If you liked Wake & Fade... check this out!

If you enjoyed Wake & Fade by Lisa McMann & can't wait for Gone to be released in Feb 2010, then check this out! You can read Lisa's short story about Cabel. http://www.simonandschuster.com/giveaways/lisa-mcmann-cabel-story

Secrets At Sea by Sabre Moore

When Sabre Moore was 13, she began writing her own novel, while enjoying life on her family ranch outside Douglas, Wyoming. By age 16, she had succeeded in finding a company that would publish her book. Secrets At Sea is the result.

In Ms. Moore’s richly descriptive novel, you meet Zandra, a young woman with a rough past. In order to avoid an arranged marriage, Zandra runs away, disguises herself as Zander Knight and acquires a job as a cabin boy on a ship. But her life is no picnic and Zandra/Zander/Hawk not only must fight to keep her identity a secret but also to stay alive. Join in Zandra’s adventures complete with swordfights, predatory beasts, and pirates.

View all my Goodreads reviews >>

A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle

A Wrinkle in Time, is a artful masterpiece that has captivated readers since 1962. I first read this novel as a young girl and found later that it appeals to all ages. It is the story of young Meg Murry who in the course of events is visited by three celestial beings. These creatures inform Meg and her family that her long lost father is alive but being held captive in another dimension. Meg's journey had many underlying themes that include religious allusions and a fascinating array of symbolism. Also the evil entity IT, is sure to give anyone the creeps. A Wrinkle in Time is a classic that will never fade and should be read at least once in one's life. Reader's of all sorts are sure to enjoy this book and Sci-fi fans will drool over it.
P:5 Q:5

Mushishi by Yuki Urushibara

Enter the world of ancient Japan, where mysterious creatures called Mushi roam about freely as they please. Some Mushi serve good purposes, such as keeping the land green and growing. Others, usually parasitic Mushi, can cause illness and other issues of health among the people in the villages. Enter Ginko, a strange, white-haired, one-eyed wanderer that disposes of the dangerous types of Mushi. Ginko, and many others that are gifted enough to actually see the invisible Mushi, are called Mushishi. The reader follows Ginko on his journeys across Japan, discovering different types of Mushi and why they do what they do, for better of for worse. Along the way, Ginko's mysterious past and his experience with Mushi slowly begins to unravel. It seems the only question that isn't answered so far in the series is why Ginko wears modern day clothing, when the rest of the dwellers of Japan wear the traditional garb of their time.

It is easy to say that Yuki Urushibara is a genius at character design and storytelling, as well as art. While the style is sketchy and uncertain at the beginning of the story, the lines become firm and the plot becomes evident. With stunning drawings and creative tales about all the different types of Mushi, Yuki Urushibara's 'Mushishi' can attract even the most disinterested of readers.

Q 5

P 4

**This title is available through InterLibrary Loan**

Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers

Robin “Birdy” Perry is from Harlem, New York. He joined the Army, against his father’s wishes. Yeah, he had other choices, mainly going to college to study finance. But after the terrorist attacks on 9-11, Robin felt a duty to his country, an obligation to stand up and defend his home, like his Uncle Richie had done in Vietnam (Fallen Angels).

It’s February 2003 and Operation Iraqi Freedom is underway. Birdy is part of the Civil Affairs Unit, which is being sent out as a mediator between the military and the civilians, hoping to stabilize and secure Iraq, by delivering medical care and supplies among other things.

But WAR is not what Birdy expected. It’s easy to identify uniformed Coalition Forces. But how do you tell who the enemy is? And with Saddam Hussein out of power, why are we still there?

Join Birdy for a close-up look at the reality of serving in Iraq, as he finds himself in the middle of sandstorms that last for days, having to leave the so-called safe zones at all hours for missions that are increasingly dangerous, and never knowing if he will make it home to patch things up with his dad.

View all my Goodreads reviews

Boneman's Daughters by: Ted Tekker

Boneman's Dauthers written by Ted Dekker, is a story of devotion, love, and pain that a father will go through for his Daughter. Ryan Evans- the not so perfect father left his family 7 years ago to follow his dream of becoming a naval intelligence officer over in the Middle East. After surviving as a P.O.V.- and the trauma that has consumed his mind. He realizes the effects that War has on innocent families, and the lives that are taken. He heads back to Texas to win his wife back, and become the father Claire (his daughter) has always wanted. Everything changes upon Ryan's arrival- everything that he has suffered from war- all the devotion, and relation is all questioned. In an instant everything changes when Boneman- a serial killer from Texas takes Claire who he believes is "his" perfect daughter. The only problem is, when a daughter fails to reach his expectations- he breaks their bones one by one, and Claire is number 8 on his list of daughters. All the evidence points that Ryan is the Boneman. In the end the hunter will be the hunted, and only ONE father will survive. Ted Dekker's description and suspense will leave you breathless as you work your way through the novel.

Ratings:

5Q

4P

=]

As Sure As Dawn by Francine Rivers

As sure As the Dawn is written by Francine Rivers, and is the third and final book in The Mark of the Lion series.

