Shift

Shift
by Em Bailey

From the publisher:
Olive Corbett is not crazy. Not anymore.
She obediently takes her meds and stays under the radar at school. After “the incident,” Olive just wants to avoid any more trouble, so she knows the smartest thing is to stay clear of the new girl who is rumored to have quite the creepy past.
But there’s no avoiding Miranda Vaile. As mousy Miranda edges her way into the popular group, right up to the side of queen bee Katie – and pushes the others right out – only Olive seems to notice that something strange is going on. Something almost . . . parasitic. Either Olive is losing her grip on reality, or Miranda Vaile is stealing Katie’s life.
But who would ever believe crazy Olive, the girl who has a habit of letting her imagination run away with her? And what if Olive is the next target?
A chilling psychological thriller that tears through themes of identity, loss, and toxic friendship, Shift will leave readers guessing until the final pages.

Shift started out pretty well, but about halfway through the main character started to do things that were so implausible that it was almost ridiculous. Even the author seemed to know it was ridiculous, but she had no other way of furthering the plot. For instance,
"The thing that always bothered me about scary movies was how stupid the victims always seem, and how they never act on their instincts. They might say something like 'I've got a bad feeling about this', while they dither about opening the cellar door... But I did it anyway."
Yes, the main character did many stupid and irrational things that I found very irritating. However, I did care about the characters enough to be annoyed when they did those stupid things, so I guess that's saying something.
Teens might be a little confused by the British-isms in the book (Australian, actually), but I kind of enjoyed them. 

Areas of concern:  There are about 15 instances of bad language (not the big one), the main character tried to commit suicide before the beginning of the book, and there was a lot of bad teenage behavior like sneaking out at night, shoplifting, underage kids getting into clubs, drug use (minimal)...

Suggested ages:
School Library Journal - Grades 8+
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 12+
*Mrs. Duke definitely recommends older teens.*

The Lions of Little Rock

The Lions of Little Rock
by Kristin Levine

From the publisher:
"Two girls separated by race form an unbreakable bond during the tumultuous integration of Little Rock schools in 1958. Twelve-year-old Marlee doesn't have many friends until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. Liz is bold and brave, and always knows the right thing to say, especially to Sally, the resident mean girl. Liz even helps Marlee overcome her greatest fear - speaking, which Marlee never does outside her family. But then Liz is gone, replaced by the rumor that she was a Negro girl passing as white. But Marlee decides that doesn't matter. Liz is her best friend. And to stay friends, Marlee and Liz are willing to take on integration and the dangers their friendship could bring to both their families."

I'm hoping that middle school students will like this book - it has an important story to tell. Having had the honor of listening to Carlotta Walls Lanier, one of the Little Rock Nine, speak at Blevins, it was interesting to hear the next stage of the story. The closing of the high schools in Little Rock for a whole year in an attempt to avoid integration. I thought the author did a good job of putting her characters into that situation. There was tension throughout the entire story wondering what would happen next. That being said, the historical parts were a little too preachy and long and some of the plot seemed contrived and too neatly resolved. But it is a good follow-up to Warriors Don't Cry.

Areas of concern:  Racial tension and some violence.  Nothing graphic or too scary.  The "n" word is used quite a bit. 

Suggested ages:
School Library Journal:  Grades - 5-8
Publisher's Weekly:   Ages - 10+

City of Bones

From the publisher:

City of Bones
by Cassandra Clare


 

"When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing—not even a smear of blood—to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .
Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare’s ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end."


 This is a huge series in YA paranormal right now.  It is soon to be a movie, so that should add to the hype.  Our 8th graders can't get enough of this book.  It was one of the very first YA paranormal books I read, and I wasn't all that impressed.  I should probably read it again now that I'm used to the genre. 

Areas of concern:  I read this quite some time ago so I don't remember much, but other sites have mentioned some language, quite a bit of kissing (nothing graphic), and some gory violence.  I've heard that the books toward the end of the series get quite a bit racier.

Suggested ages:
School Library Journal - Grades 8+
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 14+

The Raven Boys

From the publisher:

The Raven Boys
by Maggie Stiefvater

"“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before."

