Three Cups of Tea

Three Cups of Tea is by Greg Mortenson. Greg Mortenson, a former climber, feels called to build schools for girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This is the story of his struggle to build schools and a thriving charity. A well written story of caring and the hard work, if it was true which it appears it is not based on recent revelations.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content).

The City of Fallen Angels

The City of Fallen Angels is by Cassandra Clare. The fourth book in The Mortal Instruments series. Clary is back in New York and training to be a Shadowhunter. Her mother is about to marry the werewolf she loves. Jace is helping her train so you would think things are going well, but they're not. Jace is acting strangely and Clary is beginning to wonder if he really cares for her. Simon is approached by an old vampire who wants his aid and is being followed by track-suited thugs who are trying to kill him. Something is obviously going on behind the scenes, but what? Fans of this series will not be disappointed and you won't be able to wait for the next installment. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content) - MP (mild profanity).

The Round House

The Round House is by Louise Erdrich. A touching tale of a young native American boy coming of age after the violent rape of his mother. The effect the attack has on his parents, family, and community is extremely moving, as the arrest and prosecution of the offender are complicated by jurisdictional issues. Some have called this work the Native American To Kill a Mockingbird, I would concur.

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Beasties

The Beasties is by William Sleator. When Doug and his family move to a deserted farm house so his father can study fungus, they discover many of the surrounding logging camps have been vandalized and locals have lost arms, legs, eyes, and other limbs. At first he doesn't believe the stories about "the beasties", but then he and his sister are lured below ground and find themselves embroiled in a war between the humans and the "beasties". Another of Sleator's horror tales for children.

Ratings: 5th grade - 7 out of 10 - V (violence).

Cross My Heart

Cross My Heart is by Sasha Gould. The first book in the Segreta series. The story is set in Venice in the year 1585. Laura della Scala is the second daughter in a prominent, but deteriorating, family. On the death of her older sister Beatrice, she is returned from the convent where she has been living to her family home to marry the fiance of her dead sister and save the family fortune. Only her fiance is old enough to be her grandfather. In desperation she turns to the Segreta, a secret society of women who deal in secrets and manage much that goes on in Venice, albeit behind the scenes. The Segreta accepts Laura as a member and prevents her marriage, but when Laura begins to suspect the Segreta was involved in her sister's murder, she must decide where her true loyalties lie.

Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence).

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference is by Malcolm Gladwell. A fascinating book that researches what causes some trends to take off and others to fizzle. Gladwell uses an easy to understand blend of anecdote and research to reveal the secrets of "the tipping point." A interesting, intellectual, and thought-provoking read.

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

Crank

Crank is by Ellen Hopkins. Kristina seems to be the perfect daughter; she's a good student, quiet, never gets into trouble. Then she goes to visit her father and discovers an alter ego (Bree), a boyfriend, and "the monster" - crystal meth. She allows Bree to take over her life and even after she returns home she can't let go of the "monster". This novel, written in free verse poetry, follows a life spiraling out of control. This book is reminiscent of Go Ask Alice, only brought into the new millennium. A terrifying look at a problem facing modern teens.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence) - S (some non-graphic sexual content).