The Princess and the Pauper

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The Princess and the Pauper
by Kate Brian
ISBN 9780689070488
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2004
Adventure
272 pages
12+
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Annotation: Julia and Princess Carina trade places so Carina can go to a rock concert.

Summary: Princess Carina is going to Julia’s school to give a talk. When she gets there, she finds a girl that looks just like her. They trade places so that Carina can go to a rock concert. Then, Carina gets carted off to a place that is far from LA. Julia will have to go to Vineland, Carina’s homeland without the actual princess. Will Carina get back soon? Or will Julia be recognized as an imposter?

Critique: Princess and the Pauper gave the classic book a new twist with a dash of modern life in it. The adventure was intense too with Julia almost getting kicked out of her house and Carina being taken to a faraway destination. There was action and romance, which is a good balance. Both of the characters had different personalities too so you can’t get them mixed up.

Biography: Kate Brian has written many young adult novels under a different name. She lives outside of New York City. As a child, she always dressed up as a princess for Halloween.[1]

If you want to know about her, please visit the websites at:

http://www.privatenovels.com/

http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Kate-Brian/20269767

[1] http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Princess-and-the-Pauper/Kate-Brian/e/9780689870422/?itm=1

[2] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780689870422

How My Private, Personal Journal Became a Bestseller

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How my Private Personal Journal Became a Bestseller
by Julia DeVillers
ISBN 9780142403327
Penguin Group(U.S.A.)
Contemporary Life
224 pages
Young Adult
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Annotation: One day, Jamie’s private journal is printed out and read. It becomes an instant hit in the bookstores.

Summary: When Jamie's friend Harmony accidently prints out Jamie's private personal journal and turns it in for homework, Jamie is shocked! The teacher reads out loud the paper never expecting it to be a journal and it becomes an instant hit. Everyone wants a copy and it might come out as a book! Will Sawyer, the meanest girl, make Jamie's life horrible because Jamie based Myrna, the evil villain on her?

Critique: The story was good. There were parts of the journal in the book so we could see how good the journal was. There were a lot of thoughts going on in the book. My favorite character in the story is Jamie because she became an author and was a regular girl at the same time.

Biography: Julia DeVillers is the author of books for kids, tweens and teens.
Her book, How My Private Personal Journal became the Disney Channel Original Movie, Read it and Weep. Julia appears in a cameo as “Grossed-out customer being served pizza with real chicken feet sticking out of it.”
Her books have been featured in the New York Times, USA Today and all the major teen magazines. She writes books for Simon & Schuster, Dutton, and Random House. She is represented by Mel Berger at William Morris Endeavor Agency. [1]

[1] http://web.mac.com/juliagirlwise/Site/About_Me.html

If you want to know more about her, please visit her website at: http://web.mac.com/juliagirlwise/Site/Welcome.html

[2]Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780525472834

When Irish Guys are Smiling

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When Irish Guys are Smiling (S.A.S.S. Series)
by Suzanne Supplee
ISBN 9780142410165
Penguin Group, 2008
Contemporary Life
224 pages
Young Adult
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Annotation: Delk is off to Ireland to explore its beauty. But when she goes to Ireland, can she forget about the problems that are happening in her family?

Summary: Delk is going to Ireland to get away from her step mom Paige. Paige is removing everything that used to be her mom's. In the end, will Paige see that Delk really misses these stuff and her mom? When Delk reaches Ireland, she makes new friends including a great looking Irish guy. Will Delk be able to push all the troubles at home away from her mind so she can enjoy Ireland and its beauty?

Critique: This book was good because it let me experience the beauty of Ireland through the author's words. Delk experienced hardships but there still was a good ending.

Biography: Suzanne Supplee is the author of When Irish Guys Are Smiling, a Students Across the Seven Seas series book, and Artichoke’s Heart. Currently, Suzanne is working on her third book, untitled as of yet, but due out in the spring of 2010. Suzanne is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, and she earned a masters degree in creative writing from Towson University in Maryland. For a number of years, she has worked as both a teacher and a writer. Suzanne is married and has three daughters. Her favorite hobbies include exercise, reading, and, of course, writing. Susanne Supplee lives in Maryland.[1]

If you want to know more about her, please visit her website at:
[1] http://www.suzannesupplee.com/about_me/aboutme.html

[2] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780142410165

Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter

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Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter
by Adeline Yen Mah
ISBN 9780440228653
New York: Laurel Leaf Books, 2001
Biography
224 pages
12+
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Annotation: Adeline starves to be in her father’s light instead of being cast away like a pile of rocks.

