American Sniper by Chris Kyle

Reviewed by Levon T.
Grade 8

Chris Kyle was a US Navy SEAL. In his autobiography, American Sniper, Kyle illustrates the role of the US Military in Iraq. He also includes his own experiences in the battlefield and at home.

As a young child, Chris Kyle had a great work ethic and a calling to help those in need. He also was a very fit and determined individual. All of this helped him become a Navy Seal, and later a sniper. Kyle was deployed in Iraq for four combat tours, from 1999 till 2009. He became the most lethal sniper in military history. Iraqi insurgents feared him so much they called him “al-Shaitan” (which means “the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head that grew to about $80,000. Kyle became a “LEGEND” among his fellow SEALs, Marines, U.S. Army soldiers, and even the GROM (Polish Special Forces). He fought alongside them in the streets, and protected them from rooftops and stealth positions. Throughout four combat deployments, he was awarded two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars.

When Kyle came home after the war, he started a company called Craft International, a sniper and marksmanship school for law enforcement and military. He also devoted the rest of his life to helping wounded veterans. Chris Kyle was a very accomplished, generous, and kind person, and he will be remembered for times to come.

I thought American Sniper was an extremely gripping book about the brutal story of war. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about what really went on in the US Military Deployment in Iraq, from the perspective of a Navy SEAL.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Reviewed by Levon T.
Grade 8

Unwind takes place in a not-so far fetched future, where parents can willingly "unwind" troubled teenagers. Unwinding is the cruel process that salvages all valuable parts of the Unwind’s body, and sells them to other people that are in need. Even though the media makes unwinding sound like a friendly alternative to juvenile detention or worse, teens think otherwise. The story begins through the perspectives of Connor, Risa, and Lev, who are all scheduled to be unwound at about the same time. Even though they were going to meet the same fate, their stories couldn’t be more different.

When Connor saw the unwind form that his mother and father signed, he immediately made his plans for escape. The night before the Juvie police arrived, Connor runs off, taking with him only his bare essentials. When a truck driver offers to let Connor ride with him, Connor doesn’t know that his parents were tracking him. When the truck driver tells Connor that his ride was over, Connor does not expect to be confronted by his parents and several Juvie cops. Risa was a child who had always belonged to a State home. Because of extreme budget cuts in the State homes, and a mediocre recital performance, Risa is sent to her unwinding. Lev is a “tithe”, someone who believes that it is his or her duty to God to be unwound. So at his 13th birthday, Lev is taken away from his parents fully willing, to be unwound.

During the confrontation with the Juvie cops, Connor makes a break for it in the middle of an intersection which causes a major car crash. Risa is on the bus to her own unwinding when her entire bus crashes. She too makes a break for it. Lev was on the way to his unwinding too, when Connor rushes toward his car and drags him out of it. After a few more minutes of running and hiding, Connor, Risa, and Lev soon find themselves fugitives from the law. They have to make difficult choices to escape the law, and to keep Lev from escaping.

I thought the story had a very interesting premise, and I really enjoyed the writing style that the author employed in the book. Each chapter was written from the point of view of a different character, and not just the protagonists. Author, Neal Shusterman made the story very engaging, and it was very hard to put this book down.

I would definitely recommend this book to my friends because of the author’s refreshing writing style, and the interesting and thrilling plot.

Game Over by Andrew Klavan

Reviewed by Matthew C.
Grade 8

What if the border between your dreams and reality was shattered? What if everything in your nightmares became real? That's what the main protagonist, Rick, has to deal with in Game Over.

The story begins in the MindWar Realm; the same place some of the previous books in the series visited. This cyber-universe was created by the deranged inventor Kurodar in an attempt to wreak havoc on the real world.

Rick is a Mind Warrior: someone who goes inside the realm to try and shut it down. However, this time's different - he was dreaming. When he wakes up, a scratch on his right arm is still there. Kurodar has connected himself to Rick and is using him to open a portal between the worlds. Now he has to work to stop the madness that Kurodar started - once and for all.

