The Book of Three

The Book of Three is by Lloyd Alexander. The first book in The Chronicles of Prydain series. Taran is an Assistant Pig-Keeper. He is in charge of Hen Wen, the only oracular pig. When she escapes, Taran goes after her and finds himself involved in the adventure of a life time. Taran must find Hen Wen and find a way to warn the Sons of Don that the Horned King is about to attack and the kingdom is threatened by evil.

Ratings: 5th grade - 9 out of 10.

Peter and the Sword of Mercy

Peter and the Sword of Mercy is by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson. The fourth book in the Peter and the Starcatchers series. More than twenty years have passed and now Molly is missing and her young daughter, Wendy, must find Peter and get him to come to London with her to find her mother and protect England and the starstuff from a resurrected Ombra and his evil henchman.

Ratings: 6th grade - 9 out of 10.

Peter and the Secret of Rundoon

Peter and the Secret of Rundoon is by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson. The third installment in the Peter and the Starcatchers series. Molly and Peter travel to Rundoon to keep the Others and Ombra from causing a starstuff fall and ending the world. Meanwhile back on the island, the evil Scorpion tribe has invaded and threaten the existence of the entire Mollusk tribe. Can the young Mollusk princess save her people?

Ratings: 6th grade - 8 out of 10.

Inheritance

Inheritance is by Christopher Paolini. The final book in The Inheritance Cycle. Eragon and Saphira and their allies engage in their final battle against the evil Galbatorix. What will be the fate of the resistance? Who will live and who will die? What happens to the alliance if they do win? Is victory ever as easy as it seems or does it merely create a different set of problems? Followers of this series will be sorry to see it end?

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence).

Great Poems

Great Poems is complied by Kate Miles. An absolutely wonderful selection of fantastic poetry old and new: traditional verse, children's poetry, and everything in between. The artwork in this book is also spectacular. A must have for all poetry lovers and those you would like to be.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10.

Summer's Bloodiest Days: The Battle of Gettysburg as Told from All Sides

Summer's Bloodiest Days: The Battle of Gettysburg as Told from All Sides is by Jennifer L. Weber. A fantastic look at the Battle of Gettysburg. This book contains magnificent art work and maps of the battle. It accurately provides information on all aspects of the battle and its aftermath from both sides. A great way to interest young readers in the Civil War.

Ratings: 6th grade - 9 out of 10.

A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings is by George R.R. Martin. The second book in the fabulous A Song of Ice and Fire series. This installment follows the trials of the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, Targaryens, and their banner men as they war for the throne of the Seven Kingdoms. Stannis and Renly Baratheon have both declared themselves the rightful king, while Joffrey Lannister sits on the Iron Throne. Robb Stark is King of the North and fights the Lannisters to avenge the murder of his father and rescue his sisters. Daenerys and her dragons roam the East seeking for a way to return to the Seven Kingdoms and claim the throne for herself. In addition to the main characters we also follow the struggles of Sansa, Arya, and Bran Stark and their father's former ward, Theon Greyjoy - and then there's Tyrion the Imp and his schemes. If you were sucked in by Game of Thrones you will LOVE this second book and hunger for more.

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - S (sexual references) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing

Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing is by Ann Angel. A young adult oriented biography of the famous Janis Joplin. It follows her life from her birth in Texas to her death by accidental drug overdose. It contains magnificent pictures and gives a balanced look at the original queen of rock and roll and era which shaped her life and the country.

Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content).

A Stolen Life: A Memoir

A Stolen Life: A Memoir is by Jaycee Dugard. Jaycee was kidnapped at age eleven and freed eighteen years later. This memoir is her story of survival and readjustment to life. She details the abuse, sexual and emotional, of her kidnappers, the birth of two daughters, and her life of loneliness and fear, as well as her struggle to adjust to freedom after eighteen years of captivity. This book is hard to read, but you come away hoping the very best for Dugard and her family.

Ratings: Adult - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - S (non-graphic sexual references).

Peter and the Shadow Thieves

Peter and the Shadow Thieves is by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. The second book in a series of books inventing new adventures for Peter Pan. In this sequel, Peter and Tinkerbell must find a way to get to London and warn Molly that a group of men and an evil being known as a Shadow Thief, are coming to steal the starstuff her father brought home from Mollusk Island. An adventure story both boys and girls will enjoy.

Ratings: 6th grade - 8 out of 10.

Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae

Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae is by Steven Pressfield. A truly magnificent fictionalized, though meticulously researched, account of the battle which arguably saved western civilization as we know it. This book is a recounting of the Spartan life and the famous battle told by a gravely injured Spartan squire removed from the field by the Persians and commanded to detail for Xerxes everything he knows of Spartan life, culture, and the epic sacrifice of King Leonidas and his 300. MAGNIFICENT! This book is a Reader's Corner Highly Recommended book. Yes, there is profanity and violence, but this book is also a story of courage, honor, and sacrifice that today's society sorely needs to hear.

Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

Marie Curie and Her Daughters: The Private Lives of Science's First Family

Marie Curie and Her Daughters: The Private Lives of Science's First Family is by Shelley Emling. This amazing biography picks up after the death of Pierre Curie and follows the life of Marie and her daughters, Irene and Eve, through two trips to America, WWII, and the end of their lives. The story is well told and covers matieral most readers may not be familiar with. A book that should encourage girls that a career in science is not only possible, but desirable.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.

Bel Canto

Bel Canto is by Ann Patchett. This is the story of an unlikely group of people who come together to celebrate the birthday of a Japanese industrialist in the home of the Vice President of an unnamed South American country. After the dinner, a famous opera singer gives a performance. Then the group finds themselves taken hostage by a local guerrilla group. This intense character study unfolds over the next four months as the captors and hostages begin to bond. The ending is surprising and somewhat strains belief.

Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is by Stieg Larsson. The first book in The Millennium Trilogy. Disgraced Swedish journalist Mikael Blomkvist is hired by an aging titan of industry to solve the mystery of his favorite relative's disappearance forty years ago. Mikael and a tattooed computer hacker named Lizbeth Salander, who has problems of her own, embark on an investigation that takes them places they never imagined. Their investigation unearths a story of decades of abuse and murder that may well cost them both their lives. This is an excellent murder mystery, but it is filled with profanity, violence, and very mature thematic content. This book is not recommended for readers under eighteen.

