Teens Write Reviews

These are all book and music reviews written by teens and librarians in our community. Click on the titles to find the items in the Sarasota County Library Catalog.

You can send your reviews to us at this e-mail address: jhitchco@scgov.net. Please include the title and author or artist, a three or four sentence review, and your first name.

Oct 03
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The Daughter of Time by Josephine They Was Richard III really the evil usurper who had his nephews, the Princes in the Tower, murdered, or was he, perhaps, a kind and just king, vilified by his enemies? Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard is determined to find the truth in this historical mystery. While recovering from a broken leg, he begins researching Richard III to alleviate his boredom, but soon becomes fascinated with the possibility of the innocent Richard. With the help of Brent Carradine, a young American scholar, and historical documents from the British Museum, Inspector Grant sets out to discover the truth about Richard III. A well researched and brilliantly written book, The Daughter of Time will inspire the reader to contemplate the mystery and controversy surrounding the guilt or innocence of Richard III. - Flannery

The Daughter of Time
by Josephine They

Was Richard III really the evil usurper who had his nephews, the Princes in the Tower, murdered, or was he, perhaps, a kind and just king, vilified by his enemies? Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard is determined to find the truth in this historical mystery. While recovering from a broken leg, he begins researching Richard III to alleviate his boredom, but soon becomes fascinated with the possibility of the innocent Richard. With the help of Brent Carradine, a young American scholar, and historical documents from the British Museum, Inspector Grant sets out to discover the truth about Richard III. A well researched and brilliantly written book, The Daughter of Time will inspire the reader to contemplate the mystery and controversy surrounding the guilt or innocence of Richard III.

- Flannery

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The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan So let’s say you’ve read The Percy Jackson series by the wonderful Rick Riordan and you really enjoyed them but you’re looking for something darker, more mysterious, something a little more… Egyptian. ‘The Red Pyramid’ delivers this and so much more within its perfectly paced pages of death-defying adventure and magical intrigue. The Egyptian gods are certainly not as forgiving as the Greek gods of Olympus, and Riordan has really done his homework describing the gods and their personalities very, very well. And Carter and Sadie Kane, our brother-sister protagonist team, are well developed from the start and develop over the course of the book into brave heroes that you will want to cheer for. What I also especially liked was how the story was told through the eyes of both Carter and Sadie, taking turns in narrating every other chapter. The best part is you don’t miss a beat when the narrator changes; that is the adept skill of Riordan. That, and the fact that he can write with the mind of a teenager but with a pen of an accomplished storyteller, (which never ceases to amaze me). I can hardly contain my enthusiasm for this book or my greed for the next book in The Kane Chronicle series: ‘The Throne of Fire’. - Melissa

The Red Pyramid
by Rick Riordan

So let’s say you’ve read The Percy Jackson series by the wonderful Rick Riordan and you really enjoyed them but you’re looking for something darker, more mysterious, something a little more… Egyptian. ‘The Red Pyramid’ delivers this and so much more within its perfectly paced pages of death-defying adventure and magical intrigue. The Egyptian gods are certainly not as forgiving as the Greek gods of Olympus, and Riordan has really done his homework describing the gods and their personalities very, very well. And Carter and Sadie Kane, our brother-sister protagonist team, are well developed from the start and develop over the course of the book into brave heroes that you will want to cheer for. What I also especially liked was how the story was told through the eyes of both Carter and Sadie, taking turns in narrating every other chapter. The best part is you don’t miss a beat when the narrator changes; that is the adept skill of Riordan. That, and the fact that he can write with the mind of a teenager but with a pen of an accomplished storyteller, (which never ceases to amaze me). I can hardly contain my enthusiasm for this book or my greed for the next book in The Kane Chronicle series: ‘The Throne of Fire’.

