Dear Vincent / Mandy Hager

Tara McClusky is kept busy from dawn to dusk. If it's not school, it's looking after her sick father or doing a shift in the local rest home. Whatever is happening, Tara's love of painting helps keep her going. But at a certain point she wonders if it will be enough to get her through the tough times, especially when she finds out about the real events around her sister's death.

This is an amazing story that faces suicide honestly and doesn't back down from revealing the pain and suffering inflicted on the family who are left behind. Tara learns from her sister's  choices and through the process the reader gets to understand why suicide can happen and what we can do to prevent it. This is an excellent story that deals with a taboo subject with sensitivity and compassion.

Who would enjoy this? It's a hard subject to 'enjoy' but it's easy to appreciate this insightful well written story that also leaves you on the path to becoming an expert on Vincent van Gogh and his work.

Reviewed by Amy

Wicked lovely / Melissa Marr

Aislinn is a very reluctant convert to the idea of becoming the Summer Queen. After all, she wants to finish school and carry on with her education, enjoy having a boyfriend, all of those normal everyday experiences. But Keenan, the Summer King can't take no for an answer and  Aislinn has to accept there is little choice in the matter. That doesn't mean she can't work hard to get the best of both worlds.

This is an enjoyable story, the first of several set in the world of faerie. With such an appealing main character and the interesting relationship between fey and mortals happening here and now, this is a really enjoyable story and you'll want to keep on reading to find out what is Aislinn's eventual fate.

Who would enjoy this? Fans of the fey will find this a great new series. There are many twists and turns that hold your attention and, of course, romance!

Reviewed by Charlotte

Please somebody tell me who I am / Harry Mazer & Peter Lerangis

The last thing that Ben Bright's family and friends expect him to do when he leaves school is to enlist in the Army. After all he's a good student, a great actor and he has the girlfriend that everyone wants. But it's just the kind of dutiful thing he would do. When things go badly wrong in Iraq and Ben ends up with a head injury, the question is, will he be able to claim back the life he could have had?

This is a sobering story, one of those ones that explore circumstances where the person never thinks it could happen to them. It gets you thinking about the stupidity and horror of war as well as what it means for everyone around you when their worst fears are realised.

Who would enjoy this? If you enjoy thought-provoking stories that focus on real life situations, then this fast read is the book for you.

Reviewed by Jason

Speed freak / Fleur Beale

What makes Archie Barrington get up in the morning is the thought of kart racing. Although he's only fifteen Archie is a top driver and he's planning on missing his school exams by qualifying for the Challenge series in Portugal! It's all go, but there are a few things he has to get sorted first ... like his arch-rival Craig and his new stepbrother Felix. Even if you know nothing about karting, Archie and his mates tell a great story and get you quickly up to speed with the whole business.

Who would enjoy this? This book will mostly appeal to boys but as the story reveals, there are plenty of girls who like karting too and would therefore be interested in what Archie and co get up to.

Reviewed by James

Siege / Sarah Mussi

It's a pretty scary thought that someone would start shooting people at your school. That's what happens to Leah Jackson and her classmates. But what's worse is that it seems as if the authorities are the ones who've handed out the guns. This is a book that you can't put down and it turns you into a nail biter! It's an exhausting read as you are with Leah every step of the way as she's crawling through the ceiling space, trying to keep safe, and when she is building up courage to leave her hidey hole. It's a shocking believable story that on the one hand has you hoping you would have it together as much as Leah does, and on the other makes you think about what motivates people to behave the way they do.

Who would enjoy this? If you are a reader who enjoys 'what if' scenarios then you will appreciate this tense and dramatic story.

Reviewed by Amy

Carnaby / Cate Sampson

Life is tough for Sarah Carnaby. She lives in a rough housing estate, her mother has just been murdered and her sister Jude is about to have another baby when she can't cope with the one she already has.

This is a story that grabs you and doesn't let you rest until the last page. Even though things are grim and Sarah has to fight hard not to be separated from her sister, she is strong, capable and has a good dollop of common sense. She is a survivor. Reading about her life makes you realise how lucky you are!

Who would enjoy this? This is an exciting read for anyone who likes fast- moving thrillers with clever and resourceful heroines.

