Plot: This book is about a vampire named Louis. In the beginning of the story he is found by a boy who interviews people at night. The boy follows Louis and he quickly realizes during the interview that Louis is an actual vampire. During this interview Louis recounts all of his previous experiences. He tells, in great detail, about his family, the plantation he owned, being made

into a vampire by Lestat de Lioncourt, and his adventures around the world with his own fledgling, Claudia. He tells everything about his life to the boy.

Commentary: This is one of the best books that I have read in years. The story is very realistic and accurate about how it was in the 18th century in New Orleans. She goes into great detail with everything. This is the first book in the Vampire Chronicles by Ann Rice. Ann Rice is very detailed in her writing. She gives the characters distinct personalities that are built up and displayed well throughout the book. Each character's personality is very unique and sometimes creates conflict between characters. Each book in the Vampire Chronicles introduces characters through the main characters experiences that are very important in the later books. The Vampire Chronicles are very good books for anyone who likes to read and likes interesting plots. Reviewed by Myles in 2005

Plot: When Darren Shan goes to the mysterious Cirque du Freak (circus of freaks), it leads him into the dark. A place he never thought he would be afraid of, but when he’s there, his friend gets into trouble with one of the performers. He has to risk everything to save him.

Commentary: This book is fast-paced, full of twist and turns, and it will leave you on the edge of your seat in terror. Cirque du freak exposes the fascinating but dangerous adventure the charters go through. This book is filled with bizarre creatures, murderous vampires and a terrifying ending. This compelling book will leave the reader hungry for more. Reviewed by Molly in 2006

Plot: Herbie is a normal high school senior who plays football, does cross-country and is searching for a girlfriend. Herbie loved his older brother Frank who died ten years earlier from cancer and hasn’t been able to move on in the afterlife. Watching Herbie’s life and telling the story, Frank tries to connect with Herbie through his dreams. One night, Herbie takes one of his long-distance runs through a graveyard and connects with a ghost named Eamon. Herbie has some sort of liveliness that these spirits can latch on to and Frank believes Herbie can help free their trapped souls.

Commentary: Restless is an enjoyable quick read. Rich Wallace writes with a realism that relates well with teenage readers. He includes detailed speculation into the afterlife which initially interested me. Herbie believes that some ghosts are stuck in another level of existence and seem to be searching for the one action or event that will release them. That is true for Frank and Eamon, who are well-written characters. Eamon lived in the 1800’s, his demise came when he attempted to climb a slippery hillside in the rain and cracked his head as he fell to the earth. Afraid and confused, Eamon moves through the graveyard full of energy. Because some fraction of his worldly self is still intact, Eamon can appear to Herbie. Frank, the brother you wish you had, is on a different plane than Eamon. Frank knew how to have a good time and he was a caring, supportive guy. The most intriguing and likable character is Herbie, the intelligent, laidback wise-guy. I loved when he wasn’t wandering through the graveyard, Herbie would be juggling football, cross-country and a part-time job. He was a lifelike teenager determined to show up an unfavorable coach and prove himself, which any student may have encountered some time or another. Reviewed by Jackie in 2005

Summary: When 15 year old Liz Hall is hit by a taxi and killed, she wakes up and finds herself in a place that is both very like and unlike earth. In this place called Elsewhere, you age backward until you’re a baby again and can be sent back to earth to be reborn. To her, it feels like she’s alive, while in reality she’s just living her death. While Liz is in Elsewhere, she needs to learn to not dwell in the past, and to accept the fact that she’s dead. Along her journey to acceptance she learns some pretty surprising things and meet some pretty surprising people that could change her life (death) forever.

Analysis: Gabrielle Zevin has a very unique style of writing. She makes the story seem so real, when the plot line is totally out there. The characters in this book were very well described and portrayed through actions and dialogue. The feelings and thoughts of the characters seemed so real, that there were times when I was reading this book and literally felt like I was in Elsewhere, or at least get a really clear picture in my mind. It’s a very fast moving book, but not too fast, so you stay interested in the story as you’re reading it. This book interested me a lot; it’s definitely one of the best books I’ve read in a while. I love the fact that the whole book is about someone’s death, yet it seems so much like a normal life. My overall evaluation for this book is that it’s very good; if you haven’t already read it, go check it out of the library! Reviewed by Melissa in 2007