by James Patterson

[Fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride and the other members of "Flock"--Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel--are just like ordinary kids--only they have wings and can fly. It seems like a dream come true--except that they're still being hunted by new threats at every turn.]

Little, Brown and Company
272 Pages
Interest Level: YA
ISBN: 9780316002868
Copyright: March 2008











 

Written by Justin Richards

Matt is a 15 year old son of an archeologist. When he is sent to stay with his father during the summer, he discovers his father is missing, but he has left Matt some clues about what to do and where to go. Everything about the dad's disappearance and what he is working on is strange and confusing to Matt.

The mysteries deepen when Matt is told to go to his Aunt Jane, a woman Matt loves and admires and who just happens to work for a man from a noble family line. As Matt and Mr. Vecter and his daughter work to find Matt's father, a huge, crazy plot to take over the world unfolds.

The action takes Matt and his friends from England to the Brazilian jungle to Denmark, back to England and then back to Brazil. In the process, Matt discovers, to his dismay his mother and father are both involved in in this crazy plot to rule the world.

Review by Linda Douglas, English Teacher, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩

This is a great story about a teenage boy whose father is an archaeologist searching for a code that could have brought down the Mayans and Atlantis.  His father comes up missing and in searching for him the boy is absorbed into a world-wide treasure hunt, with suspense woven all the way through the story.  The code has fallen into the hands of a madman who plans to use the code in a sinister manner.  The boy and his friend fight creatures and mercenaries to keep him from reactivating the chaos code.

Reviewed by JoLene Ellertson, G.S.D. Instructional Technology  

Written and Illustrated by Joann Sfar

Review
Two things kids will like -- graphic novel and vampires. Likeable characters. Illustrations were a little dark.

Laura Schmidt, Fox Hills Elementary Library Media Assistant

 

Written by Monk and Nigel Ashland, Illustrated by Jeff Nentrup

Review
This is the story of two children, Rom (Breaker) and Mei (Drangonfly). They have the Kaimira gene which makes them part human, mek, and beast. The locations are Las Vegas for Rom and China for Mei. They each have a book that connects their thoughts and situations. It is a time where the humans, beasts, and machines called meks battle each other for land and food. Mei's mother is captured by the meks and her father takes her to live with family in the Sky Village while he searches for his wife. Mei is unhappy to be left behind and afraid of living in the air so far from the ground. As she lives with the sky people, she finds that many things her mohter taught her relate to life in the sky. She also begins to feel a connection with these relatives and other people who live in a balloon village above ground to avoid the battles taking place on the ground. Rom must learn to battle with his alter ego, a demon he calls spot, in caverns below Las Vegas. This is a fantastic story with many interesting twists and turns. The authors plan to have five books in this series and it will be interesting to see how the story develops. In the end of book one, Rom and Mei have unleashed a monster to help them defeat their enemies. Once the monster is unleashed they find they have made a mistake that may cost everyone their lives. I look forward to the next book.  

Written and Illustrated by Martin Baynton

This story is easy to read and will appeal to the beginning readers. The dragon gets sick with "Curly Tail" and needs a special "Skyleaf Plant" that is only found up on a high, dangerous mountain. His special friend Jane decides to get it for him. The story has adventure and some very tender moments. It will be great for young readers that love to read about dragons. The illustrations are taken from the TV program and will be known to the children that watch the show.
 

 

Written by Rick Riordan

Minutes before Grace Cahill died she changed her will, leaving her descendants an impossible decision: "You have a choice - one million dollars or a clue."  The 39 Clues books set the story, while the cards, website and game allow kids to participate in it. Kids will love this! They can visit the website - www.the39clues.com - and discover they are lost members of the Cahill family. Look for the second book, One False Note by Gordan Korman, Dec. 2, 2008.


The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues Series, #1)
Scholastic
978-0545060394
Release Date: September 9, 2008










 

Written by Gordon Korman

Coming Soon!  Release Date: December 2, 2008

THIS JUST IN! Amy and Dan Cahill were spotted on a train, hot on the trail of one of 39 Clues hidden around the world. BUT WAIT! Police report a break-in at an elite hotel, and the suspects ALSO sound suspiciously like Amy and Dan. UPDATE! Amy and Dan have been seen in a car . . . no, in a speedboat chase . . . and HOLD EVERYTHING! They're being chased by an angry mob?!?
When there's a clue on the line, anything can happen. Coming in December!


One False Note (The 39 Clues Series, #2)
Scholastic
ISBN: 978-0545060424
Release Date: December 2, 2008







 

Written by Cornelia Funke

The first hundred pages is just a review of what has happened so far. "The Adderhead -- his immortality bound in a book by Meggie's father, Mo -- has ordered his henchmen to plunder the villages. The peasants' only defense is a band of outlaws led by the Bluejay -- Mo's fictitious double, whose identity he has reluctantly adopted. But the Book of Immortality is unraveling, and the Adderhead again fears the White Women of Death. To bring the renegade Bluejay back to repair the book, the Adderhead kidnaps all the children in the kingdom, dooming them to slavery in his silver mines unless Mo surrenders."


Inkdeath
Scholastic
Release Date: September 26, 2008
 

Written by Rick Yancey

Review
A dangerous new enemy is tracking Alfred’s every move.  Even the people who have sworn to protect him no longer seem trustworthy.  Who, or what, is "Sofia," and is there a connection between Sofia and the mysterious Thirteen Skull? The reluctant hero who has always narrowly avoided death may not be getting out of this adventure alive.  

Written by Stephen Cole

Jonah Wish, a brilliant computer hacker, is thenewest addition to an elite group of teen outlaws all hired by the same mysterious benefactor, Nathaniel Coldhardt. Each of them offers a unique talent: Patch is a one-eyed locksmith; Motti can dismantle any electrical system; Con's charm is truly mesmerizing; and Tye can detect a lie with more precision than a polygraph. Under Coldhart's watchful eye, this motley crew races from a high-tech underground conference center to exotic locations where they hunt for priceless ancient artifacts that may bring riches . . . or the secret to eternal life.

The story is written in British English and the slang is sometimes hard to understand. The story is a bit over the top at times.  

Written by Nancy Farmer

Matteo Alacran is the young, naive clone of El Patrón, a one-hundred-forty-year-old drug lord who has carved out for himself a true empire in the border valleys between Mexico and the USA.  In a world where most clones have their intelligence destroyed at creation and are despised by all, Matt, after a young childhood spent in isolation, is brought into the Alacran household to be raised in luxury and provided a fine education.  Matt excels and blossoms in this situation, although ignored and hated by most everyone in the house and allowed to exist only at the whim of El Patrón.  Matt infers that his education, talent and DNA mean that he will one day rise to a level of influence and prestige in El Patron's empire, but he is painfully oblivious to the mechanations of El Patrón and the actual fate that awaits a clone such as himself.  Matt is a fascinating character for whom the reader roots, yet great tension is generated by the distinct possibility that he may turn toward amorality and ruthlessness, as his progenitor did. 

It appears that this book was awarded a truckload of honors when it was first released, so it doesn't necessarily need my accolades, but in all truthfulness you can't really expect to find a young adult novel any better than this one.  It pushes all the right buttons: an intriguing premise, strong likeable and hateable characters, masterful plotting, clear descriptions and dialogue that allow you to perfectly visualize the worlds and situations described, numerous moral, scientific, political and theological issues to contemplate and discuss, all while acting as an exciting page-turner and a coming-of-age story.  This book has slight echoes of works as diverse as Great Expectations, 1984, and Ender's Game.  I recommend this book to anyone age 13 and up, and possibly younger if they are precocious readers.  

Written by Mal Peet

It's 1995 and 15 year old Tamar's grandfather's suicide bewilders her, as does the collection of things that he has left her in his apartment. There is a mystery, she knows, and her grandfather loved puzzles, as does she. Her father, his son, has disappeared, and she talks a distant relative into helping her solve the mystery -- which is related to the other part of the story, that of two undercover operatives who parachute into the Nazi-occupied Netherlands late in 1944 and encounter both the starving winter and an array of plots, relationships and dangers.

I liked this book a lot. I did find it confusing at times, but that might be because I was trying to read two books at once.  

Written and Illustrated by Matt Hamill

This humorous adventure story by author-illustrator Matt Hammill will captivate the imagination of young explorers as they follow the hero on his quest for the "Lost Tablet of Illusion", which was stolen by a fearsome beast. Sir Reginald makes his everyday life exciting and as somewhat melodramatic as can be - especially since he believes he really is in the deep jungle!  

