The Big Field by Mike Lupica

The Big Field by Mike Lupica is about a boy named Keith Hutchinson. He plays on his town’s baseball team. A rival player intentionally causes an injury to Keith to get his spot as Captain. Not being able to play ends his season and he has to make a comeback as a player to prove himself worthy of a spot on the team. I liked this book because it showed that you can’t give up because of a setback such as an injury. If there is something you want to do and be good at, you have to keep working at it. It is a story to inspire kids to try to be successful at what they are doing. I would recommend this book to kids that like sports who are in middle school.

~Jonathan, Teen Book Reviewer

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

In Stormbreaker book, a fourteen year old boy named Alex has experienced the death of his uncle who he lived with. This was devastating to him and he wanted to find out who killed him and the details about his death. Alex realized that his uncle Ian was a spy. Alex, who disguised himself, went to the agency to try to find the details about his uncle's death. The agency is in Britain and he had to stop his school career to figure out details. Alex was caught in a deadly game and has to use everything he knows about spies to find his way out. This is a hard journey for Alex that he will have to try to solve all on his own. I liked this book a lot because it has many action scenes and kept my attention throughout the whole book. I would recommend this book because it is very interesting and taught me about spies.

~Justin, Teen Book Reviewer

Start It Up by Kenrya Rankin

I read Start It Up by Kenrya Rankin. The book is about starting up your own business and managing it efficiently. This book is very informative and contains tips from people who successfully created their own businesses. The book focuses on young people starting businesses. The book has information and surveys to help you choose what kind of business to run, and no matter which kind of business you choose, Start It Up contains universal advice. This book is an informative book, and does not have a plot or story. The book contains information about what you need to start a business, like a patent, and where to get it from. The book also contains a template for a business plan. Overall, the book is very informative and helpful and is highly recommended to any young person considering starting a business.

~Paul, Teen Book Reviewer

My Life, the Theater, and Other Tragedies by Allen Zadoff

My Life, the Theater, and Other Tragedies by Allen Zadoff is a great book that makes you see life to the fullest. Adam is a boy in high school who only wants to fit in and to get girls though he finds it hard because of who he is. He likes to be in theater but behind the scenes. His father passed away in a car accident two years earlier. A show is coming up for him and the cast and the "techies", the backstage crew, but throughout the last few weeks before the show they cast and crew find it difficult to cooperate to get the show together. With cast getting injured and directors quitting they must all come together to work it out. If they don't get all their problems worked out the school show could turn out a total disaster. I enjoyed reading this book and relating to the conflicts introduced. This book I would recommend to any 12-14 year old who wants to read about realistic modern problems in kids of the same age.

~Sean, Teen Book Reviewer

This Thing Called The Future by J.L. Powers

Unfortunately, all books cannot be fun and interesting for a reader. To me, This Thing Called The Future by J.L. Powers was not a book that I would remember as an interesting book. People, like me, who enjoy reading suspenseful, adventurous, and fantasy stories probably would not enjoy reading this book. However, there are some parts in the story that are exciting, but overall, I did not enjoy the book.

The plot of this book consisted of a girl named Khosi who is becoming a women and going through puberty. However, the plague of HIV and AIDS is spreading throughout Khosi's home of South Africa. Even through this, Khosi finds love in a boy named Little Man, who goes to her school and lives close to her. There is another problem in the story though: Khosi's neighbor is believed to be a witch and has cursed Khosi's family because of her mother. Khosi's relationship with Little Man, the slow entrance of AIDS into Khosi's life, and the "witch's" curse on Khosi and her family develop throughout the story to all come together.

~Paul, Teen Book Reviewer

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

The book I read is called, Dark Inside, by Jeyn Roberts. This book is about how the end of the world is beginning, with earthquakes spanning form continent to continent, and how an "evil" has been unleashed from the cracks, deep within the earth. The evil has been spreading all over the world, and now people have begun going on killing sprees where groups of people kill others for no reason. There are no more hospitals, schools, or government, and the people who have not yet been taken over by the evil, struggle to survive day by day, without food, water, or electricity. This book is in the viewpoints of several characters, who are still free of the evilness, but are trying to get away from the darkness, or trying to find lost loved ones. There is no such thing as civilization anymore, and their only goal is to survive.