Reviewed by Amy

This is what happy looks like / Jennifer E. Smith

Let me state right away - this book is great! Graham accidentally emails Ellie when he gets a little part of the address wrong, and Ellie responds. So begins a relationship that becomes very important to both of them. They tell each other everything and share their lives as they don't with any other friend. Then the worst happens, from Ellie's point of view at least. Her town is the site of the filming of the next teen sensation movie and the main character, the one everyone runs after, panders to, wants for their own, turns out to be ... Graham. This book is never predictable or formulaic, but it is funny, clever, surprising, sad and very satisfying by turns. I REALLY recommend it!

Who would enjoy this? Anyone who likes reading, as far as I can tell.

Reviewed by Charlotte

The immortal rules / Julie Kagawa

It's a pretty nasty old dystopian world out there. Because Allison chooses not to live in the vampire city where humans are treated as blood cattle, every day is a test of her survival skills. But when the worst happens, she has no choice but to accept help from a vampire master which will change her life for forever. Alison has to accept her new life but she refuses to treat people any differently. This helps set this book apart from most vampire stories and adds a different 'flavour' to what happens. Even if you are sick to the back teeth of the vampire genre, it is great read, and the first in a new series.

Who would enjoy this? Fans of dystopian and vampire stories will enjoy sinking their teeth into this one.

Reviewed by Charlotte

Ask the passengers / A.S. King

On the surface, Astrid should be happy with her lot in life, but when you consider that her father is always stoned, her mother doesn't like her, and her sister finds her a social liability, you can understand why she is finding things difficult in her last year of school. Add in some concerns about whether she is gay or not, and the fact that she is lying to protect her friends from the consequences of the choices they are making and you can see that her life is far from straight forward. This is a quirky book which I enjoyed very much. The characters are believable and I felt real empathy for Astrid. I recommend this as a good read.

Who would enjoy this? If you like reading about people as they make big decisions about their lives, I would recommend this book to you.

Reviewed by Amy

Moving Target / Elizabeth Lowell

This book is half Da Vinci Code and half 007! They combine well and the storyline is very appealing. Serena one day received a package containing four pages of a centuries-old illuminated manuscript that hides many secrets and has already cost many lives. With help from Eric North - a reclusive manuscript appraiser - they discover the truth together. The book is an exciting read and I was drawn to it. A dynamic ending makes the story even better.

Who would enjoy this? People who like mysteries.

Reviewed by Angela

Falling to ash / Karen Mahoney

Moth (aka Marie O'Neal) is not pleasing anybody - not her family, nor her Maker Theo, and as a new vampire, she definitely needs him on her side. Add to the mix some missing teenagers and Jason Murdoch, a trainee vampire hunter on her case and Moth is one busy .. person.
This is not your run of the mill vampire novel. Even the cover is completely different to the usual black and red vampire signpost. It still has all the essential ingredients of a vampire novel (eg. vampires!) but it is lowkey and not too far removed from life as we know it.

Who would enjoy this? Fans of vampire novels will find this book a refreshing and relaxing change while remaining loyal  to their favourite genre.

Reviewed by Amy

The farm / Emily McKay

Lily and Mel are prepared to brave the horrors beyond the electric fence so they no longer have to provide blood for the vampires who control the Farm where they live. Between the Ticks and the Vampires it's a confusing and terrifying new world they live in. To survive, the twins must listen to the strong bond they have and face those who want to control the power the twins unknowingly have.
Yes, yet another vampire novel ... fortunately there is a twist to the storyline that grabs your attention as well as some credible and interesting characters.

Who would enjoy this? If you like post-apocalyptic stories you will enjoy these vampires, variations of vampires and the scary and uncertain future Mel and Lily face.

Reviewed by Charlotte

Forever more / Cindy Miles

On a misty cliff side, mystery and romance await. . . . Ivy Calhoun's life has been turned upside down, with her new stepfather bringing Ivy and her mom to an actual castle in the misty Scottish countryside, all the way from America.  But she forgets all her problems when she meets Logan - a gorgeous ghost who has haunted the castle grounds for decades. The unique and interesting story-line of this book was an entertaining and enjoyable read.

