Leota's Book Club

The Wolf Princess

2014-03-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

The Wolf Princess
by Catheryn Constable

Reviewer: Megan H.
Genre: Adventure, Mystery

This book was about a school girl named Sophie. Strange things start happening to Sophie. She and her friends go on a school trip to Russia. She meets a princess who really seems to like her until she starts seeing wolves.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

2014-03-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

The Witch of Blackbird Pond
by Elizabeth George Speare

Reviewer: Sonja K.
Genre: Historical Fiction

The year is 1685, and Kit has moved from the luxurious island of Barbados, where she has spent all her life being adored by her grandfather, to the New World. Life in the New World is hard for Kit, and the only person who lets Kit be herself is Hannah Tupper. But the town thinks Hannah is a witch, and Kit knows that if she stays with Hannah, she too will be accused of being a witch - leaving Kit in a dire situation.

Looking For Alaska

2014-03-04T13:02:00.001-08:00

Looking For Alaska
by John Green

Reviewer: Lorayne M.
Genre: Young Adult

Miles just moved to a boarding school and his roommate, Chip, is friends with a girl named Alaska. Miles' life becomes why more interesting and changes a lot as he becomes friends with Chip, Alaska, and their friend group. I love this book so much! It's a great book that changed the way I think about things.

Between Shades of Gray

2014-03-04T13:01:00.004-08:00

Between Shades of Gray
by Ruta Sepetys

Reviewer: Megan H.
Genre: Historical Fiction

This story is about a girl named Lina who is taken away to a Siberian prison camp with her mother and little brother. On the way there, she meets a boy named Andrius. In the prison camp, she is forced to dig holes for a few grams of bread. Later in the story Lina gets moved and her mother dies. Will Lina survive without her mother, keep her brother safe, and find Andrius again?

Wings

2014-03-04T12:41:00.003-08:00

Wings
by E.D. Baker

Reviewer: Megan H.
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

This story is about a girl named Tamisin. Tamisin is very unusual - she has sparkles on her cheeks and she has pointy ears. One day Tamisin grows wings. She meets a new boy at school named Jak. When she goes to Jak's Halloween party, Tamisin gets attacked by goblins and is pushed through a fairy gate with Jak. Jak is half-goblin and takes Tamisin to see the queen of the fairies, Titania. Tamisin learns a few things about herself and the fairy queen along the way.

Over Sea, Under Stone

2013-10-27T14:17:00.001-07:00

Over Sea, Under Stone
by Susan Cooper

Reviewer: Megan H.
Genre: Adventure

This book is about three children named Jane, Simon, and Barney Drew. Their Great-Uncle Merry and them are fighting against an evil that went back to King Arthur's time. They are trying to find the grail while an evil team is also trying to find the grail before they do. The three children have an advantage because they have a map that was drawn in King Arthur's time.

The Scepter of the Ancients

2013-10-27T14:12:00.001-07:00

Skulduggery Pleasant:
The Scepter of the Ancients
by Derek Landy

Reviewer: Taylor H.
Genre: Supernatural / Fantasy

After losing her uncle, Stephanie Edgley is pulled into a world she'd only ever read about. She's attracted by a man looking for something that doesn't exist, then saved by a sarcastic, fire-throwing wizard with a 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental. But here's the weird part: he is a skeleton and his name is Skulduggery Pleasant.

The Princess Diaries

2013-10-27T14:07:00.001-07:00

The Princess Diaries
by Meg Cabot

Reviewer: Leah S.
Genre: Teen Fiction

Mia always felt like a misfit in her school. She was an ungracefully tall, frizzy-haired, flat chested, and skinny 14-year-old girl. She only had one good friend in the entire school. On top of it all, she has a crush on a guy whose girlfriend is the definition of perfect and who goes out of her way to make Mia's life at school a joke.

Just when Mia thought her life couldn't get any worse, her mom tells her that she's dating her algebra teacher and her dad just had to announce that he is the Crown Prince of Genovia, and that Mia just so happens to be the princess.

Expressed through a series of diary entries, Mia shares her amusing story of going from an awkward teenager to a real princess.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

2013-10-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
by J.R.R. Tolkein

Reviewer: Rachel G.
Genre: Fantasy

In this trilogy, Frodo Baggins is placed in possession of 'the ring.' This ring not only turns to bearer invisible, but has many strange powers. Savron (the main villain) only needs this ring and then he will have the power to destroy the world. Frodo must take the ring to Savron's very lair and destroy it there. I recommend this trilogy to anyone who likes fantasy and adventure.

Eleanor & Park

2013-10-27T13:54:00.001-07:00

Eleanor & Park
by Rainbow Rowell

Reviewer: Lorayne M.
Genre: Romance

This is about two star-crossed teenage lovers, one not very confident and in a horrible life situation and the other leading an ordinary life. As they fall in love, trouble seems apparent at any moment, something ready to tear them apart. This book is amazing! It gives a captivating story with reality-based situations, not a cheesy and cheap love story. I really loved this book.