Summary: Adeline's dad has remarried and her stepmother loathes her. While her stepbrother and stepsister are petted on and are fed the most delicious food, she constantly wears old clothes until they are so tight, she can't breath! Will she push away all her nightmares and be the smart girl she is meant to be? This story is based on a true story.

Critique: Chinese Cinderella is an excellent book because it is based on a true story. We can also relate to the story. There are also many Chinese words so we can learn a little bit of Chinese. The book is both entertaining and exciting to read. The author describes her childhood well so you can feel what hardships she suffered.

Biography: Adeline Yen Mah is a writer and physician. She grew up in China and knows first hand the effects of child abuse. She donates the royalties from her books to the Falling Leaves Foundation, which enables American students to study at universities in Beijing and Shanghai. She lives in California.[1]

If you want to know about her, please visit her website at:

http://www.adelineyenmah.com/index2.html

[1] http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780440228653&view=tg

[2] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Chinese-Cinderella/Adeline-Yen-Mah/e/9780613340120/?itm=8

The Clique (Clique Series #1)

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The Clique (Clique Series #1)
by Lisi Harrison
ISBN 9780316701297
Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2004
224 pages
Contemporary Life
12+
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Annotation: Claire has moved to Westchester on a bad day…when Massie was planning to go shopping. With a bit of help from Claire on an embarrassing night, Massie might learn to accept Claire as a friend.

Summary: Massie can't wait to go Labor Day shopping until she learns a family will come to live at their guesthouse and Massie can't go shopping. She develops an instant grudge to Claire and the family. During the book, Massie starts a line of cosmetics made by edible products and Claire struggles to fit in with Westchester.

Critique: This book was excellent because of its details. There was one inappropriate word so if you don't like inappropriate words then you shouldn't read it. I liked Massie in the end because she looked past all the things that made her dislike Claire and saw what made Claire likeable.

Biography: Lisi Harrison was the Senior Director of Production Development at MTV, Music Television, and was responsible for creating and developing original programming for air on MTV. She also served as Head Writer for MTV Production and before that had her own column in Jane Magazine. Lisi lives in Laguna Beach, California, and is currently working on her eleventh Clique novel, coming in July 2009. [1]

If you want to know more about her, please visit to her website at:

http://www.lisiharrison.net/home.html

[1]http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Clique/Lisi-Harrison/e/9780316701297/?itm=1

[2]Retrieved image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780316701297

The Model President

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The Model President, Vol. 2
by Brian Tacang
ISBN 9780060739140
New York: Harper Collins, 2009
Mystery
256 pages
9-12
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Annotation: A fashion queen and a smart student run head to head for the place as president in their school. Who will win?

Summary: Millicent’s parents went into a time travel machine and never came back. Where have they gone? Nobody knows. From then on, Millicent lives with her aunt and uncle who are also inventors. At Millicent’s school, she is part of a team that is very smart. The Pretty Liddie’s school collapse suddenly and the students are forced to move into Millicent’s school. Now Millicent is planning on running to be the president of the school but Fiona, the prettiest of the Pretty Liddie’s plans on running. To win, she gets the entire school excited about a runway run, not a boring speech run for president. Millicent isn’t very fashion forward but with the help of a friend, she might wind up winning.

Critique: It was a good book and there were many details on the outfits. There was many action and dialog in it. It was kind of boring after a while but some parts made you really want to know how it ended.

