Esperanza Rising, by Pam Munoz Ryan

Esperanza Ortega had the perfect life. Her father was the owner of a big ranch called El Rancho De Rosas. She had money, a big house, beautiful dresses, and lots of friends. However, on the eve of her 14th birthday, tragedy struck. It was a tremendous blow to her and the whole family. More troubles forced Esperanza and her mother to flee their home. She had lost everything. Her life was uprooted and had turned upside down. I loved this book; it is a fantastic work of art. I love how Pam Munoz Ryan shows how Esperanza has changed as a result of her troubles. This is a story of fear, love, heartbreak, loss, and determination. I would recommend this to just about anyone who wants to learn a little bit about Mexican culture, and those who are looking for a captivating read.

-Reviewed by Aaron

A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin

A Game of Thrones is the first book in the series. I love this novel because it always had me wanting to read more and not wanting to put the book down. The author describes the scenario so clearly that it almost feels as if you were there. The characters' feelings and thoughts are described so thoroughly it makes them seem lifelike. A Game of Thrones is a science fiction book which also includes the political system of lords and lordships. I highly recommend this book to those of you who have liked the books in the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series by Rick Riordan, and the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, and the book Eragon by Christopher Paolini . -Reviewed by Olivia

Never Ever Getting Back Together, by Sophie Gonzales

. Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales is a near perfect novel. It’s off to an amazing start right from the title, extrapolated from a song by Taylor Swift, the mother of modern romance. The story is told from alternating points of view, featuring two women competing against each other on a reality dating show, where the prize is their mutual ex. The only problem: while one of them is still head-over-heels in love, the other is plotting to take down the man that cheated on her and broke her heart. As the competition progresses, truths are revealed and unexpected relationships are established right up until the ending. While a little predictable, Never Ever Getting Back Together is a feel-good celebration of queer love, reality TV...

Life As We Knew It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Life As We Knew It is a fictional diary about a 16-year-old girl named Miranda who lived in Pennsylvania. When she first heard warnings about an asteroid hitting the moon, she easily dismisses them, just like everyone else. But when a fatal event causes the moon to knock closer into orbit, altering Earth’s climate, Miranda’s life drastically changes. Grocery stores run out of food, gas prices go up, and everything else is completely closed. Miranda witnesses catastrophes like mass tsunamis, weather changes, and more, all while writing in a diary almost every day. She writes about struggles between her family, friends, and how hard it is to survive. But just as everyone may seem to get used to this apocalyptic world, another catastrophe happens completely sending life out of control once more. I would recommend this book for people who enjoy science fiction or apocalyptic books. -Reviewed by Vivienne

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