Entertainment

The latest Mean Girls stars Angourie Rice as Cady Heron, a new girl who just moved from Africa and who is experiencing high school for the first time in her life. She eventually meets Janis and Damian -- two teenaged outcasts who hate the local "Plastics": Regina George and her two best friends, Karen Shetty And Gretchen Weiners, rule the school...especially Regina.

As soon as Regina notices Cady, Gretchen immediately jumps at the opportunity to get back at Regina for past disagreements.   Meanwhile, Cady - directed by Janis with a grudge after their falling out with Regina - tries to take down Regina George from the inside, becoming friends with the new girls.

Eventually, the four Plastics (now including Cady) perform their signature dance at the school's talent show, but Cady topples Regina during the act and wins over social media and the school.  As a result, she becomes the new top girl: she gets the guy she likes and gains the popularity that Regina used to have.

The new Mean Girls movie is based on the Broadway musical which, in turn, features the same plot as the original film that came out in 2004, and - unfortunately - I believe that it was unnecessary and cast (mostly) incorrectly.  For example, Renee Rap portrayed Regina in the Broadway musical and had a beautiful, full voice.  However, while Rapp's casting in the film was correct, her singing was not up to par with the original musical on Broadway: in the movie, she had barely any vocal range, continuously holding the same note over and over again and not showing the same training as in the musical. In fact, if you listen back to Renee Rap's old musicals on Broadway, she has far better range and understanding.   Meanwhile, Angourie Rice's voice was even more agitating: she was continuously flat when she sang "Like Regina", holding the same note over and over, but - unlike Regina - Cady was not showing any of her vocal talent at all.  In short, it was like the movie completely erased the vocal talents of the cast!

Furthermore, the filmmakers pushed elf make-up branding in people's faces, and it was everywhere in most scenes -- even in the emotional parts, such as what was supposed to be one of the most emotionally touching and teaching parts of the movie: when Regina and Cady make amends in the school's bathroom, they continue to prioritize the brand deal. showing an elf lip oil falling into the sink.  This ruined the integrity of the movie, making everything seem very fake and artificial when the scenes were supposed to convey emotion or a turning point.  It was almost like the whole production was an unsettling brand deal.

Overall, I think the making of the movie was unnecessary considering how artificial and unthought-out it seemed.  Between all of the changes and poormusical elements, it could have been more exciting to watch, but, instead, it was boring and hard to sit through, especially at certain points.

It was, quite frankly, just a poor attempt at giving people a Mean Girls 2. In the end, it did not live up to its name, compared to the Broadway musical and previous movie.

When asked to recommend a memorable movie, game, or song, 8B Literacy teacher Mr. Quimby graciously recommended the song “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan.

  “This was the first song that I recorded onto a cassette when it came on the radio.  Back then, if you wanted a recording of a song without purchasing the cassette or CD, you would wait by a boom box with a blank tape inside, and as soon as it came on you would hit record.  Pretty rudimentary, I know, but memorable.“

The song consists of a deep, general 90s, punchy beat that repeats throughout the song.  Every so often, a “This Is How We Do It” chorus can be heard.  The song falls mostly into the soul/R&B music category.

The flow of the song keeps the upbeat vibe going until it comes to an end.  It sets quite an uplifting tone which somehow sets off a feeling of motivation. The strong claps aid in making the listener feel a “pumped up” feeling while listening.  The saying “This Is How We Do It” evokes confidence, making the listener feel energized.  All the different factors that go into the construction of the beat blend to create the perfect mix.

Surprisingly, the first time I heard it I was expecting a raspier voice to take the role of lead singer.  The tough beat with the voice of an R&B singer didn’t seem to go together initially.  Continuing through the song, the repetition slowly had me bopping my head and singing along.  Considering my previously determined taste in 90s rap music, this song was something that fit into my playlist.

Incorporating these factors into my review, I would give it a 9 out of 10.  The song’s catchy beat and repetitive lyrics had me hooked and vibing like I had listened to this song for years. 

The amazing author Alan Gratz  is a best-selling author of  historical YA fiction.  Before he was an author, he had numerous different jobs, even including being a middle-school teacher! After being a teacher, he turned into a now-legendary author who has since written nineteen fabulous books, and all of them tackle a variety of historical topics. However, I have a "top four" to recommend.

For example, Refugee was published in 2017, and it spent more than three years on The New York Times bestseller list. The book also won 14 state awards, which is unusual for young adult literature. Nevertheless, it is a novel for all ages that has three points-of-view that convey the struggles people face, and each p.o.v has a different timeline. For example, Josef is struggling in Berlin during World War ll and - since he is Jewish - nobody from Germany wants him and his family. Another character is a girl named Isabel, who lives in Havana, Cuba around 1994; this is the time period in Havana where there were many protests and riots because of their president, Fidel Castro. Yet another character is named Mahmoud, who lives in Syria around 2015, during the Syrian War. 

Gratz is also the author of Ground Zero, a book told from the points-of-view of people present during the Twin Towers attack on September 11, 2001 and - in my opinion - it is one of the best books that this legend has written, for sure.  He is also the author of Allies, in which there are numerous points-of-view from characters experiencing World War ll from different sides of the conflict, such as the United States and France. One final book that this author wrote - and which I recommend - is Code of Honor, another fantastic novel told from the point-of-view of a person whose brother is accused of being a terrorist. 

While all of these great books were written by the same author, Alan Gratz, my opinion is that Refugee is probably the best one that he has written, so far: the text is incredible detailed, and - when someone reads it - they definitely feel like they are immersed in its historical settings.  In fact, this novel is probably my most favorite book that I have ever read. 

So, if you - or anyone you know - can ever get the chance to read this historical YA fiction novel, I guarantee that it will be worth it!

