All the Feels: Teen Summer Reading Program

Who is the club for?

All the Feels is for teens going into grade 8-12 or ages 13-18.

When does the club begin and end?

The club starts on July 1st and ends on August 31.

How to Register:

1.     In person in the teen or children's section of the library!

2.     Online:  Email us your name, age, and phone number!

How to Participate:

Submit book reviews: Read books and submit short reviews to us each week for a chance to win great prizes! Reviews can include the name of the book, the author, why you liked or didn't like the book and why, and a rating out of 5. Check out the many places you can submit reviews below!

Submit a review:

1.   In person: Stop by the teen section or the children's department and tell any staff member about the book you just finished!

 

2.   Drop off a hand written or typed review at the Teen Scene desk:  Write us a review at home or use printed review form available in the teen section.  Written reviews can be submitted in the teen department in the review box!

3.   Twitter:  Using 120 characters or less tell us why they liked or didn’t like the book!

 

4.   Instagram:  Get creative and submit us a review on Instram!  Make sure to follow the OPL Teen Instagarm account and use the hastag #allthefeels2016!

5.   Facebook:  Follow us on Facebook and submit a short review to our Facebook wall.

6.   Review online on your reader profile:  Create an account and submit a review!

7.   Call:  Call us at 705-325-2552 ext 220 and leave a voice mail review!

8.   Draw a picture: Get creative and draw a review.  Submit it in the review box in the teen section.

 

What kind of prizes can I win?

Book review prizes: 

·         Free books

·         Journal and pen sets

·         $10 gift certificate to Manticore Books

·         $10 gift certificate to Dr. Comics

·         Free slice of pizza

Passport to Awesome prizes:

·         Mini journals

·         Gum

·         Buttons

·         Bookmarks

Grand prize draw:

·         $100 gift certificate to Manticore Books

How else can I participate?

Pick up a "Passport to Awesome!"

Passports are available in the teen section, children's department and at the check out desk.  For every book you check out, program you attend (drop in or registered), or boredom buster you complete in the teen section staff can initial the circles on the passport.  On your fourth circle you get a prize.  Its as easy as, 1, 2, 3 FREE! Prizes are available in the teen section, children's department or check out desk. When you complete your passport make sure you submit it to us at the library for your chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Manticore Books!

What about programs?

We have tons of great programs happening this summer!

Teen Writers Group: Tuesday, July 5, 12, 19, & 26, 6-7:30 pm.  (FREE) Teens are invited to this four week workshop for youth entering grade 8-12 every Tuesday in July. Local author Rachel Lang will also help teen writers to complete a short story to be submitted to our Teen Summer Writing Contest. Registration required. (Location: teen section).

Creative Writing Contest: July 1-August 31.  Youth in greades 7-12 are encouraged to submit a piece of creative writing.  Submissions can include a short story or poem.  (Fan fiction is encouraged!).

Thursday Crafternoons: (FREE) Every Thursday from 3-5 pm in the teen section.

• July 7: Paper marbling in the teen section!  Create your own unique paper post cards, book marks, stationary and more. 
• July 14: Selfie Buddies:  Create a one-of-a-kind selfie buddy so your never alone in your pictures!
• July 21: Emoji Key Chains:  Pick our your favorite emoji to create an expressive and unique key chain out of felt.
• July 28: Create your own hand painted adventure sign!

3D Print Challenge: August, 2nd from 5-7:00 pm.  Drop by and let us teach you how to use our 3D printer for FREE!

Paleo artist workshop with Club Rex: Friday August 5, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Club Rex artist, dinosaur expert, and interesting guy, Alex Nelson, is hosting a small teen workshop for kids ages 13 and older to have some hands-on time with cool dinosaur casted fossils and learn to draw them in a new and detailed manner. This program is $4 each. Registration begins Saturday, June 11. Space is limited.

Nerdy Terrariums:  Thursday August, 4 from 3-5 p.m. in the teen section.  Teens are invited to drop by the teen section and create their own unique themed terrariums. (FREE).

Bookmark Weaving: Thursday August, 11 from 3-5 p.m. in the teen section.  Always scrambling to find where you left off in your book?  Come get creative and make your own woven bookmark. (FREE).

Tie Dye Drop-In: Thursday, August, 18^th 3-5 p.m. in the teen section.  Get ready to rock that socks with sandals look.  Drop in and create an awesome pair of tie dye socks with us anytime between 3 and 5 p.m.! (FREE).