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Nightmarys

The Nightmarys is by Dan Poblocki. Timothy and Abigail are having nightmares that seem very very real. When they team up for a school project they realize their nightmares may be related to a curse. The curse stems from a strange artifact that is stolen from the museum the day their school science class goes there on a field trip. The two friends realize that if they don't solve this mystery they, and others, they care about will die. What will they have to do to make "the nightmarys" go away?

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence).

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is by Rebecca Skloot. In the 1950s, without her knowledge or permission, doctors took cells from Henrietta's cervical cancer tumor and discovered the cells were immortal when cultured. Henrietta's cells, known to scientists as HeLa, have been instrumental in innumerable scientific discoveries over the decades. Rebecca Skloot decided to write a book about Henrietta and her cells and discovered a story very different from the one she intended to write. This book reads more like a novel than a scientific treatise. It is totally understandable and brings into focus both the scientific and ethical issues surrounding HeLa and the effect her cells had on science and the family she left behind. A magnificent book, well worth the read!

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

Blood Wolf

Blood Wolf is by Steve Feasey. The third installment of the Wereling series. Lucien and Alexa are trying to track down the Necrotroph who has invaded their organization with the help of the recently possessed Phillippa Tipsbury. Trey travels to Canada to meet his uncle and learn more about his family. What he learns might very well destroy him. This book sets the stage for the next installment very well. A series boys will thoroughly enjoy.

Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence).

The Alchemyst

The Alchemyst is by Michael Scott. The first book in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. The legendary alchemist, Nicholas Flamel and his wife Perenelle have been alive for centuries. They have been protecting the book of Abraham the Mage from Dr. John Dee and other Dark Eternals. When Dee tries to take the book from the Flamel's at their San Francisco book store two teenagers come to their aid and find themselves caught up in an ancient prophecy in which they will either save the world or destroy it. A series both boys and girls will enjoy.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.

Devil's Kiss

Devil's Kiss is by Sarwat Chadda. Billi is the youngest, and only female, member of the Knight's Templar. She has grown up being trained to fight evil instead of going to school or on dates. When her childhood friend Kay returns from Jerusalem as an Oracle she doesn't know what to do because she's just met Michael a darkly handsome stranger. Then children begin to die and Billi discovers Michael is really the Angel of Death and she and the rest of the Templars must find a way to defeat him or they, and all the firstborn in London, will die.

Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

Paranormalcy

Paranormalcy is by Kiersten White. Evie hunts and tags paranormals for the International Paranormal Containment Agency (IPCA). She wants nothing more than to be a normal teenager, but she's the only person in the world who can see through paranormal glamours. When Lend, a type of paranormal she's never seen before, breaks into the IPCA Evie finds herself drawn to him. Then paranormals start dying and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and dangerous prophecies. Will she escape her frightening destiny and be able to remain with Lend, or will she kill him and all the other paranormals with him?

Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10 - MP (profanity) - V (violence).

Silver Linings Playbook

Silver Linings Playbook is by Matthew Quick. Pat is a man who believes his life is a movie that plays in his head, that if he becomes physically fit and learns to be "nice" instead of "right" God will return his estranged wife and they will live happily ever after. Pat has spent time in a mental health facility - DUH! After Pat is released to come live with his parents he tries to continue his mission to win back Nikki and repair his relationships with his family. Then a friend introduces him to Tiffany, who also has issues, and the fun begins. This is a delightful novel, poignant and entertaining at the same time. Pats obsessions with Nikki, physical fitness, and the Philadelphia Eagles add charm to this story.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content).

Gone Girl

Gone Girl is by Gillian Flynn. Nick and his wife are both former New York journalists who have lost their jobs. They have moved to Nick's hometown in Missouri to be closer to his dying parents. He uses the last of his wife's trust fund to buy a bar that he runs with his sister. On the morning of their 5th wedding anniversary, Nick discovers his wife, Amy, is missing. As the investigation continues the police become convinced Nick murdered his wife, but did he? Is Amy dead or did she frame her husband for her murder? I must admit I did not like this novel. There was not one likable character in the entire book. I didn't like Nick, Amy, Nick's parents, Amy's parents, Nick's mistress, the press, the police, the attorney, or any of Amy's dupes. The book is loaded with evil sociopaths, people with serious mental and emotional issues, and the J.P.S. (just plain stupid). Almost everyone I know loves this book, except for me - so those of you who know me take that for what you will.

Ratings: Adult - 2 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).

Eternal

Eternal is by Cynthia Leitch Smith. The second book in the Tantalize series. Zachary is a guardian angel and he is sent to watch over Miranda. When she is attacked and turned by a vampire lord, Zachary is stripped of his powers and sentenced to live in the mortal realm. His only hope of regaining his former position is to save the Miranda's soul, but do vampires even have souls. A strange, yet touching tale. If you enjoyed Tantalize you will enjoy this sequel as well.

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Kneebone Boy

The Kneebone Boy is by Ellen Potter. Three children travel to stay with a relative while their father goes on an out of town trip. They arrive to discover their aunt living in a small folly next to a haunted castle. A charming tale of love, courage, and facing the hard realities of life - and did I mention there's a ghost?

Ratings: 6th grade - 8 out of 10.

The Indigo King

The Indigo King is by James A. Owen. The third book in The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica. John and Jack are mystified when they discover an ancient manuscript with a warning to them from their friend Hugo, who isn't a caretaker. As they try to discover the meaning of the warning, Hugo accidentally travels back in time and changes the future. Now Jack, John, and their friends must travel through time themselves to correct his mistake. Followers of this series will love this third installment.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

Hex Hall

Hex Hall is by Rachel Hawkins. The first book in the new Hex Hall series. Sophie is a witch. When a prom night spell goes wrong she is sentenced to Hex Hall, a reform school for witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. Once there she discovers her roommate is a vampire who has been accused of killing her former roommate. In her desire to defend Jenna she begins to discover that all is not well at Hex Hall. A charming new series girls will totally enjoy.

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

The Curse of the Wendigo

The Curse of the Wendigo is by Rick Yancey. The second book in The Monstrumologist series. Dr. Warthrop receives a plea from an old friend to seek her husband who has gone missing in the Canadian wilderness seeking a mysterious creature that feeds on human flesh. Even though the Dr. does not believe in the creature's existence, he and Will Henry head north to rescue his old friend and discover a terrifying truth.

