Books
The Dead and the Gone
The Dead and The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Reviewed by Jared, 10th grade, Homeschool
When the asteroid hit the moon, no one in New York had a care in the world. Sixteen year old Alex was working; his neighbor was thinking it was going to rain. Neither knew that the world was coming to an end. That’s just the beginning of this emotional roller coaster of a book. This one follows Alex, a young man in New York as he struggles to find out what happened to his parents and brother, tries to take care of his two sisters, and attempts to do the right thing, in a world where few are. This is an excellent book, one of the best I’ve ever read, but be warned; if you read this, you won’t be able to put it down, save to get a Kleenex or dry your eyes. Have something funny to read or watch afterwards.
Looking for Alaska
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Reviewed by Katie, 10th grade, Boone County High School
Miles is the new kid at a boarding school, but is quickly brought into a new group of friends and all their habits. He is quick to learn the rules and the loopholes around them. He is also quick to fall for Alaska Young, the unofficial leader of the group and the badest girl around. She knows everything about everything and everyone. From where the vodka is hidden in every room to the password to hack the school’s programming. Alaska is also the most mysterious girl around and her many mood swings effect everyone. As Miles gets caught up in Alaska’s ways, will he find himself too deep, or will he be able to dig himself out before it is too late? Find out in this great search for the meaning of life and the hereafter. (Recommended for grades 9+)
The Unnameables
The Unnameables by Ellen Booraem
Reviewed by Abby K. 9th grade Boone County High School
Medford Runyiun is an orphan, the outcast on an island where everything must have a use and to be named for that use. The villagers live according to The Book, and it is enforced by Deermer Learned who warns the children that are tanners or weavers or carpenters or cooks to “never embrace the unnameables or thou will be gone”. After a mysterious goat-man shows up at Medford’s door, his life is never the same. Will Medford ever be accepted in a society where he is an unnameable? Medford and Prudy unravel the mysteries of the Island in The Unnameables.