- Melissa

Apr 07
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Maximum Ride: School’s Out Forever by James Patterson Picture this: Six model-material kids from ages 6-14. They’re tall, thin, and really physically fit.The wind’s blowing their hair back and, honestly, they look famous, or at least superheroish. Every kid’s dream, right? Now image the picture zooming out- they’re really flying. Not in a plane, not because they’re hang-gliding, but with wings: real, large, beautiful wings that they were made to have. About that made part- this is where the dream becomes a nightmare. Raised in test-tubes and later in dog crates, the six of these “Avian Americans” (as they prefer to be called), and one black Scottish Terrier Avian American that talks (that’s right, a flying, talking dog) have escaped the School (read the first book) and have soared through America. On their way, they battle newly made mutants and many more things that want to kill them, picking up more new and exciting “talents” along the way. Yeah, on top of the flying part. Grab hold onto Max, Fang, Iggy, the Gasman, or Angel and fly into this book (although it’d be easier if you started from the first one). - Julia

Maximum Ride: School’s Out Forever
by James Patterson

Picture this: Six model-material kids from ages 6-14. They’re tall, thin, and really physically fit.The wind’s blowing their hair back and, honestly, they look famous, or at least superheroish. Every kid’s dream, right? Now image the picture zooming out- they’re really flying. Not in a plane, not because they’re hang-gliding, but with wings: real, large, beautiful wings that they were made to have. About that made part- this is where the dream becomes a nightmare. Raised in test-tubes and later in dog crates, the six of these “Avian Americans” (as they prefer to be called), and one black Scottish Terrier Avian American that talks (that’s right, a flying, talking dog) have escaped the School (read the first book) and have soared through America. On their way, they battle newly made mutants and many more things that want to kill them, picking up more new and exciting “talents” along the way. Yeah, on top of the flying part. Grab hold onto Max, Fang, Iggy, the Gasman, or Angel and fly into this book (although it’d be easier if you started from the first one).

- Julia

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Eragon by Christopher Paolini In Eragon’s world, it takes a lot of guts to go into the Spine, a forest known for magic, horror, and unexplainable death. But it takes even more guts to talk about the Dragon Riders. In a time where supposedly immortal King Galbatorix makes sure the truth is impossible to find and legends of heroes from the past are labeled as nothing but myths, Eragon finds himself in the village of Carvahall, an orphan, and the only person who dares to hunt in the Spine and survive. Though his mysterious mother took perilous efforts to make sure Eragon was hidden away, fate finds him, and he winds up not talking about the Dragon Riders, but becoming one! Soon, all races- Human, Urgal, Elven, Dwarvish, Dragon and more are all on the brink of war, and Eragon is fighting for his life with Brom, his village’s storyteller, his dragon Sapphira, and Arya, the Elf of his dreams (literally). Don’t waste any more time reading this, you NEED to read this book. But remember, no one is who they seem! - Julia

Eragon
by Christopher Paolini

In Eragon’s world, it takes a lot of guts to go into the Spine, a forest known for magic, horror, and unexplainable death. But it takes even more guts to talk about the Dragon Riders. In a time where supposedly immortal King Galbatorix makes sure the truth is impossible to find and legends of heroes from the past are labeled as nothing but myths, Eragon finds himself in the village of Carvahall, an orphan, and the only person who dares to hunt in the Spine and survive. Though his mysterious mother took perilous efforts to make sure Eragon was hidden away, fate finds him, and he winds up not talking about the Dragon Riders, but becoming one! Soon, all races- Human, Urgal, Elven, Dwarvish, Dragon and more are all on the brink of war, and Eragon is fighting for his life with Brom, his village’s storyteller, his dragon Sapphira, and Arya, the Elf of his dreams (literally). Don’t waste any more time reading this, you NEED to read this book. But remember, no one is who they seem!

- Julia

Jan 25
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is, in my opinion, the perfect finale to the perfect series. In this suspenseful tale of love and loss, death and life, friendship and innocence, potions and spells, and good and evil, Harry Potter and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley set out on their mission to destroy the nefarious Lord Voldemort’s remaining links to life, a quest which builds up to the extraordinary ending battle that Harry Potter fans had been awaiting for more than a decade. Deathly Hallows gives its readers a truly exquisite, vividly imagined and told story that makes me feel like I am in the book. A worthy read, no doubt about it. However, I think that the true beauty of Deathly Hallows, and of the series in general, is that it shows us a parallel world of magic that has its own prejudices, its own stereotypes, its own social classes, its own way of life, and that stars characters that have personalities we can relate to, and who face predicaments that are entirely believable. In this world, wizards are not portrayed as a superior race; indeed, they are just as mortal, just as human, just as flawed, and just as vulnerable in the face of death as we are. -Annabel