Shadowlands

2013-10-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Shadowlands
by Kate Brian

Reviewer: Lorayne M.
Genre: Horror

This book is about a girl named Rory who gets attacked by a serial killer, and she and her family have to go to a safehouse to lessen the possibility to be killed. Everything is okay at the safehouse until people start to go missing again, and it's driving Rory insane that no one seems to realize it. This book is fantastic, with suspense that will capture you and keep you turning the page. I loved it!

Fat Cat

2013-07-11T13:00:00.002-07:00

Fat Cat
by Robin Brande

Reviewer: Ashley F.
Genre: Realistic Fic / Humor / Romance

Cat is overweight. Long ago she believed she wasn't pretty and no one would ever be her boyfriend, and she accepted that. But then comes Mr. Fizar's rigorous science class and naked hominids.

She wanted to change. Thus resulting in a science experiment with her as the lab rat.

The rules: 1) No modern conveniences. 2) Only the kinds of foods early hominids ate are allowed.

And there's a chance this has to do with a boy who broke her heart.

Fat Cat was insightful into problems teens have, was funny, and even informative: It's stuffed with great characters, both lovable and not so lovable. Cat's strong, smart, and funny. Amanda is the best friend you've always hoped for. This is one inspiring book full of humor and heart.

Boyfriends With Girlfriends

2013-07-11T13:00:00.001-07:00

Boyfriends With Girlfriends
by Alex Sanchez

Reviewer: Leah S.
Genre: Fiction / Romance

Sergio likes both guys and girls, but he's only ever dated girls before. Lance has known since he was little that he's gay/ When they meet, there's an instant spark, but will it work out? Allie's liked guys her whole life and she's been in a relationship with her boyfriend, Chip, for 2 years. But when she's introduced to Kimiko, she realizes she's falling for her - hard. Kimiko has had a crush on Allie ever since they met, but it's hard for her to believe that Allie could (or would) like her back. Can they both admit it to each other and be in a relationship?

Sanche introduces readers to four very real teens who are trying to figure out where they place in the world - and with each other. He does a wonderful job of displaying the doubts and uncertainties of being in love, as well as being bi. Society has needed more good books about bisexuality for a long time, so it is terrific to see him bring this book into society.

Edgar and Ellen Series

2013-07-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Edgar and Ellen Series
by Charles Odgen

Reviewer: Ashley F.
Genre: Fantasy / Humor / Adventure

Sinister twins Edgar and Ellen have known Pet, a hairy one-eyed creature, for as long as they can remember. During their elaborate pranking they stumble upon a fatal secret. As the dark secrets of Pet and the town of Nod's Limbs' history and people unravel, Odgen keeps you turning the page with his beyond humorous writing. This series is definitely a favorite!

The God Box

2013-07-11T12:59:00.001-07:00

The God Box
by Alex Sanchez

Reviewer: Leah S.
Genre: Fiction / Romance

Paul always thought that Angie was his one and only soulmate. But then Manuel transfers to their school and flips Paul's life upside-down. Manuel is the first openly gay teen their small town has ever met, and yet he says he's a committed Christian. Talking to Manuel makes Paul reconsider thoughts he has kept hidden, and listening to Manuel's interpretation of Biblical passages on homosexuality causes Paul to rethink everything he's ever believed. When Manuel's outspokenness triggers dramatic consequences at school, it results in a terrifying situation that leads Paul to take a stand.

I thought that "The God Box" may be a book that not only changes lives but saves them.

The False Prince

2013-07-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

The False Prince
by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Reviewer: Ashley F.
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

A canning nobleman shows up, gathering orphaned boys with Sage along with them. The nobleman, Connor, plans to train the boys as a passable impersonator for the long-lost prince of the kingdom with him as the puppeteer in the background. He claims this is for the good of the kingdom but defiant Sage knows that's more than questionable. It's a fight to become the perfect prince as all the others will surely be killed.

Right off the bat, readers will root for Sage, his voice and sarcastic humor capturing their attention. It's hard to not cheer for such a lovable character who's determined to stay true to himself.

Watching layer upon layer of deceit and treachery unfold keeps you on the edge of your seat until the shocking and dangerous secret is revealed.

I absolutely loved this book and no doubt made it one of my favorites.

Rainbow High

2013-07-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

Rainbow High
by Alex Sanchez

Reviewer: Leah S.
Genre: Fiction/Romance

Jason Carrillo - The best looking athlete in school, has looked forward to earning a scholarship for college. But soon he finds love, and Kyle.

Kyle Meeks - A swim-team star, finally in the relationship he's wanted. Being in love feels great, so much that he can't even think of giving it up to attend Princeton. It's something he's worked for for his entire existence.

