Starglass

Starglass by Phoebe North follows Terra who has spent her entire life living on a spaceship where everything is decided by the council.  They decide what job she has and who she marries.  When she witnesses a murder she soon starts to see beyond the surface and becomes part of a rebellion.

This is a great book that deals with the subject of freedom to love whom you choose in a fantastic way.  The main character's first love interest is in love with another man which is against the rules of the ship that don't even allow men and women the choice in who they marry.  In addition to the LGTB issues there's also fantastic space ship drama with a dystopian slant and a Jewish based society.  I adored this book and can't wait for the sequel.

I recommend this book to readers 13+

Litle Miss Muffet

Little Miss Muffet by Iza Trapani is a delightful picture book that begins with the traditional nursery rhyme.  The story then adds more verses (keeping the same beat structure) creating an entire story of Miss Muffet's day. 

My students loved the story and thought the extra verses were fantastic.  I would recommend this book to kids 4-8 and to elementary music teachers.  It's a great addition to the great library of Trapani songs.

Gated

Gated by Amy Christine Parker follows Lyla who is a member of a doomsday cult.  Preparing for the day when the world will end and they will move into the silo.  Lyla slowly discovers that she may not want the life that she has been raised for and with the meeting of a boy on the outside she finds that things may not be as she has been told.

This is a terrific novel, full of romance and terror.  I love reading about cults and this book didn't dissapoint with the strangeness and even gave readers the reason why Lyla's family were such strong believers.  I raced through this book.

Appropriateness:  This book is scary and violent.  I'd recommend it to readers 13+ and suggest that parents discuss with their children why people join cults.

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Dancer, Daughter, Traitor, Spy

   Dancer, Daughter, Traitor Spy by Elizabeth Kiem follows Marina, the daughter of a famous ballerina in Russia and a dancer herself.  When her mother disappears because her second sight may be exposing a state secret Marina and her father defect to the US. Her life becomes full of paranoia and risk.

I really enjoyed this book, the communist spy pieces of the plot were fantastic and the bits of dance made for an interesting book.  While Marina was very gullible, her character and life experience made it a believable part of her character.  I sped through this book, unable to put it down.

Appropriateness:  There's no adult content in this book.  I would recommend it for YA readers 13+ 

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Tandem

Tandem by Anna Jarzab is the first book in the Many Worlds Trilogy.  This book begins with Sasha who lives a normal life in a normal town with her grandfather.  When a popular boy suddenly takes an interest in her she's delighted, but after the prom she finds herself snatched to another world.  A world where she is told that she has to impersonate her double, the princess of a piece of North America who has been kidnapped before the wedding which is to bring peace to her land. 

When I initially started this book I read the first two pages, was turned off and then put the book down deciding it was absurd.  Then several weeks later I picked it up, starting on chapter two and loved it (so don't be discouraged by the first chapter).  The parallel worlds story was interesting and led to a combination between a dystopian romance, a sci fi novel with a bit of fantasy that actually worked.  I found myself engrossed in the story and loved every bit of it.  There is a bit of science fiction mumbo jumbo that needs to be handwaved, but it wasn't enough to ruin the story for me.

Appropriateness:  There's no adult content in this book.  There is quite a bit of heavy romance in the story with the typical love triangle.  I would recommend this book to readers 12+

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Mothership

Mothership, Book One of the Ever Expanding Universe by Martin Leicht and Isla Neal stars Elvie who after finding herself pregnant by a cheerleader's boyfriend attends a boarding school for pregnant teenagers on a spaceship.  The ship is then boarded attacked by a group of male warriors with ray guys one of which is her baby-daddy.  Elvie has to help save herself and her classmates while also dealing with boy drama, her cheerleader arch nemesis and a couple sets of Aliens who are set on using Earth's teenagers to reproduce.

