Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol Gets Extra Hype from Puzzles on Web Site

Random House has plans for “codes, cryptic trivia, puzzles, secret history, biblical references, maps, ambigrams, aphorisms, ciphers, arcane knowledge, and more” between now and the September 15 release.

Teen Book Review from Nikki S.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

I read The Mysterious Benedict Society. It is about four gifted kids who are helping Mr.. Benedict save the world from chaos. I would recommend this book to others. I love how this book is full of riddles, and how you get to solve them along with the characters. I also enjoy haw there is a riddle at the end of the book. I loved the ending of this book. I was very satisfied with it. I liked how unique this book was. In the beginning of the book, I really enjoyed reading about the funny tests the children had to take. I think this is a really great book.

Authors pick which literary character they'd like to spend a day at the beach with.

The Washington Post asked authors which book character they would like to accompany them for a day on the beach. Here's a brief summary, but click here for the full article.

Christopher Buckley - Magwitch, the escaped convice from Charles Dickens "Great Expectations"
Jodi Picoult - Mr. Darcy, from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"
Barbara Delinsky - John Wheelwright from "A Prayer for Owen Meany"
Diana Gabaldon - Stephen Maturin of "Master and Commander"
Colson Whitehead - Quint from Peter Benchley's "Jaws"
Christopher Moore - The Wife of Bath from Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales
Philippa Gregory - Jake Barnes from "The Sun Also Rises"
Geraldine Brooks - Almondine from "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle"
Arthur Phillips - Captain Ahab from "Moby-Dick"
Elinor Lipman - Esme from "For Esme -with Love and Squalor"
Garrison Keillor - Emily Dickinson, the heroine of her own poetry
Wally Lamb - Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird"
George Pelecanos - Preston marsh, the anti-hero biker from Kem Nunn's classic coming-of-age novel, "Tapping the Source"

I would pick Jaime Fraser from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. Sigh
Michelyn

Obama's half brother gets book deal

George Obama, 27 year old half brother of President Obama, is writing a memoir to be published by Simon & Schuster in January 2010. Click here for the full article.

Teen Book Review by Nikki S.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

This book is about a teenage girl named Frankie who goes to school at Alabaster. When she begins dating Matthew Livingston, she starts to notice that he's always "hanging out with the guys." This makes her suspicious, so she follows him. This is how she discovers that he is a member of The Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds. I highly recommend this book. I really enjoyed reading about how Frankie, a girl, was able to be the mastermind behind an all-male society.

Teen Book Review by Nikki S.

Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

*Warning--This review contains spoilers*

In this book, the moon is knocked out of its regular orbit by an asteroid. This is causing worldwide chaos. Because of the moon's effects on natural disasters, they are occuring very often. The telephones won't work. A teenage girl named Miranda is struggling to survive, along with her mother and two brothers. She is having to be constatntly worried about her dad and his wife. I would not recommend this book to others. First of all, the book is very boring for about the last 100 pages. All that's happening is - running out of food, running out of food, no electricity, running out of food...Second, Miranda's "friend" Megan is supposed to be a Christian, but is starving herself to death and shunning Miranda when everyone is dying!?!?!?!? If she was truly a Christian in a time when everyone is dying, she would be spreading the gospel instead of letting her friends die and go to hell! I didn't like how this book portrayed a Christian. Third, I wasn't even close to being satisfied with the ending, because there is no ending! I think something should happen and things go back to normal. Instead, eveyone is still going to die! Just because Miranda's family is finally being provided with food doesn't mean that food isn't going to run out!

Teen Book Review by Nikki S.

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

This book is set during World War II. Corrie Ten Boom is working for the "underground," which helps hide Jews from Hitler's rage. I would recommend this book to others. I liked it because that it was a true story. I enjoy reading books that are true because while reading this, I can think "This actually happened," instead of "It's just a story." It is a sad story, but what Holocaust book isn't? I like how the authors tell of a death in a way that makes it seem like it was better for that person.

Teen Book Review by Nikki S.

