Something Upstairs by Avi

The book Something Upstairs, a Scholastic book was about a twelve year old boy named Kenny Huldorf who goes back in time to help a friend named Caleb. Kenny meets this “friend” in his room and only he can see him. It is really interesting and even a little scary. It is a fictional story about friendship and how unfairly African American’s were treated in the past. The story seems like it could really happen. It has ghosts, adventure and mystery. I hope you like the book as much as I did.

~Wendi

Tyger Tyger by K. R, Hamilton

The novel Tyger Tyger, by Kersten Hamilton, is a very interesting and enjoyable story. The story is about a teenage girl who has her life planned out, but everything changes when Finn, a relative of her mother, comes to vist. Stange things began occuring, and at first Teagan is unsure whether what she is seeing and experiencing is real, or simply her mind playing tricks on her. She soon learns from Finn that the strange creatures she has been seeing are real, and Finn, Tea, and her brother set off on an adventure to fight the goblins and evil from Mag Mell and to protect their family.
The were parts in the story that talked about face book and myspace and I liked the fact that the story was based in modern times. The story that is told about Teagan ,the main character, and how the story shifts from reality to fantasy is another aspect of why I enjoyed this book. I feel young adults and teenagers would be able to relate to some of the things that happened in this story, such as when Teagan met Finn, and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an intresting and good book to read.

~Justin, Teen Book Reviewer

A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper

In A Brief History of Montmaray Sophie FitzOsborne is a royal sixteen-year old girl living in a crumbling castle on the island Kingdom of Montmaray. She records her adventures in a well-hidden journal. She writes about everyday things like her mentally disoriented Uncle throwing chamber pots around his room, or other things like a pair of Germans trespassing the island. Each character has their own traits, and every person is different. For example, there is Henry. She is a tomboy who often does dangerous things without thinking. Then there is Victoria, who is beautiful and brilliant and likes political debates. Each character has a very important role in the book and their different personalities make the story come alive. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good plot, with some history, and a dash of supernatural. I thought that the story was really strong--even until the very end. I don’t know if there will be a sequel, but if so, I would love to read another adventure of Sophie FitzOsborne!

-Morgan, Teen Book Reviewer

Brain Jack by Brian Falkner

Brain Jack by Brian Falkner is a great book. It is about a senior named Sam, who is a computer hacker. In a world where one of the biggest cities was turned into a desert after a terrorist attack, and many turn to video game addiction, Sam is still living his is life. After the biggest hack in the world, Sam's life becomes a dream. Then, when he accused of attacking a government official, he, along with two of his friends, becomes fugitives, and that dream turns into a nightmare. He is on the run from the largest thing in the world, the internet itself. He has no way of escaping. The internet is everywhere, every computer, phone, headset, and satellite on Earth and in space, is the internet. How can Sam run from something that has a bird's eye view on the entire world? How can 3 teenagers defeat the internet?

Brain Jack is a pretty lengthy novel, but a great read. It is very interesting. There is a twist in every chapter. I suggest it to anyone who enjoys fiction books, adventure books, or loves computers. Brain Jack is amazing.

Ravjot, Teen Book Reviewers

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Please Ignore Vera Dietz is a big mystery book. Vera Dietz, the main character in the story, is an eighteen year old pizza delivery girl who has many, many issues. Her mother gave birth to her at seventeen years old and left Vera and her Dad when Vera was only twelve. Her mother was also a stripper, but Vera tries to make sure no one knows about that. Her Dad is having problems trying to raise Vera. He also tries to get Vera be a blue-collar person in life, just like himself. Though Vera’s biggest problem was her childhood friend, Charlie Kahn, dying. The only problem is that nobody knows what happened before his death or how he really died. Only Vera really knows, but she doesn’t want to talk about or know about it because she believes Charlie betrayed her after hanging out with the detention kids and druggies. But as her life goes on, Charlie begins to haunt her. Vera believes he is trying to get her to clear his name. Vera remembers her past and links it to the present to try and find out how to clear Charlie’s name and find out all that happened to him.
Please Ignore Vera Dietz is a story with many twists and turns and surprising things happening to the characters as you read along. I would recommend this book to anyone older then 16 years old as it does include strong language. However, I still enjoyed reading through this book.
~Ronald, Teen Book Reviewer