This book is really good, but at times the readings can get a little violent and gruesome. I would recommend it to anyone, because it's really interesting how the book starts as any normal day, with teenagers going to high school, and in a matter of hours, the world has started to self destruct. This book takes you on the journeys of 4 teenagers, as they meet others like them with no where to go, and shows you their encounters with "evil" people, and how they manage to survive. I think this is a really good book, and if you want to find out how things end, you'll have to read the book!

~Vinnie, Teen Book Reviewer

My Name is Mina by David Almond

How can a bird that is born for joy sit in a cage and sing? Mina is an extraordinary girl. Join her as she documents her life in the book My Name is Mina, by David Almond. In the beginning, Mina may seem like your average nine year old English girl. That is hardly the case, though. As the story progresses, you will find that Mina is a very fascinating individual. She asks many thought-provoking questions and makes you wonder about the simplest things. Many adults think that she might need some "help", but that is far from the truth. Mina has a very complex mind and feels that the school system is too restricting. Soon, her mother starts home-schooling her. This proves to be a much better environment for Mina.

As you read this book, you will find out about the Underworld, "Extraordinary Activities", and an abundance more. Maybe you might even discover who Mina's new neighbors are! Laugh, smile, and possibly get lost in this strange, yet wondrous tale Mina has spun. My Name is Mina is a great book for a reader looking for a fun, albeit an odd book. If you thoroughly enjoyed this book, make sure to check out its sequel, Skellig.

~Alice, Teen Book Reviewer

Prized by Caragh M, O’Brien

The book, Prized, by Caragh M, O’Brien is a very unique and entertaining novel. The plot follows the mythical idea from the Greeks of the Amazon women. The main character is a girl named Gaia Stone who ran away from her own home with her sister who is only a baby. With both her parents dead and no one to take care of her, she runs into a wasteland with no chance of surviving. With the baby on the brink of death, they are found by people from a secret society called Sylum. The society follows many laws that give the females an enormous power over males, since the males have a population of 9 times more than the females. Unable to leave because of her sister’s state, she must grow accustomed to the many laws of Sylum where a touch from a man to a woman is considered rape and men aren’t allowed to even talk or look at women unless spoken to. I found myself involved into the story because of its unique and uncommon plot. Many of the situations are very unique and can easily pull you into the pages of the book. I personally was very surprised and satisfied with this book and would recommend in to anyone. Anybody who is interested in reading something new I would highly recommend this book to. I enjoyed this book tremendously.

~Joshua, Teen Book Reviewer

Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle

The fiction novel Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle captures the beauty of sisterhood and its challenges in this book. Myracle, an author who is becoming more well known for her femme and drama filled stories of teenage girls, tells the tale of the bond between 15 year old Carly and her younger sister Anna. The sisters always depended on each other throughout their rich, upper-class lives, but the bond between the two begins to weaken with the summer, and it cause many problems. Anna is joining Carly in high school, but Carly is upset about the physical changes that her sister has gone through, making her look younger and less attractive in comparison. This sparks anger, competition & rivalry, and drama. The book also discusses issues such as weight, racism, boys, finding yourself, true friendship, and labels. The story is humorous and sad, dynamic in a way that will keep you hooked and reading more. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to girls my age.
~Melinda, Teen Book Reviewer

Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey

In the book, Skin Hunger, by Kathleen Duey, a boy from a wealthy family is forced to leave home because of his fathers hatred and wants for him to be gone from his life. Hahp, the boy, doesn't provide any goodness for his father, so his father has no use for him. After sending Hahp to many schools, his father finds a school of wizardry, where the parents were told that they may not even see their sons again in the modern world. Hahp has to survive harsh treatment by the wizards hands, and almost starves to death because of no food. "Out of the 10 boys who enrolled, only one will survive," were the words of the head wizard. Hahp is forced to make tough decisions throughout this fiction story, in the fight to be the one that will graduate. I recommend this book to people who like adventure and action, and for fantasy-lovers. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and hope to read the next one soon!

