We are continuing to sign up children and teens for Dream Big Read, the library summer reading program. There is still time to read enough books to earn a pizza from Alfy’s , a free book, a chance to win a grand prize (e-reader for teens, bicycle for kids), and an invitation to the Mayor’s Award party.

Teens are encouraged to share book reviews with an added incentive of drawings for Everett Mall gift cards. These are some of the examples of what teens are reading, and writing about.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Reviewed by Alexis S.)

The Hunger Games is about a girl named Katniss and is placed in the future, where there is one in-control capital and twelve out lying districts and as a reminder that they are in control, every year the capital holds a death match in a vast outdoor arena. Two kids, one boy and one girl, come from every district and fight to the death. When Katniss’ sister gets drawn to go to the Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers and goes to fight to the death. I liked this book because it’s a mixture of action, adventure, and romance. It also makes you feel thankful for the life we have right now, because the life that Katniss had in this book wasn’t so great.

Bittersweet Summer by Anne Warren Smith (Reviewed by Brooklyn J.)

Bittersweet Summer was one of the best books I will ever read. This book was about a family of three who are going through hard times.Katie and Tyler miss their Mom very much. She is coming to Portland and Katie’s Dad said that they can go. Katie and Tyler’s Dad told them they might have to move because his boss might be retiring. To find out the rest you have to read the book!

Finally by Wendy Mass (reviewed by Kira W.)

Rory has been waiting her whole life for her twelfth birthday. She has been promised “When you’re twelve” by her parents. Now it is all coming true. She has kept a list of those promises: a phone, going to the mall with NO parents, and more. Now she can. She has to grow up fast though.. I am not someone who reads girly books, but this book was really good! I could connect and feel what she felt. It wasn’t action, it was laughs and funny, relatable events. I loved it!

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (Reviewed by Jewel G.)

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks is a novel about a soldier who finds a picture that brings him good luck and his true love. Logan Thibault served in the army as a marine and came across a picture of a woman with a note that said “Keep safe, B”. He travels across the country to North Carolina and finds her, Elizabeth, a divorced mother with a young son. Logan keeps the picture with the good luck as a secret. Beth and Logan get to know each other and form a relationship, which includes the son and Beth’s Nana. However this secret will soon bring a lie, a threat, and maybe destroy their love and lives.

Be sure to visit A Reading Life for more reviews and news of all things happening at the Everett Public Library