Studio505: Read, Create, Critique

Hi, Tom!

who are the winners?

Can you tell us who are the winners of the photo contest yet?

Congratulations, Rachel!!!

Breaking dawn

This was the final book in the Twilight Saga. I was very happy with the first 2/3 of the book however I was not thrilled with the way the author chose to end it.

Forever in Blue

This was the last book in the sisterhood of the traveling pants series. I was very happy with the way that the series came to a close. There wasn't really anything that I felt needed to be encluded that wasn't.

Prisoners of Hope by Deborah Alcock, the author of The Spanish Brothers, one of my favorite books, is a very good book about the sufferings and triumphs of the Christians from the Catholic Church in the 1500's. Very good, though The Spanish Brothers is better.

How To Be Bad followed the thoughts and actions of three teenage girls who all had something hard going on in their lives. The novel was hilarious with "Old Joe" the alligator and the ending was surprising but satisfying.

Dragon Queen was full of fantasy, mystery, romance, and action. This book was a real page-turner.

I read the book Freedom Writers Diary. it was a very good book, although a bit depressing. It gave a good insight to the dangerous life of gang members, i would reccomend this book to anyone looking for a good read, however it contains some explicit content so i would not reccomend it to younger children.

The New Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley, The Case of the Flapper 'Napper was a good book to read.

Ghost Writer, Courting Danger and Other Stories was an interesting book. It gives you clues to solve mysteries and you can solve them on your own first and then look at the answers in the back to see if you got it right. Good idea.

Only a Beggar Boy by Mary E. Ropes is the story of Dan, a poor boy living with his most of the time drunk grandmother. Dan is a beggar, and it never occurred to him that working for his money would be better. But when a man comes into his life and shows him kindness and love, Dan's life is changed forever. Great book, I recommend to all!

My favorite book on tape that I listened to this summer was The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I'm really glad I had seen the movie first because it made the tape come alive as I listened to it.

A Dolphin Named Bob was a cute story to listen to on tape. Some parts were kind of sad. But everything turns out okay. Good for any age.

I listened to Prince Caspian on tape. It was very long. I'm glad I listened to it instead of trying to read it. It was very easy to follow. I really enjoyed it.

I read The Dog From Nowhere. It was an okay book. I wish it had more action. There were not too many characters in the book. I would not recommend it.

I listened to Hoot on tape.I saw the movie first.It was really good. My favorite part was the happy ending. The owls were saved!!

Girls in Pants

Of the three sisterhood books that I have read this one was my not my favorite. I felt that one of the best part of the books is the emotion that Ann Brashares is able to convey. In this last book there wasn't as much of that emotoion. However I wasn't a horrible book.

Unbelievable by Sara Shepard
is the third book in the pretty little liars novels. It continues the topic that the girls are being stalked by someone named "A". They strive to figure out who this person is, and if they are Ali's killer. At the end they reach their conclusion, but reach another problem.

No Cream Puffs by Karen Day
is about a girl in the '80s who strives in all sports for girls, but wants to play baseball with the boys. This book shows her struggle dealing with the boys and adoring fans.

The Clique Summer Collection Kristen By: Lisi Harrison
is a short read about Kristen's summer without the pretty commity. She tutors for a rich girl and tries to get close to a surfer dude.

Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph J. Ellis is a great non-fiction book about the men who created the impossible at the time, the U.S.A. This book shows the challenges that the founding fathers (here the founding brothers) had to overcome in order to create a nation for the people, by the people. This book goes into depth on six different events of the early years of the U.S.: the duel by Hamilton and Burr, the dinner of Hamilton and Madison at Jefferson's home, the government's silence on the topic of slavery, Washington's famous farewell, the collaboration of John Adams and his wife Abigail during his presidency, and the most famous friendship of Adams and Jefferson. This book is very interesting and contains much useful information that changed my thoughts and perspectives on the founding fathers and the creation of our country.

I read a story in the seventeen magazine about girls and weight loss. It was very informative about different ways youy can loos weight that are healthy for you.

The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants, it was a very good book. It's one of those books you wouldnt mind reading again. I know the movie came out but thats what influenced me to read this book and when I did, I realized that you always have to read the book before you go see the movie because there two different things.

Band of Brothers, it was a pretty good book if you like information about war. At first it was hard to get into it, but after the first couple of chapters it became very dramatic and I couldnt stop listening.

A Walk In The Woods, is a terrible book. I would not suggest never to read it. There was no action at all. The main character would start telling a story, but then would just end up going on and on about something that had nothing to do what he was talking about in the firsty place. So dont read it unless you have to.

The Second Summer Of The Sisterhood, was a really great book. I recemend that you read the first one first. The movie comes out august sixth, but it's way different then the book, so I suggest you read the book before going to see the movie.

