recs
Nadia
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
Q: What type of book is this?
A: It is a science fiction book about clones.
Q: What grasped your attention to read this book?
A: Nothing. I had to read a book for my English class reading log. I found this book lying around and decided to use it.
Q: Did the book start off interesting?
A: It was boring in the beginning, but it got interesting after a couple of chapters.
Q: Can you relate to the main character?
A: I can understand his struggle with others because he is seen different, as he is a clone. Usually the clones’ brains were removed, but the main character still had it.
Q: Why would you recommend this book to others?
A: It had an interesting plot, since you wanted to know how his life would be affected.
Sajjad
Fallen angels by Walter dean Myers
Q: What type of novel is this?
A: This is fiction story about Richard Perry’s experience in the Vietnam War.
Q: Did you feel any sympathy towards Perry?
A: Yes, he left his mom and little brother in America when he joined the army. Perry’s family was poor, so he joined it to attend college.
Q: Was Perry’s experience intense?
A: Yes, it was definitely intense. He had to go through many horrors of war and suspenseful nights. He wondered if killing Asian teenagers was right, even if for a better cause.
Q: Was Perry a unique character?
A: I say he was a typical soldier with a typical sad background. A person who joined the army, so they can receive a free education. Like others, he was not ready to experience the terrors of war.
Q: Would you recommend this book?
A: Yes, it was a great war novel.
Alan
Rule of the bone by Russell Banks
Q: What type of book is this?
A: It is a fiction book about a rebellious teenager.
Q: How did main character rebel?
A: Well, Chappie dropped out of school and befriended a friendly Rastafarian immigrant. His journey leads him to doing drugs, stealing, breaking into a house, and etc.
Q: Could you relate with Chappie?
A: No, Chappie has a depressing life. His step father was cruel and abused him. He never had the proper role model in his life to guide him. The best possible role model for him in the story was his lazy, drug-addicted best friend.
Q: Why is the book called Rule of the Bone?
A: Chappie’s nickname became Bone when he got a tattoo of it. The title portrays the journey of the Bone.
Q: Would you recommend this book?
A: Yes, the book was a great read about a rebellious teenager. Bone’s journey was full of surprises and disappointment. This book will be enjoyed by any teen.
Jack
Artemis Fowl series
Q: What type of series is this?
A: It is a fantasy series about Artemis, a boy genius, discovering and exploiting fairies.
Q: How did he discover the fairies?
A: He traveled around the world and retrieved ancient books, which hinted at fairy’s home world.
Q: What type of journey did Artemis face?
A: It was a dangerous journey. He wouldn’t have survived, if it weren’t for his butler, who was excellent body guard.
Q: Does Artemis change throughout the series?
A: Yes he changed throughout the series. He was very coldhearted in the first book. But it relatively changed after his experience with the fairies.
Q: Would you recommend this book?
A: Yes this book had a lot of action and suspenseful moments.
Hoops Walter dean Myers
Q: What type of book is this?
A: A fictional book about Lonnie’s only asset in life, basketball.
Q: How was Lonnie’s life?
A: His life was basically all about basketball. He wants to stay away from the violent life in his neighborhood and succeed in basketball.
Q: How were his skills in basketball?
A: He had a lot of potential. He joined the high school basketball team easily. He trains with a former pro, in hopes of receiving a scholarship.
Q: What was the pace of the book?
A: It was fast paced and very intense. But it was also realistic, so Lonnie didn’t have miracle shots that won him games. HE won trough his hard work.
Q: Would you recommend this book?
A: Yes it was excellent and realistic book about a student’s struggle with basketball. Basketball fans should easily enjoy it.
Book recommendations by Stuyvesant students for Stuyvesant students and readers around the world. Also known as Stuy Bookshelf/Book Box. Submissions are open—click on register below!