Life, the Universe, and Everything

Life, the Universe, and Everything is by Douglas Adams. The third book in the classic science fiction series that began with The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It is up to Arthur Dent and his pals to save the universe again; this time from a group of robots who have been created by the populace of the planet Krikkit who desire the destruction of all other species. Fans of the series will enjoy the craziness of this installment as well.

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.

The Library at Mount Char

The Library at Mount Char is by Scott Hawkins. One of the most violent books I have ever read. Once started I didn't expect to finish, but then found I couldn't stop reading. Carolyn and her "family" live in a vast library, adopted and forced to study various disciplines by a man they call Father - who might be a god. He is terribly cruel (this is a vast understatement actually) and Carolyn slowly begins to put a plan in place to get rid of him; for her plan to be successful she recruits the aid of a human burglar named Steve. The story flashes back and forth in time, slowly revealing both Steve's and Carolyn's past. Warning: there is extreme violence in this book, as well as a great deal of profanity. If you've got a trigger of any kind, it's in this book! The story however, is engaging and totally addictive.

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

Picnic at Hanging Rock

Picnic at Hanging Rock is by Joan Lindsay. An Australian classic, this is a wonderful piece of historical fiction. Set in Australia in 1900, it is the story of a group of young ladies from a girl's school who decide on a Valentine's Day picnic at Hanging Rock. Three of the girls and a teacher wander off to explore and are never seen again. A beautifully written book, but if you are expecting an answer to the mystery you won't get one. It was interesting to read a book considered a classic in another country. It's been compared to Rebecca, and I certainly see the resemblance.

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10.

Wrath of the Bloodeye

Wrath of the Bloodeye is by Joseph Delaney. The fifth book in The Last Apprentice fantasy series. Now that the Fiend has been released into the world, the Spook sends Tom to his former apprentice for a sixth month period designed to "toughen him up." When Arkwight is captured by Bloodeye, a water witch who is also the daughter of the Fiend, Tom must risk everything he cares about and trust someone he has no reason to trust to save his friends, and himself. Fans of the series will be thrilled with this installment.

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

News of the World

News of the World is by Paulette Jiles. A wonderful piece of historical fiction. Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd travels through post-Civil War Texas reading newspaper stories to small town populations who either don't have access to news, can't read, or both. In Wichita Falls, he is approached and asked to escort a ten-year-old child who was kidnapped by the Kiowa when she was six and has now been rescued, back to her family near San Antonio. He reluctantly agrees, and finds himself drawn to Johanna in ways he never expected. A beautifully written and lyrical story. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.

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

Scepter of the Ancients

Scepter of the Ancients is by Derek Landy. The first book in the Skulduggery Pleasant fantasy series. When Stephanie's uncle dies, he leaves her his house and fortune. The teenager finds herself involved in a magical world she never knew existed. She finds herself searching for an ancient talisman owned by her uncle with his friend, a living skeleton who can work magic, helping her. Together they must stop a sorcerer from using the scepter to bring back the evil Faceless Ones. An unusual premise and an engaging story.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.

Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning is by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel. A slow, but beneficial read, that provides information about the way our brains work, how we learn, and how best to learn/teach/retain information. The last chapter provides a review of techniques with examples from the real world. Well worth the time and effort to read this interesting book.

Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10.