An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth 

by Chris Hadfield

Plot:

Chris Hadfield tells his life story about how he overcame all odds to become commander of the International Space Station. This book tells you how prepare for and pursue your own personal dreams and goals. Chris Hadfield teaches us that preparation, humor and learning from mistakes can propel us forward in life. In the book he goes through his life and how he had many medical conditions that could have prevented him from becoming the commander of the International Space Station but he never gave up and never giving up is the only reason he is where he is today. In the book he tells a story of when he and his wife went to an Elton John concert. A local radio station was trying to get Elton John to call Hadfield up on stage to play a song with him.  Hadfield decided that if he got this chance, the song would be Rocket Man, so for weeks he practiced playing Rocket Man on his guitar just in case Elton John called him up on stage. This ties into a recurring theme of preparing for things even if they might not happen but just knowing that you're ready in case it does. At the start of the book he talks about his childhood and how he was always fascinated by space and how he always had the dream of becoming the commander of the International Space Station and how he wanted people to know who he was.

Thoughts:

My thoughts on this book where that it was very interesting and that I learned a lot about space travel and what goes into becoming an astronaut. This book was filled with facts that kept me reading and also there were many life lessons that he had learned through his life that I can use in my life to become successful.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning more about what goes on behind the scenes at NASA and what is done to become the commander of the International Space Station. This book would also be good for anyone who likes a quick biography that keeps you interested the whole way through.

reviewed by L.P., Grade 10 Scona student

It's Kind Of A Funny Story

It's Kind Of A Funny Story

by Ned Vizzini

Plot:

When 15-year-old high school freshmen Craig Gilner attends a Pre-Professional High School, an overwhelming wave of tasks takes over. The pressure becomes unbearable. He only finds peace in being lazy and using drugs. Craig eventually winds up in the hospital when he has a suicidal episode, where he makes a couple of friends who have struggled with life just as much as himself.

My thoughts:

Personally, I found the book to be quite satisfying! In the beginning I could feel how emotionally deprived Craig was and all the pressure he was going through with school. Gradually, Craig gained happiness and self worth. Developed relationships with others that he valued. He was flourishing as a person before our eyes! The characters are well done but I had difficulty remembering which old lady was which...otherwise great job! Craig’s strange perspective on life is really interesting, its really what got me liking his character (as well as his love for drawing). I would recommend this to someone who is a teenager or someone with a sense of humor. This novel is all about Craig and how he overcomes depression and discovers what he really wants in life. Isn’t that all teenagers? 

reviewed by T.G., Grade 10 Scona student

Dualed

Dualed

by Elsie Chapman

Plot:

Imagine a world where everywhere is plagued by war and death, besides the city you live in. The Government of Kersh is one of the only safe havens in the country, this is because every citizen is a trained warrior. Every citizen has an alternate version of themselves that they need to kill. from the age of 12-20 the citizens train for the moment where they are assigned they have thirty-one  days   to try and kill their alternant  by any means necessary or be killed by their alternant, whoever is the successful alternate is the stronger warrior in the city of Kersh  

This is the world of West Grayer, she has been training since she was a young girl. West is an experienced fighter and gunsmith this will help her when she gets assigned, this is when The Government has 4 words for her “Kill or Be Killed”

My Thoughts:

This book is an exciting ride from start to finish. When i signed it out after reading the back of the book I knew it would be a book for me.  I really like that it puts you in the shoes of West Grayer with a first person writing style. Elsie Chapman is a very good author I especially enjoyed the way she makes you feel what the characters are feeling in certain situations and how the setting is laid out, this allows readers to get immersed in reading the text.  Throughout reading the book it reminded me of The Jason Bourne movies and the book Boy Nobody with the constant action and suspense they both have. If anyone like books from the first person and like action and suspense and want to rarely put a book down. I strongly recommend Dualed by Elsie Chapman

reviewed by K.M., Grade 10 Scona student

A Child Called “It”

A Child Called “It”

by Dave Pelzer

Plot:

“It”, was starved, beaten and thrown into a world of abuse.  “It’s” name was David.  Being raised by abusive parents, and turning alcoholic, Dave’s “mother” quickly repeated the cycle, by turning all her rage and fury on him.  Punishments started off “small”, such as screaming and minor injuries for things “done wrong” to months later where Dave, was starved and severely beaten.  His dad soon became his savior, but spent most of his time at work avoiding life and his monstrous wife.  Dressed in rags and taunted by other students, school became Dave’s safe place where he was safe from his mother’s wrath.  In a dark and isolated world, fighting to survive, Dave’s only way of lasting, is to not give up on his will to live.

My thoughts:

I decided to read this book after learning from the librarian, that it was a true story about a boy forced to endure child abuse.  Easy to read, this novel kept me up until early hours, the intensity building, forbidding me to put it down.  Dave Pelzer was victimized daily by his mother.  As if trapped in a nightmare, he always seemed to be within her grasp, fear keeping him from running out of it and exposing the “family secret.”  From stabbed, to burned, his mother’s punishments were endless.  This novel is eye opening, provoking readers to become aware of child abuse, which often goes unnoticed.  The book makes readers feel several emotions, causing them, in a way, to feel the pain of being neglected.  

