Book Review: Dumplin'

Title of Book
Author
Murphy, Julie
Rating
4 stars = Really Good
Review

I could really relate to Willowdean who does not have a skinny body yet decides to enter the local teen pageant. It takes a lot of guts for her to enter and it challenges her relationship with her mom who runs the pageant. Willowdean also works with Bo who likes her a lot, but she has a hard time believing it since she is her own worst critic of her weight. I love books with unique and complex characters and Willowdean is definitely that! Highly recommended.

Reviewer's Name
Lisa

Book Review: George

Title of Book
Author
Gino, Alex
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

This book made me cry. I read it in one sitting. It took me about 3 hours. I just kept turning the pages as fast as possible. It was beautifully written. I just felt for George and wanted to protect her from all her pain. I'm not transgendered and I don't know how it feels to be so, but I imagine that this is exactly right. Wonderful.

Reviewer's Name
vfranklyn

Book Review: Paper Towns

Title of Book
Author
Green, John
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

This mystery novel centers on the life of a high school senior, Quentin, and his complicated relationship with his neighbor, Margo. After years of not even speaking to each other, Margo appears at Quentin’s window, and they spend a wild night playing pranks and getting revenge on their friends and enemies. However, the next day, Margo disappears. I picked the book because I have read other novels by John Green, who often incorporates both deep and philosophical themes and hilarious humor in great novels. Paper Towns in particular is incredibly thought-provoking and the character development of Margo as both mysterious yet relatable is superb. This book did surprise me given the typical mystery set-up, and was definitely one of the best books I have read this year.

Reviewer Grade: 12

Reviewer's Name
Selena Z.

Book Review: Little Bee

Title of Book
Author
Cleave, Chris
Rating
4 stars = Really Good
Review

This book was so much better than I thought it was going to be. I had to read it for a school assignment and I can honestly say, I wasn't really looking forward to reading it. Within the first chapter though, I was hooked.

The strong introduction of all the characters and the switch of narration between chapters is very well carried out. The very strong character development is something I look for in a good book and this book definitely had that!

Reviewer's Name
Cayci Jean

Book Review: George

Title of Book
Author
Gino, Alex
Rating
4 stars = Really Good
Review

George is a well-written book about the confusion of a boy who knows that deep down that she is really a girl. Writing from George's point of view, the author expresses George's frustration as a transgender child who unfortunately experiences bullying from the other kids. Luckily, George does have a best friend who understands and supports her. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Reviewer's Name
Lisa

Book Review: Planet Tad

Title of Book
Author
Carvell, Tim
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

This is an absolutely hilarious book told in the form of an online blog based on the MAD magazine feature of the same name. If you liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the Origami Yoda books, or like MAD, you will love this book. It tells a story in journal/ blog form about a 13 year old boy named Tad who is trying to survive middle school along with doing other things such as growing a mustache, doing a kickflip on his skateboard, and finally getting girls to notice him (which all end up in disasters.). He also makes funny observations on just about everything, from Hansel and Gretel to Peeps. It is laughing-so-hard-you-can't breathe type funny and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the books above.

Reviewer Grade: 7

Reviewer's Name
Jacob U.

Book Review: Looking for Alaska

Title of Book
Author
Green, John
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

After years of having no friends and being ignored by so many, Pudge, or Miles Halter switches to a new boarding school. There he meets a woman that will sweep through his life, like a hurricane, Alaska. Another best seller by Mr. Green, Looking for Alaska is an unmistakably amazing novel, with every prank pulled my the mischievous Alaska, and every new experience she puts Miles through, the reader feels just what Miles does, love. Love for the characters the mishap, and the very words that were written down on paper. Unable to put the book down, every reader will once again, fall for the writings of John Green.

Reviewer Grade: 12

Reviewer's Name
Alyxandra S.

Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars

Title of Book
Author
Green, John
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

After an intense battle with cancer, Hazel had finally started to get her life back to normal, or as normal as it can be for a girl who hasn't been in proper school for years, and who's best friend is an author she had never met. But then, her life turned upside down when she met Augustus. What follows is a whirlwind romance that leaves the reader grasping for more and wishing for time. John Green brings his characters to life in this novel, and with every turn it is impossible not to fall in love. This wonderful book has a way of bringing the reader in and bringing them back for more and more. A must read, and a book that makes it seem impossible to put down.

Reviewer Grade: 12

Reviewer's Name
Alyxandra S.

Book Review: Still Alice

Title of Book
Author
Genova, Lisa
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

What a remarkable book! So real and poignant, I can't believe that this is a novel. This book is told from Alice's point of view as she copes her life with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The title says it all, she's Still Alice in spite of the effects of this devastating disease. Highly recommended.

Reviewer's Name
Lisa
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