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is, in my opinion, the perfect finale to the perfect series. In this suspenseful tale of love and loss, death and life, friendship and innocence, potions and spells, and good and evil, Harry Potter and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley set out on their mission to destroy the nefarious Lord Voldemort’s remaining links to life, a quest which builds up to the extraordinary ending battle that Harry Potter fans had been awaiting for more than a decade. Deathly Hallows gives its readers a truly exquisite, vividly imagined and told story that makes me feel like I am in the book. A worthy read, no doubt about it.

However, I think that the true beauty of Deathly Hallows, and of the series in general, is that it shows us a parallel world of magic that has its own prejudices, its own stereotypes, its own social classes, its own way of life, and that stars characters that have personalities we can relate to, and who face predicaments that are entirely believable. In this world, wizards are not portrayed as a superior race; indeed, they are just as mortal, just as human, just as flawed, and just as vulnerable in the face of death as we are.

-Annabel

Sep 13
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Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell When searching for a book we always ask ourselves how we would like to feel once we are done reading. Whether it is that fuzzy feeling of happiness or the feeling of endless tears falling from our eyes. Island of the Blue Dolphins is a surprising book that leaves you wanting more. The adventures that are keeping you at the end of your bed making you read faster, are never ending. This book holds the key to every emotion. It has moments of happiness but before you know it jumps to curiosity. Than something dreadful happens and you feel sadness with a twist of anger and rage. You can’t help but want to jump into your book to help the character who is struggling. This story is about a girl named Karana, and how she survived after being left on an island. This island once had a village which sheltered her family and friends at one time. This was before the island was visited by strangers that came on strange looking boats that looked like clouds above the ocean. These strangers are the reason Karana was left behind, it was them who started a battle over the otters. The Chief of the Village was presented a miracle after a battle that left their village weak, another group of strangers had arrived at the island but these were not enemies these were good men. With that the Chief told the village that they had to leave the island and take only what they needed. In the hurry of the gathering and departing to the rescue boat they had forgotten about one small boy who had made it to the beach but had forgotten his spear in the village. That little boy was Karana’s brother who by the time made it back to the shore of the beach the boat had already departed off the shore. Karana thinking only of her brother and not of her freedom jumped off the boat and swam back to shore where her brother awaited her. It is now when the book takes off and makes a turn into excitement and desperation to know what will happen next. What she will soon realize is she will be left alone on that beloved island year to year with one question on her mind: Will she remain on this island alone for the rest of her life or will she venture on her own in the same direction her people were heading towards. -Nicole

Island of the Blue Dolphins
by Scott O’Dell

When searching for a book we always ask ourselves how we would like to feel once we are done reading. Whether it is that fuzzy feeling of happiness or the feeling of endless tears falling from our eyes. Island of the Blue Dolphins is a surprising book that leaves you wanting more. The adventures that are keeping you at the end of your bed making you read faster, are never ending. This book holds the key to every emotion. It has moments of happiness but before you know it jumps to curiosity. Than something dreadful happens and you feel sadness with a twist of anger and rage. You can’t help but want to jump into your book to help the character who is struggling.

This story is about a girl named Karana, and how she survived after being left on an island. This island once had a village which sheltered her family and friends at one time. This was before the island was visited by strangers that came on strange looking boats that looked like clouds above the ocean. These strangers are the reason Karana was left behind, it was them who started a battle over the otters. The Chief of the Village was presented a miracle after a battle that left their village weak, another group of strangers had arrived at the island but these were not enemies these were good men. With that the Chief told the village that they had to leave the island and take only what they needed. In the hurry of the gathering and departing to the rescue boat they had forgotten about one small boy who had made it to the beach but had forgotten his spear in the village. That little boy was Karana’s brother who by the time made it back to the shore of the beach the boat had already departed off the shore. Karana thinking only of her brother and not of her freedom jumped off the boat and swam back to shore where her brother awaited her. It is now when the book takes off and makes a turn into excitement and desperation to know what will happen next. What she will soon realize is she will be left alone on that beloved island year to year with one question on her mind: Will she remain on this island alone for the rest of her life or will she venture on her own in the same direction her people were heading towards.

