I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights & Dilemmas of the Reading Life

I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights & Dilemmas of the Reading Life is by Anne Bogel. A charming book of nonfiction essays relating to the reading life. This slim volume covers everything from the books we hate to admit we haven't read, the dilemma of whether or not to abandon a book, the joy of finding bookish friends, and much more. Readers of all ages will thoroughly enjoy this book and easily see themselves in its pages. Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.

Silent to the Bone

Silent to the Bone is by E.L. Konigsburg. An engrossing realistic fiction tale of friendship, shame, and family. Connor's best friend Branwell is in a juvenile behavioral facility charged with hurting his infant step-sister Nikki, who is in a coma. Branwell refuses to speak and his father asks Connor to see if he can get through to him. Connor refuses to believe his friend is capable of hurting Nikki, but will he be able to break through Branwell's silence and discover the truth? Heartbreaking and powerful, this tale of friendship and love is a must read. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content). 

The Dragon's Apprentice

The Dragon's Apprentice is by James A. Owen. The fifth book in the fantasy Imaginarium Geographica series. The Caretakers can finally return to the Archipelago of Dreams; as they prepare to return they receive a message from an old friend. The thread of History has unraveled and it needs to be repaired. Once they arrive at Tamerlane House they discover they are now stuck, due to the unraveling of History. Only Rose might be able to repair History and the Caretakers set out to help her, but things are not always as they seem and they will be opposed by a terrible enemy. Fans of the series will thoroughly love this installment. 

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Brief Cases

Brief Cases is by Jim Butcher. A fantasy grouping of short stories that come after Skin Game in the Dresden Files series. A collection of stories from a variety of points of view, not just Harry Dresden's. Fans of the series will enjoy stories from the point of view of Molly Carpenter, Butters, even Maggie and Mouse. There are three stories that incorporate Bigfoot into the menagerie of fantastical creatures contained in the series. A must read to whet your appetite for the next installment in the series. 

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

The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country

The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country is by Helen Russell. Russell leaves her job as a British journalist when her husband is offered his dream job with LEGO. The couple moves to Denmark. Russell determines to discover why Denmark consistently rates as the happiest country in the world. Her examination is fair and covers everything from taxes, religion, sexual freedom, equality, weather, food, and of course, tradition. This memoir of her first year in Denmark is charming and funny, yet makes you think about what happiness really is.

Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content). 

El Deafo

El Deafo is by Cece Bell. A autobiographical graphic novel about a young Cece Bell, presented as a rabbit. After a childhood illness, Cece loses her hearing and struggles to fit in with "normal" children when she has to wear hearing aids. With the Phonic Ear she wears to school, she discovers she can hear her teacher wherever she is in the school building. She considers this a superpower and names her alter ego "El Deafo." A charming tale of a young girl struggling to be like everyone else, and yet be herself. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

The Christmas Hirelings

The Christmas Hirelings is by Mary Elizabeth Braddon. An amazing work of historical fiction set in Victorian Cornwall. Sir John, his niece, and an old friend are gathered in Cornwall for Christmas. Sir John in a grumpy fit declares that Christmas is only fun with children around. His friend Danbury talks him into "hireing" some children for Christmas. He sets out to make good on his idea and returns with three young children whose presence for the holiday will change Sir John's life forever. This now ranks with A Christmas Carol as my second favorite Christmas story. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended read for any season. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10.