The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer

The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer is the companion novel to Life as We Knew It. Both are about the catastrophic natural disasters that plague the earth after a meteor hits the moon and knocks it out of its natural orbit. While Life as We Knew It focuses on a family in a more rural setting, The Dead and the Gone focuses on how these disasters affect the people of New York, specifically, the Morales family - Alex (17), Briana (15), and Julie (13). The moon's new position causes major flooding due to high tides and tsunamis. The subway system floods, killing thousands of people who were trapped. Alex's father was in a small coastal city in Puerto Rico and is presumed dead. Their mother was probably on the subway on her way home from working at the hospital. Alex finds himself in charge of his younger sisters as the city deteriorates. Soon, food becomes scarce and Alex finds himself doing things to ensure his and his sisters' survival that he never believed himself capable.

This book was as good as Life as We Knew It. I would recommend reading Life as We Knew It first, however, just because it is easier to follow what is happening with all fo the natural disasters in the Dead and the Gone - the author doesn't describe them quite as clearly in this one. Both novels end on a cliff-hanger, leaving the reader to imagine what he or she thinks will happen in the future. I strongly recommend both!

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher is a story told by two separate narrators: Hannah Baker, a girl who recently committed suicide, and Clay Jensen, a boy who knew her. Hannah had many terrible events in her young life snowball out of control, leading to her decision to commit suicide. Before taking too many pills, she recorded each event on one side of an audio tape. Each side of 7 audio tapes was dedicated to one person - the one who was responsible for the event leading to Hannah's downfall. Her only request was that each person named on the tapes pass the tapes on to the next. Clay's name came up in the middle. When he got home from school one day, a box of tapes was waiting for him at his door with no return address. Clay had to listen to the entire collection before finally realizing what had happened to Hannah, the girl he had secretly loved since she moved to town.

This was a really interesting book. As I read, I really felt like I was in Clay's shoes as he listened to the tapes for the first time. The story was told through the tapes as well as Clay's reactions to them. I went through all of the emotions Clay experienced as he listened - anger, frustration, confusion, compassion, regret. This novel was very compelling. It makes me really think about how I will treat other people and about the consequences of my actions. This book is for a more mature audience.

Antsy Does Time by Neal Shusterman

Antsy Does Time by Neal Shusterman is the sequel to The Schwa Was Here. This one features Antsy (post-Schwa) working at his parents' new restaurant, Paris, Capisce?, and living the life of a typical freshman. While rushing to the Thanksgiving Day parade to watch as the Roadkyll Raccoon balloon flies out of control, Antsy learns some disturbing information about his friend, Gunnar Umlaut: he is dying of Pulmonary Monoxic Systemia. Antsy is so moved by how brave Gunnar appears, that he wants to do something for him. Thus the idea of donating time is born. Antsy writes up a contract donating one month of his own life to tack on to the end of Gunnar's. Unbelievably, the idea catches on and soon Antsy is busy writing and rewriting contracts for everyone from kids at school to the superintendent! Everything falls apart, however, when Antsy discovers that Gunnar isn't actually sick. He made it all up. Antsy has to work on a way to resolve his problem, all while dating Gunnar's older and beautiful sister, earning back his family's trust after a disasterous evening at Paris, Capisce during which Antsy poured a pitcher of water over a New York senator, and entertaining his awful Aunt Mona. Just when things seemed like they couldn't get any worse, they do...

This book was hilarious. I laughed out loud numerous times. Neal Shusterman is a really funny author. His humor is as much in the little side remarks as in the story itself. The idea of donating time is so unique! I really liked the way Antsy worked through his own issues as he learned about and helped Gunnar and Kjersten through their own. It was fun to read about this character again!

Madapple by Christina Meldrum

Madapple by Christina Meldrum is about Aslaug, a fifteen year old girl who lived alone on the outskirts of a small Maine town with her mother. Aslaug and her mother lived almost solely off the land, foraging for greens and roots, and only going in to the neighboring towns periodically. Maren, Aslaug's mother, was afflicted by a strange illness, for which she medicated herself with different plants. One of these plants was madapple, or jimson weed. This weed is poisonous if taken in large enough amounts, but Maren used only enough to dull the pain of her cancer. Eventually, Maren dies, and Aslaug is seen trying to bury her in the yard. She is arrested for her own mother's murder, but later sent home when it becomes apparent that her mother died of cancer. Aslaug finds some secrets about her family in some of her mother's things, and ends up finding her aunt Sara and cousins Rune and Sanne in a nearby town. All of these relatives have different stories about Maren and about Aslaug and her birth. It is a mystery of faith and science.

This was an interesting book. Every other chapter is the back story, explaining what happened to Aslaug and her family, while the opposite chapters are from within Aslaug's trial for the murders of her mother, aunt, and cousin. The mystery slowly unravels, leaving the reader wanting more! I read this in two days - I couldn't put it down! The author entertwined many ideas about different religions and science, along with a lot of interesting facts about regional plants and their medicinal qualities.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow is about Marcus, a teenager who lives in San Francisco. He and his friends are technology wizards - they can hack just about anything. One day when they are skipping school to play a game, the Bay Bridge is bombed by terrorists. Because Marcus and his friends are in the wrong place at the wrong time, they are all arrested by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), questioned, and tortured for days. Daryl, Marcus's closest friend was stabbed during the aftermath of the bombing, and they don't even see him again. Eventually, days after being detained, Marcus and two of his friends are released and sent home. Everyone believed they were dead, so it was a big surprise when they returned. Marcus was so upset about his experience, and about Daryl (believing he was dead) that he launched his own war agains the DHS. Just as the DHS was clamping down on security measures - tracking people's movements on the public transportation systems, stopping people who looked suspicious, tapping phones, and even invading Marcus's own room and electronics - Marcus sets up Xnet, a way for teens to commuicate without being traced. This leads to more and more ways to thwart the DHS, resulting in several "riots" and even to Marcus being arrested again.