Film Critics League: Thursdays, July 14, 21, 28 and August 4, 11, and 18 5-6:30.
Planning to watch a lot of movies this summer? Why not join our league and review some flicks with us! The League will be given a list of 7 movies, 1 assigned for each week of the program.  At each program, we will discuss and review the movie (while eating yummy popcorn!) Ages 16-22yrs - for more info and to register send us an email.

Inklings Apprentice: Wednesdays, July 13, 20 and 27th and August 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 4:30-5:30 pm. A junior version of our popular Inklings program, now for ages 13-16yrs!  BYOCB (Bring your own colouring book) to this FREE, drop-in program or choose one of our intricate pictures to get started.  Professional markers provided!

Dungeons and Dragons: Mondays, July 4, 11, 18, and 25 and August 8, 15, 22, 29, 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the teen section. Cost $8 per 8 week session. Teens, ages 15-22, are invited to learn D&D with teen experts each week. Please register to join the game. Dwarves, kobolds, thieves, rangers, DMs, barbarians and rest are all welcome to play.  Monthly prizes and weekly snacks provided. Email to register.

Dungeons and Dragons Apprentice: Tuesdays, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the teen section. Cost $8 per 8 week session.  D&D Apprentice is for tween and teens, ages 12-15.  They are invited to learn D&D with teen experts each week. Please register to join the game.  Monthly prizes and weekly snacks provided.   Email to register.

For any additional questions contact us today by email or phone (705-325- 3552 ext 212).

 

 

 

Fandom Lock-In was Nerdtastic!

What a Fandom filled lock-in for 30 teens!

On Friday, March 11th, OPL hosted 30 teens after hours to kick off March Break Week.

The evening started with the Sorting Hat dividing our teens into Fractions.

The Fractions competed for glory with Fandom Trivia!

Onto Fandom Sc-Avengers Hunt!  Teens competed in challenges ALL OVER THE LIBRARY!  They were tested by brawn, ingenuity and bravery!

In the end, the Mortal Instruments Fraction prevailed and Pizza was had by ALL!!!

Thanks to the Teen Advisory Board, Lindsey and all our volunteers that made for an awesome event! We cannot wait for the next one!

March Break Programs!

This March Break celebrate your favorite Fandom at the
Orillia Public Library! 

Start your  March Break off by signing up for The Fandom Games teen only lock-in!  On Friday, March 11^th from 5:30 to 7:30  we will be taking over the library and participating in 13 unique challenges that will test your fandom knowledge.  Free pizza included! 
This is a registered program for youth in grades 9-12. Add yourself to our Facebook Event!
The Fandom Games Lock-In!

Join us on Monday March 14th for a seven hour Dungeons and Dragons marathon quest!  This is a registered program for youth 16 to 22 years old.  Anyone interested, regardless of experience, is encouraged to come!  People new to the program should meet in the teen section at 11:00 a.m. to work with a volunteer to create their character.  All materials for the program are provided.

We can fill your Thursday March 17th afternoon from 3 to 7 p.m. with drop in Fandom crafts from 3-5 and a special Fandom themed Inklings program!  Inklings is a program for teens who like to think outside the box but colour in the lines.  Inklings is a colouring program for youth 16 to 22.
Can't make it to one of your teen programs?  No problem! 

Stop by the teen section any day from March 12^th to 19^th to play board games, make one of our Fandom crafts or complete the Fandom Games scavenger hunt. 

To register for a program or for more information contact Lindsey today at ltoutant@orilliapubliclibrary.ca or call 705-325-2338 ext 212.

TEEN BOOK REVIEW: Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

Good Reads Summary

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it's too late.

In this edgy and compelling novel, Lauren Oliver creates a world of intrigue, loss, and suspicion as two sisters search to find themselves, and each other. 

Vanishing Girls has a magnificent plot line and story. The characters in this novel we’re great, they were very relatable and had unique personalities. The main character “Nick” who was the oldest sister was a great character to follow throughout the story, her determination and willpower to find her sister made her the best character to lead us through this novel.

The ending of this novel will really have you gasping. It has the most unexpected ending and will keep you wanting more. The novel is extremely well written and the grammar was extremely good as well.

Lauren Oliver is an amazing and creative author. This novel will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat, till the very last page.

I highly recommend this novel to teens who like a mystery thriller read.

