We'll keep adding them as they come inn -- so watch this page!
Last year's reviews can be viewed here.
Want to find out what books Ridgewood teens recommend? You've come to the right place.
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Reviews submitted in March
Letting Go by Domino
Review by hey1234, grade 8
Review Posted 3/4/2012
Rating: 7 out of 10
What I liked: I really enjoyed this book. I liked the storyline or plot. There was always another twist that you wouldn't expect. I have read other books on teen pregnancy however none were like this.
What I didn't like: I didn't really mind it that much but there were a few grammatical errors. Also this book is only an E-book so I read it on my Kindle.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this to 7-9 graders.
Reviews submitted in February
The First Within by Chris D' Lacey
Review by Charzard, GW student
Review Posted 3/4/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: I like how the author described all of the dragons and the squirrels with amazing detail and persistent description throughout the book and onto all of the other books in the series.
What I didn't like: There was nothing not to like about this book, it was one of the most well written book I have ever read.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to most pre-teens around the age of 11 because there is a little bit of sadness in this book when people die and there is a lot of killing sometimes.
Review by jamie, grade 7
Review Posted 3/4/2012
Rating: 8 out of 10
What I liked: What I liked was the characters because you could relate to the characters.
What I didn't like: What I didn't like was the length it was short.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to those who love paranormal romance.
Review by read, grade 6
Review Posted 3/4/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: The thing I liked about this book was it was about survival and not everyone has food to eat so you have to find food for yourself.
What I didn't like: The thing I didn't like about this book was why they had to choose kids to fight each other and not use adults.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to people who want to read an intense book.
Review by read, grade 6
Review Posted 3/4/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: The thing I liked about this book was that she was really determined to find out who kidnapped her when she was 3 and to find out who Hannah was.
What I didn't like: The thing I didn't like about this book was that you can't just skip school without telling your parents where you are (which she did when going to try to find out if the family on the milk carton looked like her)
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to people who want to read a really good mystery book.
Review by pandas, grade 6
Review Posted 3/4/2012
Rating: 9 out of 10
What I liked: The thing I liked was that you will get to be friends with people you haven't known before. I also liked how he soon became friends with the dog.
What I didn't like: I thought it was boring when they held a meeting and tried to talk to Hennley because I thought it would never work.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to people who think they are ready to read a sad book.
Review by pandas, grade 6
Review Posted 3/4/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: The thing I liked about this book was that it showed people have to get on through their lives even when it is hard for them.
What I didn't like: The thing I didn't like was that Tad was thinking negative by putting sad music for Jeffery to listen when he is riding his bike.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to people who think they can read this book and have read the first one.
Review by Konic899, grade 6
Review Posted 3/4/2012
Rating: 9 out of 10
What I liked: I liked all the action the book had especially the fighting.
What I didn't like: I didn't like the part when Alex Rider was testing out the Storm Breakers; that part was a bit boring.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to anyone that likes adventure, action, people dying, and anyone that likes 14 year old spies.
Review by jamie, grade 7
Review Posted 2/27/2012
Rating: 9 out of 10
What I liked: I liked the plot of this story it was very romantic and suspenseful.
What I didn't like: I didn't like the way she worded some parts of the story.
Anything else you'd like to mention: This book is the first in a trilogy. There is Eternal Eden, Falling Eden, and United Eden.
Who would you recommend this book to: i would recommend this book to those who love paranormal romance stories.
Review by jamie, grade 7
Review Posted 2/27/2012
Rating: 9 out of 10
What I liked: What I liked about this book was the characters. Many of the personalities clashed which added to the suspense.
What I didn't like: I liked everything!
Anything else you'd like to mention: This is the first book in a trio of amazing books: Significance, Accordance, and Defiance.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to anyone that likes paranormal romance books or fiction stories.
Review by 7 grader, grade 7
Review Posted 2/27/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: That the story was very enjoyable to read and had a really good theme. Then it became a movie afterwards.
What I didn't like: Nothing, because this book was fun to read, and I never wanted to put it down!
Anything else you'd like to mention: If you haven't seen the movie, read the book first.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this to anyone ages 9+.
Wanted by Sara Shepard
Review by ??????????????, grade 8
Review Posted 2/27/2012
Rating: 9 out of 10
What I liked: Wanted is by far the most action packed book of the Pretty Little Liars series. It is full of exciting twists and turns, and surprises that will leave you shocked. Each chapter ends suspensefully, and it is a very overall exciting book.
What I didn't like: Some pieces don't fit together in the end, but that is why there are still four more books!
Anything else you'd like to mention: Make sure you read the other seven books before reading this one or it will make no sense at all. It is a very good book to read if your friends are reading or have read it, because everyone can relate to it, and it is very exciting to talk about with friends.
Who would you recommend this book to: Teenage girls, who have already read Pretty Little Liars, books one through seven. It is a good book for mystery fans, suspense fans, or chick lit fans.
