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pacl_teens
Library StaffPalo Alto City Library
pacl_teens's Profile Shelves

pacl_teens's Completed Shelf

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Home Alone 2, DVDLost in New York

DVD, 1999
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Dec 20, 2023

Comment:

"Oh my goodness, I did not know there was a Home Alone 2: Lost in New York movie until I found this movie last year at the library. What a nice treat because I thought it was so fun to watch. I suppose if I never watched the first movie of Home Alone, then I might not have noticed there was Home Alone 2. I laughed so much when I watched Home Alone so I knew this sequel would not disappoint me and it did not. It was funny as well. In Home Alone 2, the story takes place in New York City and the same mischievous thieves are back in action but they are targeting a robbing a toy store. Kevin tries to stop them with his cleverness and bravery. I guess I forgot to mention that his parents lost Kevin at the airport and he ended up in NYC while his parents ended up in Florida. Why does that never happen to me? Haha.. love it. This movie came out in November 1992, around 2 years after the first Home Alone movie but I was glad I did not have to wait 2 years to watch it. Kevin is like 10 years old in NYC. Wow! I recommend you watch the first Home Alone to bring a bit of the history and why this story works. The odds remain in the kid’s favor, of course. Kevin uses many new tactics to stop the thieves in NYC. I watched Home Alone 2: Lost in New York more than once and will likely be watching it again." --Allison, Grade 10

Home Alone, DVD

DVD, 1999
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Dec 20, 2023

Comment:

"Perfect timing to watch a holiday classic ‘Home Alone’ (first volume). It is one of the top Christmas movies and remains on the top of my list to watch with my family. Even though the movie came out in November 1990, it was not boring and made me laugh so much. It was funny back then for my parents and it is still funny today to me. I was laughing at the same time thinking the boy is so smart. The entire movie is about an 8 year old boy named Kevin McCallister who is forgotten by his entire family who mistakenly counted one of the neighbor’s kids, thinking it was Kevin as they were about to drive to the airport for a family trip. Of course, for the rest of Kevin’s family, they ended up on the plane, took flight, and at that moment, realized Kevin was missing. Let’s not forget it was Christmas eve so the airports are crazy busy. Meanwhile, at home, two mischievous thieves decide to break into the family’s home only to find there is someone else there. It’s the thieves against an 8 year old boy and let me just say, the odds are in the kid’s favor. Let’s imagine you are the thief and you hear someone yelling inside the home. You cannot see through the windows but someone starts to yell “keep the change you filthy animal” and then guns start shooting. Haha.. you start running for your life. Kevin uses many tactics to scare off the thieves. I recommend you watch this movie and share it with your family. I watched it 3 times already and will likely be watching it again." --Allison, Grade 10

Anxious People, BookA Novel

by Backman, Fredrik
Book, 2020
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Dec 12, 2023

Comment:

"Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is a realistic fiction novel about a bank robber, an apartment viewing, and eight strangers that have more in common than they would've thought. A bank robber storms in an open house holding a gun, and holds everyone hostage. Why would anyone empathize with a bank robber? Bank robbers are bad people, and the people viewing the apartment aren't. As they spend more and more time together in this stressful situation, they slowly open up to each other and understand each other's stories and experiences. It doesn't make anything right, but they slowly realize that everything is going to be okay. This is the first Backman book I have ever read, and I loved it. It constantly goes back to themes like parenthood and personal struggles and reminds us that all of us have more in common than we think. The beginning of the book begins a bit scattered, and it slowly converges to a single point as the story moves on. Whenever something else is revealed, it feels natural and acceptable. It is never too overwhelming and the sense of comedy made me feel at ease. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good cry." -Ruby, Grade 11

Cutting for Stone, BookA Novel

by Verghese, Abraham
Book, 2009
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Dec 06, 2023

Comment:

"Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese is a realistic fiction novel. Set in Ethipia, it follows the story of Marion and his twin Shiva Stone, whose father abandoned them and mother died during childbirth. As they grow up, they study medicine and learn surgical procedures with their adoptive parents, friends of their biological parents. After a conflict between Marion and Shiva that drives them apart, war strikes, and Marion eventually leaves for America. Eventually, the two are united again for the last time. I love the plot twists and vivid description of Verghese's writing, and the constant conflict of morals. Furthermore, it explores the depth of human nature and relationships. It does contain sexual mentions and scenes, and other mature topics. Overall, it's a great read and is recommended for anyone who enjoys fiction!" -Jennifer, Grade 9

The Flash, Blu-ray Disc

Blu-ray Disc, 2023
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Dec 04, 2023

Comment:

"In the world of superheroes, you are either on the side of good or on the side of evil. In the DC world, it is not what powers you hold but what decisions you make. In this movie ‘The Flash’, Barry (played by Ezra Miller) makes a lot of good and bad decisions, but his power to undo his mistake is a decision he has to make on his own. As you might have figured, Barry focuses his power to travel back in time but in doing so, he changes the future. His only purpose was to save his mother from a tragic death and to save his father from going to jail. Of course, he breaks time and changes more than just the life line of his parents. There exists the emotional struggle that Barry faces and must make the most difficult decision of all. I felt that was an important theme of the entire movie. On top of saving his mother, does he save Batman (played by Micheal Keaton) and Supergirl (Kara Zor-El, played by Sasha Calle)? As you can imagine, if you are the Flash, you can keep going back in time to fix it, but lesson learned, doing so causes a multiverse of worlds to collide and chaos that can destroy everyone’s lives. Have I confused you yet? Simply this movie can take you on an emotional journey with a bit of superpower. Barry is a superhero because he did the right thing. I think it also shows that superheroes can make mistakes because they are human too. I enjoyed this movie. I recommend you watch this movie, especially if you are a DC fan. As they say in the DC world, “Truth, justice, and a better tomorrow"." -Allison, Grade 10

Gone With the Wind, Book

by Mitchell, Margaret
Book, 1996
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Dec 04, 2023

Comment:

""Gone With the Wind," authored by Margaret Mitchell and published in 1936, is recognized as The Great American Novel, earning widespread acclaim. Intrigued by its reputation, I delved into the narrative, which revolves around Scarlett O’Hara, the cunning daughter of a wealthy plantation owner. Her journey unfolds against the backdrop of the Civil War, marking a transformative period in her affluent life. Mitchell skillfully critiques the Old South's social structure, delving into issues of tradition, slavery, and racial inequality. Scarlett's experiences of love, loss, and resilience intertwine with the tumult of war. Initially, Scarlett epitomizes arrogance, embodying the expectations of a privileged society. However, her encounters with Rhett and the harsh realities of war expose her to loss and shattered families, prompting a profound transformation into a resourceful woman. Set against the vibrant landscape of Georgia's red hills, the novel delves into the profound depths of human passions with an intensity matching its historical setting during the Civil War and Reconstruction. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel. It describes characters in a detailed way, helping us understand history and social problems better, especially those linked to race and gender. The narrative not only captivates with its complexity but also serves as a gateway to a bygone era, fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of human experience." -Allison, Grade 10

Jurassic Park, Blu-ray Disc

Blu-ray Disc, 2013
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Dec 04, 2023

Comment:

"The first ‘Jurassic Park’ movie released on June 11, 1993 and, even though I was not even born when this was released, I did find myself wanting to rent this movie before I could watch the new ‘Jurassic World’ trilogy. Oh yes, the legendary story continues. Before I get too far ahead of myself, let me tell you that the first installment of this beloved ‘Jurassic Park’ movie sets the groundwork for all subsequent trilogies. It is where it all began. Considering it was back in 1993, Steven Spielberg (Director) was able to make this childhood dream into a reality for millions of viewers (adults and children of all ages). The story line was very funny, the scenes were very lovely (baby dinosaurs), and complete action packed. The visual and sound efforts were top notch compared to most sci fi movies today. The whole story is built around these selected paleontologists and a mathematician who were chosen to check/confirm if this Jurassic theme park was built to safely hold dinosaurs. The scientists who are working there figured out how to extract the DNA of dinosaurs from these mosquitoes trapped in sap from a million years ago. I am no scientist myself, but I am bought into this story. As time has told us, dinosaurs cannot be contained and all dinosaurs will find a way to escape. I highly recommend you rent this movie (DVD/Blu-Ray) before watching all the subsequent Jurassic Park series. It will help you to connect all the stories together." -Allison, Grade 10