Storm
A very good but slightly flawed book about kids saving the world.
Predictably good

Don't call me Ishmael
A very funny book.
Great

In the Company of Crazies
A great book about a kid who gets put in a boarding school for people with "mental difficulties". She does not qualify, but is forced to stay there for a month.
Very good

The Gravity Keeper
A very good book but very odvious fiction. You have to put reality on hold.
Good, but not great

The Second Summer of the Sisterhood

Overall I thought that this book was better then the first. There was more overall emotion. However I enjoyed the ending on the first one better. I thought I was a good read and it really helps you explore the lifes of teen-age girls.

The It Girl
The It Girl is the first book in its series. It helped me learn a lot about the characters, since I didn't read the series in order. You better be ready for a lot of drama if you want to read these books though.

How to Build a House
This book is about a girl who travels across the country to buils a house. She wanted to get away from it all, to run away. While building this house she discoveres a lot about herself and others. I liked this book, because I traveled to West Virginia to build a house. I feel that I can relate to Harper.

The Subtle Knife is filled with fantasy quirks like armored bears, Specters, daemons, angels, etc. This book may be mainly found in the kid's section of the library, but it is a great read for any age. The reader is hooked through Lyra and Will's escapades and near-misses. This book is a thumb's up.

What if ... Everyone Knew Your Name is one of those choose your own destiny books. Haley is a girl who moves to a new state and town. She is completely "average" in every way in the beginning, the reader is allowed to pick her characteristics and personality as the book progresses. This book is fun to read at any age and a quick read too.

The Salem Witch Tryouts contains everything a typical girl would want to read: fantasy, love interests, cheerleading, magic, etc. Prudence, the main character, is forced to move to Salem, Massachusetts, where she enrolls in a school for witches; she faces trial after trial while attempting to control her unruly magic. This book is perfect for the beach or a plane ride.

Fever 1793 follows the life of young Mattie Cook who has big dreams in a time of death. The reader glimpses grotesque scenes and feels sad along with Mattie as people succumb to the "Fever". This book is good for people who are more scientifically inclined or enjoy history.

Spells and Sleeping Bags continues the story of a teenage witch named Rachel. This one takes place at a summer camp that leads into mystery and romance. Rachel must discover the true identity of the new girl while juggling a possible boyfriend and learning magic.

Primavera was an interesting story that took place during the Italian Renaissance. The main character, Flora, endures a life where she is ignored by her family and made to be more of a servant. When a plot arises that may end in murder, Flora must make a difficult decision that will change her life. The book contains the perfect amount of romance, reality, and drama.

Red Rooney by R.M. Ballantyne

When Red Rooney finds himself shipwrecked on the coast of Greenland, and what little food he had runs out, he is left for dead until a kind Eskimo finds him. A great and exciting book!

Twice Freed by Particia St. John is a fictionalized retelling of the stoy of Onesimus from the book of Philemon in the Bible. Onesimus, a young slave, longs with all his heart to be free, especially when he is beat for a crime he did not commit. He runs away. Burdened by guilt and regret, he goes to Rome and becomes a gladiator. But when he comes to meet Paul and hears of Jesus Christ, his life is changed forever.

The Vanished Note is a collection of stories by Mary. E Ropes. They teach honesty, courage, forgiveness, overcoming temper, faith and love. A very good book!

Mary Elliot by C.D. Bell tells the story of Mary, a selfish, rather spoiled and lively girl. When Mary's sisters, who Mary does not know as well, come back from living with relatives, Mary learns to overcome her selfishness and think of others above herself, as well as to get along with people. It teaches love, selflessness, faith and serving others. A very good book, though not the most exciting.

Lonely Jack by Emily Brodie is the story of young Jack, all alone in the world and his journey. A good, enjoyable book!

The Declaration provides the reader with a different twist on the effects that can take place once people are given the option to live forever. Written by the hand of one of the "surpluses", someone who was born illegally, this book was incredibly interesting.

The Dead and The Gone combines the effects of the moon with horrifying results. This book was a fast-read and would interest anyone who likes science fiction.

Dirty Work described the possible future of a poor girl in the midst of social upheaval in Russia. The main characters, one rich and one poor, meet in an odd situation-they are both forced into "dirty" jobs. The novel ends well and is very interesting, overall it is worth reading.

The novel "Telling Christina GoodBye" was a good story. The main character was recovering from an accident. Most people would like it.

Confessions of a Serial Kisser was a book whose title portrayed the plot perfectly. The main character endures numerous social problems and humiliations as she must change her mind about her cheating father and love of romance books.

"I Want to Live" is the second book in a series. It was good, I would recommend it for girls.

"Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys" was wonderful. It had all the components of a good book. Anyone would enjoy it.

