Book Review: A Wrinkle In Time GN

Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle In Time: The Graphic Novel adapted and illustrated by Hope Larson

It was fantastic! The art was beautiful and things were how I pictured them originally! The dialogue was almost verbatim from the book, and that was awesome! Super awesome book!

--Zach

Book Review: Chi's Sweet Home

Chi's Sweet Home by Konami Kanata

This is adorable. That really sums it up for the most part. It's about a little kitten who gets separated from its mother and is found by a little boy named Yohei. Chi's Sweet Home is basically just small stories about a curious kitten and its new family. Always will bring a smile to your face. They keep the art style colorful, simple, and cute.

--Martha Rose

Book Review: B.Ichi

B.Ichi by Atsushi Ohkubo

In this world most people only use a small percentage of their brain power, but there is a certain group of people called "Dokeshi" who can unleash a higher percentage and the powers that come with it for one given condition. For our comical hero, Shotaro, his condition is that he has to do one good deed a day. He bumps into a girl name Mana, literally...while she's riding a motorcycle. He is fine (for the most part) and the two stick together. It seems like trouble can't help from seeking them down, and the friends are thrown into danger after danger. Shotaro seems to take it in stride, though, but could there be something beyond his smile?

Full of comedy and action, with some touching moments.

Rated Older Teen by Yen Press.

--Martha Rose

Book Review: Black Cat

Black Cat by Kentaro Yabuki

Train Heartnet was in a secret organization known as Chronos, working as an assassin. He had become rather infamous and had been deemed "Black Cat" as he would always deliver some bad luck with his ornate black pistol. Though the actual story starts years later. Train is an easy going bounty hunter along with his partner Sven. There is a lot of action packed just into the first volume! The pair of hunters go after a weapon smuggler who is dealing dangerous new technology, and cross paths with an elegant thief who offers to help. 

Overall a very good series with action, humor, and scenes that could make you tear up. 

Rated Older Teen by Viz Media.

--Martha Rose

Book Review: Death Note: Another Note

Death Note: Another Note--The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases by NisiOisiN, original concept by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata

To be able to see a person's life span: do you see this as a blessing or a curse? It might even make someone slip from the thin line between genius and insanity. 

A killer is on the loose in L.A. and it has the police baffled. Naomi Misora is an FBI agent presently on leave. One night she receives an email. Not just any email, one from the world's greatest detective, "L" himself. He needs her to be his eyes and ears on the current serial murders, dubbed "The Wara Ningyo Murders" by the public. Odd considering the detective usually goes after much bigger cases, ones where over millions of dollars are at stake. While investigating, many things come to light, with all sorts of twists and turns. A peculiar private investigator, who seems to know more than he lets on. The book has detective and killer dancing around each other like some sort of morbid game. The lengths someone will go to to prove a point, and complicated puzzles make you think. A killing thriller with humor dashed in.

I adore this book and I've read it several times! I'd rate it Older Teen for language, gore, and violence.

--Martha Rose

Book Review: Death Note

Death Note
Story by Tsugumi Ohba, Art by Takeshi Obata

Ever wanted to have the power of a god at your fingertips? A god of Death, to be precise. This is just what happens to high school genius Light Yagami. It fell from the sky and into his life--the Death Note. The human whose name is written in this note shall die. This is the catalyst. Light decides it is his duty to cleanse this rotting world of its evil, and become its new god, by killing criminals, the wrong, the unjust. Just like that, dozens of people start to die, all from "mysterious heart attacks." There are approximately 115 rules in the Death Note. Quickly, Light gains a name for himself. Masses of people, deciding all the deaths of criminals are from some higher force, dub him "Kira" (our lord and savior). Ironically enough, it stems from the English word "killer." Not to say the entire series is about Light ruling the world, not if the great detective known as "L" has anything to say about it! Only seen as an old English L and heard through an electronic voice, L is the greatest detective in the world. So, who do you think will win? The world renowned detective or the prodigy with a supernatural notebook? 

I love this series! It made me laugh, cry, and hold my breath waiting for more! 

Rated Older Teen by Viz Media.

--Martha Rose

Book Review: Dragon Drive

Dragon Drive by Ken-ichi Sakura

Ever wanted your own dragon? Well, as the name suggests, Dragon Drive is just that's about! Reiji Ozora is, to be blunt, kind of a loser. No special talents, and fails just about everything. Then one day his childhood friend, Maiko Yukino, introduces him to a new virtual reality game called Dragon Drive. Each player gets a dragon partner that is geared to their physical abilities, they fight other dragons to gain experience and level up. Reiji's dragon, named "Child," is extremely wimpy and of unknown nature. Reiji at first is disappointed, but after their first battle together, he realizes that there is more than meets the eye about his new little friend.