Biography: Brian Tacang was a fashion designer for many years before becoming a writer. He lives in a haunted house made of dirt in El Prado, New Mexico. This is his second book. [1]

If you would like to know more about Brian, please visit his facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brian-Tacang-Author/94614235077

[1]http://www.harpercollins.com/authors/28731/Brian_Tacang/index.aspx

[2] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780060739140

P.S. I Loathe You (Cliques Series #10)

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P. S. I Loathe You (Cliques Series #10)
by Lisi Harrison
ISBN 9780316006811
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009
208 pages
Contemporary Life
12+
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Annotation: With Massie and LBR Layne liking the same boy, Kristen having to chose sides, Alicia forming a grudge over Massie, Dylan liking Massie’s ex, and Claire never looking up from her phone, this book is sure to be packed with adventure.

Summary: Massie is back and has announced an end to the boyfast. Her current crush is Dempsey who seems to be crushing on her or LBR Layne. It's up to Kristen to find out but she has become buddy buddy with Layne over the summer. Who will she help? Massie also starts a cheerleader team but Alicia is determined to add her own step or two to the mix of dances. Will Alicia start her own team? Since Massie has found a new crush, Dylan thinks it is okay to have Massie's ex as her boyfriend. But when Massie finds out, will everything be really okay? Will the PC break up or will everything, despite their arguments, stay together.

Critique: This book was good because of the details and the action that was going on, downfall was that there were too many problems so you couldn't really enjoy the book. I really liked Claire the most because she stayed loyal to Massie.

Biography: Lisi Harrison was the Senior Director of Production Development at MTV, Music Television, and was responsible for creating and developing original programming for air on MTV. She also served as Head Writer for MTV Production and before that had her own column in Jane Magazine. Lisi lives in Laguna Beach, California, and is currently working on her eleventh Clique novel, coming in July 2009.

[1]

If you want to know more about Lisi, please visit her website at:

http://www.lisiharrison.net/

[1] http://search.barnesandnoble.com/PS-I-Loathe-You/Lisi-Harrison/e/9780316006811/?itm=1

[2] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780316006811

It's a Magical World: Calvin and Hobbes Collection

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It’s a Magical World: Calvin and Hobbes Collection
Calvin & Hobbes Collection Series
by Bill Watterson
ISBN 978083622136
Andrews and McMeel, 1996
Comic
165 pages
6+
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Annotation: Calvin and his crazy imagination are sure to drive you wild!

Summary: Calvin and Hobbs are off on another adventure featuring baby sitters, aliens, and school. With Hobbs always attacking Calvin, this book will give you a lot of adventure.[1]

Critique: This book is a great book because there is a lot of humor in it. I didn't like the monsters and the aliens in the book but it was part of the entertainment. I liked Calvin because he is entertaining and adventurous.

Biography: Bill Watterson was born in 1958 in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Kenyon College in 1980. His wife, Melissa is an artist. [2] He is an American cartoonist and the author of the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes cartoon series

[1] http://lambiek.net/artists/w/watterson.htm

[2] "Bill Watterson." Contemporary Authors Online. Detroit: Gale, 2008. Literature Resource Center. Gale. San Francisco Public Library. 4 Aug. 2009

[3] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780740777967

The Complete Peanuts 1985-1966

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The Complete Peanuts 1965-1966
by Charles M. Schulz
ISBN 9781560977247
Fantagraphics Books
Comic
344 pages
6+
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Annotation: You will laugh your way through these comics.

Summary: Welcome to the world of Peanuts. With Charlie Brown and his team falling behind every game to Linus trying to discard his blanket, this will give you the laugh of a lifetime!

Critique: This comic book is very funny and entertaining for people of all ages. Some of the parts of the comic I didn't get so not all the strips were entertaining. My favorite character was Snoopy because he is not an ordinary beagle. Instead, he can think like a real human being. He is very entertaining.

Biography: Charles M. Schulz was born November 25, 1922 in Minneapolis. His destiny was foreshadowed when an uncle gave him, at the age of two days, the nickname Sparky (after the racehorse Spark Plug in the newspaper strip Barney Google). In his senior year in high school, his mother noticed an ad in a local newspaper for a correspondence school, Federal Schools (later called Art Instruction Schools). Schulz passed the talent test, completed the course and began trying, unsuccessfully, to sell gag cartoons to magazines. (His first published drawing was of his dog, Spike, and appeared in a 1937 Ripley's Believe It Or Not! installment.)

