Last Post of the Year!

Hi everybody, Smart Girl here. Well, as you know, this is New Year's Eve. I thought that it would be appropriate to do a top ten book list. So get ready for the Smart Girl Best Books of the Year!

10. The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan

9. The Prisoner of Azkaban, by J.K. Rowling

8. Taggerung, by Brian Jacques

7. Chasing Lincoln's Killer, by James L. Sawnson

6. Running Out of Time, by Margret Peterson Haddix

5. Redwall, by Brian Jacques

4. The Innocence of Father Brown, by G.K. Chesterton

3. The Chamber of Secrets, by J.K. Rowling

2. Mariel of Redwall, by Brian Jacques

And now the big one. Who will win? Who will take home the award? Now, the moment you've all been waiting for!

And the winner is... Into the Wild by Erin Hunter!

In case you hadn't figured it out, I made a list of the books I reviewed, not the ones that came out this year. Happy New Year! That's all for this year, Smart Girl.

Warriors: Fire and Ice

Hi everybody, Smart Girl here. As said in the last post, I am currently obsessed with the Warriors series. Let me explain something about Warriors. There are three series I know about, and so we don't have too much Warriors, (is there such as thing?) I will do each series separately. This book -- Fire and Ice -- is the second book in the first series. Is that clear? Now, on to the review!

First, the synopsis. Firepaw is now Fireheart, because as you go from apprentice to a warrior, your second name changes. Fireheart and Graystripe get apprentices; Fireheart gets Cinderpaw and Graystripe gets Brakenpaw, brother and sister. Cinderpaw falls into the river and Graystripe saves her, but needs to be saved himself. He is saved by a RiverClan cat named Silverstream. After that, Graystripe starts slipping away from camp. Fireheart meets his sister, Princess, a kittypet, and eventually she has a litter and gives her firstborn, Cloudkit, to Fireheart to raise in the Clan. Tigerclaw says that ShadowClan has been stealing prey and wants Bluestar to come see, but she is sick. Cinderpaw says that she'll go, but Fireheart forbids her. Later, when he goes to see, he finds Cinderpaw injured by the Thunderpath (what the cats call roads). Will Cinderpaw live? What happened with ShadowClan? Is Brokenstar still leader? Do you want to find out? READ THE BOOKS!!!!!!!

Now, my opinion. I like this book, but not as much as Into the Wild because of something that will be revealed in a later post. I think that what happens to Cinderpaw is sad. This book is full of cats doing things in secret. I like how Cloudkit was introduced, because he's a good character later in the series.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A-

These are great books, and I recommend them to anyone who likes cats. Be warned, though. THESE ARE WILD CATS! This means that housecats, called kittypets, are thought of as wimps and Fireheart is never allowed to forget his non-Clan heritage. Also, there is violence, and later in the series, some cats get seriously injured. That's all for now, Smart Girl.

Warriors: Into the Wild

Hi everybody, Smart Girl here. I'm going to review another series about talking animals. It's the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. I am currently addicted to this series, and have already started the second series of it. Anyway, let's get started.

First, the synopsis. Our main character is a housecat named Rusty. One day he decides to go out to the forest near his house. There, he meets another cat named Graypaw and then two other cats named Bluestar and Lionheart. Bluestar invites Rusty to join ThunderClan, which he decides to do. He becomes Firepaw and an apprentice to Bluestar, the Clan leader. Two deputies die and then a cat named Tigerclaw becomes deputy. Firepaw becomes suspicious of Tigerclaw. ThunderClan is having problems with ShadowClan and their bloodthirsty leader, Brokenstar. Brokenstar has driven WindClan out of their territory and RiverClan has given hunting rights to ShadowClan. Can ThunderClan stand up to ShadowClan and defend their territory?

Now, my opinion. I love this book. It's a great book to begin a great series. Firepaw is such a great character and I really like how Erin Hunter has day to day things and how organized and thought out everything is. If you read the Redwall books and liked them, I would recommend this to you.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A+

That's all for now, Smart Girl.

