Terry Spenser Hesser's Kissing Doorknobs (Melissa G.)

Dear Terry Spenser Hesser,

While reading Kissing Doorknobs, I began to feel much sympathy for Tara. I couldn’t even imagine living my life having to do things over and over again, like counting the cracks on the floor, or having to kiss the doorknobs with all five fingers perfectly, to and from school and not know what was wrong with me at such an early age. Tara had to be my favorite characters in the book. She was so strong, intelligent and witty. She stayed strong even when her OCD slowly affected her friends and family. She had so many questions and so did I. As a reader without obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) it was enlighting to know what victims of this disease have to go through on a daily basis. I had to say this book brought many emotions to my face, I wanted to cry, laugh, I was angry, and I was really interested on how you would bring humor into this book because OCD is such a serious subject and condition. Being educated about the obsessive-compulsive disorder at the end of the book with the side notes was complete genius. I was really glad that Tara was rightfully diagnosed with OCD because as she was frightened for her well being, so was I. When I finished the with the novel I looked at the cover once more and at first when I purchased the novel, the cover and the title had little relevance to me, but at the end it was crystal clear of what it all meant.
The book was a treat to read and I hope to read more of your books thank you.

-Melissa Garcia

Kimani Tru's 16 Isn't Always Sweet (by Keyonie W.)

Dear Kimani Tru,

16 Isn't Always Sweet is a great book.. This book hasn't really changed my life, but it makes me look at life in a different way. Like for example, my birthday is coming up and I'm turning 16 I'm looking forward to it but I'm not in a rush to grow up you get to be a kid for 18 years then the rest of your life your an adult.

Kimani your book just tells how the real teenage world is. Girls getting jealous of each other. Girls making up rumors or talking behind each others back, and
girls taking there best friends ex-boyfriend.

All I have to say is this book was good. I know you have more books and
I'm looking forward to reading them. By the way I'm starting on another one.

Sincerely,
Keyonie Wrenn

Lynsay Sands' Vampires are Forever (by Bridgett G.)

Dear Lynsay Sands,

Fantasies are fascinating to many people in many ways from unicorns to fly monkeys and even talking dogs but some people make them seem so real as if fantasy was just a way of life. You have inspired me to read your entire books even if there about vampires but some how to me there real. All your books have been funny, witty, and even sexy, but thanks to your books, I have been able to be more into reading rather than just doing anything.

For example in you story Vampires are Forever. Both main characters overcome anything that gets in there way of love even if it means fighting for the love of a mortal and immortal. I learned that there are always going to be obstacles in life but if you manage to get through them, you will learn that the love you have for the other person can be stronger and fight anything or anyone in the way. Also that you can fall in love with anyone no matter what he/she is, race, color, or even way of being.

As you can see you have opened a new way of looking at books and like the quote says “Never judge a book by its cover”, and this is so true they can also help anyone learn a lesson or open there minds to find a different world out there. I thank you Lynsay for writing your books, which by the way are extraordinary, and I recommend anyone to read one of your novels.

Sincerely,

Bridgett Gaxiola

Christian Hill's It's Not About the Bike (Theodore C.)

Dear Christian Hill,

Why was Lance Armstrong your inspiration to write about? I believe I understand why, because of the accomplishment and optical have went through. The time he could have quit and make reasonable excesses he decided not to. The legacy he have made and set are still continuing on to this day. Making a statement and staying truthful to it and to the world is a huge responsibility.

He left nothing behind and never looked back. The drive, rode, and ride that he took was tremendous but his not done just yet. The inspirationally rider gave people plus patients hope and a up lifting in their heart. He won awards that show what impact he had and I think that’s why you picked this book to write. The book came out wonderful I enjoyed reading the book it really showed what one man can do to change the mind of people he don’t even know.

I’m looking forward of reading your books cause I know if its anything like this one then you have outstanding talent. I hope this letter inspire you to write a new book on another person that can also show me a new or different side of them. My favorite part was when he was diagnosed with cancer on 10/2 and he said “this is not the end for me I’m not going out like this”. That showed me that you can control the way you leave but in the mean time you should make the best of it by doing the things people will remember you by or what you want to leave behind. Later on in life I want to write my own book showing ways how I can make a impact and showing that my life is filed with inspiration. Thank you very much love to read more.

Sincerely, love Theodore Chambers

Karen Miller's The Innocent Mage (Sydney S.)

Dear Karen Miller,

Reading the book, “The Innocent Mage,” reminded me and taught me very important things in life. For example, in the novel it talked about Asher (main character), an ordinary fisherman with a somewhat decent life, who wanted to fulfill his dream of spending time with his father fishing with a nice boat living in luxury. This to me is like having a career where you have a decent salary but then you’re not pleased with your job. As I have learned, you should live your life with whatever makes you happy rather than something you are not pleased with.

There came some moments in the novel, specifically in the beginning of Asher’s journey where many townspeople prejudged and underestimated him. This important lesson reminded me that you should never judge someone before you get to know them. Keeping this in mind helped me to realize that I can meet new people out there in the world instead of judging them first and become an even better person than I was before.

After reading the novel, it helped improve my view of life as a place to meet new people and enjoy what you do in it.

Sincerely,

Sydney Solomon

Promise Kept by Perry Sky, Jr. (Bree L.)

Dear Perry Skky Jr.,

At first, your book, “Promise Kept”, began with a bet with my little sister, the bet was who ever could finish the book first gets treated for lunch. Both getting a book from your series we started, me not knowing the book I got was the most interesting, it was hard for me to keep my eyes off of it. “Promise Kept” was easy to relate with, the characters in the book were mostly around seniors or first year college students, and their obstacles. Sometimes it’s struggle to walk in the right path or do the right things, but you showed me that in God anything is possible, just do not take life for advantage have fun, but do the right things.

As we always hear, peer pressure is always happening in and around school; it makes it hard for teens to do the right things. Hanging out with friends is always fun, but could end with consequences. Like for an example, when Saxon (character from your book) went to a club in Florida with his football team, they ended up fighting in the club ending with his best friend in a coma. Through prayer he finally got better, but at the end still dieing as a solider. Leaving him with the theme not to take life for granted.

As I lost the bet, I gained the different view of life, always have fun, but do not take your life for granted; you never know what’s going happen next.

