Student Reviews of White Pine Books

Some Girls Are is a powerful tale of vengeance and betrayal within the walls of a high school, when a bully has the tables turned on her and becomes the social outcast among her peers. The torture she endures builds to a shocking peak with a story that carries readers along. Her only confidant is her newfound friend who teachers her the value of acceptance. The characters in the novel are realistic and interactions between the teenagers are more believable  than those in many other young adult fiction novels. Anyone interested in an engaging story should read this book. --- by Deanna

Gravity Brings Me Down is a novel that follows the story of a teen aged girl who struggles to overcome her jaded world view and to work through the challenges in her life. Whether it’s fighting with her sister, thwarting the awkward boy who constantly attempts to win her heart, trying to comprehend signals from jocks, or juggling the popularity between her group of friends, she always has a conflict. Her only escape is the time she spends with an elderly woman, to whom she acts as both friend and caretaker. Despite being one of the most relatable characters, the senior’s relationship with the girl remains conflicted. Characters are often merely a collection of teenage clichés and the ending of the novel seemed rushed. However, this is a solid book with lots of humour and lessons to teach. ---by Lisa

Fear the Worst is a haunting drama, as it is the tale of a father who loses his one and only daughter. Just like any other morning, Tim Blake was making his daughter breakfast and wishing her farewell on her way to work. Little did he know that his daughter wouldn’t return him and it was the last time he’d ever see her again. As Time Blake retraces Sydney’s steps, he comes across shocking truths, countless obstacles, and finds out that his daughter has not been completely honest about her life. As Tim searches for his daughter, time is running out and is every move is being watched. Will Time be able to find his daughter before the others do? Will Sydney survive? Will Time make it on time or will it be too late? Linwood Barclay’s novel is an absolute thrill as it tells the tale of a father’s determination to find his daughter and his will power to not give up. Fear the Worst will keep readers at the edge of their seats and leave them wanting more. After reading this novel I was completely shocked by the outcome. In the beginning, the book was sort of boring as it took time for the drama to start but overall the book was good and the ending was even better. I believe the readers will enjoy the book and understand the perspective of a father wanting to protect his child. Fear the Worst is a good book and I approve of it for those who like suspense, drama and mystery. ---by Sommer

The Worst Thing She Ever Did touches on one of the biggest problems in our world. We are able to see the consequences of this problem through the eyes of a teenage girl. The novel explains how the main character copes with a significant loss in her life, and how she learns to interact with the people around her again. Though this is not a book I would normally pick up, this is good novel for the serious readers out there, as well as people who enjoy reading about the problems relationships go through and how to overcome them. ---by Rajmeen

Fishtailing follows the themes to teen violence, bullying and the burning quest to fit in, presented through the poems of four unforgettable high school students: Natalie, Kyle, Tricia, and Miguel. Their stories unfold in this explosive new book, told in free verse. A story of teen angst like no other, it is based on fictional characters but is rooted in the realities of the teen experience. I really enjoyed the book. It was well-written and I loved how the characters expressed their emotions through poetry. The book has taught me the importance of self-expression and standing up against bullying. --- by Grace

 

Mrs. Webster's Favourites

Mrs. Herd's Favourites

Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer Earth's Children series by Jean Auel My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult Gerald's Game by Stephen King Grist by Heather Waldorf Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers House of Night series by P.C Cast Kiss the Girls by James Patterson Along Came a Spider by James Patterson The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen

Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer The Valley of Horses by Jean Auel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen The First Stone by Don Aker A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L’Engle Not Wanted on the Voyage by Timothy Findley Room by Emma Donoghue Little Women by Louisa May Alcott novels (any) by Sarah Dessen novels (any) by L.M.Montgomery

CAMPION ENGLISH TEACHERS	FAVOURITE BOOKS
Ms. Dobson-Efpatridis	Three Day Road: This is a graphic tale detailing the horrific experiences and the invaluable contribution that Native Canadians made to the war effort in WWI, on the killing fields of Ypres and Somme, and the detrimental effects on the lives of the innocent soldiers that gave their lives to the cause.
Mr. Ruscica	Northrop Frye: The Educated Imagination: Need I say more?
Ms. Hoekstra	Catcher in the Rye : I love Holden Caulfield's narration in this classic coming-of-age tale.
Ms. Ouellette	To Kill a Mockingbird: Every time I read this novel it reminds me that I have to do whatever I can to stand up against injustice.  Even if my actions only create a small change it is better than standing by and allowing inequality to prevail.  This novel also reminds me that humanity has a dark history. However, if everyone works together then there is hope that we can make our world a better place.
Ms. Carey	Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner is by far my favourite novel! To begin, the novel explores the weight of guilt on the human heart and the power of forgiveness. I felt extremely invested in the characters after reading only the first few pages. Their happiness and success became my own, as well as their pain and suffering. Hosseini’s writing is so beautiful and honest that it often brought me to tears. Also, the novel is set behind the historical backdrop of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The Kite Runner is a very interesting and emotionally charged read. I highly recommend The Kite Runner to any and everyone who enjoys reading inspiring literature!
Ms. Depikolozvane	My absolute favorite novel in the whole wide world is Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.  I fell in love with this book in grade 11.  My favourite things about the novel are the themes of loyalty, perseverance, and knowing that someone is always watching out for you and wanting you to succeed even if you may not know it.  As well, it taught me that no matter what kind of a mistake you may make, it can ALWAYS be fixed.  I just absolutely love it!!
Ms. Ciufo	My favourite book is Not Wanted on the Voyage by Timothy Findley.  This novel is narrated mainly by a one-eyed cat - a very interesting choice!  It is a touching, tragic novel that uses language beautifully to express emotion.
Ms. Kalymon	My favourite book is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom because of the touching story between man and his mentor and the lessons he offers even in his dying days.  It reminds me of the affection and graditiude that many of us still feel for the significant mentors of our past.
Mr. Zygadlo	The Beach: The Beach is an amazing journey for those students who are seeking a life changing adventure when you leave school. This story is for anyone who wants to travel and see the world. A must read!
Ms. Cole	Childhood Favourite: Anne of Green Gables - a classic. As a teen I loved A Clockwork Orange (Anthony Burgess) and To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee). Now – I love Tiff (Timothy Findley - Not Wanted on the Voyage) and I also really enjoy Khaleed Hosseni's Kite Runner. It changes all the time but these are the ones that stick out in my mind!