Teen Review

 

“Vanishing Girls” is an amazing novel written by Lauren Oliver. This novel is about two sisters, in which one goes missing and the other sets out to find her, whether her sister was kidnapped or ran away she’ll have to find out the truth the hard way. Vanishing Girls will always have your jaw dropping, with its unimaginable twists and unexpected events. The ending will definitely shock you.

Vanishing Girls has a magnificent plot line and story. The characters in this novel we’re great, they were very relatable and had unique personalities. The main character “Nick” who was the oldest sister was a great character to follow throughout the story, her determination and willpower to find her sister made her the best character to lead us through this novel.

The ending of this novel will really have you gasping. It has the most unexpected ending and will keep you wanting more. The novel is extremely well written and the grammar was extremely good as well.

Lauren Oliver is an amazing and creative author. This novel will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat, till the very last page.

I highly recommend this novel to teens who like a mystery thriller read.

Anissa (Teen Reviewer)

TEEN BOOK REVIEW: Proof of Forever by Lexa Hillyer

Good Reads Summary

Then: That is, until the fateful flash of a photo booth camera transports the four of them back in time, to the summer they were fifteen—the summer everything changed.

Now: The girls must recreate the past in order to return to the present. As they live through their second-chance summer, the mystery behind their lost friendship unravels, and a dark secret threatens to tear the girls apart all over again.

Always: Summers end. But this one will change them forever.

Before: It was the perfect summer of first kisses, skinny-dipping, and bonfires by the lake. Joy, Tali, Luce, and Zoe knew their final summer at Camp Okahatchee would come to an end, but they swore they’d stay friends.

After: Now, two years later, their bond has faded along with those memories.

Teen Review

Proof of Forever is a heartwarming story that reveals what true friendship is, and that having it can affect you as a person. Four girls named Zoe, Tali, Joy and Luce, are all bound to Camp Okahatchee. Every summer they attend, as it is significant to their friendship. When their last summer at camp rolls around, they promise each other to be friends forever. Then, Joy leaves, and their friendship falls apart. Two years later, Camp Okahatchee has a reunion night, which they all attend. The four girls are transported back to that last summer at camp. This crazy, unexpected experience reveals secrets, gives the girls a second chance, and leaves them all asking one important question.

Are they stuck in the past?

In this beautiful, touching, and inspirational tale, Lexa Hillyer shows her readers the truths of friendship, and that when you receive a second chance, take it, as you may be surprised by what it leads to.

Overall, Proof of Forever was the most developed and complex book I've read this summer, even though it was Hillyer's first novel. I strongly recommend this novel to those looking for a soulful read, or those who like books that are thought-provoking. Hillyer's story will not disappoint, and will leave you breathless at the end. I guarantee you will not only enjoy, but learn something important from this book.

"What would you give for a second chance?"

Enjoy,

Tamara (Teen Book Reviewer) 

Teen SRC Wrap-Up Party!

On Friday, October 9th from 4-6 p.m. we are having the teen summer reading wrap-up party! Come play library mini golf, create your own book journal, eat pizza and win fantastic prizes! We're also giving away goodie bags filled with treats, book marks, buttons, and a $10 off library fines gift card! Registration required. Open to teens in grade 7-12. Call 705-325-2338 ext 212 to register.

Teen Book Review: Finding Paris by Joy Preble

Amazon Summary:

An evocative and compelling story of two sisters who would do anything for each other-perfect for fans of Thirteen Reasons Why and Speak. Joy Preble's stirring new novel explores the lengths to which sisters go to protect each other, and the winding road that brings two strangers into each other's lives.

Sisters Leo and Paris Hollings have only ever had each other to rely on. They can't trust their mother, who hops from city to city and from guy to guy, or their gambler stepfather, who's moved them all to Las Vegas. It's just the two of them: Paris, who's always been the dreamer, and Leo, who has a real future in mind-going to Stanford, becoming a doctor, falling in love. But Leo isn't going anywhere right now, except driving around Vegas all night with her sister.

Until Paris ditches Leo at the Heartbreak Hotel Diner, where moments before they had been talking with physics student Max Sullivan. Outside, Leo finds a cryptic note from Paris-a clue. Is it some kind of game? Where is Paris, and why has she disappeared? When Leo reluctantly accepts Max's offer of help, the two find themselves following a string of clues through Vegas and beyond. But the search for the truth is not a straight line. And neither is the path to secrets Leo and Max hold inside.

