The Lightning Thief

by: Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson & the Olympians #1)

375 pages

Summary: Percy Jackson is just your average dyslexic, ADHD kid...until he finds out he's a demigod (half human, half god). After finding out quite abruptly, and at a cost, Percy finds himself at Camp Half-Blood-where all demigods, satyrs, centaurs, and more reside. But Percy quickly finds out that this camp isn't all fun and games, he also finds out who his father is...Then he's told that Zeus's lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. But there's one way Percy can clear his name...by taking the quest. After visiting the Oracle, about whether he should take the quest or not, he finds out that he will be betrayed by a friend, and he won't save what matters most. Despite hearing this, Percy takes the quest-accompanied by his half goat/half human stayr best friend Grover, and Athena's wise strategic daughter Annabeth, but they don't know what lies ahead of them, and that something more powerful than the gods is coming...


My Reaction: This book was...FaNtAsTic!!! I looved it! There was suspense, mystery, action, romance, friendship, and even humor. My favorite character would probably have to be Grover, he's clumsy but lovable. Riordan did an amazing job of creating characters that are relatable-even if ur not a half blood. He also took the gods, and made it into a YA (young adults) book. He did an amazing job. I couldn't put it down!! I've started the 2nd one already!

My Rating: 12/10




                                               Happy Reading & Christmas Vaca,


                                                                                                 ~Chantel***



P.S.  we got to 1300 views before Christmas, yayyy!! Thanks guys, soo much for checking out r blog, it means a lot :)(: 

Twelve

by: Lauren Myracle (Winnie Perry #3)

208 pages

Summary: After dealing with all the friendship issues, and her sister's mood swings last year, Winnie is ready to be 12 & one step closer to being a teenager. But being 12 is harder than being 11, because there's a lot more to deal with. 
                       Will her new friendship with Dinah be able to last? Can she handle the pressure's of junior high? And then there's all the embarrassing things that happen. And the pressure of dating. Will Winnie be able to handle all the new pressures of being 12?



My Reaction: Soo this book is the only book in the series that I actually read. This book series is good for tween girls, but NOT for teens. I mean there are some books about younger kids, that teen girls can read & they're great, but not this one. It did have a lot of everyday situations, but I felt like some of them didn't fit for girls who are 12, like getting a bra in 7th grade what? Like I know some girls get their 1st bras at 12, but not most girls... anyways, I think this book just depends on who you are, an how old you are. 

My Rating: 5.5/10




                                          Wishing For Books for Christmas,



                                                                                                ~Chantel<3


P.S. Do you guys find yourselves checking out The Teen Girl's Library constantly, follow us to get updates, and ask us questions! 
*Thanks for all the views guys, let's set a goal to get 1300 by Christmas, only 30 more to go!!

P.S. I Loathe You

by: Lisi Harrison (the Clique #10) 

208 pages

Summary: The Pretty Committee is done with the boy fast, not it's time for boy fever...

                       Massie has a plan to catch Dempsey's eye, while making her old crush Derrington jealous, cheering for Dempsey on the soccer field. So Massie decides to start a cheer leading squad. But now she has a problem, Dempsey and Layne have been spending time together-what? 

                       Kristen, has to make a choice: the Pretty Committee or the Witty Committee  and if she doesn't make a decision quick, she be Committee-less.

                        Dylan has a crush on...Derrington, who Massie's discarded, but will Massie be mad when she finds out that Derrington might feel the same way about Dylan?

                       Alicia isn't happy about the new cheer squad, especially since Massie outs her at the bottom of the pyramid. After this, Alicia isn't sure if she can keep her beta status...

                       Claire is happy now that she's back with Cam, but the rest of the Committee are swapping and getting new crushes faster than the newest Teen Vogue issue...will the Pretty Committee be able to get through the boy fast, or is the Committee done for good?

My Reaction: This book was a great lead up to the next book, Boys R Us, which happens to be favorite in the series. I feel like finally people are starting to get there emotions out, and the truth is revealed. Even though some of these situations are kinda out there, this stuff does happen, and I feel like starting with this book, the series kinda got back on track, how it used to be. No Hollywood or quests for a secret room, just the Clique...