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

World Without End

World Without End is by Ken Follett. The even longer sequel to The Pillars of the Earth. Follett's epic continues several hundred years after the first book and follows the lives of the inhabitants of Kingsbridge. Four children: Caris, Ralph, Merthyn, and Gwenda head into the forest to shoot a bow and arrow and discover a wounded knight with a secret. The book follows the lives of the four and their families as they are changed forever by the event in ways they could never have imagined. They battle for survival against the harsh life of their times, including the Black Plague and intense political intrigue. If you enjoyed The Pillars of the Earth you will love this one as well.

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence) - S (sexual content).

The Pillars of the Earth

The Pillars of the Earth is by Ken Follett. A sweeping epic of life in the Middle Ages. The book follows the stories of a host of individuals and their lives over a period of years. Tom Builder is a master builder who has always wanted to build a cathedral, but someone must hire him. Prior Phillip has been elected prior of a declining monastery and involved in church politics he never anticipated. Then there are the plotting Hamleigh's and the beautiful Aliena whose father the Hamleigh's arrest for treason against the king. This novel gives you an in depth look at life in 12th century England, which was brutal at best. The characters feel real and are well done. You love them and hate them, but their human strengths and weaknesses paint a vivid picture of all human beings. While the violence of the time period is disturbing it is factual, Follett does tend to add more sexuality than is absolutely necessary.

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence) - S (sexual content).

I Am a SEAL Team Six Warrior: Memoirs of an American Soldier

I Am a SEAL Team Six Warrior: Memoirs of an American Soldier is by Howard E. Wasdin and Stephen Templin. A young adult version of the best selling SEAL Team Six by the same author. A gem for boys. This powerful memoir follows Wasdin's military career from beginning through his becoming an elite member of the famous SEAL Team Six, through sniper training, to the battle of Mogadishu where he was wounded. This book will make you want to read the adult version as well. It is powerful, well-written, and illustrates the honor and bravery of those who serve, or have served, our country. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended read.

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence).

Epitaph Road

Epitaph Road is by David Patneaude. The year is 2097, a plague called Elisha's Bear swept the world thirty years ago and wiped out almost every male on the planet. Now women are in charge and the remaining men are "controlled" to prevent poverty, crime, war, and hunger from sweeping the planet again. Kellen is fourteen and ready to find his place in an society ruled be women. When he stumbles on a threatened new outbreak of Elisha's Bear he and his two friends take off for Afterlight - a small rural community of renegade men who live outside of society - to warn his father. As he struggles to save his dad, he and his friends discover a secret that will change their lives and the future of the world forever. A chilling tale of dystopian fiction. Both boy and girls will enjoy this one.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10 - V (violence).

Dead is Just a Rumor

Dead is Just a Rumor is by Marlene Perez. The third book in the Dead Is series. As Nightshade prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary paranormals begin to receive blackmail letters. Daisy is determined to discover who is blackmailing her friends. But in typical Giordano fashion she also has to deal with her overprotective dad who doesn't seem to like her boyfriend, her job at Slim's, preparing for the anniversary celebration, her cooking lessons with a famous chef, and a new school counselor who she finds totally creepy - even for Nightshade. Fans of this series will enjoy this installment every bit as much as the other three.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.

Lyric Poems

Lyric Poems is by John Keats. One of England's most talented poets, this small volume is a magnificent collection of Keat's work. A great way to introduce those new to poetry to this wonderful poet.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Photographic Story of a Life

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Photographic Story of a Life is by Amy Pastan. Another in the amazing DK Biography series. The text is easy to read and the pictures are magnificent. A fantastic introduction to nonfiction for younger readers.


Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.

Thomas Edison: A Photographic Story of a Life

Thomas Edison: A Photographic Story of a Life is by Jay Adkins. Another in the amazing DK Biography series. The text is easy to read and the pictures are magnificent. A fantastic introduction to nonfiction for younger readers.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

You Suck

You Suck is by Christopher Moore. The second book in the Bloodsucking Fiends series. Thomas Flood wakes up after a night with the amazing Jody to find himself a vampire. Jody has changed him so they can be together. Now the two lovers must find a minion to assist them during the day. They also find themselves chased by the ancient vampire who turned Jody, a group of vampire slayers who work the night shift at Safeway, and a blue hooker. Can love conquer all this? Moore's books are irreverent and hilarious.

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - S (non graphic sexual content) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Things They Carried

The Things They Carried is by Tim O'Brien. An amazing series of fictionalized short stories that follow O'Brien's Alpha Company during and after the Vietnam War. O'Brien makes the Vietnam Era come alive for readers. He provides a powerful glimpse into the lives of Vietnam veterans and the pain many still deal with today. It has been said that war is hell and Tim O'Brien brings this home as few authors can. A powerful read.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Vampire Stalker

The Vampire Stalker is by Allison Van Diepen. Amy and her friends are addicted to the Otherworld books. She is especially enthralled with Alexander, the Vampire Hunter and star of the series. One night she is walking home and is attacked by a vampire and is saved by a boy who looks exactly like Alexander. Is it possible for characters from a book to enter our dimension? If this boy really is Alexander does that mean the evil vampire Vigo is now stalking our world as well? A cute teenage love story that Twilight fans will enjoy.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.

The Witches of Worm

The Witches of Worm is by Zilpha Keatley Snyder. Jessica's mom is never home and her former best friend Brandon has moved on to other friends. When Jessica rescues a cat she calls Worm she begins to hear voices and do terrible things. Is Worm a witches' cat? Is Jessica responsible for her own actions or is Worm "making her do it"?

Ratings: 5th grade - 7 out of 10.

Secrets of My Suburban Life

Secrets of My Suburban Life is by Lauren Baratz-Logsted. When Ren's mother dies and her father moves from New York City to the suburbs of Connecticut she believes her life is over. She must say goodbye to the lifestyle she has always known and her old friends. As she struggles to fit in at her new school she accidentally picks up the wrong binder and discovers that a classmate is having an online relationship with an older man. Ren takes it upon herself to save Farrin and catch the pervert in the act. Then she finds out who he is.... A story of the dangers of online chat rooms for teens that is also comedic and surprising. Girls will enjoy this book.

Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy & Anguish

Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy & Anguish is by Mark Levin. The true story of a dog's influence on the family who adopts him. Nationally syndicated talk show host Mark Levin relates the story of a dog his family rescues and the way Sprite changed his family for the better. Dog lovers everywhere can relate to the joy and immense sorrow of this tale.

Ratings: 8th grade - 10 out of 10.

Blacklisted

Blacklisted is by Gena Showalter. The second book in the Alien Huntress series. Naive Camille is enchanted with bad boy Erik. What she doesn't know is that Erik is being sought by A.I.R. for selling the drug Onadyn. When she follows him to a club she finds herself on the run from A.I.R. herself. Is Erik really selling drugs to humans or is there another reason for his behavior? Camille must decide who to trust and what she is willing to risk for love.

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content) - S (non graphic sexual content).

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is by George R. R. Martin. The first book in the new A Song of Ice and Fire series. A massive work of fantasy centering on the power struggle between families to rule a kingdom. When Robert Baratheon, the current king, dies, his second in command Eddard Stark finds himself in a battle of wills and palace intrigue led by Queen Cersei, of House Lannister. Cersei hides a secret that could cost her son the throne and must destroy anyone who knows. While the "game of thrones" tears the kingdom apart other dangers approach from elsewhere. Sinister forces are gathering beyond the northern wall and the last living survivor of House Targaryen, the ousted ruling family, gathers her own army to reclaim her father's throne. There are a great many characters and a tangled web of relationships to wade through, but the resulting epic is well worth the effort. There is enough adventure, magic, plotting, intrigue, betrayal, murder, and battle to satisfy any lover of fantasy. A truly epic work.

Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content) - S (non graphic sexual content).

The Son of Neptune

The Son of Neptune is by Rick Riordan. The second installment in the Heroes of Olympus series. Percy Jackson wakes up minus his memory. He finds himself drawn to Camp Jupiter where he and two new friends are chosen to go on a quest to Alaska. Frank is a child of Mars and Hazel is a child of Pluto. The three young demigods must free Thanatos who has been captured by a giant son of Gaea, who is plotting to release monsters on the world to destroy humans, gods, and demigods alike. Fans of this series will enjoy this book and wait eagerly for the next book in the series.

Ratings: 6th grade - 6 out of 10.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is by Jamie Ford. This story moves between two time periods, Seattle of 1945 and Seattle of 1986. Henry is a young Chinese boy who has a scholarship to an American school. There he meets Keiko, another scholarship student, who happens to be Japanese. As their friendship blossoms into something more, Henry finds himself struggling against his father's prejudice against anything Japanese. When Keiko and her family are removed to an internment camp their relationship would appear to be at an end. Forty years later the possessions left behind by Japanese families are found in a local hotel by the new owner and Henry, whose wife has recently died and who is struggling with his relationship with his own son, is drawn to seek for a special reminder of his relationship with Keiko which has haunted him for forty years. A charming tale of love lost and found, the effects of prejudice, and father's relationships with their sons set against the background and turmoil of WWII. This story reminds me of Snow Falling on Cedars, but this is an easier read, if not as poignant.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content).

Ronald Reagan: A Photographic Story of a Life

Ronald Reagan: A Photographic Story of a Life is by Michael Burgan. A wonderful introduction to biographies. The photographs are amazing and the text is easy to read and informative. A great way to introduce young readers to nonfiction.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

Wicked Business

Wicked Business is by Janet Evanovich. The second book in the Lizzie and Diesel series finds our less than dynamic duo looking for another SALIGIA stone. This stone supposedly controls lust. Their old nemesis, Wulf, and his medieval-loving sidekick are trying to beat them to the stone. They also find themselves up against a new enemy who calls herself Anarchy. This book was not as charming as the first one. Fans of Stephanie Plumb may enjoy reading more about Diesel and his not-so-beloved pet monkey. They may also find this series not as engaging as the Plum novels.

Ratings: 10 grade - 6 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content).

The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog

The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog is by Elizabeth Peters. The seventh installment in the Amelia Peabody series. Amelia and Emerson head back to Egypt without Ramses or Nefret who are staying with Walter and Evelyn. Amelia is looking forward to spending some time alone with her beloved husband; then Emerson is kidnapped. Amelia and Abdullah rescue him but Emerson has lost his memory and no longer remembers the last thirteen years - which include his meeting and marriage to Amelia. Deeply distressed, but determined, Amelia sets out to help restore Emerson's memory and keep him safe the kidnapper who is still at large. Another great book in this charming mystery series.

Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence).

The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary

The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary is by Simon Winchester. The fascinating tale of James Murray, who led the committee to create the Oxford English Dictionary and the American doctor who assists him. The catch, Dr. W.C. Minor is an inmate in an English insane asylum and is criminally insane and a murderer. This book proves that often truth is stranger than fiction. The story behind the English language's most amazing dictionary is delightful as well.

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

Destined

Destined is by P.C. & Kristin Cast. The ninth book in the fabulous House of Night series. Zoey and friends are back in Tulsa. The Vampire High Council has commanded Neferet to allow them back into the school. Neferet has her own plans though, she and Aurox (the new servant given to her by the White Bull) set about sowing chaos amongst the different groups at the school. Can Zoey and her friends convince the High Council that Rephaim is good and Neferet is evil before she destroys the House of Night? Lovers of this series will not be disappointed.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content) - V (violence).

Fire

Fire is by Kristin Cashore. This book is a companion book to Cashore's popular Graceling. Set in another part of the Seven Kingdoms at a different time, this book is the story of Fire. Fire is a "monster"; she can read and control the minds of others. When she is asked to leave her secluded home in the north and travel to King City to help keep King Nash on the throne she risks her life and her future. This book is set in a time before Graceling, but there is an important attachment to the first book that readers will catch right away. This is a powerful story of the battle between good and evil which is never as black and white as it may seem.

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).

Ghost Story

Ghost Story is by Jim Butcher. The fourteenth book in the Dresden Files series picks up after Harry has been shot. Harry can't just "go quietly into that good night", not Harry. His ghost is back and he is told he must find his killer or three of his friends are going to die. The problem is that he is a ghost! How is he supposed to communicate with anyone? Does a little thing like being dead stop Harry Dresden - absolutely not! Fans of this series will not be disappointed by this installment.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).