Teen Review:

Finding Paris is about two sisters, Leo and Paris, driving around Las Vegas to Heartbreaker's diner. All is well until Paris abandons Leo at the diner with a stranger. What started out as a casual drive to a diner, turned into a scavenger hunt with Paris leaving clues around Las Vegas, claiming she's being forced to do all these things. Leo and the stranger, Mack Sullivan, drive around and around to different clues that lead them all the way to California. With not so caring parents Leo is left scared and wondering if her sister was really kidnapped or is this just some sick joke.

An unbelievable journey with a twist ending leaving you wanting more. I really enjoyed this book. It was adventurous, suspicious, and keeps you at the edge of your seat the whole way through.  I found this book was medium pace but it was perfect for me.

Joy Preble is an exceptional author in the adventure genre. I rate this book 4.5/5 and would recommend this book to book lovers that liked the book Looking For Alaska and/or Paper Towns.

Cassidy (Teen Reviewer)

Teen Book Review: The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine

Amazon Summary:

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she's not popular, not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet good girl who's always done what she's supposed to-only now, in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change but doesn't know how.

Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe's: star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, and on the fast track to a brilliant future-until he was expelled for being a "term-paper pimp." Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change but doesn't know how.

One fateful night, their paths cross at Wren's family's Arthurian-themed catering hall. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are-and falling in love.

Book Review:

Wren Caswell doesn’t like being told what she can and can’t do. Maybe that’s what caused the profoundly attractive, Grayson Barrett, to seek out the seemingly average girl also known as Wren. Or maybe it’s because she saved his life.

Wren Caswell has always been comfortable with being the quiet one, until it no longer proved to be beneficial. Grayson Barrett was a little too confident at times, but together they were just what the other needed. I enjoyed this book quite a lot. And the fact that I enjoyed it quite a lot surprised me because I’m not usually a fan of realistic fiction however, I found myself unable to put the book down.

I fell in love with the characters after every new page as I watched them develop throughout the entire novel. I fell in love with Wren’s character especially because she became so confident and so strong! This book portrays love, friendship, loyalty and strength. If you love the realistic fiction genre and don’t know what to read next, this should definitely be your next read!

Enjoy!
Rachel (Teen Reviewer)

Teen Book Review: Uncertain Soldier by Karen Bass

Amazon Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Erich is a prisoner of war working at a northern Alberta logging camp. Twelve-year-old Max goes to school—reluctantly—in the nearby town. The two would be unlikely friends, except that neither has anyone else to turn to. At the height of World War II, nobody wants to befriend a German. It doesn’t matter that Erich was forced into the military by his father, or that Max was proudly born in Canada. They are both easy targets for the locals’ grief and anger against the Nazis.

The other prisoners are no more welcoming, distrustful of Erich’s perfect English and his dislike for Nazism. Still, when a series of accidents shake the logging camp, they pressure Erich to question the Canadians and find the saboteur—even if his questions get him into trouble. Caught between angry prisoners and suspicious captors, Erich is afraid to take any action at all. It is only when Max’s schoolyard tormentors cross a dangerous line that Erich realizes that his real loyalties lie not with a regime or a country, but with his friend.

Teen Review:

Uncertain Soldier by Karen Bass is an exciting story that gives insight to what it was like in a Canadian prisoner of war camp during World War 2 as shown from a local boy and a German prisoner’s point of view. Daily struggles and conflicted viewpoints are shown from both prisoners and civilians, accurately portraying people from either side of the war.

I really enjoyed this book. There are some books I’ve read that have fulfilled the saying “I can’t put this book down”, and this was definitely one of them. The storyline constantly progressed, and it was entertaining. The story was easy to follow and I got a sense for the characters as I read because there was the switching viewpoint. It was realistic too, events in the book did or could’ve happened.

I found the characters relatable too, I could understand where they were coming from with their actions and feelings. It was also nice how it shows that not all the Germans were evil, some were just fighting for their country or forced to fight. I would recommend this especially to those who likes mystery stories or World War 2, but to anyone since it was a good book.

Ian (Teen Reviewer)

Teen Book Review: Fairest (Lunar Chronicles Series) by Marissa Meyer

Goodreads Summary:

In this stunning bridge book between Cress and Winter in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles, Queen Levana’s story is finally told.

Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the fairest of them all?

Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now.

Marissa Meyer spins yet another unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes full-color art and an excerpt from Winter, the next book in the Lunar Chronicles series.