At times, this book is creative with the creatures that lurk in the Realm - ranging from boar soldiers to a water spirit. It also has an interesting conflict - can Rick bring himself to tell one of his fellow warriors is nothing but a machine? However, this book also has some flaws - it can be overly descriptive at times, such as when the Golden City was first described. But its main flaw is that it doesn't accommodate new readers of the series: it's designed like a "third act"' and the plot reveals itself too fast to hold suspense.

Although this would not be my first pick to read, I encourage readers who like stories about virtual realms to read the series. If you want an enriched reading experience, try reading the earlier books before you read this one. Although it isn't perfect, it can still be a fun read!

The Making of a Navy SEAL by Brandon Webb

Reviewed by Andrew A.
Grade 9

Brandon Webb, a real life Navy SEAL shares his story of the encounters he's made to become a SEAL and the struggles he's been through.

The book starts with Webb's early years as a struggling teen who needed a path. One day he is recommended to join the SEALs by a group of pro scuba divers. This sets his life's journey. He joins programs to get him on his way to be a SEAL. With much doubt from peers, he tries even harder until he's in.

The SEAL training program(BUD/S) is immensely hard for him and he gets very stressed out physically yet even more mentally. When he Passes BUD/S, he goes on to do remarkable things in SEAL Team 3. Stories of his miraculous adventures are told and those stories of others such as Chris Kyle as well.

Brandon Webb, is undoubtedly one of the most motivated people alive today. He takes advice and doesn't forget it. He never stops fighting for what he wants. "The only way I'm leaving is in a body bag through the back door," Webb said in response to being yelled at to leave BUD/S. He doesn't back down to anything and is at the same time very humble. The whole setting is very interesting as it moves many times but always has tons of action.

I'd recommend The Making of a Navy SEAL: My Story of Surviving the Toughest Challenge and Training the Best to anyone. Because of the morals, it inspires you to follow your dreams that much harder and never give up. It shows no matter the circumstances there is always a way to win.

The Eye of Zoltar by Jasper Fforde

Reviewed by Matthew C.
Grade 8

Sure, you've seen magical stories before - but ones with pirates, bandits, and cavemen? That's certainly what The Eye of Zoltar has in store for you. It's a wonderful read that you certainly shouldn't miss, even if you aren't familiar with the first two books in the Kazam series. This book's humor and mystery will keep you entranced until the end!

The story begins with Jennifer Strange and her band of magicians working to capture a dangerous man-eating beast. As the trapping of the reptile continues and eventually ends, Jennifer lays out the backstory; her world is one where magical pursuits have faded due to a series of battles against a race of trolls. Strange is working to make magic a noble business once more.
However; a few days after the capture of the beast, she encounters Shandar, the mightiest wizard in all the lands! Shandar forces her to search for the titular Eye by threatening to kill the last dragons alive, the same ones she has fought to protect. Now she must go on a journey into the wilderness with a magician, a tour guide, a princess turned poor, and a group of suspicious tagalongs!

The plot is nicely explained in a way that doesn't interrupt the flow of the book, such as how the escape of the Tralfamosaur was explained to both you and one of the sorcerers, who was being called in to the mission at the time. The characters are both varied and memorable, such as Wilson, an ornithologist who used to work as a soldier. He was working to resolve the shame he has from letting his fellow soldiers down many years ago. Finally, this book has a lot of detail, as when the behavior of the Cloud Leviathans are explained.

Overall, this is definitely a book I would recommend. Jasper Fforde's writing style is humourous and mysterious; the ending of this book will shock you! The book has many good moments and it is a captivating adventure that you won't forget. When the story continues in the fourth book, I'll be sure to pick up a copy - and I hope you do, too!

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Reviewed by David L.
Grade 9

"VOW YOUR BLOOD and BODY to THE EMPIRE. KEEP your HEART for YOURSELF." When you read a book, it is the questions it asks that you give your undivided attention to. Questions like what truly is freedom? By the side of my loved one or my family? Should I give up when hope seems to be lost? What road to take when my fate is already foretold? Duty or Family?