Running Out of Time

Hi everybody, it's Smart Girl again. Yep, tonight I'm doing two posts. (It's Double Smart Girl!) This one is about Running Out of Time by Margret Peterson Haddix. Let's get started!

First, the synopsis. This book is about Jessie, a girl living in Clifton Village in the 1800s. She's lived there as long as she can remember, but strange things as happening. For example, the doctor used to tell people folk remedies and give them pills under the table, pills that worked. Now, though, the pills don't come. Her mom is acting very strangely. One night, Jessie goes with her mom to help a sick person, and when her mom comes out, she tells Jessie that the next day, she has to tell something to Jessie. The next day, Jessie learns most of the truth about Clifton, but she will have to learn some things by herself. All I can say is, Jessie had better hurry, because the clock's always ticking, and she's running out of time...

Now, my opinion. I LOVE this book. I love Margret Peterson Haddix. This book is full of plot twists. I had so much fun reading this and rereading this. The whole story is very vibrant and alive. The characters are human and aren't perfect. The truth really surprised me and the real truth surprised me even more.

Best Read by ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A+

This post is over except for one thing that goes for all books. If you've read the books, please don't give spoilers. That's all for now, Smart Girl.

Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Hi everybody, Smart Girl here. This is an unusual post because it is my first nonfiction review. So, bear with me. This one is going to be about Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson. Let's get started!

First, the synopsis. This book, if you couldn't guess by the title, is about the hunt for John Wilkes Booth, as well as the story of his plans and how they succeeded and failed. It starts before the assassination and ends with John Wilkes Booth's death. It tells how he assassinates, escapes and dies. It also tells the stories of not-so-successful assassination attempts of other people.

Now, my opinion. I really like this book. It's a unique book because it's actually a children's version of Swanson's first book, Manhunt. (Smart Mom says if you want more details, read Manhunt.) I think that it was a great idea to make a children's version of an adult book. I really enjoyed reading this, and I hope that he does it for his new book, Bloody Crimes. (Smart Mom says Bloody Crimes, which is about Lincoln's funeral train, isn't as dramatic as Manhunt.)

Best Read by Ages: 8 to about 14 (Older people would be better off with Manhunt.)
Official Smart Girl Grade: A+

Well, for my first nonfiction, I think it went well. That's all for now, Smart Girl.

The Lost Hero

Hi everybody, Smart Girl here. I am going to do something amazing. I am going to review a non-Redwall book. Said book is, if you haven't figured it out from the title, Rick Riordan's new book, The Lost Hero.

First, the synopsis. Jason is a demigod, (what a shock!) but he's unique. Not only is he a demigod, he's lost virtually all of his memories. He has two friends, Leo, (demigod) and Piper. (Another demigod.) Then, something amazing happens. We meet an old friend, (hint, Yankees hat!) ... Annabeth! We find out that Leo is a son of Hephaestus, Jason's a son of Zeus (technically Jupiter), and Piper's a daughter of ... .............?! (This was a huge shocker to me, so I'll let you find out yourselves.) Then, oh, by the way, now they're at Camp Half-Blood; they get a quest. (This sounds strangely familiar...) They go an the quest to rescue Hera. (Annabeth does not come.)

Now, my opinion. After that long synopsis, I get to say what I think. I like this book, hilarious, and you will NOT believe who Piper is the daughter of. However, I like Percy Jackson better. I don't like the Roman gods, and Jason isn't as funny as Percy. Piper and Leo are tied with Annabeth and Grover, respectively. I still think it's a good book, and can't wait for the next one.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A

Well, I typed a lot today, but thankfully, that's all for now, Smart Girl.

Taggerung

Hi everybody, long time no see. Sorry for not posting, it's been a busy summer. Anyway, continuing the Redwall series, I'm doing Taggerung, pronounced the way it's spelled. Let's get going!