“‘QUACK, QUACK, QUACK!’" shrieks the characters from Stephen Herek’s 1992 comedy film, The Mighty Ducks. 8B science teacher Mrs. Alessandra MacFarlane - also known as Mrs. Mac - adores the movie due to its relatability to her childhood. In the plot, Charlie Conway, the protagonist, plays the role of the wholesome-hearted figure of his hockey team and develops a strong sense of assertiveness as the story progresses. 

The Mighty Ducks began as a group of misfits who frequently lost in their hockey games, which was reasonable acknowledging their initial lack of gadgets and inferior ability. When the  Mighty Ducks' new coach, Gordon Bombay, arrived, matters seemed to worsen due to his arrogance until they developed a means to effectively work as a team. Despite Hollywood having no insight into Mrs. Mac’s personal life, the two plots seem to align perfectly. 

Mrs. Mac participated in the roller hockey team, The Flames, which also began like the Mighty Ducks- unsuccessfully, as their equipment and skill levels did not match that of higher-ranked teams. “We came from working-class families that couldn't afford top-of-the-line equipment or extra rink time,” Mrs. Mac mentions with pride as those conditions never interfered with her affection for hockey.  She stated, “Our first sets of shin guards were made of flimsy plastic, our helmets were spray-painted to make them look cooler, and our jerseys were adorned with bubble paint. We practiced on the street in front of someone's house and had sleepovers with our teammates on the weekends,” clearly illustrating their motive of simply cherishing the sport. 

Not only did each team endure similar circumstances, but the characters themselves shared similar characteristics. Charlie Conway, the strongest player of the Mighty Ducks, can be easily compared to Mrs. Mac’s brother, John MacFarlane. Both John and Charlie managed to guide the team with their superior ability as captains.  

Additionally, though the sport is primarily played by males, Mrs. Mac maintained her position with pride. Similar to the character of Connie Moreau, an independent female player of the Mighty Ducks, Mrs. Mac never failed to demonstrate her dignity.  “I was the only girl in the league, but that didn't stop me from bossing the boys around like Connie Moreau,” joked Mrs. Mac. In fact, to each team’s surprise, they ultimately made it to the championships.

Through hours of practice, the Mighty Ducks and The Flames significantly improved, earning their spots in the championship game.  While the team from the film won the championship game, The Flames unfortunately lost.  Mrs. Mac described the team as “playing [their]hearts out” and noted they were “just ecstatic to have made it that far."  

That did not stop them from celebrating though. "At the end of the game," Mrs. Mac recalled, "we jumped the wall, skated over to John, and piled on top of him in celebration,” Mrs. Mac clearly recalled.  Her distinct memory proves just how momentous the journey was. 

As for my opinion, I did not adore the film as much as Mrs. Mac did due to the story centering around athletics. As it often occurs, most sports-related plots tend to repeat themselves as they typically regard a team that gradually improves with dedication and practice, while the individuals simultaneously bond through the remarkable journey. However, recognizing her relatability factor, my opinion certainly does not compete, and thus I can respect her liking of the movie. 

Altogether, The Mighty Ducks closely compares with Mrs. Mac’s childhood hockey experience- throughout the corresponding circumstances, characters, and accomplishments. Despite the Flames’s loss in the championship game, both plots communicate that, perhaps, the journey is superior to the destination itself, considering Mrs. Mac’s vivid memory and happiness in recalling it. “It's not always about winning, but about the joy and camaraderie that comes with playing with your friends and giving it your all,” stated Mrs. Mac blissfully. 

As time progresses, new trends come and go in the blink of an eye. They are constantly fluctuating: at one point, they are all you can see anyone sporting, but - a few years late - those same trends have dissipated into obscurity. Nevertheless, that does not mean that they do not remain in our hearts as cherished memories of childhood. 

Mrs. Taysha Gateau-Barrera -- Library-Media Specialist of Hillsborough Middle School and recipient of the Educational Specialist of the Year Award --  has one such fad nestled in the corner of her childhood recollections: wearing clothes backward.

While this particular fad can be traced back to ancient Celtic myths and superstitions, it picked up speed when it was executed by a famous hip-hop duo called “Kris Kross” in 1992. Kris Kross consisted of Chris Kelly and Chris Smith, more widely known as “Mac Daddy” and “Daddy Mac” respectively. When creating the first song, “Jump”, of their first album, Totally Krossed Out, they desired to stand out amongst other competing artists. Consequently, the fad of wearing clothes backward developed.

Once the trend evolved, society began to imitate these particular artists. 

“After ‘Jump’ was released, the kids in my middle school started coming to school with their clothes on backward," Mrs. Barrera reflected. "They would normally wear baggy clothes so that it was easier to put them on backward.“

Upon listening to this particular song, I can understand why students took a special interest in the trend. The song is tremendously catchy and captivating, and it filled me with energy. However, I still felt that it was a relic from another era that I could not fully comprehend: since I wasn't living during the time this song was released, I cannot fully understand the impact it had on society. The style, slang, and lyrics clearly contributed to the trends that materialized during this time, but - since I myself have not "experienced" them - I feel like I am missing a significant aspect of the song. 

Overall, I would rate this song a 3.5 out of 5. The engaging lyrics provided me with an urge to - as the title of the song suggests - jump!  It is no wonder that it was so popular back in the 1990s. 

I might even decide to wear my clothes backward in honor of this!

Have you ever wanted to play a game with a variety of opponents to fight and punch? If you have, then Brawlhalla is the game for you. 

In this free video game, players get to fight "brawlers" who are controlled by real-life people all around the world. In fact, Brawlhalla has a whopping 100 million people  worldwide who play it, which means that - if all the players stood,  shoulder to shoulder, in a line - they would create a line that is 284,000 miles long.  That is how popular it is, and I agree!