This was a great book. It is not my typical genre, but I heard about it at a reading conference and decided to give it a try. It was really interesting to see the types of things people have come up with to stay private. It makes me a little nervous about the types of information floating around about me! This book is definitely for a more mature audience - probably high schoolers.

One False Note (The 39 Clues Series #2) by Gordon Korman

One False Note (The 39 Clues Series #2) by Gordon Korman is the second in the series. It is about teens Amy and Dan Cahill and their continued adventures, trying to solve the 39 clues and become rich, famous, and influential. Most of this book takes place in Europe and deals with the correspondence back and forth between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Benjamin Franklin (the key to solving clue #1). The rest of the Cahill cousins are all still after Dan and Amy and are close on their trail through the entire story. They don't make any alliances in this book and don't have too many violent run-ins with the rest of the family, but they are always somewhere in the background.

This was another fun adventure! This series is going to keep a lot of people hunting for clues and solving mysteries for a long time. The 3rd book comes out in March, and I will be first in line to read it!

Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn

Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn is about Molly and Michael, siblings whose mother recently remarried. Their new step-sister, seven year old Heather, is determined to ruin their new family by telling lies about how Molly and Michael treat her. It is obvious to them that Heather is trying to break up their parents. The family moves to an abandoned church one summer, hoping the fresh air will do the kids some good. Heather just grows stranger and stranger, going out to visit the small graveyard behind their new "house" and pretending to visit a girl named Helen. Every time Molly and Michael try to stop her, she makes up a story about how mean they are being to her and Dave, her father, takes her side. Molly, however, is sure she's seen a ghost-like figure with Heather and is determined to get to the bottom of it. Michael and Molly do a little research at the local library and learn that the old, dilapidated house behind their own house used to belong to a family, 100 years ago, but every one of them died in a fire - including their seven year old daughter Helen. This is all the proof Molly needs. Michael doesn't believe in ghosts until strange things begin happening inside their own house and Heather claims it is Helen's doing. Meanwhile, their parents are being split further and further apart by the constant battles between Molly and Michael and Heather.

This books was an excellent ghost story! It was scary, but not so scary that I'll have nightmares. I was SO angry at Heather on behalf of Molly and Michael - that's how I know this is a good book! When an author is able to make me care so much about a character that I actually feel emotions, I know I'm hooked on the story!

Searching for David's Heart by Cherie Bennett

Searching for David's Heart by Cherie Bennett is about Dee Dee, an adolescent year old girl who idolizes her older brother, David. After their father is turned down for a promotion he thought he was getting and injures his back, their family is really hurting for money. Especially since their Meemaw is in an expensive nursing home. Dee Dee's dad seems to take out all of his frustrations on her, but David is always there to make things better. One day, however, David meets Jayne, and they become a couple. Dee Dee is so jealous of the time with David "the J-word" takes away from her, that she lets it ruin her own birthday party! As a result, David is in an unexpected accident and dies. His organs are donated to people all across the country. After a long bout of depression, Dee Dee finally enlists the help of her best friend Sam, and they set off on an adventure to Florida, searching for the person who now has David's heart.

This book was a quick read for me. It was completely engaging! I loved it!! It was touching and sad, and even funny at times, and everything came around full circle. The ending was perfect!

If You're Reading This, It's Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch

If You're Reading This, It's Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch is the sequel to The Name of this Book is Secret. In this one, Cass and Max Ernest are desperately trying to prove that they have what it takes to be members of the Terces (secret spelled backwards) Society. Through their adventures, they find a mysterious ball that allows them to hear sounds clearly, even if they are being made far, far away. Cass is able to use this ball to call the homunculus, a strange little creature that was created over 500 years ago. A mean old guy named Lord Pharaoh grew the homunculus in dung! When Lord Pharaoh died, the homunculus buried him with all of his his secrets. So, of course, the evil members of the Midnight Sun are after them! The only way to the secrets is through the homunculus, and the only way to him is through Cass and Max Ernest!

This book, just like its prequel, was hilarious! The author is REALLY funny!! There is a little mystery and a little adventure - enough to make a fun and interesting story. I highly recommend both books to anyone!

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is about about Liesel Meminger, a young German girl trying to find her place in the world during WWII. Her mother had to turn Liesel and her brother over to live in a foster home. On the train ride to their new home, Liesel's brother died. The image of him laying on the seat beside her haunts her through the remainder of the story. It is at his funeral that she steals her first book - The Grave Digger's Handbook. She arrives at her foster home alone, with not much more than this book, which she hides under her bed, unable to read it. Her new foster parents are an interesting pair, and Liesel immediately bonds with her Papa. When she is awakened by the recurring dream of her brother's death every night, Papa takes this time to teach Liesel how to read, using The Grave Digger's Handbook. Eventually, a person from Papa's past arrives, causing much hardship for the family. Max is the son of Papa's friend from the war. Max is Jewish, and is hidden in their basement for a long period of time. Liesel and Max become very close during this time. Max even uses the pages of his book about Hitler to write his own book for her. Unfortunately, Papa makes a big mistake that forces Max to leave the house, for fear of the safety of them all.

This was an excellent book. The narrator is Death, which makes the story even more interesting! I usually have a hard time reading stories that take place during WWII because of the ghastly things people did to other people. This book, however, was not difficult to read at all. The author did not make light of the atrocities done to the Jewish people during Hitler's reign, but it was told in such a way that was not too upsetting. There were so many elements within this story that came full circle and were resolved in the end. It was incredibly powerful!