Between 1948 and 1950, he succeeded in selling 17 cartoons to the Saturday Evening Post—as well as, to the local St. Paul Pioneer Press, a weekly comic feature called Li'l Folks. It was run in the women's section and paid $10 a week. After writing and drawing the feature for two years, Schulz asked for a better location in the paper or for daily exposure, as well as a raise. When he was turned down on all three counts, he quit. He started submitting strips to the newspaper syndicates.

In the spring of 1950, he received a letter from the United Feature Syndicate, announcing their interest in his submission, Li'l Folks. Schulz boarded a train in June for New York City; more interested in doing a strip than a panel, he also brought along the first installments of what would become Peanuts—and that was what sold. (The title, which Schulz loathed to his dying day, was imposed by the syndicate). The first Peanuts daily appeared October 2, 1950; the first Sunday, January 6,1952.Diagnosed with cancer, Schulz retired from Peanuts at the end of 1999.

He died on February 13, 2000, the day before Valentine's Day—and the day before his last strip was published—having completed 17,897 daily and Sunday strips, each and every one fully written, drawn, and lettered entirely by his own hand—an unmatched achievement in comics.[1]

If you want to know more about Charles M. Schulz, please visit the website:

http://www.animationusa.com/resources/aboutschulz.html

http://www.schulzmuseum.org/exhibits-loan.html#beethoven

[1] http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Complete-Peanuts-1965-1966/Charles-M-Schulz/e/9781560977247/?itm=1

[2] The image retrieved from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9781560977247

On Pointe

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On Pointe
by Lorie Ann Grover
ISBN 9781416978268
Aladdin, 2008
Contemporary Life
320 pages
8-12
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Annotation: Clare yearns to be a ballerina but her size might stop her from doing what she likes doing best.

Summary: Clare’s body structure deprives her of going on to be a professional ballerina. Will she continue dancing as her grandfather’s health gets worse or will she stop altogether?

Critique: This book was written in a form like poetry form. There was a character description at the beginning that tells us why they chose to dance.

Biography: Lorie Ann Grover has devoted herself to arts. Her passion was first directed to ballet. For ten years, she danced and ultimately became a member of Miami Ballet Company. Growing too tall to continue in classical dance, she began to express herself through visual fine art at the University to Miami. Eventually, she realized her true desire was to create books for children. She lived with her husband, David, in South Korea, where she spent most of her time painting and writing poetry. The Grovers have two daughters, Emily and Ellen, and live in Sumner, Washington. The author of Loose Threads, Lorie Ann was inspired to write On Pointe by her own experiences as a teenage member of the Miami Ballet Company. [1]

If you want to know more about her, please visit the websites:

http://www.myspace.com/lorieanngrover

http://lorieanngrover.blogspot.com/

http://www.lorieanngrover.com/

[1] http://search.barnesandnoble.com/On-Pointe/Lorie-Ann-Grover/e/9781416978268/?itm=1

Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9781416978268

High School Musical 2

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High School Musical 2
Directed by Kenny Ortega
UPC: 786936740370
Walt Disney Video: 2007
Contemporary Life
(Movie)
258 pages
12+
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Annotation: When Troy and the Wildcats go to Lava Springs to work, they never expected Sharpay to appear.

Summary: School is out and it’s time for summer! Troy and the wildcats are looking for summer jobs and Lava Springs hired them. Who knew that Sharpay and her family are members there? Sharpay is planning to ruin Gabriela and Troy’s summer romance with a few plans of her own.

Critique: The book was good with its details. The movie was missing some parts of the books but don’t they always? The movie’s scenery was absolutely breathtaking. I loved the idea of a pink piano in the pool. The ice cubes were great and the dog was adorable!

Biography: This movie is directed by Kenny Ortega. He is an Emmy award-winning American producer, director, and choreographer.[1]

If you want to know about Kenny, please visit his website at:

http://www.kennyortega.com/Kenny_Ortega/Welcome.html

[1] http://www.lalines.com/bigfiles/articles/Ortega_Bio.pdf

[2] Retrieved the image from: http://video.barnesandnoble.com/search/imageviewer.asp?ean=786936767605

Miles to Go

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Miles to Go
by Miley Cyrus
ISBN 978142311920
Hyperion Books for Children, 2009
272 pages
Biography
8-12
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Annotation: Explore Miley’s world as she goes through problems and stardom.