So, how's that for a description?  A boarding school for pregnant teenagers that's raided by a group of hot warriors with extra baby daddy drama and aliens!  It's that absurd which makes it fantastic.  The authors do a fantastic job of intertwining the absurdity with a great plot and even some social commentary.  The book is funny and exciting and there's even a great romance.  I loved the book and couldn't put it down.

Appropriateness:  Well, it's a book about pregnant teenagers so there's a bit of sex (but nothing descriptive) and sex talk.  There are some discussions of abortion and adoption.  It's nothing that's really inappropriate for older middle school readers (and it gives parents a good excuse to talk about teen pregnancy (and alien babies) but I think it will speak more to older teens who can really enjoy the irony and sarcasm that's interweaved throughout the book.

Where the Stars Still Shine

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller follows Callie who has been on the run with her mother since she was small.  When her mother gets pulled over Callie gets sent home to live with a Father she only barely remembers.  Callie has to come to grip with her past and her new present.

This is a fantastic book, difficult and full of heart.  Callie has lived a tough life and integrating into a new community and coming to grips with her past.  The author does a good job at making the reader really understand why Callie makes the choices that she makes even if they're not the right choices.  I sped through the book unable to put it down.

Appropriateness:  There is a lot of sex in this book, a lot.  None of it is erotic or over descriptive but Callie's sexual behavior and her past sexual abuse is integral to her character and her story.  There is underage drinking but no drug abuse.  I would recommend this book to readers 16+ and encourage parents to use it to discuss sexuality and why people may act out sexually.

Out of Reach

Out of Reach by V.M. Jones follows Pip who dreads his father's behavior at his soccer games.  When he happens into a climbing gym and finds out that he's a natural he suddenly starts to believe in himself and develops his own identity.

I loved this book and could not put it down, reading the entire thing in one sitting (and that's not usual for me currently).  Pip's journey seems authentic and his search for independence is one that kids can identify with.  This is a book that I would buy for the boys in my life.

Appropriateness:  This is a male focused book but the story is one that will speak to girls as well.  The only bit of adult content is a mention of condoms as a joke and a worry that a boy is using Pip's female best friend for her body.  I would recommend this book to readers 11-15.

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Spark (A Sky Chasers Novel)

Spark is the second book in the Sky Chasers series.  The last book ended with the kids on the ship alone and their parents being held hostage on the other ship.  This book takes off where the last book ended with Kieran having a major power trip and refusing to listen to reason while Waverly and Seth tries to save the ship which is in major trouble due to Kieran's refusal to listen to anyone.

I found myself speeding through this book, there was just so much going on.  The characters however were a little too black and white.  I found myself getting so upset at Kieran who seemed so stupid that you could hit him in the head with something and he'd refuse to acknowledge that anything was there while Waverly was always right and always had the right answer.  There were several great twists and turns with the mystery and the ship and the politics between the two ships kept me interested.

Appropriateness:  There was no adult content in this book although it was very violent.  I would recommend this book to readers 13+





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Returnable Girl

Returnable Girl by Pamela A. Lowell follows Ronnie, a girl who has been in and out of several foster homes after being abandoned by her mother.  Ronnie has to deal with the same problems as other kids along with the uncertainty of her future and her inability to trust those that care for her.

This was a terrific novel.  It deals with a tough subject without seeming too much like an after school special.  Ronnie is deeply flawed but the author does a good job at making the reader understand where her flaws come from and root for her to make good decisions.  I really enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down.

Appropriateness:  There's talk of sex and drugs and drinking but none of it is put in a positive light.  I would recommend it for readers 12+

Here Where the Sunbeams are Green

Here Where the Sunbeams are Green by Helen Phillips follows sisters Mad and Roo who have traveled to Central America to find their father who is a bird expert who wrote a strange letter to Roo.  As soon as they land they notice that things in the Lava Bird Volcano area are very strange.  The sisters will use their magic and their smarts to solve the mystery and save an endangered bird whose very existence is important to the safety of the community.