This is a story about an 11-year old boy by the name of Reynie Muldoon. He is very intelligent, so much so that he has read all the texbooks at the Stonetown Orphanage where he lives, even those for high school students. When he reads the morning paper one day with a special tutor (a kind and intelligent woman) Miss. Perumal, he notices an advertisement directed specifically for children which says: "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" When Reynie decides to answer the ad he finds himself involved in an adventure he never thought possible and finds friends (children and adults) who become his family. He and these friends are the last hope as they try to stop an evil genius who tries to take control of the world.

Review by Marjorie Briggs, Oquirrh Hills Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-7

The Mysterious Benedict Society
Little, Brown
341 pages
ISBN: 978-0-316-03211-7
Release Date: March 2008

 

Written by Patrick Carman

This is the 4th book in the Land of Elyon series, but upon reading, my suggestion is to read "Into the Mist" as the 4th book. This continues Alexa's journey into the Lonely Sea to the Five Stone Pillars, where await new dangers, mysteries, and maybe even love.

This is a very good series book although it would be too confusing to read without the previous books. I love the characters and the fantasy world that has been created.

Review by Shannon Bishop, Academy Park Elementary
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-12

Stargazer (Land of Elyon Series #4)
Scholastic
233 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-89951-2
Release Date: September 2008
 

Written by Chris Lynch

Cyberia is a fun to read science fiction novel. Zane lives with his Mom (a TV news reporter) and Dad (a famous radio personality) in the future. The house is completely wired so that Zane is constantly being monitored. His parents always know where he is and even if he ate all of his dinner. Sometimes they receive too much information. Zane's dog talks him (yes, he can hear the dog) into helping the animals escape from the evil veterinarian. This is a cute story with a lot of adventure and wonderful things to think about.

Review by Irene Taylor, Vista Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Cyberia
Scholastic
158 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-02793-9
Release Date: September 2008



 

Written by David Ward

This is the story of young slaves that are held captive by a group that they call the Spears. The children are paired male and female by their captors. Corki and Pippa are one such pair. Each day they go out to a large beach/plain area where they collect baskets of shards. At night the ocean reclaims this area and the slaves must be taken into the mountains or drown. Pippa and Corki meet two recently captured slaves called Tia and Bran. Most of the slaves speak many different languages and so it is rare that a pair of slaves speak the same language as Pippa and Corki. Pippa and Corki take Tia and Bran under their wing and teach them what they will need to know to survive as slaves of the Spears. The children are also aware that the Spears seem worried and preoccupied by some other problems. As time goes on they realize that war is coming and they are fearful about what will happen to them. When the attack comes, some of the slaves work together to save themselves and the others. Now comes the challenge, how will they live when they are no longer slaves, and what became of all the Spears. The answers are surprising and lead to the next story in the trilogy, Beneath the Mask.

Curriculum Ties: This book could be used by social studies teachers to discuss slavery, and how to create a new society.

Review by Robin Larsen, Matheson Jr. High Library Media Specialist
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Middle School

Escape the Mask (The Grassland Trilogy #1)
Amulet Books
195 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9477-5
Release Date: April 2008  

Written by James Kennedy

After a mysterious absence of forty years, aged Hollywood starlet Lily Larouche suddenly finds herself back in the Ruby Palace, her old mansion in the California Desert, with no memory of where she has been all this time.  At the same time, she finds a crying baby girl in her washing machine, with a note: “This is Jo. Please take care of her. But beware. This is a DANGEROUS baby.”  As the novel begins, Jo, now 13, is trying to stay out of the way at one of her “Aunt” Lily’s out-of-control Hollywood costume parties at the Ruby Palace, when a strange, old Russian colonel sneaks in and informs her that he has come to protect her because his intestines told him to do so.  Soon, the Russian has taken a bullet for her, a package with her name on it has fallen out of the sky, the Russian’s ascot-wearing, talking cockroach sidekick has shown up on the scene, and a Chinese billionaire who is an aspiring diabolical villain is after all of them.   And that’s only a taste of all that happens in just the first few pages.  Every time I thought the story had settled into its comfort spot and would just flow along, Kennedy turned everything on its head and upped the absurdity ante again, and again, and again.  And, amazingly, every time it works splendidly.  Overflowing with laugh-out-loud moments, totally unexpected plot twists, and off-the-wall fantastical details, this is the most fun I’ve had with a book in a long time.  Highly recommended, particularly to anyone who gets bored easily, and anyone who has ever wondered what a novel written by Dr. Seuss might be like.

Review by Joshua Whiting, Library Media / Instructional Technology Dept., Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

The Order of Odd-Fish
Delacorte Books
416 pages
ISBN: 978-0-385-73543-8
Release Date: August 2008  

Adapted from the Major Motion Picture and Illustrated by Matt Smith and David Tilton

This book, The Tale of Despereaux: the Graphic Novel, tells the story of a brave little mouse holding true and honorably to his quest. It is done in graphic format with colorful illustrations. Although some students needed practice in following the direction of graphic text, once they got the hang of it they loved it. This book would be fun to share with a group. After reading the original novel together, they could read this book, which has been adapted from the major motion picture currently in theaters. Then they could discuss the comparisons of the two: what is the same, what is different, and why. I think this book has many possibilities for teacher/student discussions. I highly recommend this book.

Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4+

The Tale of Desperaux: The Graphic Novel (Movie Tie-In)
Candlewick Press
126 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4312-6
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written by Michael Ford

This is a sequel to The Fire of Ares. It is the continuing story of Lysander, a young helot slave who discovers that he is in fact the son of a Spartan warrior named Thorakis. At the end of the Fire of Ares, Lysander had won the games and stopped a helot (slave) uprising. At the beginning of this book he is awakened in the middle of the night and taken to the helot village where he is forced to whip his friend Timeon.

Lysander is now training to become a Spartan warrior. Spartans' must endure many trails and tests to prove themselves worthy of the red cloaks they wear. One test is surviving in the mountains for five days without food or weapons. Lysander is chosen to go to the mountains with Demaratos, a boy he does not like, and an older boy who is near manhood (eighteen) Agesilaus. Agesilaus killed his own brother in a competition and is known to be cruel. Lysander knows this will be a difficult test because he is with people he does not trust. As Lysander and Demaratos suffer the tasks that Agesilaus assigns them they become friends and begin to look out for each other. Driven by hunger, Lysander, Demaratos, and Agesilaus plan a raid on the helot village to steal food. Lysander volunteers to go because he is most familiar with the camp. As he prepares to steal food he discovers that his friend Timeon has died, not from the wounds inflicted by the whip of Lysander, but from a knife wound.

For the final test Lysander and Demaratos must kill a fish, a bird, and a wild animal. Demaratos nearly drowns catching the fish but is saved by Lysander. While they are cooking the fish Agesilaus brags that he is an assassin in training and Lysander realizes that he is the one that murdered Timeon.

As they are heading back to camp they see fire and rush to see if the forest is burning., instead they find the campfires of Persian invaders. Lysander wants to rush back to warn Sparta, but Agesilaus will not allow them to go because they have not finished their tasks.
 
During the night, Lysander steals the knife of Agesilaus and leaves to return to Sparta to warn them of the Persian soldiers. He is attacked by a wolf and he uses the knife and a tree branch to save his life. Agesilaus has caught up with him and tells Lysander that he will not live to return to Sparta. His enemies want him to die. As wolves attack, it is Agesilaus that is killed, leaving Lysander and Demaratos free to return to Sparta.

In Sparta, Lysander discovers that the Spartans think the attack is coming from the north, but the Persians fires that Lysander saw are to the south. He must convince the elders that the real threat is to the south and that troops must be sent. The only problem is that most of the troops have already gone south and only a few remain in Sparta. This forces the use of all the boys still in training, including Lysander. Lysander and his friends will now face the biggest test of their lives. Will they survive fighting the Persians and their general Vaumisa?

This is a fun story and action packed. The book is very descriptive and I would not recommend it for younger students or those that are squeamish.

Curriculum Ties: Greek history. This would be a good book to read with a group of boys, or to recommend to boys. This book has action, adventure, and gore.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 8-12

Birth of a Warrior (Spartan Quest)
Walker & Company
262 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9794-0
Release Date: November 2008  

Written by Antonia Michaelis, Translated from the German and Illustrated by Anthea Bell

This compelling book tells the story of a young Indian girl so beautiful that a rich man (a Rajah) pays her father to take her away and make her the eighth wife in his harem. While she waits to be summoned to the Rajah's rooms, she befriends one of the male servants and tells him a story about a thief who becomes a hero as he takes the "Bloodstone" to a wealthy man to save a princess.  The story the princess tells is a weaving of Indian mythology and real-life Indian culture during the time of the British Empire.  The wily thief/hero has many adventures as he makes his way to the desert city on a white tiger.

Curriculum Ties: This could be used for a unit on World Mythology.

