Prized

Title:Prized
Author: Caragh M. O'Brien
Pages: 368
Language: PG 
Maturity: PG13
Content: PG13
Recommendation: Must Read
Level: High School


Summary: Striking out into the wasteland with nothing but her baby sister, a handful of supplies, and a rumor to guide her, sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone survives only to be captured by the people of Sylum, a dystopian society where women rule the men who drastically outnumber them, and a kiss is a crime.  In order to see her sister again, Gaia must submit to their strict social code, but how can she deny her sense of justice, her curiosity, and everything in her heart that makes her whole?


Review:  I really enjoyed the second edition to this trilogy.  The plot line continues  without interruption, and the characters continue to be developed.  I think that most young adults and adults alike will enjoy this thrilling romance.  The recommendation that I would give this novel is a PG13 for maturity and content because of the main character's, Gaia's, career as midwife.  Early in the novel Gaia is approached by a pregnant teen who asks for help miscarrying.  Gaia then goes through an internal debate over the topic.  At the end of the novel, Gaia must also choose between saving a mother's life or the life of an unborn baby.  These are such heavy topics for anyone under the age of 13.  There is also another small scene (page 275) that is questionable in sexual content for young readers.  I am excited to read the third!

Between

Title: Between
Author: Jessica Warman
Pages: 454
Language: PG 13 (15+ swears)
Maturity: Pg13
Content: PG13
Recommendation: Optional
Level: High School

Summary: Elizabeth Valchar-pretty, popular, and perfect-wakes up the morning after her eighteenth birthday party on her family's yacht, where she'd been celebrating with her six closest friends. A persistent thumping noise has roused her. When she goes to investigate, what she finds will change everything she thought she knew about her life, her friends, and everything in between. As Liz begins to unravel the circumstances surrounding her birthday night, she will find that no one around her, least of all Liz herself, was perfect-or innocent. Critically acclaimed author Jessica Warman brings readers along on a roller-coaster ride of a mystery, one that is also a heartbreaking character study, a touching romance, and ultimately a hopeful tale of redemption, love, and letting go.

Review: It is hard to review this book without giving away too much. It was interesting to see how the character unravels the mysteries that haunt her. The facts that are revealed throughout the book give insight into the characters to help the reader really understand and connect with the character. There is some sensitive material and I would not recommend this book to younger readers due to the content.

The Butterfly Clues

Title: The Butterly Clues
Author: Kate Ellison
Pages: 325
Rating: PG-13
Maturity Level: PG13/R
Language: 20+ swears
Level: High School
Recommendation: Optional

Summary: Penelope, aka “Lo,” has several obsessive urges—she is drawn to multiples of the number three, repeats the word “banana” for security, and steals various items that she hoards and carefully organizes in her attic bedroom. These compulsions have intensified since her beloved older brother, Oren, died, as has her habit of roaming from her suburban home into different neighborhoods of Cleveland. On one such journey to a seedy section of town dubbed Neverland, Lo is almost hit by a stray bullet. When she learns that a girl was murdered nearby and discovers some of the dead girl’s jewelry at a flea market, Lo becomes determined to find the killer. The mystery pulls Lo into an underworld of strip clubs, drugs, and crime, and also introduces her to Flynt, a street artist who she connects with. In a strong, twisty thriller of a debut, Ellison builds tension effectively, creating credible (if slightly romanticized) portraits of both the decaying, violent streets of Neverland and the compulsions that make Lo such a complex and memorable heroine.

Review: I loved the character, and her quirky OCD habits, she was so real!! the twists and turns that reveal themselves are great and surprising. However, the content of this book makes me wary to recommend to readers (we live in a very conservative area). There are several subject matters in this book that make me cautious to recommend it . . . . the undercover detective work takes place at a "strip joint" . . . .thus the "optional" rating.

Legend

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Pages: 336
Language: G
Content: PG/PG 13 (violence)
Level: Middle/High School
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

Review: Although another dystopian novel, this one departs from the others. The book is told through two different characters. The reader is allowed refreshing insight to both worlds in this book. Full of action, suspense, and yes, a little romance, I loved this book!!!

Girl of Fire and Thorns

Title: Girl of Fire and Thorns
Author: Rae Carson
Pages: 432
Language: G
Mature Content: PG
Level: Middle/High School
Recommendation: Must Read


Summary: Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.Elisa is the chosen one.But she is also the younger of two princesses. The one who has never done anything remarkable, and can’t see how she ever will.Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs her to be the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies, seething with dark magic, are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior, and he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.Most of the chosen do.

Review: I truly enjoyed this book. The main character really has to dig deep and discover who she is and what she is made of, and learn who and what is truly important. Through perilous war times, kidnappings, and tight situations, she remains true to herself. What a GREAT heroine!!! What a GREAT page-turning book!!

