The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Although at first this book seems like a regular dystopian universe story - you have a controlling government, regulations that break individuals into conformity, but after the first few pages it is apparent this is not the case. Tally, the main character, is the one who breaks out of the society, but it a major part of the story is the analysis of the behavior of her and the people around her. Also, Westerfeld uses proven and existing phenomena like rules of conformity and aesthetics in his book to describe many of Tally's thoughts. The narration style is unique, and the sci fi elements broaden the range of readers who appreciate this book. In Tally's society, you get surgery to be what is classified as "pretty" when you are 16. What they don't know is the surgeons put lesions in your brain that prevent you
from fighting or arguing. Tally and her friends discover this and many secrets of the government, and along the way she has a complicated relationship with the leader of the rebels while fighting off government agents with technology Westerfeld creates using existing technology. This is a great read for people who love anything from exciting romances to alternate universe stories.

Rachana Balasubramanian, Period 7/8

Chasing Yesterday #1 Awakening by Robin Wasserman

One girl. Age 13. Unconscious. Unharmed. Unclaimed. Unidentified. Can you imagine waking up one morning not knowing who you are?

That is what happened to J.D. A thirteen year old girl that was found unconscious trapped in a bombed building. She woke up knowing nothing about herself or her past. The only thing she was sure of is that she was in danger, from people around her; she was also a danger to the people around her. She wakes up horrified from  haunting nightmares that could possibly  be memories of her past. She knows nothing about her family, who they are, why they haven't claimed her, or where they may be. The one thing that she knows is that she cannot trust anyone, especially herself. Not until she knows who she really is and where she came from. Later on during the book she starts noticing changes in her self. throughout the book she gets random shocks of power from her brain, not her body. She knows nothing of where they come from, but with the power comes commands. She starts hearing commands in her head, something telling her to destroy, hurt and kill. This group of books are a great mysterious series that follow J.D on her long trip in trying to find out who she really is. This book could attract any kinds of readers who are into mystery, crime and fiction books that are filled with actions. ~Youliana E. (per. 2)

First Meetings in Ender's Universe by Orson Scott Card

This book is a series of short stories written by Orson Scott Card that relate to Ender's Game. It includes stories about Ender's dad; one about his childhood in Poland, and the other about how he met Ender's mom. Through these stories, you can really understand why they both acted the way they did in Ender's Game when Ender was chosen for Battle School. Additionally, these stories make Ender's parents come to life, instead of being just "characters" in Ender's Game. Another piece this book includes is a short story version of Ender's Game; the one Card wrote before he created the novel version. It was really interesting to see what Card changed in the book and what he kept exactly the same. The last short story is about Ender's life 15 years after he was commander. Anyone who enjoyed reading Ender's Game or likes science fiction would definitely have fun reading this book, as Card is an amazing author who really knows how to tell a story. ~Tiffany F. (per. 4)

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

This book is about a boy who goes to visit his father in canada but then his plane crashes because the pilot goes into cardiac arrest. The plane goes crashing down and then he swims in the lake that his plane went down in and he finds a lot of stuff. He finds spoiled food, a broken radio and a hatchet. His parents are divorced his mom lives in the US and his dad lives in canada so he has to take a plane to see them. He faces bears, wolves, and moose. Gary Paulsen has wrote many books and has wrote a sequel to hatchet called "The River." He is one of my all time favorite authors. I eould recomend this book to people who like adventure books because it is a very exciting book to read.
Robert Hernandez
Period 12

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini is the fourth book in the inheritance cycle. The story takes place in the mystical land of Alagaësia, which is home to many different kinds of civilizations. Humans, dwarves, and elves are the main creatures living among other civilizations such as Urgals, which are ten-foot tall brutes who only live to kill. In the book, the main character, Eragon, and his Dragon Saphira must fight against the evil forces of Galbatorix, and free the people from his tranny. For centuries, Galbatorix has lived, using his power to destroy any opposition, instead of wanting peace. The fourth and final book of the Inheritance series, Inheritance, concludes the adventures of Eragon and The Varden as they finally confront Galbatorix in the final conflict of good and evil. –Prasad Patwardhan (Period 4)

