Shiver

Shiver is by Maggie Stiefvater. The first book in a new series called the Wolves of Mercy Falls. There are wolves in Mercy Falls, Minnesota. Grace knows, she was attacked by a pack of wolves when she was young. Ever since she has been fascinated with a particular wolf with yellow eyes. Then Sam appears; handsome, kind, yellow-eyed Sam. If Sam is a werewolf and Grace was bitten why didn't she ever change? Is there any chance for Sam and Grace to be together? What about the rest of the pack? This is a great story for those who were Jacob lovers in the Twilight series - but the writing is much better.

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

Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors

Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors is by Jenny Nimmo. This is the fourth book in the Children of the Red King series. It's another semester at Bloor's Academy. Charlie Bone is back and must rescue Billy Raven from his new parents at the spooky Passing House. But he discovers a secret there that might free Billy and allow him to find his father at the same time. He must also discover the identity of the newest endowed child. What a way to start a school year! A charming series for those who enjoyed Harry Potter.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.

The Last Olympian

The Last Olympian is by Rick Riordan. The final installment in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The war between the Olympians and the Titans is coming to a close. As Percy's 16th birthday approaches he must face a choice that will determine the fate of western civilization forever. Will he destroy the Greek gods as the prophecy seems to indicate? Can he find a way to save his family and friends? Is he even the hero everyone believes him to be? A fast paced thriller that brings the series to a close and yet leaves you hoping you haven't heard the last of Percy Jackson.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

Oath Breaker

Oath Breaker is by Michelle Paver. The fifth book in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series. Torak and Renn head for the Deep Forest to kill the Soul Eater Thiazzi who has just killed Torak's kinsman and taken the last piece of the fire opal. But there is a rottenness at the heart of the Deep Forest clans that threatens to create a war that will engulf everyone. Can Torak kill the Oak Mage before it's too late? Can he recover the fire opal? Can he and Renn stop a war between the clans? This is such a good series! I can't wait to see what happens next.

Ratings: 8th grade - 10 out of 10.

Devoured

Devoured is by Amanda Marrone. I have one word for this book - CREEPY! Marrone's books get better with every one I read. Megan has two problems. Number One: her new boyfriend has a clingy best friend named Samantha. Number Two: she is haunted by her dead twin sister's ghost. She takes a job at the Land of Enchantment theme park to keep an eye on Ryan and meets Luke. Luke also sees ghosts and promises to help her assist Remy to move on. But there is an ancient evil at work in the theme park. Can Remy save Megan before it's too late? A really scary modern retelling of Snow White.

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

Ninth Grade Slays

Ninth Grade Slays is by Heather Brewer. The second installment in the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod. High school promises to be as bad as middle school for Vlad. He heads for Siberia with his uncle to have an ancient family friend train him in the use of his powers. He'd better learn quickly because he is being stalked back home by a slayer as well as a reporter for the school paper. A very cool series boys will love.

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

The Second Summer of the Sisterhood

The Second Summer of the Sisterhood is by Ann Brashares. The traveling pants are off on another summer of adventure. Bridget heads for Alabama to confront her grandmother and rediscover her past. Carmen struggles with her mother's new relationship. Tibby heads for a summer film program. Lena must deal with her feelings for Kostos and a secret her mother is keeping from her. Even better than the first book. Makes you long for the third summer and wish you had a pair of jeans like these and three friends to share them with.

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