~Adam, Teen Book Reviewer

16 Isn't Always Sweet by Cassandra Carter

I read the book 16 Isn’t Always Sweet, by Cassandra Carter. It was about a girl named Jordan who turns 16 years old and has some tough times with her best friend Adrienne and her parents. Jordan gets picked to be in a video of her favorite rapper. Her best friend gets really jealous of the attention she gets and her parents get mad because they told her not to even audition for the video. Jordan even starts dating Adrienne’s ex-boyfriend and goes to their Spring Social with him. It was a fun and interesting book. I could relate to the characters and understand the pressure Jordan feels to fit in at school. I would recommend this book to any girl in middle school.
~Wendi, Teen Book Reviewer

Regents Review Sessions 2012

• Online, telephone and in-person registration will begin at 9:30 am on each registration day
• Only residents of the HHH School District with a valid library card may register. Each student may only sign up for one session of each subject.
• Once classes are full, a waiting list will be created. Due to time and space constraints we cannot guarantee extra classes.
• The cost is $40 per person for each class. Payment is due the first day of class; cash or checks to HHHCL. No one will be allowed to take the class without payment.
• Review Packets will still be made available to students via the website: www.youacedit.com. All students MUST bring either a hard copy or electronic copy (via iPad or laptop) to the review session. Students must also bring calculators and NYS Reference Tables to each session.
• Students must attend only designated sessions for each class. The library will not facilitate any switches.
• For more information call Teen Services (631) 498-1262.

1. Algebra Review DXY680 Tuesdays 5/29 & 6/5, 6:15 pm-8:00 pm. Registration begins 5/7.

2. Algebra Review DXY681 Mondays 6/4 & 6/11, 6:15 pm-8:00 pm. Registration begins 5/7.

3. Biology Review DXY682 Fridays 6/1 & 6/8, 6:15 pm- 8:00 pm. Registration begins 5/8.

4. Biology Review DXY683 Saturdays 6/2 & 6/9, 12:00-1:45 pm. Registration begins 5/8.

5. Chemistry Review DXY684 Tuesdays 5/29 & 6/5, 6:15-8:00 pm. Registration begins 5/8.

6. Chemistry Review DXY685 Mondays 6/4 & 6/11, 6:15-8:00 pm. Registration begins 5/8.

7. Earth Science Review DXY686 Fridays 6/1 & 6/8, 6:15-8:00 pm. Registration begins 5/9.

8. Earth Science Review DXY687 Saturdays 6/2 & 6/9, 9:45-11:30 am. Registration begins 5/9.

9. Geometry Review DXY688 Wednesdays 5/30 & 6/6, 6:15-8:00 pm. Registration begins 5/9.

10. Geometry Review DXY689 Thursdays 5/31 & 6/7, 6:15-8:00 pm. Registration begins 5/11.

11. Global Review DXY690 Saturdays 6/2 & 6/9, 6:15-8:00 pm. Registration begins 5/11.

12. Trigonometry Review DXY691 Wednesdays 5/30 & 6/6, 6:15-8:00 pm. Registration begins 5/11.

13. Trigonometry Review DXY692 Thursdays 5/31 & 6/7, 6:15-8:00 pm. Registration begins 5/11.

14. US History Review DXY693 Saturdays 6/2 & 6/9, 12:00-1:45 pm. Registration begins 5/11.

Important: Enter your e-mail address when registering and you will recieve confirmation of each successful registration!

The Project by Brian Falkner

Brian Falkner's new action-packed story, The Project chronicles the adventures of Luke and Tommy, two ordinary teenagers who have a knack for getting themselves in trouble. One prank in particular nearly gets the two expelled, and their punishment is to research the most boring book in the world. However, the story of the most boring book in the world is far more interesting than they originally assumed. Before long, the duo is tangled up in a gigantic conspiracy surrounding the book, which includes Nazis, spies, time travelers, and a lot more danger than they bargained for. Follow Tommy and Luke as they embark on a quest to save the world!
The premise of the book is very original, and it lends itself to a very creative story. The plot twists are as surprising as they are exciting, and there are enough twists and turns to keep the reader hooked. The main cast of characters also adds to this book's appeal--Tommy and Luke are very likable, and the secondary characters are interesting and well-written. The friendly banter and close relationship between the main duo makes the dialogue interesting and keeps the readers engaged in the book. The writing style is action-packed and riveting, which also adds to the fast-paced adventurous feel this book provides.
Overall, this book is a decent action novel that is reasonably well-written. Although it does get a bit slow at parts, for most of the book the interesting dialogue, unpredictable plot, and likable characters keep the reader satisfied. This is a fairly entertaining read for anyone looking for a good action story.