Dial L for Loser: a Clique Novel by Lisi Harrison

This book is about a clique called the "Pretty Committee." The members of this clique are, upon chance, invited to audition for a lead role in the upcoming movie, "Dial L for Loser." This role is filled by Claire Lyons, who is the most insecure member of the "Pretty Committee." I would recommend this book. I liked how, unlike other books, this book shows the behind-the-scenes of a movie. I also liked how the mean leader of the clique did not get the role, as she expected. I think this book's plot is very unique and I enjoyed reading it.

Teen Book Review by Nikki S.

Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle by R.K. Mortenson

This book is about a ten-year-old boy named Landon Snow who is swallowed by a book and taken into a strange world. he finds a weird riddle and meets a horse named Melech who saves him from the who saves him from the Odds numerous times. Sounds weird, right? Yeah, it is! I do not recommend this book. It is extremely confusing and pretty dumb. It's about talking horses and dwarf-type creatures who are controlled by a giant coin!

Director of 'Twilight' will do 'Maximum Ride' next

Catherine Hardwicke, Director of Twilight, will do James Patterson's Maximum Ride next, with Twilight Stars.
http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1613475/story.jhtml

10 Questions for Janet Evanovich

Her heroine, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum, has fought and quipped her way to the top of the bestseller lists. Janet Evanovich will now take your questions
http://www.time.com/time/video/?bcpid=1485842900&bctid=26093533001

Teen Book Review by Kayla C.

Nancy Drew: The Secret of Shadow Ranch by Carolyn Keene

In this book, Nancy goes to visit her friends at Shadow Ranch. Shortly after she arrives she finds out that the Ranch has a mystery that no one can seem to figure out. The young sleuth has to find out why all of the strange happenings and vandalism are occurring on the Ranch. Nancy soon discovers that the Ranch has a history that is talked about around the town. With the help of her friends, she tries to unveil the Valentine secret and possible hidden treasure. Along the way she comes face to face with more clues to unveil the big secret. you will enjoy the adventures and all of the excitement and guessing as Nancy does all of her sleuthing. This is a great read and is full of excitement. If you are in the mood for a great mystery this is a good book to start with. Reading has endless possibilities!

Teen Book Review by Christian S.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

This story is about a girl growing up in Brooklyn. They really only mention the tree twice: at the beginning and at the very end. This story is set in the 1990's. Book One is mostly about Francie and Neely as small children. It talks about one day in particular: Saturday. On Saturday, everybody gets paid and that makes everything alright. Book Two is about how Katie Rommely and Johnny Nolan came to meet each other, and such things. It basically talks about Francie's older relatives and how they "are". Book Three is the longest book. It talks about how the kids are growing up. It also talks about Brooklyn and how they react to things. Some of the things in this book are: starting school, introducing Francie's love for writing, and Election Day. This book is very long, but it was definitely not boring. Book Four and Five are a good closing. They talk about her "high school years". She has her first job and her first love. In these books, she starts acting like a young woman, even if she's only 16. I really liked this book, and I would recommend it to any girl who has the time. I will say that it is more of a girl book, because the main character is a girl. There's a lot of good description and imagery in this book too. Even though it took me 2 weeks to read it, I still think it was worth it.

Return to Teen Page

Teen Book Review by Kayla C.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks by E. Lockhart

The book is about a girl named Frankie who goes to a school called Alabaster Prepatory Academy. She wants to fit in with people and be accepted and prove to her parents that she is old enough to take care of herself. Her dad went to the Academy when he was younger and was part of the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds which is a secret on campus. Frankie wants to find out why the Bassets are such a secret, but can't join because it is guys only. She decides to do some investigating of her own and decides to pose as one of the Bassetts to get more information. Along the way she discovers more and more of what the Bassetts are all about. This book is full of excitement, adventures, and a lot of mysteries. I don't want to give away the ending, so I will say that this book is really good and will keep you guessing until the end. This is a book I highly recommend reading. Reading opens up a whole new world!

Return to Teen Page

Teen Book Review by Kayla C.