Man of Steel, DVD

DVD, 2013
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Dec 04, 2023

Comment:

"‘Man of Steel’ movie, played by Henry Cavill, is one of the best DC remake movies and adds to a more modern view of Superman who struggles to hide his power but feels the need to help others. The government sees him as a security threat, while the less fortunate see him as a blessing. His emotions can be torn to pieces, like any of us, but it is also that which makes him stronger. You will see how far you can push a man before he starts to break. That is why the ‘Man of Steel’ title is so perfect for this movie. Steel does not break easily, but not impossible. Have you ever seen ‘Superman’ cry? Be prepared. It does not deviate from the core storyline of where ‘Superman’ came from. Oh yes, that is not an ‘S’ on his chest, it is a symbol of hope from his home planet ‘Krypton’. Nonetheless, the story begins with Krypton (where Kal-El, (aka Superman) was born) was about to explode from the massive internal eruptions from the planet’s core. Inevitably, the planet Krypton exploded in no time, but in that course, it enabled General Zod (the bad guy) to escape with his fellow soldiers. Kal-El (the baby) escapes the planet, leaving his parents behind (sad moment) and finds his way to planet Earth. Not to give too much of the story away, General Zod finds Superman and wants to rebuild Krypton by destroying planet Earth. You can guess how the story goes. It is not about how the movie ends but rather how the story invites you to live through the decisions ‘Superman’ has to make and endure in order to save the planet and the seven billion people who live here. I highly recommend you watch this movie." -Allison, Grade 10

A Snake Falls to Earth, Book

by Little Badger, Darcie
Book, 2021
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Nov 27, 2023

Comment:

"In "A Snake Falls to Earth" by Darcie Little Badger, we're taken on a magical journey infused with Lipan Apache folklore and a touch of science fiction. The story revolves around Nina, a young Lipan Apache girl, who possesses the ability to bring dead animals back to life. As she grapples with her unique powers, she embarks on a quest to discover the truth about her family and their connection to the stars. The novel weaves together traditional folklore, familial bonds, and the mysteries of the universe, creating a captivating and culturally rich narrative. "A Snake Falls to Earth" earns four stars for its unique blend of cultural richness and speculative fiction. Little Badger's storytelling is enchanting, drawing on Lipan Apache traditions to create a world that feels both authentic and magical. The protagonist, Nina, is a compelling character with a genuine struggle that adds depth to the narrative. The incorporation of folklore and the exploration of family ties resonate strongly, making the book not only contemplative but also thought-provoking. While some parts felt a bit slow, the overall tapestry of the story and its cultural significance make it a captivating read." -Monisha, Grade 11

One of Us Is Back, Book

by McManus, Karen M.
Book, 2023
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Nov 22, 2023

Comment:

"The Bayview Crew, including Addy, Cooper, Nate, Bronwyn, Maeve, Phoebe, Know, Kris and Luis, is back in town. After two consecutive years of eerie mysteries, the town of Bayview has never been the same. When a billboard saying “TIME FOR A NEW GAME, BAYVIEW” appears, strange events happen and the Bayview crew knows that coincidences are hard to trust. With a new game, the stakes are high, but the Bayview Crew has to unfold the mysteries before someone is seriously hurt. One of Us is Back is the finale of the One of Us is Lying Series by Karen McManus. It’s a thrilling book with mystery, drama, suspense and romance. Like the first two books, this book has a twisted mystery that is difficult to pin down. The first half of the book is a little slow as it warms up the reader with the characters from the previous books but second half is really fast paced and hard to put down. I loved that this book had perspectives from many of the characters but sometimes it was hard to distinguish who’s perspective it was. The end was really riveting as all loose ends were tied back together. I would recommend this book to anyone who has read the previous books in this series or is a fan of drama/mystery books!" -Eshita, Grade 10

