Book Beat Reviews

The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan Hi, my name is Judah and I like to play soccer, ski and play tennis. Percy Jakson, The Titan’s Curse is a Greek myth-based book written by Rick Riordan. This book the third of a five part series containing adventure, mythology and action. The main character, Percy Jackson, is a “half blood” meaning he is half human and half god. Percy’s friends include Anabeth and Grovers who are satyrs. The book picks up when Percy is sent on a quest to rescue the goddess … [Read more...] about The Titan’s Curse

Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack Hi my name is Kire. I love to read, play volleyball and play my viola. Black Bird, Blue Road is an interesting and slightly sad fiction novel by Sofiya Pasternack. The book follows Ziva and her twin brother, Pesah, who has some sort of disease that eats away at him slowly. This disease even causes Pesah’s fingers to fall off. Ziva is the only one who will go near him because everyone else in their family doesn’t want to get the disease. When … [Read more...] about Black Bird, Blue Road

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas Hi, I am Advik. I love to read, write, bike, swim, and watch TV. On the Come Up is an emotional, powerful, and inspiring book that dives into identity, racism, and, most importantly, chasing your dreams. I picked up this book thinking it would just be a typical coming-of-age, chasing-your-dreams novel. But I was pleasantly surprised. This book felt raw and honest, and the protagonist, Bri, was easy to relate to. She was fierce, outgoing, and flawed in her own … [Read more...] about On the Come Up

Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim Hi, I am Advik. I love to read, write, bike, swim, and watch TV. Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim is the first book in the Blood of Stars duology. It has extremely strong worldbuilding, which is magical, creative, and venturesome. I expected a simple fantasy story, but this book surprised me with its emotional depth, high stakes, and romance. This book follows the protagonist, Maia, who is strong and determined. At the start of the book, Maia struggles to … [Read more...] about Spin the Dawn

The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt Hi my name is Kire. I love to read, play volleyball and play my viola. The Labors of Hercules Beal is an interesting fiction novel that follows a 7th grade boy, Hercules Beal. Unfortunately, both his parents are dead which forces Hercules's brother to take care of him. They also have to keep the family business afloat.With his parents dead, his brother ends up putting him in a new school where he is assigned a project about the 12 labors of … [Read more...] about The Labors of Hercules Beal

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez Hi my name is Kire. I love to read, play volleyball and play my viola. The First Rule of Punk is a fiction novel that follows a 12 year old girl named Malu. Malu is a girl who loves everything punk just like her dad. Unlike Malu and her dad, Malu’s mom is all about being girly and embracing the Mexican within her family.Malu adores her dad but when her mom gets a job in Chicago, Malu’s life is turned around as she has to move with her mom. She faces … [Read more...] about The First Rule of Punk