Rated All Ages by Viz Media.

--Martha Rose

Book Review: UnWholly

UnWholly by Neal Shusterman

I thought UnWholly, by Neal Shusterman, was going to start slow. I. Was. Wrong. It picked up so quickly and turned out to be even better than the first one! IT WAS SO FANTASTIC! :P

--Zach

Book Review: A Long, Long Sleep

A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

This book was so much more than I asked for in a holiday read. I came to the library asking for it because two people said it was more than worth my time. They were right. This book invoked such emotion in me that I felt everything this girl felt. More than that I related to her, I was her, am her. This book brought every sort of tear to my eye that you can imagine, from shock, happiness, love, hurt, and simply, devastating heartbreak. You will marvel at the excitement of the twists and turns. And grow to love the characters like they are real, because for a time they are. This book will throw you into a world we can't imagine ever seeing but is all the same amazing in its futuristic beauty, filled with things all too human that will never change, some of them good, some bad. I will never forget this book and it will always be one of my favorites.

--Aubrey

Book Review: Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre made me tired, not because I didn't like it, but because I stayed up late and got up early to catch up for book club. Jane is a great character. She is extremely upright and is not afraid to hurt herself for the sake of her good morals. The ending is great and it goes just how I wanted it to.

-Zach

Book Review: Cardboard

Cardboard by Doug TenNapel

I love Cardboard by Doug TenNapel! Everything he writes is so compelling! He is so interesting because he isn't afraid to write about people who aren't terribly awesome! Everyone should read all of his books.

Hoorah, hoorah!

--Zach

Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

AWESOME BOOK!!!

I loved it! Full of adventure; if you like adventure, read this book. Katniss Everdeen's sister is drawn during the reaping. Katniss takes her sister's place. She has to prepare and train; she must also figure out how to keep from getting killed.

--Breanna

Book Review: Semper

Semper by Peter Dudley

Dane has spent his life being groomed to take his position as Semper of the post-apocalyptic community of Southshaw when his father retires. Sixteen years old and barely a man, he is pushed into the role by his father’s sudden death, just as he has begun to question the web of superstition that holds his people together. Upon Dane’s initiation as Semper, his treacherous uncle turns his people against him with lies and violence and forces him and his new wife into exile in the wilds outside Southshaw, dooming them to die of radiation poisoning—or so he thought. In fact, his community has hidden and ignored more than he could ever imagine, and it becomes vital for him to unravel the truth so he can save his people and rebuild life in a ravaged world.

When I was first offered this book, I was somewhat skeptical. Self-published books can often be unoriginal, filled with mistakes, and downright boring. Happily, this book is an exception to that trend. Semper is a thought-provoking, nail-biting read. It manages to be fast-paced and include lots of action without neglecting character development. Unlike most YA authors, Dudley is unafraid to challenge his readers with mature concepts of marriage, leadership, and hierarchy without subjecting them to inappropriate or graphic content. I found the tone, setting, and themes of this book were very different from mainstream YA, but it was a difference that I very much enjoyed. This book is appropriate for 12 and over content-wise, but I think that those 14 and older would more fully appreciate it.

--Magdalen

Book Review: Ratfist

Ratfist by Doug TenNapel

Anything by Doug TenNapel is always a good book. Ratfist is another one of the many amazing stories by him. It is a story in which the protagonist is a bad person. I love the way Doug TenNapel is unafraid to write about people who aren't wholesome. It was a fun book to read.

--Zach

Book Review: The Last Sin Eater

The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers

The Last Sin Eater was a weird book! I was confused about what was happening in the beginning, but overall the plot line and drama was pretty good. I felt really bad for the sin eater and his wife. I actually never knew she had a book because I watched the movie first.

--Heather

Book Review: So Far From the Bamboo Grove

So Far From the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins

This book was so good! I loved it so much. It was very sad as well. It's a book I would definitely enjoy reading again.

--H

Book Review: The Mark of Athena

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

WARNING: This excellent review may spoil the plots of previous books in The Heroes of Olympus series. Read those books first!