Review:

“Fairest” a novel from The Lunar Chronicles series. This novel will never fail to leave the reader guessing, with all it’s plot twist, tragedies and heart shattering moments. This fantasy romance novel will pull on your heart strings at one moment and in a flash turn your mood from angry to content. With Marissa Meyer writing you’ll have to expect a twist upon any of her novels.

The main character Levana is a young determined princess, who shadows her sister Channary. Channary is soon to be queen, she doesn’t like all the politics and the problems of war with the land. She would rather be out partying, unlike Levana. Levana wishes to rule but will never rule due to being the second born. Levana has been through a lot, whether it was the bullying from her sister or the fear of what happened to her years ago in the accident. Levana’s problems are far vast. She’s falling for a man she barely knows personally, but one thing she does know is he’s married. What will she do?

This dark and deep novel will make your jaw drop, at every problem encountered. This crazy story will end with a grand finale but will keep you stuck staring at the last words wishing it wasn’t over. The story was extremely well written and is simply marvelous! I recommend this novel to anyone who likes a fantasy romance read.

Anissa (Teen Reviewer)

BOOK REVIEW: The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler

Good Reads Summary:

When Alice's father goes down in a shipwreck, she is sent to live with her uncle Geryon--an uncle she's never heard of and knows nothing about. He lives in an enormous manor with a massive library that is off-limits to Alice. But then she meets a talking cat. And even for a rule-follower, when a talking cat sneaks you into a forbidden library and introduces you to an arrogant boy who dares you to open a book, it's hard to resist. Especially if you're a reader to begin with. Soon Alice finds herself INSIDE the book, and the only way out is to defeat the creature imprisoned within.

It seems her uncle is more than he says he is. But then so is Alice.

Book Review:

The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler is filled with adventure, a little romance and fantasy. Alice, the main character in the book is a studious young lady who after losing her father goes to live with one of her uncles who she has never met. In her new home, a mansion also known as "The Library" she meets Emma, a plain looking girl who is a servant on the estate. As Alice begins to settle in and explore her new home, she starts to question what happened to her father and looks to the others in "The Library" for answers, this is where the book gets interesting.

 

 

Django Wexler does a good job describing Alice and the other characters in the book so that it is easy to build a picture in your mind of what the characters are doing and expressing. The author chose the right number of characters so that the reader would not be confused about where they fit in. There are lots of plot twists that keep you interested. Each twist had lots of detail, and many supporting ideas that helped you feel connected to the novel. The chapters are the right length for reading in the car and the right length for capping over what was happening, enough detail so it was a good story but not too much that you would lose interest. It was an easy book to read and understand. I liked that the author put some images in the book. As the book goes on, Alice's adventures become more extreme. Alice moves into a fantasy world full of fairies, magic, and monsters. One of my favourite quotes from the book is:

 

"Ashes," Alice said, in a tone of extremely strained patience. "Where are we?" He sighed, which was an odd sound to hear from a cat.

"We're inside the book, of course. The one you read; The Swarm." Alice laughed.

"You're not serious."

"Don't ask questions if you don't want to hear the answers," Ashes said. He swished his tail, offended, and started off down one of the corridors. Alice, feeling the first thrills of fear, hurried after him.

"All right, all right," she said. "We're inside the book. How did we get here?"

"You brought us," the cat said. "You have the gift, apparently. You're a reader."

 

If you like fantasy books, action and mysteries, then this would be a great book for you to try to unravel. Once you begin you won't want to put the book down!

By Jillian (Teen Reviewer)

Teen Book Review: The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Grey

Amazon Summary:

   For fans of Cassandra Clare's City of Bones and Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke & Bone, The Girl at Midnight is the story of a modern girl caught in an ancient war.

     Beneath the streets of New York City live the Avicen, an ancient race of people with feathers for hair and magic running through their veins. Age-old enchantments keep them hidden from humans. All but one. Echo is a runaway pickpocket who survives by selling stolen treasures on the black market, and the Avicen are the only family she's ever known.

     Echo is clever and daring, and at times she can be brash, but above all else she's fiercely loyal. So when a centuries-old war crests on the borders of her home, she decides it's time to act.

     Legend has it that there is a way to end the conflict once and for all: find the Firebird, a mythical entity believed to possess power the likes of which the world has never seen. It will be no easy task, though if life as a thief has taught Echo anything, it's how to hunt down what she wants . . . and how to take it.