Girls Don't Fly

Title: Girls Don't Fly
Author: Kristen Chandler
Pages: 288
Content: PG
Language: PG/PG 13
Level: High School
Recommendation: Good Read

Summary: Myra is used to keeping her feet firmly on the ground. She's got four younger brothers, overworked parents, and a pregnant older sister, and if Myra wasn't there to take care of everyone, they'd probably fall apart. But when her boyfriend unceremoniously dumps her, Myra feels like she's lost her footing. Suddenly she's doing things she never would've a few months earlier: quitting her job, applying for a scholarship to study birds in the Galapogos, and falling for a guy who's encouraging her to leap from her old life . . . and fly.

Set in the Salt Lake City area, Girls Don't Fly is full of intelligence, humor, and is a refreshing change of pace for teen readers.

Review: This book touches on the sensitive subjects of out-of-wed-lock pregnancy and the rumors/consequences that follow decisions that lead to pregnancy. The storyline is great though!! I enjoyed following the evolution of the main character in this story, and how she learns to believe in herself and understand that she deserves good things in her life. It was also fun to read this story because I can relate to the setting . . . .the story based in northern Utah.

The Aviary

Title: The Aviary

Author: Kathleen O'Dell

Pages: 352

Language: G

Content: G

Levels: Middle/High

Recommendation: Good Read

Summary: Twelve-year-old Clara Dooley has spent her whole life in the Glendoveer mansion, where her mother is a servant to the kind and elderly matron of the house. Clara has never known another home. In fact, she's confined to the grand estate due to a mysterious heart condition. But it's a comfortable life, and if it weren't for the creepy squawking birds in the aviary out back, a completely peaceful one too. But once old Mrs. Glendoveer passes away, Clara comes to learn many dark secrets about the family. The Glendoveers suffered a horrific tragedy: their children were kidnapped, then drowned. And their father George Glendoveer, a famous magician and illusionist, stood accused until his death. As Clara digs deeper and deeper into the terrifying events, the five birds in the aviary seem to be trying to tell her something. And Clara comes to wonder: what is their true identity? Clara sets out to solve a decades-old murder mystery—and in doing so, unlocks a secret in her own life, too. Kathleen O'Dell deftly weaves magic, secret identities, evil villians, unlikely heroes, and the wonder of friendship into a mystery adventure with all the charm of an old fashioned classic.

Review: I enjoyed the classic style of this book. The Aviary is a good read for middle and high grades alike who enjoy mystery with just a little bit of magic.

Crossed

Title: Crossed
Author: Ally Condie
Pages: 367
Language: G
Content: G
Level: Middle/High School
Recommendation: Good Read

Summary:  In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky-- taken by the Society to his certain death-- only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.


Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border.  But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander-- who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart-- change the game once again.  Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.  

Review:  I really enjoyed the first novel in this series.  The second was sure to be a win, but now I'm reconsidering how much I enjoy the plot.  I thought that the characters were developed well throughout this novel and the plot seemed to be well developed, but I was left wishing there was an alternative ending.  I hope the third book can save the series for Condie's fans!  I would and do recommend this book for young adults because the content is very appropriate and the characters are lovable.

Cinder

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Pages: 400
Language: G
Content: G
Level: Middle/High School
Recommendation: Good Read

Summary: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Review: Although not a fan of "robots" or "cyborgs" or anything mechanical, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was refreshing to read a book that I didn't worry about language or content. This book puts a real twist on the "Cinderella" we all know and love. This is a great book for boys and girls alike. There are great characters, and villians I love to hate!!! The first in the Lunar Chronicles, I can't wait for the next book.

The Lost Hero

Title: The Lost Hero

Author: Rick Riordan

Pages: 576

Profanity: G
Mature Content: G
Level:  Middle School
Recommendation:  Good Read

Summary:  Jason has a problem.  He doesn't remember anything before waking up on a school bus holding hands with a girl.  Apparently she's his girlfriend Piper, his best friend is a kid named Leo, and they're all students in the Wilderness School, a boarding school for "bad kids."  What he did to end up here, Jason has no idea-- except that everything seems very wrong.

Piper has a secret.  Her father has been missing for three days, and her vivid nightmares reveal that he's in terrible danger.  Now her boyfriend doesn't recognize her, and when a freak storm and strange creatures attack during a school field trip, she, Jason, and Leo are whisked away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood.  What is going on?

Leo has a way with tools.  His new cabin at Camp Half-Blood is filled with them.  Seriously, the place beats Wilderness School hands down, with its weapons training, monsters, and fine-looking girls.  What's troubling is the curse everyone keeps talking about, and that a camper's gone missing.  Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist they are all-- including Leo-- related to a god.

Review:  This book is written very well for the age group (10 and up).  If I wanted to suggest a book to a student or a child, I would not hesitate to recommend this novel.   There is nothing inappropriate in this novel as far as language and sexual content, but the heroes are on a quest and they are required to to fight occasionally.  Rick Riordan does not make it gory or extremely violent, but keeps the readers interest by making this novel action-packed!  I do not think that the characters and plot line were very well developed.  One of the three main characters, Leo, has ADD  and it's apparent.  I feel as if the plot line has ADD as well.  It's just a little too choppy to allow for a fluid reading.

