After the First Death

Author: Robert Cormier

Summary
If edge of your seat, holding your breath is the kind of book your looking for, this is it! You will first meet Ben Marchand in his dorm room at a prep school where he talks of the tragic event where a school bus full of children were held hostage. As a reader there are non-stop questions that Robert Cormier expertly leads you to ask.
The young terrorist, Miro, makes you question whether being brave is only for the good guys. The young bus driver, Kate, is forced to face things that she isn't sure that she can handle. After the First Death brings the terrorist's point of view into full focus and creates a web of suspense.
Personal Review
there are so many amazing things in this book, its hard to concentrate on just one! I would start with the end of the book blowing your mind to the point you want to go back and re-read everything that you initially missed. After the First Death will test your close reading abilities, there are so many small things that Robert Cormier puts in that you will have to read it again and again to get all the angles. As far as a story goes this one is nail biter, they don't come more intense.

Diary of a Whimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
By: Jeff Kinney
Amulet Books, 2007

Summary
Greg Heffley brings middle school to life with his description to everyday problems at home and school. While having an older brother that is a mercenary for teasing and a spoiled younger brother that seems to get away with everything, Greg does his best to keep life interesting. With his best friend Rowley, Greg is always looking for new and inventive ways to climb the social latter and get out of math class. During his school year Greg is also faced with some challenging problems that with an adolescent outlook and a sheltered outlook on life he does his best to do the right thing.
Personal Review
What a fun book. Jeff Kinney did an amazing job of using the visual effect to his fullest advantage. With the adolescent language and graphics you can't help but remember your own days in junior high. I would recommend this book to anyone.