This book was amazing! I would give it five stars! It's about seven demi-gods who fly off in a giant warship to uncover ancient relics, underground labyrinths, fight epic battles, and ultimately, save the world. The plot was fantastic. It kept me on the edge of my seat. At times, the suspense was almost unbearable. Other times, it almost made me want to cry (which I didn't do). Overall, an excellent read.

--Orpheus

Book Review: Case Closed

Case Closed by Gosho Aoyama

This was the very first manga I really got into and started to collect. In fact, the very first manga book I ever got was from this series! A forenote: the original title for this series is Meitantei Conan or Detective Conan. For copyright reasons they had to use Case Closed instead. Also, all the names have been "Americanized." Shuichi now Jimmy, Ran now Rachel, Kogoro now Richard, etc. 

The story follows teenage detective Jimmy Kudo, the modern day Holmes. One fateful day while at the amusement park, "Tropicla Land," with his childhood friend and crush, Rachel Moore, murder happens. Now then the actual case is solved rather quickly, but the problems for our young sleuth start afterwards when he sees some shady activity involving two men in black. Things turn sour when Jimmy is knocked unconscious and fed a mysterious poison that was supposed to kill him. Instead, when he wakes he realizes his body has been reverted to the age of an elementary schooler! With some help from his kooky neighbor and friend, Dr. Agasa, Jimmy takes the pseudonym Conan Edogawa. He moves in with Rachel, seeing as her father is a detective, it would give him more opportunities to find the men who did this to him. Body of a child and mind of a teenage detective, Jimmy Rudo leaves no case unsolved!

Rated Older Teen, from Viz Media.

--Martha Rose

Book Review: Blue Exorcist

Blue Exorcist by Kazue Kato

Rin Okumura was raised by a famous exorcist by the name of Fujimoto, alongside his younger fraternal twin Yukio. One fateful day he starts to see things that are naked to the average eye: demons. The same day Father Fujimoto is forced to reveal the horrible truth about Rin's lineage. He is the child of demon, the son of Satan himself. In a moment of emotional weakness, Fujimoto is possessed by the Devil. Even though Rin made sure the gate between the worlds didn't get breached, Fujimoto died. Now Rin swears to defeat his true father, but doing so means entering the suspicious True Cross Academy and becoming an exorcist. 

Rated Older Teen, from Viz Media.

--Martha Rose 

Book Review: Black Butler

Black Butler by Yana Toboso

Set in Victorian England, the story centers around the young Earl Ciel Phantomhive. Head of the successful Phantomhive family at the mere age of 12. There is also a shroud of mystery surrounding Ciel's own personal shadow, his butler, Ssebastian Michaelis. The tiny Early works as Queen Victoria's dog to uncover and take down the criminals of England's underbelly. Not to say there is no humor, the house's other servants make sure of that. Whether the gardener accidentally "broke" a tree, or the maid tripped and ruined all the plates, or the cook just decides to make a meal via blowtorch, their antics make you want to crack a smile. There are also the things far outside the norm, such as Death Gods, Devils, and Angels. 

Rated Older Teen, from Yen Press.

--Martha Rose

Book Review Bokuman

Bokuman, story by Tsugumi Ohba, art by Takeshi Obata

It's a manga about creating manga. The main character is a pretty average guy who has a talent for drawing. His name is Moritaka Mashiro. Then when his fellow classmate, Akito Takagi finds out about his drawing, he begs him to team up and make a manga. At first, Moritaka is hesitant about seriously considering it, knowing how hard it is to actually become a professional. Still, with the persistent Akito and a little push of encouragement from his crush, Moritaka accepts.

Rated T for Teen, from Viz Media.

--Martha Rose

Book Review: Animal Land

Animal Land by Makoto Raiku

It's a whole new world where the only inhabitants are animals. Well, until Monoke, a tanuki, stumbles upon a baby human! While having no sharp teeth or claws surely needed in such a world, the child does have the ability to speak and understand all the different animals. The tanuki are a fun and silly bunch, yet it is still survival of the fittest. They are usually the target prey of many animals such as wildcats, wolves, and lions.

A cute manga with fun characters. Rated by Kodansha Comics as Ages 13+.

--Martha Rose

Book Review: When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

This is probably my favorite book (depending on the day). If you don't like realistic fiction, read this book. It's still good. If you love realistic fiction, read this book. And then take a moment to wrap your mind about what you've just read when you're done.

This book is hilarious, an easy read, and I've never met someone who didn't like it. Now go, read it. I honestly don't know what else to say.

--A.