Who would enjoy this? People who like to read love stories, with this one  being between a ghost and a human!

Reviewed by Angela

All the things I've done / Gabrielle Zevin

Annie lives in a slightly dystopian future. Chocolate and caffeine are illegal and the mafia is supplying it on the black market. Annie's grandmother is dying, her brother is getting mixed up in some very dodgy dealing, and she has been accused of trying to murder the boy who wanted to be her boyfriend, with poisoned chocolate. This is an absorbing story, with all the elements to make it memorable: intrigue, mystery, family relationships, addiction and illegal activities, and romance thrown in for good measure.

Who would enjoy this? Mystery, intrigue and romance - what's not to like?

Reviewed by Amy

Divergent / Veronica Roth

Society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is - because she is, dangerously, neither one thing nor the other. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, she receives help from her instructor Four, to help her to protect the people who she loves. This is an excellent and engrossing read. I deeply enjoyed the story.

Who would enjoy this? Anyone! It's a great read.

Reviewed by Angela

The book thief / Markus Zusak

This story is narrated by Death during World War II, and  is the story of a young German girl who comes of age during one of the most horrific times in recent history. Liesel embarks on a love affair with books and words. This is a lyrical, poignant, heartbreaking, soul-shattering story. I enjoyed the book very much.

Who would enjoy this? People who like to read about Jews and WWII, or if you just like wonderful writing.

Reviewed by Angela

Just like fate / Cat Patrick & Suzanne Young

Caroline is sitting beside her beloved grandmother's hospital bed as she lies dying. Her best friend asks if she wants to go to a party with her, to take her mind off the horror of it all. Should she go or should she stay? This is the beginning of a book about choices - and how whatever you choose has consequences you have to live with forever. But do we really get to the place that we should be, no matter what we choose? This book is great, very well written by its two authors, and one which will stay with me. I recommend it highly.

Who would enjoy this? If you sometimes wonder what would have happened if you'd done something differently, this is the book for you.

Reviewed by Charlotte

Hostage / Chris Bradford

Martial arts, surveillance, hostage survival and unarmed combat- you name it and Connor Reeves can do it and he is only ... fourteen! Someone had the bright idea that no one would suspect a teenager of being a 'buddy guard'. Connor's first mission is to guard the daughter of the US President - no pressure of course.

This is a fast paced and action-filled story full of interesting information about the protection industry. It is well set-up for a series featuring Connor and his friends at 'Buddyguard'.

Who would enjoy this? Action, excitement, teenagers outwitting criminals, who wouldn't enjoy this story?

Reviewed by James

Alex / Tessa Duder

"I have always known that in another life I  was - or will be - a dolphin." The fifteen-year old New Zealand swimming champ Alexandra Arthur set her goal on competing in the Rome Olympics. Alex was not the only one to have this goal in mind - her rival Maggie Benton was happy to have some healthy competition. The way  to success was not always smooth. Alex broke her leg while playing hockey one afternoon during the preparation for Rome and after that she had to cope with the grief of losing the boy she loved. But in the end she overcame all the difficulties and found herself standing on the starting board of the Rome Olympics. It is an inspirational read and I like it very much.

Who would enjoy this? Sports fans.

Reviewed by Angela

Earth unaware / Orson Scott Card & Aaron Johnston

This story happens out in deep space in the far future, when people are moving through the universe mining asteroids and other space debris. A routine scan of the space round a spacecraft shows that there is an object like no other ever seen moving incredibly quickly towards earth. Is this a threat to all that space dwellers hold dear or just an unusual event?  I've always been a huge fan of Orson Scott Card since I read his wonderful "Ender's game", and was keen to find out if this lived up to that book of genius. And it does! There are various characters you come to really care about and the growing threat to earth is very well portrayed. And the story is fast-paced, gripping and full of tension. Just fantastic in my opinion.

Who would enjoy this? Any Orson Scott card fans (isn't that everyone?) or those who enjoy an excellent story told well.

Reviewed by Hamish

Maggot Moon / Sally Gardner

Standish Treadwell is unlikely hero material. He's not one of the 'in' crowd, but if there is one thing that makes him stand out, it's his imagination. And imagination is what he needs to survive in an England living with a very different history from the way we are used to. This is an outstanding story of hope, friendship and despair. It is very easy to read and does an amazing job of exploring a very popular conspiracy.

