Iqbal Masih, a Pakistani boy during the late 1900s, woke up at the crack of dawn like 20 million other kids all over the world who are forced to work to pay off their parents’ debt. Iqbal is not an ordinary slave, his weaving skills are extraordinary, like none others. This is not the only special thing about Iqbal; he also believes that he can one day be free. Many of the other slaves he kneels with all day think he’s crazy for such an idea; many children forced into bonded labor are never set free. Despite other people’s opinions, Iqbal manages to escape into the city one night.
The next morning Iqbal shows up at his master's gate accompanied by two policemen and is immediately sent to the tomb to suffer for his disobedience.

This story of an unfortunate slave is compelling and teaches us what the world really looks like. Iqbal takes the reader into a life that many people do not know exists. If you want to find out if Iqbal can somehow be liberated or be cursed to a life of anguish then you should read his book.

(Richard, ETHS) 

The French Revolution, Napoleon's conquests, his life story, and the enthralling history of Europe from 1789 to 1815 are at your fingertips. Turn the page and you are thrown into the events that forever changed the world. The Age of Napoleon portrays this part of history in a thought-provoking and descriptive fashion, yet it does not lose readers like a dull textbook would. Filled with the big events as well as intriguing details, this book is fast paced and keeps the reader wanting to know what will happen next. Starting with the French Revolution, the reader learns about the fate of nobles, the Great Terror, the restructuring of the French government, and the betrayal along the way all before he even learns the name of the little man from Corsica who would come to create such a vast empire.
Along with the battles that gave Napoleon his reputation, advancements in the arts and sciences are addressed, and the reader is thus given a full picture of what was taking place over two hundred years ago. If you are studying the French language and would like to know more about France, then take a look at this book. Even if you do not study another language, reading this 872-page book will increase your knowledge and thus your ability to understand how many actions taking place today in the world are based on lessons learned in the past. This book provides an in-depth adventure into this fascinating period in human history.

If you enjoyed any other volume of The Story of Civilization by Will and Ariel Durant, then this is the book for you!

(Alex, ETHS)

A young farm boy named Eragon is hunting in the mountains when a blue stone appears in front of him through magic. When this stone turns out to be a dragon egg and his uncle is killed by those seeking it, he embarks on a journey for vengeance. But is he truly the hunter, or the hunted?
This book is a traditional adventure involving magic, dragons, and rebellion. Paolini leads you along a well used, yet nonetheless entertaining saga. It's a classic fantastical adventure and, like many other books, adds its own spin to the genre.

(Andrew, ETHS) 

Bilbo Baggins has always lived a peaceful and friendly life in the Shire. Bilbo's life was bound to be this way. Of course everything changes when a pack of 13 daring dwarves and Gandalf the Grey show up on his doorstep. You see, the dwarves were looking for someone to "share" an adventure with, and, being dwarves, they have a tendency to enjoy battles and war.
After Bilbo prepares a feast for the dwarves, the dwarves explain their story to Bilbo, the story consists of a a dragon, Smog, and who destroyed their town, forcing the citizens belonging to the town to flee. The 13 dwarves want to take back their territory from Smog, and need the help of Bilbo to do so. After barely convincing Bilbo to join them on the quest, they set out on an adventure. The adventure consists of: out of place towering trolls, goblins with a thirst for revenge, vicious giant spiders, and much more.
Will the group reach Smog? Or perish before setting foot on the dragon's territory? You'll have to read The Hobbit to find out.

If you liked The Hobbit, then you may want to check out the Lord of the Rings trilogy, also by J.R.R Tolkien.

(Isaac, ETHS) 

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare is a comedy about two couples and their romance story. Claudio and Hero catch each other’s eye when they first meet. They have a predetermined fate together and it seems that they are inseparable. Soon after Don Pedro, the Prince of Aragon, and his men arrive at Messina, Claudio and Hero decide upon marriage.
Beatrice and Benedick have a more complicated relationship. They have known each other for years before the men come back to Messina. Every time that they meet, they have a war of wit. Both of them scorn the thought of marriage or having children, and poke fun at Hero and Claudio for marrying. While Beatrice and Benedick continue to be in denial, their friends compose a plan to realize their true love for each other.
This book was engaging from the very first scene. It was the first Shakespeare play that I have ever read on my own, and I loved it. The plot was easy to follow, and the characters are marvelous. You will have to read it yourself to find out the fate of the two couples.

(Emma, ETHS) 

Skyler Van Allen has never fit in at prestigious Duchense High School. Her two best friends Oliver and Dylan form their group of misfits. Nothing ever happens to the perfectly sheltered students at Duchense. That was until Aggie died. Now Skyler's world has shattered and family secrets come pouring out. Now secrets and danger meet Skyler at every corner. This fast paced page-turner is good for a teen in need of a new book.

Find Blue Bloods in the Loft.

(Samantha, ETHS)