~Shreyas, Teen Book Reviewer

Loser/Queen by Jodi Lynn Anderson

The book Loser/Queen by Jodi Lynn Anderson is about a girl called Cammy Hall who is used to being a loser. She tries to rise up but always ends up being humiliated. Now that she’s a junior, she tries to avoid anything embarassing. Then one time, she accidently flashes her granny panties. When she thought all her hope were gone, a mysterious texter starting telling her how to get revenge. With the help of the texter, Cammy caused the downfall of the popular girls, and she begins to rise. But things started going wrong when she trusts the texter too much…

I think this is a really good book because it makes you want to keep reading and find out what’s going to happen next. The book is interesting and grabs you in. I would recommend this book.

~Justin, Teen Book Reviewer

Modelland by Tyra Banks

I thought Modelland was really creative! It showed the life of a young awkward girl who blossomed into a model. It initially showed the country where Tookie lived. It was like a small city and was divided into 4 districts; each district had its own weather! There is the freezing cold one, the super hot one, the rainy one etc. There is another country that's a gigantic store and everyone just has houses in the aisles! A lot of the imaginary countries are based on real countries and I though that it fun trying to figure out which country they were referring to. I really liked arriving at Model land and going through modeling school with Tookie. She met lots of new friends and frienemies and teachers. Everyone had his or her own quirks and personalities. Even the 'mean girl' character Zarpressa had reasons for being mean deep down inside. I also loved the classes! Some of them reminded me of Americas Next Top Model shows, like the class on how to do the runway walk, and the class on how to make faces. There were also other classes with hidden lessons for young readers. A class about eating healthy and eating for your body/appetite type. A lesson about never sharing make up because it might spread germs, etc. I just really enjoyed it. I think it needed a ghostwriter to help smooth out a few spots, especially at the beginning, and it definitely needs a new cover. However, if you read it from the point of view of watching a very colorful and wacky cartoon, I think you might enjoy it too! I honestly wouldn't mind seeing a cartoon movie of this! And Tookie would be one of the very first mainstream black female fantasy book heroines.

~Jayda, Teen Book Reviewer

Project Excel's College & Career Program Spring 2012 College Trips

Friday-April 27th, 7:30 AM- 2:00 PM Columbia University in the City of New York

Friday-May 4th, 8:30 AM-2:00 PM The College at Old Westbury State University of New York

Friday-May 11th, 7:30 AM-2:00 PM Parsons The New School for Design

Space is Limited! Sign up & Get permission slip at your Guidance/Career office A.S.A.P.

For more information please call Project Excel at 631.271.5499

***Thanks for participating in Project Excel's College trip program, we look forward to seeing you in the Fall!

Brother Sister: Just Give Them a Chance to Explain by Sean Olin

Brother/Sister: Just Give Them a Chance to Explain by Sean Olin is an interesting psychological-thriller themed novel. The story centers around the relationship between Will and Asheley, a brother and sister who live in a sleep town on the West Coast. Their father left them when they were little and now they have to deal with their alcoholic mother who was carried off to a rehabilitation center. Now they have the house to themselves for the summer, a summer which becomes violently out of control. Each sibling narrates their perspective of what’s happening before them, creating a fascinating and shocking crime-thriller. I would definitely recommend this book, especially to anybody who’s fond of the thriller genre, especially psychological thrillers.
~Matthew, Teen Book Reviewer

Presenting the Half Hollow Hills Library Poetry Coffeehouse

Attention 6th Graders!

Celebrate National Poetry Month by coming to our coffeehouse! Bring a favorite poem (or two or three!) to share.

Snacks will be provided!

Friday, April 20th at 7:00 PM*

Register online now by clickin on the registration code (DXJ905) or searching this code in our catalog!