White Sands, Red Menace by Ellen Klages

White Sands, Red Menace by Ellen Klages is the sequel to The Green Glass Sea. Both stories are about Dewey Kerrigan and Suze Gordon, two eighth grade girls living in New Mexico during the late 1940s. In White Sands, Red Menace, Dewey has been living with the Gordon family for nearly two years since the death of her father. The army has now asked the scientists who had been working on the atomic bomb to continue their work, but with rockets. Suze and Dewey struggle to fit in to the new school and town - dealing with the typical struggles of adolescent teens - but also dealing with being headstrong, smart, and curious girls during a time when men ruled the scientific world. The girls also struggle with one another as they try to figure out their relationships. A kink gets thrown into the mix with Suze's mom gets pregnant and Dewey's long lost mother returns.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as The Green Glass Sea. Unfortunately, I found it a little boring. It was interesting to read about the history of New Mexico and the work they did on rockets during the late 1940s. I also liked the way Dewey's story was wrapped up nicely.

The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues Series #1) by Rick Riordan

The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan is about Amy and Dan Cahill, orphans whose wealthy and influential grandmother just passed away. In her will, she gave 40 of her relatives a choice - take $1,000,000.00 or give up any inheritance to go on a quest to solve the 39 clues. These clues will lead the victor to a surprise that will make him or her the most powerful person in the world. Amy and Dan decide to go on the adventure! After solving the first clue and narrowly escaping death after someone burned down their grandmother's mansion, the Cahill siblings enlist the help of their nanny as they travel overseas to find the second clue. Amy and Dan aren't the only Cahills after the treasue. They are being followed by some of their distant relatives who are out to get them. Not only are they working to solve the cryptic messages left by ancient (and famous) ancestors, but they are trying to stay alive, facing attack after attack!

This is the first book in The 39 Clues Series. Amy and Dan solve the first clue in this book and are well on their way to solving the second. It is full of action and adventure, and of course, mystery. There are cards and an online game that accompany this book series. I spent a good portion of Sunday afternoon playing online - solving the clues and learning more and more about the Cahill family. I even found a hidden message within the book itself - I don't know what it means yet, but I'm sure it's important! I absolutely love this mystery so far!! I can't wait to read the second book when it comes out in December!

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott is about twins Sophie and Josh. Josh has been working for Nick Fleming, aka Nicholas Flamel, in his book shop. Nicholas's true identity is revealed when Dr. John Dee comes into the shop and tries to steal the Codex, an ancient and mysterious book that Nicholas has been guarding for the last 600 years. Josh and Sophie accidentally get involved in the fight and end up fleeing with Nicholas. In the mean time, Dee kidnaps Nicholas's wife, Perenelle and enlists the help of some of the Dark Elders, Egypt's Bastet (the cat goddess) and the Morrigan (the crow goddess). Nicholas and the twins pick up Scatty, an ancient warrior in a teenaged body, and head to Hekates Shadowrealm. Nicholas knows a secret about an omen within the Codex and believes that the twins will eventually save the world. He also knows that in order to do this, they need to have their powers awoken. Hekate is one of the Elders who has this power. Unfortunately, she is only able to awaken Sophie's powers before Dee, the Morrigan, and Bastet show up with an army of enchanted cats and crows!

This is the first book in a new series by Michael Scott and I absolutely loved it! There is so much legend, myth, and folklore within this book - it is amazing. Michael Scott offers easy explanations for many of the common stories, creatures, and people within. The stories of Nicholas and Perry Flamel and John Dee within the story were taken from the factual information that exists about these real people! This was an excellent blend of fiction, fact, and legend. I will definitely read the rest of the books in this series!

Flush by Carl Hiaasen

Flush by Carl Hiaasen is about Noah and Abbey Underwood, siblings who are out to prove that a local casino boat owner is poisoning their beach with toilet waste. Noah and Abbey's dad recently got into trouble with the law (again) by sinking Dusty Muleman's casino boat. To make a point and to get the media involved in his cause, Paine Underwood decided to remain in jail facing criminal charges! When Noah and Abbey hear their mother talking about divorce, they know it is time to come up with a plan to save their family and prove Dusty's guilt. They call their plan Operation: Royal Flush!

This is the second time I've read this book, and I love it just as much as ever! Carl Hiaasen always brings in environmental issues into his stories in such a creative and compelling way. It makes me want to go out and save the world! This is one of the 2008-2009 Maud Hart Lovelace Nominees.

The Winter Road by Terry Hokenson

The Winter Road by Terry Hokenson is about Willa, a teenager who has been dealing with the loss of her older brother and the subsequent dysfunction of her family for several years. One morning, knowing her uncle will be flying his small plane to another small Canada town to pick up her mother, Willa decides to join him. She reaches his house early, only to find him drunk and incapable of flight. Because Willa has her own flying license, she decides to take the plane and pick up her mother herself. About half way through the flight, something goes wrong with the instrument panel. Just after Willa notices the problem, a storm begins, blowing her off course. Unable to regain control of the plane, Willa crashes down into the middle of the Canadian wilderness. Willa's father taught her and her brother survival techniques, so she knows just what to do to stay alive in the wilderness. Willa has to call upon her memories of a better time, her intuition, and all of her inner strength to make it out of this situation.

