Hunger by Michael Grant
Matt's rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Michael Grant, one of my favorite YA authors, does not disappoint in the sequel to Gone.  The second book in the six book series follows up on the plot of the previous book, where the young Sam struggles to lead the dystopic town of the FAYZ (Fallout Alley Youth Zone) against his malevolent brother Caine.  This battle begins to grow in scale as the town faces a new, terrifying threat: the darkness.  This novel captures the essence of what sets Michael Grant apart from other writers, boasting easy to relate to struggles and life-like characters to hook anyone from the casual reader to the most avid Michael Grant fans.

After: Nineteen stories of apocalypse and dystopia edited by Ellen Datlow
Matt's rating:  3 out of 5 stars

As with all short story compilations, this book had its advantages.  Being a fan of dystopia, this book caught my eye immediately.  A set of short stories telling of dark new futures, some strikingly possible.  Not all 19 tales were good, resulting in a 3 out of 5 stars, but that is the beauty of these books.  If one story is bad, you just go to the next one!  A good, appropriate set of stories that will appeal to the darker minds and dystopian nuts.

BZRK by Michael Grant
Matt's rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The best of Michael Grant. Period.  More than realistic characters and amazing plot concepts.  This novel describes a world in a world -- the nano.  A science development allows for biots -- nanscopic creatures that humans control telepathically -- to pioneer the newest war.  Noah Cotton and Sadie McLure are thrust into this battle as BSRK, a group of "twitchers" bent on preserving free will, take on the AFGC, a following of those who wish to accelerate human evolution and unify the human mind into one.  Worth every star I gave it.  You will not regret picking up this masterpiece!

A Seperate Peace by John Knowles
Iva's rating: 2 out of 5 stars

A story of two friends living in the midst of WWII, A Seperate Peace crafts a tale of the power jealousy has over all of us.  Characterizing this power, Knowles concocts Gene Forrester, a paranoid and annoying 16-year-old who is envious of his athletic and adventure-loving roommate, Finny.  Gene, acting in jealousy, commits a horrible act against his so-call best friend and then tries to make up for it by later being overly nice to Finny.  Yet, Finny is not lovable either.  His overly perfect charaacther lacks in the intelligence department and he only realizes his "best friend's" true nature on his death bed.  Nevertheless, the story is not so awful as to deserve one star -- if the sickening characters can be tolerated, then the theme of jealous as well as other minor themes such as war can be appreciated as being established in an interesting way.

*NOTE:  No matter what the back cover of The Perks of Being a Wallflower says, no feasible connection can be seen between these two books.  So, if as a fan of Perk's you wanted to read this book, don't waste your time.

Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick
Gabbie's rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book is absolutely amazing! Before reading this book I was unaware of the events that occurred in Cambodia.  I found this book intriguing and it helped me to realize what awful events others face outside of the United States.  This book especially standts out in my mind because it is written with such a colorful syntax.  The most spectacular detail about this book is taht it's based on the true experiences of Arn Chorn-Pond.  If you love history and stories of overcoming difficulties, you will LOVE this book.  Two thumbs up!!

Burn for Burn by Jennie Han and Siobhan Vivian
Gabbie's rating: 3 out 5

What would you be willing to do to get back at someone who's done you wrong?  Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian address this question in this book.  The story follows the life of three high school teens as they use their experiences to come together to seek revenge on the people who have crossed them.  But when the truth comes out they begin to question their decisions and whether or not their actions are justified.  I liked this story, although I did not completely enjoy all the characters and the "magic" compononent of this book.  All in all, not bad.  Worth reading if you like revenge and seeking justice.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
Brandon's rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Little Brother is about a teenager named Marcus caught in the aftermath of a terrorist attack.  San Francisco has been converted into a completely military controlled city.  Marcus is arrested, but then released back into the city, but no one will believe his story and his best friend is still imprisoned.  Now it's up to Marcus to challenge and bring down the Department of Homeland Security.



I like books that make you think and this is one of them.  In Little Brother, San Francisco loses its rights that belongs to every American state, city, and person.  This book shows that when those are taken away there isn't much to look forward to.  After reading this book, I can say that I have a new appreciation for our freedoms in our country.  This book has some cool elements that will be interesting for any teen interested in dystopia, sci-fi, or computers.  Marcus is a geeky fun guy that will be hard not to keep reading about. This book deserves 5 stars!

Shadow on the Mountain by Margi Preus
Tami's Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Based on a true story, Shadow on the Mountain is the exciting chronicle of a teenager named Espen who quickly gets swept into the Norwegian resistance movement after Nazi Germany invades in April 1940, overthrowing the neutral king and occupying the country.  Preus masterfully crafts the character of Espen and his friends, drawing comparisons between the boys while later showing how they could be so different.  Espen begins his adventure delivering underground newspapers but soon begins to gain prominence in the resistance movement while his best friend Kjell and soccer captain Aksel rise in the ranks of the Nazi Gestapo.  During the five years of German occupation, Espen matures and soon realizes the great responsibility he bears in the resistance movement until he must forgo his old life to save those he loves.  This book is an excellent read, even for those who would not typically read historical fiction, and the book progresses at a lightning pace.  It's very easy to get engrossed in this book due to the ease of relating with the characters and the intriguing story line.  Definitely worth a shot!

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Gabriella's rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This book is far from your stereotypical romance.  Along for the Ride follows the life of Auden -- a girl who has been unable to experience a normal childhood -- during a summer with her father, stepsister, and stepmother, Helen.  This book talks about trust, acceptance, and coping with our everyday struggles.  Dessen crafts a story of friendship and romance, and looking beyond a person's exterior.  I love the depth of this book and how Auden discovers how to be the child she never could be.  Join Auden on her quest in this fun novel.

Butter by Erin Jade Lange
Gabriella's rating: 4 out 5 stars

This book follows the life of a boy named Butter, an obese high school student who finds himself eating lunch alone daily and struggling to maintain his relationship with his father.  One day he is so upset with his life he feels death is the only option. 
This story tugs at the heartstrings and addresses what it's like to be obese in a judgmental world.  I really enjoyed reading this novel!