The controls are very simple: on a Nintendo Switch, the "Y" button allows you to grab a weapon, strike the "A" button to punch, and press the "B" button to jump.

Throughout the game, brawlers are awarded points. They earn 2 points when they manage to make their opponent fall, if they smash their enemy on the side, or if they hit their foe to the sky. However, a brawler will lose a point if they "die" in any of the aforementioned ways.

Recently, Brawlhalla added two new brawlers.  The first one, Loki,  has a scythe with which he makes a snake to stand upon; he also has Katars, which are daggers worn on the user's knuckles.  The second new brawler, Red Raptor, has special boots for kicking, as well as an orb that can turn into a motorbike.  I bought both of these new brawlers, and they are so amazing!  Those who already play Brawlhalla and those who plan to play should remember to give these new characters a try. 

Personally, Brawlhalla is one of my favorite games because not only can I fight and try different stunts, but - if I get mad after losing - I can vent out my anger without upsetting anyone. Happy playing!

How do you know when you have found your person? 

Some people connect at work, some at parties, and others meet at an all-boys boarding school in the UK. Heartstopper is a critically acclaimed, young adult coming-of-age graphic novel series that tells the story of two young boys named Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. Charlie and Nick both attend Truham Grammar School, an all-boys school in the UK. The two instantly become best friends, but could there be more? 

Young adult author Alice Oseman’s award-winning series has gained an international fanbase consisting of over one million Heartstopper enthusiasts, and Heartstopper has even earned a Netflix show. Heartstopper originally stemmed from another critically acclaimed YA novel -  Solitaire - which Oseman wrote at only 19 years old! According to the British newspaper The Guardian, “Oseman had always loved them as characters, and knew that they had some kind of backstory.” Oseman - who uses they/them pronouns - started writing Heartstopper and sketching Nick and Charlie in 2016. They uploaded their art and writing on platforms such as Webtoon, Tumblr, and Tapas. After Heartstopper gained popularity, Oseman decided to make it into an actual graphic novel. Seven years later, Oseman has since published four graphic novels, and they are set to publish two more. 

Heartstopper stars an openly gay teenage boy named Charlie Spring. On his first day of school, Charlie sits next to star rugby player Nicholas Nelson. Nick and Charlie form an unusual friendship and become best friends. However, both begin to feel something more. The wholesome story of falling in love has resonated with millions of people, young and old, and the fictional world that Alice Oseman created addresses love, finding yourself, and mental health. 

Not only have the graphic novels impacted the world, but the Netflix series has as well! Starring Joe Locke as Charlie Spring and Kit Connor as Nick Nelson, the TV show has spread the wholesome world of Heartstopper even further. One of the first of its kind, this LGBTQ+ TV show addresses important and potentially heavy issues such as mental health and bullying while nevertheless remaining PG-13. In fact, Oseman has stated that it was important that the Heartstopper TV show was PG-13 so that younger audiences could also watch it and benefit from the lessons it teaches. 

However, the graphic novel also has its negative aspects. First, while Heartstopper does an excellent job of depicting the struggles that the characters face, it is also not completely realistic. The text depicts love in a very vivid and optimistic way, which is not usually true outside the pages of the novel. Another negative factor that pulls readers away is that Nick and Charlie’s relationship and dialogue are regarded as “cringe” by many. An example would be Nick and Charlie’s trademark line, “Why are we like this?” Heartstopper fans and critics alike poke fun at this overly sweet catchphrase that Charlie and Nick constantly ask each other. 

However, I think that - while some of Nick and Charlie’s dialogue and actions are embarassing, the novel is generally well-written and engaging. In addition, Oseman added a large variety of characters with different backgrounds and personalities so that the reader can connect with the story. 

In conclusion, Heartstopper is a beautiful graphic novel series that discusses important topics through an optimistic lens and an engrossing story of love. Personally, Heartstopper has changed my life and my understanding of the world. I related with so many characters and felt “seen” in the book. In short, I award Heartstopper - a must-read for young adults or teens looking for a wholesome story of love -  4.7 out of 5 stars. 

Holding up the Universe is young adult novel by Jennifer Niven that revolves around the lives of Libby Strout and Jack Masselin. Libby is an overweight young woman who has always been called "the fat girl": in fact, as a teenager, she received the title of America’s fattest teen by weighing a little bit over six-hundred-and-fifty pounds. The truth is that - after the sudden death of her mother in fourth grade - Libby isolated herself and found food very comforting. Right before her junior year, her father insists on her going back to school, so - after nearly six years of being homeschooled - Libby returns to the public high school. 

Of course, Libby is nervous and does not want to go: she knows that she will be attacked and laughed at for her weight. In school, there is a new trend known as "Fat Girl Rodeo" in which boys have to attack overweight girls and not let them go until they absolutely have to. but something inside her pushes her to take the risk. 

Jack Masselin is a seventeen-year-old who was diagnosed with Prosopagnosia, also known as "face blindness": ever since he was little, he has had difficulty telling people apart, so he uses identifiers to tell his closest friends and relatives (even his mother and his teacher) apart. However, Jack keeps his condition hidden from those around him and walks around like everything is normal; he has his “swagger” and does the same things his friends do.  Nevertheless, Jack has never let anyone into his life...until Libby makes a special appearance. 

Under peer pressure, Jack Masselin does "Fat Girl Rodeo" with Libby, but she gets scared and violently punches him. Both teenagers then have to perform community service and receive counseling for what they did. During this time, Jack and Libby connect to each other and learn many things about each other that connect them to both their past and their present. 

After reading this book, I would give it a four out of five stars because of how well-written it was and how perfectly the author got her point across to the reader. Both characters were ultimately likeable and easy to connect with. On the other hand, sometimes Niven's writing was a bit long-winded, which ultimately made me give this book its imperfect score.

