Royally Jacked by Niki Burnham

Back/Inside Cover:

Valerie's life is pretty good. While she's not the most popular girl in school, she does have decent grades, great friends, and a potential boyfriend. All a girl could want.

Then her mother announces that (1) she's gay, and (2) she's leaving Valerie's dad for her girlfriend. Just when Valerie is getting over this bombshell, her father tells her he's gotten a new job working for the royal family of some obscure European country.

Valerie's would has come unglued. She can either stay in Virginia with her mom and her über-organized, veggie-burger-eating girlfriend, or go with her dad, leaving everything she knows for some place she's never heard of. Valerie opts to go, and quickly discovers that it was a mistake-until she meets the prince, and all bets are off!

My Thoughts:

This was a very good book. Not one of my favorite books from the cartoon series, but still a good read. It was a lot quicker than I had anticipated it to be, but that doesn't mean it wasn't good. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't even more about the prince and the relationship there, but whatever, I will continue to insist that it was good. So yeah. Good read.

Recommendations for...:

Teen girls. Preferably 15 or 16 to relate to the characters, but other high school ages work. No boys on this one, it's pretty girly in a couple places!

Price, genre, publisher, info.:

US $5.99

CAN $8.99

Romantic Comedy

Simon Pulse

http://www.simonsays.com/

The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols

Back/Inside Cover:
Lori lives for summertime on the lake. She spends all season wakeboarding, swimming, and hanging with her friends-including the two hotties in the house next door. With the Vader brothers, Lori's always been one of the guys.

But while Lori and the "baby" brother, Adam, are inseparable friends, she can't deny a secret crush on Sean, the older Vader boy. This year Sean's been paying Lori a lot of attention, and not in a brotherly way.

But just as Lori decides to prove to Sean she's girlfriend material, she realizes that her role as girl friend to Adam may be even more important. And by trying so hard for the perfect summer romance, she could be going way overboard. . . .

My Thoughts:

This is one of my favorite books. I may have said that about a lot of books already, but truly, I will be able to read this over and over again and just eat it up over and over. I can't do that with any book since I can't stand knowing how everything is going to turn out, but this is one hell of a book. I said that if there was one book that you read in a year that it was the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but if there was one book that you read in your life this would HAVE to be it! I'm serious, it's that good. You'll know exactly what I'm talking about when you read it. Now go buy it already! You know you want to!!

Recommendations for...:

High school girls only. If you're trying to be mature for your age, you won't know what the hell the book is talking about! This truly is for high school girls only. Freshman year is probably even a stretch. You shouldn't read this truly until like your sophomore year. I know I didn't read it till then and I'm totally glad I didn't read it in 9th grade. You can just relate to the character a lot more and books are ALWAYS better when you relate to the character!

Price, genre, publisher, info.:

US $6.99

CAN $7.99

Romantic Comedy

Simon Pulse

http://www.simonsays.com/

How NOT to Spend Your Senior Year by Cameron Dokey

Back/Inside Cover:
Rule #1: If at all possible, don't pretend to be something you're not. Specifically, don't play dead. Trust me on this one. I did it, so I should know.
Jo O'Conner has spent her whole life moving around. When it comes to new schools, there's not a trick in the book about starting over that Jo doesn't know. But life is about to teach her a new trick: how to disappear entirely.
Rule #2: Always expect the Spanish Inquisition, no matter what anyone else does.
They have to move again. Now. This very night. Jo knows better than to argue. Her dad is the key witness in a major case against a big-time bad guy. But Jo just can't resist one last visit to the school where she's been so happy. All she wants is to say good-bye. That can't cause any problems, can it?
Rule #3: Never assume you can predict the future.
Now Jo's one last visit has landed her smack in the middle of a ghost story. Specifically, her own. By the time it's over, she'll have a whole new set of rules about what's real, what's make-believe, and-most of all-what's important.

My Thoughts:
This was a great book. It is kinda misleading on the back cover, cuz it isn't exactly a ghost story, but it kinda is at the same time. I know, I know, I just totally and completely contradicted myself, but that's really the only way to say it. Anyway, it was a good book that kept me guessing and wanting to read through the end. It's a great read.

Recommendations for...:
This is for teen girls. This could work for girls as young as maybe 7th grade, but that might be a stretch. Definitely high school girls and 8th graders at the end of the year before high school. No boys on this one.

Price, genre, publisher, info.:
USA $5.99
CAN $8.99
Teen Romantic Comedy
Simon Pulse
http://www.simonsays.com/

Whale Talk by Chris Cutcher

Back/Inside Cover:

There's bad news and good news about the Cutter High School swim team. The bad news is that they don't have a pool. The good news is that only one of them can swim anyway.

