Wednesday, August 23, 2023

About Louisville Public Library's Review Crew

The library’s Review Crew offers local teens in grades 6-12 the opportunity to earn community service hours for school or other organizations by reviewing teen books or adult books with teen appeal. We hope to provide local teens with great reading recommendations from their peers while also providing a flexible means of earning volunteer credit.

To join the Crew, please email Teen Services Librarian, Jessica Schwartz, at jschwartz@louisvilleco.gov for more information and review writing guidelines. You will be asked to write a sample review. If your review is accepted, you will be eligible to earn one community service hour for every review submitted. 

Ratings are out of 5 stars:

·         1 star = didn't like it

·         2 stars = it was ok

·         3 stars =  liked it

·         4 stars = really liked it

·         5 stars  = it was amazing

   

The Hollow Boy by Jonathan Stroud

Book: The Hollow Boy

Rating: 5 stars 

Review Writer: James S.


In Jonathan Stroud’s novel The Hollow Boy, the Lockwood & Co. ghost hunting agency take a case from Ms. Wintergarden who recommends the agency to DEPRAC for the Chelsea ghost Outbreak. One thing I liked about The Hollow boy is the continued atmosphere of mystery and surprise. I also like how Stroud adds in Holly Munro, the new office assistant, into the group seamlessly and makes sure to show the reactions of everyone. I also like how Stroud made sure that Lucy’s character began to develop and learn about her Talent. One thing I don’t like is that Lucy is overly untrusting of Holly even though Holly tries to be as nice as possible. I also don’t like how they say that Poltergeists are invisible while in past books they were only described as a faint shape that can barely be seen. Another thing I didn’t like was how Stroud ended the book on a cliffhanger. In the end, I give The Hollow Boy 5 stars out of 5

The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud

Book: The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud

Rating: 4.5 stars 

Review Writer: James S.




The Whispering Skull is the second book in the five book Lockwood & Co. series by Jonathan Stroud. The Whispering Skull follows Lockwood & Co. a group of children in an alternate London who eradicate ghosts for a business. Lockwood & Co. is made up Anthony Lockwood, George Cubbins, and Lucy Carlyle. As George Cubbins is experimenting on a skull in a jar it suddenly speaks to Lucy. One thing I liked about The Whispering Skull is that it  kept the moody atmosphere from the first book and the weird quirks of each character. I also like the little bits of detail that show us what might happen next. I also like how even though a new character is introduced, the skull in the jar, Stroud introduced them and eased them into the story and its plot. I also like how the villain in the book is not very clear until the end giving the book an air of mystery. One thing that I didn’t like about Stroud’s The Whispering Skull is that his details were a bit inconsistent and that it made the book a little annoying. I also didn’t like how the names of some ghost sub-types were changed from the first book.



The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud

Book: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud

Rating: 5 stars 

Review Writer: James S.




The Screaming Staircase is a novel written by Jonathan Stroud about a group of psychic investigation agents, ghost catchers, in an alternate London where ghosts have suddenly begun to appear. The agents, Anthony Lockwood, George Cubbins, and Lucy Carlyle, are part of a group called Lockwood & Co. which helps the citizens of London clear out the ghosts on or in their property. Stroud was able to incorporate an element of surprise and mystery while still making the book packed with action and detail. He was able to make encounters with ghosts and their eradication packed with action while the monotonous days feel slow and sluggish. He was also able to achieve an air of trust and interest between the characters and Lucy. Stroud also incorporated Lucy’s backstory and history without the story feeling stopped or it being a flashback rather bringing it up as a distant memory. One thing I don’t like about The Screaming Staircase is the suddenness of the cases that take place during the book. I also don’t like how Stroud doesn’t elaborate onto certain ghost types that are talked about in later books. In the end, I give The Screaming Staircase a 5 stars out of 5.




Wednesday, July 12, 2023

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

Book: If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

Rating: 3 stars 

Reviewer: Jackie C.