Nelson Glassman - Eccentric and outgoing; might be HIV positive. Even though Nelson fears testing positive, if he is infected Jeremy might stop protecting him and push him away.

High school's coming to an end, they're facing graduation and prom. Life's a piece of cake, right? Ha ha, right...

I thought Sanchez did a fantastic job of displaying the hardships that gay and bi teens face in life. It's a pleasure to see him creating a "new type of romance" in his books that not many other books have.

Forevermore

2013-03-18T23:18:00.003-07:00

Forevermore
by Cindy Miles

Reviewer: Ali Z.
Genre: Romance/Mystery

This book is about a girl named Ivy who moves to a haunted castle in Scotland. She meets a boy ghost named Logan and they fall in love. So Ivy tries to find out how Logan died as other mysterious ghosts lurk in the shadows. Will Ivy make it alive and solve the mystery of Logan's death?

Stolen

2013-03-18T23:14:00.003-07:00

Stolen
by Lucy Christopher

Reviewer: Ashley F.
Genre: Drama, mystery, adventure

16-year-old Gemma had been watched (or stalked) by a young man who goes by Ty (who is a decade older than her) for most of her life. Then one day at the airport she was kidnapped by him to the vast Australian outback. He expects her to love him.
This book was written as a letter to her captor, Ty, so he was "you" and it was a bit confusing at first. It was a very well written book. I wouldn't exactly recommend it as a romantic novel as it's thought to be but it does have it's very heart-wrenching moments. The only problem was that right when their relationship was building it's climax it was abruptly cut off and left with a major cliffhanger (I ended up with a story that messed with my head for weeks, re-evalutating various scenes, until I memorized every detail. But other than that a great read to try out.)

Paranormalcy

2013-03-18T22:55:00.002-07:00

Paranormalcy
by Kiersten White

Reviewer: Lorayne M.
Genre: Paranormal

Paranormalcy is about a girl, Evie, that hunts paranormals. She captures this one paranormal, then bad things start to happen. Every paranormal is being killed. This book is really great, filled with humor, tragedy, and capturing reader's interest -- it'll keep you turning the page. I really like it, this book really held my attention.

George Washington, Spymaster

2013-03-18T22:50:00.003-07:00

George Washington, Spymaster
by Thomas B. Allen

Reviewer: Samantha G.
Genre: True Stories

This book has an amazing aspect on the Revolutionary War. It reveals the secret to why the unskilled and poor colonists defeated the skillful and experienced British soldiers. It tells the stories of brave men and women who spied for freedom and independence. So hold on to your seatbelts for an adventure with double agents, traitors, and trickery.

So Hard to Say

2013-03-18T22:45:00.005-07:00

So Hard to Say
by Alex Sanchez

Reviewer: Leah S.
Genre: Romance/comedy

When the shy new boy Frederick meets the bubbly popular girl named Xio they become fast friends. But, when Xio decides that she wants to be more than friends, Frederick isn't sure. He loves spending time with Xio and her gang but he doesn't quite like her that way. Instead, Frederick finds himself thinking more and more about the captain of the soccer team, Victor. Does that mean Frederick's gay? He hopes he's not because he doesn't want to be treated like Iggy, the boy who everyone thinks is gay. Frederick has to make some choices: Even though he wants to find out more about Iggy, he's just started "fitting in" at his new school, and he doesn't want to lose Xio.
I think this book helps open eyes and change lives, and it helps young readers discover themselves and also accept people who are different than them.

The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters

2013-03-18T22:37:00.001-07:00

The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters
by James Dashner

Reviewer: Taylor H.
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-fi

When Atticus Higginbottom gets a strange letter from M.G. saying he can either burn the letter or save the world, his life gets flipped upside down. He gets attacked by mechanical bugs, gets visited by a bowling ball man and a 10 ft. tall lady all while solving riddles as more letters come from M.G. and learns that the world he knows isn't the only one but the only one in his universe.

The Butterfly Clues

2013-03-06T11:39:00.002-08:00

The Butterfly Clues
by Kate Ellison

Reviewer: Lizzy P.
Genre: Mystery

Penelope "Lo" Marin has always loved to collect beautiful things. But in the year since her brother's death, she's got into a potentially dangerous obsession. When she discovers a beautiful antique butterfly figurine and recognizes it has been stolen from the home of a recently murdered girl known only as Sapphire, Lo quickly finds herself caught up in a seedy, violent underworld -- a world much closer to home than she ever imagined.

The Maze Runner

2013-03-06T11:35:00.001-08:00

The Maze Runner
by James Dashner

Reviewer: Taylor H.
Genre: Dystopian Fiction

First thieves, just darkness, no memories, just a vague view of the world. But the world isn't there, just a big maze with no way out. This is was Thomas experiences as a "greenie." In the Glade a group of boys are sent from who-knows-where. But things takes a bad turn when a girl arrives with a note saying that she is the last one ever.