A group of misfits brought together by T.J. Jones (the J is redundant), the Cutter All Night Mermen struggle to find their places in a school that has no place for them. T.J. is convinced that a varsity letter jacket-unattainable for most, exclusive, revered, the symbol (as far as T.J. is concerned) of all that is screwed up at Cutter High0-will be an effective tool. He's right. He's also wrong.

Still, it's always the quest that counts. And the bus on which the Mermen travel to swim meets soon becomes the space where they gradually allow themselves to talk, to fit, to grow.

Together they'll fight for dignity in a world where tragedy and comedy dance side by side, where a moment's inattention can bring lifelong heartache, and where true acceptance is the only prescription for what ails us.

My Thoughts:

This was a very good book. Not one of my favorites, but still, it was an amazing, very well written book. It didn't jump out at me like some books do, but I will keep insisting until you get it in your head that this is a good book. It has a little bit of a slower pace than the books I'm used to reading. It has a lot of background information in it. But again, very good book.

Recommendations for...:

This could be for girls or for boys. It would probably fall under the high school level of reading. It's a simple read.

Price, genre, publisher, info.:

US $5.99

CAN $7.99

Teen Fiction

Dell Laurel-Leaf

http://www.randomhouse.com/teens

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

Inside Cover:

Once there was a pair of pants. Just an ordinary pair of jeans. But these pants, the Traveling Pants, went on to do great things. This is the story of the four friends who made it possible.

Lena: Accompanies the Pants on their stay in Greece. But in a moment without any pants, she sparks a chain of events in which the person she suddenly distrusts most is herself.

Tibby: Invites the Pants to cameo in her suckumentary about the lameness of her hometown, then lends them to a kid who's about to star in the most surprising scenes.

Bridget: In an act of Pants bravado, tries to sneak them onto a soccer field in Baja California . . . and hopes they'll help her make a conquest in love.

Carmen: Is ashamed as the Pants witness her transformation from the saucy Carmen Carmeena into the wicked stepdaughter when her summer vacation doesn't go as she planned.

Quirky, irreverent, and written from the heart, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is the story of four best friends, the biggest summer of their lives, and the magical pants that bring it all together . . . an extraordinary celebration of life, laughter, roots, and self-discovery.

Back Cover:

1. You must never wash the Pants.

2. You must never double-cuff the Pants. It's tacky. There will never be a time when this will not be tacky.

3. You must never say the word "phat" while wearing the Pants. You must also never think "I am fat" while wearing the Pants.

4. You must never let a boy take off the Pants (although you may take them off yourself in his presence).

5. You must not pick your nose while wearing the Pants. You may, however, scratch casually at your nostril while really kind of picking.

6. Upon our reunion, you must follow the proper procedures for documenting your time in the Pants.

7. You must write to your Sisters throughout he summer, no matter how much fun you are having without them.

8. You must pass the Pants along to your Sisters according tot he specifications set down by the Sisterhood. Failure to comply will result in a severe spanking upon our reunion.

9. You must not wear the Pants with a tucked-in shirt and belt. See rule #2.

10. Remember: Pants = love. Love your pals. Love yourself.

My Thoughts:

This is one of my favorite books! The entire series is a series that no teen girl should ever go without reading. It brings the reader into the story in their own way, and makes sure that you can connect with at least one of the characters. This is a magical book that you absolutely have to read!

Recommendations for...:

With is for all teen girls. Ages, 15 and up. Well, maybe 14. Idk. Basically 7th grade and up. However old that is. Anyway, this is an absolute must read! If you only read one book during your teen years, make sure this is it! I love this book and the rest of the series. They are truly amazing!

Price, genre, publisher, info.:

US $14.95

CAN $22.95

Teen Fiction - Romance and Friendship

Random House Children's Books

http://www.randomhouse.com/teens

http://www.travelingpants.com/

Sierra Jensen Collection, volume one by Robin Jones Gunn

Back/Inside Cover:
Only You, Sierra - The Europe mission trip brought Sierra Jensen the best gift possible: two new friends, Katie and Christy. But now Sierra is headed home, and she can't help but wonder, will her friendships last? And what about her new home? Her family moved while she was gone, and that means facing a new high school. And the biggest question of all: Will she ever find love? Then a chance meeting in a London airport answers that question. Paul makes her heart leap. But she'll never see him again! Or will she?
In Your Dreams - Sierra has had it! She's done everything she can to find the right job, good friends, and most important, true love. But nothing is working out. Now she has to stay home to care for her grandmother. By herself. for the whole weekend! It will be terrible. But a series of startling surprises shows Sierra just how wrong she is-and before she knows it, she's on her way to the perfect job, her frist real date, and an encounter with a mysterious stranger.
Don't You Wish - Sierra has three wishes: visit her California friends; have her older sister, Tawni, disappear; and learn more about the mysterious stranger. When Easter break arrives, Sierra's first wish comes true! She's headed to Newport Beach for fun,sun, and surf. Unfortunately, not only does Tawni not disappear, she accompanies Sierra on her escape. What's worse, everyone has a boyfriend except Sierra. But will her wishes begin to change as she realizes God wants to mold her according to His wishes?