Review by Linda Douglas, English Teacher, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Middle School and High School

Tiger Moon
Amulet Books
448 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9481-2
Release Date: November 2008
 

Written by Celia Rees

This is the story of Sovay, a young English girl who is searching for her father. John Middleton has gone missing, and there is a warrant for his arrest. Sovay must figure out who is trying to ruin her father while she searches for him. She poses as a highwayman, at first on a whim to discredit her fiance, and then later to seize letters and information about her father. She meets the daring highwayman Capitan Greenwood. He is captivated by the daring young girl and becomes a protector of her in her search for her father. She is also helped by Virgil Barrett, an American spy. As Sovay searches for her father in London, she meets Toby, a young boy trapped in a house of prostitution. He is also good at opening locks. Sovay learns that a powerful Englishman is behind her father's problems. Dysart is after more than the ruin of her father. If his plan works, England would be thrown into a violent revolt, and he would seize power with a group of like-minded men. In order to put a stop to Dysart's plan, Sovay must travel to France to gain information against him, and to recover her father. In Paris, Sovay faces the danger of arrest as a spy. She finds that her father is in prison awaiting the guillotine. But, she has a supporter and protector, the handsome Leon. Will she be able to save the people she loves? This story takes place in England and France during the French Revolution. The characters in this book are interesting and the story is interesting and compelling. However, this is a romance story, and it may not be for every school.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 9-12

Sovay
Bloomsbury
404 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-203-6
Release Date: August 2008  

Written by Scott Westerfeld

Continuing the Uglies trilogy with Tally Youngblood and Shay, her friend, they continue to cause concern and havoc for the community leaders. There is so much contention that a war ensues to correct the loss of the rebellious deserters. The leaders of their society declare war on the community where the deserters have gone, due to a mix-up, once again by Tally and Shay. Through it all, they are deemed responsible for not only starting the war, but the safety and death of some of their friends. This is a great read, but I wasn't comfortable with the acts of the cutters, actually cutting themselves. Other than that, it was a great book, and a great finale for the trilogy.

Review by Lori Draney, Library Media Assistant, Gourley Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Junior High

Specials (Uglies Series #3)
Simon & Schuster
372 pages
ISBN: 978-1-41694-795-0
Release Date: 2006  

Written by K. M. Grant

A Blue Flame was lit at the moment of Christ's death. It has become more important than the Holy Grail to the knights of the 13th Century. Parsival's son is charged with keeping the Flame safe until such time as it is needed. He kept it for forty years.

Yolanda and Raimon, young friends from different social classes, have complete freedom to roam the countryside outside Castelneuf. They are aware of the legend of the Blue Flame and its power, and believe that it will save their country from being laid siege against by France.

As these two friends discover there is more than friendship between them, they become entangled in the historical events of the Inquisition, the problems between the Cathar and the Catholic religions, and their own desires to save their country, remain loyal to it and each other, and to stay alive.

Review by Linda Douglas, English Teacher, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 6-12

Blue Flame (Book One of the Perfect Fire Trilogy)
Walker & Co.
241 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9694-3
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written and Illustrated by Don Wood

Poorly written, non-compelling story. Illustrated by Caldecott Award winner Don Wood, who creates his first graphic novel.

Review by Joy Brown, Language Arts Teacher, Granite Peaks Alternative High School
Rating: ★★½✩✩
Interest Level: Jr. High / High School

Into the Volcano
Scholastic, Inc.
175 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-72671-9
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written by R. L. LaFevers, Illustrated by Yoko Tanaka

Theodosia has some magical abilities from ancient Egypt. In a past episode she saved England from some kind of catastrophe and now is again working against an evil organization known as the Serpents of Chaos. Her family owns and operates a museum where Theodosia finds an ancient staff. By placing a golden orb in the staff she activates the staff and all the mummies in London begin coming towards that staff. The authorities think that somehow her father is causing the problem and arrest him. The staff is stolen by the Serpents of Chaos and it's up to Theodosia to find the staff and stop them and clear her father. The book is quite an adventure and includes some interesting characters including Theodosia's Grandmother Throckmorton, who is trying desperately to reform Theodosia and make a respectable child out of her. She goes through numerous strange governesses in this process. A fun read, if a bit transparent.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Specialist, Churchill Jr. High
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris
Houghton Mifflin Co.
387 pages
ISBN: 978-0-618-92765-7
Release Date: November 2008  

Written and Illustrated by Janice Poon

Claire and Jet are excited to start a new school year. Jet wins a new digital camera, which becomes an annoying obsession for Claire. Claire makes friends with Sky from a nearby lake community.  Sky reveals how pollution in the lake is making people sick. The girls find adventure as they stumble onto a reason for the pollution...

This is a fun and quick read for girls, especially reluctant readers. The graphic format keeps interest going. They'll be asking for more.

Review by Leanna Griffiths, Library Media Assistant, Crestview Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Claire and the Water Wish
Kids Can Press
118 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55453-381-7
Release Date: March 2009  

Written by Toni Buzzeo, Illustrated by Amy Wummer

Annie looks forward to each Saturday so that she can become Adventure Annie. But today her Mom needs to go to work, so Annie goes with her. She still makes it an adventure as she looks for a report her mom has misplaced.

Review by Stefanie Meier, Library Media Assistant, Valley Crest Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Adventure Annie Goes to Work
Dial Books for Young Readers / Penguin
30 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3233-9
Release Date: February 2009
 

Written Megan McDonald, Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

As Stink, Sophie, and Webster were building the Great Wall of China it starts shaking and quaking….. and they hear "Wee, wee, wee, wee."  After some investigating, they each find a guinea pig. When the trio of friends decide to take the guinea pigs to a friend that has a pet shop, they cannot believe their eyes or ears when they arrive. Cages are toppled everywhere, animals are squealing and squawking, and guinea pigs are running everywhere! 101 guinea pigs, to be exact. Mrs. Birdwistle, the pet shop owner, has rescued the guinea pigs from a lab that was using them to test shampoo and perfume, and they have escaped from their cages. Finding homes for 101 guinea pigs provides the group with an adventure across the country, in the Piggymobile, a renovated camper. Will they all find a good home?

Review by Dana Valencia, Library Media Assistant, Oakridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 1-4

Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
Candlewick Press
120 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4234-1
Release Date: February 2009 (reprint)  

Written by David Orme, Illustrated by Peter Richardson

This is a graphic novel in which a wizard is trying to steal the minds of scientists. Billy Blaster and his friend Rika team up to search for their friend, Wo Hoo, retrieve his mind, and destroy the bad guy.

Review by Kaye Derrick, Library Media Assistant, Fox Hills Elementary
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-4

Mind Thief (Billy Blaster Series)
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
40 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4342-1276-4
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Peter Lerangis

This is book three in The 39 Clues series. I found it a fun, fast read. Having not read the first two books I was a little lost, but it was still enjoyable. In fact I will now go back and read the first two so that I can follow the rest of the series as it comes out.  The Sword Thief takes our main characters, Dan and Amy, to Japan where they are continuing to look for the clues to the Cahill secret. The characters are wonderful and the adventures build throughout the book. It definitely leaves you hoping that the next book comes out soon so you can continue the story.  This series is along the lines of The Magic Tree House series, but it has more danger and life threatening experiences. It might be more for 4th, 5th, and 6th grades.

Review by Irene Taylor, Library Media Assistant, Vista Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

The Sword Thief (39 Clues Series #3)
Scholastic
156 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-06043-1
Release Date: March 2009  

Written by Anne Ylvisaker

Harold (Little Klein) is the fourth son in his family. His three older brothers are robust boys, full of energy and mischief. Little Klein is on the small side, a fact with which his mother has a hard time. She babies him, which contributes to his frail state. He desperately wants a dog and his mother finally gives in (much to his father's dismay). This new event allows Little Klein to experience a whole new world of adventure and drama. This is a sweet story about a family that loves one another, wants the best for each other and how they go about helping one another.

Review by Kimberly Jensen, Library Media Assistant, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Little Klein
Candlewick Press
186 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4338-6
Release Date: February 2009
 

Written by Jake T. Forbes

It's amazing how "into" Star Wars our male students still seem to be. Usually after T.V. programs or movies are turned into books, interest dies quickly. That's not the case with Star Wars. I've had to break-up fights over who gets these books. They probably come in second in the requests I receive from our boys.  On the other hand, I found flipping back and forth through the book when it says, "Turn to p.__ if you choose ___" a bit annoying. I do, however, remember that I liked to do that as a pre-teen and young teen. Our boys will love trying to be a Jedi Knight. It just needs to be a hard back with pictures. They are used too much to survive as paperbacks.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4+

Way of the Jedi (Clone Wars Decide Your Destiny Series #1)
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin
160 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45002-5
Release Date: October 2008  

Written by Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber

This is a series about eight sisters whose parents have mysteriously disappeared. Each girl is to find her power and gift.  Annie finds her power and gift in the adventures and near disasters the sisters encounter as they pretend their parents have not disappeared.  This is a fun adventure story.

