We Are All Made Of Molecules

By Susin Nielsen

Stewart is a young, thirteen-year-old boy whose sharp mind is far ahead of others his age, yet his social skills leave much to be desired. Ashley is popular and pretty, the top of the school's social ladder, despite her horrid grades.When Stewart and his father move in with Ashley and her mother, Stewart tries to be happy, having always wanted a sister whereas Ashley is devastated.

Even if they are polar opposites, the two must overcome challenges, and remembering that "they-like everyone else-are made of molecules" (Nielsen front cover).

Although written in simple terms and directed more towards children, this story is hilarious and stunning, dealing with serious modern day issues while bringing in humour as well. Susin Nielsen perfectly captures nerdiness and popularity with her two contrasting narrators and further strengthens the idea that everyone is capable of great things. We Are All Made Of Molecules is a quick read, yet it also makes you think further on subjects such as divorce and bullying, and more. And the emotions of the characters are so open and free, it makes you want to cry and laugh along with them. I also enjoyed the fact that the setting is Vancouver, which makes it much more relatable to Vancouverites.

I would recommend this book for everyone, even if it is directed more towards people ages 10-14. The character's ages are also well demonstrated by their simple narrations and thoughts. In addition, the book is witty and clear-cut, and the jokes are exquisite.

What is the chemical formula for the molecules in candy?

Carbon-Holmium-Cobalt-Lanthanum-Tellurium:

CHoCoLaTe!

The Scorpio Races

By Maggie Stiefvater

Some race to win. Others race to survive...

Every November, the Scorpio Races take place, bloody battles upon wet sands and frothy surfs. Every November, someone dies.

Sean Kendrick, the returning champion, is risking more than he ever has before on this years race. For his wish to be granted, he needs to take the win.

Puck Connolly never had any intention to ride in the Races, but fate hasn't given her much choice. She has to take the chance of losing her life in exchange for her future.

Romance, adventure, and action are interwoven in this artfully composed and acclaimed drama.

I very much enjoyed this book because of its poetic and epic narration. It gives a sense of calm at the quietest moments, and churns up a storm when the action thunders. I love the narration and the sense of culture on the small island of Thisby, as well as the artful metaphors and synonyms throughout. There are some moments of quiet laughter, but it is an otherwise touching and daring piece. 

Never Fall Down

By Patricia McCormick

Based on the true story of Arn Chorn-Pond.

When soldiers arrive in his hometown, Arn is just a normal little boy. But after the soldiers march the entire population into the countryside, his life is changed forever.

Arn is separated from his family and assigned to a labor camp: working in the rice paddies under a blazing sun, he sees the other children dying before his eyes. One day, the soldiers ask if any of the kids can play an instrument. Arn's never played a note in his life, but he volunteers.

This decision will save his life, but it will pull him into the very center of what we know today as the Killing Fields. And just as the country is about to be liberated, Arn is handed a gun and forced to become a soldier.

The False Prince

By Jennifer A. Nielsen

Sage is an orphan, who is toughing it out on the streets of Carthya. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is forced to compete with three other boys to act as the long lost prince of Carthya. He has to act as the prince as much as possible, and be chosen, or fail and be left to die. But Sage has a secret hidden up his sleeve that could change the whole competition.

This series will appeal to teenagers, especially those who enjoy strategy and psychological twists and turns. The writing style is witty and clever, and also contains humour. 

Ready Player One

By Ernest Cline

Wade Watts is a mega geek. He spends most of his time playing video games and scouring OASIS, a virtual reality, for the Egg. The Egg is an Easter Egg hidden by James Halliday, the creator of the OASIS. The person who finds this Egg will receive all of Halliday's fortune, which include billions of dollars, and a grand collection of video games. When Wade finds the first clue to the Easter Egg he has to survive using all of his knowledge and wits, in the Oasis, and in the real world.

This book will appeal to teenagers, 14 years old and up. Adventure, action, and tons of geeky information are buried into this excellent book to create a story of suspense, romance, and lots of humour. I enjoyed the sense of adventure and action mixed with the nerdy information. This book demonstrates the joys and downfalls of video games, and mixes together a great deal of suspense and laughter.