Book Review: Summerland

Summerland by Michael Chabon

"Don't judge a book by its cover." This phrase would definitely apply to Summerland. Now, this isn't the most upbeat book in the library, but it's far from the most boring.

 

This book starts out same old-same old with a boring character, and the plot may be somewhere along the lines of saving the/a world, but it's the journey (and the crazy characters) that set this book apart. Stick with the book and, I promise, the ending won't disappoint. At least it didn't disappoint me. Blame Michael if you don't like it, not me.

 

--A



Book Review: Mockingbird

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

This book is phenomenal.

If you're sad about somthing you'll easily relate to the character. If you aren't sad about something/someone you are.

This  book makes you laugh and cry. Not in a fantasy way. Legitimate feelings. Raw emtions.

Sometimes I feel like only childhood and tragedy can make us feel that...that closure.

This book is an easy read. It's plot is simple, but not easy.

--A



Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Take a moment to forget every good or bad thing you've ever heard about this trilogy. Seriously, do it.

This is a great book about a character you can probably relate to, her family, friends, and hard decisions.

Go pick up your copy of The Hunger Games,  go to a cozy spot you can read for a while (you won't want to put it down), and think about how much you love *insert noun*. Now, jsut read it and form your own opinion.

Why would mine matter to you?

--A

Book Review: The Lost Hero

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

In the sequel series of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, starring the demigods of Camp Half-Blood, strange things are happening at camp. Percy Jackson is missing, a power greater than even the gods is rising, and the arrival of three new campers mark the beginning of the next great prophecy.  

Jason can’t remember anything about where he came from; he barely remembers his own name. Piper’s dad has been kidnapped, and the only way to get him back is to sacrifice her friends and maybe the world. Leo is a hyperactive son of Hephaestus and he has a special, but dangerous talent.

The Lost Hero is only the first book in the Heroes of Olympus series. Rick Riordan writes a story as thrilling as his first. The Greek mythology mixed with the modern world is hilarious and witty.

 

--Hannah

Book Review: The Necromancer

The Necromancer by Michael Scott

WARNING: This excellent review may spoil the plots of previous books in The Alchemyst series. Read those books first!

This book was great! It is the 4th book in The Alchemyst series, and was just as good, maybe even better, than the first book, The Alchemyst. It is full of action, magic, and evil. The series about the twins of legend with pure gold and silver auras. Their names are Sophie and Josh. The prophecy from the Codex written by Abraham the Mage says "the two that are one, the one that is all, one to destry the world and one to save it." In this book, Josh finally joins the evil side with Dr. John Dee and his "partner" Virginia Dare. I give this book 5 stars!

--Michaela Matocha

Book Review: The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is a story full of emotion! Almost every single character is emotionally unstable and frustrating. The only person who is reasonably compelling is Hester Prynne, and she isn't too charming. Overall, the story is quite good, there is just only a small handful of good characters.

--Zach

Book Review: A Study In Scarlet

A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The first story Sherlock Holmes was introduced, and one of my favorites. It starts with recently retired Anglo-Afghan War veteran Dr. John H. Watson. He was forcefully discharged because of an injury sustained to the left shoulder (though, in later works the injury has a habit of relocating), and was looking for a place to live. After accidentally meeting up again with an old friend, he is thrown into the world of Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective. Everyone knows what happens next: the two split the rent and end up residing in 221 B Baker Street. Their first case together comes in the form of the unique murder of Enoch Drebber. A heart-pounding beginning story to an extraordinary franchise, not to disappoint a reader of any age.

--Martha Rose

Book Review: Bites: A Fate Worse Than Death

Bites: A Fate Worse Than Death by Allen B. Ury

This book was one of my favorites as a child, and recently I couldn't help myself from picking it up again. It's a collection of "spooky" stories centering around the same type of malevolent being: vampires. The stories themselves don't have too much "meat" on their bones, if you could call it such. Each short story only ranging a little over 10 pages a piece, but it holds a lot of scenarios. Tales about classic vampires, and ones that are man made. It ranges greatly, yet still has the same center point of blood sucking Nosferatu. Not something everyone would enjoy, and I've long since passed reading literature of this rather basic level, but it holds a special place in my heart.

--Martha Rose

Book Review: The Hobbit

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

An epic tale of unlikely heroes, a Hobbit is an unlikely adventurer. They tend to be lazy and don't like leaving their comfort zones. But, as Bilbo himself discovers, he finds and explorer deep within. But it takes the wildness of thirteen dwarves to bring it out.