Sincerely,

Bree Laguana

Steven King's The Shining (Nikolas H.)

Dear Mr. King,

Your book, The Shining, has made me think about life differently. Even though this was basically a scary story, the character’s reaction to everything inside the hotel and how they lived their lives before they went inside the hotel really intrigued me. I wish I was with the family through everything that they went through, but reading it gave me the same feelings that they felt. The feeling of being brave, having the love of relatives and living life to the fullest has increased in me so much and changed my way of thinking about everything.

At the beginning of the story, I started to feel sympathy for how the main character’s son’s condition, since he was handicapped. However, he still loved his parents for everything that they have done for him, which makes me proud of my parents for everything that they did for me. I felt more sympathy for the son since he was the only person that felt and could see the ghosts that was haunting the hotel that the main character, the father and husband, was working at. I cannot feel the way that the son felt when he was seeing all of this, but I do know how it feels to see and feel things that most people would never be able to see. This is also what the son and I have in common: even though we were scared out of our minds when we saw what we saw, we still stayed strong through it all and made people believe. The main character, his wife and his son did not live the “perfect life”, so they still went through the things that they lived through, such as the father and mother not talking to each other and their son being handicapped. They still lived life to the fullest even after they got out of the hotel, which inspired me to do the same through everything that I go through, good or bad.

My way of thinking about life has changed differently throughout the whole story from start to finish. I was really interested in how they lived their lives through all of the things that happened before and after the family got into the haunted hotel. I really felt the reactions that the family felt went they were in the hotel and I knew how it felt in their position, but not in their way. The feelings of being brave, love for my relatives and living life to the fullest changed the way that I think about everything and increased my way of thinking about life in a major way.

Sincerely,

Nikolas Hambrick

How to Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee (Davion C.)

Dear, Lee

I enjoyed your book, and even though slavery was over before the 1930's. Racism was still a big problem in the south; for your book it was in Maycomb county. This book really exemplified how black people were treated back in then unfairly, and unjustly. For example in your book, you wrote about how evidence protecting Tom Robinson showed, that he didnt rape nor, hit didn'tla Ewell. He wasMadellaconvicted for rape although he was a good man, and did nothing but help her for free.Under her lies, and the peoples ignorance in Maycomb he was sentenced to prison and shot when trying to escape. Even though I joke around with rasicm jokes, I now haveracismsympathy towards how they would have affected older members of my race. The way my generation uses the “N” word loosely I now have more resentment from this word from reading your book. Now I understand what my Grandparents had went through when they were young. Now I have decided to change the way I talk and think. By your teachings I have also decided to tell others of what ive read mainly younger membersIve my family and when im older my children as well. AI'm try to be as influential as Atticus was when he cared for his children and taught them the right way of people. Mainly this quote “You cant judge a man by his looks until youve walked around in his skin anyou'vees”. Thank you Harper Lee for giving me this insight on the past world.

Sincerely,

Davion Creighton

Water for Elephants

Dear Sara Gruen,

Usually when I pick up I book I finish it within a week, but when I picked up "Water for Elephants" I could not put it down.  I had heard so many great compliments from everyone that read your book that I was so anxious to even look at the front cover, which was interesting itself.  Everywhere I went the book was stuck in my hand and my eyes glued to the pages.  You capture the readers with the very first opening statement.  I had literally finished the book in one day.

Your book actually changed my perspective on the world in a different way, it changed my view on the life of a  performer, but mostly the life of a circus performer.  Many people have been to a circus or have heard of it, but not that many people actually know the life that they live.  Having to be packed up in a train going hours for hours without stopping into they actually get to their final destination, and then packing it back up again and start from the beginning.  Even though many people believe that the life of a performer is all glitz and glamour, you showed us a different side, the side of hard work and no play of the show business, or circus business.   Many people also believe that the circus are full of freaks, when in fact they just join the circus to find a place to belong.

 

 I realized that through reading your book the life of the circus is a really hard life to live.  With all the excitement of the circus, we really don't realize that the people that make up a show base their whole life on performing and traveling place to place.  I just really want to thank you for opening my eyes and helping me look past all the glitz and glamour and realize all the hardships and struggles they have to go through.

Sincerely,

Cydne Vaifanua

indigo's star(naomi r)

Dear Hilary McKay,

Every book I have read was never similar to my life. Every book I read would have a Cinderella ending. And trust me I read a lot of books .So one day when I went to the library I won a small little raffle. My prize was a book. When I picked out your book, I knew what type it was. I thought to myself that this book would be one of those teen books about a boy and a girl problem. In this case it wasn’t. Instead this story took a new turn. Just to make sure I was right, I turned the book around and read a small summary of the book. It then hit me. It wasn’t your average book. It was an extraordinary book with a new story. While reading your book, I found out that there are some books out there that can relate to you r very much and that there is a happy ending in some way. It doesn’t happen in a day or two. There might be someone out there that can try and guide. Like a friend or a guardian angel.

While reading the summary I found out the boy in your story, Indigo was very similar to me. For example, when Indigo was recovering from a disease and how he didn’t want to go to school because of bullies. It’s the same case with me instead it’s a bit different for me. I was recovering from kuthifutchimoto and I was scared of going to school because I was going to go to a new school. Pretty similar to Indigo, right? But when indigo went back to school he met his guardian angel. Tom. This part then took me back into my 6^th grade years and how I met my guardian angel. A friend named grace. Both indigo and I have gone on a journey that both guardians sent us on. It would be fun, but there also would be struggles.

I then realized the true intentions of the world. On how it can bring sadness, anger, and happiness all at once and how not all American family has a TV type family. You didn’t make your characters seem as if they were fantasy. You made them seem as if they were people living right next door to you. You basically opened the door to a reality book. I felt as if I was viewing a snow globe and watching someone’s life rather than imagining. I could everything happening all at once. Thankyou for writing such a book and for making it seem so realistic. You gave me a new view of the world on how every ones problem can be as similar to yours and yet be so different. Thank you

From your #1 fan

Naomi Rahman

Barry Lyga's The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl (Austin S.)