Trapped by Michael Northrop

The book Trapped is a very interesting book by Michael Northrop. In the book, three friends and four other students are the last in the high school to be picked up after everybody else went home early due to a massive snow storm. Unfortunately the students get trapped in the school when the blizzard gets out of control and forces them to stay in the school. Everything seems fine until the power goes out and the heat. The water pipes freeze so there’s no water and even part of the school roof collapses and one of them dies. Stuck there, they have to learn to work together and survive on what the school provides and the extreme cold environment. The beginning was kind of slow but you get pulled in quickly. It’s a good suspenseful story with great characters and a good plot. It’s a real page turner and got me hooked. It even has a little bit of romance between the characters. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes some suspense and who is looking for something new and original. Next time you’re at the library come check this book out.

~Josh, Teen Book Reviewer

Rose Sees Red by Cecil Castellucci

The book Rose Sees Red by Cecil Castellucci was a quick, yet intriguing read. I personally could see aspects of my own life through the words of Castellucci. Her captivating story about a young girl in love with dance displays the reality of the jealous friends that try to get in one's way of success. Rose finds a great friend in her neighbor from Russia, Yrena, who shows her that life is truly worth living and enjoying. The experiences that these two share together demonstrate the true bond of friendship that Rose had never before known. She was always use to being bosses around by her former best friend, Daisy. What Rose soon finds out was that Daisy held her back all along and that her real passion should be pursued: dance.
Rose has given up. She's given up on friendship, on happiness, on life being anything other than black, black, black. Yrena wants out. She's a dancer who doesn't want to dance, a prisoner in her own home, a resident of New York who never gets to see the city. To Rose, Yrena has always been the Russian girl who lives next door, seen through the window but never spoken to. At least not until Yrena crashes into Rose's room-and Rose's life-and sets in motion a night in New York City that none of them will ever forget.
I personally could relate to Rose as her friend controlled her every move and she finally let go of her in order to fufill her own expectations about life. I believe that the book involved Rose's coming of age as she ventures out into the strange and unknown streets of NYC with a girl who she had just met (Yrena). Also, I could see the point that the author might be aiming at: learn to trust again after being hurt by someone you love. It is important for any girl to be able to trust those around her. I personally, unlike Rose, would not have trusted a former friend such as Daisy. Daisy was far too controlling in the beginning-- how would she ever be able to change?
This book was a fast read. It took me about two weeks to complete. I enjoyed the fast pace and flow of the book. If you're looking for a fast and entertainning read, be sure to pick up Rose Sees Red at the library.
~Brittany, Teen Book Reviewer

The Not-So-Great Depression

The Not-So-Great Depression is a book that a majority of middle school students can relate to considering our current economy. Everything seems to be going well for Jacki, a big house with money never being an issue, until now. Jacki’s mother has been laid off which put her family in a financial crisis. Many problems begin to unravel as her mom’s struggles to find a job. Jacki, an optimist, tries to look on the brighter side of her family’s crisis. But is it enough? This book shows the financial difficulties experienced by a family that many people can relate to, but is draped with entertainment and humor. This book is a realistic fun book, so I highly recommend this book!
-Nisha

Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick

Revolver is a great book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Though the story is hard to follow because it jumps around in history a bit it is still readable. The main character Sig, after the unfortunate death of his father, finds himself with a stranger who is asking about receiving the payment of half his father’s gold. Sig has no idea what the stranger is talking about and finds himself beat up because he doesn’t know if his father has any gold. The story jumps around a bit and you learn that his mother was murdered and that a little faith can go a long way.
Revolver is a great book and I would recommend it to any of my friends. It is filled with sorrow and suspense. If you like books with suspense than this is the book for you. You also will feel sadness toward the main character because of everything he went through in his life. And remember even the dead tell stories…..
~Wesley, Teen Book Reviewer

