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SEBCO's Student Reviewer Program
For information on how you can become involved in The Sebco Student Reviewer Program, please click here to send an email with your contact information and you will be contacted shortly thereafter.
2012 - 2013 STUDENT REVIEWERS
YESSICA GUTIERREZ
Spring Woods High School
Houston, TX
Librarian: Laura Flocks 
Book Review: Yellowcake
Author: Lanagan, Margo
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
“I loved this book! I have had previous experience with this author’s novel “The Brides Of Rollrock island” which was equally as spellbinding. Unlike the previous novel, this one composed of a several short stories derived from fairy tales. At the end of the stories there is a small bio where the short stories came from. I am a huge fan of fairy tales so this was really enjoyable.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Yesica Gutierrez, Spring Woods High School, Houston, TX
AUSTIN LAFFERTY
7th Grade
Penn Yan Middle School
Penn Yan, NY
Librarian: Pamela Simmons 
Book Review: Infestation
Author: Bradley, Timothy J.
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
“In the novel INFESTATION by Timothy J. Bradley there is a boy named Andy Greenwood who has been sent to a school for boys named “Reclamation School for Boys”. Andy is sent to this school because he ran away from his three foster homes. He is to stay there for approximately 3 months. When Andy is sent to this school, he notices these bugs that fly around leaving massive bites. Later, these bugs become mutant ants the size of humans. What happens next? Read the story to find out. I recommend this book to people that don’t have a problem with bugs, and to people that like fiction books. I like this book because it makes you feel like you are put into the story, and it puts a visual in your head.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Austin Lafferty, 7th Grade Student, Penn Yan Middle School, Penn Yan, NY
EMILY FINGAR
8th Grade
Penn Yan Middle School
Penn Yan, NY
Librarian: Pamela Simmons 
Book Review: Bird King: An Artist's Notebook
Author: Tan, Shaun
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
“Any artist would be envious of the amazing sketches in this book. Every page turned, leads you to a new world, and it seems as though the author A.K.A. artist of this piece is daring us to imagine. The art on each page has you lost in your mind, trying to find a story to go with it. When you finally do, you realize you spent an hour staring at one drawing! I would highly recommend this book to any dreamer, thinker, or just anyone looking for a piece of amazement in their everyday lives.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Emily Fingar, 8th Grade Student, Penn Yan Middle School, Penn Yan, NY
SYDNEY GIFFORD
8th Grade
Penn Yan Middle School
Penn Yan, NY
Librarian: Pamela Simmons 
Book Review: Corner of White: Book 1 of The Colors of Madeleine
Author: Moriarty, Jaclyn
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
“A Corner of White, by Jaclyn Moriarty is a combination of fantasy and realistic fiction. Although the story starts off slowly, it then it grabs your attention by putting the Madeline in an unexpected situation. Madeline, alone at a grocery store finds a note in a parking meter that says “Help me! I am being held against my will!”. Who is this mysterious person? What adventure will this lead Madeline on? Read this book to find out.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Sydney Gifford, 8th Grade Student, Penn Yan Middle School, Penn Yan, NY
MADISON
8th Grade
Penn Yan Middle School
Penn Yan, NY
Librarian: Pamela Simmons 
Book Review: Secrets from the Sleeping Bag: A Blogtasti! Novel
Author: Cooper, Rose
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
“Secrets from the Sleeping Bag, by Rose Cooper is about a girl named Sofia who is forced by her parents to go to a sleep away camp. Sofia is absolutely dreading it. When she gets there with her friend Nona, Sofia becomes very unlucky and everything goes wrong. She gets a terrible camp team and Nona got the best team. Nona got a really cool counselor and Sofia got The Priss! Can anything get worse? This book was interesting to read however as a thirteen year old I felt it should be recommended for a younger audience due to its “diary-of-a-wimpy-kid” vibe.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Madison, 8th Grade Student, Penn Yan Middle School, Penn Yan, NY
BRITTANY GAVIGAN
8th Grade
Penn Yan Middle School
Penn Yan, NY
Librarian: Pamela Simmons 
Book Review: The Dead and Buried
Author: Harrington, Kim
Publisher: Point
“The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. With a twisted plot, well developed characters and a mystery that keeps you guessing and thinking the whole way through, the novel pulls you in and doesn’t let you go. It has a well balanced mix of teenage problems (boys), a rough home life, love and the supernatural. It keeps you excited and interested about what is going to happen and shocks you when it does. Truly a great read for any Middle School girl.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Brittany Gavigan, 8th Grade Student, Penn Yan Middle School, Penn Yan, NY
YESSICA GUTIERREZ
Spring Woods High School
Houston, TX
Librarian: Laura Flocks 
Book Review: Spirit
Author: Friesner, Esther
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
“This book does not require that you have any knowledge of Japanese culture or history, you will enjoy it nonetheless. The protagonist, Himiko has escaped an attack on her village by one of the neighboring tribes, the Ookami. In the battle she loses her father and brothers, her stepmother and younger brothers are taken as slaves, and her mother is left broken. Without her father to guide the tribe, battles between the clan members ensues, yet Himiko helps in the only way she can. She has been training to become a shaman and her knowledge of healing and abilities to call on the spirits seem to keep peace. Yet nothing stays calm for long, and her family is caught in a conundrum. When Himiko tries to fix it, she is caught by the Ookami and treated as a slave. Yet with the spirits guiding her, is there something in store for the shaman princess? I found this book to be quite captivating, especially since it talks about foreign culture. If you are a fan of adventure, Japan, love and spunky female protagonists, I would recommend you to put this book in your ‘must-read’ list.”