First, the synopsis. In this one, the main character is an otter who is being raised by vermin, (in this group there are; ferrets, stoats, rats, and a fox.) because they believe he is the Taggerung. (a super strong warrior who is better physically than all the other vermin.) He lives with them for fifteen seasons, but never kills anyone. The leader of the tribe is worried about this and decides to "cure" him. Instead, Tagg, (as he is known) runs away, with no destination in mind. He eventually gets to Redwall and finds out that he is a Redwaller and his mother and sister are still alive. Meanwhile, the vermin have sent a party to get the Taggerung. The party gets to Redwall and the otter, (now known as Denya, which was his real name all along) fends them off but gets mortally wounded. If you want to find out what happens, READ THE BOOK!

Now, my opinion. I really like this book, because it features otters, some of my favorite characters, and there are some quite funny parts. This is a great book, not the best for beginners, but then, Redwall is the only one that's perfect for beginners.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up.
Official Smart Girl Grade: A

Just a note if you've read all of them, the next one is coming out next year. See you all soon! That's all, Smart Girl.

The Sable Quean

Hi chaps! Oh, H'I say, it's been a jolly long time since Smart Girl has done a bally post, wot wot! Well, now I'll cut the act and get down to business. (By the way, that is the accent of most Salamanstron hares. They are in most Redwall books.) Ironically, the main character of the next book is a Salamanstron hare. So now, on with... The Sable Quean.

First, the synopsis. In this one, the main character is Buckler, the Salamanstron blademaster, the best since his grandfather. He wants adventure, so the badger lord sent him on a journey. In the course of the trip, they find out that someone is kidnapping young ones from all over Mossflower. It turns out to be Vilaya, the Sable Quean. Buckler finds out that Vilaya's commander, Zwilt the Shade, killed and robbed his brother, nearly killed his sister in law, and kidnapped their young children. So, will the young ones be rescued, and will Buckler avenge his brother, or will all be lost? If you read it, you'll find out.

Now, my opinion. I think that this one is in the middle. I really like Buckler, but I just don't like this one as much as others, like Redwall and Mariel of Redwall. It just doesn't have that zing feeling that the others do. However, that doesn't mean that it's a bad book. It just isn't in my top five. So, I still recommend it for people who like good books.

Just as an unrelated note, I won't be doing any of the Twilight series, that's all for now, Smart Girl.

Mariel of Redwall

Hi everybody, Smart Girl here. Today you're going learn about Mariel of Redwall, by Brian Jacques, my favorite one in the whole series. So, let's get started!

First, the synopsis. In this one we meet the self-named "Storm Gullwhacker,"a young mouse who was washed ashore around Salamandstron. She finds her way to Redwall Abbey, where she meets another young mouse named Dandin. While at Redwall, she regains her memory (which she had lost) and learns that she is named Mariel and that she was kidnapped by Gabool the Wild.

Now, my opinion. I think that this is the best Redwall book in the entire series. It has a very funny line one time she's at Redwall. The line is when a dubbin (a term for very young Abbey dwellers) asks if Mariel wants to play. She "plays" by throwing a ball and then hitting it into the air with her Gullwhacker and it lands on another Redwaller. When the infuriated Redwaller asks who threw it, Mariel replies, "I hit the ball high. It's called playing. D'you want to play?" Mariel is a great character as well as all the others. There are some really funny moments. Therefore, I recommend this to anybody who wants a good book.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A+


Have a great summer, and that's all for now, Smart Girl.

Redwall

Hi everybody. Long time no see. Sorry about that. So, anyway, for my first summer post I am going to review Redwall. Not the series, the book by that name. So, on with the show!

First, the synopsis. In this one, the first of the series, there is a giant rat named Cluny the Scourge who is heading toward the fair abbey of Redwall. Meanwhile, at Redwall, there is a young mouse named Matthias who wants to become the abbey warrior in what everybody thinks is a time of peace. However, it soon turns out that Cluny, who everybody thought was just a fairy tale, is very real and wants to conquer Redwall. Redwall has the spirit of Martin the Warrior, and he is the only one who can pick the true abbey warrior. Who will he pick? And can they defeat the horrible Cluny the Scourge? If you want to find out, READ THE BOOK BECAUSE I'M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU!

