23 Signs You Are Hermione Granger by BuzzFeed

23 Signs You Are Hermione Granger. Some summer fun! Using short video clips of the character Hermione Granger taken from Harry Potter movies, BuzzFeed has created 23 signs to know that you're like Hermione. How many of the 23 match you? :-)

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ranson Riggs

Odd. Weird. Strange. Eccentric. Dark. Peculiar. Not only are the children peculiar in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs but so is the entire story. Yet, the story didn't start out so odd but it sure did become strange for me the more I read. By that point, I needed to finish it although I will admit that I began skipping pages just to get to the end.

Jacob Portman is a sixteen year old whose life is less than exciting. He's missing his grandfather Portman who passed away leaving behind fantastical stories and the vintage photographs of the people in his stories. Jacob feels a need to unravel the truth behind his grandfather's stories and that's where this novel becomes eccentric and dark.

Author Riggs' premise is unique - to develop a story around actual cherished, found vintage photographs of peculiar situations and people. Those photos are interspersed throughout the book and are integral to the story. I was in constant wonder how Riggs selected and developed the story assuming he began with the photographs. But why? Was he so intrigued by them that he felt they could enthrall readers? The cover is haunting but in this day of digital photography, not unimaginable.

This has been a New York Times bestseller and included on numerous "Best Books" lists. I selected it for the BHS MCtr collection based on those accolades and stellar book reviews. Now it's your turn to step into this story with the peculiar children and peculiar story line. I'll be waiting in the media center to hear what you thought.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

The book I read was Eragon by Christopher Paolini and I thought it was really good. I loved this book because it was descriptive and I could follow it well. The author, Paolini, did have a lot of big words in it but it was still an easy read for people at an 8th grade level.

It's a fantasy with dragons and magic. There was always something going on in the book; it kept your mind busy. It did have some down points though, like it switched scenes between main characters like in movie format. Some people like that but other than that it was a great book. If you like violence and suspense than you might like it too. So I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by BHS student Isaac N.

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

The Inheritance Series has given me a whole new perspective on books and fantasy. Paolini's complex world of mystical creatures is fascinating and exciting, with a gripping storyline and deep, involved characters. Once I start one of his novels, I am unable to put them down until I am finished.

Paolini's latest novel, Inheritance, the fourth in what was supposed to be a trilogy, carries on this tradition of fantastic storytelling. Picking up where Brisingr left off, Eragon continues and completes his journey towards Galbatorix. In this book, Paolini goes into great detail; you learn a lot about Roran, Angela, and Arya, and you are taken on many beautiful, fascinating side quests where you will become lost in Paolini's vivid imagery. Prepare for more awesome battles, exciting twists, an epic ending, and a new beginning that you won't want to miss.

Reviewed by BHS student M. Cromer

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis

The Screwtape Letters, written by C. S. Lewis, is a Christian satire about a senior demon named Screwtape who attempts to teach his younger apprentice, Wormwood, about how best to tempt humans. Originally published in 1942, this novel is not written in a traditional format, instead, it is written in the form of a letter. Each chapter is a letter written by Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood. This style of writing provides a more personal appeal in that it provides direct insight into what the senior demon in thinking and the topics he discusses. Addressing topics such as religion, war, love, and human pride, The Screwtape Letters should only be read by high schoolers who are able to understand the complex connotations attached to these topics. Each topic Screwtape addresses is meant to make the reader question their own beliefs on these specific topics as well. This 175 page book is not action packed or filled with crime or adventure. Instead, The Screwtape Letters is a novel written to make its reader think about his or her attitude towards certain topics such as religion, love, war, and to their pride.

Reviewed by BHS student J. Birney

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is back in Rick Riordan's new book, The Son of Neptune, about a group of demigod friends in the modern world. Once again Percy is called on to save the world, but instead of at his former Greek demigod home, Camp Half-Blood, he finds himself at a Roman demigod camp without his memory. With his new Roman demigod friends, Hazel and Frank, Percy sets out to regain his memory and save the world. The Son of Neptune has three narrators, Percy, Hazel, and Frank. While it's helpful to see inside all of the character's heads and learn their secrets, the switches often just caused the story to be fragmented and confusing. Don't get me wrong, I loved the book. I absolutely couldn't stop reading, but this new book just didn't live up to it's prequels. Riordan has a great sense of humor, which was apparent in this book. “They're Lares. House gods. House gods," Percy said. "Like...smaller than real gods, but larger than apartment gods?” The nonstop battles with ancient monsters, funny jokes, and interesting characters make this a great book to read, if you can get past the switching narrators.

