Check Please: #Hockey

Check Please: #Hockey is by Ngozi Ukazu. This graphic novel is the realistic fiction story of a college hockey team. Eric Bittle is a former junior figure skating champion, a vlogger, and a talented baker - he is now playing college hockey, and oh, by the way, he's gay. This collection contains the story of his freshman and sophomore years playing hockey at Samwell University. This is nothing like the co-ed club hockey he played back home in Georgia, but as he gets to know his team mates and they get to know him a charming story unfolds. 

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

The Haunting of Hill House

The Haunting of Hill House is by Shirley Jackson. The classic fantasy/horror tale is soo much better than the silly television adaptation. The book is marvelously creepy and psychologically disturbing. Turn off the T.V. and read the book!  An occult scholar rents the quintessential haunted house and invites three people to join him there to study the paranormal events reported by previous tenants. Eleanor, one of those invited, is a lonely, friendless young woman with a troubled past. At first it's all in good fun, but then Hill House decides to show its power. A magnificent story.

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

Labyrinth: The Novelization

Labyrinth: The Novelization is by A.C.H. Smith. This wonderful fantasy novelization recounts the story of the familiar movie. Sarah wishes her little brother would be taken by the goblins - and the Goblin King obliges. Sarah, regretting her decision, must travel to the castle in the center of the maze in the Goblin Kingdom and defeat the Goblin King to rescue Toby. Helped by friends she doesn't expect, Sarah must conquer, not only Jareth, but herself. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10.