--Keyes

Book Review: The Pool of Fire

The Pool of Fire by John Christopher

WARNING: This excellent review may spoil the plots of The White Mountains and The City of Gold and Lead by John Christopher. Read those books first!

In this exciting conclusion to the Tripods Trilogy, Will and Beanpole return to the White Mountains and the rest of the un-Capped! There, the receive Will's report and they decide to attack the Tripods's three Cities.
Soon, Fritz comes back. He had managed to feign his death and escape the City. A group of fake Caps, including Will and Fritz, are sent to the City to destroy it. They succeed and the first City dies. The next one falls the same way. Back in the White Mountains, Beanpole has invented the hot air balloon and they plan to use it against the last City. Will they destroy the City? Find out in the exciting conclusion, The Pool of Fire.

--Katelyn

Book Review: The City of Gold and Lead

The City of Gold and Lead by John Christopher

WARNING: This excellent review may spoil surprises in The White Mountains by John Christopher. Read that book first.

In this exciting sequel to The White Mountains, Will, Beanpole, and Henry have finally made it to the White Mountains, and they are training for the Games. The Games are like the Olympics and the victors are taken by the Tripods to the City. After Will and another un-capped kid named Fritz are crowned victors, they are taken to the City where they begin to serve the Masters. After serving their separate Masters for a while, Will's Master discovers that Will is wearing a false Cap and Will kills the Master. Will and Fritz make an escape, but only Will makes it out. Now that he is rejoined with Beanpole, they return to the White Mountains to rally an army.

--Katelyn

Book Review: Ender's Game

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

This book was very interesting, but slightly sad. It had a lot of action, even in the beginning. Ender's Game is about a boy named Ender (Andrew) and how he goes to Battle School and what happened there. I really enjoyed reading this book!

--Breanna

Book Review: The White Mountains

The White Mountains by John Christopher

The White Mountains is the first book of the Tripods trilogy.
In this world, there is an alien race called the Tripods, which are giant domes with three long legs and metal tentacles. They are a part of the humans's Capping Ceremonies, the process of going into adulthood. The Cap is a large piece of metal with wiring and electronics that is attached to the person's head.
Young Will discovers that the Tripods may be using the Capped ones as their slaves, so he, with his best friend Henry and an uncapped teenager named Beanpole begin a journey to fight against the Tripods and the Caps.

--Katelyn

Book Review: Unwind

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

I thought this book was beyond moving. It was shocking and raw. Kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to read more but not knowing if I could go on or not. It makes you think, rethink, and think again. It makes you question things we don't like to think much about. Life. Death. Courage. Honor. Survival. And most of all, love. For me at least. This is a book I believe everyone should read, or give a chance, at least once. Powerful and emotional, it will not leave you thinking, "That book will NEVER be noticed."

--Aubrey

Book Review: The Roar

The Roar by Emma Clayton

The Roar is an amazing sci-fi that is non-stop. The story line is so stream-lined that you keep turning pages. It also shows depths of compassion and the strength of family ties.

--Keyes

Book Review: Ender's Game

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is an awesome story! Ender and the supporting characters are so compelling and realistic. The story really makes you think about how you'd react in different situations. The technology is timeless because Orson Scott Card lets your imagination interpret the level of technologicality that is in it. I'm excited to read the rest of Orson Scott Card's books.

--Zach

Book Review: A Monster Calls

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
from an original idea by Siobhan Dowd

When a monster calls for your attention, you should be afraid. But Connor has seen worse. Not in real life, but in his nightmares. The Nightmare. But this monster doesn't want to just scare him. It wants to teach him a lesson.

This beautifully written book is not what you would expect from the cover. It is a story of heartbreak, of hope, and of the human heart.

--Keyes

A Month of Bribes

Our book review blog has been sadly neglected, so to get it going again I am offering the teens of the Starkville area a bribe: During the month of October, or as long as supplies last, you are invited to turn in book reviews for candy! If you are not a teen, but you want to bring me a YA book review, come by with your most convincing argument. We'll see.

THE RULES:

1. The book review must be at least five (5) sentences long and must include the name of the book and the author.

2. The book review must be of a book you've actually read recently.

3. The book review must be of a YA book. If you've read an adult or juvenile book that you think deserves a review spot on the blog, feel free to make your case.

4. You cannot turn in more than four (4) reviews a week.

5. These reviews must be legible, but they do not have to be typed.

6. These reviews must have your name on them in order for them to be posted. This does not have to be your full name, but completely anonymous reviews will not be posted.

