In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin

In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin is by Erik Larson. Another fabulous book by this amazing nonfiction genius. This is the story of the Dodd family. Mr. Dodd is Roosevelt's choice for Ambassador to Berlin in the 1930s right after Hitler came to power. It follows the family from the time they arrived in Germany until Dodd was replaced as Ambassador in 1938. This book helps readers to understand why Germans were so enamoured of Hitter and why other countries didn't act while it might have been possible to depose him. A magnificent book! A must read for all history buffs.

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

Tales of the Greek Heroes

Tales of the Greek Heroes is by Roger Lancelyn Green. A collection of ancient Greek myths retold in story fashion. Included are the stories of the labors of Hercules and Jason and  the Argonauts in their search for the Golden Fleece among others. A great introduction to Greek mythology.

Ratings: 6th grade - 9 out of 10.

Love, Stargirl

Love, Stargirl is by Jerry Spinelli. The sequel to Stargirl. Stargirl has moved away from Arizona, but she misses Leo very much. This book is a very very long letter that Stargirl writes to Leo describing her new life and how she still misses him. If you liked the first book, you'll love the sequel.

Ratings: 6th grade - 8 out of 10.

Pandora Gets Heart

Pandora Gets Heart is by Carolyn Hennesy. The fourth book in the Pandora series. Pandy and her friends are after Lust. It is embodied in the golden apple that brought about the Trojan War, so they must travel back in time with the assistance of Hermes to steal the apple from Aphrodite and place it back in the box. Another charming installment in this series.

Ratings: 6th grade - 8 out of 10.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is by Alan Bradley. The first novel in the Flavia de Luce series. This series is set in 1950s England. The de Luce family lives in the family mansion called Buckshaw. Flavia is an eleven-year-old aspiring chemist with a passion for poisons. When a dead bird is found on their doorstep and a dead man is found in their garden Flavia sets out to solve the two mysteries. This is a phenomenal series. Flavia is brilliant and precocious. Bradley adds in numerous allusions to film, literature, and poetry which will make even the most avid bibliophile happy. You won't be able to wait for Flavia's next adventure.

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

Bloodsucking Fiends

Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story is by Christopher Moore. The first novel in the Bloodsucking Fiends series. Jody never wanted to be a vampire, but when she wakes up under a dumpster in an alley her whole life changes. She must learn the rules of living as a vampire, how to escape the vampire who turned her who now seems determined to destroy her, and her new human boyfriend Thomas - who is the night manager at the local Safeway. Thomas wants to be a writer, not a Safeway frozen turkey bowler, and he certainly never planned on having a vampire for a girlfriend. Moore's brand of black humor is thoroughly delightful.

Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - S (non graphic sexual references).

This Lullaby

This Lullaby is by Sarah Dessen. Remy is about to leave home for college. She has had plenty of boyfriends, soured on the concept of love by her mother, the romance writer, who is currently on husband number five. Then Dexter forces his way into her life and she can't seem to dump him, even though he doesn't have a single quality that usually attracts her to a guy. Could it be that Remy has finally found love?

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content).