Please alert a librarian to any food allergies you have so that we may provide healthy snacks for everyone to enjoy!

13 Curses by Michelle Harrison

13 Curses by Michelle Harrison is about a girl named Red (or Rowan Fox) entering into a fairy realm to save her brother. Her brother was kidnapped by fairies when she was still in England with her family. After she visualizes fairies in her world taking her brother, her parents keep her away from doing stupid things like imagining fairies around her. One day she decides to set out and enter the fairy realm, where she can find and save her brother. In the fairy realm, she encounters many things and becomes friends with Tanya and Fabian. In order to save her brother in the fairy realm, the fairy court agreed to return Red's brother only if they find the thirteen charms of Tanya's bracelet that can be found in the human world.

Overall, the book was amazing. There were many things that hooked you, when you tried to stop reading. All you wanted to do was to continue and see what happens. For example, in the middle to the end of the book, when Red starts a journey to find and complete Tanya's bracelet. As you continue to read on, many things happen. She encounters many different people and different things during her journey. One thing I did not like about the book, was in the beginning. This book was very boring in the beginning, and it made it feel like you were forced to read even though you didn't want to. But when you read a little more past the beginning, you'll begin to like the book. I would recommend this book to ages: 10-15.

~Jack, Teen Book Reviewer

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Chain Reaction is the third novel in the Perfect Chemistry set. Although it is convenient to have a background with the characters and setting, it is not necessary to read the first two books in order to enjoy this one. It is said that behind every untrusting girl is a boy who made her that way. This is the case with Nikki Cruz, a girl whose experiences in past relationships have caused her to avoid boy trouble at all costs. Enter Luis Fuentes. The youngest and most ambitious of the three Fuentes brothers, Luis is an adrenaline junkie who is always looking for a new challenge. His most recent challenge is to get Nikki Cruz to fall for him as hard as he has fallen for her. Although this is a story of modern star-crossed lovers, this is not just about a poor boy from the south side falling in love with a privileged girl from the north side. The story is woven with many twists and surprises, especially when Luis gets involved with the Latino Blood, the gang that nearly destroyed his family a few years ago. Simone Elkeles is a very talented writer who knows how to play up her strengths. Her love stories are extremely romantic, humorous, and realistic. Her characters are multi-dimensional, constantly changing, and very interesting. I love that her stories have many facets and never become boring plot-wise. One thing Elkeles most definitely needs to improve are her epilogues. This one was sappy, boring, and quite predictable. Overall, Chain Reaction was an awesome read that kept me flipping pages in order to find out what happened next.

~Amanda, Teen Book Reviewer

Wildthorn by Jane England

The book I read is called, Wildthorn, by Jane Eagland. This book is about how a girl named Louisa Cosgrove, who is mistakenly taken to an asylum for the insane(called Wildthorn), but when trying to tell others of this, they do not believe her. Instead, they tell her that she is actually Lucy Childs, not Louisa, and is ill. Because of her mental illness,they claim that she believes she is someone who she isn't. Even though the staff at the institute keep calling her "Miss Childs", Louisa knows that they have made a huge mistake. While there, she remembers her past, and knows that she must escape.

I thought this book was okay,-not amazing, but not bad. At times this book got a little boring, but it was interesting to find out why she was placed there. I would recommend this to people who like historical fiction books, and maybe a little mystery. Read this to find out what happens! :)

~Vinnie, Teen Book Reviewer

Eve by Anna Carey

Eve,by Anna Carey, takes place in a world that has been tormented with the plague. The population has diminished and girls and boys go to separate schools. Girls are taught that boys are hateful creatures and they are filled with false hopethat they will be artists one day. However, Eve stumbles upon a secret. Eve discovers that the girls are not going to be artists, but instead are going tobe used to populate the country. Shocked by this truth, Eve escapes from the school. She is told to run away to Calfia, a sanctuary for women. Along the way, Eve discovers that she is wanted by the king. The king wants Eve to be his bride and has all of his soldiers are after her. Eve bumps into Arden, a girl who also escaped from the school and Caleb, a boy who helps Eve. Eve and Caleb fall in love, but of course, fate won’t let them be together. The three of them face many difficulties and obstacles, some involving death. The closer Caleb and Eve get, the harder it is for them to part. What will become of Eve and Caleb?

