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.

Two Badges by Mona Ruiz

This book is a very good book if you like inspirational stories and want to see how much people struggle but make good things come out of it. This book is about a young girl who lives in Santa Ana, California and joins a gang called the F-Troopers. The story tells a lot about how she struggles as a young girl, dropping out of school, getting pregnant and marrying an abusive husband who hit her in front of her children. Her dream, as well as her dad’s, has always been to become a police officer of Santa Ana. As she grows up, she faces many decisions. Her biggest decision is whether to follow her dream and become a police officer or keep on gang banging and go against some of her family members and friends.


I really liked this book because it shows how a young girl struggles so much growing up and how many hard decisions she went through but made the best of the experiences she had. I recommend other students read this book because it shows no matter how bad things are in your life you can always get out and become anything in life you want.

Magali C.

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.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, takes place during the Civil War and focuses on the March family living in Concord, Massachusetts. Their father is away with the Union Army, leaving a wife and four daughters to fend for themselves. The four girls have very distinct personalities: Meg is proper, Jo is boyish, Beth shy and Amy bratty. Because of this, it is easy to identify with at least one of the sisters, allowing you to feel their pains and joys. The March family used to be rich but is now poor with each member simply trying to make their way in the world and figure out who they are. They befriend their wealthy neighbors, Mr. Laurence and his grandson nicknamed "Laurie", which only leads to further adventures and mishaps. Through thick and thin, sickness, anger, vanity and selfishness, the March girls fumble through life and grow up with smiles (most of the time) and fun, making Little Women an intelligent, entertaining read.


Mindy S.

Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess

The book, "Such a Pretty Girl", was a very interesting book to read. It was about a girl named Meredith whose dad had gone to prison for being a child molester. Charles, the dad, had to come out of prison once Meredith turned eighteen. Meredith was glad with the court decision because she thought once she turned eighteen she could just start her own life alone. It turned out, however, her dad came back home when she was fifteen. This really shocked Meredith because she didn't want to be living in the same house with her dad . Meredith thought her life was over. I would really recommend this book to other people because it's really an interesting book which just makes you want to keep reading.



Ana F.

Mates Dates and Cosmic Kisses Kathy H.

This book was funny. The characters the author chose were very appropriate for this novel. Many young girls who are boy crazy will enjoy this book very much. Teenage girls will like this book because it talks about girl's problems with boys and gives advice to girls who are clueless. It also talks about mother-daughter relationships.



Alex G.

Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar

I liked this book because it's pretty girly. The teenagers in this book have a glamorous life living in the upper east side of New York City. They still have typical problems, however, like parents getting divorces or worrying about their girl friends or boy friends. Other students will like this book if they like girl drama.


Lindsey G.

Staying Pure by Stephanie Perry Moore

This book is about a teen couple who are being pressured to have sex. But their morals, values and religion have a big impact on their decision to not have sex but rather save themselves for marriage.

Melissa G.

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.

The Playa's Handbook by Brenda Jackson

The Playa's Handbook
"Learn to live by the rules and you'll be Playa material"

In "The Playa's Handbook," by Brenda Jackson, a renowned relationship and divorce expert, Dr. Lance Montgomery gives advice to men and writes "handbooks" men follow. The books aren't in women's favor as they teach men how to stay out of long term relationships. Asia Fowler, Montgomery's complete opposite, writes books that encourage women to love independence but to be centered when it comes to dealing with a man. This book allows mature young adult insight on how men think and act. It also gives the opportunity to see the many battles with which men and women of the African American culture deal when it comes to relationships, love and commitment.

Jackson wrote this book in sections. Sometimes I wanted to skip over names to get to the next "juicy" part about the character in the chapter I was currently reading. Example: after reading about Lance, I had to jump back to the last chapter about Naomi because now I was caught up with Lance's character and forgot about Naomi. As an author, Jackson could have used a wider vocabulary. I didn't mind the cursing but others might be offended by her choice of words. However, I truly enjoyed the definition in which Jackson wrote "…his books supposedly helped men understand and accept that there is nothing wrong with being a playa and showing them how to avoid the big C-word, Commitment," said Rachel. Three best friends, Phillip McKenna, Samuel Gunn and Marcus Lowery decide to live by the book, The Playa's Handbook, their best friend, Dr. Lance Montgomery, wrote. You'll read all day, due to curiosity and desire to create your own ending, until you get to the next chapter.

Ashley J.

Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger

Franny is a college age girl with a boyfriend and many brothers and sisters. She's been through a lot with one of her brothers committing suicide and her boyfriend making her feel like she is antagonizing their relationship. The only person who can help her with her problems is her outspoken brother Zooey.

Tiana C.