Zlata's Diary, by Zlata Filipovic

Reviewed by Ryan A. Holt, Jr.

Before reading this book, I had never imagined what life would be like living through a war. I had never realized that other people my age are going through things I can't imagine: war, poverty, family problems. Now after reading this book, I realize how good I actually have things. My new understanding about life as a result of reading this book is to not take things for granted, and to try to give more to the world then taking from it.

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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, by Sean Covey

Reviewed by Alex Loya

...It helped me in seeing what type of person I am. It also showed me what kind of person I want to be when I get older. I don't want to be one of those people that doesn't have any friends because I talk about everyone. It also helped because now I know that there are people out there who may be better than me, or have more money than me, but who cares?  I am proud of who I am.

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Student Reviews, 2006-07

Chicken Soup for a Teenage Soul III

By Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Kerberger

Reviewed by Keyairah Gregg

This book inspired me in many different ways. When I started reading this book I could not put it down for a second without wanting to pick it up again. This book has been very helpful and useful to me. The book talks about real problems and stories that teens have sent to publishers and published in their book. It is a nice to have us young people writing stories and having them published for others to read them and be inspired.

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Speak, By Laurie Halse Anderson

Reviewed by Bianca Herrera

Imagine yourself going to a school where you know everyone hates you but you don’t know why? Imagine yourself walking the hallways of your school and know that the people’s stares and whispers are about you. Who in this crowd is your real friend? Well, in the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson presents this scene of the book. Anderson reveals the scene of a high school drama between teenagers who faces problems of discrimination, bullying, rape, and gossip. Anderson especially demonstrates every description of each character in her novel that is similar to you or reminds you of someone you  might know. It’s a book that encourages you to stand up and speak for your rights to survive a big high school drama.

Margaux with an X, By Ron Koertge

Reviewed by Adaivet Martinez

Imagine never being understood until the most unlikely person steps into your life.  That is exactly what happens in Marquax with an X.  I thought it was a very complex book.  I also thought it was confusing because it uses hard vocabulary words.  There are many twists and turns.  Margaux goes through the trouble that a lot of teenagers go through, so I could relate well with her.

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Making the Most of High School, By Carol Carter

Reviewed by Mira Martinez

“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment,” Oprah Winfrey once said, and this is why I decided to read Making the Most of High School by Carol Carter.  This book is the perfect tool for teenagers who want a better future.  It will provide tips and information on responsibilities, high school, dating, sexual health, money, confidence boosters, self-knowledge, and many other helpful tips that will help you become a much better person.

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Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones, By Ann Head

Reviewed by Maya Valdivia

What would do if you were sixteen and pregnant?  Would you keep the baby? How would you tell your parents?  Those are the questions July Greher and her boyfriend Bo Jo are faced with in the novel Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones by Ann Head.  The glamorous life of proms, parties, and the pretty life are all forced down the drain because of one night.  What would you do? 

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