What Happened to Cass McBride? By Gail Giles

Full Name:  Naorin H grade: 11

Title: What Happened to Cass McBride? By Gail Giles

What was your impression of this book? Excellent

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes  

What was your favorite part? 

My favorite parts were when Cass tried to talk her way out of her grave. She tried to apply all of the things her father had taught her but ultimately failed because of a small mistake. I think these were also the parts in which most of the background story was revealed about both Cass’s and Kyle’s family.

Who was your favorite character? Why? 

My favorite character was Cass because instead of freaking out like most teenage girls would do, she tries to remain calm and collected and to talk her way out. 

  

Write a small summary (w/out giving away the ending)       

Cass McBride is buried alive by Kyle for supposedly causing his little brother David to kill himself. Told from 3 different perspectives in different time frames, this story describes how and why Cass was buried alive and how she tries to get out as the police look for her.                    

                  

Additional Comments

I really enjoyed reading this book. Some readers may not like that the perspective alternates every chapter, but it didn’t bother me and I liked reading the story from all three perspectives. 

What Happened to Cass McBride by Gail Giles

Full Name:  Hannah C. grade: 9

Title & Author: What Happened to Cass McBride by Gail Giles

What was your impression of this book? Good

Would you recommend this book to a friend: Yes

What was your favorite part? Although the book in general was good, I think I have two favorite parts. The first was when Cass started becoming hysterical after she found out she was buried alive. It really expressed the terror she felt. Another reason it's my favorite part is that she is a shallow, manipulative, self-centered person, and I felt she needed to be put down a peg or two. My second favorite part was when Kyle almost killed his mother. His mother was a cruel, shallow, and vain person and she deserved to die slowly and horribly.

Who was your favorite character? Why?  My favorite character was David, Kyle’s brother. From what I read about him, he was a shy and awkward person. However, I believe that he was also strong, managing to somehow survive day by day under his mother’s verbal, mental and psychological torture. Plus, I’m a sucker for shy, clumsy abuse victims (I just wanted to cuddle him so bad when I found out what his mother had done to him).

Write a small summary (w/out giving away the ending)

                    

Kyle Kirby blames Cass McBride, the most popular girl in school, for his brother’s death. So he kidnaps her and buries her alive, planning to keep her there forever. But Cass gets him to talk and uses the power of words to keep herself alive during the most terrifying event in her life.

Guest Posting by Bethany M. (11th grader) for Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony and Rodrigo Corral

What was your impression of the book? Good
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes

What was your favorite part?
I liked when Glory was constantly being sent trinkets and memorabilia by her love, Francisco. It is the epitome of both love and separation. 

Who was your favorite character? Why?
I liked Francisco. He was the main character, Glory's new love. As they are torn apart by fame and distance itself, he keeps certain to remember Glory.

Write a small summary:

Gloria Fleming, a young piano prodigy, had a blossoming career and a flourishing (unapproved) love life. After being taken to doctors and rest institutions, Glory is classified as missing. Her love of Francisco,  a young artist new to her school, may be all that can keep her sane.

Additional feedback:

Although I am not a fan of graphic novels (usually), I loved Chopsticks. It was both haunting and romantic and offered a peek into the characters lives unseen in ordinary books of text. 

I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly and JM Ken Niimura

I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly and JM Ken Niimura

click on the book review to enlarge

I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly and JM Ken Niimura

Full name: Naorin H. Grade Level: 10

Title & Author: I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly and JM Ken Niimura

What was your impression of the book? Okay

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes

What was your favorite part?  

My favorite part was when Barbara stood up to Taylor in the cafeteria when Taylor told her to move to a different table.
Who was your favorite character? Why?  
My favorite character was Barbara because she was so sassy and always 

had a quick come back

Write a small summary (without giving away the ending) 

Barbara Thorson has a tough life for a fifth grader. She is looked after by her older sister who is hardly able to juggle work and her family. She is tormented by bullies. And on top of all that, she kills giants. Then, Sophia, a new girl, shows up and decides to be Barbara's friend. As Sophia and the guidance counselor Mrs. Molle try to come to Barbara's aid, Barbara realizes she has to come to terms with reality.

Little Brother by Cor Doctorow

Name: Sara G. Grade: 10

Title & Author:  Little Brother by Cor Doctorow

What was your impression of this book?:  Good.

Would you recommend this book to a friend: Yes.

What was your favorite part? 

My favorite part is when Evangeline cures the butterfly without even noticing it. I liked it because butterflies often represent change and this scene definitely foreshadows the big change that was about to occur in the book, which pushed me into finishing it. 
Who was your favorite character? Why?My favorite character is Evangeline because she is very real, her character displays pretty well a sixteen year old girl. I think this helped the story a lot since the was some reality to all the crazyness that was going on.

