Reading Rants Looking for something good to read? This site lists out-of-the-ordinary recommended books for teens.
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Teens Top Ten Voted by teens, see if you agree. Also, many recommended lists.
SHS STUDENT BOOK REVIEWS
Check out these titles -- all available at the SHS Library
See Mrs. DiPietro to add a review of your own!
Monster
Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers’s Monster is a suspenseful novel that leaves us not only with scenes of death, but also with outrageous and disturbing ideas. His descriptions describe what it can mean for an African American boy growing up in a bad neighborhood and how bad influences are all around. We are left in suspense throughout the whole novel wondering who is telling the truth and who is lying to save themselves from going to jail. It’s a moving drama that keeps us thinking the whole time -- not only in this story, but how it happens everyday. (Reviewed by D.D.) FIC MYE
Go Ask Alice
Anonymous
(1) Go Ask Alice is a wonderful interpretation of a teen’s struggle with drugs. Even though the novel is entirely diary entries, each captivates the mentality and sensation of being on drugs. It helps readers understand why many teens start and become addicted. After reading this novel, you will have an idea of what they went though; many will get a better perception on how to help someone in the same situation. (Reviewed by I.C.)
(2) The book Go Ask Alice is a good book with an easy to read story. It has been recommended by The Boston Globe and the New York Times Book Review. The book is written in diary form about the life of a teenage girl who finds herself addicted to drugs. This book is based on a true story, and it keeps you interested throughout. It is the kind of book that you hate to put down because you want to find out what happens next. (Reviewed by B. O.) FIC ANO
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Mitch Albom
The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a sentimental book that recaps the life of Eddie after he dies. The touching story gives five lessons about Eddie’s life. The most suspenseful part in the story is when a roller coaster cart falls, landing on Eddie as he tries to save a little girl standing underneath. The story leaves you anxious to find out if he did save the little girl, or if his life was completely meaningless. Before Eddie goes to heaven, he meets five people that impacted his life. All the people lead him to heart-breaking events in his life. (Reviewed by C. O.) FIC ALB
A Child Called It
Dave Pelzer
(1) Dave Pelzer’s A Child Called It is an unforgettable true story that portrays the struggle of a young boy, dealing with his abusive and emotionally unstable mother. His mother deprives him of bare necessities such as food and clothing. Dave Pelzer does an amazing job of visualization and leaves us with the feeling somewhat of how he felt during times of abusive and isolation in his childhood. The conclusion is perhaps the saddest part is when Dave is so bereft of reality, that when the police come to take him to foster care he thinks hes going to be arrested for being a bad boy. It is difficult for one to imagine what it’s like to suffer such abuse, but Pelzer has done an amazing job of
recalling and expressing his motions on such a horrible time in his life. (Reviewed by T. D.) 921 PELTZER
(2) This book was a very interesting book. It is one of those books that you can’t put down. While you’re reading it you can actually picture everything happening to this little boy. It is in so much detail and written wonderfully. This is one of my new favorite books. When you read this book you are in total shock because you can’t imagine someone doing this to a poor innocent boy. (Reviewed by A.C.) 921 PELTZER
(3) Through the passion and hope of a young child’s courage and will to survive comes a great tear jerking journey of true survival story. A Child Called It is a page turner and one of the most violent child abuse cases in California. It is a must read by people all across the country who have love and kindness and compassion in their hearts. This is a good wake up call to all those who think life is so sweet. The book speaks for its self. This is a book that you can read over and over again and still question: How far can a mother go? (Reviewed by H. C.) 921 PELTZER
The Lovely Bones
Alice Sebold
(1) Alice Sebold’s book The Lovely Bones is a thrilling and suspenseful book about murder, consequences and family. This book sets us up with detailed images of what really happened, bringing us to the feeling of being in the book. Her characters were well described, keeping you in tune with who everyone was, with no room for confusion. The theme of the book was well thought out. It kept the reader interested and wanting to read more. She also left you with cliffhangers, urging you to go to the next chapter to see what happened. (Reviewed by J. T.) FIC SEB