Now, my opinion. I think this book is REALLY, REALLY GOOD. It is the perfect blend of action, slight romance, and humor. If you don't like romance, don't worry, it's not all kissy-kissy. I really like, and really hate how Brian Jacques goes back and forth between the good guys and the bad guys (something he does in all the books). I really hate it because he'll get to something exciting, and when you turn the page, you're reading about someone different. This is really annoying when you first read the book. Note: this is the first one he wrote, so start with this one, then read the others in any order at all. Just so you know though, there are others that are chronologically before this, and you can start with others. In fact, I started with a different one. In short, this is a good book.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A+

Just before I go, I'm going to tell you that I will do some of my favorite Redwall books, but not all of them. That's all for now, Smart Girl.

Another New Post!

Hi, Smart Girl here! Guess what I've got for you today. Yep, you got it, a new post! Today I'm going to review G.K. Chesterton's The Innocence of Father Brown, so let's get started!

First, the synopsis. This is a collection of short stories, all featuring Father Brown, a small Roman Catholic priest who solves crimes. In Father Brown, there is only one repeating criminal, Flambeau. He commits quite a few crimes, but in the end, Father Brown always catches him. The Innocence of Father Brown is the first set of Father Brown stories Chesterton wrote.

Now, my opinion. I LOVE THIS BOOK! It is the best collection of Father Brown stories that Chesterton wrote. To spark your imaginations, those of you who haven't read it, let me give you some of the titles of the stories. Do The Invisible Man, The Queer Feet, and The Eye of Apollo sound good to you? If so, you are awesome. Those are my three favorite Father Brown stories I've read. Now, you might be thinking, well, those sound kind of scary. They aren't. That's why I love Father Brown so much. He's never in real danger, because nobody ever tries to kill him or anything similar. There are other collections of Father Brown, like The Wisdom of Father Brown. A good version of The Innocence and The Wisdom is the Barnes and Noble Library of Essential Reading. Now, before I wrap this up, let me tell you something. After you finish reading this post, go to a bookstore and buy some version of this book.

Best Read by Ages:Anyone who likes good, mild mysteries
Official Smart Girl Grade: A+

Before I go, I would like to note that I love Chesterton. Also, I'll just be doing random things, not like long series. That's all for now, Smart Girl.

A New Post!

Hi, Smart Girl here. First, before I get started with this post, I would like to thank all of you for giving great suggestions, I'll be using them for quite a while. Now, out of all of your comments, the next thing I'm going to review is ..... The Speckled Band by Arthur Conan Doyle. It is the first, and so far only, Sherlock Holmes story I've ever read. Now, on with the show!

First, the synopsis. In this story, there is a woman who asks Sherlock Holmes for help. (What a surprise!) Sherlock Holmes accepts, (Another surprise!) and the woman tells her story. I won't give all the details, but basically her sister died and her dying words were "The speckled band!" (I wonder why the story's called The Speckled Band?) In the end, Sherlock Holmes figures out the mystery. (Amazing!)

Next, my opinion. Before I state my opinion, I want to say that this is my personal opinion, and nobody has to agree with me. I'm going to be straight with you. I HATE this book. When I read it, it gave me nightmares. I woke up in the middle of the night a bunch of times. If you like this book, I don't have a problem with you, but I completely disagree with you. That's pretty much it, I just plain hate it.

Best Read by Ages: Nobody, unless you like scaring yourself silly.
Official Smart Girl Grade: F-
Both of those are my opinion, so you can read it if you want.

Now, before I go, I have two more audio book recommendations for you. First, The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, or The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart. That's all for now, Smart Girl.

An Important Message from your Friendly Neighborhood Smart Girl

Hello, Smart Girl here. I am going to need some help from the commentators, because I do not know what I want to review next. So, if you have an idea, please post a comment on Smart Girl's Guide To Books under this post. However, I do not guarantee that your ideas will be used. A note about visitors (like Smart Guy) I am not telling them, or giving suggestions about what they review. So, they will review whatever they want, so don't blame me if you don't like their post. Now, about your audio book question, I personally very strongly recommend any of the Harry Potter series read by Stephen Fry. They are great to listen to, because they aren't dull and monotonous. I believe he read all of them, not sure, so get your favorite one! I hope that you have a nice visit with your relatives in Virginia.