Write a small summary (without giving away the ending)

Barbara, a young, creative girl, is facing a tough time in her life. Her mother is suffering from cancer, and her sister, Karen, although giving all she can give isn't able to hold up the house without her. Barbara is bullied in school constantly by a girl named Taylor, and she is constantly pestered by school guidance counselors and principals. But, Barbara meets a new girl named Sophie who may be able to accept her for who she is and what she does...kill giants. 

Write a small summary (without giving away the ending)

Evangeline, sixteen year old girl has to deal with a family secret that will change her life, her appearance and meet eye to eye who she really is.

I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly

Name: Bethany Grade: 10

Title & Author:  I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly and J.M. Ken Niimura (illustrator) 

What was your impression of this book?:  Okay

Would you recommend this book to a friend: No

What was your favorite part? 

I like when the main character, Barbara, met Sophia.  Even though a few seconds of a time with Sophia  allowed the reader to understand that she was quite the opposite of Barbara, optimistic and bubbly, to say the least.

Who was your favorite character? Why?

I liked Sophia.  She was so sweet, and stuck with Barbara even though any other person could have easily thought she was crazy. 

Write a small summary (without giving away the ending)

Barbara, a young, creative girl, is facing a tough time in her life. Her mother is suffering from cancer, and her sister, Karen, although giving all she can give isn't able to hold up the house without her. Barbara is bullied in school constantly by a girl named Taylor, and she is constantly pestered by school guidance counselors and principals. But, Barbara meets a new girl named Sophie who may be able to accept her for who she is and what she does...kill giants. 

 Write a small summary (without giving away the ending)

The book was alright but it was way too short. I read the entire thing in an hour and I really don't like comic books so it's not my thing.  Plus, I'm not a fan of Dungeons and Dragons or any of that video-gaming stuff, but I read the book and found some comfort with Sophia and Ms. Mollie. 

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Name: Naorin H. Grade: 10

Title & Author: Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

What was your impression of this book?:  Excellent

Would you recommend this book to a friend: Yes  

What was your favorite part? My favorite part was when Marcus was being interrogated by the DHS after the terrorist attack. 

Who was your favorite character? Why?

My favorite character was Ange because she was like Marcus's backbone and encouraged him to continue his rebellion when he was in doubt.

Write a small summary (without giving away the ending)

Marcus Yallow is a senior in high school with great hacking skills. While playing an ARG, he and his friends get caught in a terrorist attack and are taken to be interrogated by the Department of Homeland Security. After Marcus and only 2 of his friends are released, Marcus does everything in his power to take down the DHS and save his 3rd friend who was never released. 

Curse of the Shamra by Barry Hoffman

Name: Naorin H. Grade: 10

Title & Author: Curse of the Shamra by Barry Hoffman

What was your impression of this book?:  Okay

Would you recommend this book to a friend: No 

What was your favorite part? My favorite part was when Pilla’s sister Rhea saves Heber from a Screech by cutting off his arm. 

Who was your favorite character? Why?

My favorite character was Glondel, because he found a clever way to rid the Shamra community of the Trocs without fighting.

Write a small summary (without giving away the ending)

Dara, a Shamra female, has to put together a rebellious army to save her Shamra country from the Trocs who have invaded them and enslaved the citizens.

Stealing Kevin’s Heart by M. Scott Carter

Name: Nav T Grade: 10

Title & Author: Stealing Kevin’s Heart by M. Scott Carter

What was your impression of this book?: Okay

Would you recommend this book to a friend: No  

What was your favorite part?

When the noises are heard in the girls’ cabin, the suspense built up unlike the rest of the story.

Who was your favorite character? Why?

The man trying to rape Rachel was in all honesty my favorite character because without him the plot would be extremely bland.

Write a small summary (without giving away the ending)

A boy and his best friend Kevin end up in a tragic motorcycle accident which ends up killing Kevin.  The boy becomes depressed and is sent to a camp to deal with his issues, where he meets the love of his life.

Pandora's key by Nancy Richardson Fischer

Name: Nav T Grade: 10

Title & Author: Pandora’s Key by Nancy Richardson Fischer

What was your impression of this book?: Good

 Would you recommend this book to a friend:Yes

What was your favorite part?

My favorite part of the story was when Tristan’s true identity was revealed. It was very stunning and hid well from my perspective.

Who was your favorite character? Why?

My favorite character would have to be Maddedy because of his personality and back story. The way he was built up made him an interesting part in the story.  Also, his ailment added mystery and excitement into the mix.

