Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men, a fiction story, is written by famous writer John Steinbeck. It stars the two main characters named George and Lennie, two friends who moved to a better place to work and get settled. Their main goal is to buy a piece of land and have a farm. 


Lennie is a grown man with mental disabilities which causes him to struggle. He has a habit of petting rabbits because of their softness. George is a smart man but uneducated who is Lennie’s role model; he is like his dad. Both of them try to live a normal life and make money.

They encounter problems which are caused by Lennie almost getting them killed. It would be because of a woman since Lennie tried seducing her but he didn’t know he was trying something he shouldn’t have ever tried. There is a big question to resolve everything as a mob is about to find Lennie to kill him. To keep Lennie hidden so he isn’t killed George has to choose wisely while at a high stress point. Desperate hounds are coming and they are craving blood and men are armed and running in despair towards the lake where George found Lennie hiding. 

In my opinion, this is a must read book. It gets you wired so you want to stop but it gets interesting with a lot of tension and climax build in.

Gabriel C.

The World Made Straight by Ron Rash

Ron Rash’s book, The World Made Straight, is a work of fiction. 


It’s about a seventeen year old boy named Travis Shelton. Travis wanders into the woods near his home one day while fishing. That’s when he discovers a patch of marijuana plants big enough to make him a lot of money. On his third trip up to the patch of pot plants, he steps right into the jaws of a bear trap. 

After hours on the forest floor, he is released from the bear trap and brought into the house of the farmer who set the trap. Before he is brought to the hospital, the farmer, Carlton Toomey, cuts Travis’ Achilles tendon in half with his pocket knife as a lesson for him to keep his mouth shut about the plants. 

Shortly after that, Travis moved out of his parents’ house to live with Leonard Shuler, a one-time school teacher who now deals a little pot and pills to make ends meet. Travis becomes his student, of sorts, and these two outsiders become increasingly involved as they learn about the community’s violent past and the corrupt present with which they have to deal.

Tommy K.

Right Behind You by Gail Giles

Gail Giles' book, Right Behind You, is a work of fiction. If you want to learn what a person does in their life and how they feel about killing a kid when they were young, you will enjoy Right Behind You. It is a story of a boy who burned another boy for a baseball glove.

Kip was nine years old when he killed a kid who was making fun of him about his mother so he just burned him alive. There were a lot of people who hated him and his father because of the murder. Kip’s life was terrible. Through most of the story, he doesn’t want happiness because of the crime he did and he can’t tell anybody about his past or his real name. 

Kip’s life got a little better when he started a new life and he wanted to tell all of his friends about his past but his parents didn’t want him to tell anybody. So Kip had to keep his secret to himself forever and he couldn’t tell anybody about it. That was the problem he had and he wanted to tell anybody who was close with him like family and friends. He wanted them to accept him as the person he is. 

There were some moments when he was enjoying his life but then his thoughts would turn to bad memories. His parents still had hope for Kip that he could find happiness in his life. However, Kip thinks he does not deserve it. If you are interested and want to find out more you should read Right Behind You.

Miguel M.

Bruiser by Neil Shusterman

Bruiser, by Neil Shusterman, is somewhat unique. Reading a book about a young man who takes flesh wounds sounds familiar. But it is a good book if you are looking for something to read in your spare time. 

It is the story of a girl who takes in stray guys for some unknown reason. This quickly takes a turn for better/worse. Tennyson, the brother of Bronte, is wary of his sister dating a man who was likely to receive the death penalty. Brewster,  with his superpower, takes pain from others about whom he cares. (He would be a horrible Avenger). Cody is the small boy who constantly gets hurt. These two are the main characters. 

The book is structured very well. The story is interesting all the way to the end. It is easy to understand all the unique personalities of the characters.  Brewster is the most alien-like. His uncle is always holding him back from society because of his ability. Brewster never experiences true friends or has much social interaction until he finally meets Bronte and opens up. But as he opens up, his new found friends get hurt and so does he. 

I can see why the book qualifies as a Lincoln award book. It's very good and could be a good book for you.

Martinez P.

Right Behind You by Gail Giles

Gail Giles’ book, Right Behind You, is a fictional story about a young boy named Kip. If you are into mystery and suspense, then you would enjoy reading Right Behind You.

This book tells the story of a little boy named Kip McFarland who set his next door neighbor, Bobby Clarke, on fire. Due to this mistake made by Kip, he is forced to spend the next few years of his life in a juvenile correction center. Once he enters his teenage years, Kip is released and he moves to Indiana to start a new life. He is forced to change his name and start all over.