I really enjoyed this book. It was full of surprising twists and it was quite interesting to see how Eve transforms from a girl who suspects boys to one who trusts them. The experiences that Eve goes through are heartbreaking and I can’t imagine how hard it must be for her. Eve has to witness people dying, usually getting murdered. I was intrigued by this book and couldn’t put it down, especially near the end. The ending broke my heart. However, I look forward to the next book in the trilogy.

~Cynthia, Teen Book Reviewer

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

The book I read was The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone in need of a good read. This book made me laugh out loud, brought tears to my eyes, and made me feel grateful for what I have. In this book, the main character is Lily Owens and the reader is introduced to her as a girl who is abused physically and verbally by her father. Also, when she was young she killed her own mother by mistake and Rosaleen, a black servant, serves as her motherly figure. When the law is passed that allows blacks to vote, Rosaleen goes into town with Lily to register herself to vote. However, on the way, she meets these racist white men who taunt her, causing Rosaleen to react for the worse and so they get into a fight. Rosaleen ends up getting taken away into a jail cell and Lily's father picks her up the police station. Lily was not arrested because she is white unlike Rosaleen. When Lily's dad drops her off at home, her dad tells Lily that her mother never loved her and he will beat her like never before when he gets back. This causes Lily to run away from home, break Rosaleen out of jail and take them both on a journey that changes there lives. They end up in Tiburon, as that is where Lily’s mother was before she was killed by Lily and get taken in to the same house Lily’s mother lived in. There she meets May, August and June Boatwright. At first Lily lies and says she is the orphan of her two dead parents while her dad T-Ray is actually truly alive, and the Boatwright sisters take her and Rosaleen in. In conclusion, The Secret Life of Bees was a wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone of any age.
~Danah, Teen Book Reviewer

Past Perfect by Leila Sales

Past Perfect by Leila Sales is a book about a 16-year old girl Chelsea who has been working at a historic place called Essex practically her whole life because her parents work there and are practically in love with that place. Apparently, Chelsea doesn't want to work there anymore, she wants to work in the mall with her best friend Fiona instead. Fiona drags Chelsea into working with her at Essex so she is stuck there again. Chelsea's ex-boyfriend, Ezra, who she has trying to forget about for months is also working at Essex this summer.The conflict in "Past Perfect" is war. The colonial reenactment village is at war with the Civil War reenactment camp across the street. The plot is more complicated than that, since Chelsea becomes interested in one of the boys from the Civil War camp. Chelsea had to try to maintain a good relationship with Dan, the boy from the Civil War reenactment village, and stay loyal to Essex as she was appointed lieutenant of the "Essex Army". As time passes by, Chelsea comes into a situation where she betrays her fellow colleagues, wins their trusts back, and then ends up betraying Dan, but tries her best to make situations best as they were before. I would highly recommend this book to people interested in romance novels with a bit of history in it. I truly enjoyed reading this book and it was something I couldn't put down!
~Juhi, Teen Book Reviewer

FREE PIZZA!

Please join us on Saturday April 21st at our Let's Make Pizza program at 11 a.m.

Starting at 11 a.m. at our Dix Hills Branch you will learn how to make a pizza from scratch. Make the dough (measure, mix, knead, and shape your pizza) and bring your pizza home to bake just in time for lunch!

Register Online by clicking here or via our home page using the code DXY671!

HEY 13 by Gary Soto

In the book Hey 13 by Gary Soto there are 13 stories of different kids problems. These stories are in vignettes, they are true stories. I liked this book. It was very entertaining. I would recommend this book to teenagers. Some stories included a boy who had to get rid of his dog. Another was a story of a girl going to collage and gets the opposite impression than she wanted. Other stories include love stories, such as a 2 girls one frog, glam girls of phoenix etc.

