The Roar by Emma Clayton

Mika lives in a concrete world where everything is man-made. Everyone is packed together in one city that keeps the rest of the world out with metal walls and cyborgs because the world outside is a poisonous wasteland. Mika's sister Ellie vanished years ago without a trace, leaving everyone thinking she must have drowned. But deep in his heart, Mika knows she is alive. So when a mysterious group holds a contest to see who can win Pod Fighter, a game where you have to fight other people, Mika joins in, using it as a cover to find his sister, and the truth.
I loved this book and I couldn't help thinking how plausible parts were at times. It's scary how depressing our outlook is for the future. But I loved how beneath the story was a theme of unity. I loved it and I'm reading it again. You should too! -J.E.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

In a world where everyone is divided based on their traits, one choice truly can transform you. In Beatrice's world, everyone is assigned to their own faction that try to do their own part to help keep the human race in line. Abnegation stands for selflessness, Dauntless stand for bravery, Erudite stands for wisdom, Candor stands for honesty, and Amnity stands for peace. At 16, everyone must choose which faction they will join. Soon, the day comes for Beatrice to decide if she will stay with her home faction, Abnegation. Will she adhere to her family and friends expectations, or will she follow her heart and dare to do the unexpected?
I loved this book because it was so heart pounding and fast. Around every corner was a new twist and it was so exciting! Veronica Roth spun a daring story. I loved Beatrice's character change. Without giving away too much, I will say that, although I have seen a lot character progression, Beatrice's was my favorite. I can't wait for the movie and I recommend this book! -j.e.

The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld

This series contains the books Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras.
In Tally's world, the only goal in life is to change from being an Ugly and become a Pretty. At 16, you get an operation to make you perfect. Beautiful body, wonderful life, no more worries. Tally can't wait; it's picture perfect, right? Wrong. With the help of her friend David and Shay, Tally learns the horrible secret behind Pretties.
I love series that are futuristic. This is a great book that I have read over and over again. The plot line is so plausible it is almost scary. This could be the next Hunger Games series.
I thought it was so cool that Scott Westerfeld showed what the cost of fake beauty is. These books go out to anyone who thinks being them isn't good enough. I would recommend this book 3 times over! -J.E.

Vanished by Meg Cabot

Vanished is put in the YF section in the library for a reason. It is written strongly toward teens, which isn't a bad thing! I really liked this series. It was very witty and it easily kept me interested. It is about a high schooler named Jessica Mastriani. Jessica is trying to keep out of trouble, but trouble seems to find her. Especially on one stormy day when Jessica is struck by lightning, literally. Afterward, Jessica has the ability to find missing children, just by seeing their picture. Soon, Jessica is getting more attention then she wants for her newfound skill. Can she figure out how to get herself out of this mess?
I could easily relate to some of Jessica's problems, and I loved the book every step of the way. Move over Superman, Jessica Mastriani is taking the stage with her superhuman power. This was so creative and I love Meg Cabot style of writing. These books aren't something to miss out on! -J.E.

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

I loved this brand new, inventive take on Alice in Wonderland. It's changed my whole view on the classic story. It is one that I will share with my kids as they get older. The Looking Glass Wars is about Alyss, the next Wonderland queen. Her world is turned upside down when her murderous aunt Redd tries to take the throne, literally. To escape her evil clutches, Alyss and her faithful bodyguard Hatter Madigan tumble into our world, a strange and cruel place to two foreigners. Alyss must find her way home and take back her throne from Redd.

This story is skillfully written and full of twists. Frank Beddor made The Looking Glass Wars similar enough to Alice in Wonderland that I had fun making the connections, but it was a whole new story. Many times the story pleasantly surprised me and kept me hungry for more. I couldn't wait for the second book, Seeing Redd, and when I read it, I wasn't disappointed. I would recommend this book with flying colors. -J.E.

Eve by Anna Carey

"Eve" is a good book. Overall, I liked the idea and it had a fantastic plot. Eve is about a girl who lives in New America in 2031, and the world has been ravaged by a plague that has destroyed 98% of the population. Eve lives at a School with other orphans; learning, growing, and waiting for the chance to move on to the Graduate school where she will learn her trade. Eve is the valedictorian, and is highly respected by the other girls. Everyone knows that Eve has great plans for her future. But, the night before graduation, her rival, Arden, reveals that whole thing was a lie. No one who enters that school is learning how to paint, or teach and that they will go to the Graduate school to breed new children for New America. Arden escapes that night, leaving Eve devastated and horrified. Now she must decide where to go, now that she has learned the truth.
This is an innovative book that shows what the price of freedom must come at. I loved the personality Anna Carey put into her novel, and I hope she will continue to write.
However,"Eve" went a little too fast paced, and that is my only complaint. It was a great book, and Anna Carey is a gifted writer, but I think the trilogy needs an extra book. As I was reading, I realized that I didn't love it as much as I had loved other books, but I couldn't understand why. Then I realized that "Eve" was a little bit crammed, so it was slightly unbelievable.
For example, Eve is the valedictorian of the School. She is the brightest, the most obedient, and the leader of the other girls. When Arden tells her that the Graduate school is full of pregnant teenagers, Eve is a little too quick to believe her and too quick to disobey to see if it is true. In the next chapter alone, Eve breaks a school rule and finds out that Arden wasn't lying. She accepts the fact and is already trying to come up with a plan to leave.
It is not a bad book, and I think it is worth a read. However, it could use a little more pacing. I do not regret reading it and you should go check it out at the nearest library. Happy Reading! -J.E.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

I was very excited about this book! It is a classic and it's where we coined the phrase "a real Jekyll and Hyde". I enjoy reading classics and this did not disappoint.

Even though it looks short, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is an eye opener. It is an advanced read, so I don't recommend it for kids younger than 13. It is in the perspective of a lawyer named Mr. Utterson. A strange, wicked looking man named Mr. Hyde comes to town, disrupting the peace. At the same time, a scientist by the name of Dr. Jekyll, Utterson's dear friend and client, begins to deteriorate. Coincidence?

This book kicked off a whole new theme in fiction. First published in 1886, this is a book that is very unique for its time. This thriller takes you quickly from one point to another and doesn't mince words. It was a huge change for me, and I loved it.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde shows that everyone is not as good as they seem, and it illustrates the constant, inner fight inside of everyone between good and evil. I loved this book and I would recommend it highly. -J.E.