I enjoy the writing of this author - it just flows. I haven't read "The Scorpio Races" yet, but I have read the Mercy Falls series, and they had the same beautiful flow of words - however, there is more about the language of this book below.

The story of this book was a little strange, but it was supposed to be. It had kind of a haunting feeling (which you will learn later is very real). The characters were all fascinating, and I would hope that the author will delve more into each or their back stories in succeeding books in the series.  By reading the synopsis of this book, you would think it was going to have a big romance. It doesn't. What it does have is a captivating look at the relationships between the different personalities. It is chock full of eccentrics and off-the-wall people who somehow manage to be endearing. I'm quite sure this book will garner many awards this year, and if it wasn't for the bad language I would really recommend it.

Areas of concern:  This book contains an enormous amount of cussing and crudities.  Usually when a book has this much bad language in it  (the "f" word abounds) I just stop reading it, but we have this in the Blevins library so I thought I should know what is in it. While reading, I kept picturing Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory when someone wakes him up.... "Danger! Danger!".    I put tiny pieces of tissue in the pages that have bad words so I could remember how much there was. This book couldn't close properly by the time I was finished. We now have parental advisory stickers on CD's that have horrible language, why can't they do that with YA books as well?  I read many reviews before ordering this book, and nowhere was the bad language mentioned.  There was also a lot of teenage drinking and unfortunate teenage behavior.  No sexual situations.

Suggested ages:
School Library Journal - Grade 8+
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 13+

The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner
by James Dashner

From the publisher:
"When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he's not alone. When the lift's doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Gladea large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they've closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift. Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent upthe first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind."

This is a dystopian novel that is very comparable to The Hunger Games.  It is very gripping and intense,  you'll be lucky to have any fingernails left by the time you finish it.  It is also disturbing and depressing.  We see everything through the eyes of Thomas, the main character, who has lost is memory.  The reader is left as much in the dark as Thomas, which contributes to the disturbing atmosphere, but also makes for a very exciting read.

Areas of concern:  There is no swearing, however the kids in the maze have made up their own swear words - things like "klunk" and "shuck-face".  This book is very violent.

Suggested ages:
School Library Journal - Grades 6-10
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 12+
*Mrs. Duke would recommend it for 8th grade and up.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

The Adoration of
Jenna Fox
by Mary E. Pearson

From the publisher:
"Who is Jenna Fox? Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a coma, they tell her, and she is still recovering from a terrible accident in which she was involved a year ago. But what happened before that? Jenna doesn't remember her life. Or does she? And are the memories really hers? This fascinating novel represents a stunning new direction for acclaimed author Mary Pearson. Set in a near future America, it takes readers on an unforgettable journey through questions of bio-medical ethics and the nature of humanity. Mary Pearson's vividly drawn characters and masterful writing soar to a new level of sophistication."


This was a very interesting concept for a book. The less said about it the better for anyone else reading it. It is a science fiction book and deals with issues of bio-ethics. What I most enjoyed was reading the end of the edition I read where they interview the author. She talked about having 2 teenage daughters who got cancer and how this story came about when she realized that she would have done anything to save her daughters.

Areas of concern: Several uses of the "h" word, a handful of crude/vulgar language, and some kissing.
Suggested ages:
School Library Journal - Grades 8+
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 14+

Hex Hall

Hex Hall
by Rachel Hawkins

From the publisher:
"Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her."


This book was laugh out loud funny. The main character, Sophie, is so snarky that it keeps you entertained through the whole book. It was a pretty unique concept, the secondary characters were well thought out, and it was just a fun read. It will be interesting to see where the rest of the series takes us.

Areas of concern:  4 uses of the *d* word, 4 uses of the *b* word, 1 *h* word, 1 *a* word and a few vulgarities. 1 passionate kiss between teenagers.

Suggested ages:
Booklist - Grades 8-11
Publishers Weekly - Ages 11+

The Line

From the publisher:

The Line
by Teri Hall

"An invisible, uncrossable physical barrier encloses the United States. The Line is the part of the border that lopped off part of the country, dooming the inhabitants to an unknown fate when the enemy used a banned weapon. It's said that bizarre creatures and superhumans live on the other side, in Away. Nobody except tough old Ms. Moore would ever live next to the Line.

