In the Company of Ogres by A. Lee Martinez

Meet Never Dead Ned. His name isn’t entirely correct though, because he does die frequently. He just doesn’t stay dead because a witch clothed all in red keeps resurrecting him. He has a pretty comfortable accounting job for a crack mercenary unit, that is until he gets transferred. Now he is Commander of Ogre Company, the rowdiest bunch of soldiers, and the place where only the worst of the worst end up. Besides the red witch he also has a demon prince and a duck-billed wizard chasing after him. Why him? What makes Ned so special? He hasn’t a clue, but he does know he will probably die a lot finding out.

This is a very humorous fantasy tale. It has ogres, sirens, orcs, Amazons, and Ned dying over and over again. What more do you need? Recommended for anyone into Terry Pratchett or Christopher Moore, and for ages 14 and up.

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Arnold Spirit Junior is a young teen growing up on an Indian reservation that is caught in a depressing cycle of poverty, alcoholism and fatalism indicative of many Indian families. Arnold carries around all the normal teen angst plus added stress from being different and living on a reservation. He was born with water on the brain so he is smaller and weirder than the rest of the kids at his Indian school. Arnold is also smart, restless and angry about his circumstances and the plight of Indians in general. He has only one friend, Rodney, who allows his personal anger to manifest outward and is the reservation bully. His family, in their own way, is supportive and loving. One day, Arnold has a mental break through and knows if he doesn’t change his circumstances, no else can. He makes the decision to go off reservation to school and his life takes a dramatic turn. This story is well written, an easy read and captures one year in the life of a adolescent moving towards self-realization and manhood

I would recommend this book for two reasons. It is full of modern Indian culture and daily realities of life on a reservation wrapped neatly into the story line. This is not always a pretty picture but gives good insight into the barriers faced by those in the cycle of poverty and despair. Secondly, it has moments of triumph, despair, heartache and reconciliation. The accompanying emotions transcend race or circumstances and readers will be able to relate to his expression of these emotions through his behaviors and thoughts.

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Cycler by Lauren Mclaughlin

OMG! I loved this book. Jill McTeague desperately wants to go to prom with Tommy Knutson, but she has an unusual medical condition that may stop her. Once a month, right before her period, she transmogrifies into a adolescent male for four days. Her parent’s keep Jack (Jill’s male persona) locked in the house each month for his entire four day existence. The family’s cover story is that Jill is absent once a month from school due to blood transfusions.

The problem is that Jack has a crush of his own, on Jill’s best friend Ramie, and decides to sneak out in order to express his adoration. As the book progresses the love triangle just gets more and more awkwardly humorous. As prom approaches Jill isn’t sure who is going to attend, Jack? Jill? Tommy? Ramie? Definitely pick this one up to find out, and don’t worry a sequel is already in the works. One FYI, this book does contain frank discussions of sex. Appropriate for anyone 14 and up. Highly Recommended.

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My Summer On Earth by Tom Lombardi

Before I begin my review I would like to let you know that this book has a large amount of foul language, frank discussions of sex, nudity, and crass humor. This book is intended for young adults who are 16 or older and who are not put off by the previously mentioned items. With that out of the way, I really enjoyed the book and found it extremely funny, and think it would be great for reluctant older male readers.

Click here for the full review

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney
4 Stars

I really liked this book. It shows lods of humor! The book is about Greg Heffley’s everyday life. After his brother found his first diary, Greg had some bad times. Greg usually gets into trouble because what he thinks is funny isn’t really funny. Like the time where his friend, Rowley, was sleeping over. Rowley kept kicking a pillow. Greg decided to put a dumbell in the pillow as a prank. The next few days went downhill because of that. Greg also is in a bit of trouble when his brother, Rodrick, threatens to expose a really embarrassing story about Greg. Greg has to be careful or else the whole school will know! Rodrick is always getting Greg into trouble.

Greg also has to deal with his little brother, Manny. Manny remembers all the bad things that Greg did when Greg was little, and Manny chooses now to bust Greg. Greg has alot to deal with. I chose this book because I liked the first book alot! It really tickled my funny bone! I recomend this book to anyone who loves to laugh!

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The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman
This book deserves 3 stars

This book was about the two main characters, prince brat and his whipping boy who ran away from the prince’s castle and set off on an adventure. It wasn’t long on their journey until they were abducted and by the end of the book, both characters have changed their lives.

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Shredderman: Enemy Spy by Wendelin Van Draanen
This book deserves 2 stars

It’s predictable and immature.

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