The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander
Review by Stargreen, GW student
Review Posted 2/27/2012
Rating: 9 out of 10
What I liked: It was a very intriguing mystery that was a definite page turner. I loved how there were so many red herrings so you had trouble figuring out the mystery. I like it when its not to obvious but there are enough clues to figure it out. I really enjoyed solving the mystery along with Mac. I loved seeing the characters change throughout the book. It is so interesting how much some of them changed. I can't wait to read the sequel
What I didn't like: I can't think of anything not to like.
Who would you recommend this book to: People who like a hard mystery and can take a little violence and betrayal along the way.
Maze Runner by James Dashner
Review by Devenk2, grade 7
Review Posted 2/27/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: I loved this book because I could never put it down. It was so thrilling! The characters in the book were really thrilling people! I was reading it under my covers for hours!
What I didn't like: There was nothing I didn't dislike about this book!
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to everyone who likes books with lots of action and surprises.
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
Review by Swagsista, grade 7
Review Posted 2/27/2012
Rating: 9 out of 10
What I liked: I liked how at the beginning the pictures and the writing were just two different stories but towards the end they connect to form one.
What I didn't like: This book was so good that I didn't not like anything!
Who would you recommend this book to: Anyone who doesn't really like to read because there are a lot of pictures, also anyone who liked The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
Review by shawneesmithlover, grade 7
Review Posted 2/25/2012
Rating: 8 out of 10
What I liked: A horror book; a complicated masterpiece. The pictures of the zombies did not fully represent why this book is one of my favorites, though it was an amazing factor. For me, the affects that death took on the characters kept me turning the pages. When a loved one dies, the death does not only change them, but changes the life of everyone connected to them. To see the toll that death took on all the characters, and the changes it made to them was truly amazing. Also, the way that death affects different people in the story is truly realistic. When Rick believes that death has taken his family he trudges through it and still tries to find them. But on the other hand, when death took many of the other characters' loved ones they simply sank into an amazingly deep depression that halted them to do anything but mourn. The different effects death has on different people really made the story.
What I didn't like: The downside of this book is really an amazingly large flaw: the number of characters. Why did the author not choose to focus only on a few characters and the changes that the potential end of civilization brought to them? That would have made me relate to the characters and care about them more because I wouldn't have to worry about ten other people involved with this crisis. But because of some need to write a more complicated storyline, the author confused me with trying to remember all of the characters in the book.
Anything else you'd like to mention: This is a comic book, so do not expect to be able to make a "movie in your mind" because one is given to you in the pictures. Also, because of the pictures and gestures of the characters displayed in them, and where the speech bubble stems from, the book never says, "he/she said" or "he /she walked away". And that is an obviously added bonus.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to children ages 13-unlimited. I would recommend this book to this group of people because there is a infidelity problem involving a baby and a lot of curse words.
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Review by snazzcumber*, BF student
Review Posted 2/22/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: One of the best features of this book is how some of characters relate to us. Characters in "Among the Hidden," are neglected and need to overcome their fears. Relating and connecting to the characters in books makes reading a lot more fun.
What I didn't like: One of the things that effected this book negatively is that it focuses in on small parts and goes into detail about everything and it shows the character's mind sometimes which can affect it positively and negatively.
Anything else you'd like to mention: The book is about the future North America were everybody is poor and rules are strict. Luke is an illegal third child who has spent his entire life on an isolated farm with his legal older bothers, Matthew and Mark, Mother, and Father. When Barons; the rich people with special privileges given by the government move in behind his house he gets restricted to go outside. Luke has to overcome his fears to live a life he deserves to live- free.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to fifth through eighth graders because there is some violence and the plot of the book is a little sad.
No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman
Review by cupcake, grade 6
Review Posted 2/22/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: It was funny and had a good story line. The author also showed what was going on through the different characters' eyes.
What I didn't like: Someone was attacking the play and they didn't give any hints about who did it.
Who would you recommend this book to: Anyone 11+
Review by eumulu, grade 7
Review Posted 2/12/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: I loved how there were different chapters for each perspective of the three main characters. Also, I liked how all of the characters connected with each other. A third thing I enjoyed was how brave Minny was.
What I didn't like: This book was so great that I loved everything.
Who would you recommend this book to: Anyone, especially people who liked the book or the movie "The Lovely Bones."
Review by Swag, grade 7
Review Posted 2/12/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: I liked that it was a very funny and interesting book.
What I didn't like: There was nothing that I didn't like about this book.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to anyone who has a good sense of humor.
Review by Hadryn, grade 10
Review Posted 2/12/2012
Rating: 8 out of 10
What I liked: The witty quotes scattered throughout the book are quite profound. Often, anything said by Lord Henry, one of the main characters, is quite cynical, but amusing to read. Various characters play different roles in the 'upbringing' of Dorian Gray. This book also poses excellent moral questions that stick with you long after you finish it, and the vivid descriptions add to the brilliance.
The prologue also deserves a mention; it creates a puzzling but interesting introduction to the story.
What I didn't like: There are a few filler chapters in between that I personally thought the book didn't really need. Just describing what the main character has taken up as his new hobbies. While it was needed to elaborate on Dorian's descent into corruption, I felt like what was explained in quite a few pages could have easily been shortened to less.