(2) I personally really enjoyed The Lovely Bones. It was a mix of disturbingly sad events, humors and hope. The ending of this first chapter was extremely hard for me to read because that is when Mr. Harvey rapes and murders Susie. One of the saddest parts of the book for me was when Susie’s father has an emotional breakdown. He began to thrash in the attic, smashing prized treasures Susie and himself made. Although the ending was not what I expected, I felt some justice was served. Overall I thought this book was extremely good. (Reviewed by T.Y.) FIC SEB
(3) This novel is a riveting story told from a murdered teenager's point of view from heaven. Susie's story allows the reader to watch from her perspective how the loved ones in her world coped after her death and moved on. It also focuses on her murderer's plan to stay unsuspected. This book is sad, happy, suspenseful, scary, touching, and interesting as it follows these characters in their journey through splintering apart and then coming to a happy resolution by the end. (Reviewed by A. G.) FIC SEB
Life in the Fat Lane
Cherie Bennett
Cherie Bennett’s Life in the Fat Lane is a novel that speaks the truth about being thin and perfect in our society today. This book grabs the reader with how shallow our generation is about looks. This novel makes the reader understand what it is like to be fat and how horrible it’s reality is. It is a fascinating book that depicts how nobody’s life is perfect and there is always something wrong, but we have to deal with it and make it better. The author shows how difficult being a teenager is with peer pressure, parent pressure and not fitting in. It seems that today everyone has to be perfect with good looks, good grades and good friends. This is a terrific book for any teenage girl, fat or thin; they will not be able to put it
down until finished.
(Reviewed by M. C.) FIC BEN
Don’t Look Behind You
Lois Duncan
Lois Duncan is an amazing author! Her writing leaves you eager to continue reading the book, Don’t Look Behind You that I could not put down. Her horrifying details of hide-and-seek chases paints such a picture in my mind, I thought I was there with April Corrigan fighting for life. Throughout the book I was scared for her life; many times I thought the gunman would catch her. During the entire book I was warily looking all around me for hit men because of the realistic elements. Normally reading is hard and boring for me, but in Mrs. Duncan’s book the words floated off the pages and came alive. Don’t Look Behind You is pleasurable and easy reading. Everyone who enjoys a good mystery or scary story should
definitely give this book a fair chance. I cannot wait to read more from this remarkable best-selling author named Lois Duncan.
(Reviewed by S.S.) FIC DUN
So Yesterday
Scott Westerfield
Part love story, part mystery, Scott Westerfield’s So Yesterday has an overall exciting plot. This book is a clever novel about innovation, corporate logos and the concept of “cool.” The narrator, Hunter Braque, describes throughout the book what his job is, who he works with and keeps the reader focused on the main point of view. For example, his adventure to find Mandy, his boss; getting to know Jen, his new love interest, and also searching for the coolest pair of sneakers he has ever seen. (Reviewed by K. F.) FIC WES
Things Not Seen
Andrew Clements
Andrew Clements’ Things Not Seen is a powerful novel that takes you into the world of a boy who becomes invisible. The fear is ominous as Bobby Phillips looms over the idea of being invisible forever. This book shows how relations between his friends and family are strained and they’re brought closer. His family and friends wonder how they can crack the code to this curse-like problem. In the end problems unwind, but are never forgotten by Bobby, his friends and family. Andrew Clements’ science-fiction-like book makes you think: What if this could really happen? (Reviewed by A.S.) FIC CLE
Juice
Eric Walter
Eric Walter’s Juice is about a football team in high school. The team is convinced by the new coach that winning isn’t everything, it is the only thing. Therefore, they use a negative way to train themselves. This is a good book for adolescents to read because the book clearly tells the readers that the use of steroids is illegal and it has negative effects on users. The book also tells readers it is not whether you win or lose, it is how you play the game. The book teaches readers a lesson and therefore this is good book for teenagers to read. (Reviewed by A.N.) FIC WAL