This is a delightful and magical book.  I loved Roo and Mad who are both strong female heroines who were complex and interesting.  The green message of the book was fantastic and one that kids will enjoy.  While I did have problems being engaged at the beginning of the book the vague creepiness that was evident kept me hooked and I was glad that I kept with it.  The story was original and magical.

Appropriateness:  There is no adult content in this book and it is more creepy than scary.  There is a bit of romance in a does he like me way that is appropriate for a young middle school character.  I would recommend this book to readers 9-14

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Barn Boot Blues

Barn Boot Blues by Catherine Friend follows Taylor McNamera a girl whose parents pick up and move to a farm from the city.  Taylor not only has to adjust to a new school and community but she also has a new burden of farm chores.  Can she convince her parents that they need to move her away from the farm?

This is a great book that tweens will really love.  Taylor has a personality and a basic set of problems that kids will be able to relate to.  I sped through this book, unable to put it down.

Appropriateness: There is no adult content in this book.  I would recommend it for readers 10-14

Listening for Lucca

Another Student Review

  Listening for Lucca by Suzanne LaFleur follows Sienna who is a girl who can see things.  She sees ghosts from the past, trying to use them to help her little brother Lucca.  She feels that the things from the past will help Lucca will be okay. 

This is a wonderful book that is interesting and will keep you on the edge of your seat.  The characters of Lucca and Sienna and their problems make for an interesting read that caused my reader to race through the book.

Appropriateness:  This is a great book for middle grade girls.  There's a bit of romance but not enough to put off readers.  I would recommend this book to readers 10-14

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Bubble World

Bubble World by Carol Snow follows Freesia who lives in a perfect world filled with beaches, parties and friends.  Slowly she starts realizing that things are not as they appear and then her world falls apart.

This is an interesting book however it moved slowly and took a while for me to finish.  There's an interesting point as to what is real and what isn't real and what it takes to be happy that teens will enjoy.

Appropriateness:  There's a bit of drinking in the book and the main character frequently takes drugs (happy juice, sleepy juice) to calm down and deal with life.  There's a bit of romance which never goes further than kissing.  I would recommend this book to readers 14+

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Flora and Ulysses

  Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo follows Flora who saves a squirrel that has been vacuumed up.  When the squirrel comes to life it suddenly has cool squirrel powers.  They then hang out together in strange ways.

This was a great book.  The characters and setting made for an interesting story that played out in a delightful manner that was wacky, full of imaginative stuff and lots of other things that a good book should have.  The child who read this book was very excited and plowed through it and was sad when it ended. 

Appropriateness:  This is a great book that could be enjoyed by elementary and middle school audiences.  There is a bit of romance and the occasional use of the term shut up.

Review written with the help of a great fifth grader.  Review copy provided by Amazon Prime.

In The After

In the After by Demitria Lunetta follows Amy who is watching television when they attack.  The first section of the book follows Amy living on her own, protecting herself and the small child she finds from the horrific creatures outside, maintaining total silence at all times.  The two then move into a perfect community that quickly is shown to not be as perfect as it appears.

I really enjoyed this book and I've been in a mood to hate everything lately.  It was the perfect combination of adventure and terror combined with a utopia/dystopia with a minor mystery throughout.  I rushed through the book, finishing quickly even though it was very long.  The ending was solid enough to satisfy me but enough to keep me wondering about the sequel.

Appropriateness:  This book is fairly violent and has a lot of survival scenes where you are worried about the main character's safety.  There's no real romance to turn off readers who hate romance.  I'd recommend this book to readers 13+

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Little Goblins Ten

Little Gobins Ten by Pamela Jane and illustrated by Jane Manning is a fantastic Halloween version of the classic folk song "Over in the Meadow."  Instead of turtles and foxes this version features silly zombies, goblins and bats.  My students loved the book and the text fit the song well making it very singable.

This book will be loved by readers 3-8

We're Going on a Ghost Hunt

We're Going on a Ghost Hunt by Susan Pearson and S.D. Schindler is a retelling of the classic chant "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" with a ghosty twist.

