The Pigman and Me, by Paul Zindel - Biography

Paul Zindel must have felt compelled by an irresistible force to expound upon a childhood that in a biography reads as well as his novels. Paul and Betty could just as well have been John and Lorraine just as Nonno Frankie became Angelo Pignati. Staten Island becomes as familiar as home just as the streets and avenues score themselves into our memories as the carvings on the desks we saw 280 days of each year in our own schools.

The Pigman and Me, by Paul Zindel - Biography

The Pigman and Me, by Paul Zindel - Biography

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The Pigman and Me, by Paul Zindel - Biography

The Pigman and Me, by Paul Zindel - Biography

Zindel's family problems are reflected mirror-like in those of John and Lorraine, but other less personal problems, like racism and poverty (if they can be considered less personal than family) erupt with the clarity and lucidity of a sucker-punch. The combining of the two families under one roof is unusual but not unheard of just as the depiction of small town residents as zombies is obviously hyperbolic, yet, to some degree, credible.

Nonno Frankie's concern for the life of the apple tree symbolizes the deeper truths that form the foundation for moral behavior and stands majestically as a tribute to the lasting permanence of integrity that transcends the passing changes that overtake children in their pursuit of identity and the meaning of life. His incessant humor revives memories of undying, childish frivolousness so necessary for the bonding of friendships among children. Something has to offset the constant flood of disappointments and hurts that flow from the novelty of growing up in a strange and threatening environment. Nonno's pranks to wake up the zombies were analogous to the antics of John in the classroom, the mischievous behavior that should expected of normal, growing, young adults.

Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction. If I were to include more than twenty Lassies in a story, it would be regarded as beyond belief. But, I did have twenty borzois at one time; so, the prospect is not inconceivable. Paul Zindel's life as described supports the credo that one should write based on experience. But, that does not undermine the potential for exercising extensive creativity that stretches the imagination beyond the threshold of belief through the willing suspension of disbelief. Fiction knows no bounds.

Evaluation: This biography is not essential to understand the novels that grew from Paul Zindel's experiences, but it helps to understand the mind that created the Pigman which itself personifies a universal ideology. The reading level is lower than the novels and far easier to understand. Hence, I see this narrative as a good basis for teaching characterization, setting, and dialogue as well as the idea of biographical sketches. The tone is simple and reader-friendly with enough humor to make the reading a pleasure rather a chore.

Recommendation: For the slow reader, this would be a motivating text to offer tasty tid-bits of the humor, philosophy, adventure, and emotional involvement that are more extensively offered in the novels of Paul Zindel. I would use it even for non-readers as a tool to break the shell of apathy since it would work well as story-telling material. It is not so much an autobigraphy as it is a preparatory statement to give pertinent background to answer inevitable questions.

Teaching: For advanced readers, I would use this as supplemental background information that confirms the tenet that good writing comes from real experiences. For less motivated readers, this text and styles lends itself well to emulation so that minimal success will reap greater rewards.

The Pigman and Me, by Paul Zindel - Biography

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

My mother, a literature teacher, often says that literature is a reflection of reality.

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

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Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

So I think I get your drift, Suzanne Collins. You have made Katniss Everdeen an unlikeable character - selFish, undecided, stubborn, impulsive - as your heroine to drive a point that imperfection is real. And that in itself has made Katniss, and the enTire trilogy, one comMendable story - a reflection of the society we live in, flawed, but undoubtedly real.

Mockingjay is the last book in The Hunger Games Trilogy. In Catching Fire, I decided I don't like Katniss that much. And that opinion still holds true even after I finished Mockingjay. Katniss is the same selFish, undecided, stubborn, and impulsive 17-year old girl from District 12, but this time she is recuperating in District 13 after being rescued by the rebels from the arena during the Quarter Quell. Yet despite her imperfections, she is still perfect for her role as the lead character. Or rather, it is because of her imperfections that she is perfect for the role. Wouldn't it be boring to have a perfect proTAGonist? No thrill there.

Mockingjay speaks prominently about war. From the start of the story, there has been war, not just the war being prepared by the rebels against the Capitol, but the war that is raging inside Katniss's being. War, indeed, no matter how noble the motives are, does not offer the best solution to problems. It is a win-some-lose-some way out of any dispute, and more often than not, it hurts the innocent ones the most.