7. You cannot turn in your reviews to anyone other than Anna Ruhs. This means that you cannot turn in your reviews during lunch, book clubs, or on Saturdays.

Hungry for a good book?

Finished reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and desperate for something else? The teens of the Starkville Public Library have a few suggestions for you, though they caution that "these books may not be as good."

Feed by M.T. Anderson

"We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck."

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor.

"You can't spend so much time in a place and not carry a bit of it inside you."

Hatter M by Frank Beddor

"For no matter what the world, men who deal in headwear are men to be trusted above any other."

Eve by Anna Carey

“I learned the strange art of loneliness, the weathered yearning that swells and passes, and swells and passes, when you walk a trail alone.”

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

“When a monster stopped behaving like a monster, did it stop being a monster? Did it become something else?"

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

“Clary wondered if there were any ugly vampires, or maybe any fat ones. Maybe they didn't make vampires out of ugly people. Or maybe ugly people just didn't want to live forever.”

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

"Every day when I wake I tell myself that it will be my last. If you are not trying to hold on to time, you are not so afraid of losing it."

Matched by Ally Condie

"Now that I've found the way to fly, which direction should I go into the night?"

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

"He began his new life standing up, surrounded by cold darkness and stale, dusty air."

Adventure of Meno by Tony and Angela DiTerlizzi

"Every fun is a big fun with Meno!"

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

"Freedom is something you have to take for yourself."

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

"Everyone has some darkness inside. It's like a hungry creature. It wants and wants and wants with a terrible power. "

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

"Walls have ears. Doors have eyes. Trees have voices. Beasts tell lies. Beware the rain. Beware the snow. Beware the man you think you know."

Black Hole Sun by David Macinnis Gill

"Durango is playing the cards he was dealt. And it’s not a good hand. He’s lost his family. He’s lost his crew. And he’s got the scars to prove it. You don’t want to mess with Durango."

The Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman

"All this happened many years ago, before the streets were air-conditioned."

Gone by Michael Grant

"One minute the teacher was talking about the Civil War. And the next minute he was gone. There. Gone. No 'poof.' No flash of light. No explosion."

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

"In the land of Ingary, where such things as seven-league boots and cloaks of invisibility really exist, it is quite a misfortune to be born the eldest of three."

Epic by Conor Kostick

"If it's bleeding then kill it, if it's not bleeding, then make it bleed and kill it."

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

"There are moments that define a person's whole life. Moments in which everything they are and everything they may possibly become balance on a single decision. "

Twilight: The Graphic Novel by Stephani Meyer and Young Kim

"I'd never given much thought to how I would die - though I'd had reason enough in the last few months..."

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

"But a knife ain't just a thing, is it? It's a choice, it's something you do. A knife says yes or no, cut or not, die or don't. A knife takes a decision out of your hand and puts it in the world and it never goes back again. "

One Piece by Eiichiro Oda

"All I have left is my destiny. My name may be infamous, but it's going to shake the world!"

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

"It has been sixty-four years since the president and the Consortium identified love as a disease, and forty-three since the scientists perfected a cure."

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

"I guess I always felt even if the world came to an end, McDonald's would still be open."

The Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce

"I truly love our Code of Chivalry. We are taught that noblemen must take everything and say nothing. Noblemen must stand alone. Well, we're men, and men aren't born to stand alone. "

Larklight by Phillip Reeve

"Later, while I was facing the Potter Moth, or fleeing for my life from the First Ones, or helping man a cannon aboard Jack Havock's brig Sophronia, I would often think back to the way my life used to be, and to that last afternoon at Larklight, before all our misfortunes began."

Divergent by Veronica Roth

"....sometimes it isn’t fighting that’s brave, it’s facing the death you know is coming."

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

"I do not like them here or there. I do not like them anywhere!"

A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

"I didn't want the sun to rise. I didn't want the world to continue turning. I wanted the whole planet put into stasis until I could catch up."

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

"Unwinds didn't go out with a bang-they didn't even go out with a whimper. They went out with the silence of a candle flame pinched between two fingers."

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

"Your personality - the real you inside - was the price of beauty."

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

"I’ll take any chance at all. A guard lookin th’other way. A door left open at the right time. Anythin. They can slam me in the Cooler all they like. I only gotta git lucky once."

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

"Tragedy is when someone ends up dead. Everything else is just a bump in the road."