My students loved this book and it's funny rather than scary.  It's a fantastic read aloud.

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The Spooky Wheels on the Bus

The Spooky Wheels on the Bus is a fun retelling of the classic children's song The Wheels on the Bus with a Halloween twist and an added counting element.  My students loved hearing this version and thought the pictures were very funny (although not scary at all). 

I would recommend this book to readers 2-6

Catch Rider

Catch Rider by Jennifer H. Lyne tells the story of Sid, a poor girl living in an unstable family who has a gift for riding horses.  When she gets a job working as a groom at a wealthy stable she ends up competing in a riding competition so the owner can show off her horse.  All she's ever wanted is to compete but with the financial barriers and her family instability it seems impossible.

This is a great book with a complicated character that you can't help but root for.  Sid's family life is difficult and her ability to deal with abuse and poverty makes what could be a fluffy horse novel very engrossing.  I couldn't put the book down and finished it quickly.

Appropriateness:  There's a lot of difficult and traumatic situations in this book due to Sid's family such as severe poverty, alcohol, domestic and child abuse.  The main character steers clear of adult behavior and is for the most part a very good kid. I reccomend this book to readers 13+

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The Testing

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau is a young adult dystopian novel that takes place in a society that's rebuilding.  The society chooses members of the community to participate in the testing every year to compete for spots in the university.  When Cia is chosen her father tells her that he suspects that the testing that he went through was brutal.  Things start out simple but soon become dangerous.

This book is the closest to a Hunger Games rewrite as I've seen.  There's young teens chosen to compete in a dangerous contest that's run by the leaders in the capital city.  There's a booby trapped city, teens killing teens to get further in the contest and even evil people/animal hybrids.  While it was very reminiscent of The Hunger Games I did find it entertaining and couldn't put it down.  It's full of non-stop action and has a great romance and a bit of a mystery.  If you can get over the similarities you'll enjoy the book.

Appropriateness:  This book is very violent with kids killing kids and it's hard to read at times.  I would recommend this book to readers 13+

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Demonosity

Demonosity by Amanda Ashby begins when Cassidy has a strange encounter with a knight after trying on a temporary tattoo at the mall.  She soon finds out that she has been chosen to protect the Black Rose which resides in a popular girl from school from the demons that are determined to get to it's power.  Cassidy has to juggle not only the demons but her sick father, a persistent ex boyfriend, a new suitor and learning lines for the school play.

I'm a big fan of Amanda Ashby and this book did not disappoint.  This was a fun, paranormal story with a hint of romance.  I loved Cassidy, she was a fun and quirky girl who really cared about her friends and family.  Nash, her best friend is asexual which is a character trait that isn't seen much in YA lit.

Appropriateness:  I would recommend this book to readers 12+  there is no adult content at all and the violence is very minimal making it appropriate for younger readers who like to read YA lit (however the story is complex enough for older teen readers who enjoy paranormal romance). 

Deviant

Deviant by Helen Fitzgerald follows Abigail, a girl who has spent her life in orphanages and foster homes.  When she finds that her mother has died and receives a strange letter from her telling her about the sister and father she never knew in California her life changes.  When she arrives in California things just don't seem right and a mystery has to be solved.

This book is strange.  It was weirdly paced and seemed to change from one type of book to another several places.  There's a mystery that pops up in the last fifty pages that seems to come from nowhere.  However in spite of it's weirdness I kept reading (and I've been in a mood where I don't finish things lately) and couldn't put it down at the end.

Appropriateness:  When it comes to adult content this book has it all.  It starts with Abi befriending a girl who is working for a pimp and then moves to drinking and drugs, lawbreaking and an overdose in California.  None of the negative behaviors are glorified and the main character seems to have a good head on her shoulders and makes good decisions.  I'd recommend this book to readers 14+   

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Taken

Taken by Erin Bowman begins in Claysoot, a town where boys disappear when they turn eighteen. After Gray makes a startling discovery he starts to question everything that he believed was true.

