Zen and the Art of Faking It

Author: Jordan Sonnenblick
Review Writer: Book Girl
San Lee is the poster child for faking things. When he and his slightly crazy dad (who turns out to be a fellon) move from town to town, his dad always encourages him to do whatever he can to fit in. At his new school in Pennsylvania, after answering questions on Zen for a Social Studies teacher, his class starts thinking that he is some Zen master. Going on with his dad's instructions, he assumes a Zen identity, which fits, because he and his mom don't really have much money. However, the Zen master guise starts spiraling out of control when he meets Woody, a unique girl who really likes San because he is so Zen. Will he be able to keep his identity? And at what cost?

Feeling Sorry for Celia

Author: Jaclyn Moriarty
Review Writer: Book Girl
Elizabeth isn't your average teenager. She is always getting letters from the association of teenagers on how to improve her performance. Celia, Elizabeth's best friend isn't ordinary either. She has a very short attention span and is constantly running away. While Elizabeth is facing troubles, Celia runs away. Normally, Celia tries to contact Elizabeth when she runs away but this time is different. With Elizabeth juggling a semi-crazy mother, letters from assorted societies and a new pen-pal English assignment she is missing Celia all the while.

A story of friendship and daring escapades, Feeling Sorry for Celia has a new place on my shelf of favorites.

Ages: 14+

Cool new book blog

My friend HABB writes on a blog too. Check it out!

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Prophecy of Days

Author: Christy Raedeke
Review Writer: Book Girl
Ever wonder about what will happen with the Mayan prophecy of 2012? This book tells about a girl called Caity whose parents decide to move (with Caity) to an inherited Scottish castle which they will convert into an Inn. Caity has always dreamed of getting discovered for something, whether it be her acting, painting, singing or any other abilities. She never dreamed that it would come in such a different way. After moving in to the Scottish castle, Caity discovers a hidden room that she unlocks with a necklace containing a strange symbol. Soon she discovers a prophecy with her name in it, foretelling that Caity will be a hero and save the world.

A gripping tale of discovery, suspense and good versus evil.

Sandry's Book

Author: Tamora Pierce
Review Writer: Book Girl
This is a great book about going out side the normal boundaries of magic. Sandry, Briar, Daja and Tris are children from different backgrounds who all have abnormal skills. Sandry can weave strings to create binding magic. Briar can practically feel the emotions of plants. Daja is a master blacksmith coming from a family of Traders that frown upon making things. Tris' powers with the weather confuse her more than anything else. these four children are sent by their respective families or guardians to Winding Circle temple. There, the children learn to harbor their powers with experts. However, when disaster strikes can the kids band together to fight a force of magic stronger than anything they have ever seen?

The Golden Compass

Author: Philip Pullman
Review Writer: Book Girl
Lyra Belacqua is a girl running half-wild at the Jordan College with her friend, Roger, the kitchen boy. However, strange things start happening when she sees the Master put poison in her uncle, Lord Asriel's drink. She foils the murder, but things get even stranger. A strange organization, called the Gobblers is kidnapping children. No one knows where they are taking the kids, and worse no on knows what they are doing to them. Then, Lyra discovers that her best friend Roger has been taken by the Gobblers as well. However, all this is forgotten when Lyra is swept from the college with the mysterious Mrs. Coulter, an explorer in the north. Lyra soon learns that Mrs. Coulter is no what she seems, so in a fit of fury she runs away. Will she rescue Roger?

The Key to Rondo

Author: Emily Rodda
Review Writer: Book Girl
Leo is a normal boy living a normal life. Every year he goes to tea with his eccentric Great-Aunt Beatrice. He is ridiculed in front of his cousins about being the spitting image of his Great-Uncle Henry. Then there is the traditional listening to the music box. There are very precise rules to the music box. When Aunt Beatrice dies, she leaves Leo the music box. When his family has his cousin Mimi over for a month she disobeys the rules of the music box, and they are quickly drawn into the fantasy world that is painted on the music box. An evil blue queen steals Mimi's best friend and beloved dog, Mutt. With Leo reluctantly joining her, she sets out on a quest to get Mutt back. Will they make it?