Write a small summary (without giving away the ending)

A young and awkward girl named Evangeline whose sixteen years old has to deal with the hospitalization of her mother, who is her own family member.  She had only her inherited key and her friends.  It is then revealed to her who she really is, forcing her to fight an order known as the Archivists and a lethal sect of only females.

Additional feedback (optional)

It got boring and bland at times.  Mostly due to the feminine issues (her hair and body) she dealt with which didn’t interest me at all.

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Name: Mario Grade: 11

Title & Author: Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

What was your impression of this book?: Excellent

Would you recommend this book to a friend:Yes

What was your favorite part?

My favorite part was when Tyler finally got the girl of his dreams. 

Who was your favorite character? Why?

Tyler Miler is my favorite character in this book. The reason is because well he's sort of an outcast, and his life got very interesting, and what he did as well. 

Write a small summary (without giving away the ending)

Tyler Miller finally got the girl, but things turn for the worst. He became big but there was a party and of course the crowd and peer pressure over whelmed Tyler's crush/girlfriend...she became drunk and things were posted about her and produced a huge scandal that Tyler got mixed up in.  Lastly he got separated once again and wanted to end things permanently with himself.

Additional feedback (optional)

Amazing book. Loved it.

Pandora's Key by Nancy Richardson Fischer

Name: Naorin H. Grade: 10

Title & Author: Pandora's Key by Nancy Richardson Fischer

Would you recommend this book to a friend: Yes

What was your favorite part?

My favorite part is when Evangeline and Raphe go to the old clock tower to look

for Samantha. Evangeline shows bravery she didn't know she had until that

point and they discover some clues to Evangeline's family history and who

Samantha is.

Who was your favorite character? Why?

My favorite character is Dr. Sullivan, because he helps Evangeline and Raphe out

without knowing much about them. He lost his pregnant wife and deals with a lot

in his private life as it is but he reaches out to the teens and cares for them

anyway.

Write a small summary (without giving away the ending)

Evangeline is a shy and awkward girl who doesn't think much of herself. On

her sixteenth birthday, her mother gives her a necklace with a key locket and

her life changes forever. Not only does her appearance change, but her mom, the

only family she has, is hospitalized. Things get worse when she discovers her

godmother trying to end her mother's life and Evangeline has to come to

terms with the truth about herself.

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Name: Naorin H.  Grade: 10               

Title & Author: Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

               

What was your impression of the book?  Excellent

Would you recommend this book to a friend: Yes

What was your favorite part?

My favorite part is when Tyler is ready to run away and he goes to get the gun from his dad’s room. Holding the gun in his hand and coming close to ending his life made Tyler realize that running away from his problems isn’t the answer and neither is death.

                       

Who was your favorite character? Why?

My favorite character is Tyler, because he goes through a lot in the story but he tries to make the right choices that will benefit those around him. Even if he wants something, he won’t do it if it’s not right. He demonstrated this at the Halloween party when he didn’t let things get out of hand with Bethany because she was drunk.

                       

Write a small summary (without giving away the ending)

Tyler Miller was a loser until he got arrested. All of a sudden, he has a new image and the most popular girl in school is interested in him. But just when life starts to look good for him, it gets twisted and he has to deal with his grades, dad, girl, girl’s brother, and even the police.

Stealing Kevin's Heart by M. Scott Carter

Name: Mario C.  Grade: 11

What was your impression of the book? Okay

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes/No 

                          

What was your favorite part?       

When the boys went racing
Who was your favorite character? Alex.
Summary                

To boys or teens should I say that are friends always go racing, but this this time there was a mishap. Kevin got hit by a drunk driver, and died.

Additional Comments Well to me this book was just boring and I felt that I had to force myself to read it.

Stealing Kevin's Heart by M. Scott Carter

Name: Sara G.  Grade: 10

What was your impression of the book? Good

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes 

                          

What was your favorite part?       

I absolutely loved Alex and Rachel’s special connection; that they can feel it when they need each other. I really liked the idea of Alex waking up in the middle of the night feeling uneasy, taking a walk outside and realizing Rachel is about to get raped. I also enjoyed their conversations and the fact that Alex would only open up to Rachel because his instincts tell him to trust her.
Who was your favorite character? Why?  

My favorite character is Rachel. Rachel is able to get Alex out of his own darkness, something his parents and friends weren’t able to. She has been through a lot and yet she manages to shine among the kids in the camp. She’s not judgmental and she respect herself enough to confront her truths; although, Alex helps her accept herself later on in the story, she is a strong and confidence.
Summary                

After the death of his best friend Kevin, Alex falls into a deep depression. When Alex, a typical teenager, turns suicidal he is sent to a summer camp facility in Oklahoma where he is supposed to be watched and monitored. Alex meets a girl named Rachel, whom he feels drawn to from their first encounter. They develop a relationship and a connection that can only be described as a “Sixth Sense”, as they both make peace with the dramas that drove them to the camp.    

