A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun is by Lorraine Hansberry. The classic play about American black culture and struggle in the 1960s. The play, set in Chicago, follows the story of the Younger family as they await the life insurance check from their father's death. Hansberry anticipated the issues blacks are still dealing with in America, from civil rights to women's rights to identity struggles to poverty. One can not help relating to the Younger's and their struggles, even if you are not black. A must read for those who seek to be well versed in American literature.

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

The Maltese Falcon

The Maltese Falcon is by Dashiell Hammett. Hammett's classic tale of Sam Spade, the tough San Francisco detective, as he tries to solve the murder of his partner. The police think Spade killed his partner so he could continue his relationship with Archer's wife. But who is the beautiful redheaded client who asked for their help? And what is the "black bird" everyone thinks Spade can deliver? Can he solve this case before he's arrested or killed. A classic tale of detective noir - as good as the movie starring Bogart.

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

Dr. Franklin's Island

Dr. Franklin's Island is by Ann Halam. Semi, Miranda, and Arnie survive a plane crash on their way to the rain forests of Ecuador. They find themselves on an island they believe to be deserted. Then they stumble into the hands of Dr. Franklin, a scientist, who is eager to use three teenagers who are presumed dead by the world in his experiments in genetic engineering. A modern version of the Wells' classic The Island of Dr. Moreau.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.

Stardust

Stardust is by Neil Gaiman. Tristran Thorn loves Victoria Forester. To win her love, he promises to venture into Faerie and bring her a falling star. The star turns out to be a beautiful woman named Yvaine who is wanted by more people than just Tristran. A charming fantasy tale of good vs evil, freedom, and true love.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - S (non-graphic sexual references).

Matilda

Matilda is by Roald Dahl. Matilda is a very bright young girl with very nasty parents and a horrible principal. She struggles to cope with what's wrong in her life and still help her beloved teacher Miss Honey. A cute little fantasy tale typical of Dahl's style.

Ratings: 4th grade - 6 out of 10.

Tales of Ancient Egypt

Tales of Ancient Egypt is by Roger Lancelyn Green. A classic collection of tales from Egyptian mythology and other stories of ancient Egypt. A charming introduction to Egyptian mythology and heroic tales. It even contains the Egyptian version of the Trojan War. A great little book.

Ratings: 6th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Battle of the Labyrinth

The Battle of the Labyrinth is by Rick Riordan. The fourth book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Annabeth and Percy are off on a quest through the labyrinth to find Daedalus and his workshop before Luke does. Grover & Tyson tag along as they search for the lost god Pan. The book ends with a terrible battle at Camp Halfblood, the rise of Kronos, the return of Nico, and the secret of Pan being revealed to the Council of Satyrs. The fifth and final book promises to be a gem. Another great entry in this wonderful series.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10.