These are what Sabaa Tahir has in hold for her readers of An Ember in the Ashes. In An Ember in the Ashes, the female protagonist, Laia, goes undercover into the Blackcliff Military Academy to save her beloved brother. In this process, Laia cross paths with the second protagonist, Elias. He is one of the finest warriors of Blackcliff, but secretly trying to escape the harsh reality of Blackcliff. As he tried, he was chosen for the trials to become the new Martial Emporer. This leads both protagonists down their fate, in search of freedom.

In Sabaa Tahir's book, I really loved how she displays her characters and the way the plot unfolds. First the characters, she started off portraying both Laia and Elias as weak and fragile. Then, the characterization fits perfectly with the plot. The plot as in something like against the odds.

Given all of that, I would love to recommend this book to someone else. The author creates the setting of this book in a whole other world, where fantasy exists. Personally, fantasy and supernatural is the type of theme for me, and I would recommend that to anyone else into it. Sabaa also creates this mood throughout the story where things happen, and the protagonists try not to give up to reach their ideal freedom. This of course can be interpreted into a moral of don't give up until you reach your goal, and that is point I can recommend this book to another.

Skink -- No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen

Reviewed by Gillen M.
Grade 7

“She was supposed to meet me here…” These are the words spoken by Richard Sloan to a crazy old man who erupts from the sand while he is walking on the beach. The man says his name is Clinton Tyree, although he hasn’t answered to it in years. He is trying to catch a turtle egg thief by sleeping in fake turtle nests. Richard is speaking of his cousin Mally. She says she was grounded, but she always sneaks out. Richard knows something is up. The next morning, Mally’s friend Beth says that she is gone and won’t say where. Her parents think she left for “early orientation” at the Twig Academy, but Richard figures out that she has run off with Talbo Chock, an older dude she met online. After alerting her parents, Richard runs into the old man on the beach. Skink, as her prefers to be called has just beat the heck out of a turtle egg thief. He tells Richard that his next project is to find his cousin, would he like to come?

With that Richard sets out with Skink on a crazy quest to find Mally and her “boyfriend”. Mally soon alerts him that she wants to leave but that Talbo Chock won’t let her go. After receiving several hints to her location, Skink and Richard find mally but have to face down a crazed kidnapper, a giant alligator, and a monster storm, all while eating roadkill stew.

Skink No Surrender is a fantastic book filled with witty humor, great characters, and a monster gator. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Carl Hiaasen. The reason behind this is the witty humor present in almost all of Carl Hiaasen’s books. From Richard's stepfather's “intellectual limitations” to the all-around air of sarcasm and amusement, Skink No Surrender has quite a few moments of humor. The characters are just as crazy, from level-headed Richard Sloan to adventures and crazy Mally Spence. However, the crazy ex-governor with a shady past and a crazy beard is the character who really sets this book off.

Circus Galacticus by Deva Fagan

Reviewed by Josie K.
Grade 7

Has anyone ever told you that you’re special? Have you ever wanted to join the circus? In Circus Galacticus the main character, Trix has been told she is special ever since she was little by her parents, but going to Bleeker Academy has made her feel about as special as a piece of dirt. Then having the circus come to town opened her eyes. It gives her hope that maybe she is special and important.

One main thing you should really know is that the Circus Galacticus is an alien circus. At many points through the story Trix feels out of place until the end. Another thing is that the aliens look like humans but have special powers. She finally has real friends unlike at Bleeker and she isn’t sure if it’s real. Circus Galacticus is split up into 4 main groups The Techs, The Principles, The Freaks, and The clowns.