Nobody but Rachel and her mother, who went to live there after Rachel's dad died in the last war. It's a safe, quiet life. Until Rachel finds a mysterious recorded message that can only have come from Away. The voice is asking for help.

Who sent the message? Why is her mother so protective? And to what lengths is Rachel willing to go in order to do what she thinks is right?"

This is kind of a beginner dystopian book for those who are interested in The Hunger Games, but whose parents want them to wait on that one.  It starts slowly, but the action picks up.  It is a very disturbing world where the government has supreme control over everyone.  All the history lessons that Rachel's mom gives her on how the government became so powerful bogs things down a bit, but it is worth it in the end.  There is a slight romance.

No swearing, a little violence and mention of a rape - not graphic.

Suggested ages:
Booklist - Grades 5-8
Publishers Weekly - Ages 12 +

The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery

From the publisher:

The Case of the 
Missing Marquess
by Nancy Springer

""When Enola Holmes, sister to the detective Sherlock Holmes, discovers her mother has disappeared, she quickly embarks on a journey to London in search of her. But nothing can prepare her for what awaits. Because when she arrives, she finds herself involved in the kidnapping of a young marquess, fleeing murderous villains, and trying to elude her shrewd older brothers - all while attempting to piece together clues to her mother's strange disappearance. Amid all the mayhem, will Enola be able to decode the necessary clues and find her mother?"

Nearly every day of her life, Enola's mother told her, "You will do very well on your own, Enola".  When her mother disappears on her 14th birthday, Enola wonders if that is why she named her "Enola", which is alone spelled backwards.  This is the first of what looks to be a charming series about the 14 year old sister of Sherlock Holmes. It really had the feel of a Sherlock Holmes mystery - very Victorian - you could almost see the gaslight lamps. Enola is a young, female version of her much older brother, although no one recognizes that. In fact, Sherlock keeps mentioning to Mycroft that she has a small cranium and they shouldn't expect too much out of her. But Enola just quietly strikes out on her own and proves to be very intelligent and resourceful. A fun, quick read, but probably not for reluctant readers because the reading level is 6.6 and it starts out just a little slowly.

No objectionable content.

Suggested ages:
Booklist - Grades 5-8
School Library Journal - Grades 4-8

A Beautiful Dark

A Beautiful Dark
by Jocelyn Davies

From the publisher:
"On the night of Skye's seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites-like fire and ice-Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye's life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move-only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past. In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can't help falling for, and Devin, who she can't stay away from, the consequences of Skye's choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine. A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies."

A beautiful cover and a book about angels and a girl from Colorado.  What's not to like?  Well, the story doesn't even really start until about page 200. After that things picked up, and then it ended horribly. The only reason I kept going is that I was concerned about some of the content and I wanted to know exactly what was in it. I was very disturbed by the absence of any adults or supervision for these teenagers. They did whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted.

Some cussing and vulgar language, teen drinking and talk of "hooking up".

Suggested ages:
Kirkus Reviews - Ages 12 +
School Library Journal - Grades 9 +

Matched

Matched
by Ally Condie

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

I loved this book. It is a dystopian book, so it's like The Hunger Games in that respect, but there was hardly any violence. The author created a very interesting world, and I loved the important part that poetry and art played. I'm getting very tired of the ever-present love triangle, but I really like both of the guys too, so I can understand the angst:)

No bad language, no sexual situations (a couple sweet kisses), a little violence.

Suggested ages:
Publishers Weekly - Ages 14 +
School Library Journal - Grades 7 +
*Mrs. Duke says - I have no idea why Publishers Weekly would say 14 and over.  This was a very clean read, with way less violence than The Hunger Games.  I would let my kids read this before The Hunger Games for sure."

