

It is the aftermath of Butter’s proclamation that makes the story most interesting. Why would anyone think what Butter was doing cool? Do they really want to watch him die? Do they really like him once they get to know him? I asked myself these questions often, and found some answers by the ending. Lange shows us how cruel kids can be to each other, and how blinding the incentives of popularity can be.  

         

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Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos book review

This 2012 Newbery Award winning book by Jack Gantos is a semi-autobiographical account of Gantos's 12th summer in Norvelt, PA. After accidentally shooting off his father's Japanese sniper rifle, he is grounded indefinitely and only allowed to go to his neighbor Miss Volker's house to help her. Miss Volker is one of the last remaining original residents of Norvelt who acts as the town's medical examiner and obituary writer for the town newspaper.

Norvelt was first established as a town in 1934 during the midst of the Great Depression by Eleanor Roosevelt who belived that "every American should have a house on a large enough piece of fertile property so that during hard times, when money was difficult to come by, a man and woman could always grow crops and have enough food to feed their family" (Dead End in Norvelt, 214).

There aren't too many original residents remaining in Norvelt the summer Jack turns twelve and all of a sudden, they appear to be dropping like flies. Is it coincidence or is someone guilty of foul play?

I would recommend this book to any teen who enjoys reading historical fiction or is a fan of Jack Gantos. Fans of Richard Peck's series about the Dowdel family will also enjoy this book.

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg Book Review

Prom and Prejudice is a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bennett is a scholarship student at the prestigious Longbourn Academy. It is the goal for all female students at Longbourn Academy to get a prom date, preferably from the equally prestigious Pemberley Academy (the male equivalent of Longbourn). The other girls at Longbourn make life difficult for Lizzie (throwing slushies in her face, stealing her winter jacket from a party, etc). Her only friends are her roommate, Jane, and Charlotte Lucas, another scholarship student. The book opens with Jane being excited about the return of Charles Bingley, who has spent the last semester in London. Will Darcy accompanies Charles on his return to Pemberley. As in Pride and Prejudice, the relationship between Lizzie and Darcy is complicated. Darcy initially doesn't like Lizzie because she is a scholarship student and Lizzie thinks that Darcy is a snob who only cares about money. Young fans who have read Pride and Prejudice, will probably enjoy this modern retelling of the original book. The book is an easy read and readers who enjoy this book may want to add the original to their "to read" list.

Stotan! by Chris Crutcher Book Review

It's the last swimming season for Walker, Nortie, Lion and Jeff and their swimming coach has asked them to participate in a voluntary weeklong program of four-hour-a-day continual training that will test their self-discipline and swimming skills during their holiday break. This week also becomes a week of bonding between the four friends, learning secrets that they never knew about each other. While it's a difficult week, they come away from it stronger individuals They'll draw on their strengths in ways they didn't know were possible when hit with adversity.

I'd recommend this book to high school students reluctant readers and anyone who likes to read about sports. Chris Crutcher touches on some difficult topics, but the book is very realistic and like his other books, you can't help but root for these four friends.

Princess in Pink by Meg Cabot Book Review

Mia Thermopolis is just about finished her freshman year. Things are looking up: she's passing algebra, she's about to turn 15 and she has a boyfriend! Since Michael is a senior, Mia is very excited about attending the prom. If Michael ever asks her!

As usual, things don't go as expected in Mia's life. Her birthday dinner with her family (her mom, step-father & algebra teacher Mr. G., her dad, her grandmother and Michael) ends in chaos; her birthday party ends abruptly and Mia is starting to think that Michael will never ask her to the prom.

Fans of Cabot's Princess Diaries series won't be disappointed with the fifth book in the series.

Ironman by Chris Crutcher Book Review

Chris Crutcher may be my new favorite author. I'll be the first to admit I'm not a sports fan. I don't have a favorite sport or a favorite team. Usually I don't even know who is playing. Since Crutcher's books revolve around sports, they would normally be the last thing I'd probably pick up to read. But his books are also so much more than about sports. His books are about the characters who participate in sports and it's really the characters that I care about.

Bo Brewster has an anger problem. He is close to being expelled his senior year of high school because he doesn't see eye to eye with his English teacher and former football coach, Mr. Redmond. After his second suspension, the only way to keep from being expelled is to join the school's anger management group which is run by a Japanese cowboy, Mr. Nakatani (Mr. Nak). The anger management group consists of the worse kids in the school and Bo doesn't really believe he belongs there.

Bo is training for an Ironman triathlon,the Yukon Jack, which consists of biking, running and swimming. Despite receiving no support from his father, he works towards this goal. You can't help but root for Bo to succeed.

I would recommend this book to high school students who are reluctant readers. Young adults who enjoy sports books will also enjoy this book.

Princess in Love by Meg Cabot (audiobook version) Book Review

Mia is back and she finally has a boyfriend! Unfortunately it isn't Michael but Kenny her biology lab partner. Kenny is a really nice guy, but she doesn't love Kenny. How is she supposed to break up with Kenny without hurting his feelings. And she can't tell Michael her true feelings because 1) Michael is her best friend, Lilly's older brother and 2) Michael has a girlfriend, Judith Gershner. At least Mia has a date to the cultural diversity dance. That is if Kenny ever gets around to asking her!