When despairing times loom in the horizon, what are you willing to do to ensure survival? 

The critically-acclaimed novel Dry - by father-and-son team Neal and Jarrod Shusterman - has seized the attention of thousands of eager readers who crave a unique, peculiar plot and an action-packed sequence of events. The harrowing tale regards a drought that overtakes California and the hardships teens must face to ensure their existence -- but, more vitally, their consciences. After a proclaimed “Tap-Out” causes an extinction of water throughout much of the Golden State, main characters Alyssa Morrow and her sibling Garrett attempt to ration quotas of their limited resources. As these diminished supplies are exhausted, their mysterious neighbor, Kelton McCracken, offers to aid the sibling duo in any form possible, so the trio must journey on a treacherous trek to water and relative security, despite the volatile circumstances. However, as personal interest becomes sinister, everyone must reconsider their previous beliefs and morality for the sake of survival. 

Hundreds of renowned critics have praised the novel, citing the raw desperation shown through the multiple point-of-views of different characters shuffled throughout the narrative. Additionally, analysts of the novel note the reality of such a crisis shown through the relatable characters and the lifelike setting. Overall, positive reviewers of the book have claimed that the action-packed novel was a fantastic exploration of human nature, survival, and environmentalism.

However, despite the assets the book provided the reader, numerous drawbacks were plainly discernible throughout the novel’s abysmal experience. For instance, the events of the novel were foreseeable, and they were able to be anticipated in this survival-style book. Rather than creating the spark of originality that Neal Shusterman offers in various trilogies, this novel lacks ingenuity and resembles other novels from the same genre. 

Additionally, the evolution of the characters’ backstories was atrocious. The readers were unable to connect to the bland individuals in the tale as they were unable to be appreciated thoroughly. Only Kelton McCracken, the siblings’ acquaintance, was developed in a way that the audience could connect with. As a result, the tale of drought didn’t flow as it should have. 

Furthermore, the extensive plot holes in the novel detracted from the novel’s clarity. Although the novel was action-packed, with segways to different “snapshots” that the audience could theoretically adore, many conflicts were unable to be resolved, including quarrels between characters and morality-twisting conflicts. Moreover, reading this 2018-published novel during the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic added to the sense of dread readers felt when devouring the novel’s contents, being conscious of the relevance to reality’s perilous predicament. It was too frightening to be able to be savored as thoroughly as it should have been in these circumstances. 

Ultimately, this novel is utterly inadequate of the high praise and accolades it has received. Neal and Jarrod Shusterman have crafted an immemorable story that fails to resonate with readers, and it only merits a 1.5/5 star rating. Although the novel contains some redeeming qualities, it ultimately fails to impress readers hungry for a book to devour. The elder Shusterman has spun much more appealing tales than these, such as the Scythe trilogy. I would recommend Scythe for readers who desire an enthralling story, rather than squander time on this lost cause. 

If I Stay is a young adult fiction narrative by Gayle Forman. It is about seventeen-year-old Mia Hall who seems to have a perfect life: she has understanding parents, Kat and Denny Hall, her loving brother Teddy, her amazing best friend, Kim Schein, and her loving boyfriend Adam Wilde. 

However, Mia’s life changes on one snowy day when she and her brother have a day off due to the weather. Their parents decide to take off work as well so that the whole family can drive to their grandparents. During the drive, they have a car accident; Mia’s parents are immediately killed, and her brother is in a coma. He, too, eventually passes away because of epidural hematoma.  

In the aftermath of the crash, Mia is met with an even more frightening situation: she cannot tell if she’s alive or not, yet she can see herself lying down on the hospital bed. Soon, Mia figures out that - though her body is present on the bed - her soul has left her body. It is then that she comes to know that she can choose to die or stay alive.

The book alternates between the present and flashbacks revealing Mia’s life so far. Readers gain insight into her relationship with her carefree parents, her lovelife with Adam, and her brother's importance to her. Readers go back to when Mia was a ten-year-old girl who discovered her love for the cello. At the time, her parents were very much into rock music and would go for “punkier” instruments. Choosing the cello and being the only brown-eyed girl in a family of blue eyes made her feel somewhat different from her family, and Gayle Forman uses this scenario to connect with some teen readers who may feel different from their family members. 

Overall, I would give this book a nine out of ten because of its detailed writing, heartfelt plot, and the author's way of connecting the readers to the characters. However, the book lost a point because I did not like how the author took away Mia’s brother from her: he was Mia’s only ray of hope and that, too, was shattered. 

*SPOILER ALERT!* However, I was overjoyed by the resolution when Mia decided to wake up and stay for the sake of her grandparents, her love for the cello, and her boyfriend Adam. I was even more elated when I found out this book had been turned into a 2014 movie, which starred Chloë Grace Moretz as Mia Hall. 

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt novel that inspires many emotions. One minute, the reader may be crying about what happened to Mia, but - the next minute - they may be laughing about one of her flashbacks. Furthermore, the movie is a faithful adaptation, so If I Stay is the one for anyone looking for both a good book and a good film to follow their reading experience.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is a book that has thrilling characters and gut-wrenching plot twists.  It will have readers on the edge of their seats, their hearts racing to find out what’s going to happen next. 

It explores Jude, a teenage human girl living in Faerie, a land of immortal creatures called feys.  Along with her sisters, she was kidnapped as a young child by her mothers ex-lover and brought into Faerie, where she has been raised. She is now 16 and dealing with the struggles of being the only mortal living in this insane place. 

