Online Teen Readers

Three guys, three serious mistakes, one big chance. Meet Arjay, Gecko, and Terence--accidental murderer, would-be getaway driver, and gang member wannabe.

Mr. Healy takes them into his experimental house of redemption (aka, halfway house), but the conditions are tough. The boys have to stay in school and keep their grades up, go to therapy, and commit to community service.

Arjay and Gecko are pretty committed, but Terence can't let go of his desire to impress the gang. When he tries to sneak out, Arjay, Gecko, and Mr. Healy get into a scuffle with him and Mr. Healy ends up unconscious.

He wakes up with amnesia and the guys decide to act as if everything is normal: go to school,endure therapy, and continue with community service. But can they keep it up? Check out The Juvie Three, a Gordon Korman romp--action packed (if predictable) and tense, but fun and exciting. 

The Lord of the Flies by: WIlliam Golding

Teen Reviewer: Kenny

During WWII an airplane that carried bunch of school boys crashed into a deserted island. Ralph, whose father was a Navy general, believed there were other survivors. Together all of the other kids, he blew the conch he found at the beach. Ralph was intent on being rescued so he wanted to watch for ships 24/7. However Jack only wanted to hunt wild pigs and have fun. Because the children were stranded in an island, majority of the kids, except Ralph, Piggy, and a couple of little children, dropped all their responsibilities and formed their own castle at a pile of rocks at the other side of the island. Jack's pure hatred toward Ralph led to the death of Piggy, and Jack and his fellow kids started to hunt for Ralph. At a certain part of the hunt, the island burns, which was when a rescue boat came. This book describes the dark side of the human nature when there are nobody to control them, like adults.

Who would enjoy? Dystopian book readers and adventure book readers.

Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors


Alice thinks she's going crazy when she hears Errol's voice in her head, telling her to find him find him find him. She is already frantic: covering up for her mother is exhausting. She's got the signing her name part down, and it's easy to tell people that the Queen of Romance is out of the country, but now the publishing company is pushing her mother to finish her next book--and fast. The only problem is...her mother is in no shape to write anything, let alone a book. And this weird guy, Errol, keeps bugging Alice about writing the story of Cupid and Psyche. In fact, he actually thinks HE IS Cupid.

Alice was looking forward to spending the summer doing exactly nothing, but now it looks like she's going to have to write The Next Big Romance Novel by Her Mother, Belinda Amorous, Queen of Romance.

Is Alice mad or is it love? Or is it Mad Love? Suzanne Selfors' book is set in Seattle during a summer so hot it could make a girl delirious...or serious, because time is running out.

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Teen Reviewer: Catherine

This is the second book in the Infernal Devices Trilogy by Clare.  It is about a girl named Tessa and her adventures with Shadowhunters, or warriors who slay demons. 

I enjoyed the fast-paced adventure scenes.  All of the characters were lovable and charismatic.  And there is also romance:  Tessa gets caught in a budding love triangle.  Unfortunately, there is a cliffhanger ending and the next book won't be released for another year! 

I think readers who like Cassandra Clare's other books will enjoy this one.  And, if you like adventure, fantasy, and romance, try Clockwork Prince!

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Teen Reviewer: Pamela

I read "The Help" recently and thoroughly enjoyed it, from the very first page to the last.  When my aunt first recommended it, I was the slightest bit skeptical because I had never really learned much about life in the South back in the 1960s, and I honestly had no intention of learning more because it didn't interest me. It was all about the past, and I didn't think it mattered anymore.  After reading this book however, I've realized it is more than just about the lives of women in Jackson, Mississippi. This story has opened my eyes and taught me so much about my own morals and values.  The events that took place generated strong reactions, and gave me a new understanding and appreciation for what we have today.  The characters seem so real, so full of life; I definitely wouldn't mind meeting them.  Contrary to what I'd expected, "The Help" is far from boring and is in fact one of my favorite books now.