Things are going very well in Indiana for Kip until he lets his secret out to a few of his teammates from swimming and they all turn on Kip. Now that this small town in Indiana knows Kip’s secret, he is forced to pack up once again with his father and his father’s girlfriend and begin another life in Texas.

Once they arrive, Kip decides that he wants to be home schooled to prevent any more leaks that could affect his family and their good life in Texas. Kip quickly meets a girl named Sam who befriends him and teaches him how to live the home schooled life in Texas. Kip begins to gain trust in Sam very early and Sam does the same with Kip. After a few weeks, Sam tells Kip a very big secret that could destroy the friendship they have built. But Kip refused to let that happen. Kip loved Sam just the same and treated her with more respect than he did before.

A few days after Sam told her secret, Kip decided it was his turn. He printed out articles from his accident and he even called Bobby’s mother to ask her opinion. After reminiscing about the incident, he wrote a letter to Sam explaining everything that happened to him. She gave him no answer, not even a response, and because of that, Kip packed his bags and planned to ship off to Dallas so his family wouldn't have to suffer. Fortunately, right before he left, he heard from Sam and she let him know that she always understood him.

If you want to understand what it is like to have to start all over and live a life you never truly know, then I strongly suggest you read Right Behind You by Gail Giles.

Kylee G.

Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

Neal Shusterman’s book, Bruiser, is a fictional book. If you enjoy being filled with suspense this is definitely the book for you. This book focuses on a brother and sister named Tennyson and Bronte and  their family drama. This book also delves into their relationship with the odd kid out named Brewster. Brewster, nicknamed Bruiser, starts out not having many friends. Once Tennyson and Bronte befriend him, they find out why. It is not only that people do not understand Brewster but it is mostly his own choice not to have friends. He is protecting himself from the unimaginable only he and his family know. 

This book really opens your eyes and makes you realize everyone has troubles with which they have to deal. It is an extreme journey all of the characters experience throughout this book. If you want to find out Brewster’s secret, I definitely recommend reading Bruiser.

Sarah T.

Confessions of a backup dancer

Confessions of a Backup Dancer
Author, unknown

Yes, I did like this book a lot. I liked it because it was very interesting and there was always something happening in the book. It was never boring because there was always action and I can relate to the book because Kelly was always tired, sore and hungry and I know that is how I am during my swim seasons. So I can relate to how tired she was. I dance also so I know what it is like to be exhausted.

I think other students would like to read this book if they could relate to it like I did. I don’t think they would enjoy it unless they could relate. And they would also read it if they wanted to enjoy a book where there was always something happening. Those are the reasons why I think people would read it and I think they should because it really is a good book.

Victoria R.

Sisterhood of the traveling pants

The book of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was written by Ann Brashares. This book is one of the best books I have ever read. It's the kind of book you get hooked on just by reading the first page.

The book talks about four best friends, Carmen, Tibby, Lena and Bridget. These girls are preparing to split up for the summer. Carmen finds a pair of jeans at a thrift shop and buys them for $3.49. The four girls try them on and realize even though they each have different body shapes, the pants fit them all perfectly. They realize these pants are special or magic. They promise to keep in touch during the summer and decide to have the pants travel between one another to keep them in touch with each other. They decide none of them can keep the pants for more than one week. They even make rules for the pants and that's the story of the traveling pants.

Sandra S.

The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian

The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian is one of my favorite books. Even after reading it multiple times, I am always able to get something new out of it. Josh Swenson is your average teenage prodigy. As a senior in high school, he is constantly searching for new ways to keep himself entertained and his newest endeavor is a website entitled http://www.thegospelaccordingtolarry.com/; a website in which his alter ego, Larry, slams our consumer driven culture and other problems in society today.

Even his best friend, Beth (with whom he's also in love) doesn't know Josh is really Larry (her idol). But when Josh is "outed", the nation goes Larry crazy and Josh can't even leave his house without being mobbed (which drives him crazy due to his "loner" personality). To escape all the attention, Josh ends up committing "pseudocide" or "fake suicide" so he can go back to his normal life. After convincing everyone he jumped off a bridge, Josh dyes his hair, changes his identity and skips town. The details of Josh's life after his "pseudocide" are detailed in the following two books in this series.

Mindy S.

