Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt

Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt is by Elizabeth Payne. Egyptian history is explored in a very readable fashion. From Cheops to Rameses the Second we learn about the life and times of one of the world's oldest civilizations. A fantastic non-fiction read for young readers interested in mummies and ancient Egypt. Enough pictures to be interesting, but not enough to make this a picture book.

Ratings: 6th grade - 9 out of 10.

School's Out - Forever

School's Out - Forever is by James Patterson. The second book in the Maximum Ride series. Max and her flock continue their struggle to survive and find their parents. When Fang is injured the flock finds itself living with an FBI agent and, OMG, going to school with regular kids. But things are never what they seem for Max and the gang. Just when you think you know what's coming, Patterson throws in another plot twist.

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

Blue Moon

Blue Moon is by Alyson Noel. The second book in the Immortals series. Something is wrong with Damen. As Ever's powers grow she watches in horror as her beloved Damen becomes weaker and older. Is the new kid at school to blame? Is he really the nice guy he seems or the evil Ever believes him to be? In her search to cure Damen she discovers the ability to travel through time. Should she save Damen or return and rescue her entire family? Is there a correct choice and who can she trust to help her make it?

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

So Far From the Bamboo Grove

So Far From the Bamboo Grove is by Yoko Kawashima Watkins. A look at WWII from a less well known perspective. Yoko and her family must escape Korea at the end of WWII and return to Japan. Korea has been occupied by the Japanese for years and now the Korean Communists want to destroy the Japanese. The journey of this family is terrifying and remarkable. A true story of courage and survival in the aftermath of war. A fantastic introduction to non-fiction reading.

Ratings: 6th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (some mature content).

Snakehead

Snakehead is by Anthony Horowitz. The 7th book in the Alex Rider series. Alex is recruited by the Australian Secret Service to infiltrate a gang of smugglers who specialize in drugs, weapons, and people. He takes the job only to have the chance to work with his newly discovered godfather and learn about his parents. What he discovers is a painful secret that could get him killed. Another great Alex Rider adventure.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10.

The Samurai's Tale

The Samurai's Tale is by Erik Christian Haugaard. A wonderful story of a young orphan boy who dreams of becoming a samurai in feudal Japan. He finds himself caught up in the power struggle to rule the country and must survive and find himself with honor. A enchanting look at society and life in 16th century Japan. Boys will love this story of courage, honor, and loyalty.

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

A Trap in Time

A Trap in Time is by Celia Rees. The second installment of the Supernatural Trilogy. This is really two separate stories in one. At the beginning of the book, Davey suspects his new drama teacher is really the Grey Lady in disguise. He believes she is intending to do away with him in front of everyone in a play she is setting up for his school. Only his friends can save him, if he can get them to believe him. In the second half of the book, Davey and his friends must save a religious relic from being used for evil by a power-hungry human and the Judge.

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