A Time to Die by Lurlene McDaniel

The main character in this book is Kara Fischer and she has a chronic disease called Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that makes your lungs have more mucus in them than usual, so you have to have nebulizer treatments in order to stay healthy. It's almost Kara's sixteenth birthday and she wants to be alive so that she can have a sweet sixteen and go to prom with the rest of her friends. Unluckily, for Kara Fischer, she was constantly going in and out of the hospital because he cystic fibrosis was a major tole in her life. It was making it tough for her to breath or even do everyday things that any normal person would be able to do. Kara has a really close friend who has Cystic Fibrosis as well, and his name is Vince, and Kara has another friend named Eric who is in love with her but she doesn't know who to choose. Vince and Eric are constantly fighting over her, and they both realize that Kara might not have long to live because she's been in the hospital more than ever before. Eric and Vince try to cherish every time that they spend with Kara. They take her to the dance, and take her out to ice-cream. Then all of a sudden when Kara is sitting alone in her hospital, she receives a mysterious letter from JWC (she has no idea who that is), and in the envelope there is a check with a large amount of money in it and the letter says that this check can't help with her hurting or get rid of her disease but hopefully that this money will help her to have courage and faith. This book is a suspenseful and sad book because of everything that has happened to Kara. But, in the end, will Kara make it out alive? This book has a moral to it, which is that you shouldn't take anything for granted, but I recomment that everyone read it because you would appreciate the amazing life that you have.  - Mariah Caise (Period: 3)

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

The Future of Us is written by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler. This book takes place during 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors and friends all their lives, but last November things changed and it got akward. When Emma gets a new computer, Josh gets an America Online CD-ROM and brings it to Emma's house so she could put it on her computer. When Emma installs it, Josh and Emma are already logged onto Facebook, except Facebook isn't invented yet. When they look on their profile they can see their whole life, their husband/wife, jobs, homes, and their status'. Also, eveytime they refresh their pages their future changes. Josh and Emma must deal with the ups and downs their lives hold.  Josh and Emma must confront what they are doing right and wrong currently. Jackie Period 2

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham

Playing for Pizza is a Sports novel written by John Grisham. This book is about a NFL Quarterback, who simply cannot play. He managed to throw three interceptions in eleven minutes during an AFC Championship game. After his numerous concussions, he realizes that the NFL is no place for him. His love for football, and his lack of a college degree draw him to play football elsewhere. That is when the Parma Panthers, and Italian expansion team, try to lure him into their organization. When he finally decides to play with them, they are ecstatic that they finally have an NFL player on their team. With their hearts set on winning the Italian Superbowl, and an NFL quarterback leading the team, the morale of the team increased greatly. Now, the only challenge for Rick, the quarterback, is to bring the title to the Parma Panthers, an inexperienced team filled with NFL fans, who simply cannot play. ~Akaash D. (per. 3)

A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

This book is a bit out of the left field, but I just found a book report I wrote on it and was inspired to reread it. It's definitely slow, and the humor isn't for everyone, but if you want a book with incredibly vivid characters and setting (New Orleans, specifically) it's worth the time.

Ignatius J. Reilly is a fat, lazy, unlikable slob who's perennially working on his thesis, lives with his mother, and doesn't date on principle (reviewers often refer to him as a "fat Don Quixote"). He has absolutely no redeeming qualities as a human being, but his 'misadventures' are fascinating and occasionally hilarious-think "House." The people in his life are some of the most memorable characters I've ever read: Myrna Minkoff, the liberal pen pal who simultaneously hates him, admires him, and is convinced that sex will cure him of every issue he has (her letters can get pretty graphic, skip 'em if you're squeamish); his mother Irene, who has lived solely for her son until she falls for a man named Claude; Lana Ley, self-involved strip club owner; Angelo Mancuso, police officer-so of course he's inept...the list goes on.  

This book's descriptions of New Orleans put it on my bucket list, by the way. See: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGlpYGQ3GrI-jVE3q1Re84BICD_L7A0OR3y_Pv-6yUsbfixcfE7piSiF5tg4h5uktl-E0g7Rmevw2IDZRFWz5Hl7Zzl8PIpPQ8yIQLrhR7falw11CBTT_DzRqEljQMnkNAPpgfJy0nAc/s1600/mardi-gras1_lhqwmwnc.jpg

Finally, 'Confederacy' is deep in ways I don't even realize. Toole wrote it while suicidal (he actually never saw it published-the book was published in 1980 and he committed suicide in 1961 at age 31. His mother found a copy in his attic and convinced a publisher to look at it. Enough said), and every time I revisit this book (three times and counting) I figure out more and more of the depth. It did win the Pulitzer Prize, after all. 