Atretes has survived ten years as a gladiator in the roman Colosseum. Supervisors and game hosts filled his days with human rewards, beatings, and fighting to survive at all costs.

Out of the arena at last, but still unable to let go of his victims, Atretes becomes bored, and drunk. Suddenly receiving information that his son lives, Atretes begins to make preparations to travel back to his home, Germania, where he was taken years ago. With his son in his arms, Atretes begins the perilous journey. Also accompanying him, is Rizpah, a widow with a past, and a roman centurion, Theophilus. Atretes, still bitter and angry over what he lost and Rome took, trusting Theophilus, and even Rizpah is still a big challenge. With Germania becoming ever closer, Atretes must ultimately decide whether he will lead his people to faith, or to eternal darkness.

Q5

P4

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix (The Missing #1)

Angela, a new airport employee, watches in confusion as an airplane mysteriously appears at the terminal gate. The plane was not a scheduled flight, didn't not appear on any radar, and thus officially did not land. Upon further investigation, the plane is found void of pilot and crew. But a single sound alerts Angela that the plane in not truly empty. Rather every one of the 36 seats is filled, each with a baby. Even stranger still is the fact that the plane once again vanishes into thin air after the babies are safe inside the terminal.

Thirteen years later, Jonah and Chip each receive a letter in the mail. The envelope is plain white with no return address and the letter has no signature. Only 6 words appear on the page: "You are one of the missing."

Found is the fast paced introduction to the newest series by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

View all my Goodreads reviews.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

The summer after senior year... The end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. For Auden, a studious girl more interested in literature than lip gloss, the summer provides an opportunity to catch up with her father, step-mother, and newborn sister, Thisbe. It also promises new adventures and the possibility of change. Upon arriving in the beach town of Colby, Auden realizes she's missed out on a lot of life while keeping her nose to grindstone. Fortunately if she's willing to go along for the ride, Auden's chance meeting of a fellow insomniac paired with his midnight adventures may help Auden find herself and finally see the world for the first time.

View all my Goodreads reviews.

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Do you have a second to just listen? My name is Annabel Greene. I’m the youngest of three sisters and am currently starring as “the girl who has everything” in the fall commercial for Kopf’s department store. That’s right, I’m a model as were my two sisters, but that is where our similarities end. My sisters aren’t speaking to each other and I think the only thing that keeps my mother sane is managing my modeling “career”. I’d love to just quit but I don’t want to be the reason she relapses back into depression. My father designed our house and the front wall is made entirely of glass. But the thing about glass houses is that not everything is as it seems. Regardless of how things and people appear from the outside, everyone has their own issues and secrets. Some people, like Owen Armstrong, have learned to communicate and express their feelings. Others, like me, would rather keep their feelings bottled up inside than rock the boat. Maybe I’ll finally be ready to tell the story of my life and what really happened that night at the party that changed everything. “Don’t think, or judge. Just Listen.”

Check out our past review of Just Listen

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Dracula, Bram Stoker's blood thirsty monster who has enchanted our nightmares since 1897. Few know however that Stoker based his fictional villain on none other than real life horror Prince Vlad Ţepeş of Wallachia. Also known as Vlad the Impaler, Ţepeş by the end of his reign not only murdered thousands of his enemies but thousands of his own country men. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova is narrated by a young girl who slowly unravels the truth behind her family's mysterious past. Her father is a learned historian and a very intelligent man and a doting father. however as soon as he begins to retell a haunting tale from his past relating to Vlad Ţepeş and Dracula, mysterious things happen which lead to his disappearance and the ghosts of the research he left behind. It is now up to his daughter, who has a hunger for adventure, to piece together his precarious investigation and pray that it leads to his whereabouts in a journey that will take her all across Europe and which might even lead to the lair of Drakulya. I consider this novel to be incredibly exciting, impossible to put down, and refreashingly addicting.
Q:5 P:4

Audrey, Wait! Written by: Robin Benway

Audrey, Wait! Audrey, Wait! Is the line of this novel.
Audrey is a normal teenage girl who has everything her heart could ever want- or so she's played it out to seem. Just as she gets her prioritites straight- she becomes the girl who cannot be forgotten, and the girl everyone wants to be. Her ex-boyfriend Evan decides that after the break up, to write a song. What Audrey didn't realize, is that with breaking up with her boyfriend she would become the next celebrity of her town. Constantly invaded by paparazzi, random people she has never met, getting the VIP at concerts. All because of a single song performed by Evan. Audrey, Wait! All Audrey wanted was to break up with her self-centered boyfriend, and as a result she becomes an instant celebrity. Audrey's life has been consumed by the press, and her family and friends are just eating it up too. Will Audrey ever feel normal again? Could she ever just be another person working at a local ice cream shop? Could it be possible to find a boyfriend who's less than self-centered to write a song? Reading Audrey, Wait! Will have you busting up, laughing, and help you realize what actually happens with celebrities behind the scenes.