Dear Barry Lyga,



I probably found more similarities with the character of fanboy, than any other character I have encountered in the world of literature. His misfortune with the phenomenon of luck remind me of my own, and his aspirations to be successful in the media industry do as well. I also hold contempt for the same type of irrational people that he does. On his journey through high school, he encounters a girl with a personality that most people come across at one point or another; the stereotypical goth girl. Fanboy’s first impression of her is that of a judging, and hypocritical attitude. However, when Fanboy gets to know the real Goth girl and her eccentric personality, he discovers that there is more to people than what someone sees.

Believe it or not, one of my best friends has an attitude closely related to that of Goth girl’s. We had interesting first impressions of each other, but like the book, we got to know each other, and eventually gained a mutual respect for the same types of things. They say first impressions mean a lot, but really first impressions are just the beginning of a relationship and establishing a connection. This book made me realize that it takes effort to have friendships, and that it doesn’t just come to you. By the way Mr. Lyga, you sure know your way around the comic world.

Sincerely,

Austin Speer

A Million Little Pieces By James Frey

Dear James Frey,

I had heard from a lot of people about the book "A Million Little Pieces" and how good of a book it was, but i never thought to pick it up and read it until this year. I'm not a huge fan of books, but this one really got my attention. it opened my eyes to the way people judge others with serious problems, and that's so not right. People shouldn't be judged just because they're messed up whether its from alcohol or drugs or whatever everyone should be forgiven right?

When i was reading your book, and learning about all of the problems that James had i realized that James was a victim of himself, and he just wanted a way out. He started doing drugs because he couldn't trust anyone, and who are these people to try and judge him because of that. People just need to learn to live with the fact that people are who they are and you don't need to judge them because of that. The book also showed me that everyone in the world no matter who they are, or what their problem is, they needs at least one person they can rely on. For example lily, and all the other people James met while in the rehabilitation center. Someone a person can turn to even when they are at they're worst.

Your book changed the way i see a majority of the people in my life, and anymore i will meet. i learned that no one should be judged, and everyone should be forgiven for whatever they have done no matter how bad it may seem.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Steffens

carrie by steven king(aryssa j)

Dear Mr. King,

as i read the story (carrie) i was taught that we shouldnt
judge people based on just their backgrounds.
I feel as if people would learn more from others if they just tried to.
the story (carrie)where this girl gets basically tortured at home,by her mother
and then gets it at school.

This book made me change my outlook on the world by making me see
that there is more to someone than meets the eye. Because it doesnt matter where
someone comes from, its all about how they treat one another.
Because people have to understand that there is more than just their point of view
because in the end everyone matters. So thank you for your time and consideration.

sincerely,

Aryssa D. Jimenez

Daniel Handler's Series of Unfortunate Events (Luis C.)

Dear, Daniel Handler

When I saw this book “The Series of Unfortunate Events, The Bad Beginning” I thought this book is going to be pretty boring, but my friend encouraged me to read it because he said it was great .So I started reading it and ended up liking it. It shows how tough it can be when you have no parents and you’re forced to live with a stranger that doesn’t treat you correctly. You have to be brave and strong to go through difficult times.

I think this book has changed how I view the world; before I thought when I heard a kid say “man my step father is really mean” I would say “ya whose dad isn’t”. Know I think what if the kid had to go through some really hard experiences by himself, what if his step father abused him? When I stop and think about the story and its ties to real life the book is teaching us a lesson that we should be aware of what happens in our community and not let it slip away. I’ve learned to be more understanding when a person has a problem and goes to me for help. In the series the poor kids have to keep changing relatives they have to live with because the relative before tried to steal their fortune.

So I believe that your book is an inspiration to young readers to do what’s right. So I hope that you keep on making wonderful books that have a strong message to help the reader with problems they might face.

Sincerely,

Luis Chavez

Moby Dick by Herman Melville (Mohamed M.)

Dear Herman Melville,

This book scared me the first time I saw it because it was a little over 600 pages long, but I’ve heard the title of your book being mentioned many times, and I wanted to know what it was about and why it was so popular. Now, after I’ve read it, I understand why it’s so popular.

This book has many lessons from the beginning to the end. For example, at the beginning, Ishmael, the protagonist, was repulsed by Queequeg’s appearance and habits. Ishmael then realizes that Queequeg is a good and generous person and they become best friends. I learned that one can’t judge people by the way they look because one doesn’t know if that person could become a good friend.

Something important I learned was that I should be grateful for what I have like Boomer, the captain who lost an arm but was happy because he survived his encounter with the enormous whale.

“’Ahab never thinks,’” he says aloud, ‘he only feels, feels, feels; . . . to think's audacity. God only has that right and privilege.’” When I read this part it really made think. Thanks to this book I know that if I want to achieve a goal I can’t just do what my feelings tell me to do because they could be influenced by so many things; instead I should use my head and reason. I also learned that I should listen to people’s recommendations and that too much pride isn’t going to take me anywhere. I know this is how people are because we are always trying to get what we want, but we have to know our limits or else we will be fighting against things we don’t understand.

Sincerely,

Mohamed Martino

Miss Betsy Haynes' Death Deception (Brittani W.)

Dear Miss Betsy Haynes,

I loved the book Death Deception. The story about Ashlyn trying to help out Andy with rehab and the fact of his parents getting him addicted to drugs when he was a little boy. I feel I learned a lot about this book, only because Ashlyn faced all the obstacles in front of her when it came to Andy and his cries for help. I feel I can help people and understand them better, only because I read all about Andy’s story and it just really opened my eyes. And yes, even though it is a fiction story. If still has realness to it too. It’s a story of fear, tears, and even a little laughter. No matter how mad someone’s story is you can always take the good out of it, and that’s what Ashlyn did for Andrew.

I feel I can take from that and learn to do that in the real life. Because this can really be a real life story, and this all can be so very true to someone, even though it was a fiction based story, it still has a base of facts to it. I think you are an amazing author for the creation of this story that you have made. It took imagination and creativity and I feel you really draw your readers in and give them the reality of what your message is in a story. I totally grasped the realness and the sincerity of your story, and to be quite honest I’m not of a reader. But your story just really caught my attention and by the first couple chapters I was already hooked, and I just couldn’t put the book down. That’s just how amazingly real it was to me.