Reality Check by Jen Calonita

Reality Check was a page turning novel that I would recommend to any one and everyone. It reflects on the effects of reality T.V. in the new world in which we live. In the book four main characters who are also best friends enter a reality T.V. show and watch how their lives and friendship crumble. Each chapter took you into a new episode of their T.V. show "Charlie's Angels". The book had the same effect on me as would a real television show. At the end of any real reality T.V. show you are left anxiously waiting to discover what will happen on the next episode. Reality Check by Jen Calonita made it so that every chapter made you anxiously read the next. The book can be described by no adjective less than fantastic or outstanding. I already made my little sister read it!

~Jordan, Teen Book Reviewer

Papercraft

Paper craft is the art of cutting and folding paper into fun shapes and a great way to keep yourself amused when it's just too cold or rainy to go outside and there is nothing good on TV. It's also a great way to amuse siblings or baby sitting charges as long as you stick to simpler creations.

Cubeecraft provides fun full color templates that you can print, cut out and fold into your favorite video game, movie, cartoon and book characters, such as Mario Bros, Scott Pilgrim, various incarnations of Batman and the guys from Ghost Busters. They also have various inanimate objects, such as the mushrooms from Mario Bros, and pretty much every video game console. Each item is marked with a difficulty level between one (the easiest) and five (the hardest) scissors.

Another great papercraft site is Boxpunx. They have all kinds of crazy and fun unique monsters that you can cut out and create. They also have selection of blanks; the cutting template is there but you can create your own designs.

A thicker paper is recommended for this; I used 24 lb paper. You can use regular paper, but it is much harder. You can use scissors to cut everything out but it is much easier to use an exacto knife to cut the slots, and also make sure to put cardboard or some kind of mat underneath your paper, so you don't cut tables or floors. Make sure to double check the printing directions on the site, if you aren't careful you could end up losing tabs.

Three Black Swans by Caroline B. Cooney

Missy Vianello appears very interested upon hearing about new born babies in the radio. However, life turns upside down when Missy has to make a scientific class project. She chooses to make a hoax about herself and her cousin, Claire who is exactly a copy of Missy. They are truly alike with the same appearance, thoughts and actions. With the present in peril, Claire and Missy makes a video about the two girls being twins and puts it on YouTube. This might open the key to the world’s attention and one other infamous person and look alike of the cousins: Genevieve. However, Genevieve, Claire and Missy are all mirror images of themselves, each having different parents. When a school project brings them all together, relationships are revealed and the secrets come out. Are they really adopted or are they just triplets? The three girls are very intrigued about the “Three Black Swans”. Will Claire, Missy and Genevieve find the truth about the three black swans? Read this book to find out. I would recommend this book to teens who like the author Caroline Cooney, and teens who like to read science fiction novels.
~Erem, Teen Book Reviewer

A Gift of Magic by Lois Duncan

A Gift of Magic is when three young kids inherit gifts. Brendon receives the gift of music. Nancy gets the gift of magic and the most interesting gift. Kirby receives the gift of dance. As Nancy and Kirby develop their gifts they both realize that these gifts are not just toys. They have to be used carefully and delicately. They both have some difficulties, like when Nancy gets in trouble and is accused of cheating when she accidentally used her gift and when Kirby hurts herself and has to recover and get back on her feet. They all have to attend public school for the first time and has to overcome fears and in Brendon’s case, bullies. I enjoyed this book very much because I love fantasy and because you learn a lesson in this book: Don’t give up and follow your dream. I hope you guys enjoy it too!
- Alex, Teen Book Reviewer

