GOOD LUCK!

For all you 8th graders in NYC taking the SHSAT, Specialized High School Admission Test, this weekend, I wanna say good luck! I know all of you are going to do great!

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games
Stars: 3 out of 5
Genre: fantasy
Age group: 15 and up

The Hunger Games are games where 24 kids actually fight and kill until only one is left. Katniss is in the games this year and must fight and win which means killing Peeta, her only friend at the games or just die.

I read this book because Stephenie Meyer recommended it. Now that I finished reading it, I'm starting to realize that she and I have different tastes. The Hunger Games wasn't my favorite book in the world but it was okay. I felt that the pin on the cover should have meant more in the story. The pin should have saved Katniss or something.

What I really liked about this book was Katniss' brains. She solves everything out, like how to get gifts from Haymitch. It's nice to have a narrator who can explain everything the way it is.

Peeps

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld
Stars: 3.5 out of 5
Genre: Fantasy
Age group: 15 and up

Wow, this is my 5th Westerfeld book in a row! Go Westerfeld! Anyway, Peeps is about a vampire parasite looking for his formal girlfriends which are all infected because of him.

What I really like about Peeps is that the even number chapters are about real, gross parasites. That makes me learn a lot about our microscopic "friends" and now, I am officially a vegetarian. Another thing about Peeps: the parasites mentioned in this book makes an infected person act like a vampire. Getting the parasite is from saliva and that is really original. I live for originality and so far, that's the most creative way to become a vampire.

The vampires-excuse me- parasite positives (a.k.a peeps) are very original. That makes the reader interested in the story because you are reading about a topic you don't know about. It is very interesting to see how disgusting little worms can be turned into a brand new story.

Westerfeld, you are the master at writing fantasy! Take that from someone who has read 5 of your books and wrote reviews for all of them in a row!

Extras

Extras by Scott Westerfeld

Stars: 4 out of 5

Genre: fiction

Age group: 10 and up

I said before that I don't like to read series or sagas of books because of something I lack: commitment. Another reason is the endings of series. I read series because I want to know what happens next but the end of a series ends everything. The last book usually makes me sad or have a too happy ever after that doesn't really belong in the series. However, Extras was different.

The ending was too happy or too sad; it was perfect. It was amazing and the right end to the Uglies series. Though it's the last book in the Uglies series, I feel like it had another identity:

a great book. Extras is it's own book because of the new main character, Aya and the end to the Uglies series because of Tally.

When I wanted another narrator or another main character, I expected Shay or David. I didn't expect a brand new character, Aya. That opens so many new doors and possibilities. Aya has her own problems and it interesting how Tally Youngblood fits in her life. That kept me on the edge of my seat reading how the world has become so different since Tally Youngblood.

Once again Westerfeld, you have used you creativity to the max. Great job!

Specials

Specials by Scott Westerfeld



Stars: 5 out of 5

Genre: Fiction

Age group: 11 and up



Specials was a delight for me to read (**spoilers ahead**). Like all the other books in this series, Specials was action-packed and had many surprises. When Zane died, it sent chills down my spine. When Dr.Cable released Tally, I gasped.



I was a bit shocked that Tally wanted to stay a Cutter. In Uglies, Tally didn't even want to become a pretty, much less a Special. In Uglies, she was willing to stay ugly for David but that all changed when she met Zane. Her love for Zane is strong though; she picked Zane over David in the end of Pretties.



Since Tally becaswitched sides, I have begun to like her a little less. I liked Tally when she was a brave ugly because she faced obstacles but got past them using her nothing. However, Specials have lightening fast reflexes and all other kinds of super powers. Still, I liked Tally aiming for her goals and getting in trouble, no matter what she was.



I feel that Shay is the fault for everything Tally blames herself for. If Shay never told Tally about Smoke, Tally would never have gotten in all that trouble. If Shay didn't turn Tally into a Special, Tally would still be with Zane and she wouldn't want Zane to turn into a Special. On the other hand, if Tally never did all that trouble, there wouldn't be an awesome, action-packed series.

I hope that in the future or in Extra, it would be narrated by Shay or Dr.Cable looking for Tally.

Scott Westerfeld, thank you.

Pretties

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

Stars: 5 out of 5
Genre: Fantasy
Age group: 11 and up

As I said before in my review of Uglies, I ran out and got Pretties as soon as I finished Uglies. I'm really glad I got it soon.

I really don't like to read series or sagas because that requires commitment. However, if a book is really good, I would need to read the sequel. I felt that way about Uglies: it was awesome and I couldn't just stop there.

Pretties was as good as Uglies. It was impossible to put down and impossible to forget. I've liked Uglies and Pretties so much that I noticed Westerfeld's writing style. Westerfeld wrote his books so that there isn't a sappy happily ever after but a huge question mark. I really like that; it makes the reader want to buy the next book immediately to find out what happens next. I haven't been so interested in a series since the Twilight Saga.

Can't wait to read Specials, Westerfeld!

Uglies

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld


Stars: 5 out of 5
Genre: fiction
Age group: 11 and up

What really got my attention to pick this book up was the author. Scott Westerfeld is a man, so I'm thinking, What does this guy know about teenage girls? Unless he's a dad, he only cares about food and sports.



