Book Review: The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer

Summary:

Witty, sarcastic Ethan and his three friends decide to take down the reality TV show, For Art's Sake, that is being filmed at their high school, the esteemed Selwyn Arts Academy, where each student is more talented than the next. While studying Ezra Pound in English class, the friends are inspired to write a vigilante long poem and distribute it to the student body, detailing the evils of For Art's Sake. But then Luke—the creative force behind the poem and leader of the anti-show movement—becomes a contestant on the nefarious show. It's up to Ethan, his two remaining best friends, and a heroic gerbil named Baconnaise to save their school. Along the way, they'll discover a web of secrets and corruption involving the principal, vice principal, and even their favorite teacher.

Release Date: April 8, 2014

Age group: YA
Source: Review copy from publisher
Reviewed by: Madi B

Review:

Attention to all John Green lovers, do I have a book for you. THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! It stood out immediately to me because let’s face it, how could you not pick up a book with a title like that? The whole book had this clever, witty humor that I absolutely love. This was one of those books where you start dying laughing in a dead quiet classroom. Multiple times.

The plot was very well-crafted. It was thought-out and not rushed but not too slow either. Well-done, Kate Hattemer.  The characters were AWESOME! All of Ethan’s friends were hilarious and all their conversations were hilarious. Sorry I thought I forgot to mention the word HILARIOUS!

 

I could tell Hattemer was very well-educated because it translated into the characters' vocabulary, their humor, their opinions, and especially their amazingly detailed devious plans. I only had a few complaints…

This book would have been perfect if there had been more closure. I feel like there was there was all this character development that led to an anticlimax. It was as if they concluded to not come to a conclusion. I guess this may appeal to some people but I personally prefer some closure.

I don’t have much to say about this book because it was all so fantastic. (Well, almost all of it). I could sing its praises forever.  This one is definitely a must-read.