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

My Side of the Mountain is about a boy named Sam Gribley, who is tired of the city and living in a crowded apartment with his family in New York. He decides to go to Delhi and seek out the old Gribley Farm, which currently has no residence living there, and make his home in the woods and live off what nature has to offer. This book is packed full of exciting adventures and interesting events. I don't want to give away too many details, but I will say that I highly recommend reading this book.

Teen Playlist for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - by Nikki S.

Check out this great soundtrack for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!!!

Chapter 1: The Riddle House - Haunted House by Jumpin' Gene Simmons

Chapeter 2: The Scar - The Scar by Broken Iris

Chapter 3: The Invitation - True Friend by Hannah Montana (Yeah, I know it's Hannah Montana, but the lyrics fit.)

Chapter 4: Back to the Burrow - Home by Daughtry

Chapter 5: Weaslys' Wizard Wheezes - The Joke by Lifehouse

Chapter 6: The Portkey - I Can't Wait by hilary Duff

Chapter 7: Bagman and Crouch - The Boss by Diana Ross

Chapter 8: The Quidditch World Cup - Kernkraft 400 (Sport Chant Stadium Remix) by Zombie Nation

Chapter 9: The Dark Mark - Omen by The Prodigy

Chapter 10: Mayhem at the Ministry - Magic by Pilot

Chapter 11: Aboard the Hogwarts Express - Downbound Train by Born in the U.S.A.

Chapter 12: The Triwizard Tournament - When I Grow Up by The Pussycat Dolls

Chapter 13: Mad-Eye Moody - Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne

Chapter 14: The Unforgiveable Curses - Evil Ways by Santana

Chapter 15: Beauxbatons and Durmstrang - New Kids on the Block by New Kids on the Block

Chapter 16: The Goblet of Fire - Into the Fire by Sarah McLachlan

Chapter 17: The Four Champions - We Are the Champions by Queen

Chapter 18: The Weighing of the Wands - if No One Will Listen by Kelly Clarkson

Chapter 19: The Hungarian Horntail - Dirty Little Secret by the All-American Rejects

Chapter 20: The First Task - We Are the Chaptions by Queen

Chapter 21: The House-Elf Liberation Front - Life's Not Fair by 3

Chapter 22: The Unexpected Task - Mission Impossible (Artist Unknown)

Chapter 23: The Yule Ball - Deck the Halls (Classic Christmas Carol)

Chapter 24: Rita Skeeter's Scoop - Celebrity by NSYNC

Chapter 25: The Egg and the Eye - Pocket Full of Sunshine by Natasha Beddingfield

Chapter 26: The Second Task - You Save Me by Kenny Chesney

Chapter 27: Padfoot Returns - See You Again by Miley Cyrus

Chapter 28: The Madness of Mr. Crouch - Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne

Chapter 29: The Dream - Thriller by Michael Jackson

Chapter 30: The Pensieve - No Music Needed

Chapter 31: The Third Task - We Are the Champions by Queen

Chapter 32: Flesh, Blood, and Bone - No Music Needed

Chapter 33: The Death Eaters - Evil by Mercyful Fate

Chapter 34: Priori Incantantem - Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion

Chapter 35: Veritaserum - Living in a Lie by Guano Apes

Chapter 36: The Parting of the Ways - No Music Needed

Chapter 37: The Beginning - Ever Ever After by Carrie Underwood

Teen Book Review from Briana R.

I read this book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules, by Jeff Kinney. This book is about a boy named Greg Heffley. Greg has a brother named Rodrick that keeps a secret of what Greg did over the summer, to make him do whatever Roderick wants him to do. he tells him to do something, like don't tell their parents about the party Rodrick threw, or he will tell all his friends the secret. The book is a journal of Greg's daily life and struggles in middle school. At the end of the book, their parents find out about Rodrick's party, and then he tells everyone about the secret. Luckily, everyone told each other, and the secret started to change because of being passed on many times. I would recommend this book because it is a funny novel in cartoons. Anyone who loves comics will enjoy this book.

Teen Book Review from Austin R.

