The Lost Story

The Lost Story is by Meg Shaffer. A unique fantasy novel. Jeremey and Rafe vanished in a West Virginia state forest only to reappear six months later. Jeremy is now a finder of lost girls and Rafe is a reclusive artist. When Jeremy is approached by Emilie to find her sister who was lost in the same park as Jeremy and Rafe, the two men must reunite and return to the forest to solve the mystery of their own disappearance, as well as to find Emilie's sister. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content) - P (mild profanity) - V (violence). 

Ordeal by Innocence

Ordeal by Innocence is by Agatha Christie. A historical fiction mystery by the Queen of Mystery. Although Christie is the best, this is not one of her most wonderful mysteries. A mother of five siblings is killed and one of the sons is convicted and dies in prison, even though he says he has an alibi. Two years after his death, a doctor returns and asserts he was the young man's alibi. He goes to visit the family to assure them their brother did not kill their mother, but if he didn't who did? 

Ratings: 9th grade - 6 out of 10. 

Land of Hope

Land of Hope is by Wilfred M. McClay. A magnificent scholarly work on the history of the United States. This book makes sure to cover the goodness of America without overlooking its warts. This book should be read by every American patriot and taught in every school. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10. 

Lord Emsworth and Others

Lord Emsworth and Others is by P. G. Wodehouse. A historical fiction short story collection, the sixth book in the Blandings series, by the master of comedic fiction. These stories are about the residents of Blandings Castle and other tangential characters. Wodehouse fans will enjoy these stories, even if they are not as charming as the full length novels. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Blandings Castle and Elsewhere

Blandings Castle and Elsewhere is by P. G. Wodehouse. A historical fiction short story collection by the master of comedic fiction. These stories are about the residents of Blandings Castle and other tangential characters. Wodehouse fans will enjoy these stories, even if they are not as charming as the full length novels. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Into Thin Air

Into Thin Air is by Jon Krakauer. A memoir of the author's Everest ascent. In 1996, Krakauer was part of a group of commercial climbers taking on Mount Everest. The climb was a disaster and several climbers and sherpas were killed. Krakauer describes his memories of the disaster and mistakes that might have caused it. 

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

The Law

The Law is by Jim Butcher. The fantasy novella in between books 17 & 18 in the Harry Dresden series. Harry attempts to assist a tutor who is being extorted by an ex-con. Seems like a simple easy case, until it isn't anymore. Fans of the series will enjoy this novella. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).