~Jessica, Teen Book Reviewer

The Magician by Michael Scott

I read The Magician by Michael Scott. It was a great book, full of action, suspense, and an plot that will make you hungry for more. It has perfect combination of fantasy, mythology, and history that will lure you in. In the book, Josh and Sophie Newman had just fled from the evil Dr. Dee. Sophie has been taught in the magic of air in Ojai, California. Now it's time for Sophie to learn the magic of fire. Dr. Dee and the Dark Elders are in pursuit of Nicholas Flamel and the twins. Time is running out. Josh and Sophie Newman are the world's only hope. I would recommend this book almost anyone. It is a great series and you will lose yourself in its pages as you journey through a world of alchemy, magic, and wonders.
~Ryan, Teen Book Reviewer

How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend by Gary Ghislain

I just read How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend by Gary Ghislain. In the book a boy named David's father takes in another patient who needs psychiatric help. David eventually finds out that her name is Zelda and she is from another planet called Vahalala. Her mission is to retrieve the chosen one and bring him back to her planet. Unsurprisingly the chosen one is Johnny Depp. David and Zelda through the book become great friends and trust each other. Zelda has an embedded key back to her planet and time is running out until it expires. David, Zelda and David's stepsister, Malou, all go on an incredible adventure being chased on rooftops, bitten by rottweilers and even stealing police cars! The plot made a turnaround when David woke up one morning and Zelda was gone. Then he noticed that he had the key to Vahalala! Zelda must have transferred it to him in his sleep. David really misses Zelda and wishes she would come back and help him to win against the other Valks (Vahalala people). Fortunately with Zelda in his mind the whole time he saves himself against the Valks.

This is one of my favorite books mainly because of the element of keeping me on my toes and the difference of it. The author made real emotions for the readers to feel the pain or joy of a character. If you are a person who likes to read fantasy love stories you will most likely love this book like I did. It is a very detailed book and I would even read it again.
~Sean, Teen Book Reviewer

Thirteen Plus One by Lauren Myracle

I read the book Thirteen Plus One by Lauren Myracle in a week's time. It is part of Myracle's book series The Winnie Years. The main character, Winnie, is a fourteen year old teenager who is going into high school, making the story very relatable to people my age. Winnie is apprehensive about going into high school. She is excited, yet worried about all the changes that will come with it, like maybe losing her best friends Cinnamon and Dinah, and her boyfriend Lars, who is a year older than her and is already in high school. She and her friends go through emotions and experiences that teens do, a rather confusing journey: finding out who you are. Myracle captures the essence of that struggle very well throughout the chapters. The story also teaches morals about friendship, love, and family. Although some parts of the book were very, very, cliche, I think Winnie conveyed Myracle's messages in a funny, understandable way. There is a piece of Winnie in every teenage girl, that is recognizable and refreshing to read in every chapter. I would also read more of Myracle's work. She has a writing style that is similar to Sarah Dessen, just maybe less sophisticatedly written. It's a book you can't put down. Overall, I enjoyed the story very much, and would recommend it. I give it 4.5/5 stars .

~Melinda, Teen Book Reviewer

Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes

Planet Middle School is about a middle school girl named Joylin. She is going through a lot of new experiences in her life with friends, school and a boyfriend. She tries to become who she thinks the people around her and a boy she likes would want her to be. Joylin goes through many experiences that are "typical" for a middle school girl. Some of the experiences teach her what is real to her and that she should be true to herself and who she is.

The book is short and written in sections by events. Although I am in middle school, I found the book to be simple and not that interesting. If you are a middle school girl looking for light reading, this book is for you.

~Alana, Teen Book Reviewer

Heart of a Champion by Carl Deuker

Heart of a Champion is about a boy named Seth who is in middle school. He meets a kid named Jimmy at the baseball field. Jimmy is a really good baseball player and starts teaching Seth how to play the game. They practice together all the time and Seth becomes dedicated to becoming a good player so that he can make the High School Varsity team. Seth never had anyone to teach him how to play baseball as a kid since his father passed away when he was seven. He is determined to win the school championship so that his father would be proud of him.

I liked this book because it showed that Seth's determination and dedication made him successful. I am a baseball fan and enjoyed the point of the story being told with a sports theme. I would recommend this book to kids that like sports who are middle school age.