Gossip Girl: The Carlyles by Cecily Von Ziegesar

I recently read the book, Gossip Girl, by Cecily von Ziegesar. It wasn't too long and was very easy to read. I personally did not like this book because all it is is a bunch of gossip between girls and boys. The three Carlyle kids, Owen, Baby and Avery, move to New York City and have to "fit" in. They realize how much more high class New York is than the old town they used to live in called Nantucket. They go through many dramatic experiences and have to adjust to them. I just did not enjoy this book because all it is about is gossip. Other students might enjoy it if they enjoy reading about gossip girls. The author has made a lot of money and a good career out of these books though because there is also a TV show. All in all, I did not enjoy this book but younger girls probably would.

Kelli K.

My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult

The book, "My Sisters Keeper", is a heartbreaking story mainly about two sisters, Kate and Anna, who are very close but a crucial decision for the younger sister, Anna, causes a lot of problems with the family and ends up changing their lives forever.

I personally would recommend this book. It makes you realize how important your family is and it will make you appreciate them much more. This story causes you to experience many different emotions and in the end, it leaves you with a life changing experience. Although this story makes your emotions jump in different directions, the ending will leave you in tears but it’s nothing like the movie.

Katie S.

TH1RTEEN REASONS Why by Jay Asher

This book is about Clay Jensen, a generally nice boy who receives a surprise gift on his doorstep. A shoebox was propped up at an angle on his doorstep. Inside the box were several tapes and a map with bright red stars in certain spots. Recently, his classmate (and crush), Hannah Baker, had committed suicide. No one really knew why she did this to herself but the true reason was on these tapes.

Throughout the story, Jay Asher leads you on a suspenseful journey as Hannah's voice eerily plays through Clay's headphones. He follows each location where Hannah tells him to go because at each location there’s a story or a twist that explains one of the thirteen reasons why she killed herself.

As the story continues, Hannah explains if the listener receives the tapes that meant he or she was on it. Clay's heart stops in an instant. This leaves you in awe about this girl's hard life. It makes your anticipation boil with every turn of the page. It makes you wait to hear about Clay's affiliation in this girl's death.

Jay Asher did a fabulous job in description, in point of view and descriptive action. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I couldn't put it down for a second and I ended up finishing this book in just two days. I guarantee every student will love this book. As a high school student myself, I can relate to Hannah Baker and hardships with friends, drama, partying, etc. Thirteen Reasons Why is a must-read book!

China W.

We Beat the Streets (Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt) ; with Sharon M. Draper.

Book Review
We Beat the Street

I enjoyed my book, “We Beat the Street”, because the book had my type of plot. The book had a lot of emotions with the three character’s childhoods. The story is very descriptive throughout the whole book and this kept my attention. The three doctors made it seem like you lived their lives with them because of the background information. This book is a great one to read if you like a true life struggle to greatness.

Eric H.

Tommorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden

“Tomorrow, When the War Began” is a book about a group of teenagers who go camping and come back to find their country has been invaded by a mysterious country. All their family members are being held in the fair grounds. They return to their camp site where they plan what to do. This story is packed with action, adventure and drama. I liked this book a lot because of all the action plus it was a fast paced book. I think any high school student who wants to read a book with non stop adventure and action would enjoy this book.

Zach M.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Firefly Lane, by Kristin Hannah, is a story about two best friends who met on the street where they grew up, Firefly Lane. They came from completely different backgrounds and had opposite personalities. Each one wanted to be like the other but they would never admit it out loud. They supported each other through most of their lives. "Best friends forever". They'd believed it would last, that vow, that someday they'd be old women, sitting in their rocking chairs on a creaking deck, talking about the times of their lives and laughing."

As they got older, they realized they wanted different things for their lives. Kate wanted marriage and children. Tully wanted a career and fame. Even when they both succeed in their dreams, they envied each other. They lived completely opposite lives but neither one was perfect. The book shows no matter what you have, there is good and bad, but if you have no one with whom to share it, it doesn't really matter. Even when they fought, they still remembered how important their friendship was. Through the rest of their lives they continued to be best friends and supported each other through their many downfalls.

First published in February 2008, by St. Martin's Press, Firefly Lane is a book to which any girl or woman can relate. Everyone has had a best friend and knows that friendship is stronger than any other relationship. Any girl, high school and up, could find value in this story and will fly through the 528 pages. The story carries the idea of always wanting what you don't have and wishing you were something you aren't. That is an idea almost anyone can understand.

Paige L.

Confessions of a Boyfriend Stealer by Robynn Clair

A girl named Genesis is in high school and confesses what really went on between her best friends and their boyfriends. Did she really steal her two best friend’s boyfriends? Is she telling the truth? She created a blog to let everyone know what really happened. Genesis comes from a family that has a lot of money. Her mother, Angela Bell, is more like a best friend than a mom. Her sister, Shay, competes with her mom when it comes to boys and they are not your average American family. Genesis has all of this going on in her life.