Review by Debbie Robinson, Library Media Assistant, Arcadia Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Annie's Adventures (The Sisters Eight, Book 1)
Sandpiper / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
136 pages
ISBN: 978-0-547-13349-2
Release Date: December 2008
 

Written by Rob Valois

I think kids who like Star Wars will like this book, for me it is a little bit much. Jar Jar and C-3PO go on a mission with Senator Padme Amidala. She does not take her clone troopers with her. When she arrives in Rodia she is kidnapped. Jar Jar, who is very clumsy, ends up saving her by dressing up as a Jedi. He goes through a lot before he can free her though.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Grades: 3-7

Bombad Jedi (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin
48 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45038-4
Release Date: February 2009
 

Written by Bonnie Dobkin

This novel is slightly similar to the novel Lord of the Flies in that it explores the idea of what happens when a group of children have to govern themselves after all the adults are taken away after a disaster.

A plague that kills only people over 13 empties a theme park of adults. Suddenly older children are left with younger children to care for and the job of making an orderly society out of chaos.

The older children soon sort themselves into a kind of social hierarchy that attempts to govern fairly, but soon deteriorates into a kind of dictatorship, complete with a goon squad and the people in charge getting special treatment.

The innocence of some of the kids is shattered, but they soon realize what is happening to the majority of them and devise a way to topple the dictators and make a safe place for those who want to stay at the park.

The fact that they are at a theme park makes the prospect of food and shelter easier to figure out, but the logistics of taking care of and educating the young and keeping the park clean and the electricity running, makes for great problem solving for kids.

Review by Linda Douglas, Teacher, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 6-12

Neptune's Children
Walker & Company
272 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9734-6
Release Date: April 2008  

Written by Carolyn Hennesy

This is the first Pandora book I have read. I found it to be high on adventure and have a pretty fast pace, which I enjoy.  I like the Greek Mythology which is mixed in, including a glossary in the back to help the reader with the different gods. The characters are young in their teens, a great way for teenagers to realize that young people have power and determination and skills. I would love to get the other books in the series for our library. A Good Find.

Review by Susan Seegmiller, Library Media Assistant, Roosevelt Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Pandora Gets Vain
Bloomsbury
273 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-197-8
Release Date: August 2008  

Written by Veronica Wasserman

This is a fast moving, action packed book that will especially appeal to boys.  Grievous has caused trouble for the Jedi Order in three different situations. He always gets away, causing damage to the "good guys" and frustrating the Jedi Order.

Review by Debbie Robinson, Library Media Assistant, Arcadia Elementary School
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Grievous Attacks! (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Grossett & Dunlap / Penguin
160 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45003-2
Release Date: February 2009


 

Written by Don Quixote, Retold by Martin Jenkins, Illustrated by Chris Riddell

I have always loved the story of Don Quixote. Quixote is an aging man who believes that he is a knight-errant. Quixote and his faithful squire, Sancho, travel through Spain fighting windmills, saving damsels in distress and trying to right wrongs. The thing that makes this edition of the book so charming are the illustrations.

Review by Cindy Moyle, Granite District Media Specialist
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 7+

Don Quixote
Candlewick Press
349 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4081-1
Release Date: April 2009  

Written by Chris Everheart, Illustrated by Arcana Studio

This is a graphic novel, but I enjoyed it because it wasn't too dark or violent. A fun story about a group of high school students who must unravel a secret plot.

Review by Laura Schmidt, Library Media Assistant, Fox Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Shadow Cell Scam (Recon Academy Series)
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
55 pages
ISBN: 978-1-43421-166-8
Release Date: January 2009  

Written Katy Moran

Essa, a 14 year old boy, is caught up in the warring tribes in England in 731. The Wolf folk are in danger of being destroyed by the evil King Penda of Mercia.  Essa is unsure of his bloodline and the role he is supposed to play.  Essa has a special power that, if he learns to use it, will help him save his people.

Review by Kathy Roach, English Teacher, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Junior High / High School

Bloodline
Candlewick Press
297 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4083-5
Release Date: February 2009

 

Written by April Henry

Ellie is forced into being a spy for the FBI to save her parents from going to jail on drug charges. She needs to join the MEDics (Mother Earth Defenders). She is asked to gather information as to where and when they will be staging their protest and if violence will be involved.

Review by Julie Bugger, Library Secretary, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Jr. High / High School

Torched
Putnam / Penguin
212 pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-24645-6
Release Date: March 2009


 

Written by Howard Whitehouse, Illustrated by Bill Slavin

This is the third installment in the series of "the strictest School in the World." This new adventure takes place at the home of Emmaline Cyley and her family. We are introduced to a newly adopted family member, the ferocious Princess Purnah of chiligrit who attended the terrible school for girls with Emmaline. They are going on a 'holiday' traipsing across Scotland, having hilarious misadventures with pirates, a robot called Angus and are forced to help lunatic inventors with even more lunatic inventions. This fun-filled adventure is illustrated with great pen and ink drawings. A great read-aloud book for the elementary student.

Review by Dayanne Coombs, Library Secretary, Granite Peaks High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

The Island of Mad Scientists
Kids Can Press
262 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55453-236-0
Release Date: September 2008
 

Written by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

This is a historical fiction book about an orphan boy named Owen and a floating circus. The book is an old fashioned adventure story that encompasses the history of America between 1870 and 1906 (Floating circuses and orphan trains). The story starts with Owen leaving the orphan train hoping his brother will have a better chance of becoming adopted without him and steals onto the floating barge at night. The adventures begin as the barge leaves Pittsburg on its way to New Orleans. A fast paced novel for the elementary students grades 4 through 6.

Review by Dayanne Coombs, Library Secretary, Granite Peaks High School
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

The Floating Circus
Bloomsbury
198 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-185-0
Release Date: July 2008
 

Written by Michael Carroll

This was a good, quick read and I found it interesting. It is a well written sci-fi book and has a good plot with plenty of twists and suspense.  I would recommend this book to anyone who likes sci fi books.

Reviewed by a student at Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Young Adults / High School

The Gathering (Quantum Prophecy, Book 2)
Puffin / Penguin
279 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241339-5
Release Date: April 2009 (paperback)  

Written by Charlotte Agell

Adrian is a fifteen year old living in a very changed time. His father disappeared years ago and his mother is off working on some top-secret project. The government and religion have mixed and life in our country is rapidly changing. Adrian and his sister decide to join an expedition to save some penguins and the adventure proves to be more than they expected.

This is a gripping and captivating story. It is well-written, with characters that are formed quickly and fantastic descriptions of the setting. I would classify this as sci-fi, but it also has a futuristic fantasy feel to it. It may give food for thought to all those that spend a lot of time gaming and living in virtual worlds. The story did feel a bit rushed at the end, but did really pull the reader in.

Curriculum Ties: This would provide for great discussions on why government and religion should not be mixed.  You could also use it in a sociology class to discuss the effects that technology has had on society.

Review by Cindy Dunn, Library Media Specialist, Olympus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 6-12

Shift
Henry Holt
230 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8050-7810-7
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Brian James, Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin

A group of young pirate children, who are attending pirate school on the ship, Sea Rat, meet up with another pirate ship. They are given the opportunity to go for a week on the Bone Rattler and look for treasure. They are told all they need to do is play. The soon find out if you don't keep up on repairs and pay attention to rocks and other hazards you can find yourself in very hazardous circumstances.  These books are very easy to read and can be read very quickly.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-6

Shiver Me, Shipwreck! (Pirate School #8)
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin
64 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-44888-6
Release Date: January 2009



 

Written by Brandon Sanderson

Alcatraz Smedry, the boy with a talent for breaking things, is back in this sequel to Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians. This time our hero is on a mission to learn what happened to his father, who disappeared into the Library of Alexandria years ago. Alcatraz is joined on his quest by his grandfather, Leavenworth, who has a talent for arriving late, and Bastille, the Knight of Crystallia who kept Alcatraz alive in the first book. We also meet Draulin, Bastille's mother, and two more Smedreys: Alcatraz's uncle Kazan, who has a talent for getting lost, and his cousin Australia, whose special ability is to wake up in the morning looking extremely ugly. Inside the Library, they confront the Curators, a group of undead librarians who have collected everything ever written. The curators will allow anyone to read anything they want, if they are willing to pay the price. Stalking them the whole time is an evil half-human, half-robot Librarian. Alcatraz himself tells us the story with the same humor and sarcasm that ran through the first book. He stops the tale every few pages to talk directly to the reader, usually to say something funny or to try to explain something that may or may not be related to the story. Alcatraz, as narrator, continues to tease the reader by talking about things that will happen in future books. This book is a fun sequel and should be a good read for upper-grade readers.