Gringolandia by Lyn Miller- Lachmann

I recently finished a book titled: Gringolandia by Lyn Miller - Lachmann. I enjoyed this book very much. This book was very interesting and intriguing to read. It is about a young boy named Daniel whose father (Marcelo) writes a newspaper that exposes Chile's military regime. Marcelo was then put into jail. His family were forced to flee the country and started a new life in the United States while the father was in jail. Many years later, Marcelo was bailed out of jail, and came to join his family in the United States. He was tortured in jail, and is paralyzed in half of his body. He cannot be touched, and no one can come near him without him cringing. Although he was tortured there, he still wants to return to Chile to make it a safer place to live. After doing many things to speak about the current state of Chile, he then planned to return to Chile. After returning to Chile, Marcelo says he wants to make Chile a safer place to live, or he will die trying. A few years later, Marcelo tells Daniel that he has done it. He has achieved his goal, after all of his hard work! Daniel decides to move back to Chile and live there with Marcelo. In the end, they develop a close bond, and Marcelo is no longer afraid of being close to people, and he learns the true meaning of family. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story with a lot of action, adventure, and a bit of history. If you enjoy history and adventure, then this book is PERFECT for you. Thank you for reading my review of this book!
~Brynn, Teen Book Reviewer

Z by Michael Thomas Ford

The book I read is called Z by Michael Thomas Ford. This is about a teen named Josh, and his friends on a game about killing zombies. This book takes place far in the future after a virus spread and turned humans into zombies by mutating their brain. After armies of “Torchers”, wiped out the infection, Josh was born. He has no experience with actual zombies and treats the game like it is harmless but hurts his mom on the inside because of what she has experienced with zombies in her family. Josh meets up with those friends from his game in real life and he gets involved in some underground Z making system. Z is the virus that is produced from zombie blood. This wasn’t a scary book but it did have suspense. I would definitely recommend this book to those who like fiction that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
~Rayne, Teen Book Reviewer

Slick by Sara Cassidy

Slick is a high-interest novel packed with action and is fun and quick to read. Liza is a thirteen-year-old girl whose parents recently got divorced, but her mom already has a new boyfriend. Liza hates her mother’ new boyfriend and is suspicious that he is up to no good. Liza discovers that her mothers’ boyfriend, whose name is Slick, owns an oil company that has a history of political disputes with the Guatemalan Farmers. Liza researches more into politics and forms a group in school to combat Slick’s oil company, Argenta oil. As she plans more and more on her strategy to combat Argenta oil, tension grows between Liza, her mom, and Slick. It’s an interesting novel that introduces a young teenage girl to the world of politics, and could do the same to any young teenage reader.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it as a quick fun read for any teenager. It is entertaining and politically educational. Even though the main character is a female it is certainly a good read for and gender.
~Derek, Teen Book Reviewers

Found: The Missing by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Found: The Missing is the first book in the series; Found, by Margaret Peterson Haddix. The book was a dark mystery story about Jonah, and his best friend Chip. Jonah is an adopted 13 year old who knows full well and accepts the fact that he is adopted. His parents love him just as much as they love their younger daughter, Katherine, who is directly related. The story takes of when Jonah and Chip (also an adopted child) start receiving strange letters from an unnamed sender. The letters explain they are of "the missing" and that people were out to get them and that they should beware. They also learn that they were found on a plane, which disappeared, full of babies with no adults, not even a pilot. Chip, Jonah, and his younger sister Katherine are now determined to solve the strange mystery surrounding their past. Their paths cross intertwine with the FBI, ghostly apparitions, time travel, and a war between two conspiracies involving Jonah's and Chip's fate. It is difficult to explain more of the plot without giving to much away, but their are many twists.

I found the book exciting because the book makes you question what is going to happen next and how the events will unfold. It will leave you with many questions that keep you reading for the answers and how the events will come together. The book may be too dark for younger readers, but it is lightened by the the main characters' personalities. Young teens could maybe even relate to the main characters and the way they solved the problems they were faced with in the book. The way Haddix wrote the book and describes the events going on in the book makes it easy for young teens although the story is a complex mystery. It is nice to not have to read back a section multiple times because of complex wording. Instead, one can keep reading, looking for the next twist or answer. I think this book does a great job reaching out to its target audience, therefore, I definitely recommend; Found: The Missing.

