The Secret Life of Prince Charming

by Deb Caletti

Student Book Review submitted by Maddie:

The Secret Life of Prince Charming is about a girl, Quinn, whose parents got divorced and she has just gotten to see her father regularly again. After his longtime girlfriend leaves him, Quinn discovers that her Dad has a disturbing secret. She decides to go on a "karmic quest" with her half sister that she hardly knew existed and her younger sister to find the truth of her Dad's past.

I loved this book because it had a lot of personal thoughts that kids, especially ones whose parents have gotten divorced, can really relate to. Deb Caletti did a good job of mixing a good story with fun-to-read girl drama. This book is not too hard to read, and definitely good for anyone who likes girl-empowering books.

Out of My Mind

by Sharon Draper

Student Book Review submitted by Chloe:

This book is about a girl named Melody who has cerebral palsy. Because of her disease, she can't talk or move. It's as if she is paralyzed, but her brain isn't paralyzed.  In fact, she's one of the smartest kids in her class, but no one knows that because she can't talk. How would you feel if all of your thoughts just built up in your mind and you couldn't communicate them or even use sign language?  The exciting parts in the book are when she gets bullied by other students, but overcomes her problems. One example is when she gets this super high tech computer that helps her communicate her thoughts. It can find a phrase easily and it is designed to help her problem.

I loved this book because it totally helped me see a different perspective.  I usually only see people with a disability like that on the outside, but I have never really thought deeply on what is going on inside of them. I would recommend this book because it totally makes you think of people with a disability like that in a new way and it made me happy to think that there are ways to communicate with them.

A Long Walk To Water

by Linda Sue Park

Student Book Review submitted by Liam:

This is a great book. It is about a civil war in Sudan. This book is mainly about a boy named Salva and his struggles while growing into a man after his family's village is attacked and he's forced to flee. There is another storyline going on at the same time about a girl having to walk the whole day, every day, just to get enough water for her family to live. I especially think this book is amazing because I love reading about wars.