Codes for Reviews

First Initial (Overall Rating):
E = Exceptional
VG = Very Good
G = Good
F = Fair
NR = Not Recommended

Second Initital (Reading Level):
A = Average Reading Level
E = Easy
M = Mature

“The views expressed are of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of their respective institutions.”

For more information about YAR, please email Dora Ho at dorah2005@gmail.com


Wednesday, October 27, 2010

A WISH AFTER MIDNIGHT

Elliott, Zetta. A Wish After Midnight. Amazon Encore, 2010. 288p. 9780982555057. 12.95

Genna is a 15 year old girl living in Brooklyn, in a world of drugs and poverty. In her quiet garden sanctuary, she wishes for a different life. One day she finds herself in Civil War Era Brooklyn, a free black maid in a doctor's family. A wonderful story of real life and time travel.
Barbara Bozman, LAPL, Memorial Branch.

Ghosts of War

GHOSTS OF WAR: THE TRUE STORY OF A 19 YEAR OLD GI
Ryan Smithson. Ghosts of war. HarperTeen. 2009. 307 p. 978-0-06-166468-7. 16.99

Ryan joined the Reserves at 17 and was deployed to Iraq at 19. In this memoir, we learn what the daily life of an Army Engineer is really like. This book is not pro or anti war. It is the true experience of one young man. Barbara Bozman, LAPL, Memorial Branch.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Popville

VG/E Boisrobert, Anouck and Rigaud, Louis. Popville. Roaring Brook, 2010. 16p. 978-1596435933. 16.99

This little pop-up book illustrates the growth of a new city with each turn of the page. The only words are on the final page, so it’s probably geared to a younger audience. It would be a great book in the classroom for all ages though, because it could generate discussion on many topics regarding city growth, including environmental effects and social issues. Loren Spector, LAPL, Felipe de Neve.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Beat the Band

G/A Calame, Don. Beat the Band. Candlewick, 2010. 400p. 978-0763646332. 16.99.

It’s sophomore year for the boys from Swim the Fly and this time their antics are being narrated by Coop. The boys are all assigned partners in their health class and Coop gets paired with the worst possible girl in class, Helen. To try to save his social status he enters the trio into the battle of the bands, even though none of them really know how to play any instruments. Just like in the first book, hilarity ensues. Loren Spector, LAPL, Felipe de Neve.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours

Middle School Fiction

G/A Springer, Kristina. My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours. FSG, 2010. 180 p.

When Tori's BFF Sienna comes back from summer vacation with a stories of her new boyfriend, Tori knows she's lying. Instead of calling her on it, she decides to make up her own wonderful boyfriend. Soon they are gaining new friends and popularity but what about the big dance? Will Tori and Sienna finally tell the truth?

A cute, fast read about middle school friendship.

Sarah Mae Harper, CoLAPL- AC Bilbrew Library

Don't Stalk the Admissions Officer

High School Nonfiction

VG/A Lewak, Risa. Don't Stalk the Admissions Officer. Ten Speed Press, 2010. 198 p.

This book covers everything from deciding where to apply to how to decide if a gap year is right for you and everything in between. With irreverent quizzes and checklists, the author has taken a sometimes stressful topic and made it humorous. Her experience as an admissions counselor and alumni interviewer provides valuable insights which make this guide a must-read for anyone considering college.

Sarah Mae Harper, CoLAPL, AC Bilbrew Library