-Nicole

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Gatekeepers by Robert Liparulo After Xander, Toria, and David’s father is arrested, the kids must continue searching for their lost mother. As that wasn’t enough, they also had to avoid the police, Taksidian, the bully at school, and now an old man shows up and tells them that they must not leave the house and that they are gatekeepers. This book is filled with action, thrill, suspense, and i suggest it to you if you enjoy thrillers. -Dominic

Gatekeepers
by Robert Liparulo

After Xander, Toria, and David’s father is arrested, the kids must continue searching for their lost mother. As that wasn’t enough, they also had to avoid the police, Taksidian, the bully at school, and now an old man shows up and tells them that they must not leave the house and that they are gatekeepers. This book is filled with action, thrill, suspense, and i suggest it to you if you enjoy thrillers.

-Dominic

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Watcher in the Woods by Robert Liparulo After a giant man kidnapped Xander, Toria, and David’s mom in The House of Dark Shadows, they, assisted by their father, must attempt to travel through portals to try to find their missing mother. This book is filled with thrill, suspense, and non stop action. I recommend this book if you enjoy thrillers. -Dominic

Watcher in the Woods
by Robert Liparulo

After a giant man kidnapped Xander, Toria, and David’s mom in The House of Dark Shadows, they, assisted by their father, must attempt to travel through portals to try to find their missing mother. This book is filled with thrill, suspense, and non stop action. I recommend this book if you enjoy thrillers.

-Dominic

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The Light Meets the Dark by Tenth Avenue North This CD is the most recent CD released from Tenth Avenue North. Of the 11 songs, they include Healing Begins, You Are More, and more. I recommend this CD if you enjoy christian contemporary music. -Dominic

The Light Meets the Dark
by Tenth Avenue North

This CD is the most recent CD released from Tenth Avenue North. Of the 11 songs, they include Healing Begins, You Are More, and more. I recommend this CD if you enjoy christian contemporary music.

-Dominic

Aug 21
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Chimera’s Curse by Julia Golding The final book in a imaginative four part series, the Chimera’s Curse is just one of those books that has all things going for it. It attacks the genre of fantasy, and monsters, from a unique and different perspective, but without becoming outlandish and over done. It handles the questions of coming of age without the useless waffle that most adults seem to think teen agers go through, while still showing us the main characters journies into acceptance of who they are. But most of all, it is a good read with true page turner qualities and a fantastically written plot. Any fantasy, or action fans will love this book. -Asia

Chimera’s Curse
by Julia Golding

The final book in a imaginative four part series, the Chimera’s Curse is just one of those books that has all things going for it. It attacks the genre of fantasy, and monsters, from a unique and different perspective, but without becoming outlandish and over done. It handles the questions of coming of age without the useless waffle that most adults seem to think teen agers go through, while still showing us the main characters journies into acceptance of who they are. But most of all, it is a good read with true page turner qualities and a fantastically written plot.
Any fantasy, or action fans will love this book.

-Asia

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Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey If you are a fan of dark romance, this book is going to be pure excitement and awe to you. Beth Fantaskey is the author of another dark romance thriller called Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. During the twisting and turning plot you will learn a lot about the characters Tristen Hyde and Jill Jekel, both characters evolve before the end of the novel instead of being their smae selves at the end of thus fantastic tale. I am the kind of person who can read Stephen King in the dark (so to speak) and reamin unfettered but the dream scenes throughout the book are so vividly detailed and excellently voice that even I was shaken by them. One last thing though, a lot of readers will be able to relate to these characters and really understand them, unlike most superficial dark romance characters. Jekel loves Hyde is on of the greatest books that I’ve read all summer and I think that you will enjoy it too. -Rachel

