BEST BOOK REVIEWS: Young Adults
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) by J. K. Rowling
Reading level: Young Adult
Audio Cassette
Publisher: Listening Library; Unabridged edition (July 8, 2000)
Summary v.1
The Author balances the special moments of living on the edge and the happiness of living in this book. Harry is startled by the harrowing dreams leaping him out of the edge and seeks his godfather in hiding, the great Sirius Black. After completing his two weeks with his non magic relatives, the journey ahead is to return to the school of witchcraft and wizardry. The season’s tournament, the Quidditch world cup excites Harry to the extend that he forgets the danger of life with Lord Voldermort and his creeps are out there planning his death in the Goblet of fire.
Summary v.2
This is one of the most creative books with young Harry Potters as its central figure. The story deftly relives the time when Harry is compelled to spend his summer vacations with his relatives, the Dursleys. The author J.K.Rowling has once again excelled himself in producing a wondrous masterpiece, rich with imagination which borders on realism. The reader enjoys every moment of it as Harry with his two mates, Ron and Hermione get into an escapade of Goblet of fire. Harry is a typical teenager and faces the vicissitudes of life like any other boy of his age at Hogwarts.
Summary v.3
J. K. Rowling balances the special moments of living life as wild as possible and the happiness of living in this book. Harry is distressed by the disturbing dreams bringing him out of the corner and he goes on to find his godfather that has been in hiding. His name is the great Sirius Black. He finishes his two weeks with his relatives that do not have magic. He is faced with a journey to return to his studies of witchcraft and wizardry. The seasonal tournament is the Quidditch. It makes Harry very excited to the point that he does not remember the dangerous life with Lord Voldemort.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) by J. K. Rowling
Reading level: Young Adult
Audio Cassette
Publisher: Listening Library; Unabridged edition (February 1, 2000)
Summary v.1
Can a 13 year old be a prisoner on a summer vacation? Harry, who has to spend time with his uncle, aunt and cousin who hate him, accidentally makes Aunt Marge to inflate like a monstrous balloon. The school of witchcraft and wizardry forbids students to cast spells in non-magic world. Harry is then pushed into the darkness with his heavy trunk and his owl Hedwig and is mysteriously rescued in a colourful bus to spend the remaining weeks in the company of friendly inn called leaky cauldron learning about Sirius Black – the escaped convict from the Prison of Azkaban.
Summary v.2
This one book by J.K.Rowling is yet another instant hit and keeps to the traditions of usual Potter books, full of surprises, excitement, fun, adventure, rivalry and strong bonds of relationships among different characters of the book. Two new aspects have been added here, the magical Marauder’s Map and Patronus. The story is about a criminal called Sirius Black who escapes from the prison of Azkaban and wants to put Potter’s life to an end. Potter’s friends mature and widen their horizons and as the story draws to its close, the reader feels that it is worth a second read!
Summary v.3
Harry feels as if he is a 13-year old in prison. Harry has to spend time with his family that does not like him and he makes the mistake of accidentally inflating his Aunt Marge. The school that Harry attends does not allow students to cast spells in non-magic world. This is a mistake that Harry made. For punishment he must go into the darkness with his loaded trunk and owl named Hedwig. Bafflingly he is rescued in a multi-colored bus to spend the remaining days learning about Sirius Black. He happens to have escaped from the Prison of Azkaban.
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: Stories of Life, Love and Learning by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Vermilion (May 28, 1993)
Summary v.1
The teenage soul faces issues in the real world today. Troubles and emerging concerns, the teens today need the right perspective with tender and caring words to pull them through. This book covers all issues from dating, friendships, gossips in the form of stories and poems. Cartoons also depict the specific troubles which traumatize teenagers commonly. Even serious issues like suicide and drunk driving are also addressed. Written by teens based on real life experiences, give the book an informal and understanding reading. The chicken soup for the teenage soul is best advised as a guide to wisdom for teens.
Summary v.2
This is a non-fiction classic for the young adults who find themselves on the threshold of life and are faced with a myriad of changing values concerning love, friendship, relationships, individualism growing up and family to name a few. It is collection of short but entertaining stories. The treatment of every aspect of adolescence is cleverly handled by the authors. It generally changes the readers’ perspective in life and gets a directional lesson to enable them to lead a fuller existence. It is a remarkable book with a wide audience of each gender, every race, country, color, creed or class.