A Thousand Steps Into Night, Book

by Chee, Traci
Book, 2022
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Nov 16, 2023

Comment:

"A Thousand Steps into the Night is a lovely, fairytale-esque story by Traci Chee based largely off of Japanese folklore. Akin to Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, an ordinary girl is tossed into an enchanting world of demons and spirits where she must use her wits to regain her old life. Here, our protagonist is Miuko, and as a girl of the serving class she has little freedom and even less power. That is, until she goes out at dusk, when the spirit world and human world intertwine, and she ends up cursed to turn into a demon. Miuko must race to the House of December to try to reverse her curse before it changes her completely; but as she meets another malevolence demon she is conflicted between the new power she has and the potential harm she could cause. I really enjoyed the first chunk of the book—Chee’s setting of feudal Japan mixed with folklore was really appealing to me, and she sets up the plot well. However, the plot seemed to go downhill later. Miuko’s actions felt a little disorganized, and there was an inserted aspect of time travel that didn’t quite make complete sense. I felt like I lost sight of Miuko’s intentions because she was moving all over the place and exclaiming repeatedly that she needed to “save her friends”, a line straight out of a children’s story. Apart from the unraveling of the plot, the main characters are for the most part likeable and the mixing in of folklore gives a magical feel to the book. I overall enjoyed it, but more for the vibe than the story itself." --Alice, Grade 11

Candyfreak, eBookA Journey Through the Chocolate Underbelly of America

by Almond, Steve
eBook, 2004
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Nov 16, 2023

Comment:

"Steve Almond is a freak about candy—he’s so passionate that he wrote Candyfreak, which looks not at the well known candy brands that infiltrate every store, but at the smaller companies that struggle to survive under the shadow of the huge conglomerates. He tours the factories of several lesser-known brands, learning how they’re made but also the people behind the creation of candy bars, the individualism and passion that fuels them. I don’t often read non fiction, but this book was quite a good transition from fiction due to Almond’s informal writing style and the partial narrative structure. It also really gave interesting insights into the candy business and the way they’re marketed to us. One must be warned, however, of the sheer number of descriptions the author gives of candy bars. He gets really detailed and a little weird at times, and some paragraphs are really just a list of types of candy and their components/tastes/textures. I don’t think I can look at a bar of candy the same way after reading his descriptions—but my search history is now filled with obscure American candies. Another point of fascination for me was that Almond is actually an alum of Gunn High School, so when he delves into stories of his childhood there are some connections I can make to street names and places in Palo Alto. All in all, Candyfreak is pretty quirky and I’d definitely recommend it if you want an easy way to get into non fiction." --Alice, Grade 11

Mockingjay, Book

by Collins, Suzanne
Book, 2010
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Nov 01, 2023

Comment:

"The Quarter Quell has ended with a big twist. Katniss has been rescued. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. And District 12 has been reduced to rubles. A revolution has started with District 13 as its core which truly does exist. New leaders have emerged and new plans are formulated. But for it to be successful, Katniss has to accept her role as the Mockingjay and rally the districts no matter what it costs. Mockingjay is the ultimate book in the Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Although the plot was slow initially, it balanced out the latter half of the book were a lot happens in a few chapters. This book’s plot made me feel fulfilled. It was a rollercoaster ride; there were so many different feelings and emotions that the reader can experience in this book. Many of the side characters were not explored as much as I would have like but the evolution of Katniss’ character covered up for that. Not all questions were answered or answered the way I wanted them to be yet I was perfectly satisfied. The small peak into the future was like cherry on the cake. I truly loved this series and fans of Divergent or Red Queen will too!" --Eshita, Grade 10