~Ian, Teen Book Reviewers

The Miles Between by Mary E. Pearson

In The Miles Between Us Destiny is the new kid at school. Whenever she starts a new school, she tends to keep her distance from everyone. This is because she promised herself not to get attached to anyone because in the past, she had to move so many times, sadly leaving her friends behind. Against her better judgement, Destiny and her classmates Seth, Mira, and Aidan find a car and they go on the biggest adventure of their lives! Where will this adventure take them and most of all, will Destiny get attached to them?
I like this book because it is exciting and full of adventure! I think that anyone between the ages of 10 and 14 will enjoy this book. The book started off somewhat slow, but as I read it further, it took off and it became more interesting and entertaining.
~Sarah, Teen Book Reviewer

Demon Glass by Rachel Hawkins

Sophie Mercer, from the novel Demon Glass by Rachel Hawkins, isn't your typical girl. For one, she is a demon, being one of the two alive on Earth today. Also, her crush, Archer Cross, is working for The Eye, and may or may not being trying to murder her. Even more, Sophie, her vampire best friend Jenna, and her fiancee Cal, are being whisked away from their school, Hex Hall. They are being taken to England by none other than Sophie's dad who she hasn't seen in her life until now. All the while, Sophie has been thinking about going through a removal in order to become human, after she witnessed her great-grandmother Alice murder her friend and having to kill Alice herself. Read the book to find out the rest! I would rate this book eight out of ten stars because it is a book that has action and mystery in it, along with romance. It is also really funny because of Sophie's sense of humor! This is a great read for any teen but I do reccomend reading the books that come before this one in the Hex Hall series.

~Divya, Teen Book Reviewer

Double Helix by Nancy Werlin

The novel, Double Helix, by Nancy Werlin is a mystery for the science lover. It is about a boy named Eli Samuels, who while working at the prestigious Wyatt Transgenics Lab, discovers more about himself, his family, and the nature of his very existence. His father is completely against Eli working with Dr. Quincy Wyatt at the lab but for reasons unknown to Eli. Eli and his father have a strained relationship following the decline of Eli’s mother’s health. Mrs. Samuels suffers from Huntington’s disease, and because the disease is hereditary, Eli’s chance of having the same debilitating mental illness is a common theme in the story. Although Eli has a loving and intelligent girlfriend, he often distances himself from her and others due to the possibility of having Huntington’s disease and hurting them in the end. With that said, Eli is overjoyed with his position at Wyatt Transgenics because not only does he make a substantial amount of money but he also is able to explore his love of science. However, he soon realizes that Dr. Wyatt has a strange connection to his family, and the knowledge of the truth questions the very ethics of science and of his own existence.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book, but at times, I felt that the book was slow and uneventful. However, near the end, the book showed an intense array of action and thrill, one that both action buffs and science nerds would love.

~Jane, Teen Book Reviewer

2012 Authors Unlimited

The public libraries of Suffolk County in collaboration with St. Joseph’s College will
be holding their second annual Authors Unlimited event on Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10 am to4 pm at the St. Joseph’s College campus 155 West Roe Boulevard, Patchogue, NY.
Authors Unlimited provides an opportunity for teens to connect with young adult authors and
celebrate reading.

Authors scheduled to attend and present dynamic workshops for teens include: Michael D. Beil,
Sarah Beth Durst, Madeleine George, Christopher Grant, Lisa Greenwald, Adele Griffin, Paul Griffin, Jenny Han, Marthe Jocelyn, Janet Lee, Robert Lipsyte, David Nayeri, George O’Connor, Lauren Oliver, Dave Roman, and Mark Shulman.

No tickets required and admission is free. Preference will be given to teens for seating and workshops. Lunch is available for purchase in the St. Joseph’s cafeteria throughout the afternoon.