I read Naruto, v. 44 Senjutsu Heir. Written by: Masashi Kishimoto. This book is about a young boy named Naruto Uzumaki who is taken to the leader of his village lady Tsunade. Naruto is really upset when he finds out that his former teacher Lord Jiraiya had died. The village is having a really hard time decoding the message on the frogs back, and they believe that Naruto is the only one that can decode it. Sasuke and his team have teamed up with Madara and his partners Zetsu and Kisame to take down the wielders of the eight-tailed beast and the nine-tailed beast. They figured out the first number and it takes the place of ta. They look at the second number 31 and they go to the Naruto's first teacher Kakashi Hatake to figure out what it is. They weren't able to figure it out. Sasuke's group found the wielder of the eight-tailed beast and is trying to kill him. Naruto has been taken to a secret place to learn a very special technique, but if he messes up he starts to turn into a frog and the old frog smacks him with a stick so he won't. I recommend this book because it has a great story line, hard vocabulary, adventure, and teaches you a little bit about Japan's culture.

Book Review by Pam Cooper

The Mysterious William Shakespeare by Charlton Ogburn


Overwhelmingly convincing evidence that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford wrote the sonnets and plays attributed to the uneducated, untraveled, unconnected, haberdasher from Stratford. Funny, beautifully written, amazingly precise and thorough arguments supported by evidence from 16th century contemporaries and from within the plays and poems themselves.

Teen Book Review by Austin R.

I read Naruto, v. 43: The Man With the Truth. This book is about after Sasuke kills Itachi, his long lost brother Madara Uchiha. Everyone thinks that Madara is dead. Madara is dead. Madara has a mask over his face and he is called Tobi. When Madara got the word taht Itachi had died he and his partner Zetsu went to go retrieve Itachi's body. While Zetsu is taking Itachi's body Madara takes Sasuke to his home. When Sasuke sees madara he attacks him. For the rest of the book Madara tells what really happened to his family. I would recommend this book because it has really good vocabulary, and it takes your mind off of the violence at the end of the book.

Teen Book Reviews by Briana R.

I read this book, Room Redo, by Julia De Villers. This book is about the TOO Crew girls (claire, Maddy, Isabel, and Kacey) that get the opportunity to get their bedrooms re-decorated. The TOO Crew and two other girls (Piper and Sierra) have to redo each others bedrooms. After they redo each others, they get to reveal their bedrooms to each other and their friends. At the end of the book, Maddy gets to have a sleepover in her new bedroom with all of her friends. I recommend this book because I loved the book and the whole series by Julia De Villers. It has a great storyline of four best friends and their adventures.

I read this book, Surprise Sleepover, by Julia DeVillers. It is about four best friends, called the TOO Crew, that is invited for a sleepover at the mall with a lot of other girls their age. All the girls have a princess theme for the sleepover because of a movie that all the girls love that is coming out. One of the actors from the movie comes out to the mall and sings for all of the girls. They get to have a scavenger hunt, prizes, food, and samples from the store Limited Too. I recommend this book because it has a great storyline of four best friends. Any girl who has close best friends can relate to this story.

I read this book, True Teamwork, by Julia DeVillers. This book is about the four best friends- Claire, Maddy, Kacey and Isabel- trying to decide what music band will be singing at a music concert. The four grils are wanting the music band INSPIRED to sing, but three other girls want another band called POSE. They are having to make up a presentation to convince the audience which one will be at the concert. At the end of both of the presentations, the group INSPIRED is picked to sing at the concert. I would recommend this book becase it is an awesome book to read. It is very interesting to read. This book is part of a series that is really good.

I read this book, The Great Green Notebook of Katie Roberts, by Amy Hest. This book is about a 12 year old girl, named Katie. This book is more like a journal or a diary of Katie Roberts. It says all of her daily activities as a 12 year old girl who goes to school. Throughout the book, she says all of her boy crushes, her adventures of being a tutor, going to a dance at her school and many more. I recommend this book because any 12 year old girl can relate to her and her adventure. This book is also very interesting.