In the futuristic Uglies the world is no longer divided by race, religion or gender. It's who has the prettiest face. The young "uglies" in this world undergo an operation on their sixteenth birthday and become a "pretty". "Pretties" live in a utopian society where life is a never-ending party of beautiful people. It is what ugly Tally has dreamed of her whole life. But Tally's friend Shay would rather stay ugly than turn into a "pretty". She sees the dark side of beauty, and would rather live alone on the outside than conform. When she runs away, the authorities give Tally a horrific ultimatum: turn in Shay, or never turn pretty at all. Tally must ask: What is the price of being "pretty"?

Reviewed by Angela C., ImaginOn

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Imagine setting off on the ultimate scavenger hunt, becoming a world traveler with only a backpack, a thousand dollars, and a set of blue envelopes. When Ginny’s aunt dies, she leaves her a set of thirteen envelopes. Ginny must open each envelope one at a time and follow the instructions inside. She has no idea where she will be going at any given time or who she will meet along the way, but her adventures will change her forever. Awkward moments, new friends, laughter and tears, and a lot of love play a part in this touching story about a girl learning to stand on her own two feet.

Reviewed by Christine B., South County Regional

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Reader's comments about this book

This book was thrilling, romantic, funny and mysterious as Ginny tries to follow her deceased aunt's trip through Europe! I thouroghly enjoyed this book and I am waiting for a sequel! I give this book 5 stars and 2 thumbs up. It will keep readers hooked until the very end. If you have not read this book, please look into checking it out from your local library.
-Jenna, Georgia

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Most people think they know the story of Creation - Adam and Eve tempted by the Serpent and banished from Paradise. But, what if that is just one version of those events? What if the Serpent was actually God's advisor and friend? Elsie Aidinoff explores an alternate version of the Creation story in The Garden. In this version Adam and Eve are taught about the world separately and then brought together to get to know each other. The Serpent is Eve's companion and together they explore both the Garden and beyond. Adam and Eve's downfall is not the Serpent, but rather a desire to be free to make their own choices. Aidinoff does a superb job of combining the original elements of the Creation story with new possibilities.

Reviewed by Jessica B., University City Regional

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Megan’s life is about to be turned upside down. Her parents, both in the Army, are being transferred to Korea. Megan makes a bold move and asks her parents if she can stay in order to finish high school. Surprisingly they agree, but she will need to live with her father’s friend John McGowan and his family, which includes seven boys! The last time Megan saw these boys they tortured her until she hit one of them with a bat! Now the boys appear to be very different, but looks can be deceiving. At least Megan will be able to keep her best friend Tracy in the loop by creating Megan Meade’s Guide to the McGowan Boys.

Reviewed by Angela A., Cornelius Branch

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Begging for Change is the continuing story of Raspberry Hill, a young girl who is still struggling to find her place in the world. Along with trying to find her place in the world, a neighbor attacks her mother and that brings her drug-addicted father back into her life. She also has to deal with the idea that she wants money and security, like her friend Zora has. When Raspberry winds up doing the unthinkable to a friend all in the name of money, she finally realizes that something needs to change in her life. This is a well written story about the trials that urban youth sometimes face.

Reviewed by Rachel K., University City Regional

Reader's comments about this book

I think that this book is the nicest book that I have read. I really liked it.
-LeQuia, Akron, OH

This is one of the best books I've read by Sharon Flake! I think she is the best urban book writer to walk this earth! She once came to my school and gave a number of students(including me) her autograph! I really admire her work!
-Cedric, Baltimore, MD

I read this book at the age of 9 and it was the best book i ever read. I love to read. Now I'm 11 and it is still my favorite. i recommend.
-Kaela, Detroit, MI

I'm so glad that Sharon came to our school! I was so happy I like reading this book. This book is great for 11 year olds like me! Totally recommended! Read this book it's awsome!
-Brittney, MD

I realy like this book I recomend it for 11 year olds. It is somthing some kids our age go through
-Cataline, OXNARD,CA

I love this book! The story and plot are amazing. Many people can relate to raspberry. I hope everybody gets to read this book someday.
-Felicia, Bronx, NY

I love this book it's the only book that kept me interested. I really don't read a lot, but when I picked this book up I fell in love with it.
-Leah, Georgia

I read this book and it's one of the very best books I have ever read. You can also try reading "Money Hungry" which is the prequel to this book.
-Kimberly, Orlando, FL

I absolutely love this book! It’s one of my favorites. I always do a report on this book.
-Jocelyn, Newport News, VA

This book is really great!! It could happen to anybody. The book got better and better as I read each page!!! I as well recommend this book it so good!!!
-Taylor, Charlotte, NC