My Rating:  7.5/10


                                              It's Cold Outside, So Read Inside, 

                                                                                                   ~Chantel!

Roses For Mama

By: Janette Oke

222 pages

Summary: After her and her family moved out west, because of her mother's health, Angela's life changed drastically. Both of her parents died, and since then her brother and her have been raising her three younger siblings for the past three years. Now seventeen, Angela struggles to raise her younger siblings, and raising the way her mother would want her. As she grows, and wants to live her own life, Angela feels trapped. As she starts to have feelings for someone, Angela wonders if this is really what God has in store for her. 

My Reaction: I loved this book! Probably one of my favorites by this author. While some of Oke's books tend not to have a significant amount of romance, this one has quite a bit of clean romance. As usual Oke's writing and plot was good. It showed how the decisions we make don't only affect ourselves, but others around us too. Like I said a favorite by Oke. Loved it!

My Rating: 9/10

                        
                                                       Tender, Loving, Reading,
                               
                                                                                                 ~Chantel


P.S. OMG guys over 1100 views!! U guys are awesome <3 u!!!

The Last Little Blue Envelope

by: Maureen Johnson (Little Blue Envelopes #2)

288 pages
Summary: Ginny thought she was done. Last summer she traveled all around Europe doing whatever the letters her dear deaseased Aunt Peg left her told her to do. Then someone stole her backpack, along with the last little blue envelope inside it. So after all that, she thought it was all over.
                        Now months later, Ginny gets an email from a boy named Oliver, who happened to find the last little blue envelope. Oliver's opened and read the letter, only to discover that Aunt Peg's artwork is worth a fotune, and the letter tells Ginny how to assemble it. But there's a catch: Oliver demands to go with Ginny, and get half of the money once the artwork is sold. 
                       
 My Reaction: Compared to the first book in this series, this book was also good. The characters were easier to relate to and more developed. It also has closeur, which the first book didn't have. On the other hand, the book starts out slow, but at times it's too fast, it's jsut a little scattered. It also doesn't have the same magic or special touch that the first book had. All in all, good but not great. 

My Rating: 5.5/10



                 Keep Calm and Keep Reading,

                                                               ~Chantel<3

 

Sealed With A Diss

by: Lisi Harrison (Clique book #8)

248 pages
Summary: The Pretty Committee is back, and ready to start 8th grade. They are so close to getting access to the best room at OCD from Skye Hamilton. The only problem is, there's a catch, in order to prove their worthy enough to get it, they have to have dates to Skye's famous "couples party". Not only that, but Massie has to convince her used to be crush, Chris Abeley to go with Skye to the dance. That shouldn't be too hard, right?
                      Wrong, Massie needs to find a date. Kristen seems to have found one, but is he really "the one"? Dylan seems to have found the way to a guys heart, but it comes at a price. Alicia dumped her boyfriend, but now she wants him back. Claire's the only one who seems to have a date to the dance, or does she?

My Reaction: If you really love the entire Clique series, I'm sorry, but in my opinion the books keep going downhill. I mean who gets to be in a movie, & get access to a secret room? I eventually stopped reading the series, but I did read this book. I thought that it was ok. Even though it wasn't very realistic, it did focus a lot about boys. And everyone once in a while I could use a book focused on guys. All in all not my favorite book, but no tthe worst. Bratfest at Tiffany's coming soon!
*Sorry if this review is bad guys, sooo tired right now. 

My Rating: 5/10


                                           Read Like There's No Tomorrow,

                                                                                                 ~Chantel*

Inkheart

by: Cornelia Funke (Inkheart #1)

534 pages

Summary: When Meggie Folchart was three years old, her father, Mo read aloud from Inkheart. Out of no where, three characters from the story appeared. Now nine years later, Meggie's in for the surprise of her life.
                         For some reason, that Mo won't tell her, the Folchart's are forced to leave their home and stay with an aunt that Meggie's never met, along with an "old friend" of Mo's. When they get there, Meggie finds herself in a world of books. But Meggie's interested in a particular book, and it seems that she's not the only one. 
                          When secrets are revealed, unexpected visitors arrive, and a new world is introduced, Meggie, Mo, and all their friends wish they go back to a different time and place...