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky
Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming of age novel that explores the joys, confusion, and uncertainty that comes with being a teenager. Chbosky beautifully describes the main character, Charlie, and his views on high school experiences and life. He also describes Charlie’s mental development in becoming the person he wants to be while making the reader question their ideal selves. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a captivating novel that everyone can relate to regardless of their age. (Reviewed by C.C.) FIC CHB
In the Shadow of the Alamo
Sherry Garland
Sherry Garland’s In Shadow of the Alamo is a heart-stopping novel that really shows you the hardships the Mexican Army went through during a time of war. Her ways of describing the battle scenes made you feel like you were part of the action. Garland shows you the glorious and horrific sides of war. For instance, Garland explains how wonderful it is to make new friends at war, but then in the end of all Lorenzo’s friends die during various battles. The novel makes you realize how lucky we all are to have an army fighting for our protection during war. Most people claim to be strong but what would you do if someone handed you a musket and said “Fire at all enemy soldiers, kill all on sight!” (Reviewed by O. J.) FIC GAR
Romiette and Julio
Sharon M. Draper
Sharon M. Draper’s Romiette and Julio is an exciting novel that shows real world problems with gang violence. It displays the real threat that gangs have on today’s society. Unfortunately, throughout the novel characters kept stating that Romiette and Julio have similar names like the lovers in Shakespeare’s works. Once you have said it once, you don’t have to say it again. When you continually repeat something like that it gets kind of irritating. (Reviewed by R. O.) FIC DRA
Running Loose
Chris Crutcher
Chris Crutcher’s Running Loose is a realistic depiction of a typical American high school. It is a story any teenager can relate to because it deals with ambition, relationships and finding yourself. The main character, Louie, stands up against adversity and won’t back down from what he believes in. There are many shocking twists and turns in this story including triumph, tragedy, and courage to rise up against the odds. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat. You won’t want to put it down. (Reviewed by L. T.) FIC CRU
Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson
Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak is an emotional roller coaster; taking the reader through the ups and the downs while keeping their attention. The detailed description of the horrible aftermath a rape victim endures enables the reader to relate as if they had experienced the same situation. Targeting real life issues and disasters, the author explains the different scenarios a rape victim experiences on a daily basis, such as obsessive paranoia and serious feelings of exile and awkwardness among other people. The novel truly reaches the true thoughts that enter a rape victim’s mind. She helps to reach out and demonstrate how tragic an event like this could be. She really proves that even when that case is prosecuted, the terrifying feelings
might never go away completely. (Reviewed by L.G.) FIC AND
The Notebook
Nicholas Spark
Nicholas Spark’s The Notebook is a romantic novel that shows people how to follow their hearts and to never let go through heart-compelling scenes and also with the affection he shows between two people. His idea of love and romance gives the reader an idea of how love is a very powerful feeling that bounds two people forever. He teaches the readers to never give up on love, because in the end you won’t be happy unless you follow your heart. (Reviewed by M. J.) FIC SPA
The Bourne Ultimatum
Robert Ludlum
The third and last book in the Bourne Series, Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Ultimatum continues on with the unbelievable thrills and suspense of the first two novels. The same key ingredients are there: scarily realistic examples of modern day espionage; near death escapes, and above all, the characteristic fast-paced thinking that keeps the main character alive. The book is a perfect ending to the series, because it combines elements from the first two books. Also, the way he writes about his characters, with their ice-cold reasoning and very real abilities, makes them seem like they could jump out of the page. Mr. Ludlum is a top-notch writer and his ability to describe all the details, as well as the inner workings of a person’s mind, all
guaranteed the Bourne series success from the start. I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads this review.