Catching Fire, Book

by Collins, Suzanne
Book, 2009
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Nov 01, 2023

Comment:

"Katniss have survived the Hunger Games but nothing is the same anymore. The Capitol is monitoring her every move, her best friend Gale is avoiding her, and Peeta isn’t there when she needs him the most. And after her act in the Hunger Games, there has been a spark of rebellion which the Capitol holds Katniss accountable for. To protect herself and the ones that she loves, Katniss needs to prove to everybody that what she did was out of love and settle the unrest before it's too late. Catching Fire is the sequel to the magnificent Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. All I can say is that the book just gets better and better. Each and every part of it was so exciting, and when I thought something was going to happen, a HUGE plot twist was added that completely caught me off guard. And the ending was even more surprising. There isn’t much I can say without spoiling the book, but this was one of the best sequels I have read. If you are a sci-fi, dystopian fan or someone who has read Divergent or Red Queen, then get to this book as soon as you can!" --Eshita, Grade 10

1Q84, Book

by Murakami, Haruki
Book, 2011
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Nov 01, 2023

Comment:

"Haruki Murakami presents 1Q84: a whopper of a novel, originally released as three separate volumes—for good reason, as it took me a good several weeks to get through. Murakami tells a long-winded story with multiple plotlines, some of which trail off and some of which converge. It is essentially the love story of Aomame and Tengo, who met once when they were young and then never again. Along the way, the two are wrapped up in dealings with a cult, mysterious and powerful beings called the Little People, and some other peculiar characters. As I said, this book took forever to read. A lot of that is due to Murakami’s frequent repetition of plot details. It makes sense that he recaps the plot often as it was originally three books, but there’s still a lot of time spent where the characters are just thinking and trying to figure out things that the reader already knows. Apart from that, I must say that the ending felt a little dissatisfying. Considering how much time was spent building up the story, there were a lot of loose ends and things I wanted explained. It is also sexual to the point that it’s graphic, and sex was incorporated unnecessarily at way too many points. Despite all that, it was fun to read a kind of prolonged story where the context builds up, and I honestly feel accomplished to have read such a fat book. I’d only recommend it if you’ve got the determination and are comfortable with a Game of Thrones level of graphic." --Alice, Grade 11

Hungry Hearts, Book13 Tales of Food & Love

Book, 2020
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Nov 01, 2023

Comment:

"Hungry Hearts Row is a collection of short stories that are interconnected, featuring characters who face unique challenges. However, food plays a significant role in their lives, such as a shy teenager expressing her feelings through pastries, or a tourist from Montenegro seeking a magical soup dumpling to cure his fear of death. In addition, a budding chef discovers that butter and soul are the necessary ingredients to win a cooking competition that could save his mother's life. The book explores the various symbolic meanings of food beyond just nourishment. It represents love and despair, family and culture, belonging and home. In Hungry Hearts Row, asking if someone has eaten is a typical greeting, and food, magic, and love are often intertwined. One of the things that makes Hungry Hearts Row so unique is the variety of stories it contains. Each tale features a different protagonist facing their own set of challenges, yet they are all connected by the central theme of food. The book offers a diverse range of characters from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, making it an engaging read for anyone who loves stories about food, family, and community." --Joycelyn, 8th Grade

The Raven Boys, Book

by Stiefvater, Maggie
Book, 2012
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Nov 01, 2023

Comment:

