REVIEW: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

**** 4 stars out of 5

Tally Youngblood lives in Uglyville, where all kids go under the knife to become “pretties” on their 16th birthday. But just weeks before her operation, Tally meets a girl who makes her think twice about the procedure and its consequences. A whole new world is opened up to Tally and she now begins to question everything she knows…and fight against what she once thought was right.

This is a page-turner of a story. It’s got great action sequences, love between characters, and deep friendship. It also brings up some really important questions. Even though it takes place in a futuristic world, there are a lot of issues that resonate with the world we live in today.

The only complaint I have about this book is that it gets a little too moralistic at times, meaning that it sort of beats you over the head with the moral that “looks aren’t everything.” But it blasts that message at you over and over again, which can get kind of old.

Other than that, it’s a phenomenal book. I’ve already checked out its sequel Pretties! Can’t wait to start it!

CURRENTLY READING: Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman

REMINDER: Don’t forget that you can submit your own reviews! If you want to share info about a book you’ve read (good review or bad), email it to me at walt_whitman25@hotmail.com and I’ll post it on the blog!

REVIEW: "Blue Bloods" by Melissa de la Cruz

Blue Bloods
by: Melissa Dela Cruz

The new "fad" in teen books right now are usually about ridiculously rich kids whose parents dont care with what they do or about vampire love story. Well, guess what...this new book by Melissa Dela Cruz is about both. I was scared to actually read it thinking I couldn't stand the annoying kids in the story, but it is actually pretty good. The story is amazingly original and a different take on where vampires are from. It even explains how vampires arrived in America. There is more coming, I hope, because I still have lingering questions on how the book is going to end.

Macy Queen
10th grade
16 years old

NEW MAGAZINES ADDED!

I'm "test driving" four new magazines! If lots of people check them out and/or read them, then I'll most likely get a subscription. The magazines are:

• Mad Magazine
• Entertainment Weekly
• BOP
• Animation Magazine

Take a look and let me know if you'd like me to keep them. Stop me in the library or post a comment on the blog!


STILL CURRENTLY READING: King Dork

REVIEW: "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

I just finished reading Twilight by Stephenie Meyer on Wednesday night - I stayed up until 2 am to do it! I haven't done that since Da Vinci Code! So that's a good indication of how much I loved it!

It is the story of Isabella Swan, who moves from sunny Phoenix to live with her dad in the Pacific Northwest. She meets Edward, a devastatingly handsome guy who just happens to be a vampire, along with his brothers and sisters. Naturally, Isabella and Edward fall in love in the midst of keeping Edward's secret safe and running from a cruel, vicious fellow vampire.

The book, though a bit overlong, is gripping and well-written. The emotions experienced by Edward and Bella are vividly described - it is one of the best love stories I've read. The final climactic showdown involving the evil vampire is surprisingly creepy and scary so make sure to read it in the dark. 8-)

4 stars out of 5

Recommended for ages 13+

CURRENTLY READING: King Dork by Frank Portman

Welcome to Reid Branch's teen blog

Hey all!

First, I haven't met lots of you yet so let me introduce myself. My name is Laura and I'm the new teen librarian at the Branch library. I'm eager to meet all of you and start creating a space where you love to hang out. In the coming months I'll be ordering new books. If there's anything you want to request, stop me in the library or post a comment here.

Second, speaking of book ordering, I recently did a Barnes and Noble buying trip and bought some really exciting new books. So coming to a shelf near you are the following books:

Bass Ackwards and Belly Up - Liz Craft
Just Listen - Sarah Dessen
Blue Bloods - Melissa de la Cruz
The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs - Jack Gantos
Ark Angel (Alex Rider) - Anthony Horowitz
Nailed - Patrick Jones
Born to Rock - Gordon Korman
Gossamer - Lois Lowry
Travel Team - Mike Lupica
Startled by his Fuzzy Shorts - Louise Rennison
Amazing Grace - Megan Shull
It's Kind of a Funny Story - Ned Vizzini
Pretties - Scott Westerfeld
Uglies - Scott Westerfeld
Elsewhere - Gabrielle Zevin
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

I know that's a lot of books so I've highlighted the ones that are the latest, greatest, and most recommended.

Check back each week for new posts; I'll also be posting raffles for books here as well. So keep coming back! And feel free to leave comments and book reviews.

Laura