***SPOILER STARTS HERE***

TOTALLY UNEXPECTED. This is probably the best I can describe Mockingjay. Most of my predictions turned out wrong, such as who will die and who will live, who's the traitor and who is not. I have been rooting for the Gale-Katniss loveteam ever since Book 1 but then it turns out, Suzanne Collins had other plans.

One thing I noticed though is how some scenes that I think deserve more attention were a little bit rushed. I believe Finnick's death deserves more page-time, if there is such a word. And Katniss's trial, too. But then again, as I've said, the turn of events are totally unexpected. Which makes Mockingjay all the more an extraordinary story.

I especially love the ending. Of how it speaks of hope and the anticipation of a more perfect world. It is such a bittersweet finale that more than compensates all the dislike I felt with Catching Fire. The Hunger Games Trilogy may be imperfect, but it is its imperfections that make the series worthy of acclaim.

Mockingjay is one great read most especially for its intelligent plot. I may not be the ultimate YA fiction fan, but this is one book, or make that the trilogy, which I will not easily forget.

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Hunger Games Symbols

In this article we will take a look at a number of symbols used in the book The Hunger Games and discuss their meanings. The Hunger Games, like many good fiction stories that came before it, has something to say about our present day and age.

Hunger Games Symbols

Hunger Games Symbols

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Hunger Games Symbols

Hunger Games Symbols

The Mockingjay: The mockingjay is a prominent and powerful symbol used in the book. Each contestant in the game is allowed to take something that is a reminder of their district. Katniss chooses to carry the mockingjay pin. The mockingjay is a real bird in the book, and is a species that resulted from the interbreeding of jabberjays and mockingbirds. Jabberjays were created by the Capitol by genetic engineering. A jabberjay was a bird that had the purpose of spying on the rebellion and reporting back to the Capitol. Once the rebels figured this out, they began to give the jabberjays false information and so the jabberjays became useless to the Capitol. The jabberjay was also a way for the Capitol to prove that they could literally control every living thing under their dominion. The mockingjay therefore becomes a symbol of something that the Capitol creates that escapes their control and ultimately becomes a free entity.

Panem: Panem is the name of the place that was once North America. It has thirteen districts under the dominion of the Capitol. This symbolism sets up an expectation of a revolution since America began as thirteen colonies ruled despotically by a ruler off in the distance; England.

The Tracker Jacker: Again, this is a genetically engineered creature, created by the Capitol. This again demonstrates the power and will to control all living creatures and bend them to their purposes and will.

Reality T.V.: That the games are broadcast and cast as a sort of reality program brings up a number of other ideas. Studies have shown that the average person is much more likely to cause suffering to another, when told to do so, if they can somehow keep an impersonal barrier up, such as if the victim is wearing a hood. Even though it is called 'reality television,' the fact that people are in the media makes them less real to the viewers and so they don't mind seeing them suffer, unlike if they were personally involved with the people. During the Viet Nam War, the news broadcast daily statistics about casualties but viewers just became numb to the fact that real people were dying because they were just numbers.

Dandelions: These flowers symbolize hope in the story because Katniss saw them right after Peeta showed compassion by giving her Food one day.

Hunger Games Symbols

The Hunger Games-What Does Panem Look Like?

The Hunger Games trilogy is set in some indeterminate time in the future ... to time after great disasters and droughts. Early in the Hunger Games, Mayor Undersee reads the history of Panem (an annual ritual at the Reapings). It reads: "He lists the disasters, the droughts, the storms, the fires, the encroaching seas that swallowed up so much of the land, the brutal war for what little sustenance remained. The result was Panem, a shining Capitol ringed by thirteen districts ... "

The Hunger Games-What Does Panem Look Like?

The Hunger Games-What Does Panem Look Like?

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The Hunger Games-What Does Panem Look Like?

The Hunger Games-What Does Panem Look Like?