The Throne of Fire

The Throne of Fire is by Rick Riordan. The second book in The Kane Chronicles. Carter and Sadie must travel the world to find the three hidden parts of the Book of Ra so they can travel into the Duat and awake the sleeping god. If they succeed they hope to keep Apophis, the god of chaos, from rising and destroying the world. They must outwit the servants of chaos, the magicians of the House of Light who believe the path of the gods is evil, and the Egyptian gods themselves who aren't exactly excited to have Ra return. If you are a fan of Riordan's books, you will enjoy this one as well.

Ratings: 6th grade - 6 out of 10.

The Lost World

The Lost World is by Michael Crichton. The sequel to Jurassic Park finds Ian Malcolm and his scientist friend Levine studying extinction theory. They decide to search for InGen's Site B so they can mount an expedition to study dinosaur behavior to prove their theories - some people never learn! When Levine goes missing after flying to Isla Sorna, Malcolm leads a team to rescue him, and everything goes downhill from there. If you like Crichton you will love this book as well, it's full of enough scientific jargon and theory to keep the scientifically inclined reading and enough blood, dinosaurs, and action for the rest of us.

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence).

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making is by Catherynne M. Valente. The first book in a new series young girls are sure to love. A charming tale of a young girl who finds herself whisked away to Fairyland where she must defeat an evil Marquess and restore order. She is helped along by a memorable cast of imaginary characters.

Ratings: 5th grade - 8 out of 10.

Sarah's Key

Sarah's Key is by Tatiana De Rosnay. Sarah was a 10-year-old Jewish girl caught up in the round up of French Jews in 1942. Before she and her family were taken she locked her younger brother in a secret cubicle in their apartment thinking she would be able to come back and let him out. Julia is an American-born journalist married to a Frenchman. Her editor assigns her to write about the Jewish round up as the 60th anniversary approaches. As she writes the story and deals with the personal conflict in her marriage, Julia discovers the secret her husband's family has kept since WWII.

Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Big Over Easy

The Big Over Easy is by Jasper Fforde. The first novel in Fforde's Nursery Crime series. Fforde takes his quirky brand of farcical humor from great literature to nursery characters and the result is a rollicking good time for all. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall - or did he? Detective Jack Spratt head of the Nursery Crime Division discovers that even though "Hump" was drunk, he didn't fall off the wall, he was shot. This leads Spratt and his new assistant Mary Mary on a romp through Reading to find the killer. Be careful where you read this book as you will be laughing out loud!

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Death Cure

The Death Cure is by James Dashner. The conclusion to The Maze Runner series. Thomas has made it through the Maze, the Scorch, and is now "safe" at WICKED. He knows they can't be trusted, but they tell him the time for lies is over and now he will find out everything. He is told he must undergo one final test to complete the research and find a cure for the Flare, but what are they not telling him? Thomas and his friends embark on their final adventure to bring down WICKED once and for all, but at what cost for Thomas, his friends, and for all mankind?

Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

Leven Thumps and the Eyes of the Want

Leven Thumps and the Eyes of the Want is by Obert Skye. The third book in the Leven Thumps series. Leven, Geth, and Winter are chasing the whispered secret before it reveals itself to the wrong people. During the chase they are separated. Geth and Winter fall into the clutches of the evil Azure, and Leven travels to the island of Lith to meet with the mysterious Want. Before the three friends are reunited secrets are revealed, war is begun, a new gateway is found, and Foo is in more danger than ever. Another charming installment in this series.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.

Roanoke: The Mystery of the Lost Colony

Roanoke: The Mystery of the Lost Colony is by Lee Miller. A beautifully written account of the lost colony and what might have happened to the colonists who disappeared there. The research is impeccable and the pictures are both historical and lovely. A great introduction to early American history using one of the strangest and most baffling mysteries of the time.

Ratings: 6th grade - 10 out of 10.

Vicious: A Wicked History of Vlad the Impaler

Vicious: A Wicked History of Vlad the Impaler is by Enid A. Goldberg & Norman Itzkowitz. A charming and factual nonfiction tale of the original Count Dracula. A great way to introduce young readers to nonfiction and history. The pictures are magnificent and the text is very readable.


Ratings: 5th grade - 8 out of 10.

Barbaric: A Wicked History of Attila the Hun

Barbaric: A Wicked History of Attila the Hun is by Sean Stewart Price. A charming and factual nonfiction tale of the famous barbarian who swept across Europe at the beginning of the Middle Ages. A great way to introduce young readers to nonfiction and history. The pictures and magnificent and the text is very readable.

Ratings: 5th grade - 8 out of 10.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is by J.K. Rowling. The final book in the Harry Potter series. Harry and his friends continue their search for Horcruxes. As they begin to destroy them one by one, they also discover the secret of the Deathly Hallows. This is the best book of the series. The ending is both triumphant and sad at the same time; as there is no victory without some loss.

Ratings: 8th grade - 7 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - V (violence).

Selected Poems: William Carlos Williams

Selected Poems: William Carlos Williams is by William Carlos Williams. A fantastic and thorough collection of this magnificent poet's works. A great introduction to Williams' poetry for those new to his work and a marvelous read for fans.

Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity).

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma is by Trenton Lee Stewart. The third book in the Mysterious Benedict Society series. An unexplained blackout occurs in Stonetown and the Whisperer is stolen. The four child find themselves embroiled in a final adventure to save everyone from Mr. Curtain and his evil minions. A very enjoyable book in an equally enjoyable series.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.

Moby Dick

Moby Dick is by Herman Melville. The must read classic tale of obsession and whaling. The narrator, "call me Ishmael", signs aboard the whaling ship, the Pequod, captained by the one-legged captain named (prophetically enough) Ahab. Ahab isn't just on a simple whaling venture, he is in search of the whale who took his leg; a great white "devil" known as Moby Dick. Ahab is willing to risk his ship, his crew, and even his own life to follow his obsession. This book is 10th grade level due to archaic vocabulary used in the text. Everyone should read this book before they die. We learn much about whaling, life at sea, and human frailty.

Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10 - V (violence).

