Goal by Robert Rigby

I read Goal and Goal 2 this year. The entire series is one of the greatest I have ever read. Especially if one is a big sports fan, is into reading books that are absolutely unpredictable. It is the story of Santiago Munez. He turns out to become a professional soccer player. The first book of the series shows the tough process of being an illegal immigrant from Mexico to become a soccer player for Newcastle United. The second book is about his big move to the best football club in the world in Real Madrid.

Both books are intriguing because multiple problems intertwine to confuse and trouble Santi. His family is a major deal in both books. Deaths and unexpected reunions with certain familiy members affects his decisions. The most important side character, named Roz, Santi's girlfriend and soon to be wife, creates drama in both books. These books both show that hard work beats everything, and nothing comes without it. It is a story that gives hope to all readers, considering the fact that he barely survived an illegal crossing over the US-Mexico border. I think that any and all should read this book. The story will keep you up for multiple nights. It is not too challenging, but their are very hidden clues as to what will happen. In the end, the reader will think to him or herself and wish that the series continued, which it does in the next book called Goal: The World Cup, as this book focuses on Santi's national career. This book will not bore you for a second and if you are a fan of drama and realistic fiction, this book is a perfect choice for that category. ~Farzam Rahman Period 3

A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard

Jaycee Dugard was just a normal 11-year-old girl, until a man named Philip Garrido kidnapped her on her way to the bus stop one morning. For eighteen years she couldn't say her own name. She was subject to horrible abuse and there was nothing she could do to fight it, he had full control. Eventually, she had become a mother to her daughters and was forced to be a sister. As her hope wore thin, she took her life back on August 26 of 2009. Jaycee Dugard wrote this book, A Stolen Life, to share her story with us, just as she remembers it. Many people would enjoy this book due to its suspense and how interesting it is. It would be especially appealing to those who like reading non-fiction because it is an autobiography. Overall, anyone from teens up until adults could read this novel and be completely intrigued. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I feel that Dugard's thoughts and emotions are so deep and true. I hope you consider reading this book because it is truly fantastic.    -Kaitlin Colaiuti

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

For all the holdouts out there, I have one thing to say… READ THE HARRY POTTER SERIES.  The first book of this series is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.  Since almost everyone knows what the plot of this book consists of, I will summarize it in a few sentences.  Harry Potter learns that he is a wizard, begins to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and makes some new friends.  Harry Potter’s parents were killed by the Dark Lord Voldemort when he was a baby and, ultimately, they sacrificed their lives so he could live.  At Hogwarts, Harry and his friends must face many conflicts, but in the end, Harry may just have to face his enemy.  I recommend this book to anyone who has seen the Harry Potter movies, but has not read the books.  The books are more detailed, more descriptive, and, overall more enjoyable than the movies.  Even if someone did not see or did not enjoy the movies, I still highly recommend at least trying to read the books, as they provide different aspects of the plot that the movies didn’t offer. Anyone who enjoys reading fantasy type novels will also enjoy this series.  Overall, everyone who has been holding out on reading this series is missing out on books than are much better than their corresponding movies. –Nick K. (Per. 7/8)

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This year I was fortunate enough to buy the book, The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Luckily, it was a good read, but it also gave me information and facts about the discrimination African Americans faced during this time period. It takes place in the early 1960s and during this time African Americans struggled to get back on their feet, and gain the equality they deserved. The main character, Skeeter, decides to write a book from African American women's point of view. This book is about the challenges of getting the book published; most importantly, breaking down the barriers of white and black women. Skeeter must gain the trust of these women in order for the book to be a success, and that is her biggest challenge of all. If you are interested in history, or just this time period in general, I suggest you borrow this book from the library. It makes you more knowledgeable on events that really happened during the African American movement, and you won't be able to put it down. I look forward to reading more books by Kathryn Stockett in my future high school years. ~ Sarah McCaffrey period 2

Hoops by Walter Dean Myers

Hoops by Walter Dean Myers was a fantastic book that was very unpredictable. The book is told in first person from the point of view of the main character, Lonnie Jackson. Lonnie is a seventeen-year-old kid who lives in New York City. He doesn’t go to high school, but his mom still wants him to go to college. The one thing that Lonnie is good at is basketball. However, he is too cocky and stubborn to go anywhere with his skills. One day, he meets a man named Pops who claims to know a lot about basketball, and offers to help Lonnie work on his game. At first, Lonnie is not impressed, but eventually he decides to give him a chance. Soon, Lonnie and Pops develop a strong bond, and Lonnie’s game benefits. This is a great book for sports fans, but you have to give it time to get into the main plot of the story. Walter Dean Myers wrote a great story about friendship and basketball with Hoops.
Jordan G. Period 7/8                          