I just have to say your book is really amazing and I think you have a wonderful imagination and you are truly gifted to come up with work like that, and to get people to feel the emotions the character does. If Ashlyn was sad I was sad, if Andy was scared I was scared, if Andy felt alone, so did I. This book really came out at me, and grabbed me and pulled me in the story with them, and that is just wonderful to do. This book was great, and I appreciate the chance to read and learn from it.

Sincerely,

Brittani Wolford

Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn (Cory M.)

Dear, Mark Twain

Your book "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" has inspired me and others around the world, that friendship is a bond between two people no matter what the consequences may be. It dose not matter what skin color someone is because good friends stick together no matter what.

When Huck risk every thing to save Jim after they get caught trying to join the circus and perform for people until they get to the north. Where then Jim when was tied up to a chair in a little shack but Huck got the keys to unlock him. Shows how nothing can stop their bond that they have for each other. Then when they both were running Huck was able to lie right into the sheriff’s face and got away with it. It shows everyone that if you believe its not fair then stick by it just what Huck did. Also how Jim was able to trust Huck and help him get to the north so that he would not become a slave anymore. Mark this is one of my favorite books and also one of the few I’ve actually read all the way. The books that I usually read all the way are what we read in class.

I would recommend this book to other people to read. Especially if you like books that are involved with slavery and how mess up other people are to other people. Mark I wish you were still alive so you can write more books that are good to read.

Sincerely,

Cory Mathis

CHOKE. Chuck Palahniuk (Hilary Z)

Dear Chuck Palahniuk,

I have read your book Choke for school not out of punishment or by force, but out of willingness. I have always admired your freedom and style of your writing. Also, your dark humor keeps your books alive. I think I relate so much to your books because of the characters, (not that I am a sex addict or enjoy being bitten by various animals) the character in Choke, Victor is somewhat like me because we both have addictions (like everyone else in the world) and I think I am extremely doubtful and just pessimistic. Your books always keep me alarmed and I also wonder how you design such dark characters such as Victor Mancini. Who is one, a sex addict and two, believes he is the second coming of Jesus. This book has really changed my views on belief, not just Christianity or Catholicism but in anything. I also liked the relationship Victor and his mother shared it was definitely not normal. No matter how bizarre I still noticed the mother and son love that they shared.

I have once been a "Jesus Freak" but as I grew and when I was alone I would be doubtful. This book did not stray me away from religion (I was long gone already) but noticed that anything that is completely unbelievable can be true to your self if you have enough faith on anything. Because in Choke, once Victor went back into reality and found out he wasn’t a miracle worker, I think I saw that he could quit his wrong doings in the end is he just had faith that he could.

I also admired how a man can think he is so heartless and yet still visit and wait at his mothers bedside and on top of that she doesn’t even know who he is anymore (I laughed a little, dark humor?)! All his mother did was love him and I know he deeply cared for her too, even though Victor practically drowned her to death through pudding.

When I go the library or Barnes& Noble I usually go straight to your section, because I know your books will never disappoint.

Sincerely,
Hilary Zaporteza

A Million Little Pieces by James Fry

Dear James Frey,

Well I only read a few books to keep my teachers from punishing me in class or from marking me down a couple of points. Till I picked up this book from my sister’s dusty old book shelf not expecting to discover any of its hidden message on life. When I started reading "A Million Little Pieces" it made me think that you people shouldn’t be judging people on the evils they have done to themselves or others because the sins have made them human. Your book really made me think... According to some religions all humans sin and all sins are bad and can be forgiven so shouldn’t all men?

When I found out about the different problems of James in the book "A Million Little Pieces", it made me realize that James had been a victim of himself looking for self-reliance as a form of salvation. This book shows that everyone one is a victim of themselves whether it be drugs, an abusive behavior, or even a mistake you want to fix but can’t. It also shows that we need other people (like how James needed Lily) when we are at our hardest times in our life. It basically said to me that we are all human and we all make mistakes, and we should all forgive them and move on!

Your book changed my perspective on the people in my life and any I will meet in the near future. I learned everyone’s sins even mine are pardonable; and to forgive them we must first forgive ourselves and look ahead to the future and not the past because we cannot change our mistakes and just thinking about them is a waste of time and can keep you down.

Sincerely, Kyle Skoglund

November Blues by Sharon M. Draper (Ariana S.)

Dear Draper,

I truly enjoyed your book. It gave me an insight and a different perspective of teenage pregnancy. Watching how over time November’s life changed, and the struggles she went through kept me interested in your book. Even though I have chosen to wait till marriage, some girls like November have sex just because they think they love someone and finding out later, they don’t. A lot of young teenage girls go through what November went through. Some, smart straight A students that have their hole life planned out and make the mistake of having sex. They watch their hole lives disappear right before their eyes, just like November. I like how you made November the popular girl with the perfect life in the beginning, and slowly it changed. Her boyfriend dies, and she finds out she has been accepted to her choice of school. Her mother is proud and thinks her daughter has made it though high school not making the same mistake that she had, unfortunately her life crashed when she finds out that November had gotten pregnant. You showed how people changed towards her over time, how she began to make friends and associate herself with certain people that she would have never talked to before she was pregnant.

Being the reader, I saw the difference in the way her mother started to treat her, and how their relationship changed. I could tell that her mother was ashamed and disappointed. November, like most teenage girls wasn’t ready or mature enough for a baby. You showed the transformation, in November. In the beginning she didn’t have a clue on how much it cost to have a baby and how her life was over. She didn’t seem to care about what she ate, or how or who was going to take care of the baby. She thought her mother would do all the hard work. Along the way you showed the transformation in November she matured and became an adult, it was forced upon her, she was becoming a mother.

Im not a big reader and I don’t usually take books with me places to read, but with this book I couldn’t seem to put it down. I think the reason why I liked it so much was because it was real, and it related to not just pregnant teens but to other girls as well. I think that if this book was placed in the rite hands it could make an impact on a lot of teenage girls, and their lives.

Sincerely,

Ariana Scott

Stephenie Meyer's Twilight (Araya N.)

Dear Stephenie Meyer,

I'm not one to read many novels, however, Twilight seemed to grasp my attention and changed my view on the world. Whenever I would read this, the excitement was so intense that I could never seem to put it down. When I thought this book couldn't get any better, it always seemed to amaze me. The hyperventilation that I felt throughout had me at the edge of my seat. It's a story that has a tone of love, courage, and suspense. Twilight makes me happy every time that I read it and it gave me a new perspective on the world.