Not only does she have this to worry about, but finals are approaching and Mia is worried about flunking algebra. And after finals, she has to leave for Genovia where she will be officially presented as the heir to the throne. Could life be more stressful?

What's a girl to do and how does she get the boy she really loves to notice her?

Anne Hatheway narrates the third book in this series by Meg Cabot and continues to do an excellent job of bringing the book to life.

Jinx by Meg Cabot book review

I finished another Meg Cabot book today. Jinx is a stand alone book and not a part of a series. As usual Meg did not disappoint.

Wherever Jean "Jinx" Honeychurch goes, bad luck seems to follow her. From the day she was born, when lightning hit the hospital where she was born, trouble has always followed her. Something or someone always gets broken or hurt (especially Jinx)whenever she is around. She hopes her bad luck will end when she moves from Iowa to New York City to live with her aunt and uncle and to finish out the school year at her cousin Tory's school. She soon realizes that she can't escape her bad luck and her cousin has an interesting theory about why she has such bad luck.

Recommended for teens who have read other Meg Cabot books, particularly teens in high school.

Notes From a Totally Lame Vampire by Tim Collins book review

Older fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series will enjoy reading the first book in Tim Collins's series, Notes From a Totally Lame Vampire.

Nigel is a teenage vampire who is approaching his 100th birthday. His vampire parents tell him that his family, which includes his parents and little sister, are the only vampires that have survived. Life for Nigel is quite disappointing and as the title says "lame." He doesn't have the strength or speed of most vampires; he's unable to mesmerize humans and he is not beautiful or attractive to humans. When new girl Chloe starts at Nigel's school, he falls in love with her. But can he share his secret with her and will she return his love?

Recommended for grades 8th and up.

Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot (audiobook version) Book Review

I haven't come down from my Meg Cabot high and I plan to read or re-read as many of her books as possible. I recently finished listening to Princess in the Spotlight which is narrated by Anne Hatheway. As in The Princess Diaries, Anne Hatheway does a spectacular job bringing the book to life.

Princess Mia is back in Princess in the Spotlight. The excitement hasn't calmed down since she found out she is the Princess of Genovia. First she has her first exclusive TV interview with Beverly Bellerieve which she is strongly protesting against. Then, a surprising announcement from her mother who is dating Mr. G, Mia's algebra teacher. And, Mia has a secret admirer. Could it be her crush, Michael?

Recommended to readers who read the first book as well as anyone who enjoys reading princess stories. I would recommend this series for those in 7th grade and up.

Airhead by Meg Cabot Book Review

Unfortunately I haven't been able to read as many Meg Cabot books as I would like to before meeting her this upcoming Sunday, but I did finish the first book in the Airhead trilogy. Emerson Watts is a junior at Tribeca Alternative High School (TAHS) who likes play videogames and make fun of the Walking Dead, or popular students at TAHS, with her best friend Christopher. She could be no different from her younger sister Frida, who wants to be part of the popular crowd and is trying out for cheerleading despite Em's discouragement. After a freak accident occurs at the opening of the new Stark Megastore, Em wakes up to find that her brain has been implanted into supermodel Nikki Howard's body. Life will never be the same for Em who soon learns that it isn't easy being popular or a supermodel. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the trilogy, Being Nikki but in the meantime I'm trying to finish Cabot's Insatiable before tea on Sunday.

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz Book Review

You've probably heard the tale of Hansel and Gretel. But have you ever wonder what happened to Hansel and Gretel after they escaped the witch's gingerbread house? A Tale Dark and Grimm is that story. But beware, this book isn't for the faint of heart! There's blood, dragons, warlocks, and many other scary things.

If you've enjoyed Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, you'll love this book. Recommended for grades 4th through 7th but older teens will also like it.

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot (audiobook version) Book Review

I have a very exciting opportunity next Sunday. I'm having tea at the Plaza Hotel with three friends and young adult author Meg Cabot. If you know anything about me, you know that Meg Cabot is one of my favorite authors. In anticipation of meeting her, I've been reading as many books by her as I can before next Sunday.

While I have read The Princess Diaries (the first book in the 10 book series) before, I wanted to re-read the book again since so much of the series takes place at the Plaza Hotel. We have the audiobook at the library and I thought this would be a great way to reintroduce myself to the series. I was not disappointed.

Actress Anne Hatheway, who plays Princess Mia in the movie version of The Princess Diaries, does an excellent job narrating the book. She adds an extra dimension to the book, perfecting the voices of Mia's father and grandmother who both speak with a Genovian accent. She is definitely the perfect narrator for the book making the book laugh out loud funny.