My Reaction: This book was AMAZIIING! I absolutely loved it. Funke tells a great story about family, friends, and books. Inkheart is told from many different viewpoints, and is a book I would recommend to any one who loves books. After reading Inkheart, I appreciated books a whole lot more. After reading the back of the book, it seemed a little slow getting into it, but it's full of action and suspense right from the beginning. A wonderful read!!!

My Rating: 11/10

                                               Tender Loving Reading,

                                                                                  ~Chantel<3

P.S. Sorry we haven't posted in a while, started high school and have been really busy. We'll post when we can. Love u guys! 
Also currently reading Magyk by Angie Sage. Review coming when I finish it!

Catching Fire

by: Suzanne Collins (the Hunger Games #2)

391 pages

Summary: Against all odds, Katniss and Peeta are alive. Now they're heroes, and have returned home to their families-along with food and riches. Shouldn't Katniss be happy?  But she can't be, not with Gale holding her at a distance. Peeta no the other hand is completely done with her. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the capitol, one Katniss and Peeta may have started. 
      
                   No matter how much Katniss and Peeta try to stop the rumors of rebellion, they don't seem to be doing any good, all while trying to convince the world their still in love. But if Katniss and Peeta think that's all they have to worry about, they've got another thing coming...and well they do. 

My Reaction: A+!!! I don't know if I liked the first or second better, and that's saying a lot considering I liked the first a lot. I was not expecting the surprises Collins put in the book, but I loved most of them-especially the big one (if you've read it you know what I mean). The ending was probably the only thing I didn't like, because it ended on a cliffhanger, so i recommend that if you get Catching Fire, that you also get Mockingjay (review coming soon). 

My Rating: 10/10

                                           Reading As Usual,

                                                                      ~Chantel:)         

Perfect You

by: Elizabeth Scott

282 pages
Summary: Kate Brown's life has gone downhill fast. Her father has quit her job to sell Perfect You vitamins at the mall, and now she has to work with him everyday. Her best friend is no longer her best friend, and then there's Will. Will-the one she pretends to hate, but really likes. And then things get worse. 

                     The Brown family starts to have serious money problems, and they turn to the one person that can help-Grandma-too bad she does more bad then good. Anna seems to want to be friends again, but things have changed now. Will, the hookup king, seems interested in Kate, but she's sure he'll just hook up with her and then find some new girl. All Kate knows is unlike the vitamins her dad sells, he life is not perfect.

My Reaction: This book was ok. I think readers can relate to Kate, and the things she has to go through. The book got a little slow during the middle, and it just seemed to drag on for a while. I personally think Scott could've shortened the book. The ending was unexpected in a good way, so good book mostly. 

My Rating: 7/10

                                                 Keep Reading, 

                                                                           ~Chantel<3

13 Little Blue Envelops

by: Maureen Johnson (Little Blue Envelops #1)

319 pages
Summary: 17 year old Virginia Blackstone (Ginny) receives the first blue envelope from her Aunt Peg-who has died-that sends her on an adventure that turns her life around. The envelope contains $1000 in cash, instructions to pick up a package of envelopes that has Ginny traveling all over Europe, tracing the steps of her Aunt. But there are a few catches-no cell phones, no maps, and Ginny can only open one envelope at a time. after finishing the task of the previous one. 
                        Through the letters, Ginny finds out what drove her Aunt away to Europe to pursue her art and about her last year of life. Through the adventures, Ginny learns about herself too, her strengths, forgiveness, and that she too is an interesting person-all while learning about life love, and the Aunt she never got to say goodbye to. 

My Reaction: Not my favorite book. The whole thing seemed kind of unbelievable, a young girl just packs up, and goes off to Europe. The dreamy playwright Ginny meets, wasn't very exciting, and not extremely likable. It was a adventurous book though, and I liked how Ginny learns more about the people and things around her-not to mention herself. There's also a bit of mystery as to what's going to be in the next envelope. All in all, a good book, but not great. Second book coming soon!

My Rating: 6.5/10

                                           Enjoy the Summer, 

                                                            ~Chantel!