Birthmarked

Birthmarked
by Caragh M. O'Brien

From Goodreads:
"In the future, in a world baked dry by the harsh sun, there are those who live inside the walled Enclave and those, like sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone, who live outside. Following in her mother’s footsteps Gaia has become a midwife, delivering babies in the world outside the wall and handing a quota over to be "advanced" into the privileged society of the Enclave. Gaia has always believed this is her duty, until the night her mother and father are arrested by the very people they so loyally serve.
Now Gaia is forced to question everything she has been taught, but her choice is simple: enter the world of the Enclave to rescue her parents, or die trying.
A stunning adventure brought to life by a memorable heroine, this dystopian debut will have readers racing all the way to the dramatic finish."

This is the first book in a trilogy and was a very enjoyable dystopian novel.  The plot was very original, and the main character was inspiring, loyal and brave.   It was at times heartbreaking, nail-biting, and inspiring.

There is no bad language in this novel.  Themes that might be of concern are childbirth and intense action/escape sequences.

Suggested ages:
Publishers Weekly - Ages 12 +
School Library Journal - Grades 7 +

H.I.V.E.: The Higher Institute of Villainous Education

H.I.V.E.: The Higher 
Institute of Villainous
Education
by Mark Walden

From Goodreads:
"Otto Malpense may only be thirteen years old, but so far he has managed to run the orphanage where he lives, and he has come up with a plan clever enough to trick the most powerful man in the country. He is the perfect candidate to become the world's next supervillain.
That is why he ends up at H.I.V.E., handpicked to become a member of the incoming class. The students have been kidnapped and brought to a secluded island inside a seemingly active volcano, where the school has resided for decades. All the kids are elite; they are the most athletic, the most technically advanced, and the smartest in the country. Inside the cavernous marble rooms, floodlit hangars, and steel doors, the students are enrolled in Villainy Studies and Stealth and Evasion 101. But what Otto soon comes to realize is that this is a six-year program, and leaving is not an option.
With the help of his new friends: an athletic martial-arts expert; a world-famous, beautiful diamond thief; and a spunky computer genius -- the only other people who seem to want to leave -- can Otto achieve what has never been done before and break out of H.I.V.E.?"

This is the first book in a series that is very obviously based on Harry Potter, but in quite an original way. A Hogwarts for bad guys. It was fun to make all the comparisons with HP - a teacher in the form of a cat, a student who messes up in all classes but excels with plants... It wasn't nearly as good as Harry Potter, but the concept was very interesting, and I think middle school students will really like it.

It has been a while since I read this one, but I don't remember any bad language.  The students at H.I.V.E. are not very good role models, but I think through the series they will become better.

Suggested ages:
Publishers Weekly - Ages 10-14
School Library Journal - Grades 5-8

So Close To You

So Close To You
by Rachel Carter

From the publisher:
"Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the strange things that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who've disappeared over the years. Stories about people like her own great-grandfather.

When Lydia stumbles into a portal that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, she discovers that all the stories she's ever heard about the Montauk Project are true, and that she's in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history.

Alongside a darkly mysterious boy she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the Project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices--and if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them . . . and herself."

The premise for this book sounded interesting, and I think it could have been really good. But the whole thing felt slightly forced.  40's references were thrown in your face through the middle section.  In the time travel element, the main character kept acting like she had never learned about WWII and made so many stupid mistakes it was annoying.  Teenagers might feel completely different about it, though.

1 use of *g-d*, and one use of smart*a*.  One passionate kiss.  A small storyline of children who are imprisoned and tortured.

Suggested ages:
Booklist - Grades 8-11
Kirkus Reviews - Ages 12 +

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

The Penderwicks
by Jeanne Birdsall
 

From the publisher:
"This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel's sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel's owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures. The icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is not as pleased with the Penderwicks as Jeffrey is, though, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Which, of course, they willwon't they? One thing's for sure: it will be a summer the Penderwicks will never forget. Deliciously nostalgic and quaintly witty, this is a story as breezy and carefree as a summer day."