I highly recommend reading this book, as it is, attention grabbing and mind-altering.  People who are interested in intriguing true stories should read the novel, A child called It, by Dave Pelzer.

reviewed by M.L., Grade 10 Scona student

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott-Fitzgerald

Plot:

Narrator Nick Carroway, a well off young man, moves to the new money neighbourhood of West Egg where he resides adjacent to the mansion of the illusive Gatsby. Night after night, extravagant parties are thrown there, drawing in people of all sorts, yet not one of them knows who Gatsby is or what secrets he hides. The story takes a turn when an old love is rekindled but these star-crossed lovers begin to feel the weight of their reality.

My Thoughts:

I selected the Great Gatsby because I had heard many good things about it from numerous people and was interested in reading a classic. This novel didn’t disappoint! Anyone from grade 10 and up could easily read this despite the slight change in language due to the settings taking place in the roaring 20’s. I found the author, F. Scott-Fitzgerald, to be an eloquent writer who used themes that almost mirror those in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. There are many similarities between these heartbreaking love stories in that forbidden romances both flourish and die fleetingly, leaving behind an irreparable mess. Fitzgerald’s use of writing techniques such as emphasis of sensory details and his insightful foreshadowing allows the reader to see beneath the surface of the story. By diving deeply into each character's distinct personality Fitzgerald was able to highlight every strength and every flaw. His accentuation of many of the characters flaws made for a more interesting and dynamic read. The connections between this novel and the wildly popular Romeo and Juliet allows this novel to appeal to many audiences, especially teens.

I highly recommend this novel and hope others will enjoy as much as I did. I would give this book a 8/10. Enjoy!

reviewed by M.L., Grade 10 Scona student

The Dead I Know

The Dead I Know

by Scot Gardner  

Plot:

When Aaron lands a job at the local morgue things seem to turn for the better. Nonetheless, Aaron is hiding his grandma's illness from himself and everyone else. However, things soon begin to go downhill. His grandma ends up in hospital and his neighbours are accusing him of murder, what else could go wrong? Well,   Aaron faces the challenges of his own subconscious mind everyday. With dangerous sleepwalking and recurring dreams he can't explain, will he be able to put the pieces together before it’s too late?

My thoughts:

I picked up this book merely because I was intrigued by what others had told me about it. When I first glanced at the summary I wasn’t impressed, but I soon took to the main character Aaron and I couldn't put it down. Readers will grow attached to Aaron and be rooting for him throughout the entire book. Why? Well, Aaron has a hard life at home which made me feel pity for him. No one is ever home, he is always looking out and running around after his grandmother, and lastly he appears to be lonely. As the book progressed all I could hope for was the best for him. The Dead I Know is like an onion. It has many layers and situations to it. Amongst the main idea of the book there are many other scenarios unfolding. I don't generally read books of this genre, however, this one was a good change. It has a mystery aspect that always kept me guessing and wondering what was going to happen next. Scot Gardner also adds quirky details to add suspense and reality into the book. For example, at the beginning of every chapter he includes a snippet of Aaron's crazy dreams. This book is a moderate and mature read written to be read by young adults. I would not recommend this book for anyone under the age of fourteen. Although the book does have some humour it also contains some heavy adult situations (mental illnesses, relationships, etc.). If you get queasy when reading books about blood, detached body parts or death I would not recommend this book. As the book is about working for a morgue, he discusses many of the procedures and situations involved in preparing the body for the service.  

  

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a good read and a change in pace. Anyone who enjoys mystery, reality and suspense should pick up The Dead I Know by Scot Gardner. If you liked The protected by Claire Zorn you would love The Dead I Know.

reviewed by R.S., Grade 10 Scona student

Relax, I'm A Ninja

Relax, I’m A Ninja

by Natalie Whipple

Plot:

You may not believe ninjas are real, but after this book you might think twice. Tosh is just an ordinary, if not even a little nerdy, kid in everyone's perspective until you know his true side. It’s not easy being an undercover ninja for Tosh, going to school not being able to use your skills in public. He soon realizes this when a ninja with a poisoned blade starts killing teens. Tosh and new recruit, Amy Sato, set out to identify the killer but soon find out that Ninjutsu is more evil than either of them could ever imagine. The closer Amy and Tosh grow together they develop a connection that is outrageous and realize this is how they can stop this lethal murderer but it could also cost both of them their lives.

My thoughts:

I choose this book after walking around the library for a very long time and nothing popping out at me until I saw this, after reading the back I was hooked I knew I was going to love this book. I normally don't read too many books because I either don't like what it's about or it's just  too long, but this booked was great I kept me constantly on the edge of my seat. I personally love this book because it's a perfect mixture of drama and action there wasn't too many dull moments. Tosh is a great character in this story because everyone thinks of him as some wimpy nerd but truly he's a great ninja and friend and that's what makes him such a cool character. If you're into action and you like books with a little drama this is a great book and you will want to read the next one.           

reviewed by I. S., Grade 10 Scona student