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In the book Strays, the main character, Ted, gets sent to live with foster parents because his parents died in a car crash. Ted’s parents used to own a local pet store, and somehow he aquired the power to “talk” to animals. Ted’s new foster parents are quite odd, and a little bit psychotic. Two other foster kids live with him, C.W. and Astin. Ted and Astin become friends and Astin introduces him to a girl named Wanda, whom he befriends.
A memorable character in the book is Wanda. Wanda has a fun, quirky personality. She’s funny, also. Wanda’s parents left her by herself after they won the lottery, so she has no parents around anymore. Her dream is to move to New York City, and she loves creating sets for plays.
The meaning of the title is partly because Ted was truly an animal lover. Also, he might consider himself a “stray” because his parents died, and he is now an orphan.
I thought this book was very good, although confusing at first. It took me a while to figure out who was who, but after a little while, you figure it out.
I would recommend this book for 6th to 9th graders. I think it would be most appreciated by middle school and high school students.
I would give this book 4 and a half stars. It was a fun book to read, although it wasn’t too challenging.

- Review written by Erin C., grade 8

Sasha Silver and her horse, Charm, have proven that they’re worthy to be on the Canterwood Crest equestrian riding team. With regionals coming up, Sasha is forced to be partners with the thinks-she’s-so-fabulous “it girl,” Heather Fox. Not good. Will Heather send Sasha’s friends away, or will her plan fall apart?
A memorable charactor is Jacob. He is Sasha’s movie partner, and when they do a movie on horses, he meets Eric.
The title refers to Canterwood Crest, which is the academy, and chasing blue means to get blue ribbons at regionals.
It’s a really good book because it has its ups and downs, just like normal life.
I recommend this book for grades 4-7 and give it 5 stars.

- Review written by Christina D., grade 6

Jerk, California is about a kid named Jack (aka Sam). Jack has Tourette Syndrome, and he hates it. His stepfather, Old Bill, always makes fun of him. Jack doesn’t know his dad because his dad died when he was very young. But when Jack gets a summer job from one of his dad’s old friends, his life changes forever.
A memorable character is George. Jack gets hired by George for a summer job. George had a cool personality, although he was a little weird. He had a very funny sense of humor, and he knew when to use it. He was also a very talented gardener, and he gardened for a living.
The meaning of the title has a lot to do with Jack. When George gives Jack a letter that has a map of places Jack has to go to, the last destination is Jerk, California. There are many surprises in the town of Jerk. You have to read the book to find out what they are!
This book was very good and showed the life of a teenager suffering with a condition he could not control. The only thing I didn’t like about the book was that you didn’t really understand what was happening at the beginning, it was kind of confusing until you reached the middle.
I would recommend this book for 7th to 9th or 10th graders. It was a good book, and it wasn’t too short or too long.
I would give this book 4 and a half stars. It’s not the best book I’ve ever read, but it was a fun read.

- Review written by Erin C., grade 8

The Lightning Thief is about a boy named Percy Jackson. Percy is the son of Poseidon, and he has to go on a quest to get Zeus’ lightning bolt back. His lightning bolt was stolen by a hero named Luke. Luke is the son of Hermes, and hates the gods for neglecting him. Will Percy ever get the lightning bolt back?
A memorable part of this book is when Percy finds out he is the son of Poseidon.
The title means that Zeus got his lightning bolt stolen.
This book was very enjoyable and you never want to put it down. I would rate it 5 stars, and kids from 6th to 8th grade should read it!

- Review written by Brian Z., grade 8

Leo and Amanda aren’t related, but both were born on June 5th. Last year, Leo said some words he could not take back. Now it’s their 11th birthday, and for the first time they will have separate parties. Amanda can’t wait until the day is over, but when she wakes up, it’s her birthday all over again!
I enjoyed this book because it was really fun to read. You just can’t put it down! It’s really funny, even though the first few chapters are boring.
My favorite character is Angelina because she has a birthmark on her cheek in the shape of a duck!
The meaning of the title is because it’s Amanda’s and Leo’s 11th birthday.
I would recommend this book for girls in grades 5-8, and give it 4 stars.

