The Replacement

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff. Something's Rotten, beneath the Town of Gentry...

Summary: Mackie is not one of us. Though he lives in the small town of Gentry, he comes from a world of tunnels and black murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess. He is a Replacement- left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now, he's slowly dying in the human world.
 Mackie would give anything to live a normal life, play his bass, and find out more about an oddly intriguing girl named Tate. But when Tate's baby sister goes missing, he is drawn into the underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem. He must face the dark creatures of the slag heaps and find his rightful place, in our world- or theirs. (Summary found on book cover)
Official Reviews: "Funny and brave, scary and touching." Lauren Kate, New York Times best selling author of the Fallen novels
"Shockingly original and frequently breathtaking." Booklist, starred review
"A devastating look at familial love, sacrifice, and loneliness. Yovanoff's spare but haunting prose creates an atmosphere shrouded in gloom and secrecy." BCCB, Starred review
"A fast-paced, dark delicacy." Kirkus Reviews
"This book has the makings of a success." Publishers Weekly
"I loved this eerie and beautiful story of ugly things. It should be read aloud after dark, at a whisper." Maggie Stiefvater, New York Times bestselling author of the Wolves of Mercy Falls series

My Review: I finished reading this book today, and I still can't seem to figure out what it was about. When I saw this at the book store I though that it looked like a neat book. The cover art was very neat in a creepy-Stephen-King sort of way and I liked the idea. I'm very into old folklore and the character Mackie is a Changeling which are creatures from folklore. The story however wasn't developed very well. I the plot revolved around the fact that the children of Gentry (the town) were being killed, but I just couldn't figure out why. I know there are many points where this idea is discussed and they tried to explain why the children were being killed, but Yovanoff's characters over explained this point and made it more confusing than it should have been.
The characters didn't seem super developed either. Though I did like the family dynamics between Mackie and his older sister Emma, I felt like she was one of the only strongly developed characters.
The events that occur in the story seem kind of jumbled and don't seem to do anything for the story, and it doesn't help that they aren't elaborated on making them unnecessary.
Another issue I found was a) the swearing b) the sex and c) the drinking an issue I find when it comes to books about teenagers. For the swearing, yes I understand that in this day and age, many people think that by swearing you look "cool" but in novels is it really necessary? Even if they do swear in a novel, do the characters have to use the "f-word" every other page? Maybe I'm just old-fashioned that way. Now even if the characters do cuss like sailors, I have a big problem with the whole sex-and-drinking-without-consequences theme in books. That just absolutely drives me insane. I know some teenagers do have sex and the do drink in real life, but not every single teenager does these things. In this book, it seemed as though everyone partied like that. If they didn't drink or have sex with the "popular kids" than they wanted to. I thought drinking was illegal to drink underage? Where are the police? Where are the parents?
I digress, I was thoroughly disappointed with this book. It wasn't nearly as good as I thought it was, lacking a clear plot, little-to-know character development, and stereo-typical teenagers. I couldn't see myself reading it again and I'd give it two and a half out of five stars max. That's just my opinion. If you've read this book and disagree, I'd like to hear from you. What did you think of this book? Have any book suggestions? Leave a comment and let me know! Together we can start the reading revolution!

Soon to come: Last book in the Hunger Games series, The Clockwork Prince, and maybe some old books. I've become rather fond of them. Until next time, keep reading!

Tuesdays With Morrie

An old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson. A book by Mitch Albom.

Before I begin this post, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Years eve, and would like to say goodbye to 2011 and welcome in 2012, hope it'll be a good reading year! Just as a reminder, only about nine hours left to vote on your favorite book reviewed in 2011. You can vote in the side bar to the right. >>>    >>>     >>>     >>>     >>>     >>>      >>>     >>>     >>>    >>>     >>>     >>>     >>>
Summary: Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a colleague. Someone older, patient, and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, helped you see the world as a more profound place, gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it. For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly twenty years ago. Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded, and the world seemed colder. Wouldn't you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you, receive wisdom for your busy life today the way you once did when you were younger?
Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final "class": lessons in how to live.