Summary: In this book, Miley talks about her life. Did you know that Miley used to be bullied? And that she almost didn't land the part of Hannah Montana? That Hannah Montana's alter ego should have been another name? Read more about Miley. The book also includes stuff she likes such as her favorite food. It also has pictures of her childhood.

Critique: This book was good because it told us the hardship of being a superstar. It also tells us the truth about Miley. We all think superstars have great lives but this book tells us how exhausting it can be to have to perform and everything. There were also words to help us understand the text better in the margins. There were many pictures of her and doodles that were interesting.

Biography: Three years ago, Miley Cyrus was a virtual unknown. Her life in rural Tennessee was filled with family, friends, school, cheerleading, and the daily tasks of living on a farm. And then came a little show called Hannah Montana. Almost overnight, Miley would rocket to superstardom, becoming a television and singing phenomenon. Quiet days were replaced with sold-out concerts, television appearances, and magazine shoots. But through it all, Miley has remained close to her family and friends and has stayed connected to the Southern roots that made her so strong.[1]

If you want to know about Miley, please visit her website at:

http://www.mileycyrus.com/splash/tour2009?content_url=/official

[1] http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Miles-to-Go/Miley-Cyrus/e/9781423119920

[2] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9781423119920

Millicent Min, Girl Genius

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Millicent Min, Girl Genius
by Lisa Yee
ISBN 9780439425209
Scholastic, Inc., 2004
Contemporary Life
272 pages
12+
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Annotation: Millicent is not your average teenager because of her very high IQ. When she makes a friend, she hides that secret from her but that leads to trouble.

Summary: Millicent Min is born with an amazingly high IQ. But because of her high IQ and the way she talks like a genius, nobody wants to be friends with. Summer is starting and she finds that she has to tutor Stanford Wong, a straight F student and go to volleyball practice. At volleyball, she finds a friend who doesn’t know of her smartness. When Emily (her friend), finds out about her IQ, will she be disappointed or mad?

Critique: This book showed a lot of feelings and the pressure to be smart. The book was also very humorous.

Biography: Lisa Yee is the author of Millicent Min, Girl Genius, Stanford Wong flunks big-time and So Totally Emily Ebers. The winner of the Sid Fleischman Humor Award and Chinese American Librarians Association Book of the Year. Her other accolades include USA Today Critics’ Pick, ALA Notable Book, Junior Library Guild, and 1st place wheelbarrow race (7th grade). She was recently named the 2007 Thurber House Children’s Writer-in-Residence.[1]

[1] http://www.debbimichikoflorence.com/author_interviews/2007/LisaYee.htmlin

You can know more about her by visiting her website: http://www.lisayee.com/Index.htm

[2] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780439425209

Bratfest at Tiffany's (Clique Series #9)

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Bratfest at Tiffany’s (Clique Series #9)
by Lisi Harrison
ISBN 9780316006804
Little, Brown & Company, 2008
Contemporary Life
256 pages
12+
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Annotation: When Massie announces a boyfast for the PC, some of the members disagree. But do they really want to jeopardize their position on the PC for a boy?

Summary: After an unfortunate incident at OCD's brother's school, the boys are forced to move into OCD. Massie and her friend's popularity dives down when the boys moves in. (OCD is an all girl's school) Massie decides to announce a boyfast and anyone in the PC who breaks the boyfast has to leave the PC forever. Then there was no room in the school building so Massie and the PC (except for Alicia) moves to trailers. Will Alicia survive the boyfast after finding her one true love? Will Massie be able to follow her own rules after meeting gorgeous Dempsey? And will Claire be able to brush away any memories of her ex boyfriend Cam?

Critique: I loved this book because of the details and the clever sayings that were in it. It was bad because there were parts of the book that were not that exciting. I liked Alicia because she chooses her own path.

