Here are some reviews from our local volunteer Book Reviewers.
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The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani (2013)
Review by Evalyne- Grade 10
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
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Rating: 9 out of 10
REVIEW
Imagine a world where stories aren't fiction; where fairy tales are accounts of true adventures and the characters were once your fellow neighbors. Agatha, the village witch and her fair haired, pink-loving friend, Sophie, are two young girls living in a small village surrounded by a seemingly endless expanse of trees. The School for Good and Evil is the tale of their adventure
The Tale of Despereaux (2004)
Review by Evalyne- Grade 10
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Action/Adventure
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Rating: 10 out of 10
REVIEW
Once upon a time... there was a knight. This knight, so brave and chivalrous, fell in love with a beautiful princess. And it was his mission, his duty, to save her. His name was Despereaux Tilling, and he was a mouse. The only surviving baby of his mother's last litter, with ears so large, a body so small, and eyes wide open,
A History of the World in Six Glasses (2006)
Review by Evalyne- Grade 10
Genre: Nonfiction
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Rating: 7 out of 10
REVIEW
History. The true tales of man, of knowledge, of revolutions, religion, empires, the earth, and life all around us. In the classroom, we learn of the world oftentimes through great men, artifacts, locations, and documents of our past. But what about history as told by the most popular drinks of today?
Ronia, The Robber’s Daughter by Astrid Lindgren (1981)
Review by Evalyne- Grade 10
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction,
Find it Digitally:Cloud Library audiobook
Rating: 10 out of 10
REVIEW
The tragic romance of "Romeo and Juliet", one of Shakespeare's most renowned stories, is a classic about two confliciting families and forbidden love. But much less tragic is "Ronia, The Robber's Daughter", a sweet story about childhood and philia. In the midst of two rivaling robber bands, Birk Borkason of Borka's Keep and Ronia of Matt's Fort find friendship in one another, going through thick and thin to stay together and end the rivalry.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (2015)
Review by Lizzie- Grade 11
Genre: Fantasy, Action/Adventure
Find it Digitally: Overdrive/Libby eBook
Rating: 8 out of 10
REVIEW
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo is set in a fantasy world that mainly takes place in the slums of Ketterdam. The story follows Kaz Brekker, the owner of The Crow Club, and his ragtag crew of outcasts. With the help of his crew, he plans to break one of the world’s leading scientists out of prison. The prize is one million kruge-- enough to change a life. Their plans are met with the constant upheaval that makes for high-stake situations.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab (2020)
Review by Nicolina - Pace
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction,
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Rating: 9 out of 10
REVIEW
"What is a person, if not the marks they leave behind?" That is the question Addie LaRue asks herself, after years of no one ever remembering her. In a moment of extreme desperation, Addie makes a deal with the devil, getting the ability to live forever, but cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. She lives out a thousand different lives, living throughout the centuries, and around the world, while finding a love of words and art.
Graceling by Kristin Cashore (2008)
Review by Lizzie- Grade 11
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Action/Adventure
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Rating: 9 out of 10
REVIEW
Graceling by Kristin Cashore is an underrated masterpiece. It follows the character Katsa, who is “graced” with killing abilities. Along with the dashingly handsome Prince Po, they plan to free Princess Bitterblue from her evil father, King Leck of Monsea. They go on daring adventures through the well-developed fantasy world and a slow-burn romance.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1905)
Review by Nicolina- Pace
Genre: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
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Rating: 8 out of 10
REVIEW
The power of imagination is stronger than we may think. Sara Crewe challenges individuals of any ages to look at the world through a childlike lens. The story begins with little Sara Crewe getting shipped off to London, after leaving her beloved father and home in India. Many of her peers adore her and her stories, and yet Miss Minchin, the headmistress, has a different perspective on what she thinks of Sara.
Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018)
Review by Nicolina- Pace
Genre: Romance Ficiton
Find it Digitally: Overdrive/Libby eBook, Overdrive/Libby audiobook
Rating: 10 out of 10
REVIEW
The years before we become true adults are what molds us into who we are. Our experiences, our actions, and words, all begin to weave themselves into our personalities. Love seems to be simple, but in most cases, miscommunication is the root of many problems. To listen is one thing, but to understand is another. Connell and Marianne grew up in the same small town, and through the years begin to lose each other and find one another again and again. With each other they learn what love means, what friendship is, and that sometimes you must let things go for them to return. As they search for themselves, they watch the other transform into something beautiful. and magnetic, before each others eyes.
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