Cara

__Wicked__ By: Gregory Maguire __Wicked__ , by Gregory Maguire, is an interesting story about the Wicked Witch of the West. __Wicked__  explores the Wicked Witch’s point of view and her life. Instead of exploring the traditional Wizard of Oz story, it showed a side that had not been captured and viewed by most people. It starts out with the birth of a girl named Elphaba, who is born green, making her instantly different. She struggles to obtain love from her family, and has difficulty being accepted. This is the main thing in her life that makes her evil, and transforms her from Elphaba to what she is now known as : the Wicked Witch of the West.

__Wicked__  is a book with a riveting, compelling, and thought-provoking plot. I believe it is a compelling plot because it shows the second side of the tradition Wizard of Oz story. __Wicked__ , instead of showing the traditional journey, goes back to the beginning. It shows when the Wicked Witch became so evil, and what made her that way. It starts in her childhood, when she is first born into her family. At that time, she was the only child. It continues to show the birth of Glinda, who is known as the good witch, who Elphaba must constantly live in the shadows of. __Wicked__ also changes the view that most people have of all the traditional Wizard of Oz characters, by adding more to their lives. __Wicked__  shows the honest, and mostly sad, truth to the Wizard of Oz.

I think that __Wicked__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a good book for people fourteen and older. I think that at any younger age that the book would not be interesting enough. I think that fourteen or older is a better age because it is a higher reading level, and may pose as a more intriguing plot. I believe that it is a good book, but at times it was difficult for me to keep interest in it. I think that the book was well written, but at times went in to so much detail that my interest in it was lost. Though this book was well-written, I felt it was disappointing. I expected it to be a great and interesting book, that would be a true page turner, but, for me, it was not. However, I think that the plot of Wicked is a very riveting idea. If I had to rate this book out of five stars, I would give it two and a half stars.



<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061350966/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0060987103&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0VNP1DJBXKNJPC1RVRRT

A Child Called It By : Dave Peltzer __A Child Called It,__ by Dave Peltzer, is a traumatic true story about child abuse. __A Child Called It__ explore the life of a young boy, with an un-loving mother, who abuses him. Dave strives for his mother's love and never feel appreciated or wanted. He is always punished even when he has done nothing. He must face the struggle to survive because his mother has stopped allowing him to eat. This story shows the true battle for survival, and explores the alarming truth of Dave Peltzer's terrifying childhood. __A Child Called It__ is an unbelievable, shocking, and alarming book. It was also very scary. It was scary because it showed the terrible truth of child abuse. It was very descriptive, and throughout the entire book I could feel how he felt. I felt like I was there when he described his mother hurting him. I could completely understand his feelings because they were described so well. I couldn't stop reading it. I wanted to know what kept him alive, and what gave him the strength to keep trying. I think that __A Child Called It__ is a book for people ages thirteen and older. I don't think that it is appropriate for kids younger to read because it is to frightening. I also think that they wouldn't be able to understand it. I think that the people reading it would have to be mature enough to read it. I believe that __A Child Called It__ is an important book to read. It showed me that I should appreciate more, and that I should love more. It especially made me think when David was absolutely perfect and wanted love from his mother. I thought about how I take advantage of my mom. She is always loving a forgiving. I won't take it for granted again. http://www.amazon.com/Child-Called-Childs-Courage-Survive/dp/1558743669/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297863172&sr=8-1 HATE LIST: BY: JENNIFER BROWN Hate List, by Jennifer Brown, is a heartbreaking story about hatred, true love, and one gun. Hate List explores the life of a high-school girl named Valerie (Val) Leftman, who’s life is destroyed by her boyfriend Nick Levil, when he brings a gun to school. Nick causes many deaths and injuries, and takes his own life. Since Nick is not alive to face the consequences and all of the blame, Valerie pays the price. This story shows the true remorse and anger that occurs after a school shooting, and how it tears a community a part.

Hate List is a disturbing and upsetting book, that is very realistic. It is realistic because of the reactions and emotions of the characters. The book felt like a documentry. I felt the true remorse that Valerie felt. I would react the same way as she in not wanting to return to school. I could see a lot of myself in Valerie. Relating to this character kept my interest and helped me to finish the book.

I think that Hate List is a wonderful book for people ages thirteen and older. I don’t think that it would be appropriate for young children because the theme revolves around a school shooting. The plot is very captivating for teens. The plot is mature enough for the teenage reading level, and is, in a way, relatable. It is also enjoyable to read because Jennifer Brown made the book seem very real, and when reading it, you cannot help but to feel the emotion radiating from the pages. I would give this book five out of five stars. I think that anyone thinking of reading it, should definitely do so, and not be afraid of the four hundred and five pages. Even though it is a big book, it won’t feel like it. You won’t be able to stop reading it.