So long, Smart Girl.

A review by Smart Guy

Hello, Smart Guy here, today I will be (you guessed it!) reviewing a book. Namely the ABC Murders by Agatha Christie. This is a (you guessed it again!) murder mystery. In this book people are getting murdered like so: person named say, Billy Bob is killed with a random weapon in a town starting with "B". Of course it starts with "A". So our heroes: Hercule Poirot (main character) and Captain Hastings (narrator) have to solve the mystery.
Now, my opinion: this is a good book which I failed to figure out. (Wrong person for the WHOLE book.) So it will be rather gripping.
Age Recommendation: Don't ask me, I'm not a good judge of these things.
Official Smart Guy rating: An "A" or a "B" or a "C" [Ha Ha Ha!]

Smart guy, signing off!

The Deathly Hallows

Now we are just about to finish our second Smart Girl series review, so let's get this show on the road!

First, the synopsis. In this one, Harry spends roughly the first half of the book wandering around destroying horcruxes (if you haven't read the Half-Blood Prince, or seen the movie, you will probably not understand that sentence at all, but horcruxes are important) and gathering information on the Deathly Hallows (also important.) In the later parts, however, we start seeing some major action. This means that basically, in the first half, they're not at Hogwarts, and in the second part they get closer and closer until they're there.

Next, my opinion. I think this is a decent book. I don't like it mostly because, first, they don't even go to Hogwarts, so they aren't complaining about homework or their classes, so they seem different, plus, I like Hogwarts. Also, it seems a little slow, because they spend the first half basically wandering around, and they're acting almost like outlaws. Otherwise, this is a good book, except when certain people die, (not saying who, though!) My personal favorite part is the Epilogue.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A

That's all, folks! Ciao! See you next time!

The Half Blood Prince

Now we're close to the end of the series, the sixth book. Just this one, and then we'll be done with the longest series I've rated so far.

First, the synopsis. In this one, two shocking things happen. First, we get a new potions master, Horace Slughorn, and second, Severus Snape gets the job he's wanted for, as far as we know, roughly five years. Yes, that's right, this year the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is .... Severus Snape. The man who we've learned to hate is the teacher of Harry's favorite subject. Anyway, moving on, in Harry's least favorite subject, Harry has a book that belongs to the "Half Blood Prince" and it has some very interesting tips, which make Harry even better than Hermione at Potions. Not surprisingly, Hermione is suspicious about Harry's book. So, being Hermione, she naturally goes to the library and looks up the "Half Blood Prince."

Next, after that long synopsis, my opinion. I think that this book is very sad at the end, and not quite like the others, sort of like the seventh book. Although, this isn't a bad book, it doesn't distinguish itself in my eyes. I just think it's sort of a filler book to get ready for the seventh.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A-

As one last note before I go, I think we might have a visitor soon. That's all for now, Smart Girl.

The Order of the Phoenix

Sorry for not updating, but now, here it is: The Order of the Phoenix.

First, the synopsis. In this one, Harry feels alone until he gets picked up by members of a group called "the Order of the Phoenix," an organization formed back in the days when "You-know-who" was powerful. He sees Sirius's house, Number 12, Grimmauld Place, to be exact. The danger is even more real, because nobody believes Harry or takes him seriously. In fact, one person's mum didn't want her boy to be at the same school as Harry. Also, Ron and Hermione both become prefects, and have a huge fight, and Ron gets a girlfriend, Lavender Brown.

Now, my opinion. I think that Harry peaks as "Angry Harry" because he just screams at Ron and Hermione, and he just is rash and temperamental, and that is one thing I don't like about Ms. Rowling, she makes Harry just so angry, so much, it just gets tiring. I know that he's getting older, and people change, but he changes so fast. I mean, in the first book, he's just curious, and he seems sort of like a little kid, but in this one, he is still rash but so much angrier, and I just don't like it.