Birthmarked

Title: Birthmarked

Author: Caragh M. O'Brien

Pages: 368

Profanity: G
Mature Content: PG
Level:  Middle/High School
Recommendation:  Must Read

Summary:  In the future, in a world baked dry by the harsh sun, there are those who live inside the wall and those, like sixteen-year-old midwife, Gaia Stone, who live outside.  Gaia has always believed it is her duty, with her mother, to hand over a small quota of babies to the Enclave.  But when Gaia's mother and father are arrested by the very people they so dutifully serve, Gaia is forced to question everything  she has been taught to believe.  Gaia's choice is now simple: enter the world of the Enclave to rescue her parents, or die trying.

Review:  This book is another great dystopian novel about a feudal-type of government that require the less fortunate to provide babies to the "nobility" to counteract years of inbreeding.  Midwives serve as the liaisons between the two groups and provide the nobility with a certain quota of babies each year (the content is rated PG because of the description of a midwife's job).  The main character, Gaia, is easy to connect with because of her sincere personality, and you will find yourself rooting for her to succeed.  The novel has a great romance subplot as well.  I am excited to read the second in this trilogy!

Title: The Running Dream

Author: Wendelin Van Draanen

Pages: 332

Language: G

Profanity: None =)

Content: G

Recommendation: Good Read

Summary: Jessica thinks her life is over when she loses a leg in a car accident. She's not comforted by the news that she'll be able to walk with the help of a prosthetic leg. Who cares about walking when you live to run?As she struggles to cope with crutches and a first cyborg-like prosthetic, Jessica feels oddly both in the spotlight and invisible. People who don't know what to say, act like she's not there. Which she could handle better if she weren't now keenly aware that she'd done the same thing herself to a girl with CP named Rosa. A girl who is going to tutor her through all the math she's missed. A girl who sees right into the heart of her.With the support of family, friends, a coach, and her track teammates, Jessica may actually be able to run again. But that's not enough for her now. She doesn't just want to cross finish lines herself—she wants to take Rosa with her.

Review: What an inspirational book! So refreshing to read a book that has a great story and great characters who can overcome!!!! I loved the developement of the characters in this book, and the messages taught through the characters. This is a great read . .. and not just for runners!

The Eleventh Plague

Title: The Eleventh Plague
Author: Jeff Hirsch
Pages: 304
Profanity: PG
Mature Content: PG
Level:  Middle/High School
Recommendation:  Good Read

Summary:  In the aftermath of a war, America's landscape has been ravaged and two-thirds of the population left dead from a vicious strain of influenza.  Fifteen-year-old Stephen Quinn and his family were among the few that survived and became salvagers, roaming the country in search of material to trade.  But when Stephen's grandfather dies and his father falls into a coma after an accident, Stephen finds his way to Settler's Landing, a community that seems too good to be true.  Then Stephen meets strong, defiant, mischievous Jenny, who refuses to accept things as they are.  And when they play a prank that goes horribly wrong, chaos erupts, and they find themselves in the midst of a battle that will change Settler's Landing--and their lives--forever.

Review:  This novel is another great dystopian novel set in a not-so-distant future.  I really enjoyed the plot and the "what if" situation of a new type of influenza wiping out most of North America's population.  Most of the readers will find this setting to be a great topic to discuss with each other.  This novel is also a great read for boys because of the action scenes at the end of the story.  I did not connect with the characters because they weren't as well developed as other memorable characters.  The beginning was also a little slow, but stick it out if you like action-packed dystopian novels.

Cross My Heart

Title: Cross My Heart

Author: Katie Klein

Pages: 225

Profanity: PG

Mature Content: PG
Level: Middle/High School

Recommendation: Good Read

Review: Jaden McEntyre and Parker Whalen are a wrong fit from the start. Jaden is driven and focused, Harvard Med School within reach. Parker has a past—a reputation—and the rumors about his mysterious habits abound. So there’s no reason why, when they're assigned to work together on a project in English, they should discover they have anything in common, or even like each other, and they definitely shouldn't be falling in love. As they bond over Edith Wharton’s tragic novella, Ethan Frome, the “bad boy” vibe Parker plays begins to dissipate. Soon, Jaden finds herself shedding her own “good girl” image: sneaking around to be with him, confiding in him, and ultimately falling hard for this leather-wearing, motorcycle-driving loner who plays into the rebel stereotype. Still, Jaden can't shake the feeling that there's more to Parker than he's letting on. He's hiding something from her, and discovering the truth means reconciling the Parker she's grown to love with the person he really is. Because it's possible that his life inside the classroom—everything Jaden knows—is one, massive lie.

Review: Although parts of this book were very un-realistic (mostly near the end), I could connect with the charactes. The storyline does have a twist that is unexpected (see the above statement). This story takes me back to high school because I was able to connect with the main character. I enjoyed the characters as well as the situations they were put in. Just a reminder to me that one should never judge a book by it's cover . . . .in novels or in real life.