Review by Tom Grieve, Teacher, Robert Frost Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grade 4+

Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones
Scholastic
322 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-92553-2
Release Date: November 2008
 

Written by D.J. Steinberg, Illustrated by Brian Smith

Villains and heroes line each page as Daniel saves Pig Planet from another mess. This fast, action-packed graphic novel made my head spin. Reluctant readers might be attracted to this short and colorful book.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Library Media Assistant, Stansbury Elementary School
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Game On! (The Adventures of Daniel Boom, A.K.A. Loud Boy Series, #2)
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin Group
30 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-44700-1
Release Date: Apr 2009





 

Written by Jamie Michalak, Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz

Joe, the Giraffe, thinks he's won a contest and the prize is a sporty convertible. He and his friend Sparky, the turtle, have several adventures around town. They discover that while new adventures are nice, there's no place like home. The writing was just O.K. for me. The illustrations were fun and bright.

Review by Kimberly Jensen, Library Media Assistant, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels
Candlewick Press
41 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3387-5
Release Date: Mar 2009

 

Written by Mary Hoffman

City of Secrets is the fourth installment in Mary Hoffman's Stravaganza series.

Matt, a seventeen-year-old Englishman, gets a book for his birthday and it takes him on a mysterious journey to another world. He finds himself in Talia, which is very similar to Italy.  He also finds that he has traveled into the past.

On his journey he meets Luciano, an old Stravagante who lives in Talia. With Luciano, his foster father Docter Dethridge, and a few others, Matt embarks on a fantastic journey. 

This is an enchanting tale that takes the reader into another world. It is a fairly quick read and recommended for all reading leavels. 

I would highly suggest reading the first three prior to this book. I found myself feeling a little lost and confused at times due to things that had been explained in earlier books. The ending is left open and hanging for the next book.

Review by Cindy Dunn, Elementary Library Media Specialist, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 9-12

City of Secrets (Stravaganza Series, Book 4)
Bloomsbury
400 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-202-9
Release Date: Jun 2008
Stravaganza - Official Website  

Written by J. M. Berrie

I did not like this book. I read it because it is a classic. I fould the language hard to follow at times. It was very difficult for me to finish.

Review by Jane Walton, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★✩✩✩ 

Peter Pan
Puffin Classics / Penguin Group
207 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-132257-5
Release Date: Mar 2009 (reprint)




 

Written by Kenneth Grahame, Illustrated by Inga Moore

I remember reading these stories about the adventures of Toad, Mole, Badger and Frog as a child. They are still fun stories that children will enjoy. A note of caution though-- like other British books they use the word "ass" a couple of times. The reading level is 5.9 but, I think younger children would enjoy having these stories read to them. The illustrations are beautiful!

Review by Jane Walton, PTA Board Member, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

The Wind in the Willows
Candlewick Press
182 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4211-2
Release Date: Mar 2009 (Reissue)

 

Written by Bruce Hale, Illustrated by Shane Hillman

Fat Cat is #4 in a series. With this series it's important to read at least #1 first. I was lost as to why things were happening a great deal of the time. One positive about the book, and I assume the whole series, is that it is written in a half comic/half novel format which is kind of fun. Children will enjoy it. I'm interested enough that I will read the first one.

Review by Kimberly Jensen, Library Media Assistant, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Fat Cat of Underwhere
HarperCollins
167 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-085133-0
Release Date: Apr 2009

 

Written by Avi, Illustrated by Brian Floca

The further adventures of Poppy in Dimwood Forest are no less delightful this time around.  Bats come to the rescue of the mice when a forest fire rages and encircles all the animals. This is an excellent series that our students love. They seem to relate to the animals with their human-type characteristics. The story moves along quickly and I highly recommend it! It would make a good read-a-loud for older classes that don't mind a week in between some of the chapters.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

Poppy and Ereth
HarperCollins
211 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-111969-9
Release Date: Apr 2009


 

Written by Michael Carroll, Illustrated by Cliff Nielsen

The battle between the Trutopians and the Heroes continues. Danny and Renata are safe in Sakarra, but are sutck doing the U.S. Military's dirty work. When the two heroes attack a bogus target, the Trutopians get all the information they need to launch a PR/smear campaign against the New Heroes. Meanwhile, Colin falls for one of the traps set for him by the Trutopians and has to figure out how to escape. Will the Heroes win? Will Colin escape? Only time will tell. Although the names and aliases of the Old and New Heroes get a little confusing, this problem would probably be remedied by reading the series in order. With mayhem, superheroes, and a story that will hook readers from the start, this book is a perfect reader for reluctant and avid readers.

Curriculum Ties: Reading and Literacy Skills, Building Interest in Reading, Vocabulary Building

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Reckoning (Quantum Prophecy Series)
Philomel / Penguin Group
298 pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-24727-9
Release Date: May 2009
www.quantumprophecy.com

 

Written by Hubert Ben Kemoun, Illustrated by Thomas Ehretsmann

In the continuing Adventures of Sam X, Sam and Lionel discover a small statue in the river. Much to their surprise it has magical powers and can talk. Sam and Lionel learn who this statue is and help him get where he belongs. This book was fun and I would recommend it to a young boy of girl.

Review by Jane Walton, PTA Board Member, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

The Statue's Secret (The Adventures of Sam X)
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
54 pages
ISBN: 978-1-43421-220-7
Release Date: Jan 2009



 

Written by Julia Golding

Join Cat Royal on her first adventure. She'll make new friends, dodge villains, and hide the Diamond of Drury Lane. Who is Captain Sparkler and why is he in trouble? The plot is well carried and the author does a wonderful job of bringing the time period to life. This action-packed frolic will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Diamond of Drury Lane (A Cat Royal Adventure)
Roaring Brook Press
424 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59643-351-9
Release Date: May 2008
http://juliagolding.co.uk/


 

Written by Julia Golding

The theater of Drury Lane is closing.  All of Cat's friends are off traveling or finding new means for survival. Will Cat land on her feet? Will her bemusing find an audience? This new installment of Cat Royal's Adventures does not lack the twists and turns or tight spots we've come to expect. Set in the time of the French Revolution, Cat is in for all the adventure the 18th century has to offer. This is a series not to miss.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

Den of Thieves (A Cat Royal Adventure)
Roaring Brook Press
417 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59643-444-8
Release Date: Apr 2009
http://juliagolding.co.uk/  

Written by Carolyn Hennesy

I had a hard time reading this book, it did not catch my interest at all. It is about Ancient Greece's coolest teenager who is totally not prepared for what's thrown her way.

Review by Stefanie Meier, Library Media Assistant, Valley Crest Elementary School
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-6

Pandora Gets Lazy
Bloomsbury
277 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-198-5
Release Date: Apr 2009



 

Written by Anthony Horowitz

Long, long ago the world was ruled by the Old Ones, gods bent on making humans bend to their will. The only ones who were able to stop them were five heroes (four boys and a girl). Now the threat is back: the Nightrise Corporation is bent on stopping the five gatekeepers from returning and thwarting their plans. So far, they are losing as four of the five have regrouped. Now both sides must find the firl gatekeeper with only one clue: her name was once 'Scar.'  Meanwhile, a young girl named Scarlett becomes orphaned when her parents separate and move to other countries and let her stay with the housekeeper.  All goes well until she almost gets killed in a car accident, but is saved by a stranger. Then, she walks through a strange door that takes her to Ukraine, where she is kidnapped by deranged monks. Will the five ever reunite? Will Scarlett escape? Who is really a part of the Nightrise Corporation and can they be stopped or will the five be too late? Fun book. Gets off to a good start and moves fairly quickly. Although better read after the first three, fans of Alex Rider and Adventure Junkies will love reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

Necropolis (The Gatekeepers, Book 4)
Scholastic Press
389 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-68003-5
Release Date: Apr 2009
The Gatekeepers site at Scholastic.com
www.anthonyhorowitz.com  

Written by John Flanagan

Things are not looking good for our heroes. Will has been forced into hiding with the rightful ruler of Macindaw. His friend, Alyss, has been captured by the evil ruler, Keren. Forced to be hypnotized by her captor, Alyss keeps forfeiting information that puts Will at a disadvantage. In a last ditch effort to try and retake Macindaw, he pays his old friends the Skandians to help him launch an assault on Macindaw. Just in time, his knight friend, Horace shows up to help him launch the perfect assault. Things get complicated, however, when a Scottish General forms an alliance with Keren to take over Araluen and Macindaw together. Will Alyss ever get saved? Will Will and Horace be able to successfully take back Macindaw or will Araluen be lost forever to Keren and his Scottish allies? Although not as fast-paced as its counterparts, the suspense and humor embedded in this book make this book worth the read. Lovers of the Ranger's Apprentice Series and adventure will enjoy not only this book, but the five other prequels to this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Siege of Macindaw (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 6)
Philomel / Penguin Group
292 pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-25033-0
Release Date: 4 Aug 2009
www.rangersapprentice.com  

Written by Scott Mebus

Rory Hennessy is being protected by the M'Garoth clan and a spirit dog named Tucket.  After Manhattan suffers a great earthquake, the balance between the Real City and the Spirit City begins to crumble.   Rory realizes that he must open the Trap that separates the two cities, but to do that Rory needs to find his missing father.