This novel shows me that you can love anyone no matter what the differences are. A vampire was willing to sacrifice his thirst for blood for the girl he loves. Reading this makes me think about what I would be willing to give up for the person I love. Seeing Edward and Bella's chemistry throughout the story makes me yearn for a love like they have.

The characters you portrayed were extremely courageous. Bella and Edward weren't afraid of being with one another and they didn't care about what others thought. Your book made me not worry about how others viewed me and I thank you for that.

Twilight had my heart racing throughout. I never knew what was going to happen next. I have never read any other book like this one. I tell everyone of my friends who haven't read Twilight, to go out and buy it. I enjoy the suspense and will continue to read the rest of your books. I want to take this time out to thank you for creating this wonderful book. It changed my view on life.

Sincerely,

Araya Nicks

V.C. Andrews' Flowers in the Attic (Fernanda C.)

Dear, V.C. Andrews,

Sometimes we wonder why things happen; they happen for a reason. For example a family member passing away, losing your dog, or even meeting someone you never thought you would off. As I was reading your book, Flowers in the Attic I stared to think about what was going to of four kids. I put myself in there place and I can only imagine what they went threw. I can’t picture my mother doing that to me, just thinking about that puts chills down my spine. What kind of mother would do that?

As I start to think about the story more and more I couldn’t believe that a mother would do such a thing to her own kids to get money from her father. I couldn’t put the book down the story kept getting better and better. Your book changed my view of life, one moment you might be the happiest person, have everything you ever wanted, and the next you’ll have nothing. You turn to the saddest person out there. The thing that really got my attention was that the mo let her kids in the attic for about four years. She to me had no compassion for her owns kids. What kind of mother would do such a thing like that? The other thing is that she never tolled her father or the guy she married that she had four kids hidden in the attic.

Sincerely,

Fernanda C.

To Kill A Mocking Bird

Dear Harper Lee,
Well first of all i think the book you wrote was great ,I really like how Jem was portryaed in the book. That really made the book more interesting , but what i like about the book is that it has so much to do with real life. Or how some of the people where so ignorant that they hated Hitler for what he was doing but in real life there where duing the same thing to black people. The way they treated Tom Robinson made me mad beacuse even though they new Bob Ewell raped his own daughter the still sentence him to prison or the fact that he was shot 17 times when it only takes at most one shot to stop a man from breaking out.

Or how Bob Ewell harrased every person who tried to help Tom like attacis and Toms wife, or the judge and even tried to kill Jem and Scout. It also taught me how life for colored people were like and how the suffered even though there was no slavery.

In conclusion it was a nice book to read even though the book is boring intil the second part but in all it was a very good book.

Sincerly, Malcolm Finney

Damia by Anne Mccaffrey

Dear Anne Mcaffrey,
I really never read a book for enjoyment of a book but your book “Damia” it has open my views on how your mind can be creative. It has started to interest me in to the science fiction type of books I have really been into more books that are realistic and show more of a realistic view and are about teenagers. “Damia” has showed me that you can bring a whole new view on of showing realistic events in a world that could never really exist.

You have helped me to enjoy reading and started me to read on my time instead of reading for school. It has showed me that love can also stand no matter how the age difference of the people are and that you can know your true love no matter how old they are. It has also helped me to use my imagination more because you never know what you can make up that is interesting. You have also got me interested into making stories using my imagination and events that happen to everyone in there daily life. That you can even be so mad in love that you are blind to the persons true intentions of what they want to do to you or if there intentions are to break you and drain you slowly.

As you can see you have helped me to love reading and to read on my own time. You have also made me interested in scientific fiction books and you have also shown me that you could mix it with realistic events. You have also showed me that people have intentions that aren’t always good for you. That you should always read and use your imagination.
Sincerely,
Stephen Simkins

Moby Dick (by Herman Melville)

Dear Herman Melville,

This book scared me the first time I saw it because it was a little over 600 pages long, but I’ve heard the title of your book being mentioned many times, and I wanted to know what it was about and why it was so popular. Now, after I’ve read it, I understand why it’s so popular.

This book has many lessons from the beginning to the end. For example, at the beginning, Ishmael, the protagonist, was repulsed by Queequeg’s appearance and habits. Ishmael then realizes that Queequeg is a good and generous person and they become best friends. I learned that one can’t judge people by the way they look because one doesn’t know if that person could become a good friend.

Something important I learned was that I should be grateful for what I have like Boomer, the captain who lost an arm but was happy because he survived his encounter with the enormous whale.

“’Ahab never thinks,’” he says aloud, ‘he only feels, feels, feels; . . . to think's audacity. God only has that right and privilege.’” When I read this part it really made think. Thanks to this book I know that if I want to achieve a goal I can’t just do what my feelings tell me to do because they could be influenced by so many things; instead I should use my head and reason. I also learned that I should listen to people’s recommendations and that too much pride isn’t going to take me anywhere. I know this is how people are because we are always trying to get what we want, but we have to know our limits or else we will be fighting against things we don’t understand.

Sincerely,

Mohamed Martino

Twilight by Zein Hamdan

Dear, Mrs. Stephenie Meyer

Now I always hated reading to be honest.

Twilight was the only book i've ever read fully

without skipping pages at first.

Twilight was everywhere whether it was on the news,internet,magazines,etc.

I knew I had to watch the movie and thats when I feel in love it.

Thats when I went to the library to go check it out i read about 100 pages in one

day even my mother was impressed.The main reason why I really enjoyed reading this

book is because I change the characters and switch them for example I put myself

as Edward Cullen(the vampire) and I'll take a girl I really like

and put her as Bella Swan(the girl Edward likes).

Theres plenty of reasons of how this book

changed myself and the way i see the world.

This book taught me how fragile life and love is

and how much people would sacrafice to be

with the ones they love.Theres a part in Twilight

where Edward goes from Forks Washington to Phoneix Arizona

to save Bella from James, a tracker vampire, is amused by Edward's protectiveness over a human and wants to hunt Bella as a sport. .He had to fight him and kill him. Edward and his family risk their lives to protect her and almost ruined there identity if caught That part showed me how much

he really wanted to be with her and i would do the same thing to.Theres another part where Bella gets attacked by James

and Edward sucks James's venom from Bella's wrist,which is really hard because once a vampire tastes blood they go on a rampage and kill humans.He resisted his urges to be with her.That showed me how strong a relationship people can have and how much people would sacrifice to be with the ones they love. I am going to

start reading New Moon very soon and wont

skip one page.Theres another part were Bella I thank you Mrs.Meyer

not for an incredible novel but for changing my

prospective on reading.