This was a good book by a local author. It was short and full of adventure. I know what it's like to be cold, but I've never been in temperatures below zero for days at a time. It was really interesting to read about the ingenious methods Willa devised to find food, shelter, and entertainment. I know I wouldn't have been able to survive in her situation!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is about Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl living in the Seam, the 12th district of Panem, the land formerly known as North America. Ever since the Capitol defeated the 13 districts in the big war, The Hunger Games have taken place each year. One boy and one girl from each of the remaining 12 districts is randomly selected to "compete" in the games. Every year from the time children turn twelve until they turn eighteen, their names get entered into the drawing for the games. One time at age twelve, twice at age thirteen, three times at age fourteen, and so on, until they are ineligible to play at age nineteen. Children who are poor, whose families can't affort to live on their meager earnings can enter their names an additional time for each family member in return for one year's worth of grain and oil. When the names are drawn, the children must go to The Capitol, undergo three day's worth of training, and must fight one another to the death. The last one standing is delcared the winner. In this story, Prim, Katniss's twelve year old sister is the one chosen. Katniss volunteers to go in her place along with a boy from her community, Peeta. Their only trainer is the one former winner of the Hunger Games from their district, a drunk who can barely stand. It is every child for themselves as the Hunger Games begin.

I couldn't put this book down. I read the entire novel in one day's time. It is very engaging with a lot of action. It is definitely for more mature readers who can handle the violence and death. There are twists and turns along with surprises no one could guess! I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!

The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper

The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper is about Kate, a high school student who wins an essay contest about her favorite Shakespeare play and is invited to spend the summer in Italy studying Romeo and Juliet. Her friends in the United States are confident that Kate will fall in love over the summer, but prim and proper Kate is equally as sure of the opposite. Kate and her father end up staying at the mansion of the world's foremost expert on Shakespeare (much to her father's chagrin, for he fancies himself as the foremost expert). While there she meets many friends who have also been selected to participate in the summer seminar, including Silvia, a dark and brooding Italian beauty, and Giacomo, a playboy who is only interested in flirting. Silvia and her friends hatch a plan to get back at Giacomo for his flirtatious ways and force him and Kate to fall in love. Kate just happens to overhear the plan, and she and Giacomo create their own plan instead: to pretend that they've fallen in love and then expose the others' plot.

This was a fun read. I don't know too much about Shakespeare's other plays, but I enjoyed the references to A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V, and of course, Romeo and Juliet. All of the winners of the contest end up falling for someone unexpected and the story has a very happy ending!

Chess Rumble by G. Neri

Chess Rumble by G. Neri is about Marcus, a tough teen growing up in the inner city. His life is turned upside down when his sister dies of a heart attack. Suddenly, Marcus is extremely angry. He gets into fights all the time, at home and at school, picks on his younger twin brothers, and even threatens his own mother. His father eventually leaves the family, and Marcus feels alone. Things escalate at school, where Latrell, a long-time rival of Marcus's, picks on him and beats him up. One afternoon while playing basketball, Marcus stumbles upon some tough old guys playing chess in the park. One challenges him to a match. Not wanting to back down, Marcus tries, but loses badly to his opponent. CM, the chess master, helps Marcus realize that chess, like life, is all about knowing your moves in advance and anticipating the outcomes before doing anything. As Marcus becomes better and better at chess, things in his life start getting better - he even invites Latrell to play with him!

This was a quick read for me. I really enjoyed the story and how the author portrayed all of the characters. The character of Marcus seems so familiar to me. I also enjoyed the way the author used street vernacular. It makes the story seem believable. I think this would appeal to a wide audience.

The Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

The Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen is the sequel to Touching Spirit Bear. In Touching Spirit Bear Cole and Peter were sent to Alaska by the Native American leaders in their Circle as a way to heal and work through their inner demons. Cole was a violent bully who beat Peter badly enough to give him a head injury. Peter, after the beating, became suicidal and explosive. Eventually, they became friends on the island. In the sequel, Cole and Peter return from Alaska to use what they've learned in the real world. Both have a hard time adjusting. They are both plagued by bullies, anger issues, and a desire to return to the island, where life was easier. Eventually, they find something to work toward and put all of their positive energy to use.

I loved Touching Spirit Bear when I read it several years ago. I was excited to read the sequel, but was disappointed. I found it a little "preachy" and somewhat boring. I had a hard time investing in the ideas Peter and Cole had. Some of the ways the boys dealt with the bullies at their school seemed very unrealistic.

Premonitions by Jude Watson

Premonitions by Jude Watson is about Gracie, a teenage girl who is just realizing that she has visions about people's past and future. After her father ran out on her and her mother died in a car accident, Gracie finally ends up living with her Aunt Shay and Cousin Diego. Her only friend on the tiny island just off of the Washington coast is Emily. When Emily suddenly disappears just after Gracie had a vision about her, Gracie realizes that she needs to crawl out of the protective shell she's built around herself and do something. With the help of Diego, Gracie uncovers a bizarre scheme and finds Emily. Unfortunately, Gracie puts herself into danger and becomes captured by the same psycho who has Emily. She has to use everything she knows about her new powers to get herself, Emily, and the other kids she finds out alive, before it's too late.

This was an exciting book. It was fun learning about Gracie's powers of ESP right along with her. The mystery was really interesting to try to solve as well! There were enough twists and turns to throw me off, just like Gracie. This is the first book in the Premonitions Series. Book two is called Disappearance.

Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm

Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm is about Penny, an Italian American girl living in the United States during the 1950s, just after WWII. She is torn between her American family that she lives with (her mother, grandmother and grandfather) and her Italian family (her Nonny, uncles, aunts and cousins). Penny's father died when Penny was little and no one will give her a straight answer about how. Penny and her cousin, Frankie, get into all kinds of trouble together over the summer. Unfortunately, while searching for their grandfather's hidden treasure in Nonny's basement, Penny has a terrible accident that lands her in the hospital. This turn of events actually brings both halves of her family closer and brings Penny closer to the truth about her father.

