Wonder

Title: Wonder
Author: R. J. Palacio
Pages: 310
Language: G
Content: PG
Level: Upper Elementary/Middle/High School
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.   August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

Review: I can't say enough about this book!  I wish every LA class could read this outloud so that all students could see how their actions can hurt, hinder, or help their peers, and how Kindness can change lives.  I wanted to write down quote after quote of this book.  Although August is a young boy, readers of all ages can enjoy this book.

Between Shades of Gray

Title: Between Shades of Gray
(Not to be confused with Fifty Shades of Gray)
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Pages: 338
Content: PG
Language: PG
Level: Middle/High School
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life--until Soviet officers invade her home and tear her family apart. Separated from her father and forced onto a crowded train, Lina, her mother, and her young brother make their way to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to fight for their lives. Lina finds solace in her art, documenting these events by drawing. Risking everything, she imbeds clues in her drawings of their location and secretly passes them along, hoping her drawings will make their way to her father's prison camp. But will strength, love, and hope be enough for Lina and her family to survive?

Review:  One of the most heartbreaking, educational books I have read in some time.  I had NO idea what happened to these Lithuanians.  What an insight!  The story is told beautifully as it follows Lina along her journey of survival. 

Dead End In Norvelt

Title: Dead End In Norvelt
Author: Jack Gantos
Pages: 352
Language: PG
Content: PG
Level: High Elem/Middle/High School
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: Melding the entirely true and the wildly fictional, Dead End in Norvelt is a novel about an incredible two months for a kid named Jack Gantos, whose plans for vacation excitement are shot down when he is "grounded for life" by his feuding parents, and whose nose spews bad blood at every little shock he gets. But plenty of excitement (and shocks) are coming Jack's way once his mom loans him out to help a fiesty old neighbor with a most unusual chore—typewriting obituaries filled with stories about the people who founded his utopian town. As one obituary leads to another, Jack is launced on a strange adventure involving molten wax, Eleanor Roosevelt, twisted promises, a homemade airplane, Girl Scout cookies, a man on a trike, a dancing plague, voices from the past, Hells Angels . . . and possibly murder. Endlessly surprising, this sly, sharp-edged narrative is the author at his very best, making readers laugh out loud at the most unexpected things in a dead-funny depiction of growing up in a slightly off-kilter place where the past is present, the present is confusing, and the future is completely up in the air.

Review: LOVE LOVE LOVE this book.  I began reading this book to my children (ages 12, 10, 8) on a car trip....we read for HOURS!  All of us thoroughly enjoyed this book!  I seriously can't say enough.  Quirky, Funny, Tender, Hilarious!  I want more of this kind of book!!!!!!

Insurgent

Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)
Author: Veronica Roth
Pages: 544
Language: PG
Content: PG13
Level: Middle School/High School
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: Insurgent picks up right where Divergent left off. Tris must keep the people she cares about alive while dealing with the grief of the people she has lost. War is looming and Four and Tris are at the forefront while trying to decide who to trust, where to go and exactly what it means to be divergent. 

Review:  I love that no time was lost between book one and two. Very often the second book in a series suffers, but not Insurgent. We get to see a depth to each faction and the factionless which makes this series even more believable. Definitely a must read!

The Book Thief

Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Pages: 576
Language: PG-13
Content: PG-13 (Death Themes)
Level: Middle School/High School
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: It's just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quiet a lot of thievery...


Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich.  Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist--books.  With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.  


This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

Review:  This book is one of those books that everyone in existence should read.  The insight into the innocent German mentally during WWII was very refreshing.  Liesel Meminger is one character that will stick with you for a very long time.  The novel is written through Death's point of view and therefore would not be suitable for a younger reader.  The character also use the occasional profanities.  These complex themes would be fantastic for discussion in any type of group or classroom setting.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Title: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Author: Sherman Alexie
Pages: 230
Language: PG-13
Content: PG-13 (racial slurs and sexual content)
Level: High School
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation.  Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.  Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he thought he was destined to live.

Review:  This book is a great insight into one man's experience growing up in modern day Washington on a reservation.  The book is filled with discussion of the underlying racism between Caucasians and Indians in and around two small towns in Washington.  The point of view is that of a typical teenage boy.  I laughed out loud several times while reading this novel.  The language and reference to sexual material fits this stereotypical point of view as well.  I would not recommend this novel to anyone who cannot handle strong language and/or heavy themes.  

Michael Vey, Prisoner of Cell 25

Title: Michael Vey, The Prisoner of Cell 25
Author: Richard Paul Evans
Pages: 326
Language: G
Content: PG
Level: Middle/High School
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: My name is Michael Vey, and the story I’m about to tell you is strange. Very strange. It’s my story. To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette’s syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers.Michael thinks he's unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor also has special powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up this way, but their investigation brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric children – and through them the world. Michael will have to rely on his wits, powers, and friends if he’s to survive.

