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Brief synopsis (no spoilers): Elves are real, but they are much more "normal" than humans think. No North Pole mess, or magic. They just have very advanced technology. Sophie Foster lives in the human world, but she's actually an elf. She learns this fact when another elf finds her and introduces her to the rest of the elf world. Sophie also has telepathy, the ability to read minds. Living in the human world, and having a special power both make her special. Category : Teen fiction, tween fiction Why I chose this book : Several of my kids love them My personal opinion : This is a pretty classic teen or pre-teen story. The main character is very young- probably too young to be allowed to do the things she feels she must do, but adults around her enable her. She wants desperately to be special- even more special than she already is, just being very smart. And she's practically invincible, so her "fight scenes" (no actual fighting) are pretty much "yawn...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): This school year is marked by two epic events: the Quidditch World Cup being hosted in England, and the Tri-Wizard Tournament being hosted at Hogwarts School. Harry is able to be a spectator for the first, but is forced to participate in the second. Voldemort is getting stronger, with the help of his servant Wormtail. And all of the people are not as they seem. Category : YA fiction Why I chose this book : I've read the series several times, but I've never reviewed them My personal opinion : This is the first book that really starts to involve what will become the major plot for the rest of the series. It starts to involve Harry in the world outside Hogwarts, and his responsibility to stop Voldemort. I love how this book focuses on bravery in the face of impossible situations, and the importance of doing your best. Warnings Language: None Violence: Fighting, but nothing graphic "Adult" situations: None Death: Yes, includi...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): Sirius Black has escaped from wizard prison, and is heading to kill Harry. At least, that's what the wizarding world thinks. Hermione wants to conquer the world by taking on every subject possible in school. Ron's pet Scabbers isn't doing too well- maybe he's just getting old. Category : YA fiction Why I chose this book : I've read the series several times, but I've never reviewed them My personal opinion : This book was excellent. I think Harry was a little reckless in his breaking of school rules this year, and I think Snape was just about uncontrollable in his dislike of Harry. I enjoyed the fact that the story line is getting more complex, reaching outside Hogwarts. Warnings Language: None Violence: Fighting, but nothing graphic "Adult" situations: None Death: Past deaths referenced Movie rating equivalent : PG Protagonist description : Harry is fiercely loyal, and fierce about justice Point of view of story : Third, ...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): Most of civilization is settled along the equator of a planet, because the lands closer to the poles are less stable (earthquakes). There are some people that have the ability to control the movements of the earth. They are feared and placed together, away from everyone, until they can control themselves. Or they are killed as children, by communities that do not understand them. That's as far as I got. Category : Sci-Fi, maybe Why I chose this book : Recommended by the library, won a bunch of awards My personal opinion : It seemed like the story was going to build to something great. I wanted to like the book. But with the language and the sex scene, I quit before the 5th chapter was done. So disappointing. I do not recommend this book for anyone. Warnings Language: yes, 3 uses of the f-word in the first 5 chapters Violence: child abuse mentioned "Adult" situations: explicit sex scene Death: yes Movie rating equivalent : R, or NC-17 Protago...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): The Earth is basically in ruins. Just about everyone on the planet escapes that reality by living in a massive online universe, called the OASIS. The inventor of the OASIS created an elaborate game that activated upon his demise, which will determine the future controlling person of the OASIS. Wade Watts is a Senior in High School, convinced he will win the challenge. Like most hugely popular stories, the movie appears that it will deviate heavily from the book in execution, but stay true to its basic principles (based on previews). Category : Sci Fi Why I chose this book : Very popular, especially with the movie coming My personal opinion : I can see a handful of points in this book that will get under the skin of various people. Tolerance of homosexuality is promoted; racial issues are pointed out frankly; sexual self gratification and pornography are condoned; atheism is upheld and Christianity is mocked; global warming has reached the point of ruining...

Brief synopsis  (no spoilers): Harry continues his adventure by returning to Hogwarts as a 12 year-old Second Year student. A secret part of the school houses a killer beast, and it's controlled by an evil wizard known as the Heir of Slytherin. Harry, Ron, and Hermione feel a need to solve the mystery and stop the beast. Category : YA fiction Why I chose this book : I've read the series several times, but I've never reviewed them My personal opinion : The story is excellent, and the story telling is top notch- lots of humor, gripping plot, believable characters. I love the lessons it teaches of confidence, bravery, and good fighting against evil. This is the first book that I feel actively acts as a platform to set up for the major story line. It focuses a little less about what actually happens during the school year, and starts to bring in elements from outside the Hogwarts bubble. Warnings Language: None Violence: Fighting, but nothing graphic "Adult...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): Magic exists in the world, and users of magic work hard to keep that a secret. They have separate schools, government, and jobs. Harry Potter is famous in the wizarding world because he, as a toddler, defeated the most powerful evil wizard in the world. But he grew up under the care of his Aunt and Uncle who hate magic, so he knew nothing of his fame or of magic until wizard Hagrid showed up on his doorstep on his 11th birthday, and started him on the greatest adventure of his life. Category : YA fiction Why I chose this book : I've read the series several times, but I've never reviewed them My personal opinion : The story is excellent, and the story telling is top notch- lots of humor, gripping plot, believable characters. I love the lessons it teaches of confidence, bravery, and good fighting against evil. The Dursleys and Malfoy drive me crazy, but they do a good job of providing opposition. Warnings Language: None Violence: Fight...