This wasn't my favorite book. It was a little hard for me to get through. I found it a bit slow. I did enjoy the historical portions about the relationship between the Italians and Americans right after WWII, however. The author's note at the end was also very interesting, as this story was based on the author's family.

Alone on a Wide Wide Sea by Michael Morpurgo

Alone on a Wide Wide Sea by Michael Morpurgo is about six year old Arthur, a boy sent from England to live in Australia after he is orphaned during WWII. He is separated from his sister, Kitty, and only has a key to remember her by. As he grows older, Arthur eventually forgets what the key goes to, and begins to believe that he may have even made up his sister in his mind. He is sent to live and work under the harshest of conditions with numerous other orphans on a farm in Australia. Eventually, he and his friend Marty are able to escape and live through young adulthood with a women in the Australian bush, helping her save and release hurt and orphaned animals. Through twists and turns, Arthur ends up working at a boat company in New Zealand and discovers a love for the sea. He transfers this love to his daughter, and they hatch a plan to sail their own boat to England to find his long lost sister, Kitty and finally discover the true meaning behind the key that Arthur still wears around his neck.

I absolutely loved this book. The first part of the story is told through Arthur's eyes, as a sort of memoir. Although it is fiction, it is very easy to believe that Arthur truly exists and that the reader has the unique opportunity to see his life and story through his eyes. The second part of the story is told in a similar way through the eyes of his daughter, Allie. This details her journey to England and what she finds when she finally arrives. I laughed out loud at parts of this and cried along with Allie during a particularly heart wrenching experience at sea. This is one of my favorites!

The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages

The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages is about 10 year old Dewey, the daughter of a scientist working on a top secret project for the U.S. government during WWII. After her grandmother has a stroke and is put into a home, Dewey goes to live with her father at the "Hill," a place that is so secret that it technically doesn't even exist. Many scientists live there and work on the "gadget" this is supposed to stop the war once and for all. Included among the scientists are Robert Oppenheimer and Richard Feynman. None of the kids who live at the Hill know what the scientists are working on, just that their parents are at the lab more than they are at home and that whatever gadget they are creating is important to the government.

I really enjoyed this book. It was recommended to me by a student and I can't wait to visit with her about it! Anyone who knows about the history of WWII knows that these two scientists were involved with creating the first atomic bomb, which eventually was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan at the end of the war. This book was really interesting because as the reader, I knew more than the characters about what would happen with the "gadget" and the consequences of using it on Japan. The main characters, Dewey and Suze were just trying to get through their own daily struggles as girls growing up during the 1940s on a top secret military base. They had the same types of experiences as girls growing up now - bullies, new friendships, family problems, etc.

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare is about the relationships between two different couples. Hero is the daughter of the governer of Messina, Leonato. She falls for Claudio, the closest friend of Prince Don Pedro. The make plans to be married, but in a fit of jealousy, Don Pedro's brother, Don John hatches a plan to separate the happy couple. Meanwhile, Benedick, another friend of the prince, has decided to never love and never marry. Beatrice, Hero's cousin, has professed the same thing. Without their knowledge, their friends make plans to get the two together. By the end of the story they have fallen for one another and make plans to marry!

This was the final book I read for my daughter's book club. I have never read any of Shakespeare's other works, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I found this book to be a fun look at life, love, and relationships during the 1600s! There was so much plotting, treachery, and trickery, that I found myself excited to find out what would happen in the end!

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Crank by Ellen Hopkins is about 17 year old Kristina. One summer she goes to Albuquerque to visit the father she hasn't seen in years. While she is there she meets her first boyfriend who introduces her to crank. Kristina begins acting less like herself and more like her alter ego, Bree, as she spends more and more time high. When she returns home to Reno, her spiral downward becomes even worse and she eventually becomes pregnant. Kristina faces many issues as she makes decisions that impact her own life, the lives of her family members, and the life of the unborn child she carries.

This book is written through a series of poems, describing Kristina/Bree and her experience with crank, love, loss, and life. The author's note explains that the story is loosely based on the experiences of her own daughter. I enjoyed this book, although it is definitely for more mature readers.

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale, is a new twist on Rapunzel. After finding out that her "mother" actually kidnapped her from her true family and forced her real parents to work in the mines surrounding her palace, Rapunzel is locked in a "tower." The tower is actually a tree that Mother Gothel grew as a result of her growth magic. After four years, Rapunzel's hair is long enough that she can use it as a means for escape. Her only goal is to return to Mother Gothel's villa, rescue her mother from the mines, and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, Rapunzel's way is filled with thieves, rabid coyotes, devourers, and a host of unpleasant people! Rapunzel and her friend Jack work together to help everyone they can in order to make their way to freedom.

This graphic novel is excellent! It was hilarious and touching all at once. I truly enjoyed every moment I spent reading it! I am not usually the biggest fan of graphic novels, but I would highly recommend this one!

Revolution is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine

Revolution is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine is about Ling, a young girl growing up in Communist China during the 1970s. Ling's father is a "western" doctor and her mother is a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. General Li moves into a spare room in their apartment, and everything begins to change for Ling. Ling doesn't understand much about the Communist Party and its leader Mao, and all she is seeing is destruction and pain. Eventually, her father is forced to work as a janitor instead of a surgeon and her mother an emergency nurse on the over night shift. Their best friends, the Wongs, faced an even worse fate when Mr. Wong turns up missing, Mrs. Wong is sent to a work camp, and their son Niu, whom Ling has always regarded as brother is forced to denounce his family and become a member of the Red Guard. Eventually, Ling's father is arrested for being an "antirevolutionary," and Ling and her mother work to survive on their own with meager rations and little money.