~Jonathan, Teen Book Reviewer

Favorite by Karen McQuestion

The book I selected to review this month is titled Favorite, by Karen McQuestion. I really enjoyed this part mystery, part thriller book. The main character of the book is Angie Favorite, a 16 year girl who lives with her brother Jason and grandmother. Her father travels around the country following his music career. When Angie was 11, her mother disappeared on Angie's birthday, never to be seen again. The police had no clues, only an empty car. Angie is attacked in a parking lot by Scott Bittner, who is trying to tell her something very important. He is arrested and kills himself in jail. His mother tries to become Angie's friend to apologize for the attack. She is an old woman, who lives in a castle with her help. As it turns out Angie and her brother become prisoners of Scott Bittner's mother. There are many secrets in the Bittner castle and some are very important to the Favorite family. Will they escape? I would recommend reading this book to find out.
~Peder, Teen Book Reviewer

Project Excel Presents: A Trip to the United Nations In New York City

If you are interested in:

Foreign Affairs

Social Issues

World History

Politics

Then this is the trip for you!!!

Join us for an amazing opportunity & exciting trip into NYC!

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 11th

Drop-off 8:45 AM Pick up 5:00 PM ~ At Project Excel

423 Park Ave, Huntington 11743 (3rd floor)

Price of the trip is $25.00 per person (Cash, day of trip) Bring money for lunch!

Deadline to register is by 5 pm on Monday, April 9th

To reserve your spot contact Denise or Melissa at Project Excel

631-271-5499 (space is limited)

Notes From an Accidental Band Geek by Erin Dionne

The book I read was Notes From an Accidental Band Geek by Erin Dionne. I thought this was an excellent and funny book. Elsie must join the marching band to expand her her musical horizons so she can attend the music camp of her dreams. Elsie is the perfect protagonist. She's funny and determined to get what she wants no matter what other people tell her. In the beginning she's very serious and doesn't want to be distracted form her goals. Through the story she becomes more social and learns to love what she once hated. I would recommend this book because it shows how striving for your goals will pay off in the end. I thought this was a wonderful book and I think everyone should get the chance to read it.

~Jennifer, Teen Book Reviewer

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

Power of Six is the enticing sequel to I am Number Four. This book is interesting for a multitude of reasons, the first ofwhich, being that there are two narrators. Both John(number 4), the protagonist from the first story, and Marina (number 7), a new addition to the series, share the narrations. This dual narration allows the reader to see both John’s continued fight against the Mogadorians, and Marina’s struggle to improve her powers in the suppressive environment of the convent in which she is staying. Although the two narrators are entirely separate, they still follow the general trend of trying to find fellow people from Lorien, the home planet of the two characters, and defeating the Mogadorians. This book was even more compellingthan its prequel, an impressive feat. The juxtaposition between the two stories, and the constant cliff hangers from chapter to chapter makes this novel irresistible. All in all Power of Six was an incredible novel, and I would recommend the series to all those who haven’t read them yet.

~Nina, Teen Book Reviewer

Rage of the Fallen by Joseph Delaney

In Rage of the Fallen, the eighth book in the Last Apprentice series by Joseph Delaney the author uses problems both mental and emotional to prove a purpose. Also with a fantasy twist. As Tom is starting to fight an evil magic group called the Mages he has other problems. A Celtic witch that his old master killed is back and appears in his dreams. He fights the witch's god The Morrigan when he steps on his homeland of Ireland. Also Alice and him are connected together by a blood jar which is cracking. Everyday Tom fears that the fiend is getting closer because the jar is cracking. He also try's to help her friend Alice to choose between evil and good magic.

I highly recommend this book to people who are ready for action, fantasy, and mental meanings. The battles were great and kept me reading page after page.

~Cassie,Teen Book Reviewer

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Enclave is the story of a young girl named Deuce. She was born and raised in an underground enclave. She has trained all her life to be a huntress. But when she meets Fade her dark mysterious partner, everything changes. She is thrown into a whirlwind of adventure and daring as she is forced to rise above her enclave and live topside with her partner Fade. I really enjoyed this book. There was no stop in the action and every twist and turn brought me farther and farther into their world. I loved every minute of it. An absolute must read book.

~Alexis, Teen Book Reviewer