Ratings:
4Q- couldn't imagine a better book
3P- popularity

The Dreaming by Queenie Chan

The Dreaming, by Queenie Chan, is an ultimate pleaser of eeriness in art as well as in plot. Jeanie and Amber, teenage twins with very different personalities, are sent to an all girls school that seems like the epitome of class. But once there they are forced by their aunt, who works at the school, to lie about their ages. According to the rather senile headmistress, twins are absolutely banned from the school, due to something that had happened many years before within its walls. The claim is that twins are bad luck, but the girls know it is something much more. While Jeanie is all for investigating, Amber seems in the slums and sleeps all day. As Jeanie talks to some of the girls in the dorms and learns more of the school's frightening history, it becomes apparent that something is horribly, horribly wrong. For years, girls have been vanishing from the school grounds after wandering into the thick forest that surrounds the building for miles. Jeanie knows it has something to do with the headmistress' past, as well as the haunting paintings posted all about the hallways, all depicting a picture of a women with short hair, dressed in a Victorian style gown. When girls start to go missing again and Amber begins to act like an entirely different person, Jeanie is the only one who can dig up the past. But She may also be swallowed within the mystery and darkness of the school, never to be seen again.

Q4
P3

An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers

An Echo in the Darkness is best selling author Francine Rivers second book in the Mark of the Lion series. Marcus, drawn to the young slave girl, Hadassah, turns away from the distractions of Rome in order to seek out the Living God. Believing Hadassah dead, he searches for answers about her faith in the vacant, deteriorating Jerusalem, and beyond. What he finds is unimaginable, and it may be the answer to his inner darkness that has lasted so long, and is threatening to overtake his spirit.
Francine Rivers has created a beautiful story about what love accurately represents, and how far one can and will go in order to gain it. Once started, an echo in the darkness is fairly impossible to put down.

My rating for this novel:
5Q-hard to imagine a better book
4Q-broad teen appeal

Kitty Kitty by Michele Jaffe

If you came with a warning label, what would it be?

Jasmine’s would definitely be: KEEP AWAY FROM TROUBLE or MAY CONTAIN NUTS or WEARING OF THIS GARMENT DOES NOT ENABLE YOU TO FLY or MISUSE MAY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.

Jasmine Callihan has a knack, a superpower per se, for discovering trouble in addition to her bad fashion sense. She should be enjoying the start of senior year with her partners in solving crime: Polly, Roxy, and Tom. Instead Dadzilla has whisked her away to Venice so he can research his book on the history of soap. And though Venice isn’t Vegas, Jasmine may find a way to turn this peaceful working vacation into a crime-fighting fashion fiasco.

Warning: This book may unfortunately contain the Evil Hench cousin and her Best Fiend, currently known as Sapphyre and Tiger’s*Eye (the star is silent!).

Danger: This book includes Little Life Lessons, footnote conversations, and a few of its own warning labels.

One final warning: Reading this book may cause laughter, eye rolling, and use of CSI skills. What Would Mr. T Do (WWMrTD)? He’d say: I pity the fool who doesn’t try Kitty Kitty?

Sequel: Bad Kitty and the manga series: Bad Kitty: Catnipped volume 1 & 2

Check out our review of Bad Kitty, the first Jasmine Callihan mystery.

Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle

Carly has just returned to her Atlanta life of wealth and privilege, after a summer volunteering in the mountains of Tennessee. Besides her new muscled and toned body, Carly has a new outlook on life. She’d rather embrace being different (think 60’s music and hippie clothing) than conform to the cookie-cutter rich girl mold of their prestigious, private school. But Carly isn’t the only one who has changed over the summer. Her younger sister Anna has developed a hot body and undesired attention from everyone around her. And while Carly loves Anna and has been excited about Anna starting her freshman year, sisterly love isn’t always perfect and flawless. Relationships require a lot of work, especially when all you want is Peace, Love, & Baby Ducks.

Shade's Children by Garth Nix

In a not-so-distant future, the world is ruled by Overlords with the help of their minions, including Myrmidons, Wingers, and Ferrets. All the adults have disappeared and children are forced to live in dormitories, where they are often experimented upon. Once they reach their “Sad Birthday” #14, they are taken to the “Meat Factory” where their bodies are dismembered or harvested to create more of the Overlords’ creatures. A few teens have managed to escape. These teens have developed “Change Talents”, a type of psychic gift that assists in their survival. Ella, Drum, Ninde, and Gold-Eye have been able to stay alive thus far based on the help of Shade, the only “adult” to have survived. He has trained these and other escapees, sending them out on missions to acquire information and supplies. But will being one of Shade’s Children really keep you alive?

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Kaylee's Review: A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

A Voice in the Wind is a historical fiction novel, which is effortless to enjoy. Hadassah, a young woman of deep faith, is battling starvation and disease with her two siblings day-by-day in 117 A.D. Jerusalem. They know that it is only a matter of time before the Roman army destroys their entire race. Several months into these hardships, Jerusalem falls, and with their beloved city, the children's mother breathes her last. Days later, Soldiers shove down the family's door, and kills the girls brother, and takes the remaining two hostage. The next night, Leah, Hadassah's sister, dies. Even when she lost everything that mattered, Hadassah deepened her faith even more, and began to find joy in the small things of life, even though her situation was unbearable. After a long a tiresome journey to Rome, Hadassah is chosen to become a slave in a very wealthy home. There, she is exposed to the fullness, corruption, and passion, her new family, Rome, and anyone else, can offer her.