Some details are provided about the nature of some of the districts, but it's hard to get a visual on what Panem is like, how big it is and how vast (or not) the districts themselves may be. Panem, we know is located in North America. There are now only 12 districts (district 13 having been destroyed)where there used to be 30 states and provinces. We know that District 12 is small with a population of 8.000. It feels like everybody knows each other, and most residents can fit in the public square during reapings. The only buildings we hear about in The Hunger Games and Catching Fire are courthouses, mayor's homes and governMent buildings. There are no skyscrapers, large downtowns or suburban sprawl anymore. All the major cities could have been completely destroyed.

But while the districts might be small, it seems the land in which they reside is still quite large. We know the trains that take Katniss and Peeta around Panem travel at 250 mph. We also know that District 7 and District 10 are en route from District 12 to the Capitol. Here are some notes I've compiled about thethings we know about Panem, the districts and some of the people who live there.

CapitolIt says explicitly in The Hunger Games that the Capitol is in the Rocky Mountains. As in the other districts, it is likely that people in this area are named by the things around them. For example, mountains are Snow-capped, giving us President Snow.

District 1 -Luxury Items-This district is known for Supplying the Capitol with its luxury goods. The boy tribute, Marvel, is killed by Katniss (her first kill) and he killed Rue. The girl, Glimmer, is killed by tracker jacker stings.

District 2 -Industry unknown-however the two tributes are Clove and Cato. Clove is a spice grown from a specific evergreen that only grows in warmclimates, native to humid areas specifically. Cato is killed when Katniss and Peeta shoots his hand pushes him into the horn of cornucopia and he falls. The muttations feed on him all night until Katniss finally shoots him to put him out of his misery. Clove is killed by Thresh, saving Katniss's life.

District 3 -Factories, electronics and explosives. Wiress Beetee &, as well as the boy who re-creates the land mines in the Hunger Games, are from District 3. The boy tribute (name not known) was killed by Ed because he did his Job a bit too well setting up the mines from the platforms to protect Supplies. Girl (also unnamed) dies on first day.

District 4 -Fishing. Tributes from this district excel at swimming, and it is indicated they comefrom a warm climate (Finnick is shirtless much of the time). In The Hunger Games the boy tribute dies the first day at Cornucopia. The girl was killed from Katniss dropping the hive/nest tracker jacker on her.

District 5 -Industry unknown-The boy tribute dies on the first day. Peeta kills Foxface accidentally with poisonous berries.

District 6 -Industry unknown-what we do know is that in Catching Fire, Twill and Bonnie, were able to jump the train outside District 6 and walk in a matter of days to District 12. This means it would have to be reasonably close to District 12. Both tributes from District 6 died on the first day.

District 7 -Lumber/Trees-nothing is really known about this district. Both tributes diedon the first day of the Hunger Games. Johanna Mason though, is Dressed as a tree for the parade before the Quarter Quell.

District 8 -Textiles/Clothing-In Catching Fire we meet the refugees from District 8, Twill and Bonnie, names that coincide with the main industry of their district. They describe it as being "chilly". Katniss remembers that it was an "ugly, urban place ... with no chance to learn the ways of nature."

District 9 -Generates Electricity-The boy tribute died the first day. The girl died on the morning of the second day; she was the one who lit the fire under/near Katniss's ' s tree and led the Careers to her.

District 10 -Livestock/Cattle-Katniss Mentions that the District 10 tributes are Dressedas cows with glowing belts. It's unknown how the boy tribute died, but it was in the morning of the day Katniss blows up the Careers ' Supplies. The girl tribute died on the first day.

District 11 -Agriculture/Orchards-Rue specifically cites orchards, and climbing trees. When traveling to District 11 on the Victory Tour, Katniss observes an extreme temperature difference-the Snow where she is from against it being quite warm in winter. Katniss also wonders how far south they've traveled on the train. Cato kills Thresh while the District 1 boy kills Rue.

District 12 -Coal Mining-This district is described as being in the area formerly known as Appalachia. The district is also pretty compact compared to some others with a population ofjust 8.000 people. There is one big clue to where district 12 might be, that we don't get from reading the book, but from listening to Suzanne Collins read it. She reads Katniss with a southern accent.

District 13 -Graphite Mining/Nuclear Power-There is speculation that some of the inhabitants may have moved underground after the district was destroyed. It is also described as once being the furthermost district, beyond District 12 (in its absence, District 12 is described as "the end of the line").

