The Hanging Woods by Scott Loring Saunders

3/5 Stars

Upon reading the book I found the start a little slow but it did pick up. I did enjoy the character development and believed they were realistic and sometimes relatable. I do however have concerns about the age group it is said to start at. It is an easy read but some of the content is a little disturbing and believe it is either meant for a very mature twelve year old, but even that is pushing it. I am a seventeen year old and found it upsetting to read some of the scenes. I do enjoy the suspense Sanders has kept throughout the novel involving his mother’s diary. The ending helped to explain the rest of the book and I find that to be a good way to compel the reader. I would like to also say that having the book be based on another time period is always interesting, and I feel that there is enough to know it isn’t modern but not forced down the reader’s throats that we know it is 1975. It was also interesting that the character was a thirteen year old boy who was slowly becoming more and more disturbed. That always makes for an interesting story. Overall I feel the book was suspenseful, compelling and different. I hope it does well.

Stephanie

Panama by Shelby Hiatt

The story I read about is a girl who is fifteen year old and her name is Panama. Panama’s family is going to Panama to build canal because the U.S. government has asked them to. When Panama gets there she meets Harry through her father.

There are different types of people there, like Harry who is black and has blue eyes and can speak his tongue and other languages. Panama gets to meet the other people in Harry’s house where the he is staying. Panama ends up meeting Federico and falls in love with him.

While Panama was there, there was a problem which got sorted out. Then it’s soon time for Panama and her family to leave which means she won’t see Harry or Federico again. At the end of the story Panama ends up having two children, being married, having a house and graduating with honours.

Andrea B.

The School for Dangerous Girls by Eliot Schrefer

4.5/5 Stars

The main character in this book is a girl named Angela. She is sent to Hidden Oak after her grandfather dies and she is believed to have killed him. While she is at the school she learns that the ‘golden thread’ girls get reformed and the ‘purple thread’, or bad girls, get locked away and beaten/killed. This is a very good book and I would definitely recommend it, however, it lost points because I thought the ending was too much of a cliffhanger.

Kelli B.

2011 White Pine Titles Announced!

Borderline

By Allan Stratton

An exciting thriller about fifteen-year-old Sami whose life is turned upside down when his father faces terrorism charges. With the help of two friends, Sami attempts to prove his innocence.

Fear the Worst

By Linwood Barclay

Sydney Blake, a young teenager, does not return from work one night and her father Tim is forced to confront his worst nightmares as he searches for his missing daughter.

Fishtailing

By Wendy Phillips

Fishtailing is a gritty free verse exploration of the teen experience as seen through the eyes of Natalie, Kyle, Tricia, and Miguel. These four teens learn first hand what happens when situations get out of control.

Gravity Brings Me Down

By Natale Ghent

Sioux Smith is a high school student who makes keen observations about her teachers and classmates. Her life is made complicated by her friendship with an elderly woman and by knowing a secret about a popular teacher.

Hearts at Stake

By Alyxandra Harvey

Solange Drake is unique as the only female soon-to-be vampire born in 900 years. She is also the instrument in a prophesy that would see the elimination of the current vampire queen. Solange must rely on her own wits, her best friend, and the brawn of her many protective brothers to overcome the life-threatening situations that her existence invites.

The Monkeyface Chronicles

By Richard Scarsbrook

Philip Skyler is born with a facial deformity that impacts every aspect of his life --from school achievement to interpersonal relationships. The novel follows Philip from age 13 to adulthood climaxing with his triumphant return to his home town and people who provided the backdrop for the struggles and trials of his young life.

Swim the Fly

By Don Calame

Matt Gratton and his two best friends Coop and Sean set high goals for themselves. Their collective goal -to see a real, live naked girl!

Some Girls Are

By Courtney Summers

Regina, a high school senior in the popular crowd, suddenly falls out of favour and becomes the object of the same sort of vicious bullying that she used to inflict on others.

The Second Trial

By Rosemarie Boll

Danny McMillan’s father secretly abused his mother. One night, he goes too far, is arrested and convicted. The family’s trials begin when they enter witness protection and try to rebuild their lives.

The Worst Thing She Ever Did

By Alice Kuipers

Grief and guilt have Sophie in a strangle-hold. She must confront the horrific events in her past in order to begin living for herself again.