Ratings: 5Q, 4p

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns is Hosseini's second moving portrayal of the social and political turmoils of Afghanistan. This novel follows two women who are swept up and form a unique and life saving relationship with one another. Hosseini is a master story teller who weaves poetic fiction with historical fact. The novel not only provides readers with a strong and spellbinding plot, but with a rich taste of Afghanistan's beautiful culture. A must read for those looking for a book that they won't be able to put down. Also fans of The Kite Runner will not be disappointed.
P:5 Q:5

Petshop of Horrors by Matsuri Akino

Enter China town, where weirdo's run rampant and men look like women. Count D, a mysterious Pet-shop owner, has recently moved into China town, and his merchandise is all too questionable. To many, the animals in his shop simply look like animals, to others, they look very human. Count D's rules are simple. A person may buy a pet, but he will no longer be held accountable for it after the purchase. More often than not, the people that buy the pets meet strange and sometimes gruesome deaths, some find their dreams. Officer Leon Orcott, a hot-headed, typical American in the eyes of the Japanese, is determined to expose Count D's business for what it is. Which he isn't really sure of. Running on nothing but instinct and gut feeling, Leon visits Count D's pet-shop. There, he embarks on the wondrous and sometimes horrifying world of the pet-shop. With usual animals as well as unusual ones, Count D sells a variety of pets, including the ones that aren't supposed to exist. Yet as officer Orcott is dragged along by the feminine, sweet-toothed Count, he may find that he is far in over his head. China town is a magical place, and Count D's shop proves the fact all too well.

5Q

3P

The Kite Runner By: Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner written by Khaled Hosseini is a touching story of devotion, friendship, betrayel, and redemption. Amir and Hassan two boys that are close enough to be brothers have been raised in Afghanistan culture, and life together; although they couldn't be more different from each other. Amir is an educated Pashtun and Sunni Muslim with a father that has provided him with an education, as well as almost anything he could ever imagine. On the other hand Hassan is a Hazara and Sh'ia muslim whos father is Amir's fathers servent. Although both boys have things that in their life that make them different both boys bond in an inseperable friendship or so it would seem; however, at the age of twelve an event changes the boys' friendship forever, and sets the story in motion. Amir becomes tested on the things that matter most in his life, how far he will go to have redemption for the past events that haunt him. Amir's decision will lead him to the place he's tried all his life to forget. Travel with Amir from the culture of Afghanistan- and be shocked by the events in Afghanistan's history, as well as how different it is from the United States.

I would rate this novel:
5Q-hard to imagine a better book.
4P-broad teen appeal

Hidden Talents by David Lubar

Talent, noun: a special often athletic, creative, or artistic aptitude OR a general intelligence or mental power: ability.

When you think of talents, your mind probably jumps to someone who is a gifted poet, artist, musician, chef, or carpenter; maybe someone who plays a school sport or an extreme sport (skateboarding, motocross, etc.); or perhaps someone who has the ability to work with children or animals.

What if your talent wasn’t so widely accepted or recognized? What if your talent was construed as misbehavior, a problem so big that you were sent away to a last resort for the most dangerous and rebellious teenagers?

Martin Anderson has been assigned to Edgeview Alternative School, after being expelled from every junior high he’s attended. I guess you could say he’s been expelled from his family as well, all due to his lack of respect for authority mixed with his inability to restrain himself from speaking his mind. Call him a smart-aleck or worse, but it’s like a disease he can’t control. He finds your weakness and uses it to verbally insult you.

When Martin gets off the bus at Edgeview, he walks into a world full of students deemed out of control. A world with a bully named Bloodbath, who lives up to his name, and teachers who either try too hard or scream too loud and a principal with a taste for electric shock therapy.

Not everyone at Edgeview is bad. There are a select group of students that Martin becomes friends with. Students, like Martin, who seem to misbehave but really have Hidden Talents. Torchie has a flair for fire, starting them; Cheater can hear other’s thoughts; Lucky has a gift for finding lost objects; Flinch possesses the ability to see what’s coming; and Trash has the capacity to move objects with his mind. Once Martin discovers they all have psychic abilities, he realizes that what once was bad can be used for good. But will it really be so easy? What would you do with your Hidden Talents?