The Hunger Games-What Does Panem Look Like?

Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

One thing about waiting too long to read a book so deliriously talked about by most people is that you get to read more about the reviews and how everyone is raving about it, and so you set your expectations much too high.

Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

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Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire is the second book in The Hunger Games Trilogy, and almost 6 months after I read the first book, I get to read the sequel. I voluntarily restrained myself (with much effort, of course) from buying the last two books because of a self-imposed book challenge (where I'm failing miserably, as of the moMent) I set at the beginning of the year.

Catching Fire begins with Katniss Everdeen back at District 12 preparing for the Victory Tour. Now and then, she sneaks into the woods and meets up with her bestfriend Gale as she usually did beforethe Games. Katniss is finally beginning to enjoy her victory from the Games-a new and much comfortable house, plenty of Food on the table, and an opportunity to help some of her neighbors. But things are starting to change in her District-the activation of the electric fence surrounding the District, the appointMent of a new Head "Peacemaker, the demolition of the hob. Katniss then gets a visit from President Snow himself, who directly threatened her if she does not act according to the wishes of the Capitol. Rumors of uprising in the surrounding districts are heard and Katniss is caught in the midst of a rebellion she has not planned to get involved in.

I know, as I've said, before I got to read Catching Fire, I already have high expectations about it. Who will not, when almost allI see in Goodreads ratings are 5 stars. Sad to say, though, I do not share the same elation.

Catching Fire does not have the same Fast-paced action and suspense as The Hunger Games. I find the first half of the book dragging and boring, and this is where I start to get annoyed with Katniss. She just cannot make up her mind. Though, I must concede, she's been through a lot, not to discount the fact that she has been through near-death experiences in the Games. Still, a 17-year old can make decisions for herself, right? Like when she decided to take the place of Prim during the reaping, or when she decided to eat those berries "towards the end of the Games. Why then can't she make up her mind what she feels towards Peeta? Or to Gale? Then again, that really happens. Being torn betweentwo lovers. Haha. But still, I expect a wiser and more determined Katniss, after all that she went through while she was fighting for her life at the arena. And all that kissing. I may be a little prudish here, but a 17 year-old girl who goes about kissing a guy she says she does not have any romantic feelings for, is for me, a little overboard. Katniss may have been doing it for the cameras, but I think Suzanne Collins here is trying to force the romance angle for more publicity.

If I can divide and rate the book in two parts, I give 2 stars to the first part before the Quarter Quell, and 4 stars to the second part-the Quarter Quell itself. I love the genius idea of a game that ' simulates a clock. I love the action and the suspense and how you cannot know who are the enemies andwho are the allies. There are characters too from the first book that I have grown more fond of like Cinna and Haymitch and President Snow. I love that President Snow has more appearances here than in the first book. His character is very interesting.

Catching Fire, despite its seemingly sTAGnant peace, gives a lot of promise. It provides just the right amount of suspense-teasers-to urge me to immediately read the last book in the trilogy. I am willing to overlook the apparent (and probably, intended) lull in the pace of the story and find out whether Suzanne Collins can actually deliver the perfect conclusion to this amazing saga.

Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay The Hunger Games Book 3

In the third and final book of The Hunger Games, Katniss has once more escaped the warrior's arena with her co-tribute Peeta, for whom she has feelings but cannot quite put them into words, and yet she is now called on to lead the revolution as the Mockingjay.

Mockingjay The Hunger Games Book 3

Mockingjay The Hunger Games Book 3

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Mockingjay The Hunger Games Book 3

Mockingjay The Hunger Games Book 3

In Book 1, Katniss and her co-tribute Peeta, are sent to The Hunger Games Arena as representatives of District 12 and they make it to the winner's platform and are thanked for their survival. Katniss and Peeta were to have settled down and lived a quiet life of safety and contentMent.

