WIN A BARNES AND NOBLE GIFT CARD!

Think you know your books?

Join in on this fun contest and you could win a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble!!!!  Here's how to play:

1.  Come to the blog every day during the week from  March 4th to March 7th.

2.  Read the "famous first line" for that day and see if you can guess what book it's from.  First lines will be chosen from books that are very well known or are very popular.

3.  If you think you know the answer, write the title of the book and your student ID number (NOT your name) in a comment on the blog or stop by the library to submit your answer.

You MUST submit your answer the same day that the first line is posted.  (For example, answers given on Tuesday for Monday's first line won't count).  Only one answer per student per day will be counted. 

We will randomly pull one winner's name out of the week's correct answers.  The more first lines you guess correctly, the better your chances of winning!

We will announce the winner over the announcements and on the blog Friday morning. 



Book Review: Death Cloud

Death Cloud by Andrew Lane

(Sherlock Holmes, the Legend Begins)

http://www.amazon.com/Death-Cloud-Sherlock-Holmes-ebook/dp/B004EPYWKG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361993144&sr=8-2&keywords=death+cloud

Sherlock Holmes, the famous consulting detective, is one of the most famous literary characters out there.  There have been countless movies, tv shows (including my personal fav, Sherlock), and book series spin-offs.  What makes this book different is that it is the first Sherlock book actually endorsed by the family of Sir Aurthur Conan Doyle (the man who wrote the original Sherlock Holmes books). 

Young Sherlock Holmes, only 17 and shipped off to live with an estranged aunt and uncle for the summer, expects to spend the next few months bored and lonely. Instead, he finds himself smack in the middle of a murder most mysterious. Two men are found covered with sores and a strange yellow powder.  As they lay dying, a black cloud leaves their bodies, a cloud that seems to have a mind of its own.  With the help of his new friend Matty, an orphan who lives on the canals, and Virginia, the attractive and spunky daughter of his tutor, Sherlock learns to put the pieces together and use his blossoming powers of deduction to solve the riddle.

There is plenty of action and suspense in this book.  In the midst of fistfights, gunshots, and narrow escapes, we meet a Sherlock who we easily see becoming the hero we know today.  Mix in a very creepy villian and you have a story that's definitely a page turner. 

If you like it, check out the sequel, Rebel Fire!

Book Review: The Inferno

The Inferno by Dante Alighieri



http://www.amazon.com/Dantes-Inferno-Classic-Collections-ebook/dp/B002MPPU38/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361993390&sr=1-6&keywords=dantes+inferno

The book The Inferno was written by Dante Alighieri.  This book is about a man going to hell just so he can be with the one he loves, Beatrice.  In this book it describes the intense challenges he must face and all the punishments of this horrible world.  He must go through all of the nine circles of hell to get to Beatrice.  The first circle is limbo where everyone goes to be told what circle they are going to go to.  The second circle is for the lustful, the third for gluttons, fourth for hoarders, and the fifth is for the wrathful, which is one of the worst.  Level six is for all the heretics who believe in another god.  Level seven is for the violent, those who will cause harm to anything for any purpose.  Level eight is for those who committed fraud.  Nine is for the traitors who are considered the worst of all since they turned their backs on those who believed in them.  This is where Satan himself watches over the people as they drown in their own crimes.  Dante must convince the devil to free Beatrice.

This book was full of detail, a great book and one of my favorites!

                                                                                            Reviewed by Kobe Z.

                                                                                             (a DHS student)

Book Review: Chinese Cinderella

Chinese Cinderella  by Adeline Yen May

http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Cinderella-Unwanted-Daughter-ebook/dp/B0028MBKRK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361993559&sr=1-1&keywords=chinese+cinderella

In this true story, The Chinese Cinderella follows the story of Adeline, a girl who becomes bad luck after her mother dies during her childbirth.  She works hard at being good at school even though she is unwanted by her own family.  When her stepmother takes over, the times just get worse for her, but she still tries her best at school.

The book really talks to kids about what it's like to be an unwanted child, but still do their best at at school.  It teaches lessons about the kids with bad luck and also tells you that you can still make good choices and be a success even if bad things are happening to you.  I think you should read this book.  This book got me thinkig about being thankful for the parent that really loves their child.

                                                                                           Reviewed by Sion L.

                                                                                            (a DHS student)

Book Review: The Outsiders

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

http://www.amazon.com/The-Outsiders-ebook/dp/B007ZUV4TO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361993645&sr=1-1&keywords=outsiders

Tensions between two gangs become a life or death situation.  Two Greasers (Johnny and Ponyboy) become friends with two wealthy "socialite" Soc girls at a drive-in.  The rest of the Soc gang finds out and beats up Johnny and attempts to drown Ponyboy in a foutnain.  Johnny kills one of the Socs in the process of trying to save Ponyboy.  They know they're going to get into trouble, so they go their older Greaser friend Dallas, who find them a place to hide out for a while.  Meanwhile, the two gangs back home plan to fight. 