While I was reading, I began to regret thinking that. Uglies is about Tally, a girl living in Uglyville. In her world, everyone is considered an ugly until they get an operation that will turn them super-model gorgeous pretty on their 16th birthday. Tally can't wait for the operation but everything changes when her friend, Shay runs away. The authorities force Tally to make a decision: turn Shay in or never turn pretty at all.

Uglies is full of action, friendship, and excitement. There were surprises on every page. That made me wonder if even Westerfeld knew what was going to happen on the next page. Uglies is breath-taking and hard to put down. In fact, I didn't even know that I was at the end of the book until I turned the page and there was blank pages. The ending was so captivating, I dropped what I was doing and ran out to get the sequel, Pretties.


Well done, Scott Westerfeld. You surprised many girls, including me, that even men can write about teenagers.

Blogroll

I was reading some of my favorite blogs and I realized something: I don't have a blogroll. So, comment here if you would like your blog name on my blogroll or your favorite blog on my blogroll. I will try to make my blogroll in a week or so.

Love,
mary

Black and White

Black and White by Dani Shapiro

Stars: 4.5 out of 5

Genre: Realistic fiction

Age group: 14 and up



Black and White is about a woman, Clara visiting her mother, Ruth. Though the plot sounds plain, there is much more. If you didn't read the blurb on the back, you would never have found out about Ruth taking nude pictures of her daughter.



Black and White is heart-warming and sad at the same time. Heart-warming because of the ending. Sad because of the nude pictures Ruth took of Clara. Those pictures really bothered me. I'm not a mother, but I am a daughter and treating your child as if the world deserves to see her body in museums is wrong. I think those pictures weren't art, they were child porn.



The title, Black and White has so much effect on the story. I never noticed it before but the order of the title matters. If the title was White and Black, the story would sound entirely different. Think about it, say 'white and black' first then say 'black and white.' They both sound different.



To me, the title Black and White represents Clara and Ruth. Black is Ruth and white is Clara. Black can effect white the same way white can effect black. If you paint a black dot on a white paper and a white dot on a black paper, you would pay the same amount attention to each dot. So, back to the effecting. Ruth used Clara when she was young and that led to Clara running away for 14 years. Clara didn't forgive Ruth and as a result, Ruth gave all her photos to Clara.



Black and White was brilliant, sad, heart-warming, and so much more than it seemed.

Lucky

Lucky by Rachel Vail

Stars: 3 out of 5

Genre: Realistic fiction, chick lit
Age Group: 13 and up

Lucky is about Phoebe, a spoiled rich girl who is planning a graduation party with her friends. She is the luckiest girl on Earth beacuse she has money, parents, and a pretty face. Then that all changes when her parents lose money. How will she pay for the party? How will her friends react? Most importantly, is she the luckiest girl because of her money?

I really liked Lucky. I was kinda jealous of Phoebe because of her money. Lucky tells an important lesson about friendship. The characters were original and the plot was exciting.

Rachel Vail, great job!

Live a Little

Live a Little by Kim Green

Stars: 4 out of 5

Genre: realistic fiction

Age group: 16 and up

When I first picked Live a Little and saw the word breast cancer, I thought it was going to be a woman who survived breast cancer and changes her life.

Live a Little is about a mistreated woman faking breast cancer to get better treatment from her family. Though the plot sounds......disturbing, Kim Green put a lot of comedy in this book and made it seem okay. Live a Little is smart, witty, and flat-out funny! This is going to be one of my favorites for a long time!

Contest changed!

As you may know, I held a contest (look at 8/25) that was going to end on the 29th of September. Ive decided to change that contest. Instead of just becoming an author on this site, you're gonna have a choice! You're either gonna become an author for a certain period of time (you can choose how long) OR you can just be a guest blogger and have one review of a book, article, or peom on this site.

Eligibility:

1) You must be a teen between the ages of 13 and 19.

2) You must speak, write, and read ENGLISH fluently.

Rules:

1) One email from each person. You may give more than 1 review, but 3 reviews max.

2) The email must come before 10/13/08. I will choose the winner (or winners) on 10/15/08.

Prizes:

One winner (or more) gets one of these prizes:

1) Writing for Book Reviews 4 Teens for a period of time (your choice).

or

2) Having your review of any writing piece on this website. If you have a favorite book, poem, or article and you want others to know what you think of it, just send your review in for a chance to get it on this website!

Have fun and if you have any questions, feel free to comment. :)

xoxoxo,

mary

First 12 chapters of Midnight Sun

First 12 chapters of Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
Rate: 5 out of 5
Genre: Fantasy
Age group: 14 and up

These 12 chapters were awesome! In case you don't know, Midnight Sun is Twilight from Edwards's view. Though I read Twilight about a year ago, I still loved it from Edward's view. Midnight Sun was funny, exciting, action packed, and about as good as fudge ice-cream at midnight. Everything was so funny according to Edward. I know it was kinda cruel to laugh at Bella's clumsiness but Edward made it seem okay.