Biography: Television, and was responsible for creating and developing original programming for air on MTV. Lisi also served as Head Writer for MTV Production and before that she had her own column in Jane Magazine. She recently moved from New York City to Laguna Beach, California, and is currently working on more Clique novels, as well as her first YA novel about a summer camp legend, The Sunshine Girls, publishing in hardcover in Spring 2009.

[1]

If you want to know about her, please visit her website at:

http://www.lisiharrison.net/home.html

[1] http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Bratfest-at-Tiffanys/Lisi-Harrison/e/9780316006804/?itm=1

[2] Retrieved the image from:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780316006804

Birthday Vicious

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Birthday Vicious (Ashleys Series)
by Melissa de la Cruz
ISBN 9781416934080
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2008
Contemporary Life
258 pages
12+
««««««««««

Annotation: It is almost Ashley’s party and nothing is planned!

Summary: It's a month until Ashley's sweet 13 party and nothing is planned. Luckily, Mona will do everything. Then, Ashley finds out her mom is pregnant! Meanwhile, Lili is kind of pressured to go camping and A.A. has problems with her love like. Lauren might have something up her sleeve when Sadie, a loser and Lauren's friend, comes back to Miss Gamble's. Nothing feels right. Will all celebration be canceled or will the party go on? Will Lili's camping trip get her in trouble? And what does Lauren have in mind

Critique: This book is from four girl's point of view so you can see how they are feeling about each other and reasons why they ignore each other or are mad at each other. The downside of the novel was that Ashley was too conceit about herself so it wouldn't really be a good book. I really liked Ashley or A.A. because she is strong physically and mentally.

Biography: Melissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.

Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.

She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter. [1]

If you want to know about her, please visit her website at: http://melissa-delacruz.com/index.php

[1] http://melissa-delacruz.com/index.php/info/about/

[2] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9781416934080

Chu Ju's House

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Chu Ju’s House
by Gloria Whelan
ISBN 9780060507244
New York: Harper Collins, 2001
Multicultural Fiction
258 pages
12+
««««««««««

Annotation: Chu Ju’s sister is born and to the family’s disappointment, it is a girl. Chu Ju must take action or someone is going to take away her baby sister to ensure a boy is born in the family.

Summary: Chu Ju’s sister is born but that is the last baby the family can have. In case another baby is born, they have decided to take Chu Ju’s sister away to an orphanage. Chu Ju decides to leave her family so that the baby can stay in the family. Chu Ju first goes to a fishing boat and hides under the net. She fakes a history of herself and begins to work with the family living in the boat. When she reveals who she really is, the mother and father are shocked and mad. They decide to bring Chu Ju back to her house personally. That night, Chu Ju sneaks away from the boat so they wouldn’t take her back home. Now where will she go?

Critique: This is a great book because it has a lot of Chinese culture in it. It talks about the making of silk and has many Chinese pronunciations in it.

Biography: National Book Award-winning author Gloria Whelan weaves rich historical detail into this compelling mystery. Ms. Whelan is the bestselling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award, Parade of Shadows, and Listening for Lions. She lives in northern Michigan.[1]

If you want to know more about her, please visit her website at:

http://www.gloriawhelan.com/

[1]http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Chu-Jus-House/Gloria-Whelan/e/9780060507244/?itm=3

[1] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780060507268

The Ashleys Jealous? (The Ashleys Series #2)

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The Ashleys Jealous? (The Ashleys Series #2)
by Melissa de la Cruz
ISBN 9781416934073
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2008
Contemporary Life
256 pages
Youth Adult
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Annotation: Lauren gets kicked out of the Ashleys but has Lili’s tip in mind. To get back in the Ashleys’ group, she must have something Ashley wants.

Summary: Lauren is kicked out of the Ashleys but manages to squeeze back in with bait and a rank. There was a rank going around the school named Ashley rank and everyone presumed it was made by the Ashleys but it wasn’t. It ranked everyone in the school and so far Ashley is first (duh!), A.A. is second, and Lili is third. To get back in the Ashleys, Lauren offers a spot at a TV show that features four girls in four groups. The audience will get to call in and say who they like in each group. The winning girl in each group will then compete to see if they have it made. Instantly, Lauren is back in the Ashleys. With tricks up her sleeve, the Ashleys will do whatever it takes, from learning secret dance steps to hiding a camera to spy on people, to win the TV show.