Summary v.3
In the world today, teenage souls are faced with a lot of problems. With the right gentle words and a caring perspective, they can pull through the issues they face. Friendships and dating issues are among some of the topics that are covered in this book. Help comes in the form of short stories and an occasional poem. There are also very creative cartoons that depict some of the problems that teenagers are struggling with. Not all of the content is light-hearted because the book dives into deeper issues such as suicide and drunk behavior. Since this book was written by teens, it gives truthful insight from the people who experienced the problems. Not only is it insightful, but it lends the right ear to the person who is reading it. It serves as a guide to any teenager reading the book.
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Reading level: Young Adult
School & Library Binding: 960 pages
Publisher: Turtleback Books: A Division of Sanval (October 1999)
Summary v.1
The lonesome dove is a classic American western literature. If you love the west and dream of being a cowboy this book is a must read. The love for the west blended with the rough and toughness of the humans is so beautifully described. The characters of the author dance in the Wild West landscape of the human heart. The story pens down a pilgrimage to Montana. And show the fury of nature in bad luck and bad news. The understanding of human life is done with multiple plots weaved by the characters trying to balance between hope and hopelessness.
Summary v.2
This novel by Larry McMurtry is set with the wild-west as its backdrop and its theme is actually resplendent and especially interesting for all cowboy-fond youngsters. Fed up of leading lives of drudgery in West, a group of the ranchers with a few others and some cattle leave the country and meet with plenty of adventure and mishaps on the way to Montana. Their struggle and missionary zeal is adeptly portrayed in the novel that is full of fast paced action and drama. Finely poised between hope and hopelessness, the novel is very descriptive and adds life to all escapades.
Summary v.3
If you are in search of a classic, you will find in it the Lonesome Dove. For anyone that loves western culture, it is a great read. The life of a cowboy and the ruggedness of his character comes through in this book. The characters in this book are very down to earth and will find a place in your heart. It is a story about survival and life during those years of expansion into the west. It is a journey filled book recording the journey from Montana into the west. Bad news takes on a different form as humans struggle to maintain the peace with nature itself. The characters in this book are trying to balance their life in this book.
Dealing with Dragons: The Enchanted Forest
Chronicles (Book 1) by Patricia C. Wrede
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Sandpiper (November 1, 2002)
Summary v.1
The author has artistically created the world of the Princess Cimorene, a tomboy heroine. This princess, stubborn and strong-minded escapes in to the world of dragons. The life with dragons and her relationship with Kazul - the cute dragon, gain more than her palatial relationships. Her courage and wits help save the dragons from a mean and wicked plot hatched by the local witches. The desire of every girl to be a princess as well as lead her life is built perfectly in this book. The princess is sure to find a special place in all young girls who read this.
Summary v.2
The first of the series of four books, “Dealing with Dragons” is a highly recommended read as it encompasses a wonderful mixture of romance, fantasy, humor and conspiracy. Princess Cimorene leaves home as she does not like to lead a life full of restrictions. She lands up as a personal princess and housekeeper of Kazul, the dragon. Here she is forced to wave aside the princes who try to save her but she wants to continue to live with the beast. The funny incidents Cimorene comes across, smoothly merge into one another, making the book a loved epic of light romance.
Summary v.3
Cimorene is not your average princess. Instead she is a tomboy heroine. She is bored with the life before her and she find herself in a crazy world of dragons. She finds herself interacting with the dragons. Cimorene also develops a relationship with Kazu. He is the cute dragon that gains a romantic interest from her. She has the strength to go against the witches and continue on with her journeys. What girl does not want to be a princess? Any girl who reads this will be sure to find their own inner princess.
Martin the
Warrior by Brian Jacques
Reading level: Young Adult
School & Library Binding: 376 pages
Publisher: Turtleback (April 1, 1995)
Summary v.1
Courage shown in a non violent manner is the crux of Martin the Warrior the book written by Brian Jaques. This sixth book in the adventure series of Redwall the mouse is a fantasy full of intrigue. The book talks about the mouse who turns out to be Martin the Warrior, who would not bend to evil and tyranny and fights fearlessly for the freedom. All animal characters are etched with utmost care and hence they come across as real and distinct. Rose the mousemaid, Grumm and Bedrang the villain are so well written and hence the plot becomes extremely intrinsic and gripping.