However, as we later found out in Book 2, President Snow and Panem see Katniss and Peeta's victory differently. There are rumors of rebellion in the Air and they seem to swirl around the pAir of Hunger Games winners knowrather than their quiet, safe life together, Katniss and Peeta are pulled into a world of more intrigue as President Snow and company try to determine if Katniss is, indeed, the leader of the revolution or just an innocent dupe. Indeed, the President makes a special trip to District 12 to see Katniss, whose home District also happens to be the poorest area that sends its tribute to Panem and The Hunger Games.

After planning the 75th Anniversary "Games," Katniss and Peeta have to savage their opponents again to attain victory again.

Book 3, opens with Peeta suffering from an apparent case of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) after two rounds of nearly constant battle and fear. All he wants is a little quiet and some understanding, however, Katniss becomes the> Mockingjay-the real leader of the revolutionary moveMent.

It does make sense as Panem is very upset with the Katniss/Peeta team for surviving the trips to the arena and President Snow and his circle are equally as upset. The only welcome Katniss receives is from the revolution and being a natural leader she takes over as the Mockingjay. By worrying about Katniss and her partner, Panem and Snow have driven Katniss, now the ultimate warrior, into the arms of the revolution. It is a classic self-fulfilling prophecy.

In Book 3, we also find best-selling and award-winning author Suzanne Cole changing direction. Not only is she starting to wind things up to their conclusion, but she is broadening the characterization of all of the parties involved giving Katniss tolarger-than-life persona and role and leaving her real love, Peeta, to suffer through bouts of PTSD alone. Another love interest appears but when one is finished, one realizes that Peeta is her soul-mate.

Peeta's soul-mate, on the other hand, is now almost a universal soldier, committed to the savagery and war. She has become the ultimate warrior and Panem feels her anger.

Author Collins used her considerable writing skill to make Katniss believable, as well as the situations in which she finds herself. Overall, Book 3 is a fitting lid for The Hunger Games. Collins is able to bring things to a successful conclusion that, as the old ads used to say, will "leave you at the edge of your seat." She does that and more in her crowning achieveMent in the Hunger Games.

Mockingjay The Hunger Games Book 3

Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry How To Guides

Knowing how to clean and care for your Sterling Silver Jewelry is not as simple as you may think. These instructional tips give you the know-how on cleaning your sterling silver properly with out damaging the finish and making your items last from generation to generation.

Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry How To Guides

Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry How To Guides

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Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry How To Guides

Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry How To Guides

Step # 1: Deciding on the proper cleaning products to use is some what confusing and extremely important. Choosing products such as: bleach, ammonia, alcohol, acetone, and other such products can damage your Sterling Silver beyond repAir. Stay with a mild cleaner and be sure to dilute them with water (just to be safe). Some good home products to use are: baking soda, non-abrasive tooth pastes, phosphate free detergents mild as well as commercial silver cleaners.

Step # 2: Choosinga cleaning brush. Be careful on the type of brushes you choose to deep clean Sterling Silver. Stay away from hard bristle brushes and abrasive style with horsehAir brushes. The best cleaning brushes to use may be a baby tooth brush, a mushroom brush, very soft bristle toothbrush also consider using a sunshine Cloth, which can be used wet or dry.

Note: When cleaning Sterling Silver always clean up and down motion NOT in circular motion.

Step # 3: When drying your sterling silver jewelry choosing the proper Cloth material should be taken very carefully. Use 100% cotton materials such as: old t-shirts, sweat shirts, cotton balls, soft flannel materials (unbleached), and silver wipes. Using these types of home and commercial materials can help prevent yourSterling Silver from being scratched or even completely damaged.

There are many misconceptions on what to do to keep your precious Sterling Silver Clean and lustrous. Following the steps provided will insure your Sterling Silver will be taken care of properly and will last a lifetime.

Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry How To Guides

Gemstone Refractometer

There are a lot of people who are interested in looking for and finding gemstones. Whether a hobby or a means to earn money, finding gemstones can be quite exhilarating and exciting. There are many electronic devices that are used by people who make searching for gemstones their hobby or work. One of these is a gemstone refractoMeter. This refractor is one of the most powerful tools being used when it comes to the identification of gemstones.