Official Smart Girl Grade: A-
Best Read by Ages: 8 and up

That's all for now, Smart Girl.

The Goblet of Fire

Now, Smart Girl's Guide to Books proudly presents, The Goblet of Fire.

First, the synopsis. In this one, we go to the Quidditch World Cup, where we find out that there are wizards in other countries, even America! We also learn that something is going to happen at Hogwarts. That something is the Triwizard cup, a competition between the three major wizarding schools in Europe. Harry's name is drawn, but there are two problems with that. First, there was an age line around the Goblet which made it impossible for Harry to get across, and second, there was already a champion from Hogwarts.

Now, my opinion. I think that this one is over credited. I know, I know, everybody says that this one is really good, and that it's the best one, but I just don't agree. I like the Chamber of Secrets better. This one is not as exciting as the Chamber of Secrets, because this one seems like each task is an adventure in itself, so there isn't as much leading up to the final battle.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A-

That's all for now, Smart Girl.

The Prisoner of Azkaban

Now, I'm doing The Prisoner of Azkaban, the third in the Harry Potter series.

First, the synopsis. In this one, the danger increases. Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban, the wizard prison, and Harry keeps seeing a strange sight, a huge black dog. Hermione gets a cat, and Ron gets upset about Crookshanks, the cat. Scabbers the rat keeps acting very oddly. He seems very nervous about something, but we can't seem to figure what he's upset about. Harry learns something new about his family.

Now, my opinion. I think this is the last of the "Happier Harry," because in #s 4-7, Harry seems just very angry. I like Sirius and I think Ms. Rowling comes up with a great way to create a mini-adventure within the main adventure.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A

That's all for now, Smart Girl.

The Chamber of Secrets

Sorry for the break, but I've been busy. Now, I'm going to do The Chamber of Secrets, next in the Harry Potter series.

First, the synopsis. In this one, Harry is a second year and this year, strange things are happening. People are being attacked and rumors are flying, as well as a big business for "attack proof" magical items among the students. Also, completely changing subject, Ron's sister, Ginny has started at Hogwarts.

Now, my opinion. I think this one is the BEST Harry Potter book. I don't care what you think, this one is good and it does not get enough credit. I just love the storyline and everything. Ginny is great, and she is a major part in the end. (Spoilers!)

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A+

Sorry about not posting. That's all for now, Smart Girl.

The New Series

Finally, the new series. And the new series is..... the Harry Potter series! We'll start off with The Sorcerer's Stone.

First, the synopsis. This one is about a boy who finds out he's a wizard. He goes to a wizard school called Hogwarts. In the wizard world, he finds out that he is famous. Everybody knows his name. He also finds out that his parents were killed, not by a car crash, but by an evil wizard named .... Voldemort. There, I said it, now don't make me say it again. "You-know-who" is back, and he wants to finish the Potter family........

Now, my opinion. I think this book is a VERY GOOD BOOK. If you have not even heard of Harry Potter or J.K. Rowling, your life is pathetic. I'm sorry, but it is very true. Ron is incredibly funny, and Hermione is such a know-it-all, but I wouldn't like her any other way.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A+

Sorry to keep you wondering, that's all for now, Smart Girl.

The Last Olympian

Hi, Smart Girl here, and today we are finally going to finish the Percy Jackson series and tomorrow we'll start an even longer series!

First, the synopsis. In this one, Percy and friends are stuck on guard duty for all of Manhattan. All the mortals are asleep, and Kronos's army is coming. Several people die, and will it all end happily? The half-bloods are faced with their toughest challenge yet. Will they survive? Well, if you want to be lazy, nice try, but you're going to have to read the book. Oh, the horror! How will you ever survive!

Now, my opinion. VERY GOOD BOOK! This one is very high on my list. If you haven't read this, put down this computer, (or get up if you're on a desktop) and, if necessary, go to the bookstore and buy it, and READ THIS BOOK! I like how everyone got a good role. Rachel, who I'm sorry I forgot to mention in the last post, gets a nice place, and I think it's obvious what happens with Percy and Annabeth. Even Luke gets a good ending. This is, without a question, the Luke book.