I would recommend this book to anybody who likes a good fight or drama.  If you like happy endings, The Outsiders would probably work for you. 
             
                                                                                               Reviewed by Courtney P.
                                                                                                 (a DHS student)

Book Review: Wrapped

http://www.amazon.com/Wrapped-ebook/dp/B003V1WXCI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361993713&sr=1-1&keywords=wrapped+bradbury

Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury

Agnes is about to make her debut in Regency society as the beautiful, wealthy daughter of an aristocrat.  She has even caught the eye of the dashing and powerful Lord Sherwalter, the dreamboat hunk of the neighborhood.  Her life seems perfectly planned out for her, but Agnes isn't quite satisfied.  She longs for adventure and travel before she resignes herself to a life of marriage and duties at home. 

When she finds a mysterious object hidden in the wrappings of a mummy during an "unwrapping party", she suddenly finds herself in the middle of a consipracy that could change her life and the fate of England forever.

Start with some fancy dress balls, add some action and espionage and throw in a mummy's curse and you've got a thrilling ride that makes for great storytelling. Agnes is intellient, funny, and not afraid to do what's right, even if it means personal danger to herself.  While the ending is a bit predictable, the suspense and great characters make it worth the read.

A sequel is planned for the summer of 2014, but you can read this book without fear of the dreaded cliffhanger.  Bradbury wraps up her story with enough closure to leave you feeling satisfied, but looking forward for more!

Book Review: 13 Reasons Why

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

http://www.amazon.com/Thirteen-Reasons-Why-ebook/dp/B0054R6BFM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361993771&sr=1-1&keywords=13+reasons+why

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a random mysterious box laying on his porch with his name on it.  He later finds several cassette tapes recorded by his classmate and crush, Hannah Baker, who recently committed suicide.  As he listens to the tapes, Hannah explains 13 reasons why she decided to end her life.  Clay finds out that he was a reason.  If he listens to all 13 he'll find out why.  If he is one of the reasons, who else is going to get one of these packages?

This book is one of my all time favorites and probably always will be.  For me, reading is not my favorite thing to do.  I will not read a book unless the first page grabs my attention.  Well, this book will grab your attention and it will keep you wondering until you finish the whole book.  If I were you, this book would be my number one read.  Maybe some of you can relate to it.  Please check out this book from the DHS library.  I can guarantee you will enjoy it.

                                                                                    Reviewed by Kenzie D.
                                                                                     (a DHS student)

Book Review: And Then There Were None

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

http://www.amazon.com/And-Then-There-Were-None/dp/0062073486/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1361993826&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=and+then+there+were+none

Written by Agatha Christie, the queen of thriller novels, And Then There Were None simply gave me the chills whenever I read it.  Taking place on a mysterious island, this book is about ten people who all have fallen into the hands of a madman.  Each was to persecuted and murdered, one at a time, as they spent their days in fear and doubt on the island.  With an unexpected twist ending, this book will definately make you want to keep on reading and find out who is the mastermind behind all the murders.  

Check out the book right now at your library and be prepared for a thrill!

                                                                                               Reviewed by Karen N.
                                                                                                 (a DHS student)

Book Review: Hunger Games

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

A girl named Katniss will have to fight for survival for her district in an arena full of dangerous obstacles along the way.  This is what they call the Hunger Games.  Twenty-four tributes will have to fight to the death to win these games and there is no turning back.

The reason I like this book is becuase I love all the action and problesm teh protagonist has to face through the games.  Once you pick it up and start reading, you won't let it go down on something.

                                                                                             Reviewed by Alyssa N.
                                                                                             (a DHS student)

Book Review: Animal Farm

The animals are coming!  The animals are coming! 

Animal Farm by George Orwell

At Manor Farm, the animals are treated badly by the mean old Mr. Jones.  One day they fight back against Mr. Jones and take over Manor Farm, renaming it Animal Farm.  They intend to make everyone equal, but two evil pigs begin to take over the farm and create something worse.  This is the story of Animal Farm.

The story changes direction from there.  George Orwell uses the pigs to allude to the various aspects of communism.  The pigs are meant to be the leaders of Soviet Russia, and the events of the communist regime are reflected in the book.  Even events that really occurred in Soviet Russia happen in this story.

