The Hunger Games Songs from District 12 and Beyond (CD)
Title: The Hunger Games Songs from District 12 and Beyond CD
Why I picked it up: I listened to it in anticipation of the movie. But, I have listened to it several times since then. Plus, The Hunger Games is my favorite book series so anything that has to do with that is always good!
Why I finished it: There are a lot of great songs, and overall it is a good soundtrack; I only skipped through a couple of tracks.
My favorite songs: “Tomorrow Will Be Kinder”, “Nothing to Remember” and “Safe & Sound.”
I’d give it to: Fans of The Hunger Games!
Star Rating: Four stars
Reviewer: Kim (Parr library)
Night
Title: Night
Author/Artist: Elie Wiesel
Why I picked it up: I became interested in the holocaust and wanted to know more.
Why I finished it: The book is written very well. You can hear his voice in the text.
Who I would give it to: Mainly teenagers and up, but all people would love this book.
Star rating: 4 stars
Reviewer: Rhett (Plano teen)
May Book Giveaway Winner
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Love and Leftovers: a novel in verse
Title: Love and Leftovers: a novel in verse
Author: Sarah Tregay
Sixteen-year-old Marcie Foster is perfectly happy with her life in Boise, Idaho when her mother announces that they will be moving to New Hampshire. Marci’s parents recently split up because her father is gay and left to be with his new boyfriend. Marci thinks the move to New Hampshire is temporary and she doesn’t try very hard to make new friends. She misses her friends from Idaho, the “leftovers”, including her boyfriend Linus and her best friend Katie. Marcie is surprised when drop-dead gorgeous J.D. shows an interest in her. What begins as an innocent friendship soon turns to romance and makes Marcie feel guilty since she never officially broke up with Linus before she left Idaho. Seven months after her move to New Hampshire, Marcie’s mother decides that Marcie should move back to Idaho. This adds all kinds of complications to her life as she tries to pick up where she left off.
This novel in verse has a quick pace that keeps the plot moving.
Why I picked it up: I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book when I attended ALA Midwinter this year in Dallas.
Why I finished it: As someone who moved a lot when I was younger, I could relate to Marcie’s situation. Just as she was adjusting to her new life in New Hampshire, she was forced to move back to Idaho. I didn’t think that was very fair and I wanted to know if her old friends would welcome her back or if they had moved on with their lives.
I’d give it to: Anyone who enjoys well-written novels in verse.
Star Rating: Four stars
Reviewer: Renee (Parr library)
Never Sit Down in a Hoopskirt and Other Things I Learned in Southern Belle Hell
Never Sit Down in a Hoopskirt and Other Things I Learned in Southern Belle Hell
Crickett Rumley
Expelled from thirteen boarding schools in the past five years, seventeen-year-old Jane Fontaine Ventouras is returning to her Southern roots, and the small town of Bienville, Alabama, where ladies always wear pearls…But Jane is what you might call an anti-belle…What’s a hipster to do? Will Jane survive Bienville boot camp intact or will they—gasp!—make a Southern belle out of her yet? (Egmont USA)
Why I picked it up: A picture can say a thousand words…and I was attracted to the picture on the cover. It cleverly depicts a non-traditional looking “southern belle” decked in black fishnet tights and a pair of black and white Converse sneakers. She looks as if she has just fallen…possibly from grace too…while wearing this enormous pink hoopskirt that takes up just about the entire cover.
Why I finished it: It started off a little slow but as it continued to give depth to the characters, both the main and secondary. I was able to sit back and enjoy the humor that it offered even through the main character’s distress.
I’d give it to: Tweens or someone between the age of 12-14, any older and they may feel it’s a little cliché. Also it could be for someone who is looking to relate to the many emotional ups and downs that the average teenager experiences. While it is quite humorous it does have some mild profanity.
I’d give it: 4 Stars
Reviewd by: Annette (Davis)
The Pregnancy Project
by Gaby Rodriguez with Jenna Glatzer
Gaby Rodriguez wanted to do something big for her senior project that would have an effect on her whole community. After her mother and older sisters had unplanned teenage pregnancies, Gaby was expected to follow in their footsteps. But she had other plans and was already living above her stereotypes by being an exceptional student and participating in a leadership group at her school. So when she came up with the idea of faking a pregnancy for her senior project, she saw the opportunity to explore what would happen if she did follow the low expectations others had for her. Gaby decided to fake the first six months of pregnancy as accurately as possible, following the symptoms and even making a fake belly. She kept it from most of her siblings, and even her boyfriend’s family. By telling just one of her sisters and her best friend, she heard all the negative things her family and friends said about her, and was tempted on several occasions to come clean and give up the project. She stuck with it, however, and after revealing that her belly was fake, got the attention of not only the local newspapers, but news stations around the country and beyond.