This book is a delightful adventure for grades 5 to 8, but does have small amounts of violence. I would recommend this book, but would advise the reader to read Volume 1 first.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Gods of Manhattan: Spirits in the Park
Dutton / Penguin Group
372 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-42148-1
Release Date: May 14, 2009
www.godsofmanhattan.com


 

Written by John Flanagan

Far from home after escaping Skandian slavery, Will and Evanlyn's plans to return to Araluen are cut short when Evanlyn is taken captive by the Temujai army. While attempting to rescue Evanlyn, Will runs into his old friends, Halt and Horace, who have abandoned their positions working for the king of Araluen to come and rescue Will and Evanlyn. The three of them succeed in rescuing her, but discover the Temujai Army's plans to take over Skandia, then Araluen. Now Will and his friends must convince the Skandians to fight for their country and win in order to save everyone. Will our band of heroes succeed or will all be lost? Fast-paced story, well-developed characters, and a story of courage and bravery worth remembering make this book a must-read for avid and reluctant readers alike.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Battle for Skandia (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 4)
Puffin / Penguin Group
294 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241340-1
Release Date: January 7, 2009 (paperback)
www.rangersapprentice.com

 

Written by John Flanagan

Will is finally a full-fledged Ranger and has received his own fief to look after. Things aren't as hunky-dory as he would hope, however, when Will discovers that Lord Syron, ruler of Will's fief, is suddenly struck down with a mysterious illness and rumors have it that Omnar, the Lord's son, has been dealing with sorcery and may have something to do with his father's illness. Other rumors, however, say that Malkallam, an evil sorcerer who wants revenge on the royal family, may have something to do with the illness. To top it all off, tensions become high as Keren, a knight of the kingdom, starts stirring up trouble about Omnar being removed from the throne and Alyss is taken hostage. Will Will be able to decipher what is truth and what are lies before it is too late? Who has really caused the king's mysterious illness? Who is trying to take over the fief? Will Will be able to save his friend and save Macindaw? A mystery and an adventure in one, this story has all the elements of a great story. It's full of suspense, fast-paced plot, and a character who is facing the darkest moment of his career as a Ranger. Readers will enjoy trying to solve the mystery with the main character and will feast on the perils he faces. Avid and reluctant readers who enjoy mystery, adventure, and paranormal stories will love this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Sorcerer of the North (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 5)
Puffin / Penguin Group
295 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241429-3
Release Date: June 24, 2009 (paperback)
www.rangersapprentice.com  

Written by Nahoko Uehashi, Translated by Cathy Hirano, Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu

In this adventure, Balsa returns to her home land of Kanbal to clear the name of her guardian and protector Jiguro. To return home she traces her way through the dark tunnels beneath the mountains where the Mountain King lives. Here she encounters two children that have wandered into the tunnel in search of stones. She tells them a story that she has invented to cover her true identity and sets out to find friends and family that can tell her what has been happening in Kanbal. She discovers that Jiguro's own brother has told lies and is planning a war with the Mountain King that will increase his own power and control in Kanbal. It is up to Balsa, her aunt, and the children she met in the mountain to try and divert the war with the Mountain King that will in fact destroy Kanbal. There are many interesting plots and twists to this story. This second book of Moribito is even more fun and interesting than the first. These books are being translated from a popular series in Japan so there will be more exciting stories and adventures with Balsa.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Moribito II: Guardian of the Darkness
Arthur A. Levine / Scholastic
245 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-10295-7
Release Date: May 1, 2009

 

Written by Carolyn Meyer

This is the story of Charley Darwin growing up in Shrewsbury, England. The story begins with Charley as he enters the Shrewsbury School for boys. This is his first time away from home and family. He hates his classes, the food, and Garnett, his roommate. He makes friends with other boys that share his passion for collecting everything from rocks to bugs. But as he advances in levels, Charles finds that school is tedious and his grades begin to drop. The question for Charles and his father is what profession will best suit his interests and intellect. His father wants him to be a doctor, but Charles does not enjoy the coursework. Perhaps a parson will suit him, but maybe not. I found this book very interesting because of the way it describes life in England during this time. The final part of this book is the adventures of Charles Darwin aboard the Beagle. This was to be a two year commitment and turned into five years of exploration. A fun book because of the historical content and the images of England and Darwin's trip aboard the Beagle. Carolyn Meyer has written a book that is informative and interesting.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

The True Adventures of Charley Darwin
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
321 pages
ISBN: 978-0-15-206194-4
Release Date: Jan 26, 2009


 

Written by Michael Ford

This is the third book in the Spartan Quest series. In this book Lysander seeks the aid of the Oracle in answering questions he has about his family, birth, and future. With the Oracle's answer in hand Lysander returns to camp only to find his barracks has been chosen to complete a dangerous mission to the town of Taras in Italy. The town has been taken over in a revolt and the Spartans need help to regain control. Lysander and his friends once again prove themselves equal to the match. Lysander is always torn by the fact he is not a full blooded Spartan. He relates to the plight of other people, but he remains loyal to his oath as a Spartan. This is a great book for boys that like war and adventure, but it is also very graphic in the descriptions of battle and death.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Legacy of Blood (Spartan Quest Series)
Walker and Company
298 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9844-2
Release Date: May 12, 2009


 

Written by James Rollins

James Rollins has written many great books for adults and has decided to write a book series for young adults. In this series Jake Ransom and his sister Kady are trying to unravel a mystery that involves the disappearance of their parents. Kady and Jake are invited to attend a grand opening of a museum display of their parents work in London, England. They both wear a necklace that has a Myan symbol. At the museum they find a pyramid that has a hole in which the pieces of their necklaces will fit. When they place the pieces in the pyramid they are suddenly transported to another dimension. In this world they find people from other places and periods of time. These people have built a society incorporating the many cultures. Jake and Kady are separated and placed with different groups making it hard for them to find a way out. Jake's background knowledge of archaeology and science helps him make friends with the daughter of the family he has been placed with. Jake must find a way to get himself and Kady back to their own time. This is an exciting adventure and will be a fun series that will keep students reading and begging for more.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow
HarperCollins
397 pages
ISBN: 978-0-6-147379-1
Release Date: Apr 28, 2009


 

Written by Kate Thompson, Illustrated by Jonny Duddle and Robert Dress

A young lad holds faithfully to the reins of a horse. Unknown to the lad, Black Bess was left in his charge by the infamous Dick Turpin, a highway man.  The lad is flattered when the man says "Hold the mare for me, lad. And when I come back, I'll give you a golden guinea." The lad was trusted and treated kindly by the man. He relished the responsibility and trust he'd been given. The lad withstands many who want to buy or steal the horse.  There are good lessons in trust and responsibility.

Review by Debbie Robinson, Library Media Assistant, Arcadia Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-4

Highway Robbery
Greenwhillow Books / HarperCollins
118 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-173034-4
Release Date: May 26, 2009


 

Written by Jenny Tripp, Illustrated by John Manders

Cute story about Pete, a poodle, and Rita, a chimp. Pete thinks he is the star of the circus, but Rita wants to be a star too. A terrible storms provides them an opportunity to run away. They disappear from the circus and have a wild adventure saving Baby and Quackers. Friendship is important to these animals.