Gemstone Refractometer

Gemstone Refractometer

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Gemstone Refractometer

Gemstone Refractometer

A gemstone refractoMeter works at measuring the angles that are made by light rays as they bend or refract during their moveMents from side to side. This device gives out in reading or what is known as the Refractive Index or RI that can be seen on a scale which is visible through the refractometer's eyepiece. As an RI is exclusive toeach particular kind of gemstone, a refractometer is very effective in the identification of most kinds of gemstones. However, this device is not the one that should be used to differentiate between stones that are synthetic and natural because it does not have the capability to do this.

Stones having at least one surface that is polished and flat are usually the ones with which the gemstone refractometer is being used upon. While most refractometers could read to up to 1.81 RI, there are others that could get higher readings than this. The refractometers that are capable of higher readings are often used on gemstones that have a higher RI. Among these are some imitations of diamonds, some specific types of garnet and real diamonds.

Gemstone Refractometer

Best Books for Young Adults

This guide contains recomMended books for young adults between the ages of 13 and 21. The goals of this guide is to encourage young people to read. Young adult don't really hate to read, they just say, "I don't like reading", "this book is so boring", they just haven't found the right book to read, this recomMendations below might give them some new ideas about what to read next. There are thousands of new books published for young adults each year we pick only the best one.

"Twilight (series)" by Stephenie Meyer

Author: Stephenie Meyer, Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2005-2008, Language: English, Country: United States, Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Young-Adult Fiction

Review: Twilight is a very dramatic but exciting love story between a regular, 17 year old, girl named Bella, and a gorgeous, nearly 100 year old, vampire named Edward. Bella is forced to move into the small town of Forks, with her father Charlie. There wasn't anything fancy in the town of Forks. It rains all the time, and the sun never seems to shine, this town has nothing great, until Bella finds the Edward Cullen. Once Bella finds the Edward, she can't keep thinking about them. I really enjoyed seeing Bella and Edward going through the ups and downs of their relationship, the fact that Bella and Edward have a mutant baby together just freaks me out to no end and gives me nightmares that keep me up at night. I fully recomMend reading these books, enjoy this touching story that will leave you wanting more as you read into their romantic love story. Series: 1. Twilight (2005) 2. New Moon (2006) 3. Eclipse (2007) 4. Breaking Dawn (2008)

Similar Books: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, Tithe by Holly Black, Eragon & Eldest by Christopher Paolini.

"Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson, Publisher: Viking, Pages: 278 pp (Hardback), Country: United States, Genre: Fiction

Review: Wintergirls is about an 18 year old anorexic girl named Lia dealing with anorexia nervosa. She wants to be thin, so thin that she disappears and her body is breaking down and dying because of it. The book begins with the death of Lia's best friend (also suffering from an eating disorder) who dies in a motel room all by herself. Lia not only deals with her anorexia, but with a broken family and cutting problems. This was definitely another amazingly heart-wrenching book written by Anderson about a painful topic that many girls are going through every day. For all of those who have read Speak, please take a look at Wintergirls! this is one of the best Young Adults books I have read.

Similar Books: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

"The Hunger Games (trilogy)" by Suzanne Collins

Author: Suzanne Collins, Publisher: Scholastic 2008-2010, Language: English, Country: United States, Genre: Adventure, Science fiction, Young adult

Review: The Hunger Games trilogy is a science fiction love story that takes place thousands of years in the future, where the United States is governed by one Capitol and divided into thirteen districts, the story is about a 16 year old girl Katniss Evergreen in a fantasy world called Panem (Latin for "bread") and who is "chosen" to fight in a to-the-death battle with other children in other districts, the winner of the Game will return with Food for their district. The story is beautifully crafted and so unexpected. So many twists and turns that keeps your eyes glue to the pages. The first book was amazing it sets the story and fills us in on the history of Katniss Evergreen. The second book - has a twist in it that you don't see coming. The whole moMentum of the story got slowed right down in the third book, the last couple of chapters in book 3 "Mockingjay" had me shedding tears for sure but she finally gets her happiness. I always enjoy reading a book that forces the reader to think deeper than what is simply on paper, and Suzanne Collins has mastered that with these books. The story is advertised as YA, but that doesn't mean it's suitable only for young adults.

Similar Books: The Maze Runner by James Dashner, A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin.