The Hunger Games

by: Suzanne Collins

374 pages

Summary: In a place known as Panem, the people of all 12 districts, are subject to a cruel and unusual punishment. As punishment for rebellion against the Capitol, one boy and girl from each district must participate in the Hunger Games-where the tributs must fight to the death, until only one is left. 
                      In District 12 Primrose Everdeen's name is drawn, her older sister Katniss decides to volunteer herself as tribute, alongside Peeta Mellark, the male tribute, whom Katniss knows form her past. Now Katniss must say goodbye to her mother, sister, and close friend Gale. Together Katniss and Peeta are taken to the Capitol where their mentor, Haymitch Abernathy-victor (winner) of the 50th Annual Hunger Games-instructs them to watch for the other tributes strengths and weaknesses. But that's just the beginning of their problems, as they face the loss of everything they know, and that eventually one or both of them will have to die...

My Reaction: I LOOOOVED THIS SERIES. It was heartfelt, and adventurous. I loved the unexpected surprises Collins weaves into her books. Specifically about the Hugner Games, I liked the unusual plot. The characters were loveable, and I could relate to some of the feelings Katniss had. Although some parts of the book were sad, overall it was a great book. I can't describe how amazing this book is, and if you haven't read it, I highly recommend you do. Catching Fire, coming soon.

My Rating: 10/10

                                                Happy Summer Reading,

                                                                                       ~Chantel!!!

The Wedding Planner's Daughter

by: Colleen Murtagh Paratore
208 pages
Summary: 12 year old Willa Havisham loves cherry cordials, classics, and is the world's worst wisher. But when she and her single, wedding planner, mother move to Cape Cod, things seem to be looking up. She finally has a best friend, Tina. She gets to know her candy-making Nana. And best of all her mother, Stella is falling for her English teacher, Sam, who is perfect dad material. But before she can dance with her crush, and get the perfect father, something disastrous happens. Can Willa fix the problems, and get her mother to say "I do"? 

My Reactions: This book was really cute, and sweet. The characters were well explained and relate able. I felt a connection with Willa and some of the challenges she faced. This is better for readers who are ages 11-13, and if I were to read the book now, I would think it a bit immature. But a cute book if you're the right age, and looking for a sweet story.

My Rating: 8/10

                                            Gotta Love Summer Reading,

                                                                                             ~Chantel:)

Northanger Abbey

by: Jane Austen
251 pages

Summary: 17 year old, Catherine Morland, is from a country parsonage, she always sees the best in people and loves Gothic thrillers. She ends up spending a few weeks in Bath with family friends, Mr. and Mrs. Allen. While there, she meets two sets of siblings-Henry and Eleanor Tilney and Isabella and John Thorpe. 


Henry Tilney invites Catherine to go to his family estate- Northanger Abbey. Catherine decides to go, but being a great reader of Gothic thrillers, Catherine finds her suspicions getting ahold of her.   What is the mystery surrounding the death of Henry’s mother? Is the family concealing a terrible secret within the elegant rooms of the Abbey? Can she trust Henry, or is he part of an evil conspiracy?


My Reaction: Ok this book was interesting. First of all Jane Austen can be heard to interrupt sometimes and I found myself not understanding parts of this book and others. But what I could understand, i loooved. Catherine finds herself in many disastrous situations, and being caught between two sets of siblings. The characters in this book, were fantastic, as Catherine spends time with them, we really get to see who they are. Near the ending, the events that occur, were very...unexpected, but added to the suspense if things would turn out right. A great novel by Austen, in my opinion. 


My Rating: 7/10



                                     Live, Laugh, Read,
                                                      ~Chantel:)

Schooled

by: Gordon Korman
224 pages
Summary: Capricorn (Cap) Anderson, has been home schooled by his hippie grandmother at Garland Farms. He's never watched television, eaten a pizza, or heard of a wedgie. But when is grandmother, Rain, falls out of a tree, Cap is forced to move in with a guidance counselor, Mrs. Donelly and her daughter Sophie-who hates Cap. Cap now has to attend middle school where she works. 
      Now that he's attending "Claverage" Middle School, Cap finds out that he stands out-a lot. Maybe it's because he's never cut his hair, or that he's completely honest. Just as Cap is trying to adjust to going to a regular school, he finds himself elected for president, even though he didn't want to be, or even put himself up to run. But now Cap's got another problem, the kids at school now want Cap to do all these things he doesn't know how to do. And eventually Rain has to get out of rehab...