Review by Debbie Robinson, Library Media Assistant, Arcadia Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-4

Pete's Disappearing Act
Harcourt Children's Books
168 pages
ISBN: 978-0-15-206177-7
Release Date: Jan 26, 2009


 

Written by Luis Alberto Urrea

Review by Joshua Whiting, Library Media Dept., Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: High School

Into the Beautiful North
Little, Brown and Company
342 pages
ISBN: 978-0-316-02527-0
Release Date: May 19, 2009


 

Written by Kirsten Bodie

When Jenna gets an offer to be a princess in a movie, she jumps at the opportunity. When she gets to Skandia, however, she finds out she was brought there to play the princess' double. When she overhears the ruler of the country and his advisor talking about needing to kill someone, however, she becomes suspicious. When she gets kidnapped by rebels, she realizes that there is a lot more going on in Skandia then she's been told. While being their captive, she finds out that the ruler is trying to take away all of the rights of the North Skandians and the rebels are trying to stop him. Will Jenna figure out who is right? Why does Jenna look so much like the princess?  The characters and plot are well-developed. The story is fun and fast-paced. The author does a great job of making good and evil seem apparent on both sides, even when it comes to the regent. Avid and reluctanct readers who love action, adventure, and/or princess stories will love reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

The Princess Plot
Chicken House / Scholastic
378 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-03220-9
Release Date: May 1, 2009


 

Written by Scott Mebus

Manhattan and Mannahatta are exciting cities full of adventures, fascinating characters, and deception. Only Rory Hennessy can truly save the day, because Rory is the last Light alive-- only Rory doesn't know it. Others, however, do know it and are out to get him. The story is unique and the characters are interesting. This fast-paced adventure will appeal to adventure lovers, whether they're avid or reluctant readers.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

Gods of Manhattan
Puffin Books / Penguin Group
340 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241307-4
Release Date: Mar 5, 2009 (paperback)
godsofmanhattan.com


 

Written by Mandy Hubbard

Callie, our main character, falls head over heals--- right into the 1800s. Shy, clumsy, easily offended Callie finds her own inner strength in her bizarre time-traveling adventure. This unique adventure has great characters and plot. Girls will enjoy this funny, heart-warming story about how inner strength and courage will always come at the right time.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Prada & Prejudice
Razor Bill / Penguin Group
238 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59514-260-3
Release Date: Jun 11, 2009


 

Written by

This is a future society that is managed by a corrupt business called ChaoSonic. An underground agency called the Deck is fighting to protect the people of the city. Deck agents are organized by the suits of a deck of cards. The hearts are the spies and field agents. Agent Six has been genetically altered and has more strength and agility than a normal human. As Agent Six completes missions for the Deck, he is also interested in finding out more about the program that created him. This is a good book with some interesting twists and turns.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

The Lab
Scholastic Press
311 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-06860-4
Release Date: Nov 1, 2008
jackheath.com.au

 

Written and Illustrated by Thomas Docherty

A book of few words, the pictures tell most of the story. It's about a boy who wishes to go to the beach, but must first take an airplane, a sailboat, a truck, and a camel across the sand before he gets to the sea, where the camel becomes his friend at the beach. Then he goes home by way of a tanker past Antarctica, a heliocopter over farmland, a bicycle, and a farm tractor to get home. This book looks enticing and several students wanted to check it out before I was through with it. The pictures are delightful, the cover (a cut-out beach inner tube) is clever, but the story line doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Review by Leanna Griffiths, Library Media Assistant, Crestview Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 2

To the Beach
Templar Books / Candlewick Press
35 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4429-1
Release Date: Apr 29, 2009


 

Written by Michael Simmons, Illustrated by George O'Connor

In this story aliens have invaded earth and are eating people down to their feet. (For some reason they do not like feet.)  William comes home to find that the aliens have eaten his step-parents and so he sets off in the family car to find his Uncle Maynard. Uncle Maynard is a famous musician and has taught William how to play the violin. Along the way he finds his good friend Sophie sitting on the curb. Her parents are famous scientists and have been captured by the aliens. The aliens need Sophie's parents because they are suffering from a disease and need help to find a cure. Uncle Maynard promises Sophie that he will try to get her parents back when it is discovered that the mayor has made a truce with the aliens. Uncle Maynard's health is not good and the quest to get Sophie's parents back causes him to have heart problems. As the three track down the location of Sophie's parents they come up with a plan to try and rescue them. This a fun story and many students will enjoy reading it. There appears to be a sequel on the horizon.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

Alien Feast
Roaring Brook Press
231 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59643-281-9
Release Date: May 12, 2009


 

Written by Michael Cadnum

This story takes place during the time of the Spanish Armada's raid on England. Queen Elizabeth encouraged and tolerated pirates or Privateers. This helped keep the English crown with money. A young book writer, Sherwin Morris, finds himself floating in the sea when the merchant ship he is on catches fire and sinks. He is taken aboard the pirate ship the Vixen and in order to survive he must sign on as a member of the crew. The captain of the ship is a man named Fletcher. A man with many views and changing moods. A person difficult to figure out. Sir Anthony and his daughter Katharine have an estate called Fairleigh that has fallen on hard times. Lord Pevensey wants to regain this land and has purchased the debts of the Fairleigh estate. Sir Anthony and Katharine seek help from the pirate Fletcher and his crew on the Vixen to stop a ship at sea and keep the merchandise from being taken away to pay the debt to Lord Pevensey. All this plays out with the Spanish Armada approaching England. It is a great story wtih drama and story twists.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Jr. High - High School

Peril on the Sea
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
245 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-35823-5
Release Date: May 26, 2009


 

Written by Deva Fagan

Fortune's Folly is a story about a girl named Fortunata and her father. Her father was once the master shoemaker of Valenzia, but after his wife died, he could only make ugly shoes. Fortunata did her best to take care of them. Things went from bad to worse. Because of circumstances, they had to leave their home. While on the road, someone stole their donkey and her father got sick. They were forced to travel with a band of performers that included Allessandra, the fortune teller. In order to pay their way, Fortunata learned to be a fortune teller. Everybody she came in contact with believed what she told them. She began to enjoy this, until she had to tell the fortune of a prince. It was such a wild fortune made up on the spur of the moment, she didn't know how it could ever come true. But if it didn't, her father would die. Her father believed she really could tell the future. This is a fun book. It is well written and fast moving. It holds your interest and you don't want to put it down. Children and parents will enjoy it. It's like a fairy tale plus an adventure. Fortune's Folly would be a good addition to any elementary school library.

Review by Debbie Carleton, Library Media Assistant, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Fortune's Folly
Henry Holt
257 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8742-0
Release Date: Apr 14, 2009
Deva Fagan - Official Web Site



 

Written by Johann Wyss, Translated by William H.G. Kingston, Introduced by Jon Scieszka

When a wild and raging sea leaves the Swiss Family Robinson stranded on a desert island with all of their supplies, it appears as if they’ve found themselves on an island filled with treasures to discover. Things aren’t always what they seem, however, and this family is going to have to discover how to survive . . . the hard way. Puffin Classics have done a great job with this new version of this popular classic. With an introduction by Jon Scieszka and his humorous style of writing, readers will be drawn in even before the story starts. At the end of the book, readers will find an extra treat when they flip to the end of the book to find information about the time period the book was written, the author, and a glossary of terms used in the book that most will not be familiar with. Lovers of survival stories, historical fiction, and a great adventure will enjoy reading this book again and again.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5+

The Swiss Family Robinson
Puffin Classics / Penguin Group
472 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-132530-9
Release Date: Mar 5, 2009 (reprint)


 

Written by Robert Louis Stevenson, Illustrated by Alexander McCall Smith

When young David Balfour’s father dies and leaves him in poverty, David goes in search of his Uncle Ebenezer in order to get his inheritance. His uncle, however, turns out to be evil and has David kidnapped and taken prisoner on board a ship bound for slavery. With the help of a Jacobite rebel named Alan Breck, David escapes, but ends up fleeing from a fate far worse than slavery. The introduction by Alexander Mccall Smith is well done and does a great job of shedding light on the time period in which this book takes place. The adventures David and Alan experience are phenomenal and fun to read. To make the book even more a treat, it also includes a glossary of unfamiliar terms and information about the author and all of the characters in the book. Adventure lovers will enjoy reading this book cover to cover.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5+

Kidnapped
Puffin Classics / Penguin Group
323 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-132602-3
Release Date: Jun 11, 2009


 

Written by Herman Melville, Abridged by Jan Needle, Illustrated by Patrick Benson

An abridged retelling of the classic story about Captain Ahab, who becomes obsessed with his quest to find the white whale. The illustrations do a great job of showing readers the brutality, danger, and excitement sailors found on a whaling ship in the 19th century. The editor does a great job of staying true to the story of Moby Dick while still taking out parts of the book that are daunting to readers. Lovers of classics and adventure will probably enjoy reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★½✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5+

Moby-Dick (Candlewick Illustrated Classics)
Candlewick Press
185 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4213-6
Release Date: Aug 11, 2009 

 

Written by Rob Reger and Jessica Gruner, Illustrated by Rob Reger and Buzz Parker