- Review written by Christina D., grade 6

In the book Breathe, a young boy named Jack, and his mother, Sarah, move out of the city to an old farmhouse with Sarah thinking it will take Jack’s mind off his father’s death. But when Jack explores his new house, he learns things far scarier than death. He has the ability to see and speak to ghosts, and his new home is infested with them. He befriends a lonely ghost mother who, as Jack finds out, may be more dangerous than he thinks.
A favorite character is Jack, a boy who has the strange ability to see and speak to ghosts, whom he is not very afraid of. The meaning of the title, Breathe, is that Jack has severe asthma and sometimes, when he gets very scared, he has severe attacks that affect his breathing.
I would recommend this book for 6th to 8th graders because it is relatively easy to read, but a bit scary for younger readers.
I would give the book 4 out of 5 stars because it was very good, but could get a bit boring at times.

- Review written by Hailey B-S., grade 8

Sasha Silver has gotten the chance to go to the super-hard school of Canterwood Crest. Charm, her horse, gets to go with her. She faces the mean Trio, hard algebra classes, and the chance to create the Winter Festival! Will she be able to “take the reins,” or will the pressure send her packing?
A memorable event was when Sasha was dancing with Jacob at a party.
The meaning of the title is will she be able to stay at Canterwood or will she and Charm have to leave?
You would like this book if you like horses and drama. I would recommend this book for grades 5-8 and give it 5 stars!

- Review written by Christina D., grade 6

In this exciting and inspiring novel, a 12-year-old boy and his unique sisters come upon a newspaper ad that will forever change their lives, for good and bad. The ad is for a free pony, and the three siblings immediately go out to retrieve this wonderful surprise, even though their mother would never let them keep it because they are struggling with poverty and keeping their house. But, when these siblings do all they can to keep their now-beloved Smokey, along with the struggle between poverty and heartbreak, they get in over their heads in no time.
The most memorable character was Nat, the boy who held his small family together even when times were tough, and his sisters Cid and Queenie were very memorable as well.
The meaning of the title, No Small Thing, was that the kids had trouble with caring for their pony, Smokey, and that it was a big responsibility taking care of him.
This is a book that you can easily get attached to. It was inspiring, funny and sad all at the same time, but still a fantastic book.
I think 6th through 8th graders would enjoy this book, and I give it 5 out of 5 stars because it was a very good book that kept my attention the entire time I was reading it.

- Review written by Hailey B-S., grade 8

This biography is about the golf superstar, Tiger, who learned to play golf from his father when he was just 3 years old. He became a pro in 1996 and won the Masters the next year when he was 21 years old. He was the youngest person to ever win this tournament. 
Some memorable moments in the book are when Tiger faced discrimination because of his race. There are still very few minorities that play professional golf, so he is a role model.
The title is just his name because it’s all about him and his life.
I really liked this book because Tiger is a great golfer and he has done a lot of good things for people with his money and fame.
People who like books about athletes will like this book. I give it 4 stars.

- Review written by Speck Library Staff

An orphan named Harry lives with his mean Aunt and Uncle. When he finds out he’s a wizard, he goes to Hogworts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns about magic and charms and becomes a Quidditch star. He also tries to solve the mystery of the sorcerer’s stone with his friends Ron and Hermione.
Harry is a memorable character because he is a regular kid who just happens to have magical powers. He had survived an attack by Voldemort who had already killed his parents.
The book has that title because Voldemort wants the magical sorcerer’s stone and Harry and his friends are trying to keep it from him because he’s evil.
This is a great book because it’s exciting and has good characters fighting evil characters. I also liked all the magic and fantasy, it was interesting.
I think boys and girls in grades 4 and up would really like this book too! I give it 5 stars!

- Review written by Speck Library Staff