<span style="color: #dd2067; display: block; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Zapfino; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #dd2067; display: block; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Zapfino; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Wings <span style="display: block; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"> By: Aprilynne Pike <span style="display: block; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"> Review By: Cara Mullowney

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">__Wings__, by Aprilynne Pike, is a fantasy/romance novel about problems, secrets, and friendships. __Wings__ explores the life of fifteen-year-old Laurel, who awakens one morning to find she has petals growing out of her back! Eventually, Laurel learns she is part of a different world that includes trolls, faeries, and magic. This story shows Laurel’s struggle with life and death situations and the decision to choose between two different worlds.

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;"> At first, the plot was not very believable, but as the story developed, it became more believable and natural. For example, when Laurel first learned that she was a plant, Laurel’s reaction seemed calm and unnatural. She didn’t seem bothered enough that “something” was growing out of her back! As the story progressed, and more characters came into play, Laurel found the explanation for her flower petals when she met Tamani, “He told me he was my kind; that’s why he knew about the blossom.” __Wings__ is full of suspense! It is suspenseful because the characters find themselves in situations that seem impossible to survive. For example, Laurel finds she is a plant and doesn’t know how to get rid of the petals. Also, Laurel’s father is in the hospital sick coming closer and closer to death for no apparent reason. Additionally, Laurel and her friends confront criminals and possible death as Laurel desperately seeks a way to save her family’s land. Aprilynne Pike writes a believable and suspenseful story about facing hardships, conflicts, and love.

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;"> __Wings__ is a good book for girls ages twelve and up. This book reminded me of __The Spiderwick Chronicles__, by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, because it had the same concept of two different worlds. This book is enjoyable because Aprilynne Pike’s combination of fantasy and romance provide a thrilling adventure story. For example, Laurel and David are taken in a car by criminals, “As they drove, streetlights flickered over the car, just enough light that Laurel could make out David’s face. His jaw was flexed and he looked as scared as she was, but he didn’t bother to scream either.” __Wings__ will keep you interested, entertained, and wanting to read more after each chapter. When finished __Wings__, Aprilynne Pike keeps the action coming in the sequel, __Spells__.


 * RED KAYAK BY: PRISCILLA CUMMINGS**

<span style="display: block; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Arial Black'; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"> Review By: Cara Mullowney

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Arial Black'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">__Red Kayak__, by Priscilla Cummings, is a fiction/mystery novel about death, friendship, and making a tough decision. __Red Kayak__ explores the life of thirteen-year-old Brady who unsuccessfully tries to save his young neighbor, Ben, from drowning. Eventually, Brady finds that Ben’s death was no accident, and is forced to struggle between truth and loyalty. This story shows Brady’s battle between disappointing his parents and friends, and keeping a secret that will gnaw at him for a lifetime.

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Arial Black'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">__Red Kayak__ is a very suspenseful book. It is suspenseful because you don’t know what choice Brady will make. For example, when Brady finds the evidence that Ben’s death was not an accident, he hides it and later throws it away. This makes you think that Brady is going to keep the secret. As the story progresses you think Brady will divulge his secret when he attempts to confide in his cousin Carl. Brady battles and thinks, “What was I going to do? In those first paralyzing moments I didn’t have a clue, just an increasingly sick feeling in my stomach. Finally, I pushed myself up.”

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Arial Black'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;"> The story takes place on the Corsica River in Maryland. The river is at the center of this believable story filled with emotion and tragedy. __Red Kayak__ is a consistent tale of loss. Although the plot centers around three-year-old Ben’s death, Priscilla Cummings includes underlying scenarios that deal with loss. For example, the death of Brady’s little sister, Amanda. Also, the loss of friendships with J.T., Digger, and the DiAngelos. Additionally, the loss of Digger’s grandfather and his property, the loss of crabbing and money, and the loss of freedom for J.T. and Digger.

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Arial Black'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">__Red Kayak__ is a good book for boys and girls ages twelve and up. This book is enjoyable because it shows the difficulty in choosing between the right thing and your friends. This is a very difficult choice that Brady makes with deep thought, doubts, and eventually, with courage. Priscilla Cummings made Brady’s character seem real and gave Brady a nice perspective, she puts you in his head. The courtroom scene made the book more interesting and showed how the characters changed from keeping secrets, to being fair and owning up to the truth - “Suddenly Digger was turning, his eyes scanning the courtroom until he saw me. ‘I also want everyone in here to know that my friend Brady Parks-he’s sittin’ there in the back-that Brady should in no way get blamed or looked down on for what happened. I don’t hold nothin’ against you, Brady. And I’m sorry I lied to you.‘