This is an interesting dystopian that moves at a faster pace than most that have been released lately. Instead of the entire book being based on the discovery of the mystery it is unraveled very quickly. The love triangle works well and the sexual rules of the society makes for an interesting contrast.

Appropriateness: There is a bit of implied sex in this book along with sexual rules for the society being a main plot point. There is also some alcohol use. I recommend this book to readers 13+

Slugger

Slugger by Susan Pearson and David Slonim tells the story of Ollie the slug who wants to do nothing more than to play baseball. He works hard to overcome the many obstacles he faces and is victorious in the end.

This is a fantastic book that will be enjoyed by kids ages 4-8.

The Testing

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau is a young adult dystopian novel that takes place in a society that's rebuilding. The society chooses members of the community to participate in the testing every year to compete for spots in the university. When Cia is chosen her father tells her that he suspects that the testing that he went through was brutal. Things start out simple but soon become dangerous.

This book is the closest to a Hunger Games rewrite as I've seen. There's young teens chosen to compete in a dangerous contest that's run by the leaders in the capital city. There's a booby trapped city, teens killing teens to get further in the contest and even evil people/animal hybrids. While it was very reminiscent of The Hunger Games I did find it entertaining and couldn't put it down. It's full of non-stop action and has a great romance and a bit of a mystery. If you can get over the similarities you'll enjoy the book.

Appropriateness: This book is very violent with kids killing kids and it's hard to read at times. I would recommend this book to readers 13+

Seven Little Bunnies

Seven Little Bunnies by Julie Stiegmeyer and Laura J Bryant is an adorable counting picture book.  The poetry is delightful and rhythmic and the pictures are cute with a sleepy ending that kids and parents will find calming.  I read this book to a class of first graders and they loved it.

Throwing Like A Girl

Throwing Like a Girl by Weezie Kerr Mackey follows Ella who starts a new school after moving to Dallas in the middle of the school year.  Ella, looking for a place to fit in decides to try out for the softball team.  The story follows her learning about the game, her teammates and new friends.

This is a nice, sweet and clean contemporary story.  There's a bit of romance but for the most part it's a sports drama.  I found myself interested throughout and finished the book quickly.

Appropriateness:  This is a clean YA novel that will be acceptable even to the most conservative of readers while still keeping a bit of edge with family drama and remaining secular.  There is no drug or alcohol use (although a bit of talk about a friend's parent being an alcoholic) the romance culminates in a fairly chaste kiss and the characters are all nice and helpful girls who care about and help their families.  I recommend this book to readers 12-16

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Taken

Taken by Erin Bowman begins in Claysoot, a town where boys disappear when they turn eighteen.  After Gray makes a startling discovery he starts to question everything that he believed was true.

This is an interesting dystopian that moves at a faster pace than most that have been released lately.  Instead of the entire book being based on the discovery of the mystery it is unraveled very quickly.  The love triangle works well and the sexual rules of the society makes for an interesting contrast.

Appropriateness:  There is a bit of implied sex in this book along with sexual rules for the society being a main plot point.  There is also some alcohol use.  I recommend this book to readers 13+

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Five Little Skunks

Five Little Skunks by Robert Collier Morles is a very cute folk song book.  The song is about a girl who goes to the park with her skunks who slowly wander away (as to the other people in the park).  There is a CD included with the song (and eleven other songs) which is nicely performed and will help if you don't know the song.  The inclusion of the CD makes this a fantastic bargain for parents and teachers.

You Know What You Have To Do

You Know What You Have to Do by Bonnie Shimko follows Mary Magdalene a teenage girl who has a voice in her head that tells her to kill.  The novel follows her through her life as she faces these impulses to kill.

This is a creepy creepy book.  Mary is a sociopath who doesn't feel much guilt about her actions and lies her way through therapy.  She's not one that teens can really relate to but she's certainly fascinating.  I had no problem finishing the book although I wasn't very satisfied with the ending.