My Reaction: I liked this book, it's good for kids that have-or had-transferred schools. I liked how Cap always stayed true himself, even though he's tormented by the other kids at school. I also liked how Korman told the story in other characters perspectives, too. One thing I didn't like was how everyone seemed to be changing their minds a lot. But all in all, it was a good book. 


My Rating: 8/10


  
                                        Read On, 


                                                       ~Chantel*

Serenity's Desire

by: Kay D. Rizzo (Serenity Inn series book #1)
256 pages

Summary: Serenity Powell's life had always been perfect-well pretty much. A good home, loving parents, and money in the bank.  But that was before her mother died, and ever since then her life has changed drastically. 


Now some widow wants to marry her father, she hears strange things in her house at night, and she knows her father is keeping secrets from her. Serenity looks to her mother's journals to find out more about her mother, and finds God's promise that he will never leave or forsake her. But if her promises that, why is Serenity's life so out of control?        
   
   When things are as bad as they could get, the Powell house burns down. Now her father wants Caleb Cunard-a family friend-to take Serenity as far away as possible from her home, and the only life she's known. As her life goes from perfect to disaster, Serenity finds out more about her family, friends, and her mother's God, in the years before the Civil War. 


My Reaction: This book was pretty good. I liked that Serenity had problems in all aspects of her life, like many of us do. One thing that disappointed me, was that there wasn't enough romance. Another was Serenity, she seemed really spoiled and selfish, but she did seem a little different at the end. For the most part it was a good story about life, love, and God. Book 2: Serenity's Quest, coming soon. 


My Rating: 7.5/10




                                                  Keep Reading,


                                                                       ~Chantel!


P.S. Hey guys, just wanted to say sorry for not updating for a while, been away at camp, but back now!
       
Also, almost finished with Take A Bow-review coming soon!

The Clique Summer Collection: Claire

by: Lisi Harrison
144 pages
Summary: Claire's back in Florida, and is reunited with her FBFFs(Florida Best Friends Forever) Sarah, Sari, and Mandy. Her friends haven't changed at all, too bad they think Claire has, and not for the better. Claire sets out to prove her loyalty by entering Kissimmee's Miss Kiss Pageant with her friends. After Claire is made judge, she is determined to help her friends win this thing. But when a very special visitor shows up unexpectedly, Claire has to choose between Keds and couture. Who will Claire choose? 

My Reaction: If you have read my Kristen reaction, you'll know that that is my favorite, and naturally this wasn't as good in my opinion. I mean the visitor showing up unexpected like that was totally rude of this person. And what happens to Claire is unfair, and the way all her friends are treating her isn't how real friends should act. But it does have the element of mystery as to who will win this whole thing. And you'll never guess who wins...


My Rating: 6.5/10




Keep Reading, 


                                                                            ~Chantel!

Finally

by: Wendy Mass (11 birthdays #2)
304 (hardback) pages

Summary: Rory Swenson is finally about to be 12. Which means her over-protective will let her get a phone, drink coffee, shave her legs, and a whole bunch of other things she's been dying to do-she even has a list. Rory decides that she wants to stand out a little more, and get rid of her "baby" image. When she finds out that uber-cute star Jake Harrison is going to be filming a movie at her school, she and her friends decide to try out as extras. 
   
                   As Rory flips and flops through one wish to another, she also tries to make a new image. But when some of her wishes go wrong, Rory's new image doesn't do so well. Maybe being old Rory wasn't so bad after all...


My Reaction: This book was pretty good. I hate to say this, but I liked the first one better. I mean what are the possibilities of a movie being filmed at your school. Also Rory's parents were seriously strict, and Rory's list was a little to greedy. Another thing I wished Mass did was focus on Amanda and Leo more, but I was glad they were in the book.   This book will definitely appeal to 11 year olds and people who feel they deserve more freedom. If you feel like that, Finally is definitely the book for you. 


