Book Review: Dragonborn by Toby Forward



Find it at the Chandler Public Library

 This book is about a boy and his dragon having to go look for another wizard to teach him magic, because his old Great Wizard died leaving him alone. Many people thought that the boy, named Sam, had a great power, but just didn’t know it yet. These people want his power for themselves so they can be very powerful and use it for the wrong reasons. Sam needs someone to teach him how to use and control these powers, so Sam and his dragon, Starback, go out looking for a wizard to teach him.

This book is interesting and adventurous. Everyone can read this book, but I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone. This book is strongly and toughly worded, but teens and young adults that love fantasies and dragons will love this book. You won’t even notice the time flying by as you finish this amazing book in one sitting! - Karthika (Sunset Teen)

Book Review: A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty



Find it at Chandler Public Library

 The worlds presented in Moriarty's A Corner of White, while almost overly-goofy and caricatured, seem real enough and welcoming enough, but it is her characters Madeleine and Elliot that really endear you to her story.

We all have dealt with the loss of family, but Moriarty parallels the two teen's heartbreak and self discovery in a way that so genuine that the other-worldliness and magic of the way in which they communicate and the differences between the two worlds fit seemlessly and perfectly. Battling disbelief and deception, Madeleine and Elliot work together to heal not only their broken families, but also the worlds in which they live.

I look forward to the next adventure of Madeleine and Elliot in The Colors of Madeleine series! - Elisia (Sunset Library)

Book Review: I am (Not) the Walrus by Ed Briant

In I am (Not) the Walrus, Ed Briant's second novel for young adults, protagonist Toby is coming to terms with his missing older brother, recent breakup with his girlfriend and possibly cursed bass guitar as he and his bandmates prepare for their first gig in their Beatles cover band. After finding a mysterious note in the case of the aformentioned bass, Toby embarks on a search for the instrument's rightful owner in an attempt to uncover the truth about both the guitar and his brother. This fast-paced story has enough smart dialogue, mystery and romance to keep readers of all ages engaged and is recommended for anyone looking for a light-hearted read. Beatles fans will enjoy all of the references to their favorite band. - Nick (Downtown Library)

Book Review: Beauty by Robin McKinley

Beauty (Robin McKinley) is a retelling of the classic story Beauty and the Beast. And, while there are necessary and frivolous similarities, there are also notable differences that make this story a treasure of the genre. This tale features Honor (Beauty) and her loving family who, as a result of tragic circumstances are forced to move to a place more terrible to city dwellers than any other, the country! However, they keep their heads high and their hearts pure. The story progress as most do until she reaches the castle. There magic is afoot and Beauty becomes fully immersed in it. She grows to discover her potential and her true beauty and manages to save her love from a slow and painful death. - Teen Volunteer

Book Review: Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz (Blue Bloods, Bk.2)

Schuyler Van Alen and her best friend, Oliver, began the story by traveling to Italy to find Schuyler’s grandfather in order to get his help on the crisis of the Silver Bloods. With his help, Schuyler might have a chance to uncover the truth that Silver Bloods still exist and are planning to attack the Blue Bloods. The Blue Bloods oblivious to the harm lurking in the shadows had preparations for the Four Hundred Ball held only for vampires. Mimi Force with her forever non-ending desire for trouble and fun decided to throw an after-party with the theme as a masquerade. Throughout the novel, Bliss experienced delusions and black-outs and ached for the return of Dylan. Schuyler still had a crush on Jack Force, and he in return longed for her in some degree. Schuyler felt helpless when it came to choosing between Jack and Oliver, and Mimi, full of jealousy, wished Jack only held his love for her.

Melissa’s sequel to Blue Bloods had new events coming up making the plot more intense and engaging to the reader. The book is fast-paced, and it never failed to make the reader’s eyes glued to the book the entire time. - Hamilton Teen Volunteer

Book Review: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

This story is an alternate version of World War 1.

When Archduke Ferdinand and his wife Sophie are assassinated, it throws the entire continent of Europe into war. It sets Clankers, war machines, verses Darwinists, fabricated beasts. Deryn Sharp is an amazing airman and wants to join the British Air Service. However, only boys are allowed to join, so she disguises herself as a girl. While undertaking a test to join the Air Service, she ends up on the Leviathan, the most amazing beast in the entire British fleet. The Archduke’s son, Alek, is running away with his mentors and a Stormwalker. While hiding out in a castle in the mountains, the Leviathan crashes near his temporary home. He meets Deryn, and their fates intertwine.

The suspense and secrets in this book are abundant while the action keeps it fast paced. Hold on, as Scott Westerfeld takes you on an adventure aboard the Leviathan. - Shabab (Sunset Teen)

The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids is a book that follows high school students from Whitman High School and portrays the everyday stresses of a high school student. This book not only shows the lives of academic achievers and perfectionists but also the athletic overachievers.   It portrays the lives of nine high school students who have massive amounts of stress and full schedules.  It also gives helpful tips to for parents, students, and the school administration to help relieve some of the stress the students encounter.   In the book, Alexandra Robbins follows the lives of Taylor, who is perceived as “The Popular Girl,” AP Frank, who is perceived as “The Workhorse,” a mysterious junior who flies under the radar, perceived as “The Stealth Overachiever,”  Sam, who is perceived as “The Teacher’s Pet,”  C.J., who is perceived as “The Flirt,” Julie, who is perceived as “The Superstar,” Audrey, who is perceived as “The Perfectionist,” Pete, who is perceived as “The Meathead,” and  Ryland, who is perceived as “The Slacker”. Throughout the book these nine people show that although you might be seen or see someone as a certain “Type” of person you will never know until you step in their shoes.  I found this book to be a slow read; however, I did find the information to be fascinating and would recommend it to any high school student. - Braedon (Sunset Teen)