Appropriateness:  This book has quite a bit of adult content.  There's talk of sex, abortion and quite a bit of violence.  I'd recommend it to readers 16+

Delusion

Delusion by Laura L Sullivan stars sisters Phil and Fee, magician sisters who have been exiled to the country during the war so they'll remain safe.  While there they find a college of real magicians and is determined to get them to help with the home guard.  Magic and love of course romance ensue.

This book has many issues that drag the book down making it unreadable even with it's original plot.  The author has issues with switching points of views to the point that the reader can get lost.  The plot also meanders around at some places where the reader wonders if anything interesting will happen.  I had to push myself to get through the book and put it down several times, pausing to read other things.

Appropriateness:  This is a book best suited for older teens.  There is quite a bit of sexual content and drunkeness and the characters themselves are older.  I would reccomend the book to readers 14+

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Confederates Don't Wear Couture

Confederates Don't Wear Couture follows Libby whom we met in Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink. In this book she is recruited by her gay best friend to model civil war era clothes as they follow civil war reenactors from town to town. While on their tour they come upon a ghost whose presence threatens to shut the entire circuit down.

While I loved Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink I wasn't as in love with this book. I think it was missing some of the lightness and romance that we saw when Libby was a new character and as we learned to love her boyfriend (who I came to hate in this book).

I'd recommend this book to readers 13+

Diego: Bigger Than Life

Diego: Bigger Than Life appears at first glance to be a picture book written for children full of poems about a famous painter. However, the topics of these poems make the book not appropriate for the picture book audience as it deals with his lovers and his politics. Making it more appropriate for middle school aged readers (who would be better off reading a book with paintings that are actually by Diego.) All in all the book is a failure

Escape From The Pipe Men

Escape from the Pipe Men! by Mary G Thompson follows Ryan and his sister Becky who are exhibits in a Zoo run on an alien planet controlled by the Pipe Men.  When Ryan's father gets sick Ryan and his sister must travel and work with several other races to find the antidote and save their father.

This is a delightful book full of imagination and excitement.  The descriptions of the many alien races and their worlds are fantastic.  I can imagine kids deciding that they had to draw each of the different aliens (there are no pictures forcing kids to use their imaginations).  There are also several great ideas in the book to make kids think regarding the treatment of others and some cool space travel ideas.

Appropriateness:  This book has no adult content or romance and is not violent (although there is quite a bit of action). I recommend this book to readers 9-14.

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The Year of the Baby

The Year of the Baby is the second book in a series staring Anna Wang. In this book Anna's family adopts a baby from China. When the baby has problems gaining weight and Anna has to come up with a science project. Anna combines the two and uses the scientific method to help out her new sister.

This book teaches a lot of little lessons. These lessons very from the scientific method, to how to deal with small conflicts that come up in a child's everyday life.

I would recommend this book to girls who are new to chapter books in second or third grade (and as a read aloud for younger students).

The Adventures of Shrinkman

The Adventures of Shrinkman by RL Stine follows Danny who follows the adventures of shrinkman.  Then he drinks something called shrinkman cola and then shrinks.  He finds that being small is not as cool as he thought it would be.

This book is very good.  The suspense gets very high keeping the reader interested throughout.  This book has a great twist much like the ones that RL Stine adds to his goosebumps books making this great for fans of the series. 

Appropriateness:  This book is more creepy than scary and contains no adult content.  I would reccomend it for readers 9-14.

Review produced with help from one of my student reviewers.

The Lonely Planet Not For Parents: How to be a World Explorer

The Lonely Planet Not For Parents: How to be a World Explorer is a delightful book with travel tips for kids from the useful to the absurd that kids will love.  This is one of those books that you buy for the child who hates to read that they can't put down.