Who would like this? If you like quirky and thought-provoking, then you will be over the moon with this!

Reviewed by James

Alcatraz versus the evil librarians / Brandon Sanderson

Alcatraz has had a pretty miserable life, moving from foster home to foster home, usually moved on because of the number of things he breaks: he never means to, it just happens. And then his grandfather appears, one he didn't know he had. His life becomes a crazy adventure of hunting down the evil librarians who control the world by selective use of information, and meeting up with family members he never knew he had. It's funny and great to read, and I am looking forward to the other books in the series. Good timing too, since I've just finished reading Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series and I wanted something just as good to go on to.

Who would enjoy this? Anyone who likes slightly zany stories which could almost be true!

Reviewed by Jason

To be a cat / Matt Haig

Barney was at a new school where the Principal had it in for him: nothing he could do was good enough for her. He was in despair but he never thought that when he wished he had an easy life like a cat, he would turn into one. So begins an adventure which, though completely far-fetched almost seemed believable! I liked the book because it was a quick and easy read, and I happen to like cats too, though the lives they live are not all good by any means.

Who would enjoy this? If you like a bit of magic and some animals in your books, then this one will suit you well.

Reviewed by Katya

The blackhope enigma / Teresa Flavin

Budding artists Sunni Forrest and Blaise Doran are interested in the paintings of Fausto Corvo. When they visit Blackhope Tower to see one of Corvo's famous works, seemingly impossible events land them in a completely different world. Even with a magic painting and a labyrinth, this is an amazingly believable story. Because you want to find out what happens to Blaise and Sunni, it is an engrossing and enjoyable read.

Who would enjoy this? If you like a good mystery and an intriguing setting, this book is a good choice.

Reviewed by Katya

Inside out & back again / Thanhha Lai

From Saigon to Alabama is a big leap for Ha and her family but they are happy to be leaving the Vietnam War behind them. Ha has lots to learn about life in her new country from learning to speak English to sorting out bullies. Things are tough but Ha is up to the challenge. Because the story is told in verse, it is a very fast read. Each image is very vivid and you end up laughing out loud at some of  Ha's descriptions. It is a great read.

Who would enjoy this? Anyone who appreciates vivid and interesting writing, and a glimpse into a different culture,  will enjoy this story.

Reviewed by Katya

Beautiful creatures / Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Sixteen year old Ethan Wate can't wait to get away - just as soon as he graduates high school from the small town of Gatlin, South Carolina. Recently, he has been having dreams about a girl and always finds his window open and himself muddy when he wakes up. When the girl of his dreams literally walks into his high school, he is astonished. And then things start to get strange, even dangerous. This girl opens up a whole new world to him - a world that has always existed in what he thought was just a sleepy little town in the South. This book is a change to the vampire novels but just as good. It has a complex muddled beginning but becomes clearer as the story progresses. Personally, I think it was too long but worth reading.

Who would enjoy this? People who like to read about supernatural powers.

Reviewed by Angela

All our yesterdays / Cristin Terrill

All Our Yesterdays is another futuristic themed book. In the book, time travel has been figured out and there are very negative consequences.  There are two main characters, who turn out to be the same girl, but in different time zones.  The love of her life - James, is the creator of the time machine. One of her has had her heart broken by his cruelty, but after all can Em kill James to save the other Marina from the same fate? The story was easy to read and fast paced. I couldn't stop turning the pages.

Who would enjoy this? Fans of futuristic books with lots of action.

Reviewed by Angela

Blue noise / Debra Oswald

She is a classical pianist. He is a guitar player with no guitar. They join a Blue Jazz band.  It'll never work. But maybe this time things will be different. Maybe blues music is just what Ash and Erin need. There's something here for both male and female readers, including an opportunity to discover that perhaps teenage boys and girls have similar anxieties about themselves and how they're perceived by others. It has a title which makes you to look twice and is an appealing story. It's one of the best books I have ever read.

Who would enjoy this? Fans of music and anyone who is looking for a good read.