(Reviewed by T. Y.) FIC LUD
Storky: How I Lost My Nickname and Won the Girl
D.L. Garfinkle
D.L. Garkfinle’s story, Storky: How I Lost My Nickname and Won the Girl is an exciting and humorous book that talks about life, love and other disasters that go on in the life of a high school boy. Any teenager can relate to the drama that occurs in Michael’s life with girls, school and an awful nickname. His experiences help the reader understand how hard it is for some kids to fit in when they’re not part of the “popular” crowd. Teenagers everywhere will enjoy reading about how Michael won the girl and lost his nickname. (Reviewed by G. S.) FIC GAR
Catalyst
Laurie Halse Anderson
Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson is an intelligent insight into the mind of a teenager. Its characters are unique and very unpredictable. The plot has many twists and turns that have the reader going for one more page, over and over again. The storyline has much intensity of Speak, and people who enjoyed Speak would be thrilled by Catalyst. This book is like no other, and blazes its own path, bringing a strong message to all who read it. (Reviewed by R. D.)
Stick Figure
Lori Gottlieb
In the book Stick Figure, Lori Gottlieb portrays her life story in such a way that the reader understands the stresses and pressures in life that causes one to have an eating disorder, as well as the dangers and consequences that result from the disorder. It is an interesting but also intriguing book that shocks the reader with the near death experiences by her eating disorder. (Reviewed by H. D.) 921 GOTTLIEB
The Voice on the Radio
Caroline B. Cooney
There are many mystery novels around the world, some better than others. The Voice on the Radio is one of the better mystery novels out there. Caroline B. Cooney adds in various plot twists to make this book exciting and hard to put down. Unfortunately, the ending was a little disappointing in that it did not leave the reader in suspense as many of her others tend to do. Overall, The Voice on the Radio was well written and interesting. (Reviewed by C. C.)
Soldier X
Don Wulffson
Don Wulffson’s Soldier X is a compelling novel that redefines the word “War.” His behind-the-scenes look at World War II really shows people what happened on and off the battlefield. His in-depth descriptions help the reader visualize the relationship and texture of war, and the people involved. (Reviewed by J. C.)
Animal Dreams
Barbara Kingsolver
Animal Dreams, written by Barbara Kingsolver is a sweet, although heart-breaking, novel taking place in the Native American and Mexican mixed Northwest. Reading the story of lost childhoods, a dying father, and of love, you will cry your eyes out and perhaps realize what life is and what dreams are. (Reviewed by J. S.)
Martyn Pig
Bruce Brooks
Kevin Brook’s Martyn Pig is a terrific novel filled with all kinds of different twists and turns. The book mixes in all kinds of different moods. At some times the book is serious and eventful, and at other times, compassion is shown between characters. The author does a great job blending a tragic plot and making it almost a humor-filled story. (Reviewed by D. M.)
Playing in Traffic
Gail Giles
Gail Giles’ Playing in Traffic is a twisted novel showing both teenage psychology and lust. Matt Lathrop, an ignored high school senior, is surprisingly chosen by a goth girl, Skye Colby, to share deep, dark secrets with. Matt soon acknowledges Skye’s primary plan. Gail Giles knows exactly how to keep readers engaged and this thriller keeps your heart racing. The end of the story’s incident is somewhat expected, but won’t bring forth much compassion from the reader. (Reviewed by A. D.)
Beautiful Stranger
Hope Donahue
Hope Donahue’s autobiography Beautiful Stranger is a thrilling book which exemplifies the perfection-obsessed world that we live in today. It inspires women of all ages who are obsessed with extreme makeovers and risky procedures that promise perfection. Beautiful Stranger is guaranteed to change your opinions on how you react to life-threatening issues. Hope became addicted to a quest for physical perfection in place of her self-esteem. She eventually came to her senses and realized that there is more to life than perfection, and that nobody is perfect. (Reviewed by G. R.)