 

Without a doubt, I would recommend this book to anyone who is willing to read, because everybody can relate to it in so many ways, and I guarantee that they will laugh out loud and maybe even shed a tear or two (I'm not ashamed to say I did). The story would appeal to people of all ages, from fifteen to fifty, because it has universal messages and reveals what life was like in a time that is some sort of a mystery (considering how different circumstances are now).  Even men would enjoy reading it, because honestly, what man wouldn't want to peer into the minds of women? 

 

The author executes her writing beautifully, with voices that capture each character's unique personality, and you can't help but feel like you're a part of it all.  None of it seems harsh or forced; it seems natural, and only adds to the authenticity of the characters. Stockett is a gifted writer, and has opened my eyes to a "new" era in which race was not merely a skin color, women held bridge clubs regularly, and maids replaced so-called irreplaceable mothers. She has exposed a world so different from ours and offers insight to issues that most people aren't too familiar with, but does it in a way that is engaging and easy to understand.  For this reason, I love that the author alternates perspectives throughout the book, because that way readers don't see just one "side" of the story.  We truly feel like we know what is going on. I find that to be remarkable, and that's what makes this amazing book stand out from the rest.

All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren

Teen Reviewer: Victoria

Jack Burden narrates his life story, weaving it through his boss, Willie Stark's life as well, showing how the two are interconnected.

I loved the intricacy of the novel and the moral struggles the characters went through. It was also extremely unpredictable and engaging to read.

Who would enjoy reading it?

People who enjoy political novels.

The Fashion File : Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men by Janie Bryant with Monica Corcoran Harel ; foreword by January Jones ; illustrations by Robert Best

Teen Reviewer: Victoria

The costume designer of "Mad Men" explains how to tailor your own personal style by using examples from her personal life, TV show, and other experiences.

I liked the tips and tricks she wrote about although I thought they were all pretty similar to other how-to-home-style books I had read previously.

Who would enjoy reading it?

Women who are stuck in style ruts and/or want to learn tricks of creating their own personal style.

 

The story of Emmajin and Marco Polo is a work of historical fiction by local author Dori Jones Yang. Her daughter Emily created this book trailer -- it really captures the mystique of the time and place in this breathtaking tale.

Dori Jones Yang lived and worked in Hong Kong for many years and prides herself on building bridges between America and China. She asked a simple question as she began to write Daughter of Xanadu:  What would a relationship between a strong willed Mongolian girl and the imaginative young Marco Polo be like? This passionate tale about love, war, and loyalty is a thrilling read!

You can read more about Marco Polo and Xanadu on Dori Jones Yang's website. But read the book to find out how Emmajin shapes her destiny during a brutal time in 13th century China.  She would rather be a warrior than a well-behaved young woman in the world of Khubilai Khan.  Ride with Emmajin into battle as she fights for her identity as well as for her people.  Daughter of Xanadu will transport you to another time and place! 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Teen Reviewer: Stephanie

In the setting of Panem, in post-apocalyptic North America, Katniss Everdeen, a poor 16-year-old girl living in District 12, is chosen to compete in the annual Hunger Games, a form of twisted entertainment for the cruel capitol, in which 2 tributes from each district are put in a battle until only 1 survivor remains. Katniss along with her friend Peeta, must struggle for their lives.

I LOVED the action-packed, fast-paced story that sometimes just made my spine tingle. The plot and imagery are just unforgettable. Most intriguing of all is the romance that the author weaves into the plot that simply captures the attention of the reader. The question is: will it turn out for the better or for the worse? I can't wait to read the next book in this trilogy!

Who would enjoy reading it?

People who love adventure and a bit of romance too.

 

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Teen Reviewer: Jun

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have managed to complete the 74th annual Hunger Games and return to District 12, one of the poorest sectors in Panem. However, just after short notice, they are both forced back in the arena for the Quarter Quells that occurs every 25 years. A rebellion has broken out and Katniss must fight to survive not only for Peeta but for the sake of all the other districts.

The book has a very fast pace and thoroughly describes every detail. I really enjoyed the book because I could picture every scene and it kept me reading until the end!

Who would enjoy reading it? Teens who want to read books filled with suspense.