--SEBCO Student Reviewer, Yessica, Gutierrez, Spring Woods High School, Houston, TX
2011 - 2012 STUDENT REVIEWERS
YESSICA GUTIERREZ
Spring Woods High School
Houston, TX
Librarian: Laura Flocks 
Book Review: Lost Girls
Author: Kelley, Anne
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
“I remember reading the book Lord of the Flies last year, and I remember asking myself: “Would the group’s actions have been different if they were of the opposite gender?”
Lost Girls provided many answers to that question. The story is told through diary entries, telling the lives of a group of girls who are stranded on a small island during the Vietnam War. The thing I loved most about the book is the ending. Unlike Golding’s novel, the story doesn’t leave you asking yourself how the characters coped with such a tragedy.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Yesica Gutierrez, Spring Woods High School, Houston, TX
GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ
8th Grade
Ojeda Middle School
Del Valle, TX
Librarian: Amy Gonzalez Book Review: Master of Misfortune
“Master of Misfortune is amazing! It has all the points of view from all the characters. It also has several twists and turns, plus a whole pack of puzzles and action. In addition, there are amazing background stories for each character. Some not as happy as others some even dangerous. But at the end everything will connect and you will be surprised. The basic story is that the Games have changed and the now freed Traitor has changed everything. Now the team will have to defeat the Trails and pass riddles and puzzles to stop a horrible change on reality that might end civilization. Action-seekers and epic-puzzle lovers will love the full story.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Gabriel Rodriguez, 8th Grade Student, Ojeda Middle School, Del Valle, TX
GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ
8th Grade
Ojeda Middle School
Del Valle, TX
Librarian: Amy Gonzalez 
Book Review: Witch's Revenge
Author: Nelson, D.A.
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
“The Witch’s Revenge is the best book. Its action is moments away. It has a number of twists and turns and an old question that Morag has will be answered in this book! The witch is trying to revive her father that was defeated and needs the blood of Morag. But not everything is what it seems now .The plots are everywhere plus chaos is raging once again. But this time the queen is in the plot. There is much deception and close escape everywhere. Morag will be betrayed as I have once been betrayed it’s horrible and she will get her justice. But she might lose a close friend in the process. Adventure seekers and action lovers will want to read this amazing book. Also, readers that seek twists and dramatic betrayals will love it.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Gabriel Rodriguez, 8th Grade Student, Ojeda Middle School, Del Valle, TX
ALEXES SNOW
6th Grade
Apollo Middle School
Greece, NY
Librarian: Sharyl Mahoney 
Book Review: Mourning Emporium
Author: Lovric, Michelle
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
“I got the Mourning Emporium and I was very excited to read it, the book sounded so good. It’s about Teo and her best friend, Renzo, defeating the evil traitor, Bajamonte Tiepolo. The book had some interesting parts, for example, when Teo has to disquise herself to look like a boy so she can get aboard the Scilla, a floating orphanage for boys. The main thing that bothered me about the book is it doesn’t really explain anything. I mean this because this book has a “twin” called “The Undrowned Child.” It’s almost like the book “expects” you to know everything about “The Undrowned Child” and understand this book. This book is very exciting, because it really tests Teo and Renzo’s daring, friendship and honor.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Alexes Snow, 6th Grade, Apollo Middle School, Greece, NY MCKENNA RATTAN
8th Grade
Terra Vista Middle School
Lubbock, TX
Librarian: Jacqui Daves 
Book Review: Demon Catchers of Milan
Author: Beyer, Kat
Publisher: EgmontUSA
“This book is about an American girl named Mia who gets possessed by a powerful demon but is saved by her grandfather and cousin from Milan. To help protect her, they take her back to Milan with them. Mia soon finds out that her family in Milan fights demons and that she herself has potential to become a demon catcher too!
I love how there is tension throughout the book until the very end. Everything flows smoothly and the elements all connect to the ending. This book was a very good, quick read.”