For further information and to see a complete list of event sponsors for Authors Unlimited go to http://www.authorsunlimited.org/ or call (631)286-1600 ext. 1352. You can also find us on Facebook! Don’t miss out on this exciting event!

Authors Unlimited is also looking for volunteers. Special perks include: exclusive breakfast with the authors, reserved auditorium seating for the authors' panel, and a community service certificate. To find out more about volunteering and how to apply, visit http://www.authorsunlimited.org/volunteer.htm.

Beatle Meets Destiny by Gabrielle Williams

Beatle Meets Destiny, by Gabrielle Williams, takes place in Melbourne, Australia and tells a charming story of teenage love, anxiety about school (both Beatle and Destiny are high school seniors), and the embarrassing and annoying aspects of one’s family. This book is written from the point of view of alternately Beatle and Destiny and the relaxed and witty writing style used by Williams further adds to the feelings of connection between the reader and the characters in the story.
Beatle, whose real name is John Lennon, meets Destiny McCartney (yes, Lennon and McCartney) at a tram station on Friday the 13th. Although there is an instant connection between the two, Beatle feels uneasy about asking Destiny out because he already has a girlfriend, who also happens to be his twin sister’s best friend, and who also happens to have stayed by Beatles side during the stroke that led to his limp leg. Meanwhile, Destiny feels an instant connection with Beatle. He is somewhat mysterious and he uses his wittiness and charm to win her over as opposed the usual “You’re my Destiny” pick-up lines that she had grown so used to hearing. The plot further thickens when Beatle discovers that his sister is secretly dating Destiny’s brother, Frank, who also happens to be their English teacher. Add in stalker, missing cats and undergarments, and the tapestry chair incident (it’s a long story) and trust me, you’re in for a long, but enjoyable ride.
I truly enjoyed Beatle Meets Destiny and it had me both laughing and on the edge of my chair for more until the very last page. Rumor has it that this book has been optioned for a motion picture, and I can’t wait to see the film!
~Alison, Teen Book Reviewer

Adios Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft

Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft is one of those books that feels like it is reality. This book reminds adults of their childhoods and relates to teenagers. This story is about a high school junior boy named Jonathan. Jonathan is on the verge of flunking out after his twin brother, Telly, was killed. This behavior is not normal for Jonathan. In fact, he was named Best Young Poet just last year. Since the death of his brother, Jonathan has not been the same and neither have his poetry and music. Jonathan used to be a guitar player with his brother. Although Jonathan wants to give up, his friends, mom, and teachers aren’t going to let him get off that easy. Jonathan ends up having to write the life story of a dying World War II veteran in order to pass junior year. David, the World War II veteran, and Jonathan have the mission of memorializing the old man’s wartime demons. Thus, the poet who cannot describe his own pain must find the words to describe someone else’s. This was a great book. It applies directly to teenagers in high school. However, teens of all ages can relate to Jonathan and his world. The characters in this novel are extremely realistic and at times the reader feels he/she is reading a factual story. I would recommend this book to any teenager, especially those in high school. Conrad Wesselhoeft manages to capture almost all emotions in this very interesting novel.
-- Jon, Teen Book Reviewer

Ender's Game: Battle School by Orson Scott Card

I read the book Ender's Game: Battle School by Orson Scott Card. This book is about a kid named Andrew Ender. The earth was attacked by aliens three times before this. His brother was supposed to be the one that goes to battle school but the leader chose Andrew. He believes that Andrew will save the earth from the Formics(aliens). The kids play Formics vs. Astronauts instead of cowboys and indians. Now Andrew goes to battle school. He is only six years old. You stay at battle school until you are sixteen. He wont see his family, and his siblings will be older and he probably wont recognize them. At battle school Andrew makes new friends. He spends a lot of time with them. He learns from them too. Battle school is based on the ranking you are. There is the first type of soldier, the second, than the third etc. He learns to fly and keep his balance while he trains in the battle school. In my opinion this book should be reccomended for early teenagers. I think this book is very interesting and very imaginative. Hopefully Ender will save the world. Will he or will he die in this war?