There are many characters that are mentioned and play different roles in the book Circus Galacticus, but I feel the main ones are Trix, Ringmaster, Nola, and Nyl. There’s one more but she kind of just provokes Trix and Nola and that’s Sierra. Nyl is the bad guy in the book. He just seems to always be there lurking around Trix in the shadows. He mainly tries to get this stone from Trix the entire time and will do anything to get it. Plus he always tells Trix that she needs to be cleansed. My outlook on Nyl would have to be annoying, creepy, and persistent. Trix on the other hand is quite confused and sort of lost and very curious. She feels needed then will do something stupid and ruin either her life or someone else’s repeatedly through the book. Nola is smart, brave, and a great friend. She is always there to help Trix out no matter what the consequences may be. Ringmaster is confusing. He never takes a complete character in the story he different all through the book. One chapter he is brave and bold the next he running or hiding, etc. As I mentioned the 4 main groups: Nola is a Tech, Trix is not officially anything at the beginning and it’s not until later in the book when she finally gets classified but until then she is a Clown, Nyl being the bad guy isn’t a part of the circus, and Ringmaster is well the Ringmaster.

I would definitely recommend Circus Galacticus. The book was definitely a page turner for me and I loved it. The theme I believe the author was trying to get through is to always believe in yourself and to take the chances life presents. Another theme could be true friends may turn their backs for a while but will always be there for you when you need them. This is a very good choice for you if you enjoy mystery/drama/adventure/crazy just intriguing book. This is 5 stars and I have recommended it to all my friends.

Spoiler Alert Mini-Review: Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics

Daughters Unto Devils
Coming soon to WPPL

When sixteen-year-old Amanda Verner's family decides to move from their small mountain cabin to the vast prairie, she hopes it is her chance for a fresh start. She can leave behind the memory of the past winter; of her sickly ma giving birth to a baby sister who cries endlessly; of the terrifying visions she saw as her sanity began to slip, the victim of cabin fever; and most of all, the memories of the boy she has been secretly meeting with as a distraction from her pain. The boy whose baby she now carries.

When the Verners arrive at their new home, a large cabin abandoned by its previous owners, they discover the inside covered in blood. And as the days pass, it is obvious to Amanda that something isn't right on the prairie. She's heard stories of lands being tainted by evil, of men losing their minds and killing their families, and there is something strange about the doctor and his son who live in the woods on the edge of the prairie. But with the guilt and shame of her sins weighing on her, Amanda can't be sure if the true evil lies in the land, or deep within her soul.





Spoiler Alert reviewer: Victoria
1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 5
How vivid was the setting? 2
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 4
How well did the book hold your interest? 5
How well did the author's language add to the book? 3
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 5

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 5
How readable was this book? 5
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 5

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 5
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 5
How memorable was this book? 5
How did you feel about the ending? 3
How creative was this book? 5

Marketing
How well does the cover match the story? (ARC did not include final cover)
Rank the jacket blurb. 5
Rank the title. 5
How well does the title match the story? 5
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Horrific

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: More knowledge of the demons and how Amanda fought them

Pick 5 words to describe this book: Intense, scary, sisterly, demonic

Spoiler Alert Mini-Review: Damage Done by Amanda Panitch

Damage Done
Coming soon to WPPL

Before: Julia had a twin brother, a boyfriend, and a best friend.

After: She has a new identity, a new hometown, and memories of those twenty-two minutes that refuse to come into focus. At least, that’s what she tells the police.

Now that she’s Lucy Black, she's able to begin again. She's even getting used to the empty bedroom where her brother should be. And her fresh start has attracted the attention of one of the hottest guys in school, a boy who will do anything to protect her. But when someone much more dangerous also takes notice, Lucy's forced to confront the dark secrets she thought were safely left behind.

One thing is clear: The damage done can never be erased. It’s only just beginning. . . .



Spoiler Alert reviewer: Alexa
1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 5!
How vivid was the setting? 4
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 5
How well did the book hold your interest? 4
How well did the author's language add to the book? 4
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 5

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 5
How readable was this book? 4
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 5! 5!

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 5! 5! 5! 5!
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 4
How memorable was this book? 5
How did you feel about the ending? 5
How creative was this book? 5! 5! 5! 5! 5! 5!

Marketing
How well does the cover match the story? 5
Rank the jacket blurb. 4
Rank the title. 4
How well does the title match the story? 4
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: I love this book too much to hate anything about it!

Pick 5 words to describe this book: suspenseful, saddening, mysterious, drama, AWESOME!!