Monday, October 29, 2012

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).

Thursday, October 25, 2012

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).

Saturday, October 13, 2012

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.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

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).

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

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).