~Lucas, Teen Book Reviewer

Poetry for the HART Contest

The Town of Huntington Public Art Advisory Committee invites teen writers (ages 14-18) residing or attending school in the Town of Huntington to submit poems whichy they hva written for possible inclusion in Poetry for the Hart, a Public Art Initiative Teen Poetry Project.

Winners will have their poem: Displayed in interior advertising spaces of HART buses for one year; published in The Long Islander newspaper; posted in the Huntington Public Art Inventory on the Town of Huntington's website; and a recognition at public reception & opportunity to particpate in poetry reading with adult poet mentors.

All poems must be received no later then February 1, 2012.

For more information and entry forms click here.

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

The book I chose was The Iron Witch. I recommend this book to kids that like stories about alchemy and imaginary characters, like dragons and elf's. There is also a lot of drama in this book. The character Donna Underwood had a lot to deal with. She is an alchemist and had a choice to let her secret out to her best friend Navin or to keep it to herself, and keep him under suspense or maybe even lose him as a friend. Besides having to deal with that, she had the weight over her shoulders of having to keep a legacy of her parents being alchemists into perspective even though she didn't really want to do it. Donna has a lot of stress, but deals with it. She has distractions, she has a growing attraction to a guy named Xan. They were both attracted to each other since the first night they met; at a party. Donna didn't want to deal with the drama going down at the party, so she went upstairs and met Xan, who was the hostess but wasn't having fun at his own party. In my opinion, this book is a great book. Especially if you enjoy books about non-existent creatures, and magical powers.

~Arielle, Teen Book Reviewer

Solitary / Escape from Furnace 2 by Alexander Gordon Smith

Framed for murder, Alex and his friends try to escape from a prison called the Furnace in Solitary/Escape from Furnace 2. They are discovered by the warden and sent back to jail. Instead of their regular cells, they are put into a separate part of prison called solitary. Solitary is literally a locked up hole in the ground. While placed in it, Alex is haunted by the bad things he has done in his life. Days later, a kid that is mutating into a monster, opens up Alex’s cells and tells him and his friends about another way to escape the Furnace. This gets the boys excited. Will they all make it out alive?

This book was very good. It’s not a long read, but it is full of action. “Solitary: Escape From Furnace” was scary and exciting, which is why I liked it. The action could be pretty intense, so I don’t recommend this book for kids under 10. If you are over that age, than you should definitely get this book; it’s that good!

~Matthew, Teen Book Reviewer

Atom Eve & Rex Splode

The graphic novel Atom Eve & Rex Splode describes a story about two superheroes, their origins and their adventures. The story first starts off explaining Atom Eve’s origin. She was born as a weapon used by the secret government and has the abilities to control and manipulate atoms to her will. In a attempt to save her from the dark clutches of this evil organization, she was exchanged at the hospital to an unsuspecting couple. Her name is Sam and she grows up like an average girl, until one day, she finally understands her powers and began her quest to find her evil creators. Rex Splode, on the other hand, was an poor child picked up off the street and was given super powers that allowed him to explode anything with a touch. As a child, he was sent off on missions destroying whatever his rescuer told him. Soon, his self morals begin to conflict with his missions and in a freak accident, he disobeys his orders and destroys the facility. Atom Eve and Rex Splode are then thrusted into each other’s confusing lives, as they fight off the evil organization.

As a graphic novel, the pictures are artistically illustrated with a smooth word flow that smoothly pushed the readers through the story. While being short, this graphic novel has a great ability to introduce new characters and explain old ones. The only problem I saw was how short it was, but I would recommend this novel to people wanting a good, short read.

~Edward, Teen Book Reviewer

Happy New Year!

From all of us at the Half Hollow Hills Community Library, have a Happy and Safe New Year.