Savage Run

Savage Run is by C.J. Box. The second novel in the Joe Pickett series. Joe Pickett is a game warden in Wyoming. Joe is called to the scene of an exploding cow, yep, you heard that right. The explosion killed a famous environmental activist and his new wife. As other environmental supporters begin to die, Joe finds himself in the middle of a war between a secret group of ranchers and militant environmentalists. Box addresses both sides of the debate with fairness and understanding. You will want to vacation in Wyoming. An excellent sequel; you won't want to wait for Joe's next adventure.

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

The Souls of Black Folks

The Souls of Black Folks is by W.E.B. du Bois. A fantastic and thoughtful selection of essays on the moral and intellectual issues surrounding African Americans in American society. Although they were written in 1903 these essays still have something to say to readers today. While much has changed since they were written, are race relations what they should be? These essays address the past, present, and the future.

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.

Wildwood Dancing

Wildwood Dancing is by Juliet Marillier. The first book in the Wildwood series. A magnificent fairy tale based on the Twelve Dancing Princesses. Set in the woods of Transylvania five daughters live in a castle with their merchant father. The five girls alone can pass from their world to the world of the fey every full moon for a night of dancing and fun. When their father becomes ill and leaves for the sea shore to recover, their cousin Cezar begins to take over their lives. Cezar wants to find the portal and destroy the denizens of the Other Kingdom. It is up to Jena and her unusual frog to save the Other Kingdom from Cezar and her sister from the Night People. A wonderful tale of love, trust, and forgiveness.

Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (some violence).

Geat Expectations

Great Expectations is by Charles Dickens. Miss Dayna's All-Time-Favorite Book! A must read classic. Pip is an orphan living with his nasty sister and her ignorant, but gentle, husband the blacksmith, Joe. When Pip suddenly comes into "great expectations" through the assistance of an anonymous benefactor he must leave for London to pursue his fortune. Pip believes his benefactor to be the crazy Miss Havisham and is thrilled since he loves her lovely, but distant, adopted daughter Estelle. When he discovers the identity of his mysterious friend his whole life changes again. A magnificent tale of crime, revenge, reward, and what really matters most in life. A Reader's Corner Must Read!

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

A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities is by Charles Dickens. A Must Read Book! The classic tale of love and sacrifice set during the French Revolution. Charles Darnay is wrongly accused of treason and is sentenced to the guillotine. His wife, daughter, and father-in-law come to France to attempt to save him. But his fate will ultimately depend on Sydney Carton, the debauched, yet heroic man who loves Darnay's wife. It includes, arguably, the most famous beginning and ending lines in literature.

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

State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda

State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda is by Steven Luckert & Susan Bachrach. A must read! This wonderful book discusses the Nazi use of propaganda techniques during WWII and explains how Hitler and his minions used media control and propaganda to convince the German population to along with, or at least acquiesce to, their programs. The pictures of Nazi posters are in full color and are absolutely beautiful. A well written and timely book.

Ratings: 8th grade - 10 out of 10.

The Night Circus

The Night Circus is by Erin Morgenstern. Welcome to Le Cirque des Reves, the Circus of Dreams. A very special circus which is open only at night and features amazing and magical exhibits and performers. The circus is also the venue for a mysterious magical challenge between Marco and Celia who have been training their whole lives of a contest they don't fully comprehend. When the two young magicians fall in love the stage is set for disastrous consequences, and not only for them, but for everyone involved with the circus. A lyrically written and beautifully expounded story. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended read.

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