Tuesdays with Morrie is a magical chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world. (Summary found on the book)

Official Reviews: "Mitch Albom's book is a gift to mankind." Philadelphia Inquirer

"A wonderful book, a story of the heart told by a writer with soul." Los Angles Times

"An extraordinary contribution to the literature of death." Boston Globe

"One of those books that kind of sneaked up and grabbed people's hearts over time." Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"An Elegantly simple story about a writer getting a second chance to discover life through the death of a friend." Tampa Tribune

"As sweet and nourishing as fresh summer corn... the book begs to be read aloud." USA Today

My Review: I liked this book. Tuesdays with Morrie isn't exactly a book I would have read on my own (I prefer fiction personally), but it was a book that I would recommend for anyone who has read other books by Mitch Albom, or I am the Messenger  by Mark Zusak. This is one of those books that makes you want to review your life and become a better person. Just as a fair warning, this isn't a super cheerful book. There are funny moments like when Morrie worries most about is how someday someone will have to "wipe my ass" (page 22), but for the most part, it takes place as Morrie is dying making it a bit of a tear-jerker. But don't let that discourage you, it's still a very good book.

Well folks now you know what I think. I'm not going to go through that whole spiel about leaving a comment telling me what you think. It you want to leave a comment you will. As a reminder, you can follow the Teen Reads Referee on twitter and remember to vote!!! >>>
Have a happy New Year!

To Kill a Mockingbird

The Classic Novel by Harper Lee.
Summary: The novel takes place in the "tired old town" of Maycomb Alabama during the Great Depression. It follows six-year-old Scout, her older brother Jem, and their newfound friend Dill as they stir up child-like trouble while trying to lure Boo Radley, a sort of Maycomb monster, out of his home. As the story progresses, Atticus, Scout and Jem's father and local lawyer, is assigned to defend a black man during a period in which racism was still very huge. The story follows the children as they grow to learn that Maycomb isn't the "tired old town" that they had initially thought it to be. They learn of the cruelty of racism while discovering that perhaps not all Maycomb rumors are true.

Official Reviews: "A first novel of such rare excellence that it will no doubt make a great many readers slow down to relish more fully its simple distinction.... A novel of strong contemporary significance." -Chicago Tribune
"That rare literary phenomenon, a Southern novel with no mildew on its magnolia leaves. Funny, happy, and written with unspectacular precision." -Vogue
"Novelist Lee's prose has an edge that cuts through cant, and she teaches the reader an astonishing number of useful truths about little girls and about Southern life." -Time
To Kill a Mockingbird was also awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1961.

My Review: After reading so many old, school-assigned books that I had never heard of before, I was actually excited to read To Kill a Mockingbird, a book I had heard so much about. It didn't disappoint. I can honestly say that this has been one of the only school assigned books, where I actually read ahead of what was due to be read. It's a very eye-opening book, and I'm glad I've read it. I think more people should read books like this and would recommend this book to anyone middle-school aged and up. A good book, that doesn't necessarily have to be read just in the classroom.

The Hunger Games

Yes folks it's true, I've finally gotten around to reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and I'm so glad that I have.

Summary:
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.
Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love. (Summary found at http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/about-the-book.htm)

Official Reviews:  "I was so obsessed with this book....The Hunger Games is amazing." Stephanie Meyer author of the Twilight series.
 "exciting, poignant, thoughtful, and breathtaking by turns" Elizabeth Bird of the School Library Journal
"brilliantly plotted and perfectly paced the considerable strength of the novel comes in Collins's convincingly detailed world-building and her memorably complex and fascinating heroine." John Green of The New York Times
"closest thing to a perfect adventure novel" Rick Riordan
Kirkus Review also gave the book a good review but writes "poor copyediting in the first printing will distract careful readers—a crying shame"
Stephen King praised the addictiveness of the book but said the "displays of authorial laziness that kids will accept more readily than adults" Overall he rated the book with a B grade. (Reviews found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games)

My Review: After months of being told by multitudes of people how much they enjoyed reading the Hunger Games, I finally borrowed it from the library and I wasn't able to put it down. The plot is intense with twists and turns on every page. A phenomenal book (and hey, with the holidays right around the corner, it'd make a great gift). There are more violent adult themes so I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone under twelve, but otherwise, I would recommend it to everyone. Oh, and in case you haven't heard, the Hunger Games movie comes to theatres in the US March 23, 2012. May the odds be in your favor.
I know I've probably said this a million times, but I do need your help in expanding this website. I'd love to read what you thought of this book or any other book I've reviewed, and if you have a book suggestion for me, leave a comment and let me know. For mobile updates you can check out my twitter page and follow the Teen-Reads-Referee @Teen_Reads_Ref. Thank you so much for your support, and remember, with your help we can spark the Reading Revolution.