Basically, you have to slog through the first half-I was tempted to put it down a few times. But, at least for me, it was well worth it.  ~Hallel Y. (per. 7/8)

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I Am Number Four is about an alien war.  But this war is different this one isn't like any other you see in the movies.  As of having an alien race that look all weird and slimy the Lorics look like humans but they have super powers.  This alien war is between two different alien races, the Mogadorians and the Lorics.  The war took place on the planet of Lorien,  the Mogadorians came in and massacred all of the Loric all but eighteen.  These few were sent on a space ship to earth, so their race may still prosper and deystroy the Mogadorians.  As they were flying to Earth a spell was made so nine of the eighteen could only be killed in numeric order.  These nine were special they have powers these are called Garde and the other nine are powerless but act as guardians are called Cepan.  The main character is number four his name now is John Smith.  He has just moved again because the Mogadorians have killed number three.  He moves to Paradise, Ohio a small town where the school jock Mark is practically the king of town.  As John is trying to fit in he becomes enemies with Mark.  As John get comfortable John slips up a lot which means trouble.  This is a great book for readers who like any type of genre from sci- fi to romance.  It is action packed and not completely sci- fi it seems like a normal town just with a different.  The relationship between John and Sarah is very odd they are on and off.  This book would be enjoyable to anybody.  

- Abanoub G period 2

The book I Am Number Four is about two aliens trying to live on Earth. Their planet was destroyed and the people who destroyed their planet is now hunting them down. There are nine total aliens and the first three are dead. The aliens can not die out of order, due to a spell, so number 4, the main character is next. The book has a lot of action and drama. It is a very good book, and is even a major motion picture. Fans of the Hunger Games would really enjoy this book.

-Seth D'Ver

The Devil's Breath by David Gilman

This novel by David Gilman is a very interesting mysterious and adventure novel. It was the second book I read this year, during the second quarter, and yet I still can remember the story very well. It involves a fifteen year-old named Max Gordon, whose father has disappeared. By the help of his friend Sayid Khailf, and two people who he meets on the way, Kallie, who he eventually falls in love with, and !Koga, a bushman (whose name is awesome since it has an exclamation point which means that it makes a click noise!), he will attempt to find him. However, he encounters many obstacles on the way, such as a man who tries to kill him in the beginning of the book, suspicions about his teacher Mr. Peterson, and a powerful villain named Shaka Chang. Anyway, if you love mystery, suspense, and adventure novels, this book is a must-read for you. Also, if you want to try out a new genre or something you have never read before, and want to shock your mind, this is a great book to start with. Even if you are bored, or don't have any books to read over the summer, this book would be a good choice. I enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it, hoping that you will enjoy it too!

David Arida ~ Period 7/8

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

 Of the many mysteries I've read, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" is definitely one of the top of my list. It is a compelling story in which two very unlike characters team up to solve the ultimate crime. Mikael Blomkvist, the editor of Millenium, is convicted of a criminal charge. In order to escape it, he reluctantly accepts the Harriet Vanger case propsed by his great-uncle Henrik Vanger.
     Harriet Vanger has disappeared for nearly thirty six years. However, her beloved great-uncle still recieves the eeire pressed flowers each year on his birthday, a tradition that is maintained. Determined to find out who caused the demise of Harriet, he offers Blomkvist a handsome sum of his money and the secret to elliminating his charges. Soon, Blomkvist meets Lisbeth Salander, a socially challenged and pierced woman with exceptional talents in problem-solving and computer hacking. Posing as a "trapped island mystery", their case seems nearly insolvable. These two remarkable minds are forced to dive into an ugly family past of the Vangers and ultimately solve the crime before it's too late...

~Vivien C. (per. 4)

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

 In a futuristic world, firemen start fires rather than putting them out. The people in this society do not read books, enjoy nature, spend time by themselves, think independently, or have meaningful conversations. Guy Montag is a fireman who burns books. Montag meets a seventeen-year-old girl named Clarisse McClellan, who tells him that in the past people read bboks and were creative. He finally realizes the government is corupt when a woman gets killed by the firemen while trying to destroy books. Being curious he then brings a book home and then his life spins out of control after that. This book is a timeless classic that everyone will love. - Cody H. per. 12

Fire by Kristin Cashore

The kingdom of the Dells is in turmoil. Three rulers vy for power, using war tactics, spies, and backstabbing tactics. Out of the three, Nash is definetely the best to rule. From the north and the south, there are armies readying themselves for war. Fire, the last human monster in existance, has the potential to help Nash and his brother, Brigan, win the war, and ensure that a tyrant doesn't end up on the throne. With her keen ability to not only read minds, but control them, she is wrapped up in her fear that she will misuse her power, and become like her father. This book is for someone who really likes internal conflicts and is a classic fantasy. I really like how Fire's past is revealed partially, so you are kept waiting for the rest of the story! You should check this out if you're trying out a new genre, you might just fall in love!