Review: I was hesitant to read this new series from Richard Paul Evans, as it is quite a departure from his normal work. I was pleasantly surprised. The storyline was interesting, and it was refreshing to read a fantasy book that departs from all the rest. Great book for boys and girls alike.

The Fault In Our Stars

Title: The Fault in our Stars
Author: John Green
Pages:313
Language: PG13 (63 light swears, 5 major swears)
Maturity: PG13
Content: PG/PG13
Level: High School/Middle School
Recommendation: Must Read but Optional

Summary: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.

Review: The summary above does not do this book justice. I was hesitant to read this book due to content matter of other books by this author. I picked the book up anticipating that it would not get a good review . . ..but I have to tell it how it is. I fell in love with the characters in this book. I laughed, I cried, I cherished moments that the characters had, and I had to keep reading to see what would happen to these delightful young people. The only downer - - - language. There were a lot of swear words. (Probably not considered bad if you didn't live in a conservative town. . . but I do.) I would be very hesitant to recommend this book to conservative readers. So . . . .great story, amazing characters, beautifully told, but . . .reader beware.

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!

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!!

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!

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Title: Hallowed
Author: Cynthia Hand
Pages: 403
Language: PG (occasional profanity)
Mature Content: PG (brief mature content)
Level: Middle/High
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

Review: After reading Unearthly I was sucked into the storyline so much that I couldn't wait for the opportunity to read Hallowed.  I like the character development in these novels.  You really are able to connect with the characters, even the ones you don't like. I hope to see more in this series.

Divergent

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Pages: 496
Profanity: PG
Mature Content: Pg-13 (violence, some sexual content)
Level: High School
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

Review: Love, love, love it! I truly enjoyed this book. Boys and girls alike will find this book enthralling. There is violence though, and a few scenes that aren't for the faint at heart, so I would not recommend this for sensitive readers. There is also a couple of brief conversation about sex (not graphic though), so be careful of younger readers. I was captivated by the choices the characters have to make, how many realizations they come to, and how they work through their problems. The only problem about this book is waiting for the next one!

Enclave

Title: Enclave
Author: Ann Aguirre
Pages: 272
Language: G
Content: PG
Level: Middle/High
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters—or Freaks—who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade’s long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they’ve ever known.

Review: Another dystopian hit. Boys and girls alike will enjoy this book . There is a lot of action to keep male readers enthusiastic about the story. I enjoyed the settings in this book and what the characters went through in each setting. For anyone who enjoys dystopian novels, this is a great read!!

Eve

Title: Eve
Author: Anna Carey
Pages: 336
Profanity: G
Language: G
Mature Content: PG / PG13
Level: High School
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: A generation after a plague wiped out 98% of humanity, orphaned girls like Eve are raised in secluded schools, conditioned to fear the outside, distrust men, and look forward to a comfortable life in the City of Sand. When Eve discovers what’s actually intended for her, she flees the school. Teaming up with another refugee classmate, Eve meets Caleb, a teenage boy who alternately attracts and repels her. Together and separately, the three struggle through numerous dangers in the postapocalyptic landscape, while Eve and Caleb fall for one another.

Review: For those who love the dystopian genre, this book is great. The author creates a society that is surreal yet believeable. Fiesty young teens learn a lot about life, friendship, and love, while trying to survive in a world that would control them. I gave this book a PG/PG13 rating due to the fact that "breeding" is a main concept in the book that young or immature readers of the book should be aware of.

Matched

Title: Matched

Author: Ally Condie
Pages: 400
Laguage: G
Content: G
Level: Middle/High School
Recommendations: Must Read

Summary: Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Review: I enjoyed this book. Matched is a great book in the dystopian genre. People who enjoyed the story line and romance in Hunger Games more than the action would like this book.

The Season by Sarah MacLean

Title: The Season

Author: Sarah MacLean

Pages: 336

Profanity: G

Mature Content: PG (kissing)
Violence: G
Level: Middle School, High School
Recommendation: Must Read

Summary: Quick-witted and sharp-tongued Lady Alexandra (Alex) and co-characters/best friends Vivi and Ella are experiencing their first coming-out season and are none too thrilled. They are frustrated with the fact that men do not like ladies with a mind and opinions. With a mother eager to marry her off and three brothers who constantly tease, it is no wonder Alex has learned to speak her mind and hold her own. Even between all the swirling activities the season gives way to, Alex and her friends still manage to fall into their biggest scrape yet. Lord Gavin Blackmoor, a close family friend and may be suitor, has recently lost his father, but there is more to the death than meets the eye. Alex falls head into an adventure and, quite unexpectedly, into Gavin's arms.  Will they figure out what really happened to Lord Blackmoor's father? Will Alex's distaste for marriage fall give way to Gavin or another suitor?  This fun, fast-paced, novel will stay in your head even after the final page has been turned.