Genesis is in a group called the Terribles. She has two best friends named Cj Thompson and Tasha Dombrowski. These girls are portrayed as mean girls; they look pretty, steal guys from other girls and don't care. Genesis feels she is the third wheel because she hasn't had much luck with guys. But when two of her best friend’s boyfriends, Nick Pilates and Chi Nguyen, want to get to know Genesis a little better, she feels guilty and tries to tell Cj and Tasha but they just won't listen. So Genesis steps up and takes control. What's a girl to do?

I thought this book was for girls who are in cliques or have best friends who steal boyfriends. It's not the type of book I would read again. I think girls who love reading books about mean girls or who have been in a situation where their best friend's boyfriend likes them would like reading this book. Also, it has a format of a blog.

Colleen C.

Breaking Point by Alex Flinn

This guy named Paul has moved to Miami and he has to go to a new school. The school is filled with rich students who are all stuck up and do not like anyone who isn't like them. Paul is definitely not like any of them. Paul is the outcast in the school until one day when he meets a popular kid named Charlie Good. Most people know who Paul is because he is the new kid but no one really likes him. Later in the day Charlie starts talking to Paul. In the book they become close friends and Paul starts to hang out with him and his popular friends. After a short period of time Charlie starts to ask Paul to do different things for him like doing his homework and other small tasks. Paul willingly does them because he wants to hang out with Charlie and be a part of the cool group of people. As he does these tasks he realizes what he has done and discovers Charlie has been setting him up the whole time they were friends. How far will Paul go or will he get pushed to the breaking point??

I liked this book because it was interesting and I always wanted to read more of it. I think other students would like this book because it’s not boring.

Kevin K.

Haters by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez

This book is about a girl named Pasquala Rumalda Quintana de Archuleta. Paski's cartoonist father returns to Taos, New Mexico, from a business trip wearing designer sunglasses and a velour Juicy men's track suit. She knows her life is taking a turn for the worse. Paski and her father move to Southern California where his comic strip has been optioned for a movie. Since he can't serve as head of the animation team from their home in bohemian Taos, he and Paski are moving to Aliso Viejo, California. Paski will have to leave her grandmother, a practicing psychic, who encourages Paski to nurture her own abilities as a seer along with her best friends, Emily and Janet. Emily and Janet are convinced Paski's life will be just like "The O.C.", complete with great clothes and cars. But Paski cares more about having to leave her friends and family. She arrives at Aliso Niguel High School, a home and a lot of expensive cars. She meets a very cute boy named Chris, who is into motocross, and a cutthroat popular crowd called "the haters". One of the queen bees of the junior class is nationally ranked motocross champion, Jessica Nguyen, who is also Chris's girlfriend. Jessica makes it clear from the start she wants Paski out of her life. Paski would be happy to keep her distance if it weren't for the disturbing vision she's having. Jessica is in traction or maybe a body cast and Paski can hear ambulance sirens. Paski's grandmother encourages her to use her gift of sight to help Jessica.

Oriana M.

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

This was a very interesting book. It talks about how Kira (main character) went through a difficult situation in her life. In some parts of the story it was very intense. You just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. The book explains how Kira kept on going even thought she had a crippled leg. Gathering Blue is a very good story everybody should get a chance to read and enjoy. Kira goes through difficult situations in her life but she learns from her mistakes and she tries to fix them, alone or with her friend, Matt, and his dog Branchie. Kira's goal was to make the dye blue for her robe. Because Matt saw her work really hard to get blue dye, Matt gave her two big surprises! But it is up to you to find out what Matt accomplishes to make Kira happy. This is a good book I know you will enjoy. It teaches you how to be successful even if you don't have a family and that all that matters is having people there you trust and who are there for you.

Miriam F.

Tweak: Growing up on Methamphetamines

The book I chose to read was Tweak: Growing up on Methamphetamines,
by Nic Sheff. I enjoyed reading this book because it contained details
about how Nic, the author, has struggled with drug abuse. I don't think
this book would be a good choice for everyone but anyone who is
interested in reading about drug use would really like Tweak. There are
descriptions about drug use and what happens to Nic because of using
drugs. The book also has a bright side to it because Nic goes into
recovery and starts a new, drug free life. This doesn't last for long
because he meets a new girl and they both end up relapsing. Toward the end
of the book Nic goes back into a recovery facility and he is struggling
but taking things day by day. I really enjoyed reading Tweak and I would
strongly suggest it.

Taylor T.