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Before I Fall which is written by Lauren Oliver is a touching and inspirational story about a teenage girl, Samantha Kingston. It is written from her point of view as she relives the same day over again for a week, after getting into a fatal car crash. At first, Samantha thinks of it as an opportunity of a lifetime to become popular and make that one day perfect. Although, she later realizes that it has nothing to do with that at all. Throughout her journey, she figures out the real reason as to why she is given this chance and what she must to do in order to stop reliving it. She changes her life for the better, and turns it around almost completely. This includes doing what is right rather than wrong (which she is used to). In the seven days she is given, Samantha tries to mend all the mistakes she has made and tries to start over. Even though that is nearly not enough time for all the pain she has caused others. Due to Samantha’s behavior in the past you wouldn't think she is capable of change but you will be surprised to see what happens in the shocking ending. This book has a great message behind it and is one that is easy to relate to. I would recommend it to all readers, especially those who enjoy reading fiction, drama, and a little bit of romance, although it is great for all readers. –Iman Dhamee (Period 3)

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Ember Miller lives in a futuristic society oppressed by the intense rules mandated by the new government, The Federal Bureau of Reformation. Citizens who violate Articles enforced by the FBR, the Moral Militia as Ember would say are put into custody of the state and tried. Ember's usually calm yet poor life gets turned around when her cantankerous mother is taken into custody for violation of Moral Statute Article 5. What makes the day even worse is that the official who violently arrests Ember's dear mother is her old best friend and first love Chase. After the arrest, Ember is taken to an all girls temporary correctional facility meant to control "girls like her." The facility becomes only a painful and treacherous obstacle in Ember's bumpy quest towards her mother. Take the journey along with Ember as she discovers the corruption, hatred, brutality, and desperation of the FBR as she tries to save her mother in these chaotic times. I recommend Article 5 to readers of The Hunger Games due to it's intensity, suspense, and touch of love.

Ryan Josephson Period 7/8

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

An average person is able to understand and accept the loss of a loved one. In Mockingbird, Kathryn Erskine allows the reader to read from a different perspective. The story is told through ten year-old Caitlin’s view. Caitlin is autistic and the only person who understood her was her brother Devon. Though, Caitlin’s life is turned upside down when her brother is killed in a school shooting. Now we see how Caitlin deals with the problems resulting from her brother’s death. Many people have a similar reaction to a death of someone they know, but in Mockingbird, we are able to see how someone with autism handles the situation. This book allows the reader to really walk in another person’s shoes and live their life. I recommend Mockingbird to readers who enjoy realistic-fiction and I really suggest that you read it!- Kersyn Wood  Period 2

Kidnapped by Gordon Korman

The series I read was called Kidnapped by Gordon Korman. This series is the most suspensful, energetic, and exciting set of books I have ever read. It might be a reading level or two below 9th Grade but these books were too good to resist. It is the story of two characters' ordeal and how they try to get out of it. A young girl gets kidnapped walking home from school and her brother goes on the journey to find her. Her brother has to team up with the FBI and get as much help as possible. The books show the ups and downs of their journey and the real meaning of life in the end. If you are someone that likes adventure, mystery, or page turning books, this is the series for you. I had trouble putting this set of books down and I was always going to the book store to go get the next book in the series. It is also quite informative as it shows the different areas of the country as the characters run from the FBI and with the FBI. In conclusion, this series by Gordon Korman is very typical of most of his books. It has tons of suspense and mystery with a glowing light at the end of the tunnel. -Matt B. Period 7/8

Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell

The book Lone Survivor, written by Marcus Luttrell is a biography about how one man against all odds returns home. In 2005 a four man Navy Seal team is sent into Afghanistan to kill a Taliban leader. The operation is named "Operation Redwing." Throughout the mission, Marcus Luttrell, is shot at, blown off a cliff, tortured by the Taliban, and loses 3 close friend. His team is compromised when an Afghan goat herder comes across their position then tells the Taliban of the Seals position. They come under fire and the officer runs out into the open and calls the base to get them out of there.  A helicopter then was sent in to rescue the Seals, but was then shot down. All on board were killed. Until recently this operation was the single greatest loss of life suffered by the U.S special forces. I recommend this book because it shows you the hardships suffered by soldiers. Also because it will make you look at things differently, and makes you appreciate what you have more. ~Jacob Barry (per. 12)

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

The book Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is about 14 year old Susie who was raped and murdered on the day December 6, 1973 by her neighbor Mr. Harvey. The story is told through Susie, and she explains how she is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected. Even as she is watching life on Earth continuing on without her. She has to watch her former friends sharing secrets about her death, her killer still lurking around, and her family unraveling. Even though Susie is in heaven, she can send messages through her spirit to help her family find the killer. I recommend this book for people who are intro myteries and a little bit of a thriller.
Angela L. (per. 2)

