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).