Mia Thermopolis has lots going on in her life: she's the tallest girl in the freshman class at Albert Einstein High School, she's in love with the most popular boy in school who doesn't even know she's alive, she's flunking alegra and to make matters worse, her mom is dating her alegra teacher! Things can't get any worse. Or can they? When Mia's father drops in for an unexpected visit, he tells her he is the crown prince of Genovia, which makes her the Princess of Genovia! She has enough going on in her life, she doesn't need to be a princess too!

I especially love the mention of the Palm Court, which is where I'll be having tea with my friends and Meg Cabot and the description of the ladies room at the Plaza Hotel. I can't wait to experience it all first hand.

The Lightning Thief: the Graphic Novel by Robert Venditti (book review)

Fans of the Percy Jackson series will enjoy the graphic novel based on the first book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. Diehard fans of the series may be a little disappointed by some missing scenes from the original book, but overall this is a good portrayal of the book especially if you just can't get enough of Percy Jackson. Graphic novel fans will also enjoy this book and may even want to continue the series by reading the books. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

Recovery Road by Blake Nelson book review

After getting drunk, stealing a car and crashing it into a ditch, Maddie is sent to Spring Meadows, a rehab center, where she meets Trish and Stewart. After finishing her 28 days in rehab, she lives in a halfway house which is part of Spring Meadows, which is located on a road known as Recovery Road. Although forbidden, Maddie and Stewart begin a romantic relationship. When Maddie is released from rehab, she must adjust to life in the real world again. She and Stewart continue their relationship although they have their difficulties. Life isn't easy for Maddie outside of rehab, but she is a strong character and while she has her moments, she perseveres. Teens who enjoy realistic fiction will enjoy this book. Recommended for teens 15-18-years-old.

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney book review

Alex is a junior at the prestigious Themis Academy, a quiet boarding school, where the administration believes the students can do no wrong. Students never cheat, bully or harass other students. After Alex is date raped after drinking too much one evening,she feels there is no one for her to turn to. She doesn't feel comfortable going to the school administration, the authorities or her parents. Plus she feels partly responsible because she doesn't remember that night. Luckily the students of Themis Academy realize that not everything is perfect at the school. A group of students have formed an underground society called the Mockingbirds, who take on cases of students who have been wronged. Alex takes her case before the Mockingbirds and learns that importance of sticking up for others and yourself. Recommended for young adults 15-18-years-old.

Countdown by Deborah Wiles book review

Countdown is a documentary novel that takes place in the United States during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Eleven-year-old Franny just wants everything to return to normal: her best friend Margie is mad at her, her older sister is missing in action, and the world could come to an end at any moment because of the conflict the United States and Soviet Union. Alternating between primary documents and the story, readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book. Countdown is the first book in The Sixties Trilogy . Recommended for ages 12-15.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

If you could only live one day over and over again what day would that be? And what happens before you die: does your life flash before your eyes, do you see a light at the end of a tunnel? This is what Samantha Kingston is thinking just as her best friend Lindsay flips her car over on a rainy night on the way home from a party. Samantha thinks she has died-but she wakes up and realizes it's the very same day that leads up to the accident. For seven days, Samantha relives the same day over and over again. Samantha doesn't know why she is reliving this day, but as time passes, she learns new things about herself. By the seventh day, she realizes there is only one way to save herself: she must also save someone else. If you enjoyed Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why and Jenny Downham's Before I Die, you'll also enjoy reading Before I Fall. Recommended for ages 15-18.

90 Miles to Havana by Enrique Flores-Galbis

90 Miles to Havana takes place during in Havana, Cuba during the Cuban Revolution in 1961. Families tried to escape from Cuba during this time period. Many families who weren't able to get out of Cuba, at least tried to get their children out of the country. This is the story of Julian and his two older brothers who are sent to a camp in Miami, where other Cuban children are sent until they can be eventually (hopefully) reunited with their parents. In many instances, families were not reunited and these children were sent to other camps, orphanages or foster families. While there is a director of the camp, adult supervision is very limited and the children are bullied by Caballo, one of the older boys of the camp and his gang of friends. When Julian's older brothers are sent to a camp in Denver, CO, Julian and his friends must fend for themselves against the bullies. This is a coming-of-age story of a young boy who has always lived in the shadows of his older brothers and just wants to be a hero by bringing his family back together again. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Harmless by Dana Reinhardt book review (Audiobook Version)

Harmless is told from the point of view of the three main characters: Anna, Emma and Mariah. Alternating chapters from the point of view of each character, the three best friends find themselves enveloped in a lie they have created to escape punishment from their parents after lying about their whereabouts on a Friday evening. After telling their parents they are going to a movie, but actually going to Mariah's boyfriend's house, they are caught in this lie when Emma's parents decide to go to the movie that the three girls are supposed to be at. In a panic, they develop a lie, saying they were down by the river and Emma was attacked by a homeless man. The girls' parents want them to go to the police and the lie gets out of hand and grows until a suspect is arrested. In the audiobook version, the three characters are narrated by three separate people. The audiobook includes an interview with the author in which she talks about how she decided on the topic of the story, how she became a reader and whether young adults are still reading today. The title fits the book well: how something that seems harmless at the time, may not be so in the long run. Recommended for teen readers 15 years and up.