"Such a Pretty Girl" was good but sad, I think that most girls would enjoy it.

My Desire by Susan Warner is the story of a young woman's life, how through trials and life, she learns to lean on her Heavenly Father who will never let her down, learning that He is all that she needs for life, love and happiness. "All things work together to them that love God" is clearly shown in this book. Though not as good as Warner's other book, The Wide, Wide World, it is still one that I enjoyed.

Of Whom The World Was Not Worthy Of by Marie Chapian is an amazing and true story of faith and prayer. Set in Yugoslavia during WWII, Chapain takes you into the world of the believers in Yugoslavia, telling the horrors of war in sharp reality. Again and again, God's mercy and power to answer prayer is shown as Jozeca fights in prayer for her children, husband who is an evangelist and suffers much for the gospel, and the lives of those around her. An extraordinary book and a must read!

The Litte Gentleman by Eleanora H. Stooke is a great story of a young girl called Melina who is living with her grandmother at the time that the book starts. Melina endures much as her grandmother is addicted to drink and often beats her in that state. No one loves her and she loves no one, until she meets someone that tells her of One that loves her more than she can ever imagine. A great book, and there is even a surprise or two at the end!

Two Brave Boys by Mary E. Ropes

When brothers Bert and Alf hear of a plan against their father they take it upon themselves to investigate the situation and find themselves in for quite an adventure!

Gritli's Children by Johanna Spyri, the author of the much loved book Heidi, is a very enjoyable book about two young orphans and their adventures as they search for where they belong, a place they can truly call home. A very real, down to earth story set in the Swiss Alps, of love and faith.

Green Thumb
Very good book about a kid working with a reforestation project in a rainforest
Great

Castel Roogna:

This book was amazing! Perfect for the people who love magic and fantasys. It tells a story about a young majician named Dor and his journey back in time to save someone he really cares about facing giant spiders and monsters on the way. i loved this book and i couldnt put it down! by Piers Anthony

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

This was a great book. I think that the ending really scored major points.

Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer is a great interpretation of the first Artemis Fowl book. The original Artemis Fowl was a bestseller and so he decided to team up with a comic book writer and make a visual interpreation of the book. You can finnally see what Artemis Fowl looks like as well as all the other characters. I did think that the characters were a bit too unreal and a more modern and realistic approach to the book would have made me take the plot more seriously. Other than that, I believe that this is another great addition to the Artemis Fowl saga.

Dude Where is My Country? by Michael Moore is probably one of the most intriguing novels on modern America I've read. It is the follow up to the smash hit Stupid White Men in which Moore takes a step back and points out the flaws in America rather than just the people leading it. There is still plenty of George Bushisms in the book though. Brimming with sarcastic wit, this is a must read for the summer.

Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons is a wonderful novel about a girl, Ellen, who suffered under her abusive father and went to live on a happy life as a foster child (hence the last name she gave herself, Foster). This story takes place in Southern United States, at the height of segregation. Ellen shows her family and all of her neighbors that she is different, and breaks all of the rules about how to be a white, southern girl. This novel is not very suspenseful and does not have an exciting plot, but it is a wonderful book about the life of a girl who became an orphan.

Made You Look
A book about the history of ads and there uses, all the way from cavemen(Hot Flames, one rabbit) to modern day.
Great

Thieves till we die
Very good, just like the first one, but not as good.
Great

Snakehead, Alex Rider book 7
Great, just like all the otherones,it not better
Must read

Abducted
Exciting but very normal as books about abdutinons go
Good, but not great

Questors
Very good. Dull at parts but very exciting
Great

The novel "The Silent Boy" is set in the early 1900s. The main character, a little girl named Katy is friends with a mentally challenged boy who makes a terrible mistake that alters all their lives forever.

"Such a Pretty Girl" is the story of a girl whose father molests her and whose mother does not do anything to stop him. This bok could be enjoyed by teen girls.

Audrey, Wait addresses a strange twist to what could happen if one does not break up with his/her girl/boyfriend without hurting her/his feelings. The book was entertaining and the main character was predictably funny and easy to understand. This book is fast-paced and enjoyable on any day.

Streams of Babel brings up one of the worst fears circulating in America today-terrorism. The lives of six teenagers are followed through deaths, hospitals, computer hacking, et cetera. This book is a great read for boys and girls and is impossible to put down once started.

The Sky Phantom by Carolyn Keene continues the story of Nancy Drew with a new cloudy twist. These books are full of humor, friendship, mystery, and suspicion. They never fail to entertain and are always good for rereading.

Guinevere's Gift addressed her life before she met King Arthur. Through her thoughts and actions, the fantasy is told in an interesting and well-thought-out way. This book should be read by anyone who enjoys a slight twist on the usual fairy tale.

