Book Reviews

Submitted by Evelyn Russell: Dragon Ball Z is one of the beat mangas that I have read! It is an amazing story with lovable characters! In the story the main character Son Goku lives a normal life in the jungle by himself until he bumps into a young lady named Bulma. Together they go on a hunt for the seven dragon balls which when put all together summon the powerful dragon Shenron, who can grant whoever summoned him their greatest desire! Along the way they meet many lovable characters and fierce enemies! I highly suggest this amazing manga series!

Submitted by Ms. Saunders: "This novel is both tragic and inspiring, and is loosely based upon what is known of the real life events of Cilka Klein, a Jewish survivor of three years in Auschwitz, followed by several more years as a prisoner in a Siberian Gulag. Cilka´s years of suffering began at only sixteen years of age, and a heroic act of hers is briefly mentioned in the well known previous novel by Heather Morris, The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Cilka´s Journey is in a sense a sequel to the previous book, but it works very well as a stand alone novel, because we are given flashbacks to fill in the key facts from her time in the concentration camp. This novel begins with her liberation by the Russians, only to find herself  unfairly charged with being a Nazi collaborator, and sentenced to a lengthy imprisonment in Arctic Siberia. Cilka´s strength of character, compassionate heart, and will to survive allow her to come out of the seemingly impossible challenges she faces throughout her twenties. In spite of the inhumanity of all the reader sees her endure, one is left feeling inspired that she was able to somehow transcend it all, emerging as a strong and admirable woman."

Submitted by Mrs. Arthur: Rainbow Rowell is an incredibly popular author and now I understand why! Cath is starting a huge life change: going to her first year of college with her twin sister, but living separately, leaving her father (who suffers from mania) at home alone. Cath is a very anxious person who escapes her reality by writing Simon Snow fanfic.

Will she break out of her shell? Can she and her twin reconcile their different personalities now that they don't share a room and thus don't see each other every day? And could her roommates boyfriend be flirting with her? I thoroughly enjoyed watching Cath transition from a teen into a more confident adult, and I am delighted that we have "Carry On Simon" and "Wayward Son" so I can dive into the world of Simon Snow!

*This book is not currently part of our collection, but let Ms. Saunders or Mrs. Arthur know if you think it should be!*

Submitted by Evelyn Russell: This is an amazing manga that I really enjoyed reading! The main character Vanitas follows a joint man named Noe who is travelling aboard an airship in the 19th century in search of the book of Vanitas. Vanitas is a doctor who specializes in vampires but he himself is a normal human! I loved this book from the start! Not only is the story good but the art style is also just as fantastic! I also must suggest Pandora Hearts which is by the same author and can be found in our SRB Library! 

*This book is not currently part of our collection, but let Ms. Saunders or Mrs. Arthur know if you think it should be!*

Submitted by Evelyn Russell: Ranma 1/2 is a manga about an average teen boy who when training in China with his father fell into an ancient pond! And now whenever he touches cold water turns into a girl! His father brings him to his promised fiancée who falls in love with him until she finds out that he turns into a girl! This manga is by the same author as Inuyasha another great manga that is at the school library!