The Ashleys by Melissa de la Cruz

a book review by Sydney Abbott

Meet the Ashleys, who rule the school and make life miserable for non-SOA (Seal of Approval) girls.  The three of them are gorgeous, wealthy, and have all the best clothing. This year, the three Ashleys watch one girl step out of her limo looking like a movie star.  Lauren has arrived at a new state, or so she hopes.  Her plan is to infiltrate the Ashleys and then destroy them.  With her father's newfound wealth, she's gone from bargain shopper to having her own personal shopper.  Lauren Page, tired of being a loser, has received a makeover in an attempt to fit in at Miss Gamble's Preparatory School for Girls, so she can wriggle her way into the inner circle of the most popular girls at school, the Ashleys.  She plans to break them apart and take charge as the new queen bee at Miss Gamble's.

I would really recommend this book.  It's a great book if you enjoy an easy-to-read, girly book.  The book keeps you interested throughout the entire story. 


The Ashleys is a page turner, also funny and enjoyable. The Ashleys sets its background on the social scene of a high-end society.  The Ashleys took place in San Francisco, and the characters were narrowed down to a group of pre-teens within an all-girl school.  You're definitely going to enjoy this book if you're interested in this genre!



Find it in YA FIC de la Cruz, M.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

A book review by Aisha Ali

              This book deals with an Indian Boy who lives on a small reservation. All his life he has lived there, and nothing seems to change. He starts his freshman year in high school, only to find out that the textbooks being used in class are books from the time his mother wen’t to school. His anger flourishes, and even though he doesn't mean to, he ends up throwing the textbook at his teacher.

                This was a crucial moment that would define his life forever. His teacher saw the potential he had, and sought to take action. The teacher told Junior (the main character'’s name) to leave the reservation. At first this was an unthinkable, never heard of decision, but it would be the one that would map out his future.

                Junior did leave the reservation. This came with a price. The people in his reservation turned their backs on him. His Indian people saw it as a form of betrayal to leave their reservation and go to a school where only white kids attended.They considered him a traitor. If this wasn’t bad enough, he had to come home everyday to deal with rude remarks from the people that lived in his reservation.

                At first it was hard to fit into this new school full of white kids, but soon after Junior's arrival he made friends who helped him make his time worth while. In the new school he went to, people were more welcoming, and most of all nonjudgmental. Back at the reservation, he would constantly get bullied. He only had one best friend on the reservation, Rowdy. Soon after leaving, Rowdy, too, turned his back on Junior.

                With the help from his new friends and coach, Junior was able to realize who he truly is. Through all the troubles he faced, he still kept going. His motivation and hardworking spirt is what makes this book inspiring.

Find it in YA FIC ALEXIE, S.