--SEBCO Student Review, McKenna Rattan, 8th Grader, Terra Vista Middle School, Lubbock, TX
SAVANNA 
9th Grade
Poolville High School
Poolville, TX
Librarian: Jeri Calcote 
Book Review: Blood: Book One of the Mercian Trilogy
Author: Wignall, K.J.
Publisher: Egmont USA
“Will, a vampire who prefers to call himself “undead,” has been stuck at age 16 since the 13th century when he was first turned into an “undead.” Set in the present day, Will wakes up after a long sleep and feeds on a homeless person named Jex. He discovers Jex’s journal, which predicts his own re-appearance. Will never knew the vampire who created him, but he finds that Jex’s journal also mentions a girl named Eloise whom he soon meets in person on the street. An orphan, Eloise is on her own, but Will is drawn to her and resists the urge to make her his next victim. As she and Will search for clues to his past, an unknown enemy, the “evil of the world,” will stop at nothing to find him.
Recommended for middle grade schoolers and up who like vampire stories.”
-- SEBCO Student Review, Savanna Siefkas, 9th Grade Student, Poolville High School, Poolville, TX
DULCE RODRIGUEZ
11th Grade
Poolville High School
Poolville, TX
Librarian: Jeri Calcote 
Book Review: Summer I Learned to Fly
Author: Reinhardt, Dana
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
“Drew is an only child who lives with her mom on Euclid Avenue. She often keeps to herself with her only friend, a pet rat whom she absolutely adores. Her favorite hangout place is her mother’s cheese shop where she sits on the front steps talking to her pet rat. She wishes she could be with her crush, Nick, who works as the cashier of the cheese shop. She does her best to talk with him, but never has the guts to go through with it.
One day, a mysterious boy with a scar over his cheek sits down next to her on the steps, telling her all about rats. She is surprised that he knows more about them than she does. During the next few days, Drew learns the new boy is Emmett Crane and they become close friends, but who he is, why he’s there and how he got that cut on his cheek remain to be seen.
This book was a great. I loved the ending, but you’ll have to read it for yourself! Be ready to experience a roller coaster of emotions. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it a 20. Recommended to people of all ages.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Dulce Rodriguez, 11th Grade Student, Poolville High School, Poolville, TX
MARISSA WILLIAMS
9th Grade
Poolville High School
Poolville, TX
Librarian: Jeri Calcote 
Book Review: Ashes
Author: Bick, Ilsa J.
Publisher: EgmontUSA
“Ashes ia about a girl named Alex who has brain cancer. She runs away from home into the Waucamaw Wilderness where she meets up with an older man and his granddaughter Ellie. Soon after, an electromagnetic pulse sweeps over Earth and every electronic device is rendered useless and billions die. Some survive and some of those survivors appear “changed” or did they come from somewhere else? They act like nearly zombies. Alex, Ellie and their new friend Tom are just trying to stay alive. Not knowing who is “changed” and who is normal, they must avoid everyone just to survive.
I liked this book because it was an original take on zombies. Alex’s emotions and conficts are well-portrayed, as are the relationships between the characters. This book was very gory. If you have a sensitive mind or stomach, take caution. It also contains some profanity. I would recommend the book for high school teens with an interest in zombies.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Marissa Willaims, 9th Grade Student, Poolville High School, Poolville, TX
DULCE RODRIGUEZ
11th Grade
Poolville High School
Poolville, TX
Librarian: Jeri Calcote 
Book Review: The Last Princess
Author: Craze, Galaxy
Publisher: Poppy
“This book is takes place in the year 2090. It’s mainly about a princess named Eliza who lost her mom when she was poisoned by Cornelius Holister, soon to be King of England. Eliza is left with her father, whom she never sees, and her siblings, brother Jaime and sister Mary. Jaime has a lot of health problems because he was also poisoned at the same time as his mother. Cornelius takes over the kingdom by killing Eliza’s father and taking her brother and sister to jail. Eliza escapes to the streets, but must find a way to get them out of jail and save England.
I really loved all the action going on throughout the whole book. It made it much more interesting. I also enjoyed the fact that is didn’t contain any profanity. I would recommend this book mainly for girls ages 13 and up.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Dulce Rodriguez, 11th Grade Student, Poolville High School, Poolville, TX
ELISA BRANTLEY
10th Grade
Poolville High School
Poolville, TX
Librarian: Jeri Calcote
Book Review: White Glove War
Author: Crouch, Katie and Hendrix, Grady
Publisher: Poppy
“The Magnolia League rules the town of Savannah with their mysterious practice of “hoodoo.” Thanks to the Buzzards, a league member can have the best of anything – money, beauty, power, love. Whatever it is, there is a spell or a potion for it. This is the only life Hayes and her friend Madison have ever know and everything is fine until their new friend and fellow league member, Alex, starts acting strange. Can the girls figure out what’s going on before someone gets hurt or worse? A sequel to Magnolia League, White Glove War is the second novel in the series.