"The Raven Cycle is a series so gripping that, should you check out its first book The Raven Boys (you should), I’d advise you to keep its second, The Dream Thieves, closely on hand because you will not want to abandon the story and characters for even a second. Blue Sargent is the fiery daughter of a clairvoyant, raised in a commune of psychics who all agree on one thing: Blue’s kiss will kill her true love. Her solution to this has so far been to avoid kissing anyone (ever!), a decision doesn’t waver when she first meets the four raven boys—Gansey, Adam, Ronan, and Noah—during a disastrous first impression. Her resolve slowly crumbles, however, as they jointly partake in a search for the Ancient Welsh King. Do not be fooled by its introduction, however: The Raven Boys is not simply a supernatural romance. Its magic doesn’t lie in a land of grand quests and spells, it lies in unclear tarot readings, confusing dreams, and the landscapes of their rural town, Henrietta. And though romantic love has a strong role in the series, the novel excels as an exploration of companionship. Companionship beyond gender, class, and sexuality divides; companionship of the unshakable kind. I could not recommend a book or series more highly than this. Maggie Steifvater’s prose is an electric blend of witty dialogue and poetic imagery, so vivid and real you’ll feel as if you’re standing next to the characters—and what a merry band of characters they are! Each is so fleshed out by the end of the series, you feel they are your own closest friends. If you’re looking to pour yourself into a book—to get lost in its pages and not want to leave—I truly suggest you give The Raven Boys a try." --AArushi, Grade 12

City of Lost Souls, Book

by Clare, Cassandra
Book, 2012
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Oct 11, 2023

Comment:

"When Jace goes missing along with Sebastian’s body, Clary and her friends her horrified. After the Clave, the Shadow Hunters Council, decides to downsize the search for Jace, Clary takes the matter into her own hands. But after seeing Jace weeks after he disappeared, Clary isn’t sure how to feel, for Jace has now become a servant and partner of Sebastian, her demon brother, as they are bound together by blood and soul. Can Clary and her friends find a way to save Jace’s soul from fully corrupting or is the Jace Clary knows truly gone? City of Lost Souls is the fifth installment in the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. This book picks up on the cliffhanger from the previous book that left me stumped. This book briefly explained what had happened to ease the mystery but the predicament of saving Jace was mystifying. It also gave a closer look into Sebastian’s character. But the book was a little slow but the end was pretty shocking. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book and I was glad that there was no annoying cliffhanger at the end of this book (like all the other books in this series)! I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next installment that will resolve this series!" -- Eshita, Grade 10

City of Fallen Angels, Book

by Clare, Cassandra
Book, 2011
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Oct 05, 2023

Comment:

"Clary Fray’s life can’t get any better; she is training to be a Shadow Hunter, like everyone else she knows. She and Jace can finally be together and her mother is also getting married. But just when there was peace forming between the Downworlders and Shadowhunters, murders of ShadowHunters may splinter it. And Simon, Clary’s best friend, is also in trouble, facing the true reality of becoming a vampire. But when Jace starts avoiding Clary without providing her an explanation, Clary has no choice but to figure out what’s led to these bizarre events. The City of Fallen Angels is the fourth book in the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. But since the third book ended on a perfect note, this seemed like a start to another trilogy. The first half of the book was pretty interesting as there was a lot of suspense although there wasn’t really a clear plot line. The story was a little slow placed as the main plot was hindered by the side plot and fillers. But the second half had me super satisfied as it put together all the jigsaw pieces, finally revealing the mystery behind the events. There was tons of character development in many characters and the descriptions of all the scenes had me submerged in the world of Shadow Hunters. It was a roller coaster ride but I loved this book and all the fantasy fans who love a world with demons, werewolves, and vampires will love this series!" --Eshita, Grade 10

How We Fall Apart, Book

by Zhao, Katie
Book, 2021
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Oct 05, 2023

Comment:

"How We Fall Apart stars Nancy Luo, a hardworking student on scholarship at Richard Sinclair Preparatory School, where she is surrounded by wealthy peers. Her main motivation is to succeed academically and repay her parents for their sacrifices, but she always seems to fall short compared to her former best friend Jamie Ruan. Unfortunately, Jamie's competitiveness leads her to hurt Nancy, and after she goes missing, someone on the gossip app Tip Tap with the username The Proctor pronounces her dead. The Proctor identifies four suspects from Jamie's former friends, including Nancy, each with a secret and haunted by The Incident from freshman year. This murder mystery is unique in that it features a predominantly Asian American cast and honestly portrays the psychological struggles of overachieving students. While the truth of The Proctor's identity may be hard to believe, readers will be left wanting more due to the pacing and cliffhanger ending. I really enjoyed this book because it not only portrays a thrilling mystery but also brings to light the importance of mental health, and how not all wealthy lives are amazing. This book brings up urgent insights on class, race, and the brutality of high school, and is a juicy thriller that you will be unable to put down. This book brings back memories of Pretty Little Liars, and is especially great for kids age 13." -- Joycelyn, 8th Grade

