One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
I really recommend this excellent book. This book is about people in a mental hospital who are controlled by Nurse Ratched when a psycho guy named McMurphy comes to save them. The nurse doesn’t give up easily and many people suffer. McMurphy gives people courage while giving up his own life.
Reader 786, Grade 11
Crack by Ellen Hopkins
Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. On a trip to visit her father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina – she’s fearless. Through a boy, Bree meets the monster, crack. What begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle for her mind, her soul – her life.
Katie, Grade 8
What My Girlfriend Doesn’t Know by Sonya Sones
Sofie , a popular girl, finds herself going out with a total loser named Murphy.
Grace, Grade 6
Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis’s gift of writing allows anyone to feel as if they’ve been to Narnia and have a personal connection with the Pevensie Family. This book is truly great for all ages. Lewis’s style can wake the imagination of even the dullest of minds. When the Peyensie children return to Narnia they hardly recognize their once beautiful kingdom. Soon they learn about the diabolical dictator who has overthrown the rightful rulers of Narnia. They join forces with his young runaway nephew to restore peace to their beloved home. It will take courage, faith, and friendship to right the wrongs of sinister King Miraz. Along the way, they make exhilarating new friends within the small population of “Old” Narnia. There is no possible way to give proper justice to the beauty of this classic book.
Kaybee, Grade 9
A Long Hard Road Out of Hell by Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson’s autobiography is a unique perspective of the world and seeing things as if one is looking behind the screen of a TV show. He breaks a lot of rules to reach his goals. This is a fascinating life story that changes your views to the world around you.
Aran, Grade 11
Sisterland by Linda Newbery
A grandmother with Alzheimer’s disease relives memories of her family during the Holocaust. This was a very interesting book and a real page turner!
Amy, Grade 11
Beware, Princess Elizabeth by Carolyn Meyer
This story is set in England in the late 1500s. Elizabeth, second in line to the throne, suffers imprisonment when her father dies and Queen Mary assumes the throne. Through many twists and turns, Carolyn Meyer builds the story and keeps you wondering what drastic decisions her half-sister will make next. For all fans of strong heroines in Historical Fiction!
Briana, Grade 7
Last Shot by John Feinstein
Steve and Carol are contest winners who get to cover the NCAA Final Four games. They discover that a star University of Minnesota player is being blackmailed to lose the tournament. They work together to find the blackmailer. I really recommend this book for people who like basketball and mysteries.
Reader 787, Grade 11
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
I liked it…especially the view of Jacob at the end. I enjoyed the scene of Jacob and Edward together. I’m not really sure what I’m feeling about Bella’s choice right now though. Can’t wait for the next book!!!!
Belladona, Grade 9
Hairspray
This movie was good with lots of music and dancing.
Fiby, Grade 9
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
It was ok but I didn’t like it.
Fiby, Grade 9
High School Musical
This made for TV movie was an instant hit. It seems like every pre-teen girl wants to be Gabriella. In my opinion, this movie is very overrated. The idea of it is cute but unrealistic. There is very little character development. It was definitely not the type of movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat, dying to know what will happen to the protagonists. The music is alright, but is more pre-teen pop than Broadway. High School Musical is definitely not the new Grease.
Kaybee, Grade 9
Across the Universe
Julie Taymor captivates audiences once again with her stunning new art film, Across the Universe. This enthralling movie musical follows the life of a young man named Jude (Jim Sturgess), as he travels from Ireland to America, in search of his birth father. During his time in America, he finds an unexpected love in kindred spirit, Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), friendships in a Joplin-like Sadie (Dana Fuchs) and a Hendrix-like Jo Jo (Martin Luther McCoy), learns to “get by with a little help from his friends,” and everybody sings Beatles songs. From “Dear Prudence” to “Don’t Let Me Down,” this incredible film is full of classic Beatles favorites performed to perfection by a talented young cast. While some audiences may find this artsy film strange more cultured viewers will love and appreciate the way the songs flow seamlessly into the film. It is a fabulous tribute to one of the greatest musical groups in history. In the end, Jude realizes that, even during a time of war and struggle, no matter what happens in life, ‘love is all you need.’
Carly, Grade 12