I really enjoyed the whole idea behind this book. I mean, you never read a book about hoodoo. While it might be slow at a few points, the book has good characters and is a very original and interesting read. It includes very mild profanity and some characters drink alcohol. I recommend the book for young adult girls. I rate it as an 8 on a scale of 1 to 10 because it has an original topic, held my attending and was an all-around good read.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Elisa Brantley, 10th Grade Student, Poolville High School, Poolville, TX
MARISSA WILLIAMS
10th Grade
Poolville High School
Poolville, TX
Librarian: Jeri Calcote 
Book Review: My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece
Author: Pitcher, Annabel
Publisher: Orion Children's Books
“My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece is a unique, heartfelt story told by ten-year-old Jamie. Five years ago, his sister Rose died in a terrorist bombing and now part of her body is in an urn on the mantelpiece of their home. After what would have been Rose and her twin sister Jasmine’s 15th birthday, Jamie’s father, who has begun drinking heavily, decides to move them to the English countryside for a new start. Their mother decides to stay behind in London and Jamie misses her. Nobody at school likes him, except a girl named Sunya. He can’t even tell his father about her because Sunya is a Muslim.
This book had an undeniably real feeling that made it both innocently cheery and painfully tragic. Jamie’s youthful outlook creates a unique storytelling that is both poignant and powerful. Everyone but Jamie seems to be dealing with a loss he can’t understand and Sunya is the only person he can talk to. The story is relatable and realistic.
I would recommend this to people ten or older. It uses language and storytelling techniques that are easy to understand.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Marissa Williams, 10th Grade Student, Poolville High School, Poolville, TX
JESSICA CANNON
10th Grade
Poolville High School
Poolville, TX
Librarian: Jeri Calcote 
Book Review: Sigh of Naruhi Suzumiya
Author: Tanigawa, Nagaru
Publisher: Little, Brown
AILEEN
John Marshall High School
10th Grade
Rochester, NY
Librarian: Joyce Kowba 
Book Review: Revived
Author: Patrick, Cat
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
“The story Revived by Cat Patrick is a story that you will never forget reading. It’s an exciting, sad, romantic story about a girl named Daisy McDaniel. She was in a tragic bus accident that killed 20 children and the bus driver. Yes, she was among the children that died, but she was revived by an experimental drug. After the accident she died about 5-6 other times and every time was revived by the medicine .The 5th time she almost didn’t come back. Her attitude about everything changed when she got a new best friend, Audrey McKean, and a boyfriend Matt McKean. Even though they were best friends, Audrey kept a secret that would change their whole friendship and you can find out what it is by reading this book. I never knew that there was an author called Cat Patrick. Now when I go to look for a book, I know what author to look for. I would recommend this book to anyone my age because I loved it!!!! It never got boring and you can never tell what’s going to happen next. You will not be able to put the book down after starting it, just like me.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Aileen, 10th Grade, John Marshall High School, Rochester, NY
JADA SPANN
6th Grade
Apollo Middle School
Greece, NY
Librarian: Sharyl Mahoney 
Book Review: The Boy On Cinnamon Street
Author: Stone, Phoebe
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
“I read this book called The Boy on Cinnamon Street by Phoebe Stone. This book was a very peaceful and amazing book that kept me interested. This book is about a girl named Louise Terras and she has a secret admirer who sends her notes. Everyday Louise tries to get clues to see who the secret admirer could be. Later in the book there was a major family secret from the past that was holding Louise back from something. One day her grandmother went to the door to get pizza from the pizza guy. When she opened the door and saw the pizza guy something strange happened. But you’re going to have to get the book to find out what happened. If you think this book would be really nice for you or you like it, then trust me, you should read it. You can find this book in your school library or your public library. I hope you enjoy this book.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Jada Spann, 6th Grade Student, Apollo Middle School, Greece, NY
YESICA GUTIERREZ
Spring Woods High School
Spring, TX
Librarian: Laura Flocks 
Book Review: In Darkness
Author: Lake, Nick
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
“In Darkness is one of the books I will forever read, since I love historical fiction. I was entranced throughout the whole book, by war-torn Haiti, the Voodoo religion, and how both characters are connected as one. The thing that really got me was the history which was subtle throughout the story. I LOVE history with a passion! After reading the book, I began looking for any mention of Toussaint in my history books. The characters felt so vivid and alive, giving me hope for both of Shorty and Toussaint’s lives.
I wish I could express my love for this book, but I can’t find the correct words. Everyone should read this book, even if you don’t care for reading.”
--SEBCO Student Review, Yesica Gutierrez, Spring Woods High School, Houston, TX
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