Best Read by Ages: 8 and up.
Official Smart Girl Grade: A+

That's all for now, Smart Girl.

The Battle of the Labyrinth

Next up to review, The Battle of the Labyrinth. Again, DO NOT READ if you HAVEN'T read all the prequels.

First, the synopsis. In this one, Percy and Co. go into the infamous Labyrinth. They must find Daedalus's workshop and stop Kronos's latest plan to attack Camp Half-Blood. They meet many ancient powers, not all of them evil. They are faced with many new dangers. And, again, they go to California.

Now, my opinion. Again, I like the old myths entering, especially the Labyrinth. This time I like the story. I really like the new plot to attack camp. The last book was the Thalia book. This one is the Grover and Annabeth book. Also, going off topic, The Sea of Monsters was the Tyson book, and The Lightning Thief was the Percy book. Back to The Battle of the Labyrinth, I think that it is overall good.

Best read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A

That's all for now, Smart Girl.

The Titan's Curse

The next book I'm going to rate is The Titan's Curse. It is the third book in the Percy Jackson series. I am going to warn you. If you have not finished The Sea of Monsters, DO NOT READ THIS POST. It contains a huge spoiler for the end.

First, the synopsis. It is about when Percy, Grover and Thalia meet the Hunters of Artemis. Annabeth is captured and they must rescue her and Artemis. We meet two new half-bloods, Nico and Bianca de Angelo. Bianca joins the Hunters, and the Hunters go to Camp Half-Blood.

Now, my opinion. I like how he, again, added old myths to this one. I don't like how he adds a character in the prequel and she doesn't get much attention in the rest of the series. Thalia fans, this is the best book for Thalia, so don't get your hopes up.

Best read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A

That's all for now, Smart Girl.

The Sea of Monsters

Following yesterday's The Lightning Thief, I'm going to review the sequel, The Sea of Monsters.

First, the synopsis. It's about Percy Jackson, like the last one, who this time finds out that he has a cyclops for a half-brother. Also, he finds out that his best friend has been kidnapped by Polyphemus. He goes off to rescue his best friend and save the tree that protects Camp Half-Blood.

Now, my opinion. I think this one is also very good. I think that the author was very clever to include part of The Odyssey. I also like how he made real people half-bloods. I don't, however, think that the storyline is as good as The Lightning Thief's. But I do like how he put old myths in the story.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up.
Official Smart Girl Grade: A-

Also, a note about the weekdays. I will not be posting as much on the weekdays, so don't expect many posts on the weekdays.

That's all for now, Smart Girl.

The Lightning Thief

The first book I'm going to rate is The Lighting Thief by Rick Riordan, since the movie came out last weekend.

First, the synopsis. It's about a boy named Percy Jackson who discovers that he is half-Greek god, and that the Greek gods still exist. He must go on a quest to find Zeus's Master Bolt and return it to Mount Olympus by the Summer Solstice, because otherwise there will be a war that "Will make the Trojan War look like a water-balloon fight", between the gods. Zeus on one side, and Poseidon on the other.

Now, my opinion. I think this book is awesome. If you have not read it you should. It is funny and has lots of action. I like the book better than the movie, because according to what I've heard, they really messed up the movie. But, most importantly, I think that you should read the book before you see the movie.

Best read by ages: 8 and up.
Official Smart Girl grade: A

That's all for now, Smart Girl.

Welcome to Smart Girl's Blog

Hi! I'm Smart Girl and I'm going to be reviewing books for tweens and teens. Most of the books are going to be action-adventure books, and some of them will definitely be books that are popular right now, and made into movies. I will probably rate them by how good they are, and maybe by what ages I think should read them. I am going to rate books that some people might not have heard of, but most of these books can be found on Amazon.com. I will write synopses on the book and give my opinion. I will also give it an Official Smart Girl grade.

That's all for now, Smart Girl.