Swindle by Gordon Korman

Summary:

"After a mean collector named Swindle cons him out of his most valuable baseball card, Griffin Bing must put together a band of misfits to break into Swindle's compound and recapture the card. There are many things standing in their way -- a menacing guard dog, a high-tech security system, a very secret hiding place, and their inability to drive -- but Griffin and his team are going to get back what's rightfully his . . . even if hijinks ensue."

I first read this book when I was in Junior High. What drew me to it was the fact that kids my same age were pulling off a well-planned heist. Griffin Bing is the man with the plan, and he manages to get his friends to join in on his crazy plans. This plan involves stealing back an incredibly rare baseball card from the man who cheated him out of it. The variety of personalities that are seen in Griffin’s friends is quite funny and I love reading as they interact. After reading this book four years later I am surprised to say that I still find it to be pretty good! It’s perfect for younger readers looking for an adventure. The main character is a bit rebellious, but I couldn’t help but root for him and his friends during this book!

Rating: 8 out of 10. I’m older now, so some of this book did seem a bit silly to me. Also the plot was a bit to short for my liking.

Content Rating: 1 (8-120) This book is very clean, there’s just some Juvenile mischief (teens break into someone’s house to steal a baseball card).

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Summary:

"A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly."

Beastly is a book that has become one of my favorites. This is a story that I thought would be difficult to do in a modern setting however Flinn is able to move the entire story to now and it works. However this story is told with a better message than the Disney movie. The message in this story is that looks are not everything, and being stuck up and thinking everyone is beneath you is not okay either. The main character learns this lesson the hard way in this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I love how this book is told from the “beasts” point of view, and it’s fun to watch him fall in love with Lindy (the main girl). It’s also interesting to see him humble himself and change for the better. The roses are also integrated in a unique way as Kyle learns to love gardening and roses. This book was turned into a movie, however I must say I liked the book better. All in all, I would recommend this book because it sends a positive message and it is a very good retelling. 

Rating: 10 out of 10. This book is so good! It sends a positive message, and the retelling is very very good.

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). This book is pretty clean, there is some kissing (a tiny tiny bit of teen romance) and minor drug use but other than that its suitable for this age group.

If I stay by Gayle Forman

Summary:
 "In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen year-old Mia has no memory of the accident;she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, this will change the way you look at life, love, and family."











This book... you will cry. No matter how hard you try not to you still will. This book makes you want to hold your loved ones close because it made me realize that life is fragile. All it takes is a blink of an eye and then everything can change. This book leaves you at a cliffhanger, but thank heavens there is a second book! (I will be reviewing that one next) The characters in this book are written well, plus the flashbacks of the main character bring even the deceased characters to life. This book will make you laugh and cry along with the main character as she tries to answer the impossible question: should she stay or should she leave? Read this book! 

Rating: 10 out of 10. This book is beautiful, absolutely beautiful. It's well written, the characters are vibrant and real, and the plot moves along nicely with no lags. 

Content Rating: 3 (16-18). I gave it this rating because there is a good amount of swearing in this book, as well as teen romance.