This book lives up to it's title. It inspires you to "Do Hard Things". This book encourages young people to go beyond what is expected of teenagers today, to "rebel against low expectations". The fact itself that when this book was written, the authors were teens is a testament to the book itself. I liked that the way the Harris brothers proved their point, and encouraged, was through different types of stories. For example, in some areas they would quote Bible verses and connect how they tie in to every day life. In other places they would give modern day examples of teens who were inspired, and did hard things and give personal stories and anecdotes. One of my favorite messages in the book is that hard things can look different for everyone. For some people, it can be starting a blog or a mission group to build wells overseas. For other people it can be playing the piano in public, or making an effort to get along with a sibling. It doesn't matter how big or small it is. What matters is that you do the hard thing. I would definitely recommend this book to all pre-teens and teenagers. Although geared specifically towards adolescents, it would also probably be a good read for adults. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

This book lives up to it's title. It inspires you to "Do Hard Things". This book encourages young people to go beyond what is expected of teenagers today, to "rebel against low expectations". The fact itself that when this book was written, the authors were teens is a testament to the book itself. I liked that the way the Harris brothers proved their point, and encouraged, was through different types of stories. For example, in some areas they would quote Bible verses and connect how they tie in to every day life. In other places they would give modern day examples of teens who were inspired, and did hard things and give personal stories and anecdotes. One of my favorite messages in the book is that hard things can look different for everyone. For some people, it can be starting a blog or a mission group to build wells overseas. For other people it can be playing the piano in public, or making an effort to get along with a sibling. It doesn't matter how big or small it is. What matters is that you do the hard thing. I would definitely recommend this book to all pre-teens and teenagers. Although geared specifically towards adolescents, it would also probably be a good read for adults. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

After watching the Maze Runner movies, I was interested enough to want to delve into the books, so I began the adventure with this one. We are immediately thrown into the fray, following a kid named Thomas who has no memories, just like every other "shank" in the glade. Dashner creates a mostly fascinating book, with strong characters, and I think he did a good job on it, but it almost feels as if it's missing something. I would say the thing The Maze Runner lacked most of was, as a reader, I somewhat feel a bit detached from the characters. But overall, this was a nice dystopian novel, and I'd recommend to anyone in middle school and above who's looking for a sound read.

Kid Authors is the next book is the "Kid" series. It tells stories of famous writers from when they were children. Each story was slightly different. Some were about their family, and childhood experiences. Others were about their inspiration for their stories and how/when they began to write. One of my favorite stories was about Roald Dahl, and how he drew some of his stories from his childhood experiences. For example, he was inspired by a local candy shop he passed everyday as a boy, and later wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I liked that this book was written in a narrative format, instead of straight facts about the author's life. It was a nice quick read. I recommend this book for elementary and middle school kids, especially those who like writing. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Kid Authors is the next book is the "Kid" series. It tells stories of famous writers from when they were children. Each story was slightly different. Some were about their family, and childhood experiences. Others were about their inspiration for their stories and how/when they began to write. One of my favorite stories was about Roald Dahl, and how he drew some of his stories from his childhood experiences. For example, he was inspired by a local candy shop he passed everyday as a boy, and later wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I liked that this book was written in a narrative format, instead of straight facts about the author's life. It was a nice quick read. I recommend this book for elementary and middle school kids, especially those who like writing. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Resonant, heartwarming, and fast-paced. A strong 4/5 stars, Victoria Schwab's This Savage Song will leave readers breathless, waiting for an encore. Thoroughly recommended to ages 12 and up, fans of J.K. rowling, Holly Black, and Cassandra Clare will eat this up.