Stealing Kevin's Heart by M. Scott Carter

Name: Naorin H.  Grade: 10

What was your impression of the book?Good

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes 

                          

What was your favorite part?       

My favorite part is when Alex first runs into Rachel and Danny by the lake at Wah-Sha-She Center. Rachel and Danny were having an argument when Danny began to get violent.  Although Alex was not planning on getting involved much at the camp, he felt drawn to the scene opening up in front of him, as if there was something calling him forward. He felt the need to help Rachel and get Danny away from her, even though she was a complete stranger. I loved this part because Alex was acting on impulse and doing the first humane thing since Kevin’s death..

Who was your favorite character? Why?  

My favorite character is Alex because he grows a lot throughout the book. He starts off as a depressed and angry teenager who blames himself for the death of his best friend, Kevin. Alex’s depression may have been unpleasant, but it was a realistic result of the tragedy he had to deal with. As the story progresses, Rachel is able to bring out Alex’s good side and she helps him heal.

Summary                

Alex is a typical teenager until his best friend, Kevin, dies in a motorcycle accident. Scarred from witnessing the death and convinced it was his fault; Alex falls into a state of depression that almost leads him to suicide. His parents send him away to Wah-Sha-She Center to help him get over the death. There, he meets Rachel and immediately feels a connection to her. Rachel helps Alex get better and they soon realize they are connected by more than just summer memories....

Additional feedback (optional)

Although I enjoyed reading this book, it was a bit predictable and went a little slow at times. I would still recommend it to readers who are looking for a light story to read.

Stealing Kevin's Heart by M. Scott Carter

Name: Mrs. Valerie Giambona, librarian

What was your impression of the book? Good

Would you recommend this book to a friend?  Yes  

                          

What was your favorite part?       

“ Life’s not fair, the difference between the winners and losers is that the winners never give up.”

Who was your favorite character? Why?  

Alex was the main character, and likeable. He suffers through and endures a bad situation. Feeling alone, guilty, and grief stricken, his sadness brings him to the unthinkable. 

Summary

In a small town, Alex and Kevin have been friends since kindergarten. Now seniors in high school, they have so much to look forward too. Then a horrible accident happens and Alex blames himself. Feeling this great sadness and tragedy Alex suffers in silence. His parents send him to a summer camp for troubled youths in the wilds of southeastern Oklahoma. There Alex finds the friends and support he needs to heal, and look forward to the future. Love survives...............

Additional feedback (optional)

Stealing Kevin’s Heart had a predictable plot. A good read with a great message to its readers. The walls we build around us to keep sadness out also keeps out the joy.

Stealing Kevin's Heart by M. Scott Carter

Name: Bethany M.  Grade: 10

What was your impression of the book? Good

Would you recommend this book to a friend?  Yes 

                          

What was your favorite part?       

I loved the part when Alex, Rachel, and their friends visit Kevin’s grave to perform a special ceremony of stones atop the grave. When they were departing the cemetery, Rachel slammed on the brakes of the car only to see her recently broken bracelet glimmering next to the grave. That part was so special! It left sort of a supernatural feeling and I loved it! It was a great ending.

Who was your favorite character? Why?  

I loved Rachel. It’s probably pretty predictable, I’d say. But,

She’d been through so much in her life and she was so strong. I loved the fact that Alex had been there for her in her weakest moments and the strong connection they felt. Rachel reminded me of my best friend who had a heart transplant. Brave people, they are.

Summary                

Alex Anderson and Kevin Rubenstein are absolute best friends. Their differences are what make them so compatible, and they couldn’t imagine life without one another. That is, until Alex needs to live through the unimaginable. Kevin is killed in a horrid motorcycle accident, and without anyone to lean on, Alex becomes more and more frustrated with the world. Blistering fury and overwhelming sadness and reminiscence of Kevin are the only ways that Alex can cope. With the world now turned away from him, Alex is sent by his parents to a summer camp to try and help his emotional distress. He believes he can no longer struggle through life without his best mate by his side, until he meets a beautiful Texas angel that shows him what life really means to people.         

Additional feedback (optional)

This was a good book! My only criticism at the moment is that I didn’t enjoy how long it took to get Alex to the camp. To me, it was lots of pages wasted on anger and anger and more anger. However, perhaps without the anger, the book wouldn’t have left the same effect. Not my favorite book, but definitely not the worst I’ve ever read.