The book is part of the fantasy genre, and it has mythical creatures and magical phenomenon; however, its true focus is on this regular teenage girl: Jude is tough, loyal, and incredibly brave, and she doesn’t let the bullying of her immortal classmates get to her. In the story, Jude’s main enemy is Cardan, a fey her own age who seems to have a profound sense of hatred towards her. Cardan is the son of the High King of Faerie, so anything she says or does to him rolls off his back with ease. In fact, the book is interesting partly because it shows how this normal teenage mortal gets involved with the complicated inside secrets of Cardan's royal family. 

Readers will quickly find a sense of kinship with Jude because she is not only relatable in her struggles to fit in and her secret longing to be like everyone else, but she is also respectable in her constant rebellion against the feys, who think she isn’t good enough due to her mortality.  Readers will also ultimately be satisfied by the incredible twists and turns that Holly Black throws their way as Jude changes the way the feys see her by using her clever wits and brilliant mind.

The main themes in the book address power and corruption, and they are shown in how the beloved, all-powerful - but corrupt and broken - royal family is brought down by one of their own. However, this is only one aspect of the extremely interesting plot, which keeps readers' attention captured the whole time.  Even though the pacing sometimes seems a bit slow, it ultimately helps make the heart-stopping plot twists even more shocking.  

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in rebellious uproar, a royal family scandal, and plot twists that will make them want to throw their book in the air and scream: the book ends on a slight cliffhanger, but there are two more books in the series to continue the story onward.

Finally *SPOILER ALERT* I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romances in which enemies eventually turn into lovers.

I give The Cruel Prince an 8/10 as a rating, as some parts of the book move slightly more slowly than necessary; however, overall, the book is amazing and an absolute must-read, and it is a perfect fit for romance lovers who appreciate a plot that unfolds at a pace that has them gripping the edge of their seats in anticipation. 

A book that has exciting adventures and interesting relationships, the book Eleven Things I Promised by Catherine Clark explores the journey that protagonist Frances takes while she tries to finish everything on the "Fix-It List" -- a series of adventurous tasks and challenges -- provided by her best friend Stella, who is stuck at home recuperating from injuries sustained in a biking accident.

Frances struggles to do everything on the list because most things require the help of an older person, but she eventually seeks guidance from Stella’s older brother Mason, and they get closer than ever.  The story follows Frances as she tries to maintain her sometimes-difficult relationship with Stella, not come in last in her bike ride, and do everything on the "Fix-It List" without letting anyone else know. 

The book, being part of the realistic fiction genre, explores many different aspects of real life.  It has realistic characters that readers will fall in love with, and the characters face problems that the reader can relate to: Frances deals with her friend being out of her usual mood, which makes her ignore her, and readers will enjoy watching Frances go from hating biking to falling in love with it.  Readers will also be satisfied by the way Frances sacrifices her time and does crazy things for the sake of her friendship.  In fact, themes centered on friendship were expressed throughout the story: the reader saw the lengths that Frances went to uplift her friend's mood. 

Also, the pacing of the novel was perfect: it was quick enough to keep me interested while not being so fast as to prevent the story's making sense. The novel did not have scenes that would drag on forever; it kept on moving. 

Ultimately, however, the book is a hit-or-miss.  While the plot might be relatable for readers, it is not as interesting as many other modern stories. It would have been more interesting if more conflicts were introduced instead of simply following the character on a adventure. In addition, the story could have had more description at some points, such as the bike ride.  The author only said that Frances was done with the bike ride; if written more vividly, it would have helped the reader imagine the ride better. 

Overall, I rate this book a 6/10, mainly because the story does not have as interesting of a plot as many other stories in the genre. Nevertheless, the book is still a good read for anyone who does not like multiple things going on at once, a smooth pace, and satisfying ending: Frances gets over her hatred of biking, and she and Stella go to the prom together. 

Released in theaters on November 21, 1976, the classic film Rocky was famously filmed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it was recommended by Literacy teacher and Writing Specialist Mrs. Barbara Horr for our Throwback Battle.  It is a movie about a boxer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- with a legendarily thick accent.

“The main reason the movie Rocky stood out to me and has stayed with me over the years is the lesson it teaches about perseverance,” Mrs. Horr explained. “The main character had to work really hard for his dream, and though it was not always an easy path to follow, he didn't stop until he achieved his goal. That lesson is something that everyone can relate to at some point in their lives.” 

“In addition to Rocky, the other character I admired was Rocky's wife, Adrian,” Mrs. Horr elaborated further. “It is not easy to watch someone you care about struggle and get hurt; as a result, Adrian's relationship with Rocky was strained at times due to his dream and things happened that made her upset, but she didn't give up on him. I think that is a very important lesson we can learn from, too.” 

Mrs. Horr’s feedback ended on a truly enthusiastic note: “Oh, and let's not forget the musical score--the soundtrack for Rocky  is amazing!” 

If I had to capture the film in only three words, I would say “funny”, (a bit) “romantic”, and “fighting” -- “boxing”, to be exact. I liked this movie because it had loads of funny lines and scenes, such as when Rocky was punching a cow carcass in order to practice his attack.  Also, I am an athlete, and I found it quite relatable when Rocky started training and could barely run; however, in time, he was able to run up the 72 stone steps leading to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  When he finally did it, he looked like he was on top of the world!  

Honestly, the only thing that quite bugged me was how thick Rocky’s Philly accent was in the movie; in some scenes, it actually made it hard to understand what actor Sylvester Stallone was saying!  Also, there were a few instances of “adult” language that might be inappopriate for some younger viewers; it would be up to their parents to decide if they are ready to hear these words.

Nevertheless, I think that this is a great film, and I highly recommend that you watch Rocky with your whole family -- like I did with mine.  