"The Giver" by Lois Lowry

Author: Lois Lowry, Publisher: Bantam Books - 1993, Pages: 179 p. (paperback edition), Country: United States Genre: Soft science fiction, Dystopian fiction

Review: The Giver is an exceptional novel about everyday life in a community with no feelings, color, war, or pain, everything is completely organized. This book is written from the perspective of Jonas who is an 11 year-old boy and the main character of this story. He lives with his father and seems to look and act different than the other people in his community. Then all that changes for Jonas when he turns twelve and is selected to receive all the memories that the society has never known, memories that will change his life forever. I loved The Giver because the plot was very creative, the theme was magnificent, and the setting was vivid, Lois Lowry used great descriptive words to bring the book to life. It's one of the best novels to share with young people, a story that they will remember long after they have finished it.

Similar Books: Messenger by Lois Lowry, Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry.

"Harry Potter (series)" by J.K. Rowling

Author: J.K. Rowling, Published: 29 June 1997 - 21 July 2007, Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books (US), Bloomsbury Publishing (UK), Country: United Kingdom, Media type: Print (hardcover and paperback)

Review: J.K Rowling's Harry Potter series was a brilliant work of literature and fantastic for helping younger readers build their vocabulary and learn important life lessons. For anyone who hasn't read the series and has just Watched the movies, the books are a must read. For those of you who are anti Harry Potter I would like to point out some of the saving qualities of these books. First, Potter has good healthy, relationships with adults. Second, Potter has relatives and a professor who do not like him. He shows that not everyone in the world will like you but that is not a requirement to having a good life. The books encourage imagination and creativity. There are other reasons but I think that J.K. Rowling has reintroduced reading for pleasure to our young adults and that is a feat indeed. J.K. Rowlings has a fantastic imagination. Harry Potter has been translated in over 67 languages, and the last four books were the Fastest selling books in history. I recommend everyone to read these books because they have something for everyone: fantasy and magic, action and adventure, monsters, romance and laughter, anyone at any age will enjoy this set. Harry Potter Series also in Best Fantasy Books of All Time Happy Reading to all.

Series:

1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997)

2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)

3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)

4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)

5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)

6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005)

7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)

Similar Books: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak

Author: Markus Zusak, Publisher: Knopf, USA (March 14th 2006), Pages: 550 (Hardback & Paperback), Country: Australia, Genre: Novel

Review: "The Book Thief" is the story of Liesel a German girl living near Munich during the Nazi uprising. One walks through Germany in World War II, along with Liesel and her best friend. Liesel is a orphan because her mother and brother freeze to death. The other unusual thing about the Book Thief is its narrator, Death himself. Everyone in the whole world seems to adore this book, one that actually touched me, and even made me cry more than once. Considering that the book is set in Nazi Germany, one may expect to find a bit more brutality but its lighter, its at Young Adult reading level. This book has my highest recommendation if you like stories set during World War II, if you want to read about a girl with such strength and emotion that it'll tear your heart out.

Similar Books: The Messenger by Markus Zusak, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne.

"Percy Jackson and the Olympians (series)" by Rick Riordan

Author: Rick Riordan, Publisher: Disney Hyperion 2005-2009, Language: English, Country: United States Genre: Fantasy, Young-adult fiction.

Review: If you like adventures then you will like this book. A fun, quick Young Adult read that adds adventure as well as some history about Greek mythology, an awesome series, especially for fAirly competent, but possibly reluctant, readers in 8th grade and up. The main character Percy Jackson 12-year-old teenage boy who sudden finds out his world is not what he thought it was and his life is suddenly full of magic, danger, and adventure. He is also being attacked by monsters out of Greek mythology. His mother brings him to Camp Half-Blood where he learns that he is the son of a god and a hero who has to go on a quest. I liked the idea of the Greek gods being located in the western hemisphere. I thought it was clever how Riordan incorporated Greek gods into the modern world in a very clever, fun way. Constant adventure and an easy to follow storyline keeps the attention of anyone and everyone that takes the time to sit down and open it, there is no excuse not to read this book because it is totally fabulous! Once you open it, it will keep you enticed all the way until the very back cover. It's not just a best book for young adults but for everyone, even us "adults" who still enjoy the kid inside us.