Reviewed by BHS student H. Brenner

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

J.K Rowling’s fifth installment of the highly celebrated fantasy series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix takes the story of “the boy who lived” to an all new depth, in a year filled with death, triumph, and change. In a world of witches, wizards, and elves, Harry finds himself fighting to prove that the evil Lord Voldemort has returned from death and is planning his rise back to power.

While Harry gives a vivid account of seeing Voldemort transform from a small creature into a snake-like man, the other wizards refuse to believe that such danger is in the horizon. With the support of very few, who call themselves the Order of the Phoenix, Harry struggles to raise his voice higher than those of wizards trying to make him out to be a delusional drama queen. Not only does Harry have evil and oblivious wizards to deal with, but for the first time ever, he has to deal with the struggles of being a normal teenager.

Rowling delivers a story so compelling and life-like, the reader is forced to read cover to cover without pause. In a series filled with magical beasts, feasts, and struggles, the reader may be surprised to find Harry faced with girls, built up anger, and patronizing adults. Harry Potter fans are not used to seeing Harry as a real boy, so when he is forced to deal with ordinary teenage problems, I believe fans of the series will be delighted to find that they have a lot more in common with “the boy who lived” than they thought. Also new to the series, Harry finally finds himself with a parent-like figure, Sirius Black, who plays a big part in keeping Harry sane and hopeful, in his struggle to learn Occlumency, which will allow him to keep his mind separate from Voldemort’s.

Keeping the advice “save the best for last” in mind, Rowling keeps the thrilling battle subjective to the last few pages, where a beloved character departs for good, and the fight between good and evil becomes as intense as ever. Throughout the story Harry finds himself making close friends, and risky decisions. Many characters are growing up, and doing things that weren’t possible in the other four books. The book also takes a turn for the different when Hogwarts is not the only wizarding place the reader gets to visit. From places like St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries to the Ministry of Magic, Harry Potter branches out into a world of danger and unknown, in which none of the other books have ever seen.

Reviewed by BHS student M. Stuenkel

Witch & Wizard by James Patterson

James Patterson has endeared himself to teen readers with his Maximum Ride series of thrilling books. Witch & Wizard is the first in a new series that may also prove to be as popular, then again probably not. I must point out that the cover image is excellent. I did judge this book by the cover and noticed the fiery W more than the title on the cover. Did you observe the two faces that are part of the flames? Every time I saw this cover on the library shelf I was drawn to read it. And so I did.

Whit and Wisty are brother (16) and sister (14) who learn one frightful morning that they are a witch and wizard being sought for imprisonment by the New Order. They have never known of their magical powers so have never used them but now this magic may be all that will save them. They are forcefully removed from their home while their loving parents watch, powerless to intervene.

The story continues from one horrendous situation to another with magical elements that quickly save the pair when hope seems to be lost. There are parallels to the Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling as well, which I found trite. Aside from the main characters being a witch and a wizard, the New Order is being lead by The-One-Who-Is-The-One—a close copy to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Lord Voldemort.

If you read this and agree with my analysis, please send a comment. If I’m way off base, let me know why. I’d love to know what others thought of this book that seems to have been very quickly written.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

You are looking at the cover for the third and final book in the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Scholastic made this announcement Feb. 11th. Read what others have to say on the Scholastic blog, On Our Minds. The book will be on store shelves Aug. 24th. I have preordered copies for BHS so they'll be here waiting for you when we return to school in September.

What are your predictions? Will Katniss successfully start a revolution? Will District 9 rule Panem? Will the ultimate hero be the mockingjay? Has the mockingjay been gathering information that it will communicate to Katniss? What are you wondering?