The plot of Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman revolves around Nazi Gretchen Muller and her quest to discover the truth behind latent mysteries in her life. Gretchen, a mere seventeen years old, is appalled when a mysterious reporter - Daniel Cohen, a Jew - causes her to question both her values and the reason for her presumed martyr father’s death. Throughout the book, Gretchen discovers shocking facts about her family, her Uncle Dolf - Adolf Hitler - and the reality of her National Socialist Party’s goals. Soon, she questions her whole life as she interacts with Daniel, growing closer to him as she grows further apart from her normal life. Will Gretchen be able to uncover the truth, or will she remain shrouded in secrecy? Blankman offers a detailed description of Gretchen’s path to enlightenment. 

This book is worthy of a four-star rating. One reason is because of the author’s style of writing. Blankman’s eloquence in expressing her ideas allows readers to easily understand the innermost thoughts and feelings of the characters. Her rhetoric is especially praiseworthy when she describes the conflicting emotions that Gretchen has regarding Jews. In addition, the development of characters is highly effective, and well-timed to add to the suspense of the plot, even on the last pages of the book. Several “bombs’ are consistently dropped on different characters, leaving readers shocked and riveted to the book for hours on end. 

However, while the characters are well-developed, some parts of the plot are not. One is left to infer these scenes and the exact events, instead of having an extremely vivid picture of the situation. Readers can easily overlook these small paragraphs and not realize that major plot events have occurred until later in the novel. Still, this error is made up for by the action-packed, intriguing plot events which lead to the conclusion of the book. This suspenseful, shocking story helps readers dive deeper into the minds of both sides of the struggle. 

For anyone who is a big fan of thrillers, romance, and plot twists, this book will be a perfect addition to their collection, as they are sure to stay hooked to the book for days and days. 

When asked to choose a favorite song from her childhood, 8B Math teacher Ms. Katie Miller chose the song “Waterfalls” by TLC, which was released in 1994. 

"My sister and I used to watch the video over and over again to memorize the words and memorize the dances," recalled Ms. Miller, whose favorite part of "Waterfalls" is the rap interlude. "It was a popular song, so we liked it like everybody else."

It is a slow-tempo song that is a combination of hip-hop and R&B and - just like most hip-hop songs of the 1990s - it has a single beat pattern that plays for the entirety of the song, along with some kind of electronic sound effect. 

Unlike songs nowadays, it actually sounds like a story set to music: it is about a son and a mother, and it makes sense for the most part. Furthermore, some parts of the chorus add more liveliness to the song and convey a deeper meaning. The phrase “Don’t go chasing waterfalls” itself refers to self-destruction and unsafe behavior, and the song - through its lyrics - says that you stay by the thing you are used to and not get involved in “chasing waterfalls”.  This message adds an inspirational tone to the song. While it doesn’t make the song more melodic or symphonic, it does add to its beauty.

However, when I first heard it, I honestly wasn’t too satisfied with the song because I am not the biggest fan of 1990s music. Most songs these days are about three minutes long, but this was over four minutes! There is just something about long songs that I don’t like.  Nevertheless, while it doesn’t match my taste, I felt that the song’s chorus is effective because it includes instruments that aren’t played the rest of the time.  

For this reason, I would rate the song a 7 out of 10 for its melody because I still feel that more instruments could have been incorporated throughout the rest of the lyrics. However, for the song’s lyrics, I give it an 8 out of 10 for the valuable deep meaning that they carry.

What would you do if you were living in Nazi Germany, with bombs raining down almost daily? Doesn’t that sound frightening? But why are you in this dire plight in the first place?

That answer isn’t complicated. You’re in the shoes of Liesel Meminger, the main character of the award-winning, highly recommended novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak! 

It’s told from the perspective of Death, who narrates Liesel Meminger’s story. Losing both her parents to concentration camps and her brother to disease, Liesel moves into foster care. She steals her first book on the day of her brother’s burial, making way for many more of these trouble-making ventures. Her supportive foster father gives her motivation and care whenever she truly needs it, and her foster mother - a harsh but caring individual - reprimands her constantly to keep her from unwanted problems. Even though the British eventually start bombing Germany, particularly near her town of Molching, Liesel continues with her book thievery. After all, who would want to harm a place named after Heaven? Or so she thought…

This lyrical, poignant, absolutely heart-breaking novel never fails to impress readers, with the New York Times mentioning that the book is “the kind of book that can be life-changing”, particularly because the plight of Jews during WWII takes a back-step to the misery of the Germans living during the time period. Zusak isn’t trying to elicit feelings of sorrow for Jews, as he likely assumes that the reader already feels that way. Instead, he narrates the troubles of the persecuted Germans during Adolf Hitler’s rule and shows that the poor Germans weren’t the true villains: the true evil individuals were Adolf Hitler and his supporters. 

This story addresses mature themes relating to guilt and sorrow throughout the story, and Death sounds almost partial to Liesel Meminger after narrating her story. This story impresses readers because of its unique perspective and beautifully written language.

I would rate this book a five out of five stars because of the messages it conveyed and how wonderfully it was written. I would endorse this book to teens and adults, however, as some of the messages need maturity and experience to be read. Additionally, some violence and inappropriate language (minor insults) may not be suitable for younger readers.

If The Book Thief by Markus Zusak was liked enough by readers to remain on the New York Times bestseller list for a decade, why shouldn’t you give it a try? Go check out this book from a nearby library today and prepare to be astounded!

The book They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera is a fascinating take on the dystopian genre and is a completely unique idea that is sure to draw in readers with its elaborate in-depth plot that reflects the present world, with a startling twist. The entire concept revolves around a service - shrouded in mystery - called "Death-Cast", which is able to determine the death day of everyone on Earth. 

The story is about two strangers who are expected to die on the same day, as they navigate the world together and become close friends, and as they slowly develop their relationship into something more. Ultimately, this narrative is about love and compassion, paired with the hard realities of life that force readers to think about mortality in the real world. 