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

The Lucky One is a romance filled book. A man named Logan who finds a photo of a woman while serving in the army in Iraq. His friend, Victor, claims it to be a lucky charm. After his friend mentions that he should go and set forward to find her, he does so. When he returns home from his tour in Iraq he researches the women in the photo and finds out that her name is Beth. When he arrives to her home he manages to get a job at the kennel that Beth works at. As he plans to win Beth’s heart, complications get in the way. ~Danielle Keating (per. 3)


Logan Thibault never believed in luck, until he found a picture. He was serving in the army when he found a photograph of a beautiful woman, and after no one claimed it, he kept it. Logan began to win at his poker games, and he survived harsh battles when some of his friends didn’t. His pal Victor believed that the picture was his lucky charm, and that as long as it was in his possession, he would be safe. Logan didn’t believe it at first, but when Victor passes away in a fishing accident, Logan starts out on a quest to find the mysterious girl. When he finds her, he applies for a job with her and slowly but surely makes her fall in love with him. As if dealing with Beth’s ex-husband isn’t enough, he has to go through the struggle of explaining why he came there to find her. Logan forms a bond with her child, Ben, and Beth is trying to figure out why Logan Thibault came to North Carolina in the first place. Throughout the ups and downs, The Lucky One is a great read for anyone. Nicholas Sparks is a fantastic author, and this is one of his best. The descriptions and details are perfect and make this book an excellent read.  ~Jamie G. (per. 3)

Swindle by Gordon Korman

Gordon Korman’s Swindle is an action packed book. Two friends, Ben and Griffin, spent the night at an abandoned house and found a Babe Ruth card in a drawer. This is especially good for Griffin because this Babe Ruth card can save him of his financial troubles his family is having and can prevent him from having to move. The next day, Griffin and Ben took it to a collector in town to get it checked. His name is S. Wendell Palomino but the boys call him Swindle. Once they got the card checked, Swindle told Griffin he would only give him $100 for the card and that was being generous, so Griffin and Ben split the money. A couple hours later Griffin went home and turned on the news, and saw Swindle with the Babe Ruth card saying it can go for $1,000,000. Griffin is tired of adults taking advantage of kids so he has to plan a heist to get the card back, but it’s not as easy as it seems because Swindle goes through extreme conditions of protecting the card. Griffin and Ben must create a team with special talents to pull off stealing the card back. Can it happen? ~John M. (per. 2)

The Green Mile by Stephen King

The Green Mile series is definitely the best set of books that’s out there.  This is because of the wild and far-fetching mind of Stephen King.  King is a one-of-a-kind author and the Green Mile series is one of his top books.  Since each book is shorter, they all focus on certain events and people from the Green Mile.  The entire series revolves around a prison guard, Paul Edgecombe and each book begins the first chapter with him in his retirement, so basically each book is like a flashback to when Paul was working and Stephen King puts you in that flashback.  With this interesting style, King makes this series stand apart from the rest and is just a phenomenal series to take some time to read.  These books are sci-fi and mystery and it takes its setting in a jail during the 1930s.  I’m on the final book but didn’t read much of it yet, however this book will tell me how it all comes to an end and its going to be a real page-turner.  In the end, I think Stephen King added his touch to this series and created a story that was never thought of or seen before.  ~ Matt D. (per. 7/8)

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

This book is the first in this trilogy series. It takes place in a tragic community where love is actually forbidden because it is thought of as a disease. At the age of about 16, every kid gets surgery done to make them not feel love. They are also interviewed to have the rest of their lives planned out (their job, who they'll marry, and how many kids they'll have). In this community, the procedure is portrayed as a good thing, and the Wild, a place outside the community where people do love and live carefree lives, is viewed as an evil place. The community is gated and highly supervised with security creeping around every corner, and yet, most people are still perfectly happy living there. At first, the main character, Lena Haloway, is both excited and nervous for the procedure, it isn't until an unexpected, chaotic mishap during her interview, that her views on the community she once called home, starts to feel foreign and more like a dystopia. As Lena uncovers secrets she never knew about her community, she starts to question just how much she actually enjoys living there. The ending has a shocking twist that you won't see coming. This book is great for those who enjoy romance, fantasy, and realistic-fiction. It's also great for those who enjoy books about an alternate universe, and also stories about forbidden love. --Winnee Lee (Period 3)

