The Island of Dr. Moreau is by H.G. Wells. A classic science fiction horror story of an Englishman with a scientific background who is shipwrecked on a mysterious island. On the island he finds Dr. Moreau, a scientist who is performing horrific experiments on animals in an attempt to make them more human. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
The Invisible Man is by H.G. Wells. The classic science fiction tale of a man who discovers a way to become invisible. Once invisible he begins to think of all the crimes he can commit and then discovers being invisible is not as enjoyable as he imagined. A look into the darkness of a man's heart and the lengths to which we will go to get what we want and justify our actions. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.
The First Men in the Moon is by H.G. Wells. The classic science fiction tale of the first trip to the moon. When the brilliant Dr. Cavor teams up with the poor industrialist, Mr. Bedford, they use the discovery of Cavorite to build a sphere which allows them to travel to the moon, Once there, they discover an insect-like race of aliens and must find a way to return to Earth. Influenced C.S. Lewis's book Out of the Silent Planet, traces of Wells' tale can be found throughout the book.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.
The House Without a Key is by Earl Derr Biggers. The first in the historical fiction Charlie Chan mystery series. When Dan Winterslip, a rich Honolulu business man, is murdered, Charlie Chan is called in to solve the crime. Can Chan come to the aid of an old Boston clan to solve the murder of the family black sheep? The story is dated, but still a fun read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10.
The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax is by Dorothy Gilman. The second in the charming realistic fiction Mrs. Pollifax series. Mrs. Pollifax is sent to Turkey to help bring in a double agent on the run. When her cover is blown and her "protector" is killed, she finds herself on the run and seeking help from a band of gypsies. Fans of the series will thoroughly enjoy this installment.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
The Housekeeper and the Professor is by Yoko Ogawa. A charming realistic fiction story of a young single mother who works as a housekeeper. A brilliant professor is injured in a car accident and his memory only lasts for 80 minutes. The Housekeeper and her ten-year-old son come to love the Professor, as he comes to love them. A poignant tale of found family and the struggle to overcome.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.
Summer Lightning is by P. G. Wodehouse. The fourth installment in the Blanding's Castle series. The Honourable Galahad Threepwood has decided to stay with Lord Emsworth at Blandings while he writes his tell-all memoir. His neighbor is afraid of what's in the memoir, so he hires a creepy detective to steal it. Add in two star crossed lovers, a crazy ex-secretary, Beech the butler, and a stolen pig and the usual mayhem ensues. Fans of Wodehouse with love this installment as well.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
Bilbo's Journey: Discovering the Hidden Meaning of The Hobbit is by Joseph Pearce. Pearce leads us through another journey to discover the spiritual meaning contained in The Hobbit. Another nonfiction gem from this author.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
Frodo's Journey: Discover the Hidden Meaning of The Lord of the Rings is by Joseph Pearce. Another nonfiction masterpiece by a scholar and lover of Tolkien. This work discusses the spiritual significance of The Lord of the Rings.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich is by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. A classic of Russian historical fiction. The novel follows one day in the life of a political prisoner in a Siberian gulag. A magnificently sad story, yet a powerful tale of what humans will do to survive.
Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
Book Lust to Go is by Nancy Pearl. A wonderful nonfiction list of books to help readers find their next read. Pearl is a masterful resource for all readers. The book is categorized by different regions and countries each complete with a list of possible reads related to the country or region. A great guide for those about to travel or for those who wish they could travel.
Rating: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain is by George Saunders. A mix of fiction short stories and nonfiction literary criticism. Saunders gives us seven short stories by Russian authors and then teaches us a master class on how to read them and understand their writing styles. A must read book for all teachers of and fans of Russian literature.
Ratings: 12th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Arthurian Poems of Charles Williams is by Charles Williams. A complicated, yet beautifully written selection of poetry by one of The Inklings. Arthurian legends told in poetry form; these are not the common legends that we are familiar with. This collection is challenging and requires research to understand, but it well worth the effort.
Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10.
