The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Rick Riordan
The Lightning Thief
2005

Percy Jackson is a twelve year old boy who has been diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. He’s been expelled from several schools and can’t seem to get a break. When strange events start to take place Percy’s friend Grover, who turns out to be a satyr convinced Percy’s mother that Percy needs to go to the camp of the demigods. On their way, Percy’s mother is killed and Percy and Grover barely escape. When Percy gets to Camp Half-Blood everything turns topsy turvey. When Posidon claims Percy to be his son, Percy has to embark on a journey to save himself and his father from war.

Pgs 400
Fantasy/Adventure
Young Adult
Interest Level: 9+

-A crazy adventure
-Surprising unpredictable
-Some events felt forced—preplanned and then stuck in a good spot
-Didn’t make me have to keep reading
-Took me a while to get into it
-Was a bit relieved when it was done
-Creative license was used concerning the myths
-Great for twelve year olds who want to read about someone their own age
-Simple writing
-Though I admittedly am not a fan, my 12 year old brother, and many I know are


Note: Nothing like the movie.

Having seen the movie and read the book, it’s obvious the movie was a onetime thing. Considering how many changes were made to make the story stand on its own, without needing the other books to complete it, it’s obvious the producers had no intention of turning every book into a film.

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine

Gail Carson Levine
Fairest
2006

Aza is the adopted daughter of the innkeepers of Ayortha. Her appearance is not so fair, but her family loves her and her gifted voice. Music is popular in Ayortha so her gift is a benefit to her. She learns to illuse, which is to mimick other’s voices and throw it in a different place without moving her mouth. Her illusing takes her on an adventure she did not expect. Finding herself at the palace and then as the new queen’s lady in waiting, Aza is the victim of a mirror’s tricks that puts her and the prince she loves in danger, her only help the gnome that she makes her friend and her own hidden strength.

Pgs 326
Fairytale Fantasy
Young Adult
Interest Level 12+

-A fun and an unexpected twist on the Snow White fairytale.
-Has a hidden message beneath the story that is not blatant.
-The development of character is real. You have true feelings for them, especially the heroine that is followed. There is little mercy to her humiliation. Sometimes one may feel uncomfortable because of the awkward situations she must endure.
-The adventure is fun and unexpected.
-This is a fairytale romance, boys may not enjoy.

The Swam Maiden by Heather Tomlinson

Heather Tomlinson
The Swan Maiden
2007

Doucette, the third daughter of a Lord is the sister of two swan maidens, and though she dreams of having her own swan skin and flying with them, learning magic from her aunt, and being in charge of her own life, she must run the castle household. Her dreams of flying is only that—until the day she discovers her own hidden birthright kept secret by her own parents. Doucette becomes faces with many decisions and her weak character changes and shapes into who she was truly meant to become, but will it be enough to keep the one she loves?

Pgs 304
Fairytale Fantasy
Young Adult
Interest Level 12+

-This is a quick read, with easy text.
-Full of beautiful language and easy description.
-The development of character is beautiful and real. Readers want what is good/best for Doucette, but they are also frustrated with her at times, making the ending more powerful.
-This is a fairytale romance, boys may not enjoy.
-Had the potential to be an epic tail, but is a good read as is.

Once Upon A Marigold by Jean Ferris

Jean Ferris
Once Upon A Marigold

Edric, raised by a troll has decided it’s time to explore the world on the other side of the river where the Princess Marigold lives. He has corresponded with the Princess through p-mail (letters sent by carrier pigeon) and from spying on her through a telescope. When Edric lands a job in court Marigold readily returns his affections but is about to become engaged. To make matters more complicated her evil mother, Queen Olympia is plotting to kill her and the King.

Pgs 275
Fantasy
Young Adult
Interest Level: 9+

-Cute little story
-A fun read that won’t take too long
-Predictable ending, but the plot is good enough that readers don’t care.
-Romance

The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker

E.D. Baker
The Frog Princess
2002

Emeralda (Emma) is the only princess in Greater Greensward. She is clumsy, especially with the magic touch she inherited from the first green witch. When she is told she has to marry the stuck up Prince Jorge of East Aradia, Emma’s worst enemy, she runs away to the swamp where she meets Prince Eadric of Upper Montevista. The problem is he’s been turned into a frog by a witch. Emma kisses Eadric in hopes of reversing the spell, but ends up turning into a frog herself. Together this duo goes in search for the witch that changed Eadric to ask her to change them back. With what little magic Emma has learned from her Aunt, Emma attempts to save Eadric and herself.

Pgs 224
Fairytale Fantasy Romance
Young Adult
Interest Level: 9+

-Cute!
-Not a lot of meat to the writing, but the content is fun
-There are tons of cute quirky moments that make you laugh
-Romance

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Jerry Spinelli
Stargirl
2000

Leo is a junior at Mica Area High. Things seem to be going as school does until the new girl shows up. She calls herself Stargirl and she’s everything but normal. Though first intrigued the student body turns on her when her cheering for the schools and opposing school’s basketball teams gets annoying. After a long introduction to who Stargirl is, she and Leo begin a relationship, and though Leo thinks himself deeply in love with Stargirl, he wants her to act like a normal student. Stargirl does her best to please Leo and blend with her peers. It doesn’t seem to work and things fall apart. Before the next year Stargirl moves away, having returned to her true self and it is Leo who has gained the loss.

Pgs 192
Realistic Fiction
Young Adult
Interest Level: 12+

-Great exploration of who we are
-Wonderful, tender story
-Very sad
-Presents a question everyone ought to think about

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Wendelin Van Draanen

Flipped

2001

Julianna falls for Bryce the second she looks into his sparkling blue eyes; she is convinced he is going to be her first kiss, but Bryce has a different take on his first meeting with this avid girl. Through the second grade to the end of Jr. High Julianna and Bryce tell their side of the story. Julianna goes from a girl in love with what she sees to wondering what is really on the inside and Bryce discovers that there is more to Julianna than crazy. In the end it is up to them to decide whether they will stay flipped—or not.

Pgs 224

Romance novel, Realistic Fiction

Young Adult

Interest Level 12+

-A cute story

-Fast read

-Is pretty accurate in the difference between the way girls and guys think

(Girls remember in detail, boys only remember the generals; both are reflected in the story telling).