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception is by Maggie Stiefvater. The first book in The Gathering of Faerie series. Deirdre is a sixteen-year-old who is an extremely gifted musician. She can also see faeries. What she doesn't know is that she has been marked for death by the faerie queen and that the new hottie in her life, Luke, is the one sent to kill her. As their relationship deepens, Luke realizes he loves Deirdre and attempts to protect her from other assassins. Can they survive the wrath of the queen? Will they be able to stay together if they survive? A charming story by the author of the Wolves of Mercy Falls series.

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity).

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie

Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie is by Jordan Sonnenblick. Steven is in middle school, he plays drums in the All City Jazz Band, and has a crush on the hottest girl in school. Then his little brother Jeffrey is diagnosed with cancer and Steven's whole world is turned upside down. A heart warming, and surprisingly humorous story, of the turmoil cancer can cause and the bravery and sacrifice it requires of everyone it touches. A wonderful story.

Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10.

Leaves of Grass

Leaves of Grass is by Walt Whitman. A classic collection of poetry by arguably the most famous American poet. Whitman's poetry is free verse and some selections are a bit tedious to read, but his style is totally American and well worth reading.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content).

The Face of War

The Face of War is by Martha Gellhorn. The famous war correspondent collects a selection of her articles that range from the Spanish War of the 1930s to the wars in Central America in the 1980s. It is interesting to see her hawkish attitude towards Hitler and the Axis powers during WWII become increasingly more anti-war as time goes on. A fascinating look at the causes and consequences of war.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

A Clockwork Orange

A Clockwork Orange is by Anthony Burgess. The must read creepy classic tale of a vicious fifteen-year-old criminal. When Alex and his group of followers kill an elderly woman, he is sentenced to prison. Once there he agrees to undergo a new experimental treatment to "cure" criminals forever - but at what cost? The book is written in unconventional slang that at times makes reading a bit slow. It is however, a frightening look at a possible future. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended book. An amazing work of dystopian science fiction.

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus

Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus is by Mary W. Shelley. The classic horror story of a man who decides to use his scientific skills to play God, and ends up creating a monster. Along with Dracula, this is arguably the most famous example of horror fiction. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended book.

Ratings: 8th grade - 10 out of 10 - V (violence).

Paper Trails: True Stories of Confusion, Mindless Violence, and Forbidden Desires, a Surprising Number of Which Are Not About Marriage

Paper Trails: True Stories of Confusion, Mindless Violence, and Forbidden Desires, a Surprising Number of Which Are Not About Marriage is by Peter Dexter. Dexter has been a columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News and the Sacramento Bee. He has also contributed to Esquire and Sports Illustrated. This collection of some of his finest columns will make you laugh, cry, and think. A stunning collection of Dexter's work that will charm even the most jaded reader. A great way to encourage interest in non-fiction and editorial writing. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content).

Dracula

Dracula is by Bram Stoker. This classic horror story is the basis for almost all vampire mythology. It is a truly iconic masterpiece of fiction and a must read for all "well-read" individuals. It is the story of Count Dracula and his journey from Transylvania to London and back. His encounters with Jonathan Harker, Dr. Seward, Lucy Westenra, Mina Harker, and of course, Dr. Van Helsing, become his undoing. It is the classics tale of good vs. evil and the lengths the human spirit will go to to save those they love.

Ratings: 8th grade - 10 out of 10 - V (violence).

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America is by Erik Larson. A stunning non-fiction account of the building of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the mass murderer who killed those who visited it. Larson did a phenomenal job researching this work and it reads like a novel. The miracle of the Fair's construction and the horror of the murderer named Holmes are equally well related. This work will remind readers of Capote's In Cold Blood. A wonderful and enjoyable read.

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (mild profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

Savage Run

Savage Run is by C.J. Box. The second novel in the Joe Pickett series. Joe Pickett is a game warden in Wyoming. Joe is called to the scene of an exploding cow, yep, you heard that right. The explosion killed a famous environmental activist and his new wife. As other environmental supporters begin to die, Joe finds himself in the middle of a war between a secret group of ranchers and militant environmentalists. Box addresses both sides of the debate with fairness and understanding. You will want to vacation in Wyoming. An excellent sequel; you won't want to wait for Joe's next adventure.

Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Souls of Black Folks

The Souls of Black Folks is by W.E.B. du Bois. A fantastic and thoughtful selection of essays on the moral and intellectual issues surrounding African Americans in American society. Although they were written in 1903 these essays still have something to say to readers today. While much has changed since they were written, are race relations what they should be? These essays address the past, present, and the future.

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.

Wildwood Dancing

Wildwood Dancing is by Juliet Marillier. The first book in the Wildwood series. A magnificent fairy tale based on the Twelve Dancing Princesses. Set in the woods of Transylvania five daughters live in a castle with their merchant father. The five girls alone can pass from their world to the world of the fey every full moon for a night of dancing and fun. When their father becomes ill and leaves for the sea shore to recover, their cousin Cezar begins to take over their lives. Cezar wants to find the portal and destroy the denizens of the Other Kingdom. It is up to Jena and her unusual frog to save the Other Kingdom from Cezar and her sister from the Night People. A wonderful tale of love, trust, and forgiveness.

Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (some violence).

Geat Expectations

Great Expectations is by Charles Dickens. Miss Dayna's All-Time-Favorite Book! A must read classic. Pip is an orphan living with his nasty sister and her ignorant, but gentle, husband the blacksmith, Joe. When Pip suddenly comes into "great expectations" through the assistance of an anonymous benefactor he must leave for London to pursue his fortune. Pip believes his benefactor to be the crazy Miss Havisham and is thrilled since he loves her lovely, but distant, adopted daughter Estelle. When he discovers the identity of his mysterious friend his whole life changes again. A magnificent tale of crime, revenge, reward, and what really matters most in life. A Reader's Corner Must Read!

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content).

A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities is by Charles Dickens. A Must Read Book! The classic tale of love and sacrifice set during the French Revolution. Charles Darnay is wrongly accused of treason and is sentenced to the guillotine. His wife, daughter, and father-in-law come to France to attempt to save him. But his fate will ultimately depend on Sydney Carton, the debauched, yet heroic man who loves Darnay's wife. It includes, arguably, the most famous beginning and ending lines in literature.

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content).