Critique: The rank was interesting to read. It had a description of why the person got the rank they got. There was no real description this time so it was more boring (besides the rank) compared to the first book.

Biography: Melissa de la Cruz is the author of the novel Cat's Meow and the co-author of How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less. Her work has been translated into several languages. She writes regularly for Marie Claire, Gotham, Hamptons, and Lifetime magazines and has contributed to the New York Times, Glamour, Allure, and McSweeney's. She recently moved from New York City and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband. She has never dared use her cell phone on the Hampton Jitney. This is not her dog.[1]

If you want to know more about Melissa, please visit her website at:

http://melissa-delacruz.com/index.php/info/about/

[1] http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Jealous/Melissa-de-la-Cruz/e/9781416934073/?itm=4

[1] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9781416934073

The Ashleys

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The Ashleys
by Melissa de La Cruz
ISBN 9781416934066
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2008
Contemporary Life
258 pages
12+
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Annotation: Lauren is back with an extreme makeover. Her plan now is to destroy the Ashleys who have been making her life and other people’s life miserable.

Summary: The Ashleys have always been the top in their school. Now, when Lauren Page gets back from an extreme makeover, it looks like this girl has what it takes to replace the Ashleys. Lauren’s plan is to be friend with the Ashley’s then destroy them from the inside. Will she succeed?

Critique: This was a good book. I liked the details and the way the author described the jet and the houses. It made me actually see it in my mind. Ashley was pretty mean and she took advantage of Lauren. A.A. was the nicer one but she always worries about Laxjock, an online boyfriend.

Biography: Melissa de la Cruz is the author of the novel Cat's Meow and the co-author of How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less. Her work has been translated into several languages. She writes regularly for Marie Claire, Gotham, Hamptons, and Lifetime magazines and has contributed to the New York Times, Glamour, Allure, and McSweeney's. She recently moved from New York City and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband. She has never dared use her cell phone on the Hampton Jitney. This is not her dog.[1]

If you want to know more about Melissa, please visit her website at:

http://www.melissa-delacruz.com/

[1] http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Ashleys/Melissa-de-La-Cruz/e/9781416934066/?itm=1

[1] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9781416934066

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

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The Tail of Emily Windsnap
by Liz Kessler
ISBN 9780763628116
Candlewick Press, 2006
Fantasy
224 pages
12+
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Annotation: Emily finds out she is half mermaid and half human. She then embarks to find out who her father is once and for all!

Summary: During a day of swimming lessons, Emily feels a strange sensation. It was a tail growing where her legs were suppose to be. She became a human on land and a mermaid in sea. With her new mermaid friend Shona, she discovers who her dad is. Can Emily rejoin her mother and father together or will they always be apart?

Critique: This book has a lot of imagination in it. There was a bit of mystery mixed into this book. Emily was a great character. Her curiosity and courage made her an inspiring person/mermaid to be around with.

Biography: Liz Kessler's first book, The Tail of Emily Windsnap, was published in ten countries. Of Emily Windsnap and Monster from the Deep, she says, "I always knew that Emily's story wasn't finished at the end of the first book. I really wanted to explore the idea of an island where humans and merfolk lived together in peace. I also knew that there was a detail I was missing.[1]

If you want to know more about Liz, please visit her website at:

http://www.lizkessler.co.uk/

[1] http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Tail-of-Emily-Windsnap/Liz-Kessler/e/9780763628116/?itm=1#TABS

[2]Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780763628116

Booktalk for The Tail of Emily Windsnap

http://www.bookwink.com/archive_2007_05_22.html

The Princess Diaries

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The Princess Diaries
by Meg Cabot
ISBN 0060292105
HarperCollins Publisher, 2000
Alternative Format (Diary)
228 pages
Young Adult
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Annotation: Mia finds out that she is a princess and that one day, she would rule a land called Gonovia. Suddenly, she finds herself being recognized by everyone including her long time crush.

Summary: When Mia finds that she's a princess, she freaked! Now, everyone notices her and Josh, the most popular boy in school, has asked her to a dance. She is super excited but is Josh all that she thinks he is?