Taken By Storm By: Angela Morrison

When two teenage lives collide the results could be fatal. For Leesie Hunt life had been simple, down to rules infact. She knew what she was wrong, and what was right in her life. Her dreams were tied to her salvation, and everything she had ever needed was provided-- that is until Michael Walden had came to town. Michael, a deep sea scuba diver, lost his parents in a tragic accident in a hurricane, is sent to live with his grandmother and he is far beyond fighting a battle. He's expecting someone to save him, like he was saved from the huricane, but he doesn't expect Leesie to be the one to do it. The last thing they both expect is to fall for each other. Two extremely different dreams one tied to the deep sea, and the other with salvation above must figure out what is important for their lives- the desires of their heart, or their beliefs. Angela Morrison uses a unique way of writing in this novel, switching points of view from Michael to Leesie. Leesie's chapters are written in poetry, and im's and Michaels from his diving blog, and feelings, which also adds significant emotion to this novel making it a suspensful book to enjoy. :)

Ratings:

4Q-Better than most

3P-Some teen appeal

A dangerous Love by:Bertrice Small

Adair Radcliffe. who was orphaned at a young age, has had many instances of betrayal, including that of her half sister and sire, became a captive, and lastly, grew into a young woman, full of spirit, and pride. A Dangerous Love is a novel about a loyal, and very driven young woman who will not back down, or make compensations for anyone; at least that is what she has believed through her less-than-twenty-years of life.

At the blossoming age of twenty, Adair is taken as a captive and given to a Scottish family, who have thrown away every sense of mannerism upon a death in the family. Adair and her nurse are therefore forced to take on the role of maids, cooks, and even pleasure partners.
As the story unfolds it, becomes clear to the reader that love is possible, even in the most bizarre circumstances.
I would recommend this book highly because of the historical content, and the many emotions that are involved in reading this book.

Why this book was memorable: There was love in a historical setting, which flowed extraordinary well

Ratings:

4Q

3P

Flame of Recca by Nobuyuki Anzai

Flame of Recca is a shonen manga that any anime fan can easily find a favorite in. Although it has a rather typical boy's manga style and plot, the characters are still amusing and the storyline is different enough to where it's not quite overused. The setting takes place in everyday hectic Japan and during the life of the main character, Recca Hanabishi. An eccentric and highly confident character, Recca is a soul model of what most every young boy wants to be. Recca has an uncanny skill for combat, and prides himself to become an actual urban Ninja of his time. But if you have read Naruto, this kind of ninja is much different.

After meeting a girl with the unique ability to heal wounds, Recca announces his plans to have her be his master and states that he will always protect her. Yet Yanagi's power also attracts much less noble motives from other characters, and Recca finds he may have chosen an unpleasant full time job. But because of Recca's positive and upbeat attitude, no foe can really get him down, nor to stay down! Along the way, Recca and Yanagi come across more odd and quirky characters to join his fighting force, including the tomboyish Fuko, the gorilla like Domon, the feminine and fan service oriented Tokiya, and then the newest addition, the deceptively powerful (as well as extremely short) Koaru. As a team of fight hungry teenagers, they all join in the fun and potential danger of the battling world. At this point, it is hard to ignore the seeming influence of another popular series, "Yu Yu Hakasho," but it does not deter a manga fan from enjoying the series.

Nobuyuki Anzai's plot, creative characters, and stunning art all combine to make Flame of Recca. So if you are a fan of Shonen Jump, or manga period, this series is an entertaining read.

4Q

3P

Fiela's Child by Dalene Mathee

A moving story of courage, self discovery, and love Fiela's Child is a fascinating story set in South Africa circa the 1800s. The story follows an orphaned white child who becomes adopted by an African family. At the age of nine he is taken away from is parents and forced to live in the Forest (a treacherous jungle) with an inept and lazy white family. As the boy grows up he confronts his own insecurities about where his future and past truly lie. The book is painted with beautiful and descriptive story and the characters have a closly intertwined relationship with the nature that surrounds them. Fiela's Child by Dalene Mathee is a quick and exciting read and the plot twist at the end is a tasteful surprise and a bit of a shock. I would personally recomend the novel for any teenagers and adults who are interested in what will surly be a classic novel.
P:3 Q:5

Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli

Will Tuppence remembers the exact day, hour, and minute that his world tilted, spinning out of control, jumpstarting his fear of the unknown. Saturday, September 25, 10:15am. The day his bratty sister, Tabby, handed him the phone. The day his best friend, Mi-Su, told him to turn the radio to 98.5 FM. The day he heard of the proton’s death. You know the proton, the positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom. The proton, to which Will was introduced at the age of 6, being the smallest piece of matter that was indestructible. Even though you know life comes to an end, it was nice knowing, believing even, that a small part of something would last forever.

Well, now what? Now, everything that Will has ever believed to be true, stable, and normal about his life is being altered. Saturday night pizza and Monopoly with Mi-Su and BT—weird. Not being able to focus on chess—a risk to defending his title as champion. Tabby, younger sister pest extraordinaire, on high definition overdrive. Even his beloved skateboard, Black Viper, can’t bring him peace. Is it ever possible to right yourself after the world turns upside down?

Maximum Ride: School's Out--Forever by James Patterson

When you are a human avian hybrid, it’s hard to know who you can trust. If you are Maximum Ride, the voice in your head giving instructions on saving the world, a talking dog, and a pack of angry mutant wolves (Erasers) ready to eat you for lunch only add to the stress of being the fourteen-year-old leader of a family of six.

Max and the Flock’s adventures continue as they attempt to discover why they were created, who their real parents are, and how Max is supposed to save the world. The Erasers are always close and seem to be able to track them anywhere. They have also been upgraded and can fly. Can you imagine, flying wolf children? Weird!

