Review: The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

When Thomas woke up, he did not know who he was or where he was going. All he knew was that he was scared, sick and did not want to be where he was, which was in a dark box. When the box finally opened, he found himself surrounded by many boys, all looking to be in their teens. Thomas soon found out that the was in the Glade, and the boys surrounding him were Gladers. The Gladers farmed, raised animals, cleaned, and did what they had to in order to survive. Like Thomas, none of the Gladers could remember where they came from or anything beyond their first name. All they knew is that once a month one boy showed up in the box, and that they lived in the center of a giant maze.
   

Review: Graceling

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

The first book of “The Graceling Realm” series, Graceling, is about a young girl named Katsa. In Katsa’s world, some people are born with special skills, called a Grace. These people are recognized by their eyes, which are always two different colors. Katsa, who has distinct green and blue eyes, has a Grace that makes her a useful tool to her uncle, King Randa. She is Graced with killing.   

My First Book Trailer

I have never made anything on iMovie before, let alone something that had to persuade someone to pick up a book.
Now I have!
 In one of my classes we had to make a book trailer and upload it to the web, so I thought I would post it here, too. I don't have all of the iMovie tools down pat, but I don't think it's too shabby for my first time. What do you think? Does it make you want to read the book?

Review: The Lost Code

The Lost Code by Kevin Emerson

When Owen Parker arrives at Camp Eden for the first time, he is blown away by its beauty: there are real trees, water, insects, and the sky looks like it is not controlled by people in a tower far above. Owen’s story takes place in an unspecified year in the future, where humans must live in controlled environments within domes because strong radiation from the sun makes living outside deadly. Owen has a special opportunity to leave his own dome to attend a special camp. When Owen almost drowns taking a swim test and finds he has developed gills, we begin to understand just how special this camp is. During his time at Camp Eden, Owen befriends several CITs who also have gills, discovers he is descended from an ancient race called the Atlanteans, and begins to uncover the horrors the camp director is hiding. As the first book in “The Atlanteans” series, Emerson has set up an intriguing story filled with mystery, adventure, rivalry and romance. He also has created a vision of the future that is both impressive in its imagined technology and terrifying because of its realistic nature. 

Book Recommendations

Attention all blog readers (I know there must be one or two of you out there...):

I need book recommendations!

I need to read 10 additional YA books for my class, 3 of which must be written by the same author. Series books are allowed. I am trying to steer clear of fantasy and sci-fi because I have already read so many. I want to branch out and try something new.

Any suggestions?

Review: God Went To Beauty School

God Went to Beauty School
by Cynthia Rylant

God Went to Beauty School is a small book (56 pages) of poetry. The poems are about God, and what His life would be like if He lived like a human. Each poem describes a new experience God would have in His human life, which helps Him identify and appreciate His creations. Also, the poems describe some of the stresses and difficulties of being the all-powerful creator of the world.

I don’t know exactly why, but I loved this book. When I picked it up I might have rolled my eyes and thought, “Well…at least it’s short.” As soon as I started, though, I couldn’t stop.

Review: The First Part Last

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson is a story about a 16 year old boy, Bobby, who gets his girlfriend pregnant and then has to raise their daughter, Feather. From the very beginning, the audience knows that Bobby is basically raising Feather on his own. His parents help him, but Bobby is regularly reminded that they are only Grandma and Grandpa. Bobby is Daddy.
The book is set up alternating between “now,” or Bobby’s life as a father, and “then,” Bobby’s life leading up to the birth of his daughter starting with him finding out his girlfriend, Nia, is pregnant. Throughout the “then” parts we can see that Bobby and Nia cared deeply about one another, and wonder why Nia is not present in the “now” sections. Is she dead? Did she run away? What happened?
As the “then” parts become closer in time to the “now” parts, we meet Bobby’s friends, family, and find out what happened to Nia.
It was more of a good-kids-make-a-bad-decision story than anything else. It is clear that Bobby and Nia are not into drugs and alcohol, and were raised knowing the possible consequences of having unprotected sex. They are both presented as smart kids who just weren’t thinking clearly in the heat of the moment.