This was an excellent book. I didn't know anything about China during Mao's rule, and I am now very interested in reading more about it. The author of this novel based many of the events on her own real experiences.

The Disappeared by Gloria Whelan

The Disappeared by Gloria Whelan is about Silvia and Eduardo, a brother and sister trying to survive the harsh rule of 1977 Argentinian Government. Eduardo is captured for protesting and writing letters against the government. Silvia becomes friendly with the son of the general who had her brother arrested, in hopes that he will help her with Eduardo's release. This plan backfires on her and Silvia ends up in the prison cell next to her brother. Only the help of the despised general's wife will see their family free.

Before reading this book I didn't know anything of the Desaparecidos of Argentina. The Desaparecidos are the children who disappeared during the 1970s, who were tortured and even killed for their political beliefs. This book is a work of historical fiction, incorporating many facts in with a fictional story. I am very interested in doing some further reading on Argentina during this time period. This book was told chapter by chapter by Silvia and Eduardo as they wrote "letters of the heart" to one another during their separate ordeals. It was an excellent novel.

Jumper by Steven Gould

Jumper by Steven Gould is about David, an 18 year old man who discovers that he has the ability to transport himself through space and time in an instant. The only catch is that he has to travel to a place where he's already been and he has to be able to visualize it. David runs away from his childhood home, where he was abandoned by his mother years ago, in an effort to get away from his abusive father. He works to come in contact with his mother, only to have her murdered by terrorists after only one visit together. Bent on revenge, David uses his secret power of teleportation to hunt down the terrorists responsible for his mother's death.

I decided to read this novel after seeing the movie. I didn't really enjoy the movie, but based on the plot of the movie, I assumed that this novel would be adolescent fiction. This book is NOT adolescent fiction. I would only recommend it to more mature readers because of some violent and graphic situations. I did enjoy the book far more than the movie - they were not much alike!

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong is the first book in the Darkest Powers series. Chloe, a fifteen year old girl who lives alone with her work-a-holic father and housekeeper after her mother died in a hit and run, sees dead people. She winds up in a group home for people suffering from mental illness after being chased by a burned custodian at school. While at the Lyle House, Chloe meets other teens with special powers, and learns to accept the fact that she's a necromancer, or a person who can summon and speak with the dead. She and her friends plan an escape, hoping to find other supernatural people, but everything goes wrong.

I loved this book! The whole "Sixth Sense" idea is so intriguing to me. It was interesting to read about it from a teenage girl's perspective. This book ends with a real cliff-hanger, so I know I'll be reading The Awakening when it comes out in May of 2009.

Castle Waiting by Linda Medley

Castle Waiting by Linda Medley is a fairy tale in graphic novel form. Linda Medley combines elements from many familiar fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty and Rumplestiltskin, along with other fun original ideas. The first part of the book is a newer version of Sleeping Beauty, explaining how the Castle Waiting got its beginning. The next part is about Jain, a young expecting mother on a journey. She winds up at Castle Waiting, a place where she finds sanctuary for herself and her baby. The rest of the novel is made up of the women at Castle Waiting and a unique convent sharing their own life stories.

I really enjoyed this book! My husband checked it out from the library and I started reading it after just paging through. I was so intrigued that I finished it in a day! I think this book will appeal to a wide audience!

Skin by Adrienne Maria Vrettos

Skin by Adrienne Maria Vrettos is about 9th grader, Donnie, and his family. Donnie's older sister, Karen is anorexic and is ripping the family apart. Donnie begins to "disappear" as Karen takes up more and more space in his family's worries. Donnie is unpopular at school, and eventually makes it his goal to get through each school day with absolutely no contact with other people. He is mostly able to accomplish this goal. The friends he had have left him out so that he is eating lunch by himself at the end of the teacher table in the cafeteria. Karen gets worse and worse and ends up in a hospital twice.

This is one of the saddest books I've ever read. It is absolutely heartbreaking. I really liked the way the author made the story about the brother and his experience with his sister suffering from an eating disorder. Parts of this book were painful to read, but I believe it shows a true account of what an eating disorder can do to a family. This one is for more mature readers - there is some swearing and some adult content.

A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce

A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce is about Charlotte and Rosie, orphaned by their parents during the industrial revolution. The girls inherited a wool mill from their father and desperately try to continue running it so that the town where they grew up doesn't die. The townspeople have long believed that the mill is cursed, and it seems as though that's true as strange bad luck continues to befall Charlotte and Rosie. One of their workers gets his finger cut off, the mill won't open its doors, and eventually all of their wool stock is ruined. In the nick of time, a stranger shows up and promises to fix everything... for a price. At first he only charges Charlotte her mother's ring. The next time it is the necklace her husband gave her. Finally, he asks for either the mill itself or her newborn baby! Charlotte knows she must break the curse immediately to save her son, the mill, and their town.

I loved this book. It is a take on the story of Rumplestiltskin. After reading the author's notes, I found that the information about millwork and life in a town such as Shearing were based on historical fact. The author used the website SurLaLune Fairy Tale Pages for the fairy tale elements in the story. It's a great site for any fairy tale lover!

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen is about Samantha Keyes, a 7th grader who secretly lives with her Grams in a senior citizen housing high rise. With nothing to do one day, Sammy peers through her window with binoculars only to witness a man stealing money out of a purse. Just as she realizes what she's seeing, the man looks up at her... Sammy waves! Throughout the rest of the story Sammy and her best friend Marissa start 7th grade, Sammy punches a bully in the nose and gets suspended on the first day of school, and both girls work together to solve the mystery of the hotel thief.