Priyanka Period 4

Maximum Ride The Angel Experiment By James Patterson

Maximum Ride is about Max and her five siblings. they all have different parents and come from different places but they were brought together when they all were experimented on at the "school". They all have wings and many powers. They are after them, the erasers are after them and they never want to go back to that horrible place. if you like books with adventure , mystery, and tona of sci-fi then you should consider reading this book! Maximum Ride The Angel Experiment is only one of the books in the Maximum Ride series.      ~Elyssa K. (per. 2)                    

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

"The Fault In Our Stars" by John Green is wonderefully written novel that takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. Hazel is a sixteen year old girl with thyroid cancer. She had a very near-death experience years ago from the cancer, and still has the cancer, but it isn't getting worse. At her cancer kids support group, she meets seventeen year old Augustus Waters, the sexiest, most attractive, greatest boy she's seen. Needless to say, she falls in love with him, and they form a friendship. The rest of the book explores their journies and bonding to gether. John Green knows how to convey emotions very well in a book. One chapter you'll be snorting with laughter, the next bawling your eyes out. Yes, this book is depressing. But, it is also witty, hilarious, entertaining, and most importantly, eye-opening. It's filled with memorable quotes about what it really means to live, with or without cancer. If you want to read an emotional, wonderfully written book, then "The Fault In Our Stars" is for you.

"Some infinities are bigger than other infinites."
"That's the thing about pain...it demands to be felt."
"We're as likely to hurt the universe as we are to help it, and we're not likely to do either."

Angela Bersani Period 4                          

Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman

Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman has given me a complete new appreciation for graphic novels. In 1602 in England the Marvel Superheroes are around for reasons unknown. Many of them hold positions in the courts of Queen Elizabeth and King James. All over Europe strange weather is appearing and signs of an apocalypse are becoming more and more clear. It's up to classic Marvel characters such as Nick Fury, the X-men, the Fantastic Four, and many others who are all disguised to look like average 17th century British civilians to save the world. I think anybody would enjoy this book especially if they know anything about the Marvel superhero characters. However, even if you don't know about them you are given a quick explanation to clear up any confusion. What I find wonderful about this book is that as a graphic novel it is entertaining to read because of the color and illustrations, but still challenges you with vocabulary and an elaborate plot full of conspiracy and scandal. It's full of action and adventure, but still requires lots of higher level thinking.

-Sean O'Sullivan Period 4

Jeremy Fink and The Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass

Jeremy Fink and the Reading of Life, by Wendy Mass, is a very intriguing book. A month or two before his thirteenth birthday, Jeremy receives a package addressed to him. The directions say that he must open the mysterious box on his thirteenth birthday, and that the meaning of life is inside it. There is only one problem, though, the box is locked and there are no keys. Jeremy sets out on the adventure of his life with his best friend Lizzy to find the keys. Anyone who likes Jerry Spinelli or Judy Blume will definitely not put this book down. Anyone else (especially those interested in the true meaning of life) will most likely not put it down either.
~Lior B. Per. 3

The Stand by Stephen King

Stephen King is a twisted dude. The premise of "The Stand" is that a strain of the flu known as Superflu or Captain Trips has taken a pass at the earth, leaving less than 1% of the population to rebuild something that resembles civilization. We are introduced to characters across the United States, all who are, for reasons unknown,  immune to the superflu. They all begin to slowly trickle together forming small groups of 10-20 people. As they form these groups, they all realize that they've been experiencing the same dreams, one of an old black woman and the other of a Dark Man. Groups form, breakup, and reform depending on which figure each person identifies with until two colonies are formed. From there, rebuilding society becomes the next main goal. This book has paranormal events,  visions , and  magic but still manages to be so realistic, which is the magic of Stephen King. If you're looking for a year-long commitment, heart-wrenching plot, societal scrutiny, and an unconventional thrill then Stephen King's "The Stand" is for you. 

-Aidan Werder Period 4

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Normally, I really hate to read historical books, especially biographies. They all seem to present facts in a really boring way that just keeps going on. When Steve Jobs came out, I knew immediately that I had to buy it. Whether I liked it was another story, though. I had extremely low expectations when I bought it and labelled it the same way I do for all other history books. I went in thinking I would drop it in a day after being bored so much. To my surprise, this was the first one I actually liked. It gave an insightful look into the life of one of the world's most secretive people. Everything from early childhood to resignation from Apple is covered in detail. And since this is an official biography, the author is able to provide facts that no-one else has known before. But the thing I think really drew me towards this was the fact that this wasn't just some guy that we keep hearing about in history; we experienced his life firsthand and had the opportunity to live at least during part of his life. While reading this book, you will read a fact that reveals what was going on behind the scenes that really causes everything to finally make sense. Certain product designs, naming, and just the overall appearance of his products are all chosen for a reason and the story behind it all is finally written down in this book. This is a good book if you are in the mood for something slow and intellectual. It will take you a little bit to read mainly because there is just so many facts on one page. Overall, if you have ever seen, enjoyed, or just heard about any of Apple's products, this book is a must read. Plus, a movie is even coming out next year based on the book! ~Ross Freeman   Period 7/8