Reviewed by Angela 

Monument 14 / Emmy Laybourne

Dean is on his way to school on the school bus, when suddenly there is a freak hailstorm. And by freaky I mean really seriously freaky. His bus is split open by the force of the storm and the driver is killed. Fortunately they are near the local shopping mall and the driver of another bus manages to get them all within the safety of its walls. And then worse happens - far worse. In the end 13 kids are in a shopping mall trying to survive in a world gone mad. The story is exciting, tension-filled, fast-moving and excellent. I loved it, and can imagine most people would too. Try it out!

Who would enjoy this? Anyone who likes a fast-moving, believable and mind-boggling adventure set in the real world.

Reviewed by James

Unravel me / Tahereh Mafi

It's almost time for war. Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people with gifts and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance. She is free from Re-establishment, free from their plans to use her as a weapon and free to love Adam. But she can never escape her lethal touch. Unravel Me is the thrilling sequel to Shatter Me. Juliette has to make life-changing decisions that might involve choosing between her heart and Adam's life. I enjoyed the book from beginning to the end.

Who would enjoy this? People who like to read action novels

Reviewed by Angela

You don't know me / Sophia Bennett

You Don't Know Me is told from the perspective of Sasha, the girl who dropped her fat friend on television to further her own chances of winning a talent show. Rose was the one who got kicked out for she was the outcast amongst her skinny friends. But her potential was realised after she had broken away from others. The four friends went through a lot of ups and downs before coming back together. The story is about becoming more independent and learning the truth about yourself. It is easy to read but it has a deep message. It's a good read, I was drawn to the story.

Who would enjoy this? 

Reviewed by Angela 

A dream of lights / Kerry Drewery

Yoora, a young girl from North Korea, has dreams of lights of foreign cities while she manages to survive in a rural northern village. Everything is all right until she falls in love with someone who is far removed from her social class. This book shows how the human spirit never wants to really die if it has a glimmer of hope and especially when it's supported by unconditional love. This is an extraordinary book with deep messages. I picked up this book and couldn't stop reading. I enjoyed it very much.

Who would enjoy this? People interested in survival stories, or Asian culture and people's lives in North Korea.

Reviewed by Angela 

Blood oath / Chris Priestley

Raven lived in a small village in England at the time of the Romans. He was present when his village was attacked and his father was beheaded, leaving him and his mother alone. To survive, they went to the nearby Roman fort, where his mother wove cloth and he helped out in a tavern. And then his mother was killed and the only way he could survive was by joining the Roman army. In a battle against barbarians Raven finally avenged his father's death. I enjoyed this book. It was a quick and interesting read and I liked learning about life in those times - pretty brutal and hard, but with some good people here and there.

Who would enjoy this? I think you would enjoy this book if you like reading about fighting, and other times.

Reviewed by Jason

XVI / Julia Karr

Nina's life is normal. She goes to school and hangs out with her best friend Sandy. She plays with her little sister Dee when she gets home. But Nina is fifteen. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing Council-ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world that she is ready for sex. Nina has a stunning strength that comes out in unexpected ways, making her both likeable and respectable. She challenges the ways of her world, disapproves of the sex-teen mindset, and is determined to make her own way. This book encourages girls to become more thoughtful and independent. I found this book amazing - both its cover and its content.

Who would enjoy this? Girls who like a good story and who want to become more independent.

Reviewed by Angela  

Butter / Erin Lange

Butter is fat, very, very fat. He has to have a special desk and chair at school to support his weight, and a special bench in the cafeteria. His one talent is playing the saxophone. Other than that, he eats, and eats, and eats. One day he gets so sick of his life that he starts a blog, vowing to eat himself to death on New Year's Eve. And then his life changes. People notice him for something other than his size, and he discovers friendship and fun and wonders if maybe there's something more for him than death. This was a great book. I really liked Butter as a character even though I thought he did some really stupid things. It certainly got me thinking about how being different can make life very difficult. I recommend this very highly.

Who would enjoy this? If you like putting yourself in someone else's shoes, and seeing what life can be like for others, you'll like this book.

