Kingdom Keepers

Kingdom Keepers- By Ridley Pearson *****

Finn Whitman, an 8th grader has become a hologram host at Disney World, as well as a few others. His job as a host is simple- read a script in front of a camera, have a computer turn him into a hologram, then have him say his pre-recorded script as he is placed in various locations around Disney World. But there is a glitch in the technology used (Disney Host Interactive)- or so he thinks. He wakes up in the middle of the night every night in Disney World. But something odd is going on with the characters in the attractions-THEY COME TO LIFE! Finn and his other DHI friends all end up having these strange dreams, or are they? How will he get them to stop?


I gave Kingdom Keepers 5 stars because the book was extremely hard to put down. I enjoyed every minute of it and have reread it a few times. I also had the opportunity to meet Ridley Pearson, because he came to my school. He is a very funny, sarcastic author. I hope Kingdom Keepers can become a movie! You will never look at Disney World or its many characters the same way when you go there. Watch out while you sleep! You may just end up in Disney World when you wake up! The book can be read and enjoyed by readers of all ages!

Princess Diaries

Princess Diaries- By Meg Cabot ****

Most girls want to be princesses or considered royalty, right? Yes, but not everybody. Mia Thermopolis has been given the opportunity to be princess of a small country called Genovia. She has a decision to make. She doesn't want everybody to think of her as even more of a freak if she takes the crown. And it would be a pretty big responsibility to have to rule an entire country. Will she accept to crown?

I gave The Princess Diaries 4 stars because the book was really good, but I still had questions after finishing the book. Most readers have seen the movie, but the book gives the story a whole new twist! The book includes some mature content and should be read by readers 12+.

Zee's Way

Zee's Way- By Kristin Butcher ****

John Zeelander-Zee for short, has always been looked at by others as a just plain trouble. He and his friends have been kicked out of a local shopping center for absolutely no reason. He and his friends look to it as discrimination. So, to fight back for their shopping rights, he does grafitti all over a hardware store wall. But he gets caught and is forced to work until he pays off the damage he's done. He suddenly finds himself stuck in between choosing his boss-Feniuk, or his friends. But who will he choose?

I gave Zee's Way 4 stars because the ending almost seemed too perfect, even for a book. It was a great quick-read, though. In some ways, I feel sorry for Zee and his friend. They were always left out and closely watched. Zee's Way has mild language and should be read by readers 10+.

The Uglies

The Uglies- By Scott Westerfield *****

What would you do if you lived in a world where you could become a whole new person by the age of 16? New face, new body, new clothes, new home? Tally Youngblood is about to turn 16 and she's been waiting her whole life to get her transformation. Hanging out all day, partying all night. What could be wrong with that? When Tally meets Shay, they easily become friends. But Shay starts to try to convince Tally that there's more to being perfect. She doesn't want Tally to turn. Shay tries to lead her into an ancient civilization called the Rusties. Tally is forced to make a big decision that will change her life forever. She will unlock the truth to what's really behind the big transformation...but will she decide to go through it?

I gave The Uglies 5 stars because the book always kept me going with the suspense. It was definitely hard to put the book down for me. The book made me feel complete all the way to the tips of my toes! Imagine if that were to happen to your town and you would have to have an extreme surgery to become "perfect" and our time right now was just ancient history. The Uglies unlocks a world of new surprises and should be read by readers 13+.

Perfect

Perfect- By Natasha Friend ***

Every teenage girl struggles to be "perfect"- size 0, high cheek bones, and a cup size 34B. But not all girls are blessed with perfect bodies, so they are pressured to do drastic things to themselves to fit in. Isabelle Lee has bulimia and has to go to Group to help get through her struggle. Read along as you see her face her biggest challenge, her body image.

I gave Perfect 3 stars, because the end was a bit surprising, and not as most readers would expect to be a "happy ending." At some points, I felt like a part of the story and a part of everything that was happening. This book should definitly be read by all girls who've ever wanted to try to do something so dangergous to themselves and so extreme. Through this book, the dangers of eating disorders were clearly portrayed. Perfect has some mature content and should be read by readers ages 13+.

Fun In the Son Camp at Table Rock Lake

I went to camp with my church, as well as many other churches on our district. It was a life-changing experience and I will never forget it. The director and workers there were really nice. I hope to be able to go back there next summer.

Ms. Van Tholen

Ms. Van Tholen died last night at around 6:00 pm. She was an amazing teacher and will be terribly missed.