Anyone else going into high school? Already on my high school's cross country team! I've only been to 3 practices, but I already love it! You can tell they really have something special! Can't wait for my first meet- the team is the defending Missouri state champs!

Meet Alina Starkov. Alina Starkov was a cartographer. Alina Starkov was an ophan from Karamzin. Alina Starkov was just another face in the crowd. Alina Starkov crossed the Fold. And then, it happened. Alina was no longer just a cartographer. Alina Starkov was no longer just an orphan. Alina was no longer just another face in the crowd. She is Grisha. One of the blue-blooded and refined Ravkan upper class. To anyone else, a gift. To Alina, a curse. Alina never wanted to be Grisha. But why? Mal. Tracker, fellow orphan, soldier, Okatzya. Powerless. To anyone but Alina, Mal is disposable. But to Alina, he is home. When Alina is dumped head-first into the world of the Grisha- magic, riches, power- all she can think of is Mal. Now she is seen as the treasure of Ravka, and becomes a quick favorite of The Darkling, Ravka's Grisha general. Will power blind her or will her past change her? I really enjoyed this one, it was the first book that I've read in one sitting in a long time! (actually, It's the first book I've read in a long time anyway- I've been busy!!!) I couldn't put it down! The characters are well-rounded, with lots of personality. The book itself is well-written and a very enjoyable read! I've now read the entire trilogy, which I loved! It's a wonderful read for anyone looking for a quick and unforgettable fantasy read, and I'd recommend it for sixth grade and up- I'm a freshman, and still enjoyed it. If anyone's interested, It's also now a show on Netflix, though I'd definitely read the first two books (Shadow and Bone & Seige and Storm) first! I loved the series and plan on reading more of Bardugo's books soon!

@artsysunflower3, I've learned you can't always change someone's thoughts or fix all of their problems but you can always be there for them so when they need you most they will have someone to run to. I am actually filling this little book for my friend- it just had a blank cover and blank pages- with my thoughts, quotes that remind me of her, song lyrics that remind me of her, inside jokes, etc. I'm just calling it: A collection of thoughts for *Name redacted*. which I will give to her whenever I fill the book. I think my favorite thing I've written down so far is "I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. I want you to always see the strong, beautiful, brave, caring person you are." remember, "I can't promise to fix everything for you, but I can promise that you won't have to face them all alone."

I posted this comment twice but I'm not sure if you have seen it yet so here it is. I am going to be giving a SHOUT OUT right now to..... @imsome1, @mara_love, @wakyqueen, @pippin_5, @sweetcheese, @eagle_fan11, @x_ashley_x,@armcginn, @braceface8910, @bookqueenpaige, @rosepinklegend3, @dinobasketball7, @searchlight, @unicorn87, @ivywolf, @kotlcfitzphie13, @roxiewolf, @gold3nglare, @kittylover111, @natcat13, @bsc, @roxanne3, @lovetoread26, @bookfan2008, @thistle912, @willthebest, @wolfieland, @teagytornado101, @optimus_fan, @mrzebragamer, and last but not least is @wof! If I did not give you a shout out don’t worry you are awesome and I know it and maybe you will be in my next shout out! P.S. If you followed me make sure to tell me so I can follow you back! I hope you all have a splendid, spectacular, super amazing (I think you get the idea) day and stay safe! - dream_beyond

I am going to be giving a SHOUT OUT right now to..... @imsome1, @mara_love, @wakyqueen, @pippin_5, @sweetcheese, @eagle_fan11, @x_ashley_x,@armcginn, @braceface8910, @bookqueenpaige, @rosepinklegend3, @dinobasketball7, @searchlight, @unicorn87, @ivywolf, @kotlcfitzphie13, @roxiewolf, @gold3nglare, @kittylover111, @natcat13, @bsc, @roxanne3, @lovetoread26, @bookfan2008, and last but not least is @wof! If I did not give you a shout out don’t worry you are awesome and I know it and maybe you will be in my next shout out! P.S. If you followed me make sure to tell me so I can follow you back! I hope you all have a splendid, spectacular, super amazing (I think you get the idea) day and stay safe! - annnafantastic

Welcome! I actually just recommended some books (a couple of which I've reviewed) for another user who's in 8th grade- a few of the ones I recommended are definitely PG-13 so let me know if you're interested and I can point out which ones I'd recommend for you! (you can find the list & reviews by clicking on my username) As far as music goes, I actually really only listen to one modern-day artist, Pentatonix- they sound great, they just put out a brand-new original album this month called "The Lucky Ones" and my favorite song on the album is "Love Me When I Don't" & it's good enough that I spent 6 consecutive hours listening to it (though you may be more interested in their cover of Bad Guy). Otherwise, my taste in music is apparently lacking so I just listen to 50's rock- I'm on often and will look forward to your reply!

It's so neat that you're from Germany! Do you speak German? I'm actually learning it at the moment- tricky, but fun!

I really started commenting in earnest on Nat Geo in just the last two years, because of the limited time I have with dogo due to overwhelming homework- I used to do exclusively book reviews, but I try hard to make my reviews quality material, which often takes two to write, as I like to rough draft, edit, sleep on it, make final edits and only then post.

Book recommendations for @gold3nglare: To Catch a Killer, The Redwall Series (Netflix is making a show for it soon!) One Of Us Is Lying, The Cousins, Two Can Keep A Secret, The Outsiders, Divergent, Red Queen, The Book Theif, Three Dark Crowns, The Lunar Chronicles, The 80 Dollar Champion, Unbroken, Gone With The Wind, Lord Of The Rings, A Court Of Thorns And Roses, Throne Of Glass, The Delirium Trilogy, The Mortality Doctrine, The Maze Runner, The Speed Of Falling Objects, When Elephants Fly, Lord Of The Flies, Ghost Riders, SGT Reckless, Joey, Renegades, Heartless, The Giver, & Carve The Mark. Hope this will keep you busy!

Hi guys! I want to give a shout-out to... 1. @zaks 2. @meisdancer 3. @armcginn they are all really nice and if you haven't followed them make sure to go and follow them! And if I did not give you a shout-out I just want to let you know that you are amazing, awesome, and unique and never forget that!