The story is very exciting and told like a kid's book.  It even has children's book illustrations to show the innocence of the story, but there are really much darker themes hidden within.  The book begins very innocently but like the animals the story gets much more mature.  Many teenagers would like this story but it is not for the faint of heart.  The pigs go around killing the other animals and the conclusion is very emotional if you get attached to the characters.  It wil make you really think about your own pets.  It's a good story that will really make you think.
                                                                                       Reviewed by William C.
                                                                                       (a DHS student)

                                       

                                                                                       

Book Review: Whale Talk

Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher is an action packed book that I would definately recommend to young adults.  The main character is a teenager named T.J.  He's an all-star athlete, but he only wants to use his talents for the school's swim team.  The problem with this is that the school doesn't have a swimming team, so T.J. puts together a seven man swim team before the swim season starts.  He sets goals for the other swimmers so that they can earn a letter jacket of their own.  He runs into a lot of trouble during the story, and it gets pretty exciting the more you read it.  T.J. also protects this kid named Chris because the school bully picks on him. Chris can't defend himself because he's mentally challenged, so T.J. protects him.  This book is only about 220 pages long so it won't take long to read.  At first I thought I wouldnt' liek it because I judged it by the cover, which I learned never to do, but I started reading it and it's quite exciting!

                                                                           Reviewed by Mark J. (a DHS student)

Book Review: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader

Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? by Neil Gaiman

Batman has died, but how is the question.  As Batman watches from teh beyond, all of Batmans' closest friends and enemies gather around tot hell their opinion on how the Dark Knight met his fate.  Was Alfred the JOker the whole time and killed him on accident, or did Catwoman bdtray him?  These are some of the few thoughts Neil Gaiman puts in the reader's mind.  The best part of what Gaiman does is that he makes the story feel like an unpredictable tale fo greatness. Everything is unpredictable:  Gaiman adds his magical touch to make the story coherent and full of surprises.  Comic book writing and characterization is at its best, and this book might even be one of the best two issue comic stories in history.

Neil Gaiman has given us many great stories throughout his career, such as Sandman, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book, to name a few.  He uses his unique eye of perception for suspense and horror to write some of the greatest modern day books.  Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader is a great addition to the Batman library, and is surely a great read for teenages, Batman fans, and newcomers to reading alike.  So don't just sit there, check it out from the library!
        
                                                                                           
                                                                     Reviewed by John B.  (a DHS student)

Book Review: To Kill a Mockingbird

It’s a Sin to Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a book about a little girl named Scout, who throughout the book starts to develop a better understanding of prejudice and racism. Jem, Scout's older brother, helps her understand these words, and why people are this way. Jem and Scout play, make new friends, and come to know of a shadowy figure by the name of Boo Radley, who lives in a neighboring house and yet is never seen. He is rumored to be an evil person, but their fair-minded father, Atticus, who is a widowed lawyer, warns them that they should try to see the world from the other people's perspectives. Atticus gets assigned a case to defend a black man named Tom Robinson, and the whole town of Maycomb cannot believe that Atticus has accepted this case.  I love To Kill a Mockingbird  because it is suspenseful, mysterious, funny, and heartwarming. It shows you the world from a nine year old's point of view. Scout asks why things are a certain way, she states her opinion without fear, and she just wants everything resolved. If you like heartwarming books with a twist, go check this one out! They have made a movie of the book and I suggest you go check out the trailer here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks88MPOyoYc).

                                                         Reviewed by a DHS student

Book Review: Perks of Being Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a book told from Charlie Peter's first person point of view. The interesting thing about this book is that it is told through entries that Charlie records in his journal, making it extremely fun to read considering the short entries and the easy dialogue that the high schooler uses. The book is mostly about Charlie’s experiences as a freshman. He starts out with no friends because the only one he had committed suicide in 8^th grade, giving Charlie a rough start at his new high school. Eventually Charlie meets new friends who are seniors and they give Charlie a year to remember, to say the least.

I would definately recommend this book to anyone who likes books with unexpected twists and also to anyone in high school due to the fun and real circumstances of the book.

You can find this book in the DHS library. Find it. Check it out. Read it. J

                           Reviewed by Mike K.
                                                                                                             (a DHS student)


This book tells you to be a risk taker instead of standing on the fringes of life.  It gives you a different perspective on life.  This book shows you the course of a special territory known as hgih school.  It also talks all about the drama of high school, such as the pressures with sex, drugs, and all the other chaotic tasks that we undergo at school.  The narrarator has written the novel through letters to an unkown friend.  It's like a diary that is meant to be read by the public. 

I really do recommend reading it.  It has an amazing plot!

                                                                                                       Reviewed by Daniela C.
                                                                                                         (a DHS student)

Book Review: The Kill Order

           Set three years prior to The Maze Runner trilogy,The Kill Order follows two friends, Mark, a regular guy, and Alec, a military vet who resembles a bear.  They must save their friends from a group of people gone mad from a recently spread virus and they must do it in the aftermath of devastating sun flares that left the earth in ruin.

            James Dashner’s stunning prequel will leave you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. If you like action, adventure, and intrigue, then this is the book for you. If you haven’t read The Maze Runner trilogy then I suggest you do. This book clears up any questions brought up in The Maze Runner and  is an intermediate read with relatively short chapters that always leave you hanging. To see the book trailer and buy all the books, click here.

                                                                                                             Reviewed by a DHS student