Summary v.2
A step ahead in the Redwall series, the novel plays lightly on emotions like love, loyalty and revenge. It describes the events of imprisonment of Martin by a tyrant, the torture he suffers and his eventual escape to freedom. The book is written in a superb way and its subtle humor closely borders on sadness in the end. It strikes a heart touching note in its readers who sit on pins and needles as the action-packed story progresses. A single read compels a reread by most of youngsters who love the literary work of art for its simplicity of its language.
Summary v.3
Martin the Warrior is a book written by Brian Jacques. This is the sixth book in the adventure installment. Martin the Warrior is a mouse and he also happens to be the main character in the story. He does not bow to evil and oppression. Instead Martin uses all of his might to fight for his freedom. The characters in this book are all very unique and realistic. You will notice that about each of the characters. Rose and Grumm are two characters that are the most memorable in the story. The plot is very detailed and you will be wondering what happens next when you read this book.
Sailor Moon, Vol. 1 by Naoko Takeuchi
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: TokyoPop; illustrated edition edition (April 1998
Summary v.1
Female author writer having a teenage blonde as the heroine of the book is something common in the literary world and this book is nothing new in that sense. The main character shows a lack of character in the beginning and you wonder if this is the real heroine. She manages a whole lot of funny and wild instances to happen around her all along trying to ward off the evil from the innocent people. The adventures of Bunny the fourteen year old and Luna the cat are quite heroic and towards the end the girl manages to behave quite rationally and responsibly, like a teenage heroine is supposed to be.
Summary v.2
The book has a young 14 years old girl called Serena or Bunny, as its central character. She has been given the task of safeguarding her mysterious cat’s subjects against evil and to find the magical troop to help her, with heavenly names like Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter etc. Eventually the entire group was found in one place after a lot of upheavals and din. The thrilling ride takes its readers through adventure where the heroine falls in love with the mysterious Tuxedo Mask. The gusto is typical of books meant for young adults.
Summary v.3
Naoko Takeuchi does a great job of making sure that the main character comes through in this story. Sailor Moon is the blonde-haired heroine. The lack of character in this story makes you wonder if this could possibly be real or not. Her role is to ward off evil from all of the innocent people around her. It is a very funny story because Sailor Moon finds herself in many different scenarios. Luna the cat is also a part of this story and you find Sailor Moon growing up as the book goes on. She is the heroine in this story and inspires little girls around the world to try to be like her.
Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulsen
Reading level: Young Adult
School & Library Binding: 272 pages
Publisher: Turtleback Books: A Division of Sanval (October 1999)
Summary v.1
Winter sled dog race is the main event that happens in this book written by Gary Paulson. Enduring the snow and cold of Alaska is the crux of the story. Running the Iditarod Race with the 15 dog team, Paulsen encounters a lot of natural obstacles and dangers. The adventure is brought out in a way wherein the landscape and the climatic difficulties are clearly understood by the reader. The ignorance of the battle ahead and the determination to race not just the miles but also the elements are haunting and hence the drama comes across as authentic and ultimately refreshing.
Summary v.2
The novel deals with a young man, Paulsen, an inhabitant of Minnesota, who aspires to participate in the famous Iditarod race. The story deals with Paulsen preparing for the race and later with him actually undertaking the adventurous journey through the frozen lands of Alaska. The former half of the story is rather hilarious and the latter half sobers down as the young hero encounters many perils, overcomes hurdles and begins to feel at home in the cold, barren land. This book makes a great read if you have a funny bone and love adventure.
Summary v.3
Gary Paulson writes about the winter dog sled event in this book Winterdance. A huge part of the story deals with the harsh weather conditions that one faces in Alaska. The Iditarod is a race that involves having quite a few dogs. Paulsen faces a lot of danger during his adventurous race. When you are reading the book you will be able to understand his situation clearly. The elements he has to battle with are very real. As the miles continue with the race you can gain insight into the battle he faced in the race.
