River Readers

Book review by Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media

WHAT'S THE STORY?
GHOST is Castle Cranshaw's new nickname -- he gave it to himself and it sticks when he challenges a track team's best sprinter to a race. Running is as easy for him as breathing, probably because he's been doing it all his life. An emerging track star with a past, Ghost has to figure out why he runs -- is it toward what his life could be or away from his past? Luckily, he has new friends on the team, his coach, and even his mom to help him figure it all out.

IS IT ANY GOOD?

When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a storm, the last thing she expects is to discover a colony of Aquicorns—magical seahorse-like residents of the coral reef. As she explores the damaged town and the fabled undersea palace, Lana learns that while she cannot always count on adults to be the guardians she needs, she herself is capable of finding the strength to protect both the ocean, and her own happiness. --Goodreads

Cardinal rule #1 for surviving school: Don't get noticed by the mean kids.

Cardinal rule #2 for surviving school: Seek out groups with similar interests and join them.

On her first day at her new school, Penelope--Peppi--Torres reminds herself of these basics. But when she trips into a quiet boy in the hall, Jaime Thompson, she's already broken the first rule, and the mean kids start calling her the "nerder girlfriend." How does she handle this crisis? By shoving poor Jaime and running away!

When the King and all the men of the castle die, it’s time for the women to knight up.

When King Mancastle and his mighty vassals ride off on a crusade, the women left behind are not at all put out—that’s a lot less armor polishing to do. Of course, when the men get themselves eaten by a dragon and leave a curse that attracts monsters to the castle . . . well, the women take umbrage with that.

Long-listed for the YA National Book Award this book takes place in 2002, just after 9/11 and it chronicles the path of a young Muslim girl named Shirin. Shirin and her family have just moved, again, and once again she must endure the awkward stares, rude and racist comments and even some physical abuse because of the hajib she chooses to wear. Keeping her battle armor up and her head down is the only way Shirin knows how to maneuver through her day. That works for her until she meets Ocean. Ocean works to get Shirin to let him in even though she knows it will end in disaster.

When a BIG, lovable, does-it-her-way dog wiggles her way into the heart of a loudmouth pipsqueak of a boy, wonderful things happen that help him become a bigger, better person.

Arram is sent to mage school where he outperforms his classmates and quickly advances in his studies. He develops a strong distaste for the way slaves are treated. Even if the stakes aren't high, I enjoyed this read. This is the first in a series of 3 books.

In the year 2066, a chance observation by Americans spots the presence of alien visitors at what appears to be an orbiting station around Saturn. It doesn't take long for the world to spot the presence and it becomes a race between Americans and Chinese to be the first to arrive and acquire technology with global implications. What will be found? Readers who enjoyed the science-driven plot of Andy Weir's "The Martian" will find this story of exploration and discovery compelling, with interesting characters and subplots, with plenty of surprises and a healthy dose of treachery.

When Asami is kidnapped, Korra sets out to the Spirit Wilds to find her. Now teeming with dark spirits influenced by the half spirit-half human Tokuga, the landscape is more dangerous than ever before. The two women must trust in each other and work together if they are to make it out alive. Their fate is revealed in this stunning, action-packed conclusion to The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars!

Nice conclusion to the Percy series. Sometimes what you think is planned is way off course. Percy believes he is fated to die on or before his 16th birthday, but is ready to sacrifice himself to save New York. However, this final clash isn't all about him. Luke, Annabeth, Grover and many others all play a part in this final clash. Who knows what the future holds when everyone works together. Life will go on or maybe not!

If have a normal everyday family, this book probably isn't for you! However, if you like me and realize family is messy, then dive in and enjoy. My favorite quote from this book is very near the end when Miranda's mom is talking about her feelings for her brother Billy. She says, "They were family. You don't have to like your family, you only have to love them." To me this sums up the adventure Miranda has been on and most situations in any family. We can't choose our blood family and they aren't always easy to like, but deep down love of family is always there.

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green is the perfect balance of science fiction and a treatise on how fame and social media can change a person and leave them questioning who they are. Are they the persona created for the public view or are they something more?

Melissa Goodwin's nickname was Mouse. She was shy and always let her friend Olivia take the lead. Olivia could talk her into doing most anything and that was how Melissa (Melly to her friends) found herself going to Camp Rockaway to learn more about playing drums. When Olivia became enamored with a boy Melly had to take a backseat and fend for herself. Could she make friends on her own and come out of her shell?

Leah Burke is experiencing the typical growing pains of adolescence. She finds solace and unquestioning friendship from playing in her all-girl band for which she is the drummer. Things start to fall apart in the band though when the tensions of college applications, acceptance and scholarships start to emerge. Then there is Leah's own internal conflicts that start to overwhelm her.

This wonderful sequel to Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda is an open, honest look at the painful reality teens face every day. If you loved Simon, you'll love this look into Leah.

Even though I know what is coming in this book, it still hits hard. There is so much happening in this story that is dark and fore-boding, but also such a forecast of the last book. It is fun to see Harry as Quidditch captain and to see the developing relationships. Ready to finish out the series in audio, but may have to take time to re-read them all now.