Review by Mrs. Boehm

My Swordhand is Singing by Marcus Sedgwick

I always look at the cover of the book to help me decide if it's worth reading. I had many thoughts going through my head as I looked at this book: what a strange title, what a strange cover illustration and what strange reviews written on the back cover of this book. But one review caught my attention -- "A finely written, bone-chilling gothic tale." - said Publishing News about My Swordhand is Singing by Marcus Sedgwick. I like a good mystery but I have never read a horror gothic tale and wanted to find out what this book was about.

The story takes place in Eastern Europe during the early seventeenth century in a small secluded village in the forest. I was halfway into the book and nothing horrific or scary was taking place. I was ready to give up and read something more to my liking. Then things started happening -- people were dying, animals were being attacked, and the villagers believed in old tales and songs of the past. People were acting very strange! The pace of the story picked up and I was able to finally finish the book.

I was completely surprised by the ending and was even more surprised by the "Author's Note" about his book. I had no idea that what I was reading was actually about......... Sorry, I can't tell you - maybe you should read this book to see if you are as surprised by the ending as I was.

Reviewed by Mrs. Finney

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

I couldn't resist blogging about a story that takes place in a graveyard on this Halloween day. A stalking killer, a murdered family, ghosts, darkness, a full moon, ghouls, and gravestones all await you if you choose to open to the first page of Nail Gaiman's Newbery Medal winning The Graveyard Book tonight.

Each of these alone would make for a chilling tale but there's another twist here. A toddler has unknowingly escaped the man Jack killer in his home, making his way to an old graveyard during the night. Did you know the ghostly souls buried in a graveyard have 'lives' among the dead? Yes, in fact, the toddler, now the only survivor of his family's murder is taken under the wing of one such ghostly couple long buried in the graveyard. The couple give the toddler a name, Nobody (Bod for short), and tend to his needs as he grows up. Of course, Bod has other friends who visit the graveyard - people who are alive. Bod actually lives in both worlds - of the living and the dead. You can see this novel is of a very different sort than what you may be used to reading. Yet, the man Jack killer is still out there searching for the toddler who escaped his razor-sharp knife that fateful night.

Give it a try. Even on this Halloween. Better yet, listen to the author, Neil Gaiman, read it to you. He has a deep, haunting voice. He's waiting for you - HERE!!!

Kudos to Dave McKean, the illustrator of The Graveyard Book. Can you see the child's face in the gravestone on the cover? How clever of him!
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The House of Night series by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

If you're a fan of the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, then you will most likely love The House of Night books by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast. Next to Twilight, these are my favorite books that I have read so far. Zoey Redbird is your typical High School student, the popular girl with the quarterback boyfriend until she gets marked. Now she has to leave her town and go live at a school for vampyres called the House of Night. Zoey struggles with leaving her school, being blessed with many supernatural gifts and liking a guy that is already taken by the school's queen. It is a compelling novel for teens and is very easy to relate to the characters. I really enjoyed these books and am looking forward to the next installment of the series.

Reviewed by student D. Calkins

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

I must admit that before I read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer I knew this book was a huge hit with teen girls. It was always checked out from the high school library. I quickly called our local book store and more copies were bought of Twilight and the other three titles in the Twilight series - New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. That weekend I bought my own copy of Twilight and began to read if only to find out what all the excitement was about. Honestly, I was let down. How could these girls be so infatuated with Edward? He's cold and hard as stone, pure white, with darkened eyes and he's a vampire. How could anyone think this was someone to love? I just couldn't create the images in my mind of a vampire worth loving. He has strength and speed beyond human abilities and uses them to protect and save Bella, his love. I told many of my friends, some who have read Twilight and have become avid, fanatical fans, that I was struggling to enjoy this book as so many others have. Let me tell you, all that has changed! I've just been captivated by the movie trailers! Twilight, the movie, will be in theatres November 21, 2008. If you're like me, spend some time at the movie site before reading the book. The images that I couldn't conjure in my mind, the movie has created. It's going to be a stunning premiere!

To learn more about the author, Stephenie Meyer, the Twilight series, and updates on the movie, visit her website.
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm