The Adventures of Pinocchio

The Adventures of Pinocchio is by Carlo Collodi. Yes, this is the original version of the classic story of a puppet who wants to be a real boy. It is nothing like the Disney version, so know that going in. It is a much more powerful story than the Disneyfied version. Read this book, you will enjoy it immensely! A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.

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

A Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches is by Deborah Harkness. The first book in the All Souls trilogy. Diana Bishop is a historian and a witch; a witch who doesn't use her magic. While doing research on ancient alchemical texts at Oxford she discovers a bewitched manuscript that witches, vampires, and demons all seem to want. Suddenly, Diana finds herself pursued by a host of creatures who think she has the power to get the manuscript for them. She finds she has no one to turn to for help but Matthew Clairmont. The problem is Matthew is a vampire and relationships between witches and vampires are forbidden. A wonderful book, full of action and historical references that delight and enlighten the reader.

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

Castle of Wizardry

Castle of Wizardry is by David Eddings. The fourth book in The Belgariad. Garion and his group have retrieved the Orb and must return it to the Hall of the Rivan King. There Garion discovers his true identity and learns the truth of his destiny. Fans of this series will not be able to wait for the final installment.

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

Rise of the Elgin

Rise of the Elgin is by Richard Paul Evans. The second book in the Michael Vey series. Michael and his friends have escaped the Elgin compound and now discover that Michael's mother is being held in Peru. With the help of a mysterious group, they head to South America to rescue her. Can they save his mother and bring down Elgin at the same time? An adventure-filled continuation of an interesting series.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence).

The Prisoner of Cell 25

The Prisoner of Cell 25 is by Richard Paul Evans. The first book in the Michael Vey series. Michael Vey seems to be an ordinary kid, but he isn't. His father died when he was young and his mother works hard to make ends meet. Michael has Tourette's - oh, and he's electric. When Michael discovers the most popular girl in school, Taylor, is also electric, it sets in motion a series of events that change his life forever. His mother and Taylor are kidnapped and it's up to Michael, his friend Ostin and the two school bullies to save them.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (some violence).

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson. This memoir is one of the funniest books about the unfunny subject of mental illness I've ever read. Lawson is an absolute riot; she also gives great insight into life with a diagnosis of mental illness. If you've ever thought about going to Australia in a Koala suit, laminating your cats to keep them from shedding, strapping your taxidermy raccoons onto said cats and letting them ride around the house, or buying a taxidermy giraffe neck to place in your yard then this is the book for you. 

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

The Virtuoso

The Virtuoso is by Thomas Shadwell. The classic Restoration comedy satirizing the proponents of New Science in the seventeenth century. Sir Nicholas is constantly conducting "important" scientific experiments. Two of his followers, Bruce and Longvil are really after his nieces. A wonderful example of the drama of the era.

Ratings: 12th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).