A girl wakes up one day in the middle of nowhere in a town called Blackrock. She has no idea who she is or what she is doing there. When a power struggle between her and some other shady characters in Blackrock begin, she must discover who she is, what her mission was, and how she ever ended up in Blackrock. With the help of an unusual boy, the number 13, and some cats, she might just do that. For a character who started out as an image on a skateboard, Rob Reger has done a great job of bringing to life as Emily the Strange. Her character, her brilliance, and her story are well-developed and keep readers wanting to read more. A unique but fun read. Those who like horror, fantasy, adventure, and science-fiction will enjoy reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist,  Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-7

The Lost Days (Emily the Strange Series)
HarperCollins
264 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-145229-1
Release Date: Jun 2, 2009


 

Written by E.D. Baker

Told through the point of view of Audun, Millie’s dragon friend, readers discover that Audun has fallen in love with Millie. Determined to win her heart and hand in marriage, he defies his family’s wishes and sets out to find Millie. In order to do so, Millie’s family tells him that he must talk to his Dragon Council and elders to get their permission. The Dragon King, however, sets up almost impossible tasks and obstacles that Audun must conquer before he will be able to become human and be permitted to woo Millie. But, will Millie recognize him if he becomes human? Will Audun succeed in accomplishing the tasks? A fun adventure filled with excitement, magical creatures, and witches that are funny to hear arguing. Readers will enjoy the humor, friendship, love, and adventure that comes in this novel and will enjoy seeing parts of themselves mixed into the characters. Lovers of adventure, fantasy, dragons, and/or romance will enjoy this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Dragon Kiss (Tales of the Frog Princess, Book 7)
Bloomsbury
288 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-348-4
Release Date: Sep 1, 2009


 

Written by

After defeating Sirabetta in The Gravity Keeper, Simon’s place as co-keeper is questioned by the Board of Administration. To make matters worse, Sirabetta is out for revenge as well as her minions (some even in the heart of the sciences). Simon and his friends must follow her into the realm of the Order of Biology and defeat her or the council of sciences will be destroyed, not to mention the world. A fast-paced adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seat. The characters are unique, well-developed and fun to read about. Readers need not have read the first book. Use of science formulas as magical powers will make students become more interested in science. Readers who enjoy James Bond, Alex Rider, and other spy and adventure stories will enjoy reading this story.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-9

Simon Bloom: The Octopus Effect
Dutton / Penguin Group
304 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-42082-8
Release Date: Jun 11, 2009


 

Written by Susanne Dunlap

Theresa lives in the time of Prince Nicholas Esterhazy's court in eighteenth century Vienna. Her father is a violinist for the famed composed Franz Joseph Hayden, who is her godfather.  However, her father has been murdered and his valuable violin is missing. Theresa is determined to solve the mystery of her father's death. At first her mother is incapacitated by her husband's death. Then, as she recovers, she is insistant that Theresa, at age 15, now be married and hires a matchmaker for that purpose. The mother is depending on her brother, Theresa's uncle Theobold Wolkenstein, a counselor to the court, to save them from destitution with a dowry for Theresa. The uncle turns out to be the vilain in the story, and Theresa faces several dangerous situations because of him. A good adventure from a historical time and through the eyes of the court musicians.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Specialist, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-10

The Musician's Daughter
Bloomsbury
317 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-332-3
Release Date: Dec 23, 2008



 

Written by Suzanne Collins

Wow! What a page turner! Catching Fire is Book 2 in the trilogy of The Hunger Games. Katniss and Peeta, the victors from District 12, are forced into the arena to play in the Hunger Games once again. While the government of Panem struggles to maintain total control over the people in each of the districts, citizens are starting to plot and stage uprisings. President Snow blames Katniss for the uprisings and threatens those she loves unless unless she can prove to everyone that she wasn't being rebellious in the Hunger Games. Will she be able to prove it, or will there be full scale rebellion?

Review by Shauna Jensen, District Technology Specialist, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, Book Two)
Scholastic Press
391 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-02349-8
Release Date: Sep 1, 2009



 

Written by Ian Beck

Eliza has always lived in a Victorian London setting in the year 2050. To her, horse-drawn carriages and gas lamps are normal. Caleb visits Pastworld for the first time with his father-- one of the creators of the Victorian world. When the Fantom (an apparent reincarnation of Jack the Ripper) reappears in Pastworld and kills Eve's father and gets Caleb accused of murder, Eve and Caleb must flee to the modern world and discover the secrets of the past in order to save the past and the present. Although this book has some holes in the plot, it is a gripping tale filled with adventure and mystery. Readers will enjoy the suspense and clues they have to follow to solve the mystery. Mystery, adventure, and suspense lovers will enjoy reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 7 and up

Pastworld
Bloomsbury
351 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-040-7
Release Date: Sep 29, 2009



 

Written by Mal Peet

Otello is South America's star soccer player and has just been signed to play for the southern part of the country where racism is strong. He falls in love and marries Desmeralda, a white pop star. Their controversial relationship propels them into the spotlight, as well as the kids they have. This causes their relationship to start to fall apart as well as attract enemies- including one very close to them. Will their relationship last through the media's destructive behavior? Will Otello discover who his true enemies are? A modernized version of Othello with a somewhat happier ending, this book is still a well-developed tragedy type novel. Sports and celebrity fans as well as those who like tragic-themed books will like reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 8 and up

Exposure
Candlewick Press
430 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3941-9
Release Date: Oct 13, 2009



 

Written by Tracey West

This is a "decide your own destiny" book- that means you can make your own decisions that lead to your own ending to the book. This book is a Star Wars adventure, so it helps to be a fan of the movies and stuff. You start out as a clone in training for the clone army. Even if you are not a big Star Wars fan (like me), that's ok; I still really liked it. Mainly for getting to choose my own endings to create almost my very own story. There is a choice of between 25 endings! 

The end of every chapter was what I looked forward to because I wanted to become a "Clone Trooper". It made me want to keep reading and reading. Now I could go back and try another adventure or two! You sure can't do that every day in the books you read .  So,"choosing your own destiny'' fans by themselves will also like this book. If you are a fan of both "Star Wars" and destiny books you will really love this! I did good choosing MY destiny- I got to become a real clone trooper!

Reviewed by a student at Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

The Lost Legion (Star Wars: The Clone War - Decide Your Destiny #3)
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin Group
160 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45036-0
Release Date: Jul 23, 2009



 

Written by Erin Hunter

Toklo, Kallik, Lusa, and Ujark have finally reached the Last Great Wilderness. The legendary bear paradise is everything they ever dreamed of. They sense, however, a deep unrest among the other inhabitants. Each bear from different circumstances, different pasts start to remember their true nature. When their world becomes endangered and one of the three's friends gets taken, Toklo, Kallik, and Ujarak must travel to the world of flat-faces to save their friend as well as themselves. 

A endearing adventure that is fast-paced, full of discovery, and fantasy. Readers will enjoy the human and bear qualities the author brings to life and intermixes well in the story. Would recommend this to lovers of fantasy, Erin Hunter's previous books, adventure, and animals.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

The Last Wilderness (Seekers Series)
HarperCollins
265 pages
ISBN: 9780060871314
Release Date: Feb 2010




 

Written by Heather Brewer

The fourth installment of the Vladimir Tod series. This book started slow, with a lot of plot and background building. While it was hard to get started it was impossible to put the book down during the second half of the book. It will leave readers unable to wait for the next book in the series. 

Do not read this book without reading the other books in the series. A must read for followers of this series.  This is a perfect series for reluctant readers, vampire fans, and boys.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Eleventh Grade Burns (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Book 4)
Dutton / Penguin Group
309 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-42243-3
Release Date: Feb 2010

 

Written by Clay Morgan

A year ago, border collie Moxie's friend Jack was kidnapped by his shipmates and taken out to sea. Longing for her friend back, she struggles to survive and fight off the wild dogs who long to eat her sheep she cares for. When her friend returns, she can't be more excited. A greater evil follows him to the island, however. Pirate Blackburn Jukes has taken Jack prisoner and wants him to find the island's cache of ambers. Knowing that without Jack the island's dogs will starve to death and she will lose her best friend, Moxie is determined to rescue Jack and the island she calls home. To do so, however, she must learn to trust her instincts and make alliances. Will Moxie find it in herself to trust the allies she seeks? Will she be able to follow her instincts to save her friend from Blackburn?

The writing in this book is choppy and amateur in style. However, this is probably an accurate depiction of a dog telling the story. The book and its characters are endearing and the adventure is fun to read. Readers who enjoy dog stories, adventure, island fiction, and survival stories will like reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 4-7

The Boy Who Returned from the Sea
Puffin / Penguin Group
245 pages
ISBN: 9780142413951
Release Date: May 2009