4 stars.

Describe the book: Winning Balance is a story about Shawn Johnson, a girl that makes it to the 2008 Olympics for gymnastics. She works very hard over the years. After the Olympics, she goes on Dancing with the Stars and wins. It is a story about how willing she was to work hard to achieve her goals. It is a non-fiction book, but written like a story.

What did you think: I really loved this book. It was very inspiring because Shawn Johnson worked very hard to achieve her goals and be the best she could. It inspired me to follow my dreams. My favorite part was when she made it to the Olympics and won gold on the balance beam. This has been the best non-fiction book I have ever read, and one of my favorite books.

Who would you recommend it to: anyone who wants to be inspired.

- N.B. (Grade 7) from Monroe Library

4 stars.

Describe the book: Faith O'Conner's sister has everything-beauty, beaus, family, and friends. However, Faith on the other side, is pretty but not beautiful, caring, and has an undenaible faith in God. When Faith's man-of-her-dream once again shows up in her life, can she deal with the harsh reality that he loves her sister, and not her?

What did you think: From page one, I couldn't put this book down! I loved chapter of this novel. This book made me question myself if I really do appreciate what I am born with. Lessman has a way of making you feel revulsion for Faith's sister, sorrow for Faith, and sympathy for their parents. This was a touching, amazing book written to inspire and question jealousy.

Who would you recommend it to: For teens who enjoy historical, Chrisian romance.

- I.F. (Grade 8) from Library on Wheels

4 stars.

Describe the book: This book is about a girl named Jessica. She has to deal with normal high school problems like a boyfriend, her singing, and her friends. Did I forget to mention that she also protects her town from supernatural beings that wish it harm? This book is actually the second involving Jessica and it is even better than the first.

What did you think: I adored it. My favorite part was... all of it. I'm not kidding, I absolutely adore the Dead Is series so it's no surprise that I loved the sixth book in the series. I must say though, I liked that she and her boyfriend are finally working it out, they'd been having issues in the previous book.

Who would you recommend it to: Mystery readers, kids, teens, adults, romantics

- K.H. (Grade 12) from Edmonds Library

3 stars.

Describe the book: Seraphina has a secret. One that if known to others could get her, and her family killed. The 40th anniversary of Comonot's Treaty marks 40 years of peace between mankind and dragons. When someone threatens this peace, Seraphina is forced into a whirlwind of deceit as she struggles to accept what she is and who she is destined to be.

What did you think: This was a charming book and a great read. It reminded me of Fire by Kristin Cashore. The twists and turns that happen are unexpected and a joy when revealed. Rachel Hartman has brought to life an entire new world and way of looking at the legend of dragon-kind. Her vibrant character Seraphina is witty and fierce, full of courage and honor.

Who would you recommend it to: Dragon lovers

- M.H. (Grade 9) from Edmonds Library

4 stars.

Describe the book: In "The Secret Zoo" Noah sister Megan starts noticing the animals strange behavior in the neighboring zoo. A couple weeks later, Megan disappears sending Noah and his friends Ella and Richie (The "Action scouts") traveling into the zoo, discovering a secret that changes their lives forever.

What did you think: The Secret Zoo is an amazing piece of literature. By splitting up Noah and Ella with Richie Bryan allowed you to picture the entire zoo without simply drawing a map . I especially liked the part when Noah woke up expecting to see his room and instead saw the inside of an igloo and a penguin and polar bear casually lying beside him.

Who would you recommend it to: Action and mysteries that are more than whodunit

- G.R. (Grade 6) from Camano Island Library Pilot Project

4 stars.

Describe the book: In Scarlet, the second book in the Lunar Chronicles, two different girls world's intertwine in strange ways. Cinder and Captain Thorne are escaped convicts of the Eastern Commonwealth. Scarlet and Wolf meet up in an odd way, when they start to fall for each other. But Thorne and Cinder have a love-hate relationship that sometimes gets in the way.

What did you think: I loved this book. The first book in the series, Cinder, left me hooked and wanting more. This quenched my thirst. The book switches between a few different characters, and each point of view is exquisite and left me breathless.

Who would you recommend it to: This book has some elements of sci-fi, romance.

- A.H. (Grade 7) from Monroe Library

3 stars.

Describe the book: Lexi has a great personality. Ya, she gets it. When Lexi tries to take revenge on all those that thought she was just the girl with a great personality, things go a little awry. Her friends give her a makeover, and suddenly Lexi is considered one of the Beautiful People. But with her pageant-sister, and her mega crush on her BFF, can she survive?

What did you think: This book was good. It left you wanting more, but it did become a little slow and predictable and the end. It was a great read though, so I would definitely recommend it. My favorite part was when Lexi realizes that it's not just her new look, but her personality that makes her likeable.

Who would you recommend it to: Recommended for middle-schooler's who love humor.

- A.H. (Grade 7) from Monroe Library

3 stars.

Describe the book: In Forever, Sam and Grace struggle once again to keep each other. With Sam being cured, and Grace just getting used to being a wolf, things get out of hand. The real conflict of the book is when a city councilman tries to initiate an act to get all the wolfs killed in Mercy Falls. With Grace being a wolf during these cold months, it is an issue.

What did you think: Forever is a book that leaves you to find out what the true meanings of things are. You have to slow down and figure out for yourself what the charters really mean by their actions and words. This book is truly captivating and a great read.

Who would you recommend it to: Forever is romantic and has elements of sci-fi.

- A.H. (Grade 7) from Monroe Library

4 stars.

Describe the book: It all starts with a pen and paper. Christain is a commoner who is in love with Princess Marigold, they send each other letters through which they both become friends, however it seems hopeless that they will ever meet. He gets a job at the castle, where he discovers that Queen Olympia wants to become sole ruler, and is willing to bump off Marigold.

What did you think: I think that this is a fun, upbeat story, yet it explores big ideas such as love and friendship. My favorite part is when Marigold finds Christain in the prison.

Who would you recommend it to: I recommend this for romance and fantasy lovers.

- I.K. (Grade 6) from Monroe Library

4 stars.

Describe the book: This amazing book takes place just before the Civil War.Its a story filled with romance and tragedy.Scarlett Ohara finds out that the boy she always loved is marrying another woman.The Civil War stars and she gets tossed into the middle of it but she is helped by the dashing Rhett Butler who is known for his bad reputation.This story is stunning.

What did you think: I loved this book.It is one of the few books that make me emotional.The mix of love and loss is absolutely superb.

Who would you recommend it to: Anyone who wants a good read

- a.t. (Grade 6) from Monroe Library