The Smugglers

The Smugglers is by Iain Lawrence. The second book in the High Seas Trilogy. John Spencer and his merchant father buy a ship called The Dragon. It was once used to smuggle goods between England and France. They want to use the boat for honest trade, but as soon as they purchase The Dragon, they seem to be touched by its curse: someone murders the captain they've hired; his replacement, Captain Crowe, turns out to be a scoundrel who hires a crew of criminals. During the first leg of the voyage, John receives a cryptic warning to "beware the one who seems least likely" to harm him. But which man could it be? A great follow-up tale.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Wreckers

The Wreckers is by Iain Lawrence. The first book in the High Seas Trilogy. In 1799, 14-year-old John Spencer of London falls in love with life at sea on his first voyage as a passenger on his father's merchant sailing ship. Then a storm claims the vessel and its crew. Washed onto a Cornish beach, John feels lucky, but soon finds himself in great danger. The nearby village of Pendennis supports itself communally through the practice of "wrecking": tricking vessels onto the lethal coastal rocks, then looting the remains. However, the goods cannot be claimed if there are any survivors. As John uses his wits to plan an escape, he learns that his father may also be alive. He must overcome ever more perilous challenges if he is to save the man from a dreadful captivity. Boys will love this tale.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

Flyte

Flyte is by Angie Sage. This is the second book in the Septimus Heap saga. Septimus is now the apprentice to the Extraordinary Wizard. But Marcia doesn't believe him when he tells her Princess Jenna has been kidnapped by his missing brother Simon. Simon has turned to darke magyk and is working with the bones of the evil Dom Daniel to do away with Marcia and take over as the new Extraordinary Wizard. Can Jenna and Septimus save Marcia and the Dragon Boat from Dom Daniel's evil? Who is the mysterious dark man that seems to be tracking Jenna? A stunning sequel to the first tale. Can't wait for the next one.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10.

The Black Arrow

The Black Arrow is by Robert Louis Stevenson. This story is set during the British War of the Roses. Young Richard Shelton has been Sir Daniel's ward since the death of his father. When Dick meets a young boy named Jack in the woods and attempts to get himself and Jack safely back to Sir Daniel he discovers several things. One: Dick comes to suspect that Sir Daniel had something to do with his father's death and two: Jack is not a boy! Another novel of English derring-do from Stevenson. The language can be difficult for modern readers, but the story is a timeless tale of honor, bravery, and love.

Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Valley of Secrets

The Valley of Secrets is by Charmian Hussey. Stephen Lansbury never knew his parents. So he is surprised when he receives a letter saying he has inherited a large estate from his great-uncle Theodore. Upon arriving at Lansbury Hall, two things immediately strike Stephen: the exotic plant life that seems to bloom everywhere, and the meticulous upkeep of the old manor. When Stephen finds the water-stained journals of his uncle’s youthful travels up the Amazon River, the unusual greenery suddenly makes sense. But who (or what!) is maintaining the tidy kitchen garden and replenishing his woodbox? As Stephen pours over his uncle’s journals, his curiosity and apprehension grow. Are plants the only thing Uncle Theodore brought back from the rain forest all those years ago?

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

Scorpia

Scorpia is by Anthony Horowitz. This is the fifth book in the Alex Rider series. Alex has traveled to Venice to find Scorpia and learn the truth about his father. He is told his father was an assassin and Scorpia wants to recruit him to carry on his father's legacy. But does Alex have what it takes to be a killer? Is everything Scorpia has told him true? Alex risks his life to find the truth about his father and himself. Another great action packed installment.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10.

The Teacher's Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts

The Teacher's Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts is by Richard Peck. This story is set in rural Indiana in 1904. 15-year-old Russell's summer ends on an uplifting note, his teacher has died. As the author notes, "If your teacher has to die, August isn't a bad time of year for it...". He and his brother are certain the school board will tear down the one room school house and they'll be free. But to their utmost horror the school board hires their bossy older sister Tansy as the new teacher. Peck evokes not only the feeling of the times, but humor as Tansy lives her dream of being a teacher against all the obstacles young boys can throw in her path. A great story for teachers as well as students. A real joy to read.

Ratings: 6th grade - 10 out of 10.