Stargazing
Jen Wang ; color by Lark Pien
2019
ISBN: 9781250183873
"Moon is everything Christine isn't. She's confident, impulsive, artistic . . . and though they both grew up in the same Chinese-American suburb, Moon is somehow unlike anyone Christine has ever known. When Moon's family moves in next door to Christine's, Moon goes from unlikely friend to best friend--maybe even the perfect friend. The girls share their favorite music videos, paint their toenails when Christine's strict parents aren't around, and make plans to enter the school talent show together. Moon even tells Christine her deepest secret: that she sometimes has visions of celestial beings who speak to her from the stars. Who reassure her that earth isn't where she really belongs. But when they're least expecting it, catastrophe strikes. After relying on Moon for everything, can Christine find it in herself to be the friend Moon needs?
Review by Hannah K. 8th Grade
"Stargazing" is a novel written by Jen Wang about the friendship of Christine and Moon, two Chinese American girls who are able to find comfort in each other despite their background and personality differences. Christine is a quiet girl who plays violin and is expected to get good grades. On the other hand, Moon is an outgoing artist who loves Kpop music and dancing as well. They are able to bond and be introduced to each others' strengths. However, after Moon starts becoming more popular with Madison, a popular girl, Christine starts to get jealous. This feeling ends up causing a later catastrophe in their friendship. At Madison's birthday party, out of jealousy, Christine intentionally exposes Moon's drawings, causing everyone to laugh. This leads to Moon attacking one of the people who made fun of her, and later on, she faints. She is rushed to the hospital, and is diagnosed with brain cancer, which needs surgery. Christine doesn't know how to feel and avoids seeing Moon. However, she eventually apologizes for what she did and Moon forgives her. The story then ends with Christine dancing at the talent show to raise funds for Moon's surgery, and a much stronger friendship. Overall, I enjoyed this book because of its heartwarming friendship story about overcoming obstacles and the troubles of family and life. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes graphic novels and wants a sweet read.
Catching fire
Suzanne Collins
2009
ISBN: 9780439023498
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. Nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Her longtime friend, Gale holds her at an icy distance, and Peeta has turned his back on her completely. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. -- From book jacket.
Review by O'ryon H. 11th Grade
"Catching Fire" continues Katniss Everdeen's journey in a dystopian world where she becomes a symbol of rebellion. After winning the 74th Hunger Games, she faces the consequences of her actions and is thrust into a new competition—the Quarter Quell. Collins masterfully explores themes of oppression, sacrifice, and survival, deepening character development, especially Katniss and Peeta’s relationship. The pacing is intense, filled with unexpected twists that keep readers engaged. While some may find the plot somewhat repetitive, "Catching Fire" successfully raises the stakes and sets the stage for the series’ climactic conclusion, making it a compelling sequel.
Mockingjay
Suzanne Collins
2010
ISBN: 9780439023511
Katniss Everdeen's having survived the Hunger games twice makes her a target of the Capitol and President Snow, as well as a hero to the rebels who will succeed only if Katniss is willing to put aside her personal feelings of anger and distrust and serve as their pawn. She must accept responsibility for countless lives in order to change the course of the future of Panem. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.
Review by O'ryon H. 11th Grade
"Mockingjay" follows Katniss Everdeen as she navigates the complexities of rebellion against the oppressive Capitol. Set in a war-torn world, the story delves into themes of trauma, power, and sacrifice. Katniss's transformation into the symbolic "Mockingjay" highlights the burdens of leadership and propaganda. Collins's writing is impactful, capturing the emotional weight of conflict and loss. The pacing varies, with some readers appreciating the strategic depth, while others may find it slower. Overall, "Mockingjay" provides a fitting conclusion to the trilogy, addressing the harsh realities of war and the cost of resistance, leaving readers reflective.
The ballad of songbirds and snakes
Suzanne Collins
2020
ISBN: 9781338635171
It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute. The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined, every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute, and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.
Reviewed by O'ryon H. 11th Grade
"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" is a prequel to "The Hunger Games" series, focusing on a young Coriolanus Snow, who later becomes the tyrannical president of Panem. Set during the 10th Hunger Games, the story explores themes of power, ambition, and morality. Coriolanus is assigned to mentor a female tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird, who captivates audiences with her talent. As the Games unfold, Coriolanus faces moral dilemmas and political intrigue, revealing the complexities of his character and the origins of his ruthless nature. The novel examines the impact of choice and survival in a brutal world.