The Outsiders
S.E. Hinton
The Outsiders is a story written by S. E. Hinton that describes the dangers for a “Greaser” living in a poverty-stricken home while dealing with constant struggles against the “Socs.” The story is written from a point of view of a “Greaser” named Ponyboy Curtis. The Greasers had the lowest rank of social classes in town and were also known as hoodlums. Their opponents, the Socs, were the rich kids in town who enjoyed attacking, mugging, and harassing younger and weaker Greasers just because of their social status. The Socs also outnumbered the Greasers three to one. It was only the younger and weaker Greasers who would get jumped and after a while they knew what to expect, until the night
when someone took it too far. From that point on, matters only got worse and more violent. This novel is very similar to West Side Story in many ways, but especially how it took severe violence to make both sides realize that fighting solves nothing. (Reviewed by J. P.)
The Secret Life of Bees
Sue Monk Kidd
(1) The Secret Life of Bees is a story of strength, learning, and forgiveness written by Sue Monk Kidd and told by 14-year-old Lily Owens of South Carolina. The book made me think of my mother, and how much she means to me. After I read the book I wanted to look at some of my mother’s old pictures. I adore romantic books, and having Lily and Zach together, especially Lily being white and Zach being black during a time of racism was an exciting rush. I loved August; she was a very interesting character, keeping the bees and holding the secret to Lily’s mother, Deborah. I didn’t like June’s attitude towards Lily in the beginning, but she lightened up. May’s character got me upset
sometimes, with her constant crying and her wailing wall. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great story with incredible characters that you will remember for a while. I know I will. (Reviewed by K. D.) FIC KID
(2) The Secret Life of Bees is an exceptionally well-written novel about the strength of women and the bond between mothers and daughters. I really enjoyed reading this book because it was so original, and I had never read anything like it. Because of the many women-powered themes, girls may enjoy this book more, while boys may not be able to relate as well. Nevertheless, this story is able to touch and inspire the souls of many. (Reviewed by M. G.) FIC KID
Dreamland
Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen’s Dreamland is a sad, crucial story that keeps us sympathizing over the main character, not only by showing her physical and mental abuse, but also with revealing the truth. Her observations of life help the reader view the problems teenagers can get themselves into and how the problems affect loved ones. (Reviewed by L. S.)
Skeleton Key
Anthony Horowitz
In Anthony Horowitz’s Skeleton Key, Alex Rider fights off countless different forces such as gangs, sharks, and people in his quest to save the world. The story is an exciting thriller in which this 14-year-old spy goes all over the world fighting and outsmarting his enemies that want the world in their power. The story’s full of exciting suspense. Alex comes inches from death and for the most part comes up with schemes to save himself. (Reviewed by D. O.)
Princess in Waiting
Meg Cabot
Princess in Waiting is a great addition to the Princess series by Meg Cabot. This is the fourth in the series and tells of Mia’s struggles of being a princess, having to deal with the parliament of Genovia and her opinions on day trippers, pollution, and parking meters in Genovia. It also deals with her problems with her new boyfriend, Michael, and whether or not he loves her. It shows how she has to balance being a princess and being a teenage girl. Princess in Waiting is a book that shows how all teenage girls are the same whether they are a princess or a regular girl in New York. Mia just happens to be both. (Reviewed by J. G.)
Slam
Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers’ Slam is an exciting novel that gets the reader interested right away. The fast-paced dialogue and action-packed basketball scenes trap the reader’s mind into what is going to happen next. The novel helps teenagers recognize what the real world is about and if you don’t go down the right path, then your life can go right down the drain. (Reviewed by T. L.)
Sphere
Michael Crichton
Michael Crichton’s Sphere is a gripping science-fiction adventure filled with realistic, chilling situations. As the reader, you are compelled into Crichton’s convincing story of a group of American scientists who are corrupted by the power of a shadowy, uncanny sphere found on a spacecraft from the future. Crichton’s description of the crew’s encounters with giant, horrifying monsters is truly breathtaking along with his adroit explanations of the psychology of the human mind. Sphere is a perfect portrayal of technology overstepping its boundaries, corrupting human morals. (Reviewed by T. L.)
