We begin with a star-crossed tale for our teen readers this week. Site member Safah wrote a superb review of These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, which she described as 'brilliant!' As Lilac and Tarver fight for survival on a deserted planet, they uncover the truth behind voices which haunt their every step.
'Excuse me while I try my best to stop hyperventilating … OK, I'm alright now. This book was brilliant. The characters to begin with were so strong. Usually with multiple POVs characters can seem a little weaker but with this book both Tarver and Lilac were beautifully written and the character development of Lilac was just, gah! She went from being this spoilt brat to this genius with electronics and so many insults ready for the giving she had me smiling all the way, not that Tarver's stabs weren't hilarious too … The world building was brilliant too. Even though we don't know much about the planet you still feel like you've been taken to a whole new place that doesn't relate at all to real life. Everything felt so sinister and dream-like.'
Would you like the power to read minds? Well this, bookworms, may very well be your chance as we move next to a dystopian future in which inner thoughts and images are heard and seen by all living things. Spooky, eh? Zarah, from our KECHGreaders book group wrote a fantastic review of the Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness.
'Chaos Walking is one of those series that will change your life. It is the kind of trilogy you want to finish while at the same time you don't want the series to end. You will be thinking about it weeks or even months after you have read it. The trilogy is very sad but definitely unique. If you can handle the real brutality of war, I highly recommend these books … You get very attached to the characters very quickly. I would rate these books 8 out of 10. They are amazing. I would recommend them for readers aged 12 and over.'
Also for our teen readers, but moving to a friendship theme, MollieBookworm wrote an outstanding review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. In this coming of age tale, Charlie is a freshman in high school who learns the importance of friendship as he comes to terms with his difficult past.
'Charlie goes on a rollercoaster ride full of emotions and learns that he has the greatest friends he could wish for. If you read this story you will laugh, cry and keep reading on. It is not to be missed. Charlie will show you that high school can be enjoyed if you have the right friends and becoming a teenager isn't as scary as you think, even though it seems that way. This story has stayed with me for a long while and I am sure if you read it, you will remember it forever. I highly recommend this book if you are 14+.'
We're turning the clock back now, with RugbyDog's terrific review of Middle School: How I Got Lost In London by James Patterson. In this side-splittingly funny novel, Rafe and his imaginary friend Leonardo go on a school trip to London and find themselves trapped in London Tower!
'This book really made me chuckle. At the very start it had a funny checklist and it said "yourself, clothes, toothpaste, checklist, checklist of the checklist and checklist of the checklist of the checklist." Even my mum laughed! … I thought this book was totally awesome … I really liked it and I only took one break from reading it out of all 101 pages. I would recommend this book for 6 and three quarters to 12 year olds.'
But the undisputed King of Comic has to David Walliams, whose Demon Dentist was brilliantly reviewed by Bookworm Reader. In this book, 12 year-old Alfie (who has completely rotten teeth) visits a strange new dentist who gives out free sweets and acid toothpaste which can burn holes through stone.
'I really loved this book. David Walliams is one of my favourite authors, so when I got this book for Christmas, I was delighted! Demon Dentist is a horror/comedy book. I loved it to pieces, and I'm sure you will too! My favourite character was Raj, the newsagent, because he always seems to have a plan (and he's in all of David Walliams' books!)'
Once again a bow and a wave from our super site members for sending in so many wonderful reviews - round of applause to all! If we have included your book review in this week's roundup, do remember to email the Book Elves (childrens.books@theguardian.com) and we will be sure to send you your book-shaped prize!
Happy reading!
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