Teens

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Summary:

With the rise of the Berlin Wall, twelve-year-old Gerta finds her family divided overnight. She, her mother, and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. Gerta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, to think forbidden thoughts of freedom, yet she can’t help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens; she, her family, her neighbors and friends are prisoners in their own city. One day, while on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side, pantomiming a peculiar dance. Then, when she receives a mysterious drawing, Gerta puts two and two together and concludes that her father wants Gerta and Fritz to tunnel beneath the wall, out of East Berlin. However, if they are caught, the consequences will be deadly. No one can be trusted. Will Gerta and her family find their way to freedom?

Review:

The plot moved steadily and was never very slow. I found myself needing to know what was going to happen next and I couldn’t put the book down. This is classified as middle grade but I feel like it has crossover appeal for young adult too and could actually be classified as such. The setting is mostly East Berlin in the 1960s, and it focuses on how the Berlin Wall really changed lives during the Cold War.  The Cold War was a terrible time for many. Jennifer Nielsen has written a good introduction to this time in our history that’s appropriate for middle grade kids. It is not too violent, although there is violence. A Night Divided is awe inspiring, but it’s more than just a story of hope, family, and friendship; it’s a story about freedom and what humans will do to have it. It makes you question what would you do for your own freedom—what lengths would you go to. It’s beautifully written in a voice that will keep you reading until the last page and falling in love with Gerta and Fritz so much that you’ll see a little of yourself in them. It’s a story one shouldn’t miss reading, and sharing with others.

THIS BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FALL BOOK FAIR

Author: James Dashner

Summary:

Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze would mean freedom for him and the Gladers. But WICKED isn’t done yet. Phase Two has just begun. The Scorch.

There are no rules. There is no help. You either make it or you die.

The Gladers have two weeks to cross through the Scorch—the most burned-out section of the world. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken. All bets are off.

There are others now. Their survival depends on the Gladers’ destruction—and they’re determined to survive.

Review:

The second installment of the Maze Runner series, the Scorch Trials has a much faster plot precession than the first book. The well-articulated dialogue and strong chemistry between characters still remains.  the Scorch Trials is a good sequel but sometimes the action overshadows the main plot line. As the reader, you are left at the end of the book feeling lost and confused about the motives and the backstory behind the trials. This is a good thing because you can relate to how all of the other characters feel. If you can handle cliffhangers, then this is definitely the book for you.

THIS BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FALL BOOK FAIR

Author: Stan Lee – Illustrator: Stuart Moore

Summary:

When twelve magical superpowers are unleashed on the world, a Chinese-America teenager named Steven will be thrown into the middle of an epic global chase. He’ll have to master strange powers, outrun super-powered mercenaries, and unlock the mysterious powers of the Zodiac.

Review:

The Zodiac Legacy is an amazing book that is interesting and unique in its own way. The author Stan Lee did an amazing job on this book incorporating the Chinese believe of the Zodiac Circle and its powers. This book would be placed on the shelf where graphic novel books are stored. This book is about a boy who finds the secret of the Zodiac Powers and he discovers the powers in Hong Kong and accidentally harnesses the power that corresponds with his zodiac animal. The plot design and the progression of the book was kind of slow in some parts but once different plot lines reached their individual conclusions it was worthwhile. The imagery was palpable and the detailed illustrations really give the reader an idea of what was being described. Overall this is an excellent book and definitely worth reading!