Ishmael

This book wasn't so much about a normal story with a Climax and all of that. It was more or less just a book to read and then form your own ideas about the subjects that are disscussed.

"When Lightning Strikes" by Meg Cabot is about a girl, Jessica Mastriani, who walks home from detention one day and gets stuck in a thunderstorm. After getting struck by lightning, she develops powers where she knows where the missing kids on the milk cartons are after waking up. The book had a fast and intersting plot and was really fun to read !

The Sorcerer King is the Third book in a terrific series. Frewin Jones never seems to disappoint; with her vivid descriptions and fast-paced scenes, Jones creates a book that remains fresh in the reader's mind hours after completing the book.

"Reach for Tomorrow" is a sad romantic story that most teenage girls would enjoy. The main characters are teenagers who are all councilers at a camp.

"The Declaration" by Gemma Malley explores the question 'Does anyone deserve to live forever?' Anyone could like this story.

"Until Angels Close My Eyes" is the last book in the Angels Trilogy. Lurlene McDaniels is a wonderful author, I believe that this book is could be enjoyed by most people.

The second book in the Angels Trilogy, "Lifted Up by Angels" is the continuing tale of Leah Lewis-Hall and Ethan Longacre. It is an excellent story that most teenage girls would enjoy.

"Angels Watching Over Me" is the first book in the Angels Trilogy. The book has a unique twist on the culture split in America.

"Let Him Live" is part of the One Last Wish series. The main character is Megan, a candy striper, who meets a boy when she volunteers at a local hospital.

"The Off Season" by Catherine Gilbert Murdock is a wonderful inspirational story that could be appreciated by anyone.

Reckless by Cicily Von Ziegesar
Reckless is in The It Girl Series. in this book the popular girls have fun with the party club they have founded. Tinsley the most beautiful and the leader causes way too much drama in this book.

Notorious by Cicily Von Ziegesar
Notorious is another book in the It Girl series. It mainly has to deal with Jenny the new girl, and the drama she unknowingly causes. At this rate she might never make friends.

The Double Jinx Mystery is one of the Nancy Drew series. These books are sometimes too cliche, but are usually really good and filled with mystery and suspense.

13 little Blue Envelopes, Maureen Jonhson

When I picked up this book I was expecting it to be a very fast moving book with a lot of action and heart. The idea behind the book was wonderful, however I thought that there was a lack of character development. Also the middle of the book was a little boring. Towards the end the story really gets going. Even though the middle was boring I still thought that it was a pretty good book.

Sirena is the tale of the sirens, the main character is a young siren who is sad because she acidentally took the life a sailor.

The book Dairy Queen is a funny story about a girl who first trains a football player and then decides to become one.

Before Midnight is a retelling of the fairy tale Cinderella. The main character is a motherless girl learning to adjust to life with her stepmother and two sisters.

The novel Geek Magnet is a buildingsroman story of a teenage girl who is trying to change her image.

My Dog Skip is the story of a boy and his dog's adventures growing up during WWII America in the rural South.

Until Angls Close My Eyes is a romantic story about a girl and her Amish boyfriend who is struggling to adjust to the 21st century.

The Other Side Of Me touches on the controversial issue of sperm banks and what happens to the children. The teen girl who is the main character portrays through description and dialogue the ups and downs of being a donor's child and looking for other half-siblings. The book contains just the right amount of comedy, romance, and drama to make for a fast read.

Fahrenheit 451, (the temperature at which books burn), by Ray Bradbury is a great anti-censorship novel, and shows the importance of books and creative thinking in our lives. Without our imagination and someway to share it, our society takes a turn for the worse, and falls into disaster, such as war and searching for false "happiness". Books, however, help our society improve and go on, and this book shows what could happen without them. I recommend this book to those who do not see the importance of books, and for those who want our society to thrive and flourish to its greatest potential.

Lottery by Patricia Wood proves that no one is really "retarded", and that some of us are just faster (or slower) than others. Lottery portrays the life of a boy who has always been marked "retarded" his entire life, but wants to prove to others that he is not. The book takes a huge turn when Perry, the main character, wins $12 million from the Washington State Lottery. This book terrifically shows that no one is "retarded", and also shows how money can dramatically alter your image in other people's eyes. I recommend this novel to everyone, especially those who think they are better than the slower people in our society.

The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau is the sequel to The City of Ember. If you like The City of Ember, this book is a must to read. This book reveals why the Emberites were forced underground: a catastrophe known simply as The Disaster, which consisted of three plagues and four wars. The human race was almost eradicated from the surface of the Earth, and it is up to the people of Ember to bring it back from what can be called as another Stone Age. This book is extraordinary and shows the necessity of cooperation and working together to accomplish any goal.