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!

Before I Die by Jenny Downham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Life isn't fair. Especially for 16yr. old Tessa Scott who has been living the last 4 years of her life fighting a losing battle against cancer. Now she has chosen to stop treatments to prolong her life. Before she dies she has a list of things she wants to accomplish that keeps growing and growing. Ranging from simple to illegal, Tess' list makes for a compelling story. I can't lie though, if you don't want to cry then don't read this book. She is a young girl with a terminal illness, enough said. In spite of my tears I did enjoy this book alot.

Virals by Kathy Reichs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Teenager Tony Brennan is just getting used to living with the father she never knew on a secluded island of the coast of South Carolina. Luckily she has a loyal group of friends she spends her time with. When Tony discovers an undercover experiment involving a furry little wolf-dog pup, she convinces her friends to help her break the pup out of captivity. In doing so the group is exposed to an experimental version of the parvovirus which seems to heighten the friends' senses to that of a wild canine. If that isn't intriguing enough, the friends discover a skeleton and use their new "powers" to help solve a decades old murder case.

With murder and supernatural powers, Kathy Reichs has provided a high-paced adventure mystery that is sure to keep your interest.

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