Following one ferocious fight, Fang is left critically injured and the Flock has to risk their safety in order to save him. Before Max can give the doctors a full explanation, the FBI swoops in. They aren’t that surprised by the Flock and want to know all the details, but the Flock isn’t ready to trust them. Anne Walker, the head of the agents, takes them back to her perfect country home and for the first time, the group is happy, healthy, and feeling at home. She even enrolls them in school!

But there is something fishy about this school and especially the principal. It isn’t long before Max put the pieces together and discovers that even Anne can’t be trusted. Next stop: Florida and a company named Itex. Thanks to Angel’s mind reading abilities, they’re one step closer to fulfilling Max’s destiny.

Sequels: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, The Final Warning, and MAX

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

Maximum Ride, Max for short, and her 5 brothers and sisters are unique. It’s not the fact that they are orphaned and homeless. It isn’t the fact that they don’t know who they can trust or how they will find their next meal. It’s not even the fact that they aren’t all biological siblings.

You see, “The Flock”, Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman, and Angel, are special. They look and act like normal humans but they have extraordinary abilities like mind reading, voice imitation, super strength, and raptor vision. That’s right, I said raptor vision, as in they possess excellent and incredible sight from far, high distances. And they are called “The Flock” because while they are human, 98% to be exact, they have been implanted with avian (READ: bird) DNA.

Yes, they have wings and can fly. And while having the ability to soar through the air might be fun, when you are on the run from hungry Erasers, part human part wolf killing machines, you can’t give much thought to anything but survival.

Join Max and the Flock on their first mission, rescuing one of their own, putting themselves in harm’s way, even returning to the School, the awful setting of their creation, all while trying to stay alive. Are you up for a wild ride?

Sequels: School’s Out Forever, Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, The Final Warning, and MAX

Twilight... revisited

You've read the books, you've watched the movie. Now you are patiently (or impatiently) waiting for the November release of the movie version of New Moon. Why don't you grab one of these and see how and why they made certain decisions in the movie!

Fade by Lisa McMann

Janie doesn’t necessarily see her dream catcher skills as a gift. However, Captain Komisky does, making Janie and Cabe partners as undercover agents, as well as undercover friends. Janie is learning to hone her skills in order to jump out of the dreams that don’t have any relevance to her cases but some nightmares are too strong to control. And trying to catch a sexual predator, one of her own teachers, could take more strength, control, and patience than either Janie or Cabel possess. As Janie learns more about her predecessor, Martha Stubin, Janie discovers that while she may have an infinite capacity for growth as a dream catcher, some of her regular dreams may start to fade.

Sequel: Wake and Gone (2010)

Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher (Audiobook)

The day Clay Jensen received the package, a shoebox wrapped in nondescript brown paper with no return address, started like most before it. But after discovering the contents, 7 audio cassette tapes, and hearing what has been recorded on them, Clay will never be the same. The tapes were created by Hannah Baker, the girl he’s had a crush on since she moved to town freshman year, the girl who committed suicide a few weeks ago. The tapes are making their way around town, being sent to 13 people who have played some role in Hannah’s decision. Listen as Clay learns how he contributes to the Th1rteen R3asons Why.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

In a future where humans bodies, “hosts”, are inhabitied by alien “souls”, the few remaining humans are rebels on the run. When Melanie Stryder is captured, the Soul named Wanderer is inserted into her body. But this insertion doesn’t go quite according to plan. You see, Melanie is not giving up so easily and has no intention to leave any time soon. Mel won’t let Wanderer access all of her memories and the few that slip past the stubborn wall have an interesting effect. Wanderer has lived many lives on other planets but has never had a human host. In a world with no hunger, no war, peace, community, and participation, this ninth life is teaching Wanderer about something she’s never encountered before, human emotion. Is it possible that in this life The Host could change the soul?

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Have you ever wished you lived in a different world? A world in which there was no war, no economic problems, no global warming? No rich, no poor, no one dying of hunger? A world where families were simple and complete with a dad, a mom and two children, a boy and a girl?

Welcome to Jonas’s community. It has no apparent problems or struggles and you never have to worry about what comes next because it is all planned out for you. Every year from age one to age twelve, there is a ceremony. The whole community gathers together to celebrate the yearly milestones that bring you ever closer to being an adult and a productive member of society. This year Jonas will be a part of the Ceremony of the Twelves, and will be receiving his assignment. The Committee of Elders has observed every child during recreation and volunteer hours and has decided one the assignment, or job, each child is best suited for. Jonas is worried because while he has volunteered in many places, he hasn’t displayed an aptitude for anything in particular.

During the Ceremony, each child is called up to the stage to receive their assignment from the Chief Elder. Jonas realizes that something is wrong when his number is skipped and not called. The reason for Jonas’ singling out isn’t revealed until the end of the Ceremony. You see, Jonas has been selected for a special job, the most honored in the community. He will be the Receiver of Memory.

Jonas is being trained to replace the current occupant of the job, the man who is now The Giver. Being the Receiver is a lonely, often painful duty, one that may convince you that your wish for perfection isn’t worth what must be left behind in order to achieve it.