Sincerely,Zein Hamdan

A Child Called "It" By Dave Pelzer

A Child Called "It" really changed the way I think in how parents treat their children or child. It shows how some parents just care for a certain "favorite" child and not equally how it actually should be. I don't think that's right because then they start asking, like "Why do they get that and not me?", so they either get jealous or think that they are not getting enough attention. And it's weird how most of the time when they treat their child bad; they only do it when there is a certain someone in the house, or no one at all! And I just don't understand why they torture them so much and don't give them freedom, and just let them be.

This book also changed the way how I will treat my kids later on in the future. And also tell them how they should treat their sons or daughters. Also I think that the children that are treated really badly should let someone know what is happening to them, and not just act like nothing has happened to them. Because it's not very good for them, the reasons why sometimes they get dramatized, don't do very good in school, or don't really concentrate.

When I started reading this book I really got hooked on it. I would read chapter after chapter and would not get tired of it. After reading a few chapters I would put the book down, but I would be like "No" I got to keep reading this amazing book. And the fact that it was based on a true story makes it even more interesting. Also got inspired to read the books that follow it. I recommended this book to one of my friends and she was surprised in how this parent treated her child. Like after a few pages or chapters she started crying because the way the mother would treat this poor kid. And she was like thanks for telling me about this book it's really GOOD! So thank you Dave Pelzer for this amazing book, it really changed the way I look at parents out in the world.

Sincerely,
Bianca Albanes

True to the Game 3 by Teri Woods (Alexues Hamilton)

Dear Teri Woods,

Your True to the Game book series have always kept my attention. Before I started reading your books I never liked to read. I would only read if I had to do an assignment for school. When my friend referred True to the Game 1 to me, I thought the book would be ridiculously boring and I would hate it like I hate most books, but once I started reading it I was hooked. Once I was done with the first book I had to get the second one. True to the Game 3 was the book that got me the most though. I would recommend this book to anyone. The main character Gena was very likeable. You made her character so realistic and I felt like she was someone I knew personally. As the book progressed and I began to read more and more I could not put it down. Whenever I would read I would feel so bad for Gena because all she wanted was happiness but unfortunately happiness wasn’t in store for her yet. The book really made me realize that I shouldn’t take life for granted and I should live everyday of my life to the fullest. The way everyone that Gena knew was dying made me think about the things I do everyday and I began to wonder if I had rubbed some people the wrong way. Everything that went on in the book was something that could happen any given day at any time. It was all so realistic. Between the suspense of Quadir’s return and Terrell’s crazy rampage to find Gena, they made me want to jump into the book and save her myself. All of it just had me so hooked that once I was done with the book I found myself trying to find another book just as interesting. Thank you for writing such wonderful books.

Sincerely,
Alexues Hamilton

Dear,Harper Lee

Well first of all i think the book you wrote was greate ,I really like how you put the thoughts of Scout. That really made the book more intresting and understandable, but what i like about the book the most it really changed my mind of how to view life. I saw the points of view of many people, and how just a little thing could hurt a persons life .Something that was stuck in my head the whole time is how people think they are doing the right thing but truly they arnt. Also how racism was really bad even though colored people wernt slaves. Befor i read the book i didnt really care about racism but through the problems i saw colored people went through in the book; i kinda really started caring because i saw how innocent people where convicted and called guilty just because the color of their skin. Which i really think that was unfair; I also saw how people are very evil how their actions are just ment to hurt sombody. Also how people around know whats happening and they dont do anything. Through the booke i also learned to get in sombody shoes before you say anything about them or judge them. Also how even though there is alott of bad people in this world their still a few that are very good; and always try to be good becuse when you are bad you never know if the bad thing you did to that person is going to happen to you. So all i want to say is that the book you wrote was a really inspiri booke and that it doesnt only teach me i know theirs alott of more people out their who learn something.

Sincerely,

Edgar gomez

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

dear William Golding

Your book Lord of the Flies had me thinking constantly about what would i do in their situation. The story was gripping and exciting. It question whether people can be civil even in the most dangerous situations. Children were forced to serve on their own and most of them were too young to even fully realize the danger that they were in. Most of them changed after that experience in a dramatic way. They change from Innocent little children to crazed little children.

But as good as it was it had me thinking "would people really go that crazy". The book suggest that they would but their were no adults in that situation so u cant figure out if the same thing would happen. I guess we can never really know but because of this book i now have an idea about it and i am now grateful for all of the things in my life that help he stay civil and sane. It was terrible what happen to those kids and even some adults wouldn't know what to do and they did really well for just a couple of kids. But is it realistic and would they have been able to survive in a real situation. no they probably wouldn't have but it still was a great story. The story had me thinking about humanity and thinking what is the limit until people start to go primal and thinking only of survival. In a life or death situation people are know to do the unthinkable and this novel shows that that rule even applies to children.

its a sad truth but it makes since and you did a really good job showing it . thank you for this book and the message that came along with it.

from Vincent Villegas

Nobody Else has to Know by:Ingrid Tomey

Dear Tomey,
Nobody Else has to Know is a book that teachs you that the longer you don't tell the truth the bigger the lie gets and the more lies you have to tell to make it seem that what you say is the truth just the truth. When you finally do tell the truth no one is going to beleave what you say because you lied to them once and whos to say that you are not going to do it again. I think the leason here is if you what someone to beleave you then you have to be honest with them.
While I was reading this book I began to reflect on how I am sometimes because sometimes I lie and I keep lieing until the lie gets so big that I have to tell the truth.
I can relate to Webber the main charector because we both have lied about something big and then felt realy bad after it. At the beging we both did not know the truth but when we found out the truth it was a little to late to say something at the moment. The good thing is that we both told the truth it took us a while but we told the truth.
I really liked this book and I think that there should be a movie about this because if the book is good then the movie should be just as good. I would recomend this book to any anyone that wants to read a good book. You should alays tell the truth no mater what.