This book, although completely fictional, made me think about friendship and loyalty represented through the friendship of the two main characters: Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio. Although the two met just hours before their deaths (yes, they died - this is not a spoiler as it is part of the title), they quickly became best friends. If they had lived, I would like to think that they would have become life-long friends. Even though they come from different backgrounds, and have completely different situations, the one thing that bonds them together is, ironically, death -- which is the same force that separates them. This book is a beautiful, heartfelt dystopian that contrasts with every other book in the library because of its unique plot twists and genius way of ending the story. 

The only detractor is the book's short length. Being an avid reader, I appreciate lengthy books and would have liked to see the author develop the story beyond its original characters and answer readers' burning questions. Perhaps the author could reveal what "Death-Cast" really is? Could he explain whether the government is involved with "Death-Cast"? How was "Death-Cast" made? The lack of insight frustrated me. Another shortcoming that the author could have avoided was focusing more on the backstory of Mateo: I personally felt that, while the current story was in-depth, their backstories were important and could have offered more of a glimpse into their lives before their death. 

I haven't read the prequel The First to Die at The End, which was released earlier in the year, but I hope all my questions will be answered soon. 

It is safe to say that this book would appeal to all readers. I rate it a solid 4.5/5. 

The book is available everywhere -- so go on, and read this phenomenal novel now!

Wakanda forever!

This sentiment resonates with Marvel fans, who were awaiting this climatic finish of Phase 4 of Marvel’s moviemaking. Black Panther is back - with a twist - in the award-winning, highly anticipated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever! 

It’s an extremely noteworthy film, but an even more memorable tribute to Chadwick Boseman, the original Blank Panther, who lamentably passed away from colon cancer. Some of the most loved Wakandan characters make memorable appearances throughout the movie, including Shuri - this film's main character - and Okoye, the feisty and formidable general of the Dora Milaje. 

Blank Panther: Wakanda Forever is 2 hours, 41 minutes long and was first released on November 11, 2022. With an exceptionally high score of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, this movie attracted many individuals to watch the movie in theaters, due to the empowerment of African-American women seen throughout the film, as well as the depth of Wakanda’s grief for their lost leader.

The movie begins with King T’Challa’s death of an unnamed disease, with Shuri being unable to save him. The movie focuses on her grief and her journey to acceptthe loss of her brother. When conversing with her mother, she meets the villain of the film, Namor, who is desperate to prevent the surface world from finding out about his underwater kingdom, Talocan. They briefly become allies before Shuri realizes his plan -- to rid the world of society living on the surface. They become enemies and have a final duel, where Ramonda is killed. While fighting, Shuri and Namor - the leaders of both sides - reach a resolution, where Wakanda will hide Talocan’s existence and keep the peace present on Earth. Talocan is finally subdued, and Shuri finally learns to let go of her lost brother and move on with her existence. 

During the movie, the large amount of conflict and suspense keep the audience at the edge of their seats and enable them to feel the raw emotion felt by Wakanda during the lengthy film. The audience also particularly enjoys Okoye’s humor and Shuri’s maturity in difficult situations. 

Critics have also noted some negative aspects of the film, however. They have stated that Blank Panther: Wakanda Forever was a dull movie and needed more action to keep the audience from leaving the cinema in boredom. Another flaw included the extensive plot holes, as well as some final questions that were not answered during the film.  

While there were only a small number of critics with these views, the majority of MCU fans were also skeptical of this sequel because they believed that Blank Panther without King T’Challa would be meaningless: those two idols are interchangeable in fans’ minds. However, those dubious fans were absolutely thrilled with the movie, with the film even reportedly causing certain individuals to cry during it. In fact, it’s safe to say that this movie exceeded their expectations. 

This incredible film garnered mostly positive reviews from critics, and even I, being a harsh movie reviewer, would actively endorse this film to you. What are you waiting for? Go watch Blank Panther: Wakanda Forever and prepare to be amazed!

Ever want to experience being in a world where humanity has fallen? You might think that there's no way you could experience something even remotely close to this, but what if I said you can? Yes, it is possible in the game Rust.

Rust is a survival game and takes place in a world where humanity has fallen.  You, along with 60 to 100 players, must survive in this world. There are still remains of humanity - such as inventions, like weapons, and buildings. But for the most part, you must create. When you are starting out, you must make a building plan, a hammer for you to build your base, and other basic weapons. Even when you make it to the top, you still must create ammo for your guns. 

Next, monuments -- like the airfield, launch site, dome, and oil rig -- are a big part of the game because they help you get more loot, and this can give you some of the most powerful items in the game. 

Finally, a few words about the map and about something people call "the wipe".  The map on every server is not the same.  In each map, monuments are mixed around and not in the same place for every server. 

And then there is "the wipe" or "wipe day". Every server gets wiped weekly or monthly depending on which server you play on. When wipe day happens, everyone goes back to the basic rock and torch, and they must then try and become the most powerful player until wipe day. Wipe day is both good and bad -- a new player who makes a lot of progress and then gets wiped might be mad or disappointed, but it happens to everyone and not just one person. It makes everything fair again.  

That is about everything you need to know for Rust. If this interests you, go and get the game. It is fun and teaches you a lot about hard work -- so what are you waiting for?

Games like Fortnite and Minecraft dominate the video game industry, which leaves hidden gems lying around in the video game world. Road 96 is one of those hidden gems -- and it’s free!

In Road 96, your objective is to cross the border and flee the authoritarian nation of Petria without being arrested or killed. You meet many people on your way to the border, and these people can help or hurt you in various different ways, based on your actions.

The game isn’t as easy as you think. There are multiple ways you can start out: you can start with a car or without one, and your distance from the border is changed with every path you take. The game follows a pick-your-path story and your choices can and will change people’s opinion of you.  Your choices can even kill you, though there is a low chance of that, unless you purposely get on a character's bad side. 