The Goose Girl (Books of Bayern) by Shannon Hale
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (April 21, 2005)
Summary v.1
Anidori the proganist of the tale is a princess, who becomes a goosegirl due to unforeseen circumstances and survives the treason and hardships until she tells the truth of the matter to her beloved prince. The heroine can speak to animals from a young age and is portrayed as courageous. The story though very regular and been told by many, has come alive due to the imagery, the lively writing by Hale and the fantasy it weaves. The all is well that ends well romantic tale of princess Ani and prince Geric has all the elements of a story filled with war, treason and tragedy, ultimately romance bringing everything to a positive end.
Summary v.2
This is a book written by a novice but has all the characteristics of a book penned by a seasoned author. The story is simple, more or less, a fairy tale where the magically gifted crown princess Ani sets forth to wed a prince in another kingdom. On the way she is forcibly replaced by her maid-in-waiting. Ani is left to tend to geese and feels miserable. She makes up her mind to regain her lost status. The story closes on a happy note. The author has done great justice with a vivid rewriting of a previous book by Brothers Grimm.
Summary v.3
Anidori is a princess and happens to be the main character of the story. She later becomes a Goose Girl due to unpredicted circumstances. She eventually survives this and is forced to tell her much loved prince the truth. She has the ability to speak with animals and was able to do this since she was a little girl. This book has a fantasy theme to it and all of the words seem to come alive in the story. Shannon Hale is an amazing author that put her best work forward. It is a classic love story that brings two people together. This has a very happy ending that people everywhere would enjoy reading.
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Kirberger
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 350 pages
Publisher: Health Communications, Inc.; First edition (October 1, 1998)
Summary v.1
Four talented and young teens writing essays, so very poignantly is a miracle in itself. The chicken soup series being inspirational, nothing else is expected from it though. It provides immense amount of insight into the workings of the young minds and the narration is exceptionally good in most of the essays. The book also has many cartoons, quotes and poems apart from the inspirational writing. The many instances from teen life told in the book make the readers, cringe or else realize the universality of the problems or situations faced by young adults in today’s world. A must read for all young adults.
Summary v.2
This is a book which touches the hearts of all teenagers as it is a storehouse of many short stories, each clearly dealing with different problems of growing up, of turning an adult form a teenager. This juvenile blockbuster conveys definite morals through each of its many stories. The reader is introduced to emotions commonly faced by teenagers, some make him happy or sad; some make him grin while others throw him into peals of laughter. It uplifts the teenager’s drooping spirits as well as provides solace when needed. Suffice to say that this novel has won great appeal through its resounding success.
Summary v.3
Teens write essays for this book. This is a wonderful and inspirational book that brings hope to many people. You can expect wonderful narration in this book and the stories all flow together very nicely. There is much to look forward to in this book. Quotes and cartoons outline this book alongside all of the inspirational stories. It is a must read for all adults. The stories in this book bring light to all of the problems that teenagers in the world face today. It may shock you what today’s teenagers have to deal with in our world.
The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Puffin (March 18, 2002)
Summary v.1
Princess Amy of Phantasmorania becomes an ordinary looking girl by the gift of a godmother. She is charm, courage and wit incarnate though. A tale of adventure of this young princess is the story told by Kaye. Young readers are bound to be enamored by the bravery of Amy. An ordinary looking princess who lives an extraordinary life meets an ordinary looking prince who is as charming as ever. To top it the meeting of the two happens in the neighboring king’s kitchen. What more imagination does a young girl reader needs to tickle her to laughter. The happy ending is just what it promises to be.
Summary v.2
This is a fantastic fairy tale where a princess is cursed by an evil fairy right at a very tender age to always be ordinary. The malicious effects of the curse soon begin to manifest themselves and Princess Amy is no match for her six older, beautiful sisters. As much as tried the courtiers, the ordinary princess does not look any better than a peasant girl and is always overlooked. Sad as she is, Princess Amy longs for attention and love. She finally falls in love with a prince, Peregrine and lives happily ever after. The book is a pleasure to read.
Summary v.3
Princess Amy of Phantasmorania is given a gift by her godmother. She actually gets the life of a very normal girl. Amy has the great characteristics that many would relate to amiable. Kaye is the narrator of this charming story. Young readers are sure to be impressed with Amy’s strength and courage. The ordinary princess meets her very over the top and down to earth prince. They meet in a very unexpected place which happens to be in the King’s kitchen. There is immense creativity found throughout this story and you are sure to enjoy the very happy ending at the end of this book.
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