My Rating: 7/10


                                                Reading As Usual,


                                                                           ~Chantel<3

Esperanza Rising

by: Pam Munoz Ryan
288 pages
Summary: Esperanza has always had a privileged on her father's ranch in Mexico. But then tragedy strikes when her father dies. Now her she and her mother have to escape to California to get away from her uncles who want her father's land. Esperanza finds herself in a new world as she faces harsh living conditions, hard work, and financial problems during the Great Depression. 
                        Just as Esperanza starts to accept her new life, her mother becomes ill. Esperanza finds herself upset with her grandmother, but things only get worse when she finds out what has happened to her. With everything falling apart, Esperanza must find a way to rise above it.


My Reaction: Like a few other books, this isn't the typical sort of book we post on this blog. But teens can relate to the family and prejudice in this book. Also it has a riches to rags kind of feel, as Esperanza adjusts to this new life. There's also a great deal of history and even if you have read a book about the Great Depression, this is different, in a good way. Ryan does a great job dealing with the problems and emotions Esperanza feels. This book is not only good for teens, but for every girl.


My Rating: 8.5/10


                                                        Continue Reading,


                                                                                         ~Chantel:)

The Clique Summer Collection: Kristen

by: Lisi Harrison

122 pages

Summary: While all the other girls in the Pretty Committee are away vacationing, Kristen is stuck at home tutoring nine year old Massie-clone Ripple.  Just when Kristen's about to close the door on hoppe of a good summer, she meets Ripple's older hot older brother, Dune, and everything's looking up. Kristen's finally ready for a new crush, after last year. Now she'll do anything to get Dune to like her back, even if it means wearing saggy guy clothes, bribing Ripple, getting a Witty Committee, and trying to fill a country club pool  with Jell-O. If she thought that was bad, things are about to get worse, because she'll see that she's not the only one who's vying for Dune's attention, and these two have a bad history already.

My Reaction: Even though the plot sounds standard and normal, the book is actually pretty good. Ever since I saw the movie Kristen has been my favorite character, and as I read the books, I got extremely disappointed how you never really got to know Kristen. In this book, you actually get to know her. Also I think most people can relate to her, because she's not like all the other characters (extremely rich, and kind of selfish). Also, Kristen seems to have two personalities, her blend-in with the rich popular girls, and her middle-class home life, which most of us struggle with at one point. You'll love the problems and struggles Kristen has to overcome, and it just might become your favorite Clique Summer book too.




My Rating: 8.5/10


                                                  Eat, Pray, Read,


                                                                             ~Chantel*

The Darlings Are Forever

by: Melissa Kantor
345 pages
Summary: Jane, Victoria, and Natalya had been best friends since kindergarten and had gone to school at One Room Elementary for nine years. Now they're going to high school, three different high schools. Now they try to continue their friendship, and do what Jane's grandmother once told them, do what your afraid to do.
                       Jane is going to the School of Performing Arts, where she decides to try out for the fall play even though she's the only freshman trying out. And is it bad that she finds her director extremely cute?
                      Victoria's going to Morningside High School, where she finds it hard to make friends, and talk to her crush. Things at home aren't much better since her dad might actually be on the Senate, which Victoria does not want. The only thing she finds comforting is cooking, even if her dad isn't there anymore to cook with her.  
                       Natalya's going to Gainsford on scholarship, while there she finds herself torn between good friends, or the "in crowd". But does the "crowd" only want to be her friends because she has something they want?
                       As the three go there separate ways, and have different problems, they struggle to keep their friendship alive, but it's not as easy as it seems. 


My Reaction: I loooooved this book! I'm going to start high school this fall, so this book definitely appealed to me. I could see a little different part of myself in each of these characters, and could connect to their situations. Kantor did a great job of writing, and I found myself marking almost every page. There was a little language, but nothing extremely bad, and I totally overlooked it. After reading it, I tried to read other books, but nothing could compare, so I'm looking for the second one. Amaaaaazing!!!


My Rating: 12/10


                                       Continue Reading, 
          
                                                                ~Chantel!!!