Anything else you'd like to mention: This book was extremely interesting and had a great ending as well, one that was pretty unexpected. This is one of my favorite classics.
Who would you recommend this book to: Anyone who enjoys a classic horror or just classic in general. This book also contains a lot of philosophy and thoughts on art. This book does have some old English and some heavy concepts, so I would recommend this to high school students.
Review by obbsession, grade 7
Review Posted 2/9/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: I liked how the story was very intense. The book always kept you on your toes. The author did an amazing job writing the story from two people's perspectives and going back and forth.
What I didn't like: Nothing because this book was great!
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a little mystery and romance. This book is for 6th-8th graders.
Review by Kccccc1234, grade 8
Review Posted 2/9/2012
Rating: 9 out of 10
What I liked: I liked the characters and the plot of the story. I think the main meaning of this book is trust and standing up for yourself. There are many examples of true friendship and gaining trust along the story. This book will always leave you wanting to read more!
What I didn't like: I read this book with a few other people, I liked everything about this book. However, one may get confused since there are many flashbacks.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would recommend this to boys and girls ages 11-15.
Review by Keiara Awesome, grade 6
Review Posted 2/9/2012
Rating: 9 out of 10
What I liked: I loved all the action and adventure. This book was different to any book I have read because I never read a book with Egyptian magic in it. It was full of detail, suspense and it was not too long that you would lose track of some important detail.
What I didn't like: I didn't like how it was really hard to make connections. I never owned a museum or sensed the black magic on artifacts that my parents discovered all over the world.
Anything else you'd like to mention: If many readers are like me, there won't be much that you don't like.
Who would you recommend this book to: I would definitely recommend this book to all Percy Jackson fans and Harry Potter fans. People who like books with magic in it because this is definitely the book for them once they finished all the Percy Jacksons and Harry Potters.
Review by Keiara Awesome, grade 6
Review Posted 2/9/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: I really liked this book because it was a challenge to read because it was so sad...especially the end. To add on, I loved how the author used vivid detail which made the story much better and sadder.
What I didn't like: I didn't like when the author wrote about something really sad, when Melody got "ditched" by the Wiz Quiz Club and then Penny gets hit by her mom's car. It was just too sad for those chapters.
Anything else you'd like to mention: This book just touched my heart and definitely changed my point of view if I ever encountered someone like Melody.
Who would you recommend this book to: People who want to challenge themselves to read a sad book that literally will make you go get the tissue box. I would also recommend this book to people who could have the same problem as Melody. Or maybe also to people who have faced BIG problems in their lives and would like to relate.
Review by read, grade 6
Review Posted 2/9/2012
Rating: 9 out of 10
What I liked: The thing I liked about this book is that it shows not everybody has money and some people don't have eyesight.
What I didn't like: I did not like dislike any part of this book
Who would you recommend this book to: Anybody who likes sports.
Review by Cool Chick, grade 7
Review Posted 2/9/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: I loved the plot, the action, and the twists and turns. There were many surprises and it is a great sequel to I Am Number Four.
What I didn't like: I loved everything about this book- there is nothing that I didn't like about it. I suggest everyone to read it.
Anything else you'd like to mention: This book is amazing and it is one of my favorite series!
Who would you recommend this book to: My friends, family, neighbors, classmates, anyone who would enjoy a great book- but they need to read the first book before reading this one.
Review by JJ, grade 6
Review Posted 2/9/2012
Rating: 7 out of 10
What I liked:
-The flow of the story, not so fast, but the speed to think about what and why the event is happening.
-The communication between the characters.
What I didn't like: Descriptions about how the boy survived was too much.
Anything else you'd like to mention: It is a realistic fiction, and it is very nice to read this because the cases are unpredictable.
Who would you recommend this book to: Teens 11+ who like novels
Review by JJ, grade 6
Review Posted 2/9/2012
Rating: 9 out of 10
What I liked:
-The characters with certain characteristics
-All the stories that went on at the same time
-How the steps are explained well- detailed
What I didn't like: Had some not needed history about the characters
Anything else you'd like to mention: Even though some information is not needed, most are detailed.
Who would you recommend this book to: Boys and GIRLS of age 11+
Review by Book Reader, grade 7
Review Posted 2/9/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: This book was well written and very detailed. I liked how the author wrote about herself and the things she had to go through as a child.
What I didn't like: There is nothing that I didn't like about this book because it was amazing.
Who would you recommend this book to: I recommend this book to anyone who likes autobiography books and likes books that have complications in them having to do with the main character.
Review by Wish Me Luck, grade 6
Review Posted 2/9/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: The intensity and drama. I never wanted it to end!
What I didn't like: Some parts were scary and freaky.
Who would you recommend this book to: Older girls- Some parts were not appropriate.
Review by Wish Me Luck, grade 6
Review Posted 2/9/2012
Rating: 10 out of 10
What I liked: The humor
What I didn't like: It was very long, but I didn't mind it too much when I got more to the middle.
Anything else you'd like to mention: If you haven't sen the movie yet, read the book first!!!!
Who would you recommend this book to: Anyone who thinks they're ready to read it!
