Prom and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

All of Anderson's books are great reads, but I especially liked Prom and Speak. These two books I would recommend to any high school girls who are looking for very interesting summer reads. I couldn't put these books down they were so good.

Lauren (Oviedo, FL. 10th)

Beyond the Reflection's Edge by Bryan Davis

Just when I thought nothing could top Bryan Davis's Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire series, his new Echoes from the Edge, series comes out of no-where to challenge his previous accomplishments. The first book in this new series is Beyond the Reflection's Edge. I have to say that the characters seized my attention and my heart immediately and wouldn't let go! With a gripping combination of science-fiction, fantasy, action, love (though not the kind you might think), and suspense, this book takes 16-year-old Nathan Shepard and his newly acquired friend, Kelly Clark plowing through their evercomplicating assignment to save the world. Their mission begins with an ambiguous murder and takes them crisscrossing through dimensions via violin, an enigmatic camera, and a cryptic mirror. All the while fleeing a mysterious, yet terrifying villain called Mictar who's malevolent mind is bent on destroying our universe. I could talk about this book forever, so before I do, one question. Does anyone else get the impression that Mr. Davis's overall goal is to keep you from putting this book down?!

Regan (Homeschool, FL. 9th)

The Final Warning by James Patterson

Very disappointing. I came late into the Maximum Ride phenomenon butwas immensely surprised when I picked up the first few books. I really liked the story and characters, and the mystery was engaging. I eagerly waited for the next book. I was extremely disappointed. Patterson completely throughout the mystery and plot to warp the whole story into some global warming propaganda. Regardless of whether you believe in global warming or not, there is no excuse for what was done in this book. I won't give away anymore. Just want to warn those Maximum Ride fans out there who want to read the next installment in her adventures. Because this certainly doesn't belong in the series. Patterson borrowed the character and the (paying) readers to produce his own pretentious and thinly disguised views on a subject that didn't belong in the series as much as it was, if at all.

Melanie (LHP, FL. 11th)

Will Panther and Storm ever be married?

Black Panther:The Bride by Reginald Hudlin
ISBN: 0785121072; Marvel, 2006

This small “story arc,” is the key to the past childhood and first meeting of the Black Panther (aka T’challa) and Storm (aka Ororo). The Black Panther (an African prince learning to be a king) first meets Storm (a teenage village pickpocket) as she is revealed by American hunters whose camera she swiped to be more than she appears. He falls instantly in love, but ultimately rejects her, and both hearts break. Now, having found out the secret of Storm’s past, and knowing she shares his mission to save innocent lives, T’challa is finally ready to join forces with her, and make her his queen. Though they share a common purpose – stopping Civil War both in Africa and among the superheros - T’challa’s proposal of marriage to Ororo is met with disbelief. How can she trust him again after his first rejection? Her answer is delayed when duty calls. Between the Civil War brewing, their families’ issues, and their personal pasts, will Panther and Storm ever be married? And will that strengthen or split the alliance of superheros? This surprising and action-packed graphic novel covers “Black Panther” issues 14-18, and is essential to fans of either of these popular superheros.

Keeps you guessing

Love is a Many Trousered Thing by Louise Rennison
This book is a hilarious love story that keeps you guessing at the end of every page. I love the fact that the main character, Goergia, uses her own vocabulary for things she would probably not be aloud to say in front of certain people.

Katie (All Souls Catholic Middle School, Fl. 6th)

The Second Virgin Birth by Tommy Taylor

I was told to read The Second Virgin Birth by a friend who said it was good.
Before reading it I thought it was most likely another Da Vinci Code. Boy was I wrong, it is so much better. The characters and events are so believable that one wonders when this is actually going to take place. The book was one "I didn't see that coming" after another. Jim (L.D. Bell High School, TX)

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

When a high school freshman living on the Spokane Indian Reservation opens his geometry book on the first day of school, he discovers it’s the same book his mom used 30 years ago! That’s the last straw for Junior, a charter member of the Black-Eye-of-the-Month-Club. He’s tired of getting beat up, and getting a substandard education, so he tells his parents he wants to go to the all-white high school in town. Junior survives being called “Apple” by his Indian peers, and “Tonto” or “Chief” by his new classmates because he has a useful skill: he can play basketball. Junior’s own cartoons illustrate this fast-paced story about a kid who refuses to do what’s expected of him.