Reviewed by Charlotte

War horse / Michael Morpurgo

The book is narrated by the horse, Joey during WWII. He told of his experience on the farm with Albert who raised him before the war and about the friendship he makes during the hard times fighting in France. He saw some awful things in France, a fair amount of death and hurt, but what shines through this book is love. He had people who cared for him and he developed lovely friendships with many people in the book. This is an outstanding book - it has everything you would want: love, friendship, adventure and a gripping story! I enjoyed it from beginning to the end.

Who would enjoy this? People who like to read about horses, World War II, and friendship between animals and humans.

Reviewed by Angela 

Eve & Adam / Michael Grant & Katherine Applegate

"I want you, Evening, to design the perfect boy." After a car crash, Eve was sent to her mother's research facility to recover. Just when Eve thinks she will die - not from her injuries, but from boredom - her mother gives her a special project: Create the perfect boy. She was creating Adam. Then Eve met Solo, the hot lab assistant, and together they uncovered her mother's dark secret. Eve & Adam is definitely an extraordinary sci-fi book with an original premise and beautiful characterization. Interesting, edgy and fast paced, I completely devoured this novel in one sitting.

Who would enjoy this? Fans of sci-fi, dark secrets and romance.

Reviewed by Angela 

The dogs of winter / Bobbie Pyron

Mishka is 5 years old when he is abandoned on the streets of Russia and left to fend for himself. Life is agonisingly hard, demanding and terrifying, until he meets up with and is adopted by a pack of homeless dogs. Together they help each other, learning to understand one another and protect each other from the many dangers which surround them. Based on truth, this book gives you a very readable insight into the horrors of what happened after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. It is very scary to think that something so awful happened such a short time ago.

Who would enjoy this? This book is an amazing insight into the horrors of what it is like when children are abandoned to fend for themselves. If that appeals, then read it. It's excellent.

Reviewed by Charlotte

Dead Romantic / CJ Skuse

Camille meets Zoe in the middle of the night in a graveyard, when she finds her scraping away at a grave. Is she burying someone or digging them up? So begins this rather weird story, which nevertheless is believable in its weirdness. Zoe is brilliant, and is trying to carry on her dead father's work, which was to bring dead people and animals back to life. Really, this book is mostly about relationships and finding out where you belong in life, in a rather strange setting. It's worth reading, and it's got a cool cover!

Who would enjoy this? If you've ever read and enjoyed a zombie or Frankenstein book, you'll probably like this one; and if you like books about relationships this one should work for you.

Reviewed by Amy

Stagefright / Carole WIlkinson

Velvet is forced to leave her old school because her father lost his job and they have to drastically downsize. Her new school is a nightmare. Everyone, including the principal, is sports-mad, apart from the small group of rejects who have to take 'cultural studies' since they are useless at sports. Then the principal orders them to put on a play, by Shakespeare! What could have been a nightmare becomes a funny, entertaining and almost believable story which I really enjoyed. There's music, fighting, wild students, even love, so this book has it all. Read it!

Who would enjoy this? Anyone who likes a good and humorous story which moves quickly, and lets you get to know the characters well.

Reviewed by Katya

Revolution 19 / Gregg Rosenblum

After years of people using robots to fight their wars for them, the robots rebel and overthrow the people, convinced that they can make a better society where everyone can live in peace and safety. Nick, Kevin and Cass belong to a rebel group, living free in the woods. When the robots discover their outpost, their parents are taken and the three decide to go into great danger in the city to see if they can rescue them. This story moved fast and was very exciting - scarily it seemed absolutely reasonable the robots could take over the world and impose their 're-education' onto all humans. I recommend this book highly.

Who would enjoy this? Anyone who likes a bit of sci-fi with their dystopia will enjoy this book.

Reviewed by Charlotte

A tale of two cities / Charles Dickens

"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known." This quote is from Sydney Carton in the last chapter of the book. In the beginning he is an alcoholic and cynic, but he ultimately becomes a selfless hero. From this you can see that Carton has great hopes for France's tomorrow. The book is about the survival of the Manette family during the French revolution. It has everything: dark deeds, revolution, madness, love, thwarted love, forgiveness, revenge, and a stunning act of self-sacrifice. It let me learn history in a different way. It's one of my favourite Dickens' novel.

Who would enjoy this? Fans of classics and historical novels.

Reviewed by Angela 

Clash / Colin Mulhern

Kyle was quite a normal boy, with a Mum he loved and friends he cared about. Alex seemed anything but normal - he was wild, a crazy, life-threateningly dangerous fighter, who everyone steered clear of. This book is written by both boys, and you get to know, and like, both of them. Most people have had things happen in their lives, but some have harder things than others. This book was a bit of a wake-up call for me as I thought about what was most important in my life, and I recommend it as a fast-paced, tension-filled read.

Who would enjoy this? Most people should enjoy this as it moves so fast and makes you think about whether life is fair or not.

Reviewed by Hamish

The Pacific / Hugh Ambrose

From Solomon Islands to Iwo Jima, The Pacific tells the real life story of five heroes from the U.S. Marines during WWII. Each of the men had a different role, served in different parts of the war and had his own responsibilities but they also had a similarity - they fought hard and never had a second thought about surrender. Their story is heart-warming and has a strong appeal to the audience. I personally was really attracted to the story and enjoyed it very much.

Who would enjoy this? World War II fans.

Reviewed by Angela 

Speechless / Hannah Harrington

Chelsea messed up big time, by opening her mouth one time too many. Her thoughtless words meant that someone was beaten up, nearly to death, and her life was changed forever. Her former friends abandoned her, and started a hate campaign against her. Because she'd done so much damage just by talking, she took a vow never to talk again for the foreseeable future. In the silence of her head and in the changed circumstances of her life, Chelsea found herself. I loved this book. I didn't always like Chelsea, but I loved her honesty in accepting the consequences of her heedless actions.

Who would enjoy this? This is an excellent read for anyone who likes to explore how you find out who you are, and what really matters in life.

Reviewed by Amy

Itch / Simon Mayo

Itch (strange name!) is a boy with a weird hobby - he collects the elements on the periodic table! But despite that, or even because of it, this book is great. In a fast-moving adventure that involves explosions, the loss of his eyebrows, and being beaten up by a mad teacher, Itch has to work out what to do when he ends up with very highly radioactive rocks in his possession. Science will never be the same again!

Who would enjoy this? If you like fast-paced, exciting stories that teach you something on the side, you'll like this book.

Reviewed by Jason

Former Burnside student Eleanor Catton wins Man Booker Prize 2013

New Zealand author Eleanor Catton, ex Burnside High School Student has become the youngest person ever to win literature's most sought-after prize.

Eleanor was this morning named winner of the 2013 Man Booker Prize for her novel The Luminaries.

Eleanor took to the stage at London's Guildhall and was presented with the award by Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall.

At 832 pages The Luminaries was the longest novel to win the prize. She won for her second novel, 19th century West Coast gold rush murder story The Luminaries.

Among those offering congratulations were Prime Minister John Key.

Read the fuller story about it here on the New Zealand Herald website.

Twilight / Stephenie Meyer

Would you like to read a vampire love story? Well, I think "Twilight" is what you are looking for. When Isabella Swan moved to Forks and encountered Edward Cullen, her world had a massive change. Edward is not just some random handsome guy but a 100 year-old vampire! "Twilight" is the story of Edward and Bella's romance.  Forget any vampire romance you have read before, Twilight is so unique it is almost like it's in its own genre.  The book is marketed at Young Adult readers but it has the ability to cross age barriers and will satisfy both teenagers and adults alike. It's worth reading.

Who would enjoy this? People who enjoy reading vampire love stories.

Reviewed by Angela 

Band of brothers / Stephen E. Ambrose

Easy Company, 506th Airborne Division, U.S. Army, was one of the best rifle companies in the U.S. army. From Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest, they fought hard against hunger, freezing weather and heavy casualties. Ambrose writes directly; his language isn't too flowery, which is appropriate, considering the horror of war. This book is a collection of the autobiographical stories of officers and soldiers from Easy company.  I really enjoyed reading it."From this day to the end of the world...We in it shall be remembered... We band of brothers."-William Shakespeare. Let us remember those who fought hard for the world's peace.

Who would enjoy this? People like to read about the history of WWII.

Reviewed by Angela