He Shall Thunder in the Sky

He Shall Thunder in the Sky is by Elizabeth Peters. Book number twelve in the Amelia Peabody series. The Emerson's attempt to carry on as usual, but it's difficult. WWI is in full swing and there is fear that the Turks will attack the Suez Canal. The British government is rounding up all Egyptians involved in the independence movement, including David. Ramses is being ostracized for his apparent pacifism, but with Ramses nothing is ever what it seems. Nefret seems to be growing close to the disgusting Percy, and Amelia and Emerson must again face off against the Master Criminal. A wonderful addition to this fun series. A must read for all Amelia fans.

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

The Lotus Eaters

The Lotus Eaters is by Tatjana Soli. Helen is one of the few female war photographers in Vietnam. She initially goes to find out the truth about what happened to her brother, who was killed in the war, but then her work becomes something more. Soli's writing is powerful and rich. She does a great job of telling the story of Helen and the two men she loves and her struggle to discover herself in the midst of the Vietnam War.

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10 - V (violence) - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Complete History of Jack the Ripper

The Complete History of Jack the Ripper is by Philip Sugden. The most comprehensive look into the Ripper killings and the search for his identity. This book is extremely well researched and fascinating to read, but don't look for a definitive answer to the ultimate question. A great nonfiction read for fans of Ripperology and those just wanting a detailed introduction to once of history's most famous killers.

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

Duckling Ugly

Duckling Ugly is by Neal Shusterman. The third installment in the Dark Fusion series. Cara is ugly, no I mean can't-can't-look-in-a-mirror-without-it-cracking ugly. She has been tortured by everyone at her school and others in the town of Flock's Rest. Then she receives a note telling her to seek her destiny elsewhere. After a particularly brutal prom date, Cara sets out to find her destiny. Shusterman takes several legends and fairy tales and combines them to create a truly creepy story. Another great installment in this series.

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

I Am Number 4

I Am Number 4 is by Pittacus Lore. The first book in The Lorien Legacies. The planet of Lorien is destroyed for its resources by the evil Mogadorians. They manage to send nine infants and their caretakers to Earth. Once here they must separate and hide until their legacies (powers) appear and they can return and fight the Mogadorians, who can only kill them in numerical order as long as they are separated. The first three are dead. John Smith, a 15-year-old in Paradise, Ohio, is Number 4 and he has just moved to town. He and his "father", Henri, have been hiding for years waiting for his powers to develop; now this is finally beginning. Being the new kid in town isn't easy for humans, but John finds it more difficult. He meets a human girl and begins a relationship with her and even finds a friend - and then the Mogadorians find him. Can his powers develop quickly enough to save him? Can he save his new friend and girlfriend, and maybe Earth? An action-packed science fiction read boys and girls will enjoy.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence).

Sarajevo Blues

Sarajevo Blues is by Semezdin Mehmedinovic. One of Bosnia prominent poets and writers, Mehmedinovic stayed in Sarajevo during the war and this book of short stories and poems takes you to the war torn city and lets you experience for yourself the horror of a war Americans still know little about. A magnificent work, this book is a Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.

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

The Dead Tossed Waves

The Dead Tossed Waves is by Carrie Ryan. The second book in The Survivors series. Gabry and her mother live in the lighthouse outside Vista. They guard the town from the Mudo washed up on the beach during high tides and storms. When Gabry and some of her friends sneak outside the fence on a dare one night they are attacked by Mudos and everything changes forever. Now, Gabry must venture into the Forest of Hands and Teeth to save herself and her friends, and discover the secret of her past - and possibly  decide her future. Girls will enjoy this story of teenage love, but boys will enjoy the zombies.

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