Yes, I love this book and Money Hungry. I read the both of them and they seem interesting to me. I read them in 7th grade but it is so good I wanted to read it in 8th grade all over again.! I recommend these books to anyone and Sharon G. Flake is a good author. I also read The Skin I'm In.
-Cierra, Chicago, IL

I don't like reading that much but when I heard so many good reviews about this book I started reading it and it got so interesting as I read it ,i couldn't stop reading it . I love the concept of this book and its awesome!!!
-Areeba, Houston, TX

I am in the process of reading this book and so far it is great. I feel sorry for Rasberry and what she is going through.. This book has its good times and its bad times; but most of all it teaches a lesson.
-Brittany, Anderson, SC

This book is one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it to anyone!! :-)
-Caroline, Millis, MA

I read this book when I was 10 years old. It is an amazing, uplifting book. I am now 14 and still pick it out of my bookshelf to read over and over again.
-Kenya, Brooklyn, NY

Overall this book was great! I felt that the characters were described well and the theme really popped out to the reader.
-Sean, New York, NY

I really liked the book. It's sad but at the end it's great.
-Tamra, Carthage, MS

I love this book. It is one of my favorite books.
-Bikorimana Devota, Milwaukee, WI

I love this book. It’s great for 11 years old and my age (13) and above ages. This book is great. I love it, and it really shows a great message to the readers and it inspired me a lot AND that Sharon G. Flake keeps writing great books.
-Anaika, MA

This book is SOOOO good. It relates to my life in so many ways. One day I hope to be a good writer like Sharon G. Flake. She inspires me.
-Kevelyn Walker, Phoenix, AZ

I've only got one word to say about this book " AWESOME! "
-Kanan, Toronto

I actually didn't want to read this book. I thought it was going to be boring. Once I did, it was great and every page got better. READ IT!
-Karen, Prov., R.I.

I am not a reader, but when I read this book I got so attatched because even though I do not live the lifestyle that Rasberry lives, she is just a girl like me, that wants money and someone to always have her back since her mom is always in and out of the house. VERY VERY Great Book.
-Kayla, Brooklyn, NY

This book is great for pre-teens and teenagers to learn about how hard life is for them and others. Try it now!
-Ellionsai, Omaha, NE

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Jenny Greenley is a high school junior who is great at solving problems. Everyone asks for her help, even though most do not realize it for she is the newspaper's anonymous advice columnist! One day the principal calls her to the office to discuss something top secret – Luke Striker, teen movie sensation, will be coming to her school undercover to do research for his next film. As one can guess, all heck breaks loose when Luke’s real identity is discovered. It seems that high school has a few lessons to teach Jenny and Luke.

Reviewed by Angela A., Cornelius Branch

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Fifteen year-old Haven is not enjoying her summer. Her dad is marrying the lovely, TV weather girl and her sister is marrying a bore. She remembers that summer when she was happy, her Mom and Dad were together, and her sister was dating a cool, fun guy. Through some hilarious and sad moments, she discovers that that summer wasn’t that perfect and that the present is really not so bad. This is a great first novel!

Reviewed by Heidi F., North County Regional

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Alex Crusan is an HIV-positive teenager. So, when his family moves from Miami to Pinedale, Florida he is not exactly the most popular student. He has to deal with the whispers and taunts from students, especially Clinton Cole and his gang of jocks. So, one Monday morning when Alex goes to pick up coffee and donuts for his family he is violently attacked. Everyone suspects Clinton, especially when an eye-witness comes forward. But, did Clinton really do this? Is he really capable of this kind of violence? Each chapter alternates between the voices of Alex, Clinton and Daria, the eye-witness. As each narrator fills in the gaps of this story the reader starts to see the whole picture more clearly. Fade to Black explores issues of fear, prejudice and AIDs.

Reviewed by Jessica B., University City Regional

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Hanna is facing a pretty dull winter. She just broke up with her boyfriend and has a boring job at the local mall. But, one night when she goes for a walk her life is turned upside down. Hanna is the last person to see two people alive before a tragic accident. She keeps this information a secret as she tries to sort through her feelings on what happened and how this affects her. While Hanna is trying to sort all this out in her head she goes through some major life changes – fighting with her two best friends and falling in love. Just when it seems like Hanna can do nothing right, she receives help from an unlikely source and is able to pull herself back together. Just Like That is an introspective novel that explores issues of family, love, fate and friendship.

Reviewed by Jessica B., University City Regional

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This is the continuing story of British teenager Georgia Nicholson. In this installment she is again dealing with friends, school and family, as well as her boyfriend going off to New Zealand. It is yet another enchanting and humorous look at the life of this irrepressible character Georgia. The author, Louise Rennison, has keen insight into the world of teenagers. Get ready to enjoy this wonderful read.

Reviewed by Rachel K., University City Regional

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