I recommend this book for readers from 8-14

Velveteen

Velveteen by Daniel Marks is a strange book about a girl named Velveteen.  Velveteen is dead.  She was killed by an evil serial killer whom she continues to torment when she sneaks out of purgatory.  Purgatory is being threatened by horrible storms.

I had major issues with this book and finally gave up not willing to force myself to pick the book up again.  While the writing was good and the descriptions of purgatory original the story was all over the place and confusing.  The book started out with Velveteen haunting her killer (a story which was promising) but then moved into purgatory and then moved through that without much explanation as to what exactly was going on or what the point of Velveteen's story was. 

Appropriateness:  This book has quite a bit of adult content.  The book is very violent and scary (check out the first chapter).  There are discussions of drug use and quite a bit of crude sexual talk.  I would recommend this book to readers 14+

Review copy provided by amazon vine

Hush Little Polar Bear

Hush Little Polar Bear is a sweet book that follows a polar bear on his adventures.  While the story doesn't follow the traditional "Momma's going to buy you" model that you would expect the poetry still fits well with the traditional melody making it easy to sing.  My students loved it.

I recommend this book for kids from 0-6

Hush Little Dragon

Hush Little Dragon by Boni Ashubrn and Kelly Murphy is a delightful version of Hush Little Baby that stars a Dragon instead of a baby.  My students love the original song as well as the stories Hush Little Alien and Hush Little Monster and I'm sure this one will be requested just as much.  They loved that the mother dragon brought the baby dragon villagers to eat.  The poetry fits perfectly with the song making it an easy sing even the first time through.

This book will be enjoyed by kids from 4-8

Spider on the Floor

Spider on the Floor illustrated by True Kelly is one of the books in the Raffi Songs to Read series.  The book beautifully illustrates the song in a way that engages kids and is easy to sing.  Additionally with each additional page the spider web adds a different animal to his web.  I've read this book to my students for years and even though it's a simple song they ask for it over and over again as it's fun to sing and read.

This book is appropriate for kids from 0-8 and works well as a read to self or a sing-a-loud

Losing It

Review by a delightful fifth grader

Losing It by Erin Fry follows Bennett an eighth grader who is overweight.  When Bennett was young his mother died of cancer.  One day when Bennett is watching television his father suffers a major stroke.  Because his father so disabled from the stroke Bennett moves in with his Aunt Laura who decides that he is going to make Bennett healthy. 

This is a fantastic book with lots of excitement and unpredictable things that happen making it difficult to put down.  Bennett's journey to becoming healthier and happier is inspirational for readers. 

Appropriateness:  This book is appropriate for middle grade readers 10-14

My So-Called Death

My So-Called Death by Stacy Jay Follows perky cheerleader Karen.  When Karen falls to her death after being dropped off the top of a cheerleading formation she doesn't stay dead, she wakes back up.  Karen soon finds herself enrolled at the DEAD school for zombie kids.  Unfortunately as soon as she arrives she finds that this school isn't as easy to navigate as the one she left.  Her roommate is creepy, everyone seems to dislike her and her classmates are having their brains stolen.

This is a cute zombie novel that kids will love.  Karen is a spunky zombie girl who is unafraid to be herself even when it's unpopular.  The mythology is crafted in an entertaining way and the mystery has a nice resolution and kept me guessing till the end.  I sped through the book reading it in one sitting.

Appropriateness:  This book has no adult content.  While Karen is in high school her attitude is that of someone younger making this a book that will appeal to a middle grade audience.  The romance isn't a main factor in the book and the mystery is more creepy than scary or excessively violent.  I recommend this book to readers 10-14.

Wild Awake

Wild Awake by Hilary T Smith follows Kiri, an accomplished pianist whose life changes when she's left alone during the summer while her parents go on vacation.  Soon after her parents leave Kiri gets a call from a man who says that he has her dead sister's stuff.  Kiri then rides her bike to the horrible area of town to go and get her stuff and soon learns more about her sister and her life than she ever thought she would.