State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda

State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda is by Steven Luckert & Susan Bachrach. A must read! This wonderful book discusses the Nazi use of propaganda techniques during WWII and explains how Hitler and his minions used media control and propaganda to convince the German population to along with, or at least acquiesce to, their programs. The pictures of Nazi posters are in full color and are absolutely beautiful. A well written and timely book.

Ratings: 8th grade - 10 out of 10.

The Night Circus

The Night Circus is by Erin Morgenstern. Welcome to Le Cirque des Reves, the Circus of Dreams. A very special circus which is open only at night and features amazing and magical exhibits and performers. The circus is also the venue for a mysterious magical challenge between Marco and Celia who have been training their whole lives of a contest they don't fully comprehend. When the two young magicians fall in love the stage is set for disastrous consequences, and not only for them, but for everyone involved with the circus. A lyrically written and beautifully expounded story. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended read.

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content).

Walden

Walden is by Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau's classic philosophical memoir of his time spent living in the woods near Walden Pond. He discusses reading, economics, nature, and his basic philosophy of life. A must read classic!

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Scorch Trials

The Scorch Trials is by James Dashner. The second book in The Maze Runner trilogy. Thomas and the other Gladers have made it out of the Maze. They think they are safe, but they are wrong. Now they discover they must face the Scorch Trials and must travel 100 miles across a wasteland filled with diseased Cranks and another group whose purpose is to kill Thomas. A worthy sequel! Lovers of The Hunger Games will love this set of books as well.You will find youself unable to wait to get the final book in the series.

Ratings: 8th grade - 10 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

The Chocolate War

The Chocolate War is by Robert Cormier. A must read classic for all young readers. This book is The Lord of the Flies set in a private school. When Jerry refuses to sell chocolates in the annual school fundraiser he not only runs afoul of Brother Leon, but of The Vigils, a secret group at the school. The results are tragic and make you realize afresh the dangers of the mob  mentality.

Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).

The Red Necklace

The Red Necklace is by Sally Gardner. The first book in duo set during the French Revolution. Yann, a young gypsy, falls in love with the daughter of a French nobleman. As the French Revolution breaks out Yann must save her from the Revolution and the evil Count Kalliovski who wants Sido for himself. Can he rescue Sido and get her to England where she will be safe?

Ratings: 8th grade - MP (mild profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content) - V (violence).

The Red Garden

The Red Garden is by Alice Hoffman. This novel is much like Hoffman's The Blackbird House in that it follows residents of the town of Blackwell, Massachusetts, from its founding to the modern era. The stories are moving, tragic, and satisfying. The characters are well done and so human. The book is filled with Hoffman's trademark magical realism and all fans of Hoffman will enjoy this book.

Ratings: 12th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).

The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera is by Gaston Leroux. The timeless classic of love and loss set in the underbelly of the Paris Opera House. Christine is an opera singer who finds herself taking lessons from the mysterious phantom. When she falls in love with a young Vicomte she angers the phantom and endangers all their lives. The showdown at the end is masterful and what we learn about the phantom makes us both loathe and pity him. A must-read classic!

Ratings: 8th grade -10 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - V (violence).

The Sea Wolf

The Sea Wolf is by Jack London. Humphrey Van Weyden is "rescued" from a shipwreck and finds himself aboard The Ghost, a sealing vessel captained by Wolf Larsen, a deranged and abusive man. He must learn to survive or die at sea. This 1904 maritime classic depicts the clash of materialistic and idealistic ideology, not to mention, shipwrecks, mutiny, cruelty, and escape. The plot becomes formulaic at the end, but it is a classic nonetheless.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - V (violence).

Into the Wild

Into the Wild is by Jon Krakauer. In April 1992, Chris McCandless took out alone into the Alaskan wilderness. Four months later his body was found by a party of moose hunters. He had died of starvation. What caused this young man from an upper middle class East Coast family to donate his savings to charity, sell his possessions, abandon his car, burn the last of his cash and invent a new life for himself? A fascinating true story of young man's search for himself and the devastating consequences.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is by Maya Angelou. A classic memoir of this amazing African American poet. It follows her life from the rural poverty of Stamps, Arkansas, to the time she spends living with her divorced parents. An amazing look into an amazing life.

Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Kid Who Ran for President

The Kid Who Ran for President is by Dan Gutman. Judson Moon, twelve-years-old, decides to run for President of the United States. Will anyone take him seriously? Will he take himself seriously? Can he really win?

Ratings: 5th grade - 5 out of 10.  

Haunting at Home Plate

Haunting at Home Plate is by David Patneaude. A group of young baseball players struggle to pull their team together and win a championship after their manager and two of their best players leave the team. Are they being helped by the ghost of a dead boy who loved baseball?

Ratings: 5th grade - 6 out of 10.

Fair Weather

Fair Weather is by Richard Peck. Rosie, her sister, brother, and grandfather leave their family farm to head for Chicago to see the World's Fair. They stay with their Aunt Euterpe and experience the thrill of a lifetime at the 1893 World's Fair. A wonderful piece of historical fiction for young readers.

Ratings: 5th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Charge of the Light Brigade and Other Poems

The Charge of the Light Brigade and Other Poems is by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. A fantastic selection of Tennyson's work. A must for poetry lovers.

Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10.

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall is by Mary Downing Hahn. When twelve-year-old Florence arrives from the orphanage to live with her Uncle, Aunt, and invalid cousin at Crutchfield Hall she looks forward to a new life. Instead she finds herself haunted by the ghost of her dead cousin, Sophia, who wants her to do something for her - something evil.

Ratings: 6th grade - 7 out of 10.

In Cold Blood

In Cold Blood is by Truman Capote. This magnificent true crime classic is a must read. It relates the story of the the multiple homicide that took place on an farm in Kansas in 1959. It details the crime, its aftermath, and the search for the killers. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended book.

Ratings: 12th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).