Stolen lives, written by Malika Oufker was an account of the trials and joys from the Fakirs, told by Milka, who were used

to a very luxurious lifestyle, until the ruler of Morocco arrested the family because of a threat to

the throne. Malika, her mother, and the many brothers and sisters were imprisoned in a penal colony that was in need of everyday necessities. In 1987, after ten years

of solitary cells, and five years surviving in the desert, Malika and her siblings finally attempted an escape through a tunnel which was dug from their own hands. The delicious taste of freedom lasted for a mere five

days, when the authorities took the Oufkirs back to solitude. in 1996, Malika was allowed to leave her cell after so many years of confinement, and begin her life anew.

THE MOST COMPELLING ASPECT of the book was how she managed to survive and give hope

to her siblings and aging mother in the time of trial.

RECOMMENDATION: I would recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about

learning more on the politics, as well as the more personal side of her life, and the royal court.

Interview with the Vampire

If you are a fan of blood stealing creatures of the night, dangerously gorgeous men, and the famous author, Anne Rice, then "Interview with the Vampire" is a fabulous book to pick up. No true vampire fan has not read this book! The dashingly morbid Louis is the main character of the story, and the readers follow him through his tale of tragedy, joy, and the thrills and chills of being a Vampire. After being changed by the seemingly charming vampire Lestat, Louis finds himself in the entirely different world of night and immortality. Yet as time goes on, he finds Lestat to not be so charming. In fact, the man is selfish, arrogant, and not willing to let Louis go! Helplessly stuck with Lestat, Louis longs to be human again, coming to despise his never ending life and the torturous feelings of being a monster as well as Damned for eternity. With so many twists and turns that will leave the reader nearly sick from the ride, "Interview with the Vampire" is a beautifully written book, with tantalizing characters and heart breaking situations. So sit down and read; Louis would like to tell you his story.

5Q and 4P

Diary of a Teenage Girl: It's a Green Thing By: Melody Carlson

It's a green thing is the second novel by Melody Carlson of her Diary of a teenage girl series written by Maya. This book is written from the aspect of Maya, and is her diary. Within the book are her thoughts on life and her ups and downs just like any teenager has. With Maya's mother locked up in jail for drug addiction Maya has the opportunity to live with her uncle and her cousin, and learn what it is like to have a normal family for once. Maya's father is making a comeback as a singer, so her lack of parental figures is an issue Maya deals with. Chapter by chapter this book goes through the ups and downs of being a teen who for the first time is going to high school, living with a family, and expressing herself through her green actions. This novel is a super quick read, and I fell in love with the character Maya, because she's not a normal teenager, and her take on the world, and going green is different. Something I really enjoyed was at the end of each chapter Maya has a green tip of the day that is a fact about going green, or helping with the green thing. Reading this diary of Maya, is like a roller coaster, and is relatable to our lives because most of us don't know what's coming next. I suggest this novel if you like anything about going green, a diary of a teenage girl, or more than just an average story. I assure you, you will not be let down.

Q:5
P:3

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is Haruki Murakami's second compilation of 25 fascinating short stories. Included in the vintage edition of the novel is an introduction by Murakami. This is exciting for any fan of his works. Murakami tells readers of the process of his novel and short story writing and also explains how he often finds writing short stories much more exciting than novels: "I find writing novels a challenge, writing stories a joy. If writing novels is like planting a forest, then writing short stories is more like planting a garden". Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is Murakami at his very best. A mixture of romance, horror, comedy and drama these stories are deliciously wound together with a combination of both complex and simple plot lines and undecipherable symbolism. A haunting mirror, romantic getaway, talking monkeys, and reminissing the good old days are some of the stories that can be found. Full of wisdom, passion, and mysticism this novel lives up to the highest of expectations.

Q:5 P:3

Wake by Lisa McMann

Janie was eight the first time it happened; now she’s seventeen and her aptitude has developed, producing some dangerous consequences. You see if Janie is in close proximity to someone who is dreaming, she is sucked into their dreams. It happens during school, while working at a nursing home, and even once while driving Ethel, Janie’s new-to-her car. Janie doesn’t understand why or how she gets sucked into the dreams and so far she’s found no way to stop it. No one, not even her mother, knows about her ability but she can’t hide it forever. Imagine if your worst nightmare happened when you were awake.

Sequels: Fade and forthcoming Gone

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Alex Fuentes and Brittany Ellis. The only thing they seen to have in common is the table they are forced to share in senior chemistry. Alex lives on the south side, is the oldest son of a single mom, and is a member of Latino Blood, the same gang his father belonged to before he was murdered. Brittany is from north side, drives a Beemer, is captain of the pom squad, and appears to be the perfect princess of Fairfield High. Mrs. Peterson’s assignment not only makes them partners in class but also requires them to spend time together outside of school. When the initial disgust wears away, Alex and Brittany realize that they don’t necessarily fit the mold they have been cast. And although their friends, families, and classmates might not approve, it’s hard to fight Perfect Chemistry.

Perfect Chemistry Book Trailer created by the author!