Why I picked it up: Teenage pregnancy is a common theme in my family as well, although not as much in my generation of cousins. I remember being a teenager and realizing how much I wanted to do with my life before having children. I thought this story was actually more interesting because even though Gaby was a great student and in several extracurricular activities, some people acted as though they weren’t even surprised at her “pregnancy.”
Why I finished it: I may not agree with some of Gaby’s beliefs, but her overall message is a good one. Even if certain behaviors tend to cycle through generation after generation of a family, it doesn’t mean that they have to be your fate as well. Don’t play the victim, and you can break the cycle. I also agree with Gaby that we need to support the girls that do end up in that situation. If they work hard and have some opportunities, that can make all the difference for their kids.
I’d give it to: Anyone fighting against stereotypes and any teenager who thinks having a baby would be “cool.”
I’d give it:
Reviewed by: Nina (Harrington Library)
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow
by Jessica Day George
Blessed—or cursed—with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she’s known to her family) has always been an oddball. And when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn’t hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servants. Only a grueling journey on the backs of the four winds will reveal the truth: the bear is really a prince who’s been enchanted by a troll queen, and the Lass must come up with a way to free him before he’s forced to marry a troll princess.
(From: jessicadaygeorge.com)
Why I picked it up: Being a fairy tale buff, I saw the title and thought “hmm.. maybe that is a retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon”. Turns out I was right, and since that is my second favorite fairy-tale I just had to check it out.
Why I finished it: This book is fantastic! I love the way the author weaves Norse culture and mythology into the story to give the retelling an almost realistic feel. I really appreciate the character of the Lass, how she approaches/handles the obstacles that are thrown her way, and the secondary characters (like her wolf, Rollo) are a joy.
I’d give it to: Anyone who absolutely adores fairy-tale retellings.
I’d give it: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mandi (Harrington Library)
A Thousand Suns
Title: A Thousand Suns
Author/Artist: Linkin Park
Why I picked it up: I like Linkin Park and it’s a great CD for anybody.
Why I finished it: It’s very good at the beginning and I couldn’t wait to hear all of the songs on this awesome CD.
Who I would give it to: The biggest Linkin Park fan that doesn’t already have this album.
Star rating: 4 stars
Reviewer: Colin (Plano teen)
I Hunt Killers
by Barry Lyga
Jazz was afraid of two things in the world, and two things only. One of them was that people thought that his upbringing meant that he was cursed by nature, nurture, and predestination to be a serial killer like his father. The second thing… was they were right.
Jazz’s dad, Billy Dent, was the most notorious serial killer of the twenty-first century and he raised Jazz to follow in his footsteps. Now, even though Dear Old Dad has been locked up for years, the killings have started again and all eyes are on Jazz. It’s up to Jazz to clear his own name and what better way then to catch the killer himself.
Why I picked it up: I’ve read a few of Barry Lyga’s other books (The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl and Goth Girl Rising) and loved them. When I saw his newest one on the New Books shelf, I made a mental note to read it at some point. But then I heard the author speak at a conference recently, picked up my copy of the book that night, and could not put it down.
Why I finished it: The suspense, for sure. I kept telling myself “Just one more chapter and then I’ll go to bed,” but then, before I realized it, I’d be well into the next chapter, unable to stop reading.
I’d give it to: This dark, disturbing thriller is not for the faint of heart. But if you love gory and gruesome, this is a book for you.
I’d give it: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Trish (Schimelpfenig Library)
How to Save a Life
How to Save a Life
by Sara Zarr
Jill’s mother has gone crazy. She is adopting a baby, even though she will be raising it alone, since Jill’s father died last year. Jill is still reeling from his death and can’t imagine upsetting her world any more.
Mandy, 17 and pregnant, has a plan to make sure her baby has a better life than Mandy has. She just has to make sure that the baby’s new mother doesn’t find out her secret…
Why I picked it up: I love, love, love Sara Zarr’s books. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one!
Why I finished it: I loved the characters. They both had some pretty serious problems and dealt with them in ways that totally suited their personalities – ways that would have been totally foreign to the other girl. I was especially impressed with Mandy. It was fascinating to see her backstory revealed.
One of the things that I love about Sara Zarr is her ability to take heavy issues and write about them in a way that isn’t hokey or overly dramatic. This book totally succeeded in that department.
I’d give it to: People who like realistic stories where the characters are dealing with really serious problems. It’s not depressing, but it isn’t a laugh a minute, either.
I’d give it: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Laura (Davis Library)