New Icon

Hey folks, so so far, I have gotten no help in creating an icon. So... The other day, I took this photo, did a little editing on it, and created a new icon that I think is far more poppy and flashy than the old one. Personally I like it waaaay better. So, if you like it great! Let me know! If not, you can still submit images that you'd like to become the new icon. Until next time... Keep Reading!

Graceling by Kristen Cashore

The debut novel by Kristen Cashore.
Summary: Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.
She never expects to fall in love with beautiful Prince Po.
She never expects to learn the truth behind her Grace—or the terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.
With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more. (Summary found at http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/hmhbooks/graceling/)

Official Reviews: Unfortunately all of my Critique reviews that I usually research are hidden within the vast void that is the internet, and I returned my copy of the book to the library before having the chance to write down the reviews, so, here are some Awards and Nominations the book has received found on (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graceling) :
Graceling was shortlisted for the ALA's William C. Morris YA Award, is an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, was a Cybils finalist (Fantasy/SF category), and was a finalist for both the Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy (the SFWA's award for YA given concurrently with the Nebulas) and the Indies Choice Book Awards (Best Indie Young Adult Buzz Book category). Graceling won the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance 2009 Young Adult SIBA Book Award. The book also was awarded:

• Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year 2008
• School Library Journal Best Books of 2008
• Booklist 2008 Top Ten First Novels for Youth
• 2009 Amelia Bloomer List
• 2009 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Finalist^]
• Nominated for 2010 Washington Evergreen Award
• Nominated for 2010-2011 Eliot Rosewater Award

Sue Ellen Beaureguard, author of Top 10 first novels for youth on audio of the Audiobook review, said that it had "[m]any layered fantasy adventures."

My Review: After reading "Fire" the follow-up book by Cashore, I'll admit, I was a little tentative to pick up Graceling. "Fire" was a book I wasn't able to get into easily, but I was pleasantly surprised after reading "Graceling". The story plot was very original (characters 'Graced' with certain abilities, the mix-matched eyes, the seven kingdoms, unlike anything I've ever read before), and I did enjoy the unfolding chemistry between the two main characters Prince Po and Katsa, though it didn't fully overpower the book. I would recommend this book for older readers however as it has sexual references in the book, and I'm pretty sure there are some mentions of alcohol. Probably more geared towards girls ages fourteen and up. Otherwise, a pretty good book that I would definitely read again.

You know how this goes, that's what I thought of this book, but I need to know what you think. Have you read the book? Do you have any questions? Tell me what you think. I need YOUR help to start the Reading Revolution.

Coming Soon: Expect reviews for the classic book "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, and "Daniel X" by James Patterson author of the "Maximum Ride Series". Keep Reading.

Teen-Reads-Ref needs a new Icon Contest

Hello fellow bloggers. It has recently come to my attention that my icon for this site is amateur looking at best. 

I know a lot of people are good at making art on the computer, so I've decided to hold a little contest. If you are a fan of this blog (or not and just feel like entering a contest) you can create an icon that represents this site. You can create it however you want and once you have created it, you can post a link with your picture in it under the comment box and maybe just maybe, YOUR artwork will become the next Teen-Reads-Referee icon!

Rules of the Contest: (Yes there are rules.. Very few rules, but rules nonetheless)

#1 No porn. Nothing inappropriate. This is supposed to be a kid-friendly blog so let's keep the images that way.

#2 You can enter up to five images for the contest. No more than five though.

#3 The deadline for this contest will be December 31st 2011 at 11:59 pm. After that I will accept no more images.

I've always tried recognizing people for their work, so if you would like to be recognized, you can put your first name, or make up a   pen name. NO LAST NAMES OR OTHER PERSONAL INFORMATION. I don't like sounding like a control freak or anything, but I want to make sure this contest is safe.

Well ladies and gentlemen so that's about it, start designing. I hope to see some awesome icons. Together we can start the reading revolution.