Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Two People that are NOT J.K. Rowling

We all feel the pressure from our parents- when we're little it's the pressure to eat our vegetables and to clean up our dirty clothes. As we get older it's the pressure to choose the right electives or make the right teams. And so on, and so on. Even if you happen to be a wizard, you still feel the pressure from your parents. And it happens to multiply (by a billion) if your dad is Harry Potter. When you're a child of the "boy who lived" life can't be normal, because your dad's not normal (just check out his head!). This is the life for Albus, son of Harry and Ginny Potter. The just average, wrong house obtaining, broomstick ruining wizard that can't seem to live up to his father's potential and his hefty name.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a book that accompanies the series, notice how I did not say the eighth book to the series. It was written by two authors and was written as a play, not a story or chapter book. Do not be surprised when you pick this book up and see it written as a script, because that is what it originally was. If you have never read a Harry Potter book or even seen one of the movies (shame on you, go to the Tween shelf and find one immediately) do not bother to pick this book up. Since it is written as a play there is very little devoted to description of the characters or even the settings. You must use what you already know about the characters and the various settings in order to set up what's happening. If you have read the books (yay, you!) then yes, this is a must read. Ever since the seventh book ended I've wanted more. More, more more! I pictured everything working out, a happily ever after. It's what Harry deserved after living the first portion of his life under a staircase and then being ruthlessly hunted down by mass murderer throughout his teenage years. But what if that's not the case. If you are a Harry Potter fan then yes, this book will give you a couple hours of sweet bliss because it's more. If you are looking for the next book to become an epic masterpiece, this will not be it. But why trust me? Check out Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, even if you are a slytherin I would love to know what you think!
-JAC

Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick

He had his whole high school career planned out- it's pretty easy when you're a star athlete. Peter was going to finish up eighth grade and head into ninth as an all- star. As lead pitcher for your baseball team and a partner in crime as your catcher what could go wrong? During a baseball game Peter feels something happen in his elbow. Being the determined athlete he is, he ignores it and continues the game. He winds up, throws hard, and then with a snapping sound he blacks out. With that curveball, everything in Peter's life changes.

After needing surgery on his elbow Peter is out of commission and out of luck. He starts high school off with a gray cloud over his head and not a baseball in sight. Things seemingly get worse when his grandfather hands him thousands of dollars worth of photography equipment and seems to be "losing it". With the help of a new friend, Peter is able to make it through his first year of high school and some major changes in his life.

Curveball was a great quick and inspirational read. Sonnenblick did a fantastic job at mixing in real life situations, but still keeping his readers entertained. Along with the storyline, the characters are likeable and readers can easily relate to them. (I mean who doesn't have that friend that just doesn't take a hint?) Through both his own struggles and his family's readers learn to love Peter and on occasion commit a good ol' forehead slap on his behalf. After reading Curveball I was quick to pick up another book by Sonnenblick. I think this would be true of most readers. His realistic fiction books are great for readers moving from middle school into high school. If your a sports fan- there's enough action to keep you interested. If you're not (like me) there is not too much to scare you away.

-JAC