I had mixed feelings about this book.  While it was interesting and kept moving I felt that the characterization of Kiri just didn't work.  We've got a girl who was perfect and hard working (apparently a prodigy pianist) who does things that a girl like her would do.  Riding her bike alone into a horrible area of town alone, accepting rides from strangers and throwing everything she's worked for out the window.  It was very readable though and I did find myself interested throughout.

Appropriateness:  There was so much pot use in this book that it made me uncomfortable.  She's not just smoking weed when she's at a party but she's smoking frequently alone and even at one point infers that there must be something strange about the guy she likes because he doesn't smoke.  There's also quite a bit of sex and drinking and of course her inability to have any self preservation instincts at all.  I'd recommend this book to readers 14+ and encourage parents to talk about substance use and abuse and good decision making skills.

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Pretty Girl 13

Pretty Girl 13 begins with Angie finding herself standing in her neighborhood.  When she walks inside she finds that she's been missing for three years that she can't remember.  The story follows Angie slowly recalling her past through her alters (multiple personalities).

This was a terrific book that I could not put down.  I finished it in an afternoon.  Angie's story was engrossing (if not very realistic) and the pacing of the details of Angie's kidnapping were revealed in a way that made me unable to put the book down.  Readers who are looking for something that's realistic or deep won't be satisfied but it's a great quick read.

Appropriateness:  This book deals with  mental illness, sexual abuse and rape along with a bit of underage drinking.  I would recommend it for readers 13+

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Sail Away on my Silver Dream

A great fifth grade review

Sail Away on my Silver Dream by J Guenther follows a boy named David whose mother is very sick with cancer.  When he meets Sharon and learns that her father is an Alcoholic they bond by sailing away on their imaginary boat.

This is a great book that fifth grade reviewer loved.  While this book isn't one that you speed through it never bores readers.  The characters were funny responsible and entertaining even though they were dealing with a lot in their lives.  The problem/solution worked out perfectly making for a satisfying ending.  My reviewers only criticism of the book is that she didn't like the the texture of the cover.

Appropriateness:  The book deals with domestic abuse and has violent situations with Sharon's abusive father.  There is a bit of romance but not enough to turn off readers.  I recommend this book to readers 11-14

Review copy provided by the author.

Mila 2.0

Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza begins with Mila finding out that she's not the human teenager that she thought she was.  After finding out that she's an android her life gets crazy.  First she's on the run from those who want to capture her and then she must fight for her own existance from those who want to destroy her.

I wasn't expecting much when I started this book but I really loved it.  It was filled with enough suspense and action to keep me on the edge of my seat.  I appreciated the lack of romantic angst and the theme of what makes you human.  I sped though the book finishing it in a few days.

Appropriateness:  While there is a lot of action movie type violence in this book there is no other adult content.  I would recommend it for readers 13+ but it would be fine for younger readers.

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A Field Guide to Aliens: Intergalactic Worrywarts, Bubblonauts, Sliver-Slurpers, and Other Extraterrestrials

A Field Guide to Aliens: Intergalactic Worrywarts, Bubblonauts, Sliver-Slurpers, and Other Extraterrestrials by Johan Olander is a fantastic illustrated book that gives kids descriptions and pictures of several common aliens.

I gave my daughter this book while she was sitting in a waiting room and she not only devoured it there (not needing anything else to distract her) but read it in the car to me.  This picture book sized field guide is filled with pictures and descriptions with the addition of great difficult vocabulary words.

I would recommend this book to readers 9-12 (and younger advanced readers).  It's a great buy for reluctant readers.

Review Copy Provided by Amazon Vine.

Little Red Hot

Little Red Hot by Eric A. Kimmel is a fantastic retelling of Little Red Riding Hood with a spicy hot twist. This little red loves hot peppers, the hotter the better. When she finds out that grandma is sick she cooks the hottest hot pepper pie to take to her.

I loved this book. It's funny and has a great surprise ending while keeping in the spirit of the original little red story. I would recommend this to readers 5-8.