Critique: This book was bad and good. It was bad because she always sounded excited or mad or annoyed. It was good because it described her feelings.

Biography: Meg Cabot knows that one of the best cures for feeling gawky and conspicuous is reading about someone who sticks out even more than you do. Her books for young adults invariably feature girls who have extraordinary powers that carry extraordinary burdens. Cabot's Princess Diaries series offers up the secret thoughts of Mia Thermopolis, who discovers at age 14 that she is actually the princess of a small European country. This revelation adds significantly to her extant concerns about crushes, friendships, school, and other matters falling under adolescent scrutiny.

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You can know more about her by visiting her website: http://www.megcabot.com/

[1] http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Princess-in-Training/Meg-Cabot/e/9780641825910/?itm=4#TABS

[2] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780061153891

American Born Chinese

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American Born Chinese
by Gene Luen Yang
ISBN 1596431520
New York: First Second, 2006
Graphic Novel
240 pages
12+
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Annotation: Two boys and a monkey king experience change. In the end all their problems merge together and leave us with the same characters having the same problems. The winner of the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award.

Summary: Imagine three story that merges together to become a lesson for everyone. That is what American Born Chinese is about. Read about the Monkey King, and two boys that are having their own sets of problem and how together, they learn an important lesson. Evaluation: The book was in comic for so it was easy and quick to read even though it had an important message in it. The downfall of the book was that everything happens in on mash up so you will get confused. Also, there was a bloody picture so I didn't appreciate it. There was some violence so it was not my personal favorite.

Critique: The book was in comic for so it was easy and quick to read even though it had an important message in it. The downfall of the book was that everything happens in on mash up so you will get confused. Also, there was a bloody picture so I didn't appreciate it. There was some violence so it was not my personal favorite.

Biography: Gene Yang began drawing comic books in the fifth grade. In 1997, he received the Xeric Grant, a prestigious comics industry grant, for Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks, his first comics work as an adult. He has since written and drawn a number of titles, including Duncan’s Kingdom (with art by Derek Kirk Kim) and The Rosary Comic Book. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his lovely wife and children and teaches at a Roman Catholic high school. [1]

If you want to know more about Gene, please visit his website at:

http://humblecomics.com/
[1] http://search.barnesandnoble.com/American-Born-Chinese/Gene-Luen-Yang/e/9780312384487/?itm=1

[2] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780312384487

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid
(Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series #1)
by Jeff Kinney
ISBN 0810993139
Abrams, Harry N. Inc., 2007
Graphic Novel
224 pages
9+
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Annotation: Greg always has a tough time wherever he goes. But he can always solve his problems with some sneaky plots.

Summary: Greg is having a tough time in school and at home. Both of his brothers are annoying him because his older brother is forever pounding his heart out in his drum set and his younger brother always finds out how to put blames on Greg. At school, bullies are forever picking on kids including Greg. There was also a curse of the cheese going around the school. Then one day, Greg and his friends are caught by a bully and they are forced to eat the cheese. Greg cleverly sneaks his way out of the problem by saying he is allergic to dairy. His friend might be out of luck, but I am not saying that his is and I am not saying that he will not be. Read the book to find out what will happen.

Critique: The book was good because it was funny. It wasn't that good because Greg always used some clever yet sneaky way to get his ways and it might not be a good influence to others. Greg was kind of annoying because he took his friend for granted.

Biography: Jeff Kinney is an online game developer and designer and is the author of the New York Times bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. He spent his childhood in the Washington, D.C., area and moved to New England in 1995. Once he conceived the concept for Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Kinney devoted nearly six years to developing the storyline and artwork. Fashioned as a journal with appealing, expressive stick figure drawings on every page, Diary is narrated in the pitch-perfect (and hilariously deadpan) voice of a not-always-likeable but totally believable tweener named Greg Haffley.

[1]

If you want to know more about Jeff Kinney, visit the website at http://www.wimpykid.com/.

[1] http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Diary-of-a-Wimpy-Kid/Jeff-Kinney/e/9780810993136/?itm=4#TABS

[2] Retrieved the image from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9780810993136