City of Glass, Book

by Clare, Cassandra
Book, 2009
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Oct 05, 2023

Comment:

"To rescue her mom from the magically induced coma and discover her family’s past, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the home of the Shadowhunters. But her closest friends are unwilling to take her there. To help her mom she has to befriend mysterious allies. And with Valentine gathering the demons to take down the Clave, the only hope for Shadowhunters might be to ally with their enemies. The City of Glass is the third installment in Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. This book starts off with the side plot of Clary trying to help her mother (which is a slow read) but soon goes deep into the main conflict of stopping Valentine. I liked that there was some character development in Clary where she contributes to the main fight, unlike the other books. Big secrets were revealed and the end was perfect which was super fulfilling. I think that fantasy readers should definitely read this series to dive into the world of Shadowhunters!" -- Eshita, Grade 10

City of Ashes, Book

by Clare, Cassandra
Book, 2008
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Oct 05, 2023

Comment:

"After Clary Fray got engulfed into the world of demons and downworlders, her mom in a magical coma, and her father Valentine, who is the evil Shadowhunter, wanting to change and destroy the peace between downworlders and shadow hunters, Clary can only wish that her life went back to normal. But after mysterious gruesome murders take place and the second Mortal Instrument goes missing, everybody starts to doubt Valentine’s son Jace. Will Clary be able to stop Valentine and his horrendous plans along with proving Jace’s innocence? The second book in the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare was much of a side plot to the series because most of the focus was shifted from stopping Valentine to removing the doubts about Jace and Clary’s innocence. Although this book was pretty good and many relationships were broken, mended, and built, I think that much of it didn’t really contribute a lot to the main plot. But this book was pretty intriguing and the subsequent book really picks up the pace, so I DO think that the series is worth reading! All fantasy readers will enjoy this as they explore the world of vampires, warlocks, werewolves, faeries, demons, and shadow hunters!" --Eshita, Grade 10

Generation One, Book

by Lore, Pittacus
Book, 2017
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Oct 04, 2023

Comment:

"The first book in an incredible new series set in the world of the I Am Number Four series leaves you in awe of the thrilling ride it took me on! Although the war is over, the next generation is just beginning the battle as human teenagers start developing powers of their own, known as Legacies. To help these young individuals control their powers, the Garde have established an academy where they can train to hone their skills and one day help mankind. However, not everyone agrees with this idea, and the teens might need to use their Legacies sooner than they ever imagined. If you are a fan of X-Men or The 5th Wave, you will love this epic new series. The diverse cast of characters struggles to decide what to do with their abilities, and the action-packed sci-fi adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you are a fan of the original series or a newcomer, this fast-paced book is a must-read!" -Joycelyn, Grade 8

1984, BookA Novel

by Orwell, George
Book, 1961
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Oct 04, 2023

We Interrupt This Broadcast, BookThe Events That Stopped Our Lives-- From the Hindenburg Explosion to the Virginia Tech Shooting

by Garner, Joe
Book, 2008
pacl_teens's rating:
Added Oct 04, 2023

Comment:

""We Interrupt This Broadcast" by Joe Garner is a meticulously crafted journey through some of the most pivotal moments in broadcast history. This book serves as a tribute to the influential role that journalism and media have played in shaping our collective understanding of the world. What sets "We Interrupt This Broadcast" apart is its ability to highlight the power of media in capturing the essence of history. It shows how these broadcasts didn't just report the news; they shaped our perceptions, influenced our responses, and even united nations in moments of crisis. It's a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of journalism on our society and how it has helped to create a shared global consciousness." -Sienna, Grade 11

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