Book reviews written by Donna B

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Displaying 41-50 of 72 reviews

The Pox Party

by M. T. Anderson
- Rated 5 stars
“Set in Boston before the Revolutionary War. Octavian lives in a big house with his mother and a society of philosophers and scientists. He's raised as a prince with access to splendid clothing, food, and education. One day he learns that it is all a lie - he and his mother are slaves, kept in this house as part of an experiment to determine whether Africans are inferior to Europeans. Octavian eventually escapes to join the patriot Revolution, but his story does not end there. This seems to be one of those "love it or hate it" books that make for great discussions.”

Donna B wrote this review Thursday, May 28 2009. ( reply | permalink )
Willow

by Julia Hoban
- Rated 3 stars
“Willow's parents died 7 months ago in a terrible car accident. She blames herself for their deaths, and copes with the emotional pain by cutting herself. She keeps her pain a secret from her older brother, who is trying his best to raise her and his own daughter. I thought this book was just okay - and didn't love it or hate it.”

Donna B wrote this review Thursday, May 28 2009. ( reply | permalink )
Audrey, Wait!

by Robin Benway
- Rated 3 stars
“High school girl breaks up with rocker boyfriend & then makes big splash in the media when he immortalizes her in song. Light & funny story. Each chapter begins with song lyrics - why not make a mix CD a la Audrey to listen to as you read?”

Donna B wrote this review Monday, May 18 2009. ( reply | permalink )
Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

by Tanya Lee Stone
- Rated 4 stars
“This book made me angry! I also found it to be fascinating and inspiring. 13 women proved in the early 1960s that they were just as suited to space exploration than men (even better suited to it, in some cases) and yet they were denied the opportunity. These "almost astronauts" share details about the early days of the space program that you won't find anywhere else.”

Donna B wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )
Tales from Outer Suburbia

by Shaun Tan
- Rated 5 stars
“I love Tan's quirky stories and unique illustrations. Some of my favorites in this collection (there are 15 stories, total) include "Stick Figures," "Alert But Not Alarmed," I reccomend this to anyone who describes themself as a misfit, offbeat or just a little weird.”

Donna B wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )
Battle Royale Ultimate Edition Volume 1 (Battle Royale Ultimate Edition)

by Tokyopop, Koushun Takami
- Rated 4 stars
“Every year, a 9th grade class is chosen to compete in The Program, a fight-to-the death reality show set on an abandoned island. Some students play to win, some struggle to survive, and others band together to defeat the game from the inside. Startlingly violent and peppered with raw sexual content, this manga series is also full of moral lessons like fight for what you know is right, and put your faith and trust in your friends. For a mature audience? Yes. Contain stereotypes? Yes. Hard to stop reading once you pick it up? Definitely.”

Donna B wrote this review Monday, April 13 2009. ( reply | permalink )
The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need

by Daniel H. Pink, Rob Ten Pas
- Rated 4 stars
“This is an entertaining career guide in manga-form that gives some great advice! Johnny hates his job but doesn't know what to do about it, until the mysterious Diana shows up and helps him when he needs it most.”

Donna B wrote this review Thursday, April 2 2009. ( reply | permalink )
All the Wrong People Have Self-Esteem: An Inappropriate Book for Young Ladies Or, Frankly Anybody Else [ALL THE WRONG PEOPLE HAVE SELF]

by Laurie(Author) ; Rosenwald, Laurie(Illustrator) Rosenwald
- Rated 5 stars
“This is a hilarious book full of irreverant humor, collage art, lists of pet peeves, confessions, and DIY advice. If you've ever: fought with your mother, been kicked out of class, or needed a snappy comeback, then this book may be for you. ”

Donna B wrote this review Thursday, March 12 2009. ( reply | permalink )
Elijah Of Buxton

by Christopher Paul Curtis
- Rated 4 stars
“Powerful story set in Canada, where many former slaves lived in a unique free settlement. Elijah is just learning what it means to be an adult, and to be born free. I hope Curtis will continue Elijah's adventures!”

Donna B wrote this review Thursday, February 26 2009. ( reply | permalink )
Thunder on the Tundra

by Lew Freedman
- Rated 4 stars
“True story of the first high school football team north of the Arctic Circle, which debuted in Barrow, Alaska (pop. 4500) in 2006. The team practiced on a rocky field, and many of the players didn't know how to put on their pads for their first game. September games are played in freezing temperatures, security is on hand to ward off hungry polar bears, and gray whales sometimes swim by. Welcome to the real frozen tundra!”

Donna B wrote this review Thursday, February 26 2009. ( reply | permalink )