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Twelve year old Moose Flanagan has just moved to Alcatraz, the island prison that housed some of the country’s most notorious and worst prisoners including Al Capone. The year is 1935 and Moose’s father has taken a job as a prison guard and so that his sister Natalie can attend a special school close by in San Francisco. At that time there was not yet a medical diagnosis for her disability, autism, and Moose’s mother has been willing to try just about anything, including lying about Natalie’s age, in order to find a “cure”.

Moose isn’t sure about living on “a twelve-acre rock covered with cement, topped with bird turd and surrounded by water”. It’s hard enough to leave your friends and start a new school. But for Moose, it’s made much worse due to the fact that the warden’s daughter, Piper, is always hatching a scheme, from selling the opportunity to have your skivvies laundered by a famous prisoner, finding and selling prison baseballs, to meeting Al Capone’s mother. If Piper wasn’t bad enough, Moose has to watch Natalie after school and can’t play baseball with his classmate.

Is it possible that Alcatraz and it’s most infamous prisoner could finally be a step in the right direction for Moose and his family? See what happens when Al Capone Does My Shirts.

Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King

In this chillingly delicious book by ultimate horror writer, Stephen King, fans of gore and the moon cycle can get their werewolf fix. While vampires are fun to write about, werewolves get no credit! The story is separated into chapters that follow the months in the year, from January all the way to December. In almost every chapter, the full moon brings out the beast in the least likely suspect that lives in the small town of Tarker's Mills. At first, the killing seems like the work of a homicidal maniac, driven by the power of the full moon, but as the brutal murders escalate each month, the towns people become uncertain. The macabre way the victims were killed seems like it was done by something not quite human... As the story and the murders continue, the readers come to the rather shocking conclusion and learn that even the kindest man can succumb to the beast on the night of the full moon.

Kaylee's Review: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Do you remember your first mystery book? and how it was so thrilling you stayed up until the next day reading it? now, imagine that, but a larger thrill, with suspence, and a twist of demented romance.
Dr. H. H. Holmes and architect Daniel Burnham were both very talented, well spoken, and handsome men. Both were drawn to the White City, in more ways than one. Burnham was the main overseer of the city, and overcame many challenges in this project from malaria to strikes to the marsh-lands. Through Burnham, the Ferris wheel was born, and the city was almost the envy of pairs. Dr. Holmes was a malignant serial killer who used the attraction of the great city, as well as his dark charms to seek out many young and attractive women, who are then brought to his torture palace complete with a life size oven of over 3,000 degrees, a dissection table, a gas chamber, as well as a few more grotesque stations. The most frightening aspect is that this was an actual event that occurred in Chicago, 1895.
"The Devil in the White City" holds this answer, as well as a few more unnerving thoughts and questions.
Rating: 5Q, 4P

Faded Denim: Color Me Trapped by: Melody Carlson

Have you ever felt lost, or trapped inside the world you live in? Like whatever you do or how you do it there's no means of escape? Faded Denim by Melody Carlson is a fictional story that can easily true, and relatable to teenage girls today. Melody Carlson has chosen to take on the hardship of a teenage girl named Emily who struggles to keep the perfect image her friends and family and society around her have created. Emily willing will give up everything she has to keep her body the same size it has been, even if that means fighting Anorexia. As Emily becomes more and more engulfed in a part of life that says "Image is Everything" she must fight herself, and the world in this long battle. Travel with Emily in this novel as she goes from the laughing stock of girls in her school, to having everything, and losing it all again... and wondering if she'll be able to find off Anorexia once and for all.

Beautifully written, with time and effort Melody Carlson stole my heart and made me look at the world we live in today. Many teenage girls in our society believe that image is everything, and will do anything to have what magazines define as beauty, and what models are suppose to look like. This book questions the true definition of beauty, and how people should define it. I suggest it to anyone who wants to see a different side of the beauty in life. :]

Rating:

4Q-Better than Most

3P-Some Teen Appeal

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E Pearson

Adoration noun the state of being adored

Adore verb to worship or honor as a deity or as divine

In a perfect world we would all have parents that adore us, worship our every thought, word, and deed; parents who would do whatever they could to make us happy and in tandem do whatever was humanly possible to save us from suffering, being hurt, and from all evil. But it isn’t a perfect world. Accidents happen and parents can’t always be there to intervene. How far a parent should go to save their child? Is there a limit to how much we should be adored and in turn adore another? What is it that really makes us human?

The audio CD includes a short interview with the author and gives insight into her inspiration for a novel.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Now a major motion picture, Neil Gaiman's Coraline is surely a book you won't easily forget. After discovering a mysterious door in her house, Coraline passes the threshold to a magical world which parallels her own. It includes parents who look much like her own except that they are a lot more fun and have curious buttons for eyes. In this world, anything is possible and she finds herself not wanting to return to her own home. However, things begin to take a sinister turn for the worse and Coraline soon discovers that escaping from, what is now a nightmare, will not be as easy as going through a door. Full of all the mystical and fantastic elements that make a Neil Gaiman book so incredibal, Coraline will not disappoint. I highly reccomend reading the book before you see the movie. Or, if you have already seen the movie, then read the book. You will love it!
P:4 Q:5