Jekel Loves Hyde
by Beth Fantaskey

If you are a fan of dark romance, this book is going to be pure excitement and awe to you. Beth Fantaskey is the author of another dark romance thriller called Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. During the twisting and turning plot you will learn a lot about the characters Tristen Hyde and Jill Jekel, both characters evolve before the end of the novel instead of being their smae selves at the end of thus fantastic tale. I am the kind of person who can read Stephen King in the dark (so to speak) and reamin unfettered but the dream scenes throughout the book are so vividly detailed and excellently voice that even I was shaken by them. One last thing though, a lot of readers will be able to relate to these characters and really understand them, unlike most superficial dark romance characters. Jekel loves Hyde is on of the greatest books that I’ve read all summer and I think that you will enjoy it too.

-Rachel

Jul 21
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WOW Hits 2008 by Various Artists This CD is made up of many artists and songs, including Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Mercyme, and many more. There are a total of thirty songs including Praise You in THis Storm, History, Made to Love, and many more. I would recommend this CD if you like christian contemporary music. -Dominic

WOW Hits 2008
by Various Artists

This CD is made up of many artists and songs, including Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Mercyme, and many more. There are a total of thirty songs including Praise You in THis Storm, History, Made to Love, and many more. I would recommend this CD if you like christian contemporary music.

-Dominic

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Tonight by Tobymac This CD is one of many CD’s produced by Tobymac. The eleven songs include Tonight, City on Our Knees, Get BAck Up, and many more. I would recommend this CD if you like Christian rock or rap. -Dominic

Tonight
by Tobymac

This CD is one of many CD’s produced by Tobymac. The eleven songs include Tonight, City on Our Knees, Get BAck Up, and many more. I would recommend this CD if you like Christian rock or rap.

-Dominic

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House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo This book is about a family, the Kings, who leave their hometown of L. A. to a small town because of their father’s new job as the principle at Xander and David( two of the three children, the other child is Toria) ‘s new school. In search of a house, they find a house that hasn’t been inhabited in several years and decide to live there, even though Xander believes it is haunted. The house soon starts acting up by teleporting the boys to a locker in their new school when entering their linen closet, but then things get serious when they find a secret door with over 20 different doors that teleport them back in time to various places. find out what happens in House of Dark Shadows. -Dominic

House of Dark Shadows
by Robert Liparulo

This book is about a family, the Kings, who leave their hometown of L. A. to a small town because of their father’s new job as the principle at Xander and David( two of the three children, the other child is Toria) ‘s new school. In search of a house, they find a house that hasn’t been inhabited in several years and decide to live there, even though Xander believes it is haunted. The house soon starts acting up by teleporting the boys to a locker in their new school when entering their linen closet, but then things get serious when they find a secret door with over 20 different doors that teleport them back in time to various places. find out what happens in House of Dark Shadows.

-Dominic

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Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer Eclipse is a book of action, romance, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole book. Bella’s graduating, and she’s preparing to be changed into a vampire by Carlisle soon afterward. But what she really wants is to be changed by Edward, and she can be if she obeys his one condition, to marry him. Meanwhile, Jacob Black, Bella’s very best friend, is being tormented by Bella’s unwillingness to admit that she is in love with him. While all this is going on, Victoria, who will not rest until Bella is dead, is creating an army to attack the Cullen Clan. Will Bella marry Edward? Or will she choose Jacob? Will Victoria end her before she even gets a chance to choose? Find out in the compelling 3rd book in the Twilight Saga:Eclipse. -Allison

Eclipse
by Stephanie Meyer

Eclipse is a book of action, romance, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole book. Bella’s graduating, and she’s preparing to be changed into a vampire by Carlisle soon afterward. But what she really wants is to be changed by Edward, and she can be if she obeys his one condition, to marry him. Meanwhile, Jacob Black, Bella’s very best friend, is being tormented by Bella’s unwillingness to admit that she is in love with him. While all this is going on, Victoria, who will not rest until Bella is dead, is creating an army to attack the Cullen Clan. Will Bella marry Edward? Or will she choose Jacob? Will Victoria end her before she even gets a chance to choose? Find out in the compelling 3rd book in the Twilight Saga:Eclipse.

-Allison