Series:

1. The Lightning Thief - June 28, 2005

2. The Sea of Monsters - May 3, 2006

3. The Titan's Curse - May 1, 2007

4. The Battle of the Labyrinth - May 16, 2008

5. The Last Olympian - June 12, 2009

Similar Books: Harry Potter Boxed Set by J.K. Rowling, Eragon, Eldest & Brisingr by Christopher Paolini.

"Hush, Hush" by Becca Fitzpatrick

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick, Publisher: Simon & Schuster - 2009, Pages: 391, Country: United States, Genre: Young adult, Fantasy, Romance

Review: Hush, Hush is the story written by Becca Fitzpatrick. It is written through the perspective of the main character, Nora Grey, an average high school student going about her business as usual until her Biology teacher rearranges the class seating and places her next to the sexy, mysterious, dangerous-looking new kid, Patch Cipriano. who is revealed to be a fallen angel with a dark connection to Nora herself. However, the reasons that Nora isn't the typical high school girl are many: she is independent, even at her age, because her mom travels a lot after her dad passed away. Her best friend Vee is obsessed with all the things Nora chooses to ignore - boys, shopping, and drama. The way the book was written was amazing. It never left you bored, or wanting to skip a few pages. I would defiantly recommend this book to girls mostly it's a romance book and it doesn't really seem to appeal to boys. Once you open the pages, you will not be able to put it down!

Similar Books: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain, Torment by Lauren Kate, Nightshade by Andrea Cremer.

"Vampire Academy (series)" by Richelle Mead

Author: Richelle Mead, Publisher: Razorbill, Language: English, Country: United States, Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

Review: The storyline is really great, and Richelle Mead uses flashbacks of what has already occurred to keep you guessing and to help fill you in at the right moment without giving too much away. Vampire Academy tells the story of Rose a seventeen-year-old Dhampir girl, who is training to be a bodyguard for her Moroi (Moroi are mortal vampires and wield the earth's magic elements fire, water, Air, earth) best friend, Vasilisa "Lissa" Dragomir. In the process of learning how to defeat Strigoi (the evil undead vampires) in St. Vladimir's Academy, Rose finds herself caught in a forbidden romance with her handsome instructor, Dimitri Belikov, while having an unbreakable bond with Lissa. The story was an overall good read, the main character is independent and funny, to be honest it was better than twilight, while Bella is weak and dependent, Rose is the exact opposite, independent and strong. I loved Watching the characters grow and develop especially Rose and Lissa. Throughout the series they mature so much and it is incredibly fascinating to watch. I will say that these books are for a more mature YA audience because there is mention of some more mature topics. I would definitely recommend this series. It's definitely my favorite vampire series!

Vampire Academy series:

1. Vampire Academy (16 August 2007)

2. Frostbite (10 April 2008)

3. Shadow Kiss (13 November 2008)

4. Blood Promise (25 August 2009)

5. Spirit Bound (18 May 2010)

6. Last Sacrifice [9] (7December 2010)

Similar Books: Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine, Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill, Chosen by P. C. Cast.

"Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson, Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux (October 1999), Pages: 197 pp (first edition, hardback), Country: United States, Genre: Fiction

Review: Speak is a short novel packed full of tremendous emotions and that dealt with a tragic situation of 14 year old girl Melinda so realistically that it felt real. Melinda Sordino is an incoming freshman that called the police at an end of the summer Party before high school started. She is friendless, outcast, because she busted an end-of-summer Party by calling the cops, so now nobody will talk to her. After that Melinda has been speaking less and less, to her parents and to the friends who have abandoned her because she called the cops during a summer Party. Her parents begin to see that something is wrong. They want to help their daughter but don't know how to. This book is very well written from a teen's perspective, you really get inside Melinda's head in this book, you really do feel Melinda's pain, you just don't know the reason behind it until the end of the book, it's just unbelievable, how good the author is at doing this, the author does a spectacular Job of capturing the essence of high school. Speak is a wonderful message of hope, with touches of black humor It's a very dark story but it is still funny too. I recommend this book to all young adults. Similar Books: Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Best Books for Young Adults

Best Books for Young Adults

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Best Books for Young Adults