I really liked this book! I have several Sammy Keyes books in my library at school but I've never read any of them. I will probably be reading more in the series, now! I really like Sammy. Also, the author does an excellent job of drawing the reader in - making the reader feel like part of the action. All in all, a great mystery!

97 Orchard Street, New York by Linda Granfield

97 Orchard Street, New York by Linda Granfield is the story of a New York City tenement during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Linda Granfield traces the stories of four different families who lived at 97 Orchard Street during that time. Throughout each story she uses different facts and events to describe what life was like for early immigrants to the United States.

This book was really interesting. I don't know very much about what life was like for immigrants in New York in the 1800s and 1900s. Linda Granfield did an excellent job of telling real peoples' stories while filling in gaps with factual information.

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor is about twelve year old Addie. Her family has taken some "twists and turns" and now Addie lives alone with her mother in a dilapidated trailer under some railroad tracks, while her beloved step-father and her half-sisters live together some distance away. Addie's mother has a history of leaving the girls alone for days at a time, and continues to do so. Addie befriends an odd "couple" across the street from her trailer - Soula, who lives in the convenience store on the corner and is suffering the after affects of her battle with cancer, and Elliott, Soula's best friend and co-worker at the convenience store. Things begin to fall apart for Addie, despite how hard she tries to keep everything together.

I really enjoyed this book! Addie is such a sweet character - I felt for her throughout the entire story. She is strong and brave despite having lived a pretty difficult life.

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer is the fourth and final installment in the Twilight Series. It just came out today (12:01am). After purchasing the book at around 12:04am, I read until around 4:00am. Then, after waking at 8:30am, read off and on all day. I just finished all 754 pages at about 10:00pm. I don't want to give too much away for those of you who were as excited as I was for this one to come out. I will say that Bella makes her choice between Edward and Jacob, but a surprising twist makes everything OK. Does Bella become a vampire? Do the Volturi come after the Bella and the Cullens? Those questions are also answered, but I'm not telling!

As fast as I read this book, and as excited as I was for it to finally come out, it was hard for me to close the cover on this series. I think I might read all four books again soon, just so I don't have to feel like the world of Bella and Edward has come to a close. While I did enjoy all of the loose ends that were tied up in this final book, I will always love Twilight, the first book, the most out of all four.

Best Friends for Never by Lisi Harrison

Best Friends for Never by Lisi Harrison is the second book in the Clique Series. This book takes place immediately after The Clique ends. Claire and her family are still living in Massie's family's guest house. Massie and her friends are still unwilling to accept Claire into their friendship, but their resolve is waning. Massie wants to host a Halloween party at her house and convinces Claire that they need to pretend to be friends so their mother's will agree. During the party Claire meets Cam, a boy from the all boy's school in town. Unbeknownst to her, Massie also develops a crush on Cam! The big news at OCD, the all girls' school they attend is that they will have to begin wearing uniforms. This spawns a contest for the best school uniform that has all of the girls competing.

This was a good book. It was easy to jump right in to the story after having read The Clique first. Again, there are themes all teenage girls can relate to - cliques, mean girls, fitting in, etc.

The Clique by Lisi Harrison

The Clique by Lisi Harrison is about Massie, a 7th grader who attends the elite Octavian Country Day School. Her life revolves around shopping for and wearing the latest fashions, teen magazines, and her three BFF's, Dylan, Alicia, and Kristin. Her life is turned upside down when her father's old friend and his family move into their guest house while they look for a place of their own. Claire is also a 7th grader who now attends OCD, but she is completely out of place. She does not fit in with the rich and snobby girls who go to her school, much less the most popular one, Massie, despite how much their parents try to push them together. Massie and her pack are relentless in how mean they are to Claire, but in the end Claire finds some ways to get back at them.

This series is very popular with the girls at my school. I can understand why! The girls in this novel face the same types of issues as girls everywhere - crushes, cliques, mean girls, fitting in, grades, etc.

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti is about Helmuth, a young German boy growing up during WWII. Helmuth becomes increasingly troubled with the ways people are being treated by Hitler and the Nazi's, so he starts to do something about it. He uses a short wave radio his brother left behind when he went off to battle, to listen to the British broadcast of the war. This information completely differs from the information the German radio broadcast gives, which is the only radio broadcast that is legal. Helmuth begins creating leaflets with the new information and distributing them across the city of Hamburg, Germany, with the help of his two best friends, Rudy and Karl. Eventually they get caught by the Gestapo and endure hours of torture. Helmuth is sentenced to death after taking all of the blame, and Rudy and Karl each get prison sentences.

This was a very good book. It is historical fiction, in that the author created some of the thoughts, conversations, and internal dialogue for the characters, but it is based on a real person. Susan Campbell Bartoletti got much of her information for this book from interviewing Karl and Gerhard (Helmuth's older brother). The story is told in flashbacks, which makes it seem as though there are two different stories combining at the end.

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter is the second Gallagher Girls novel. It is second semester of sophomore year of spy school for Cameron, Liz, Macey and Bex. The girls overhear Cammie's mom, the headmistress of Gallagher Academy, talking about "Blackthorne" and instantly go into covert operations mode, trying to figure out what Blackthorne is and why no one is allowed in the East Wing of the mansion. It turns out that Gallagher Academy has opened its doors to a secret spy school for BOYS! Fifteen boys from Blackthorne Institute begin taking classes with the girls. Cammie and her suitemates believe something must be wrong, and spend most of the semester spying on their new classmates, trying to uncover some evil plot against Gallagher Academy.

I actually began reading this book before realizing it was the second in the series. I had read to chapter 5 when I figured out that I should have read I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You first. So, I read that one and returned to this one later! It was just as fun as the first. I liked that the story took place immediately after the first book ended - the same semester in high school. It didn't take any time to get right back into the story.