But some jobs aren't as straightforward as they seem. And this one might just set the world on fire.

 

Book Review:

    

     Melissa Grey’s “The Girl at Midnight” showcases the exotic and adventurous lives of the ‘Avicen’ people and will leave you on the edge of your seat. This story is narrated similar to a movie; where the characters are vividly expressed through a spectator-like position.  The reader is able to get a full grasp on all that’s happening.

     The story’s brisk plot-line and moderately short chapters allows the tale to flow together with ease making it an easy and enjoyable read. It is an upbeat and fascinating book that showcases the exploration of the legend of the Avicen. Overall, I really enjoyed this book as it has a little something for everyone and kept me engaged throughout every page. If you are a reader of magic, action, adventure, or all of the above, this book is perfect to satisfy your literature needs. This book was very well written and I would definitely recommend it. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars ★★★★★. Next time you step into your local library make sure to give this book a go!

 

Happy reading!

~Jenna (Teen Reviewer)

“One needs only a single match to start a fire”

“Every good fairy tale has a kernel of truth to it.”

~Melissa Grey, The Girl at Midnight

Teen Book Review: All Fall Down by Ally Carter

 

Amazon Summary:

Grace Blakely is absolutely certain of three things:

1. She is not crazy.
2. Her mother was murdered.
3. Someday she is going to find the killer and make him pay.

      As certain as Grace is about these facts, nobody else believes her -- so there's no one she can completely trust. Not her grandfather, a powerful ambassador. Not her new friends, who all live on Embassy Row. Not Alexei, the Russian boy next door, who is keeping his eye on Grace for reasons she neither likes nor understands.

      Everybody wants Grace to put on a pretty dress and a pretty smile, blocking out all her unpretty thoughts. But they can't control Grace -- no more than Grace can control what she knows or what she needs to do. Her past has come back to hunt her . . . and if she doesn't stop it, Grace isn't the only one who will get hurt. Because on Embassy Row, the countries of the world stand like dominoes, and one wrong move can make them all fall down.

Book Review:

     All Fall Down is about Grace Blakely a 16-year-old teenager struggling for answers. It's been three years since she watched her mother die. Her mother's death was ruled an accident but Grace knows her mother was murdered by a man with a scar. Three years and nothing has changed; until Grace's grandfather decided that she should live in the US Embassy with him. All is well, until Grace finds the murderer of her mother, the man with the scar. Also, Grace is reunited with some old friends and makes some new ones from the Embassy Row. Even with some help from her friends nobody believes Grace and they all think she's going crazy… again.

     Ally Carter is the New York best-selling author of her two series, Gallagher girls and Heist society. I personally thought the beginning of the book was slow but the more you read the book, the better it got. It was pretty fast-paced and I couldn't put the book down until I was finished. I would recommend this novel for mystery lovers. Overall, I gave this book a 4/5 rating.

~Cassidy (Teen Reviewer)

Teen Book Review: Galgorithm by Aaron Karo

 

Amazon Summary:

A romantic comedy that’s “a good choice for fans of John Green” (Booklist) about high school, heartbreak, and having all the answers.

What if the secrets of dating and love were revealed in one simple formula? That’s the tantalizing proposition high school senior Shane Chambliss offers the hopeless and hapless guys who come to him for relationship advice.

After the girl of his dreams breaks his heart, Shane devises a mysterious formula called the Galgorithm and establishes himself as the resident dating guru at Kingsview High School. But his attempts to master the art of romance go outrageously awry.

As Shane tries to navigate the ensuing drama, he must follow his heart, abandon all the rules, and ignore his own advice in a quest for true love. What he discovers, no formula could ever predict...

 

Book Review:

     Galgorithm is a book about a boy named Shaun who has had a terrible break-up, and has tried to make an algorithm to help fellow guys on how to get the girl of their dreams.  But... He seems to be having trouble with his own love life.  Though he has calculated everything to the last smile and batting eyelash, he soon discovers that no one can figure out the inner workings of the female mind.

 

     I would rate this book a nine out of ten, because of the originality and how the author describes the characters.  I also like how the chapters weren't extremely long and every time you started a new chapter it was like the author introduced a new problem that needed fixing.  I would most definitely recommend this book to people who love a good comedy and romance because every time I opened the book and started reading I was laughing to myself, and the occasional scandal occurred.  Overall, this book is one of my new favourites.  It is a must read and I hope you read it this summer.

Margaret (Teen Reviewer)