Thank you for reading this

sincerely,

Michelle Orozco

A Bestfriend

Dear, Sarah Dessen
After reading this book titled "Someone Like You". It has made me realize that by not letting my friends down I will recieve the same. Everyone needs a close friend that you can tell anything to and be there whenever you need them. I like this book because it shows how two bestfriends would never leave eachother no matter what. Halley and Scarlett are the two bestfriends that would do anything for eachother and stay by eachothers side. They are quite different from eachother, Halley is the more quiet one and Scarlett is the more braver and outgoing one. When things get rough in there lives they both have eachother to give good advice to. For example , Scarletts boyfriend dies and she finds out a week later that she is pregnant from the boyfriend that just died so Halley is helping Scarlett with everything because she wouldn't let her bestfriend down. In my own experience I had many family and boyfriend problems but at the end of the day my bestfriend would always make me happy. I would recommand alot of people reading this because they can get good advice from it and it shows how a bestfriend would always be there through thick and thin. From my point of view this book made me change the way I treat my close friends and how i should hold onto my closet friends because you can always count on them to be there for everything. If any of my closetest friends needed anything I would be there anything for them and support them.

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Dear Jodi Picoult,

My Sisters Keeper truly inspired me as a reader. It addresses tough issues such as leukemia and puts it into a completely new perspective as a reader. It shows the conflicts surrounding transfusions and surgeries among children. I know that it has inspired me to make important ethical decisions on my opinion toward issues such as stem cell research and artificial insemination and I am sure it has inspired others to make decisions regarding those issues as well.

While reading My Sisters Keeper I was able to develop an opinion on a new subject matter that I was not familiar with at all. I think because it was a more controversial subject matter that I really was able to read this book with an open mind. I could definitely relate to the relationship that Anna and Kate had. When Anna is forced to make a decision that could be life changing for not only herself but her entire family it puts a huge strain on her entire family’s relationship. Anna’s character was truly inspiring and I feel like her character and a decision in the book was a life changing lesson that will stick with me. This book was more than just a traditional tale of a struggling family. It gave me a new perspective on children with fatal illnesses and diseases and its heartbreaking ending is truly a memorable one. This book set new moral standards for readers and gives good insight on the struggle that families go through when children have life altering disorders. So many lessons can be learned through this book and I definitely enjoyed gaining new perspectives.

Thank you,
Kristen Taylor

harper lee's to kill a mockingbird (traci b)

Dear Harper Lee,

To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic that is still widely read and loved. It teaches a lot of lessons about many different topics such as racial inequality and the importance of staying true to yourself and many others. I don’t think you know how many people you have taught to love and respect one another. Your book has made a lasting impression on me and many others.

While reading To Kill a Mockingbird I developed a new way of thinking. As I read, I also analyzed the characters and there outlooks on life. I took notice to what they said, did, and how they responded to others. I went over what I’d found in my head and tried to figure out why they had the mind set they where in. Then I understood that the thoughts and actions of others are different in time, place, attitude and upbringing. Not all people think like me or you. You can’t change someone’s perception of a person, idea, or way of life. The only way that you can have any hope in doing so is to try to show them in the way you see it. Then only you could debate and probably see common factors in what was said.

One lesson learned in the book was racial inequality. This was very normal during the thirties. White people thought they were better than any other race. This book shows what white people that lived in nice neighborhoods thought of African American people and even the less fortunate whites. They showed hatred towards black people and social Darwinism towards the poor whites. “Cry about the hell white people give colored folk, without even stopping to think that there people to”, this quote was said by Dolphus Raymond the fake town drunk that is married to a black woman, he was putting racism into words that Scout and Dill could understand.

The other lesson learned in the novel was the importance of staying true to yourself . Even thought Scout and Jem were at the age where you could really get influenced by other peoples opinions, actions and lives. There father Atticus was a great father in my opinion because he new the golden rule with children. "When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness sake. But don’t make a production of it. Children are children, but they can spot evasion faster tan adults, and evasion simply muddles ‘em.”, that quote was said by Atticus.

In this book the lessons learned are extremely important for anyone who plans on being a successful and happy human being. This book has taught me things that are essential for any adolescent. The book is wonderfully insightful and although the book may not have changed many lives its incredible that it has changed one mind. To Kill a Mockingbird is now considered one of my favorites.



Traci Baker

The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah (Stephanie Garcia)

Dear Sister Souljah,

At first i could never find a book that i can actually finish reading, i always get tuned out with the first couple chapters. So i just stop reading them, bad yes i know, but i do not like finishing books that do not interest me. Im actually going to start reading this whole book over again. Its so amazing that for one of the first times i actully remember everything i read. Yes i have to admit im not a huge fan of books. "The Coldest Winter Ever" not only is a book that you just want to keep on reading, its a book that can impact your life as well.

Im used to judging a book by its cover or title, i really do not know why but your book just causght my eye. The momment i began reading "The Coldest Winter Ever" i was locked. The language Winter used was shocking. I never knew a book could ever catch my eye that quick. Im not saying my language is that inapropriate but it was almost as if i was the one speaking. or even me listening to one of my friends speak to me. i couldnt wait to get to the next page. I would want to finish my homework quick just so i can start reading, i would go to sleep late because i would stay up late reading your book.

Everything that accurred in this book can seriously happen in real life. Not to be steriotipical but they lived in Brooklyn where its ghetto, and as most people know in the ghetto is where all the gang violence happens, its where most drug dealers are. People get shot, people die, and people get caught up by the cops. I strongly recomment this book to everyone. It will shurely keep you locked on. I was super locked that i did not want to find the key.to make me stop reading.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Garcia

Replica by Marilyn Kaye (Nereyda G.)

Dear, Marilyn Kaye

How did you create this book with so many real life situations? Reading the title Replica and looking at the cover page grabs the reader’s attention that made me want to read it. I figured out why you named the book Replica because, it means having supervision over someone you care about. Although this book replica wasn’t what I thought it would be about it was very interesting. Reading through out this book each chapter wants you to keep reading it. Your novel change my point of view in many ways, that may want readers to change their point of view.