One character that you meet is Sonya, a news reporter who talks about an election.  She is pretty peppy at most times -- but she isn't as peppy on the inside. There is a possibility that you can meet her at the start of the game, but it is not guaranteed. 

Another interesting feature is the ability to gain skills; these skills are received from characters. There are six different abilities to unlock. Some are harder to obtain than others, but they save for every path that you take. For example, the lucky ability, received from Sonya, will increase your luck by 15% in guessing safe combos, digging in trash, and other activities that can give you food, money, and better relationships with characters.

Another thing you will need to care about is your energy.  If you ignore the energy bar, it will deplete and eventually end the game.  You can refill this energy bar by eating food, choosing to hitchhike rather than walking, and resting at spots where and when you can.

With all this information, I recommend that you try this game. It is an awesome game to play to cure boredom or if you want a fun, solo adventure game!

While most middle-schoolers might not know much about the 1930s, one of the things that some of us might recognize is their cartoons, likely because many were saved as digital files -- or perhaps aliens came down and gave those files to us (just kidding!). 

Since then, we have made cartoons smoother: they went from black-and-white, rough animation to animation so smooth it almost feels like the characters move just like a person in real life. Unfortunately, at the same time, we have lost the ability to draw like the artists in the 1930s could. 

However, in 2017, a little studio called Studio MDHR created the 1930s-style indie video game Cuphead, and they did a great job of showing a story about two brothers whose names are Cuphead and Mugman and who live with a coffee pot named Elder Kettle.  

One day, they go to a casino and - despite many warnings from their elderly kettle - they go in and gamble with dice. Consequently, the Devil comes in and says they can have all the money in the casino if they roll more than a “2”.  If they don't, the Devil and his lackey King Dice get to keep their souls. Cuphead (since he is not the sharpest tool in the shed) rolls the dice even though Mugman tells him not, and he gets “snake eyes” -- to simplify it, he loses the bet.

The Devil tells them to give him their souls, but Cuphead and Mugman want to keep their souls. Hence, the devil makes a deal with them: they can keep their souls if they get the souls of other people who owe him.  So, they go back to Elder Kettle, who gives them a magic potion that lets their finger “guns” shoot actual (cartoon) bullets. 

Their adventures are drawn to be like a 1930s cartoon, and man did the artists do a great job! While 1930s cartoons are black-and-white and Cuphead is colorful, there is actually a mode where you can turn the game black-and-white. There is also a way to get the colors a little darker, but to get it you have to earn an “A” rank or higher on all the bosses.  There is also apparently a way to change the audio (but I don't know how to do that).

That's not all. The artists made clay sculptures, hand-carved and printed pages for the book, watercolored the backgrounds, and hand-drew the game characters’ bosses. These artists poured their blood, sweat, and tears into everything else you see in the game in order to make it look like a 1930s cartoon. 

This game is also made to be like old run-and-gun games like Contra & Megaman, but it gives you the ability to revive yourself by taking the player alive. To get it, you have to be a pacifist in all the run-and-gun levels -- meaning you can't kill the enemies in the levels. 

There are also two different endings to the game: the “good” one shows Cuphead and Mugman defeating the Devil and freeing everyone's souls, but the “bad” one shows Cuphead and Mugman joining the Devil and turning into evil demons with their straws ripped and their heads chipped. (Don't worry: their heads are actual cups, so they don't feel the pain and there is no blood.) 

As for the “Delicious Last Course”, it's $8.00, which is pretty cheap for DLC that has cool new charms and weapons. Its story is simpler than the main game’s.  There is this compass guy who tells Cuphead and Mugman that the Legendary Chalice needs their help, so they get on his boat and sail off to DLC Island. When they get there and Chalice gives Mugman a cookie, he eats it and turns into a ghost (he shares his brother’s moronic brain). Chalice tells them to follow her to meet Chef Saltbaker, the greatest chef in all the land, but the cookie effect wears off and Mugman is not a ghost anymore. Chef Saltbaker tells them that there is a wonder tart he can make that can make Chalice a real girl again -- sort of like Pinocchio but with a 5,000-year-old girl, a salt shaker, and two nimrods to help -- but Saltbaker says that the ingredients to make the wonder tart are held by the residents of this island. Let’s just say they are not too fond of giving the trio the ingredients… 

The animation in the “Delicious Last Course” is much smoother than the main game, and there are new weapons and charms. The new bosses are amazing, and instead of run-and-gun levels to get coins, a player can do the “king’s leap” hosted by the King of Games: there is literally a clay castle stop-motion animation sequence when you get to this point in the game. The artists also include new watercolor backgrounds for the bosses. 

They even have puns: the name “Delicious Last Course” shares the same letters as “Downloadable Content”.

Now, unfortunately - or maybe fortunately, depending on how you look at it - there is only one ending: to no one's surprise, Chef Saltbaker is evil and plans to make the wonder tart in order to rule the astral plane, not to make Chalice a live girl again.  But thankfully, Mugman and Ms. Chalice beat the guy up and they free Cuphead. (Well, depending on who uses the astral cookie in the final fight, that person will be trapped. If you don't use it at all, then you save Chalice). 

In the end, Saltbaker goes to jail, does community service around the island, turns over a new leaf, and becomes good -- or, at least, we think.. 

Nothing can change how much I love this game: it is a 1,000,000,000,000/10 -- an amazing 1930s-style, hand-drawn, watercolor game with amazing clay sculptures. The mechanics, weapons, and charms of the game are awesome, and I recommend buying both the DLC and the main game. There is a pack that gives both to you for around $30, and it will save you maybe $2, but you can just go ahead and buy them separately.  It’s worth the price!