Speaker for the Dead
Orson Scott Card
Speaker for the Dead is a science-fiction story that follows the story of Ender (Andrew) Wiggin. Ender was once a “third” living on Earth, but is now a Speaker who travels the stars to speak the truth of the life of the deceased. His most recent speaking will take him to a planet known as Lusitania, to speak the death of a scientist killed by the “piggies,” the native human-like species on Lusitania. He must speak about the man’s death, and clear the name of the piggy that killed the scientist. (Reviewed by R. K.)
Fat Kid Rules the World
K. L. Going
K.L. Going’s Fat Kid Rules the World is a great novel about an average fat kid who is transformed from a no-friend loser to a punk rock legend. This novel shows how quickly someone can change. This novel also shows how no matter how rich or poor, no matter how fat or skinny, you can still fit in somewhere. (Reviewed by R. K.)
Terminal Man
Michael Crichton
Michael Crichton’s Terminal Man is an exhilarating novel that shows how human technological procedures can go too far. Crichton tells the reader how the most specialized of surgical procedures can go terribly wrong and he provides excellent details to the many scientific parts of his book. Despite the somewhat slow beginning of the novel, the story quickly becomes engaging and more interesting as you turn the pages. (Reviewed by T. H.)
Teen Idol
Meg Cabot
Meg Cabot’s Teen Idol is a cute, funny, drama-filled novel that deals with all the hardships a teenager faces in today’s society. Her readers can easily relate to her main character Jenny Greenly, a high school junior with a big secret. Overall, Teen Idol is a cute “pick-me-up” book. (Reviewed by A.D.)
Confessions of a Backup Dancer
by Anonymous
as told to Tucker Shaw
Confessions of a Backup Dancer is a complex story of a teenage dancer full of conflicts and drama that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, guessing what might happen next. This story appeals to teenage readers as it speaks of real life singers and true, recent problems in the entertainment world. (Reviewed by G.G.)
The Andromeda Strain
Michael Crichton
(1) The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton is an exciting science-fiction book that will keep you glued to your seat, flipping pages continuously. The story was very interesting and nicely written, but unfortunately, included too many scientific terms in the dialogue that I found difficult to understand. Overall, The Andromeda Strain is a very good book suitable for high school students and up.
The DaVinci Code
Dan Brown
Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code is a captivating novel that grabs your attention in the very first chapter and holds your attention until the last word. Using a combination of accurate information and realistic events, Brown creates new twists and turns every chapter, keeping you at the edge of your seat throughout the book. (Reviewed by P. G.)
I Am the Cheese
Robert Cormier
I Am the Cheese by Robert Cormier follows a young boy named Adam Farmer on his journey from Monument , Massachusetts to Rutterburg, Vermont. During his adventure, Adam struggles to uncover the complex history of his family. As Adam comes closer to Rutterburg, he finds out why he is on his journey in the first place and why he is “The Cheese.” (Reviewed by D.B.)
War of the Worlds
H. G. Wells
H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds is composed of some of the greatest writing styles one could find in literature. This action-packed novel is full of near-death and gripping events experienced through the narrator, who must attempt to survive the nightmare when the world is under Martian attack. This book takes the reader into the heart of the action through each intense and imaginative stage of the Martian invasion. (Reviewed by M.B.)
Hoops
Walter Dean Myers
The novel Hoops was very compelling because it captured what growing up on the streets of New York is about. You don’t have to be a basketball fan to enjoy this book because there is a great story line and great characters. I think the author did s great job getting you attached to the characters. If you enjoy the game of basketball or if you are looking for a good book, then this is the one. (Reviewed by A. M.)
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