Wintergirls

Wintergirls is by Laurie Halse Anderson. Lia and Cassie have been best friends for most of their lives. They embark on a deadly contest to see which of them will be the skinniest girl in school. When Cassie dies and Lia is left behind she becomes haunted by her friend's memory and her own guilt. She couldn't save Cassie, can she save herself? A stunning novel that takes you deep into the minds of girls with eating disorders. A powerful, if painful, read that should be required reading for all young girls and their parents.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

A Pirate Looks at Fifty

A Pirate Looks at Fifty is by Jimmy Buffett. For his fiftieth birthday Jimmy and family decide to take a trip through the Caribbean and South America, including stops in Costa Rica, Brazil, Columbia, and a score of islands. This delightful travelogue allows all Parrotheads to go along for the ride. Buffett also brings in moments from the past and intertwines them with the present. You will find yourself wanting to head south on your own. All Buffett fans will love this look into the life of their favorite singer/songwriter/adventurer.

Ratings: 11th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

Forever

Forever is by Maggie Stiefvater. The final book in The Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. Cole continues to search for a cure for the wolves as Isabella's father sets up a hunt to kill them all. Sam and Grace must work with their friends to save the wolves of Mercy Falls from extermination. Will they succeed? Which wolves will live and which will die? Do Grace and Sam have any chance of being together forever? A satisfying conclusion to this enjoyable series.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content).

Infamous

Infamous is by Sherrilyn Kenyon. The third book in The Chronicles of Nick. Nick's life has never been easy, but the suck quotient is about to go through the roof. Someone has created a website that is posting all kinds of true and false information about the kids at his school, including Nick. While he tries to discover who is behind the website he must fight off demons of all varieties, including his evil father, keep his mother happy, make good grades, fulfill the responsibilities of his job, continue his studies with Caleb, and manage to keep his girlfriend. All in a day's work for a teenager who will either become mankind's greatest hero or destroy the world.

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

Brisingr

Brisingr is by Christopher Paolini. The third installment in the Inheritance Cycle. The war against the Empire continues. Eragon, at the request of Nasuada, travels to the city of the dwarfs to make sure a king sympathetic to the Varden is selected. Roran struggles to find his place with the Varden. After the new dwarf king is crowned, Eragon and Saphira return to Oromis to learn the secret of Galbatorix's power and how he can be defeated. Another excellent book filled with plot twists and adventure.

Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10.

A War Like No Other: How the Athenians & Spartans Fought the Peloponnesian War

A War Like No Other: How the Athenians & Spartans Fought the Peloponnesian War is by Victor Davis Hanson. A masterfully detailed and well-researched exposition on the thirty year war between Sparta and Athens. Hanson does a brilliant job of explaining not just what happened, but why it happened. He examines not just the what and who, but the how and why. A great read for fans of ancient Greece.

Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10.

Death Comes to Pemberley

Death Comes to Pemberley is by P.D. James. If you are a fan of Austin's Pride and Prejudice you will love this mystery which involves all of your favorite characters from the original story. Six years have passed since Darcy and Elizabeth married. On the night of their annual ball Lydia arrives, uninvited, screaming that Wickham has been murdered on the grounds of Pemberley. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam set out to locate the body and all find themselves involved in a murder mystery of the first order. Will the honor of Pemberley be blackened forever? Will Darcy and Elizabeth hold up under the intense public scrutiny? Written in the style of the Austin novel this book is a joy to lovers of Darcy and Elizabeth of all ages.

Ratings: 11th grade - 10 out of 10.

Crossed

Crossed is by Ally Condie. The second book in the Matched trilogy. Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces to search for Ky who has been taken there by the Society to be killed in the war. Ky manages to escape into the Carving, as does Cassia who finds him there. Together again they must decide whether to join the Farmers or the rebellion, known as the Rising. They must also learn to trust each other with their secret past and conquer their fears and guilt. A wonderful sequel that will have you waiting anxiously for the third installment.

Ratings: 8th grade - 10 out of 10 - V (violence).

A Christmas Memory, One Christmas, The Thanksgiving Visitor

A Christmas Memory, One Christmas, and The Thanksgiving Visitor is by Truman Capote. This charming series of three semi-autobiographical tales will charm every reader. A Christmas Memory speaks to Capote's love for his "friend" with whom he spends Christmas making fruit cakes. One Christmas tells of Capote's Christmas in New Orleans with the father he hardly knew. The Thanksgiving Visitor tells of the school bully who his "friend" invites to the family's Thanksgiving feast and the fiasco that ensues. A must read selection of short stories that will touch the heart and make you laugh and cry.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity).

Bite Me: A Love Story

Bite Me: A Love Story is by Christopher Moore. The third book in the Bloodsucking Fiends series. Abby Normal wants to be a vampire; but right now she, her boyfriend Steve, two cops, and an assorted group of misfits are trying to destroy Chet the vampire cat who is on a killing spree. She manages to accidentally free her vampire friends Jody & Tommy, whom she had trapped in a bronze statue in their mist forms, and all together they engage in one of Moore's darkly funny romps through San Francisco. If you enjoy Moore's work, you'll love this one as well.

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

Ireland's Pirate Queen: The True Story of Grace O'Malley

Ireland's Pirate Queen: The True Story of Grace O'Malley is by Anne Chambers. A fascinating tale of Granuaile, the famous female Irish pirate. This book details her life and times, and her visit to the court of Queen Elizabeth I. It is a very detailed account and sometimes hard to follow because of the old English and Irish, but it is well worth the time. The book gives you new insight on the history of Ireland and its interactions with England.

Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10.

The Collected Poems of Rupert Brooke

The Collected Poems of Rupert Brooke is by Rupert Brooke. A collection of poems by the magnificent English poet who died, too young, in WWI. His poetry is powerful and moving. A must read collection.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity).

A Child's Garden of Verses

A Child's Garden of Verses is by Robert Louis Stevenson. A must read classic for all poetry lovers. These verses bring back the joys of childhood in a way few poets can manage.

Ratings: 5th grade - 10 out of 10.

Claude McKay Selected Poems

Claude McKay Selected Poems is by Claude McKay. A fantastic selection of poetry from this classic African American poet.

Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is by J.K. Rowling. The sixth book in the Harry Potter series. Harry and Dunbledore mine Tom Riddle's history to discover a way to kill Lord Voldemort once and for all. This installment is loaded with the adventure and excitement that you have come to expect from this series.

Ratings: 8th grade - 6 out of 10 - V (violence).

Albert Einstein: A Phtographic Story of a Life

Albert Einstein: A Photographic Story of a Life is by Frieda Wishinsky. Another great book in this magnificant series of nonfiction for younger readers.

Ratings: 6th grade - 8 out of 10.