If You Could See The Sun by Ann Liang, takes place in modern day Beijing, China. The book is centered around a girl named Alice Sun, who, you could say, leads an “invisible life" at her elite international boarding school in Beijing. Coming from a poor family, Alice aims for greatness in her academic life in hopes of procuring a well paying job so she can finally bring her family out of poverty. With the tuition fee now raised, Ann is informed by her parents that they can no longer pay for her tuition. Despite that, Ann has a much more pressing matter at hand: she is turning invisible at random and can not figure out why or how to even control it. Though faced with such a problem, Ann soon realizes that there is a positive side to her situation. Information, such as secrets, are precious things that people are willing to pay quite a price for, and not only that, she is surrounded by China’s most influential and rich teens. As Ann tries to balance her schoolwork, stealing secrets, and her growing relationship with her rival, who also happens to be her business partner, things start to fall apart. Alice’s jobs quickly change from stealing secrets to more serious crimes, and she must decide if helping her family is worth betraying her morals, or even losing her life.

I felt that the plot was overall good and enjoyable, but in all honesty it was a bit hard to get into the book at first, as the pacing was quite slow. None of the characters really stood out to me either and the author did not  explain how the main character got her power, which I found quite bothersome. Despite that, it was still a good read because the pacing eventually quickened and I wanted to keep reading it to see what would happen. I would give it three out of five stars. I would recommend this book to those who like school life books and high stakes.  


Thursday, July 6, 2023

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind by Misa Sugiura

Book: Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind by Misa Sugiura

Rating: 4.5 stars 

Review Writer: James S.



Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind by Misa Sugiura is a Japanese mythology fantasy book about Momo Arashima, the daughter of a Japanese goddess and a mortal father. We follow Momo as she must defeat the armies of Yomi, Japanese hell, and save the world. I really like how the author of the book was able to portray the trials and tribulations in such detail along with characters' emotions. I really liked how the Sugiura was able to incorporate a wide selection of Japanese mythology into her book. I also liked the display of the characters motivations and Momo’s power struggle with the legendary Sword of the Wind, Kusanagi. But, I didn’t like how the epilogue was so vague on certain actions. I also didn’t like how Sugiura was very vague on certain gods and creatures but was very descriptive of some. In the end, Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind is very comparable to the Percy Jackson series because of its representation of mythology in the modern world. I give Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind 4.5 stars out of 5.

Monday, July 3, 2023

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

Book: The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

Rating: 4 Stars 

Reader: Samuel C. 


"The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown is a captivating and inspirational true story that chronicles the remarkable journey of the University of Washington's rowing team as they strive for Olympic gold during the politically charged atmosphere of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Brown skillfully weaves together history, sportsmanship, and personal narratives to create a compelling narrative. The book primarily focuses on the story of Joe Rantz, one of the rowers whose life experiences and personal challenges serve as a backdrop for the team's pursuit of victory. By delving into the individual lives and backgrounds of the rowers, the author provides a deep understanding of their motivations, struggles, and triumphs. One of the most outstanding aspects of this book is its ability to transport readers to the time period and the world of rowing in the 1930s. Brown's meticulous research and attention to detail create a vivid and immersive reading experience. From the gripping accounts of the intense rowing competitions to the descriptions of the economic hardships of the Great Depression, the book effectively captures the essence of the era. The Boys in the Boat also explores broader themes such as teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. It highlights the importance of unity and trust within a team, as well as the perseverance required to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. The rowers' dedication, discipline, and unwavering determination serve as a source of inspiration that extends beyond the world of sports. Brown's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book accessible to both avid sports enthusiasts and general readers. He expertly balances the technical aspects of rowing with personal anecdotes and historical context, ensuring that the narrative remains captivating and relatable throughout. While the focus is primarily on the University of Washington's rowing team, the book also provides insight into the political backdrop of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. It touches upon the rise of Nazi Germany and the propaganda efforts surrounding the Games, adding a layer of historical significance to the story. "The Boys in the Boat" is a testament to the power of human spirit and determination. It celebrates the triumph of the underdog and serves as a reminder of the capacity for greatness that lies within ordinary individuals. By the end of the book, readers will find themselves emotionally invested in the lives of the rowers and rooting for their success. In summary, "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" is a gripping and inspiring narrative that seamlessly blends sports history, personal narratives, and historical context. Daniel James Brown's storytelling prowess and his ability to bring the past to life make this book a must-read for those seeking a compelling true story of resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of a dream.