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter is about Cameron Morgan, a sophomore at the Gallagher Academy - a school for spies. Cameron meets her very first boyfriend while on a mission for one of her classes at the local carnival. Just to rule out Josh being a spy himself, Cameron and her suitemates decide to spy on him. This leads to some dumpster diving at his house and some recon missions where one of the girls ends up hanging from his roof! It also leads to Cameron dating Josh. She has to do this secretly, as it is against the rules to leave the school grounds and Cameron's mother just happens to be the headmistress of Gallagher. Everything comes to a crashing halt, however, when it comes time for the girls' final exam in their covert operations class. Unfortunately, Josh doesn't realize the truth and believes he needs to rescue Cameron!

I liked this book a lot. It was a really fun read. The author uses a lot of cute "side notes" to explain some of the spy lingo. I think this is a book all teenage girls will like. It's nice to see girls in a tough and smart role! This is one of the 2009-2010 Maud Hart Lovelace Nominees.

Green Angel by Alice Hoffman

Green Angel by Alice Hoffman is about Green, a 15 year old girl whose family was killed by a terrible fire that raged through the nearby town where they had gone to sell their vegetables. Green finds herself living alone, trying to survive her guilt over being the only survivor in her family, trying to fend off looters, and dealing with her grief at the loss of her sister.

I really liked this book. It was short and a quick read, but one that was extraordinarily through provoking. It reminded me a little bit of The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It was easy to understand the changes Green went through during her experiences after losing her family.

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen is about Ruby, a seventeen year old girl who lives alone with her mother. Ruby is left to fend for herself when her mother unexpectedly leaves and doesn't return. After months of living with no heat, water, and little money, child services places Ruby with her older sister, who Ruby and her mother hadn't heard from since she went off to college ten years prior. Cora is now married and lives in an enormous house. She and her husband take Ruby out of the huge public school she'd been attending and put her in a small private school. Everything changes for Ruby.

I really liked this book. Ruby changes so much from the beginning of the story where she is angry and isolated to the end of the story where she is starting to allow people in to her world. This is the third book I've read by Sarah Dessen, and I've liked them all!

A Sound Like Someone Trying Not to Make a Sound by John Irving

A Sound Like Someone Trying Not to Make a Sound by John Irving is a horror story about Tom and Tim, brothers who are awakened in the middle of the night by a strange sound. Their father assures them that it is just a mouse crawling around inside the walls. Tim, who is only two, doesn't know what a mouse is and continues to believe there is a monster in the walls long after Tom goes back to sleep.

I have read several of John Irving's novels written for adults, and really enjoyed them. This book was given to us as a gift, and our whole family enjoys it. The idea that poor Tim is lying in bed terrified of something he doesn't understand makes this book one of the scariest stories I've ever read!

Jungle Gym Jitters by Chuck Richards

Jungle Gym Jitters by Chuck Richards is about a boy named Jerry whose father creates a jungle gym in their backyard. George, Jerry's father, keeps building and adding until it is enormous, complete with roller coasters and zoo animals! Jerry is terrified of this monstrosity until he overcomes his fear in order to save his sister when the structure catches fire during their backyard celebration.

This was written and illustrated by my parents' neighbor in Ames, Iowa. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to see the illustrations before the book was ever published! The story is clever and the pictures are phenomenal. I find something new in every one each time I read the book!

The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman

The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman is about Lucy, the only one in her family that actually believes that there are wolves in the walls of her family's home. But, one night, the wolves come out of the walls, forcing her mother, father, brother and Lucy to sleep outside the house. The wolves eat the family's food, watch their tv and play their video games! Eventually, the family decides to move back into their house - in the walls! When they've had enough of living in the walls, they hatch a plan to drive the wolves out. It works, but soon Lucy realizes that something else (and much larger) is inhabiting their walls.

I bought this book for my son and husband to read together. My husband is a big fan of Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean (the illustrator), having read their graphic novels. We all enjoy this book. The illustrations are very cool, and the story is totally engaging, for all ages!

Poison by Chris Wooding

Poison by Chris Wooding is about a girl who named herself Poison as a teenager. She lives with her father, step-mother, and two year old sister in the Black Marshes. When her sister is stolen by the Phaerie Lord and replaced with a changling, Poison leaves the village she's always called home in an attempt to restore her family. Through a series of adventures, including nearly being eaten by the Bone Witch, escaping the spider lady, Asinastra, and outfoxing the Phaerie Lord in his attempt to trick her, Poison finds herself running out of time in her quest. All seems lost when she ends up at the Heirophant's Palace and realizes something about all of the worldly realms and her own humanity.

I really liked this book. It was a great fantasy adventure. I found myself easily relating to Poison. I read this book because of how much I loved The Storm Thief. Again, I am impressed with this author! I will be reading more books by Chris Wooding.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury was written in the 1950s about the future. Guy Montag is a fireman, but rather than put out fires, he sets them. Montag's job is to burn books and the homes where they are found. In this distopian society, the government's will is for everyone to be and stay happy all the time. In order for this to happen, all books have been deemed illegal - they wouldn't want anyone getting any ideas or thinking for themselves! Montag's life is turned upside down after meeting a strange girl, Clarisse, who talks with him about things no one else has ever mentioned. His life is further changed when he ends up burning a woman along with her books and home. Things escalate for Montag when his employers find out that he's been hiding and reading books.

I read this book as a part of a book club set up for my daughter's Honors English summer reading. I really enjoyed it. The discussions prompted by the ideas of censorship, technology, conformity and ignorance were really interesting. I read The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury when I was in high school, but I don't think I got as much out of it as the girls reading Fahrenheit 451.