This book is the first book of a series. This book focuses on a girl, Lena Holoway, who lives in a world where love is considered a deadly disease. At age 16, all the kids are given a procedure that "cures" the disease. Before each procedure, all the kids are interviewed to be matched up with people to marry after the procedure. Lena is excited and nervous for the procedure because her mother had killed herself because she had the disease. She believes that life without love will be painless, happy, and safe. However, this all changes when she meets a boy before her procedure and slowly falls in love with him. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading books about romantic books and action. This book is packed with action and has a twist ending, but you will have to read to find out. -Minhyuk K. (Period 4)

767 Sports Questions Your Friend Can't Answer by Acro Staff

I read the book, 767 Sports Questions Your Friend Can't Answer, to gain more knowledge on the history of my favorite sports. This book has sports such as Baseball, basketball, football, tennis, hockey and more. The format of the book is very simple. There are chapters pertaining to each category (basketball, baseball, etc.). There is a list of multiple choice questions in each chapter about the history of the sport, important records or players that played it. Then, at the end of the chapter, the answer key is there with the answer to the question. With the answer to the question comes a paragraph long description about the answer and other accomplishments or players relating to the question.

I chose this book because it is a quick and easier read that you can have fun while reading. Even though this book seems easy, if you read through the answer key, you learn many new statistics and facts. This nonfiction book is good for any sports fan or nonfiction reader. In conclusion, if you are looking for an easy trivia book, that's fun and very easy, you might want to read, 767 Sports Questions Your Friend Can't Answer. ~John S. (per. 2)

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous

This book, based on a true story, tells the story of 15 year old Alice who falls under the influence in her teenage world. It's told from first person perspective through her personal diary that she keeps all through this journey downhill. All it took was just one party and one drink, and Alice found herself addicted to terrible and dangerous drugs. Going from a good student to a rebel, she runs away from 

home with the help of her so called "new friends". Alice was never perfectly fine in the first place, and she's just growing up too fast, with her bad decisions that any teenager can relate to. Read this book to find out more about Alice and the truths about addiction and whethershe survives all this in the end. 

-Yuliya H. (Per.4)

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen is a symbol of an upcoming rising in the Capitol. This had all started in the first book of the trilogy, The Hunger Games. Catching Fire, the second book is all about another game Katniss is thrown into again to fight for her life. In the first book, Katniss was one of the 24 tributes that were chosen to compete in an annual game called the Hunger Games. The purpose of this is to remind the country who is in charge and the devastation the Capitol brought unto District 13 which is now a dead district. In the first book, Katniss fights to the end but there is a twist to her victory which results in a revolution. In Catching Fire, it is time for a Quarter Quell. A Quarter Quell is another Hunger Game, but it happens every 15 years. At each Quarter Quell there is an extra something added to make the games much more interesting. For example, one time they had doubled the amount of tributes. This time, previous victors are chosen once again to compete in the games. Katniss is the only girl victor alive therefore meaning she has no choice but to go back into the games even though she had just exited the horror. In the game during Catching Fire, alliances are quickly formed and many strategies are used. The arena is also formatted very unusually but you will have to read it to find out what it is. Together, Katniss figures about all the secrets that were kept from there that may lead to another disruption to the Capitol. ~Esther Y. (per. 4)

The Enemy by Charlie Higson

In a post-apocalyptic world, adults are infected and become zombie like creatures that are scattered all around. The surviving children of this generation formed groups that stay in hideouts all around London. This story follows the character Small Sam who has been captured by these zombie-like adults and later finds himself far away from his teammates. Hope is not lost for Sam when he is saved by an uninfected adult, Nick and tries to survive with his family. On the other side of the situation, Arran(leader of the surviving children) has grown tired of the increasing death the children. He has set out with other skilled children to find Small Sam, but they find themselves in more trouble than they have anticipated. The Enemy is definitely a book series that should be recommended to anyone who wants to read a horror or adventure book. Each character has so much depth and has a story behind them. The plot has twists and turns that would keep anybody dying for more.   -Calvin Chen (Period 3)

Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

Soul Surfer is one of the most famous, inspirational books. It is a true story about faith, strength, and family. Bethany Hamilton is very passionate about surfing, as described "she was born with salt water in her blood" and she practices the sport every hour in her life. She has two brothers who help her; one is a surfing photographer and the other is a body border.  After a shark attack on Halloween night, Bethany has to make a decision on whether to give up her surfing life or continue on. Her best friend , Alana is very close to her and supports her the whole time. In the book, Bethany explains how her life has changed, how she was influenced by the attack, and some of the greatest accomplishments she has done. I recommend the book to anyone specifically teenagers and anyone who  likes non-fiction books. It is very moving and it teaches many great lessons.  -Merna Kamel Period 12