This book change my point of view in many ways but most importantly it changes point of view because it’s a teenagers life in the book that a girl named Amy lives in the novel. Changing some ones point of view it changes your thoughts you might be thinking about. What interest me about this book was that the main character Amy who goes through a lot of things she wanted to know but she would never get the answer to, its what made the book interesting that the reader would want to keep reading it to find out what would happen.

This book change my approach of the book because it describe how a teenager went through many different situations through out her life. Their would always being things suspicious that she would wonder about. And teenagers sometime always think what’s going to happen next in different situations. Not only would I recommend this book to teenagers but I would also recommend adults. They would see the different situations parents can have with their teenager child’s life. Replica was a very good book that would interest young teenagers.

Sincerely,
Nereyda Godinez

What You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses By: Austin Henderson per.3

Dear Mr. Stephen Davis,

Before reading your book, Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses, I wasn't really into reading. To me reading was a waste of time. I would always think, “ Why read when you can probably find a movie of it?” I also wasn't to sure about how bands used to get noticed and signed to a record label. Your book tells exactly how they did it. It also changed my view on how hard drugs and alcohol are on a persons body. Reading your book has changed apart of my life and I also enjoyed reading the difficult things they had to go through to succeed.

I think what kept me into reading this book was the intense, rough life they had to live. This I can kind of relate to because my families not quite under the rich category, so I know how Axl and Duff felt through that time. Seeing how the band members, even though they had so many challenges to go through, they still didn't let anything stand in the way. This proved to me that anything you have a real desire for and you really want to do, even with their drug addictions, you just have to push through things to succeed.

Reading Watch You Bleed has opened me to so many more books, now that I have found a genre of books I enjoy to read. Since reading your book I have read a couple books along the same lines,such as Scar Tissure by Anthony Kiedis. I have learned the roughness of life and the high life all in one book.

Thank you,

Austin Henderson

Rowan Coleman The Accidental Mother (Alejandra M.)

Dear Mrs. Rowan Coleman,

I’ve always enjoyed reading books. I enjoy reading various genres from unknown authors to Nobel Prize winners. I recently finished reading one of your books called The Accidental Mother. As soon as I read the first page I knew that the book was different from most other books. I enjoyed the message behind the book because life does take many turns when we least expect it and the message was something I could relate with. The balance that you put in the book between tragedy and comedy was also something I enjoyed. When I would read I felt like I could anticipate what was going to happen next but it would be quite the opposite and that is what truly made it unique and was what kept me wanting to read the next chapter.
This book has changed the way I look at myself and the world through small and big details. In the book the protagonist Sophie is the last hope that her friend’s daughters can have to true happiness since her friend passed away. It had been years since she had last seen them but the last time she had seen her friend she had promised her friend that if anything were to happen to her she would take the kids in. At first Sophie has a hard time imagining herself taking care of the girls. I couldn’t understand how someone wouldn’t want to help out their friend’s children. Especially when they were the closest thing you ever had to having a friend even if you hadn’t spoken to them in years. Then everything began to make sense. She has had no experience with children so she fears that she is incapable of providing that comfort that they need. It made me think about how hard it would be for a person to adapt to a situation like that as well as what you have to give up. In the end the reader is shown how much more Sophie enjoyed having a messy spontaneous life with the kids rather than a perfectly planned life that would leave her living by herself.
Sophie is also shown as a patient person when one of the girls, Izzy, refuses going inside a car. Sophie understands how hard it must be since Izzy was in the car accident that killed her mother. A lot of people would probably have a hard time accepting that it is a step by step process that they need to go through with the child. Many would probably force her to go in the car and face her fear. Instead Sophie decides to take baby steps by sitting in the car and progressing little by little. The patience and understanding that she shows to the girls is something that the girls need in order to feel secure and she gave them that. I stopped to think if I would have been that patient and how I would have reacted to something like that. I honestly don’t think I would have reacted the same way. But after I saw how much of a difference it made to the kids it made me think a little more about how much they would need rather than myself at that point. It really made me realize how you need to make sure you understand how to react to a situation especially when it’s dealing with such a touchy subject.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wouldn’t mind the femininity of the book. It has helped me realize how such small decisions could truly change a person’s world for the better or for the worse. Your book has also shown how hard it is to be strong for other people when they need you the most but how much you can get from it in return. This book is filled with child hood memories and promises, lies, tragedy, romance, comedy and love. So thank you for sharing your wonderful book with everyone and I hope to read more books from you.

Sincerely,
Alejandra Martinez

Tick Tock (Dean Koontz)

Dear Mr. Dean Koontz

You wouldnt belive how much your books have taught me. I never knew there were books like yours out there. When I was readin this book i thought about why i chose it out of the many other book you have written and i chose it for the title. I loved reading this book alot. This was one of the most interesting books I have ever read. It was shockingly scary and unexpectingly great. I love the darkness and the horror of your books are what makes them the best. I must say that I sleep less and worry more because of your book, and I am more conscious of everything.

My friend gave me one of your books to read I admit I had some doubt in my mind. I know never judge a book by its cover so I gave it a chance. I didnt think I would like it but I loved it. The excitement, the thrill, your books put me in a whole new universe that I never want to leave. when Tommy Phan first got his car I was excited for him. Your description painted me a clear picture making me feel like i was in the book. When the car started to talk and say his name i thought the car was possesed. But after he got home my heart started racing. That weird doll that tommy took into his house, I knew he shouldnt have picked it up but curiosity...I couldnt put this book down from the moment I started and it left me wanting more when it ended.

I never ever stick with a book. I usually read half then get bored and put it down, but your books I read till the end and want to read even more. Creapy dolls coming alive and trying to kill, I love how your books make me anxious to know whats gonna happen next. I was so shocked when Tommy was standing in his room with a gun in his hand that the doll was going to kill him. When that message came up on his computer screen that was a real shocker. I felt like I was right there sitting next to Tommy reading it with him. I thought about if I was really Tommy what would I do in that situation. It made me want to jump into the book and be Tommy Phan.

I learned alot from this book. For one thing how to fight off creapy rag dolls that are trying to kill you, but also never trust anything you find and that to go with your instincts. You never really know what kind of weird situations you can be brought into, even i didnt know until I read this book. When I started reading this book I didnt really think I would learn anything from it, but I was wrong. So many thing I learned because of your book so thanks. I havent yet read all of your books but someday i hope to.

Sincerely,
Dora Owuor