I feel really bad for Stephenie. I know that most people are mad because she's not gonna finish the book but I think those people are selfish. Stephenie trusted someone with her draft of Midnight Sun. But that someone leaked it on the Internet or gave it to someone else. Whatever happened, I feel bad that someone betrayed a wonderful person like Stephenie Meyer. I hope she finishes Midnight Sun but I think we should give her some space.

Stephenie, I hope you find time to finish the wonderful book because fans are counting on you but if you need more time, we will give it to you.

Extremly busy

Sorry, guys if I haven't been posting in a while. School's started and I'm overwelmed with work. I'll be posting a few days.

Blogging for Darfur.

Natasha, at Maw Books Blog is a wonderful person because she is reading, blogging, and donating to help people in Darfur. For more information visit her site: http://blog.mawbooks.com/2008/08/30/the-big-announcement-is-here-reading-blogging-for-darfur/

I really like this because all you have to read or watch some movies or books on Darfur (she has a list of books and movies on her site) and Natasha will donate money to help a needy cause. So, people, just read! I know I will read some books and review it here.

Sweethearts

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

Stars: 2 out of 5
Genre: Fiction
Age group: 15 and up

When I picked up, Sweethearts, I thought it would be about 2 young lovers who get separated then meet again, fall in love, and then get married.

Like most things, I was wrong.

Sweethearts is about 2 outcasts, Jennifer and Cameron. When Cameron disappears, Jennifer is devastated that her only friend is gone. In high school, Jennifer changes and known as the popular Jeanna. Life is good until Cameron comes back and Jeanna is afraid that Jennifer will slip out.

Sweethearts was an unique book. The characters were original. The plot was one of a kind. You won't find another ending like this. Sweethearts is written in the future and Jenna/Jennifer is looking back at the beginning. I liked that part because it kept the book interesting.

Like Story of a Girl, Sara Zarr wrote a unique, one of a kind, and original book.

Book Blogging Appreciation Week

My Friend Amy has created a week dedicated to book bloggers. That idea is pretty great. It's time to open nominations for Book Blogger Appreciation Week Awards 2008!

Listed below are the categories of awards. There are many. You may not have a nomination for each award. It doesn't matter. Nominate up to two blogs per category and send an email to BbawawardsATgmailDOTcom with your choices. You DO NOT have to have a blog to make nominations. Comments left on this post will NOT be accepted as nominations. Each category will be narrowed to the top five blogs by number of nominations received, so don't be shy!!! Support your favorite blogs and bloggers! Nominations will close on August 31st.

And the categories for the Book Blogger Appreciation Week Awards 2008 are:
Best General Book
Best Kidlit Blog
Best Christian/Inspirational Fiction Blog
Best Literary Fiction Blog
Best Book Club Blog
Best Romance Blog
Best Thrillers/Mystery/Suspense Blog
Best Non-fiction Blog
Best Young Adult Lit
BlogBest Book/Publishing Industry Blog
Best Challenge Host
Best Community Builder
Best Cookbook Blog
Best History/Historical Fiction Blog
Best Design
Most Chatty
Most Concise
Most Eclectic Taste
Best Name for a Blog
Best Published Author Blog
Best Book published in 2008
Best Meme/Carnival/Event
Most Extravagant GiveawaysBest Book Community site

Send in your nominees now! For more info, go here: http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/2008/08/bbaw-award-nominations-are-open.html

New template

As you can see, I changed the template from 2 columns into 3 columns. I think that this extra column will help you find information easier. What do you think? Do you like this template or the other one with 2 columns? Also, if you have any templates you like, I would appreciate it if you give me the download link.

Have a nice day,
mary

Something to Blog About

Something to Blog About by Shana Norris

Stars: 2.5 out of 5
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age group: All ages

When I first saw the title of this book, I knew I had to had it. The title had the word blog in it and I'm writing a blog. Plus the cover page is pretty funny, I mean, fire is dangerous, but fire is funny in hair.

The book itself was okay. The characters were cute. The plot was funny. However I felt that the problem of the exposed blog should have been stretched out more. It would be more problematic if Angela wrote some lies in it or if the teachers were included in the blog.

Overall, this book was cute.

My first contest!

Listen up, all book fans and reviews! I'm having a contest! Book Reviews 4 Teens are reviews of teen books through a teen's eyes. I've decided that I need another reviewer. To participate, just send your name (first name only), age (must be 13-19), a paragraph of why you want to write for Book Reviews 4 Teens and a review of your favorite book to miaoru95@aol.com. If I get enough emails, I may choose more winners. The winner (or winners) will be announced on 9/30/08.

Eligibility:

1) You must be a teen between the ages of 13 and 19.

2) You must speak, write, and read ENGLISH fluently.

3) If chosen, you must write at least 1 review every month.

Rules:
1) One email from each person. You may give more than 1 review, but 3 reviews max.

2) The email must come before 9/26. I will choose the winner (or winners) on 9/30/08.

Prizes:
One winner (or more) gets the honor of writing for Book Reviews 4Teens.

Have fun and if you have any questions, feel free to comment. :)

xoxoxo,
mary