My Toughts:
I absolutely love this book! I can't get enough of it! I mean, this girl is practically me minus I'm not as responsible as her, I don't think any 16 year old is, that I've traveled around Europe on a mission trip, let alone without any of my family members, oh yeah, and that she is like the perfect Christian girl! I mean, I am responsible and all, but not like her. She could practically live on her own! Well, the Europe thing, I have been to Europe, and I have been on a mission trip without any of my family members, but the two were completely different trips and about, oh, well, 7 years apart! And I am definitely no where near being a perfect Christian, but I know that God still loves me anyway. I am trying to get my friends to be better Christians, but it isn't exactly working that well. Anywho, who cares about my life and what not?! You're here to read what I thought about the book! So, back to that, it is an amazing book that I know I'm buying for friends for Christmas. I have already purchased the fourth one for a friend who's reading the series with me! Yep! Well, get out there and buy it already! It truly is a wonderful book with some great advice that your parents probably wouldn't ever think of giving you, let alone know to give you. Hope you enjoy it!

Reccomendations for...:
Definitely teen girls. I think 7th graders would be the lowest grade I would recommend this to because 6th graders just wouldn't be able to relate. 7th grade is probably even a stretch. But yeah, no boys for this one! This has to be the girliest book on the planet. No kidding! Ha ha, but it's still good!

Price, genre, publisher, info.:
US $14.99
Teen Fiction
Multnomah
http://www.mpbooks.com/

South Beach Sizzle by Suzanne Weyn and Diana Gonzalez

Back/Inside Cover:
Road trip! Lula Cruz has her last summer before college all mapped out. She's checking out of NYC and checking in to the sizzling hot "SoBe" scene with her best friend, Jeff.
When their day jobs get to be a drag, they spice things up by entering a local band contest. And spicy it is! Turns out that the hottie Lula keeps running into is also her band's toughest competition! Enrique might seem like the perfect guy, but as things heat up Lula has to wonder: Can she trust her biggest rival with her heart?

My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There really wasn't ever a dull moment. The authors did such a good job as to making me feel connected to the character that I cringed whenever she would. I really got in to this book and was able to connect to the character on a deeper level than just reading about her and her best friend. This is a great book that I and probably going to end up giving to a friend as a gift sometime soon!

Recommendations for...:
This is for teen girls. I tend to read only teen girl books as I am a teen girl myself - so get used to it! Ha ha. This might be for girls just out of high school and going in to college, but it was a super simple read for me, and let me just say I'm still in high school. Anyway, this is an amazing book and good for a boring day during the summer when all your friends are off doing something and you're too lazy to do anything yourself.

Price, genre, publisher, info:
US $5.99
CAN $8.50
Romantic comedy
Simon Pulse
http://www.simonsaysteen.com/

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Back/Inside Cover:
Everybody gets to be supermodel gorgeous. What could be wrong with that?
Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license-for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a tunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.
But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world-and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

My thoughts:
I absolutely LOVED this book. I fell in love with the characters and the plot line very quickly. I will admit that the first paragraph or so is a little wierd, but if you could just get past that then you won't be able to put the book down until you're done. I'm serious. I have read the entire trillogy, and I can't wait to get my hands on the fourth one! This is a very captivating series.
This book is under the "teen fiction" genre, but is also a kind of romantic novel. I mean, it isn't all about romance or anything like that, but you will find that it is part of the plot. All in all, it is an amazing book that I believe any teen girl who loves to read should pick up.

Reccomendations for...:
This series would be more for teen girls. I mean, pre-teen girls might be able to relate to it, but you might want to wait until you're 15 or so. This wouldn't be for guys at all. There are mushy parts that I'm not sure you guys would enjoy.

Price, genre, publisher, info.:
US $7.99
CAN $10.99
Teen fiction
Simon Pulse
http://www.simonsaysteen.com/

Okay, this is for not only for me to review what books I did and didn't like, but also so that I can advise friends on books I think they would like to read. So, here it goes!

Alex

P.S.
I tend to read a lot and quickly. I mean, I don't exactly read the kinds of books that will take me a month to read. It might take me that long to read a book due to homework and other commitments I have to honor, but I go for the books that are quick reads. I have also recently noticed that all the books I absolutely LOVE are published by Simon Pulse. I mean, there are other publishers that publish books I love, but the majority are published by Simon Pulse. So I guess I like romantic comedies. I definitely know I like romantic kinds of books, I mean, all the books I like tend to have some sort of romance in them, and I don't even try to do that or anything! It's just how things work out. Idk, but yeah.

<3 Alex