This was my kind of children's book. No fantasy, no death-defying action, just a sweet story of goodness. It was set in modern times, but it had a really old-fashioned feel about it. Kind of like an easier to read Little Women. This is a family who loves each other and stands up for each other. It is very uplifting and fun. The rest of the series is just as good.  No bad language, no sexual situations, no violence.  Suggested ages: Publishers Weekly - Ages 8-12 School Library Journal - Grades 4-6 *Mrs. Duke says - Don't stop at grade 6 or age 12 - this is a beautiful book for everyone.*

Chime

Chime
by Franny Billingsley
 

From the publisher:
"Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment. Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know."

Like The Dark Hand, the magic of this book reaches out and grabs you in.  The writing is so beautiful that when I finished I got a little teary; not because it was sad, but because the experience was over.  This is not a book to read all in one sitting.  It needs to be savored and absorbed.  There is humor, tragedy, mystical intrigue and romance.  I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come, and I will definitely be reading the author's other books. Thank you, Franny Billingsley, at a time when I was so sick of YA lit that I never wanted to read anymore, you stepped in and saved me.

No bad language, no sexual references.

Suggested ages:
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 12 +
School Library Journal - Grades 7 +

Legend

Legend
by Marie Lu

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

This was a really quick, exciting read.  I had heard that this was supposed to be a "post-apocalyptic Les Miserables", but I didn't really see the connection.  I cared about the characters and was enthralled by the world-building.  It left a lot of un-answered questions, so be prepared for your kids to be clamoring for the sequel. 

A few bad words, some kissing and violence.  Nothing graphic.

Suggested ages:
Booklist - Grades 7-12
Publishers Weekly - Ages 12 +

Drink, Slay, Love

Drink, Slay, Love
by Sarah Beth Durst
 

From the publisher:
"Pearl is a sixteen-year-old vampire . . . fond of blood, allergic to sunlight, and mostly evil . . . until the night a sparkly unicorn stabs her through the heart with his horn. Oops.
Her family thinks she was attacked by a vampire hunter (because, obviously, unicorns don't exist), and they're shocked she survived. They're even more shocked when Pearl discovers she can now withstand the sun. But they quickly find a way to make use of her new talent. The Vampire King of New England has chosen Pearl's family to host his feast. If Pearl enrolls in high school, she can make lots of human friends and lure them to the King's feast as the entres.
The only problem? Pearl's starting to feel the twinges of a conscience. How can she serve up her new friends - especially the cute guy who makes her fangs ache - to be slaughtered? Then again, she's definitely dead if she lets down her family. What's a sunlight-loving vamp to do?"

A very unusual twist on the regular YA vampire book. A very spunky heroine and wonderful supporting players.  It's like the anti-Twilight.  Fun, fun, fun.

It's been a while since I read this one, so I'm not positive about how much language and sexual references, but I don't remember being offended by anything, just entertained. 
Ratedreads.com rates it as "Mild for sexual inferences, mild language, and some violence".

Suggested ages:
Booklist - Grades 7-10
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 14 +
*Mrs. Duke says - If you let your kids read Twilight, they could read this.  If you are not sure about Twilight-esque books for younger teens, then steer clear of this one for a few years.*

Wonder

Wonder
by R.J. Palacio

From the publisher:
" I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid-but his new classmates can't get past Auggie's extraordinary face. WONDER, now a New York Times bestseller, begins from Auggie's point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel "a meditation on kindness" -indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can't blend in when you were born to stand out."


This book should be read by absolutely everyone – students, teachers, people of all ages. It has such a good message, and it is told in such an uplifting way. The main character, August (Auggie) is a ten-year old boy who was born with a severe chromosomal defect that left him with serious facial deformities. Because of the many surgeries he has had to have over the years, he has never been to school before. When he is going into 5th grade (middle school for him), his parents decide it is time for him to go to school. This book is about his journey through the pitfalls of middle school – difficult for any child, but exponentially compounded by Auggie’s condition. I love Auggie’s voice in this book. He realizes what he looks like and understands when people stare or gasp or look away in horror, but it still hurts him.

“It's like people you see sometimes, and you can't imagine what it would be like to be that person, whether it's somebody in a wheelchair or somebody who can't talk. Only, I know that I'm that person to other people, maybe to every single person in that whole auditorium.
To me, though, I'm just me. An ordinary kid.” ~ August Pullman

It was significant that the author also told the story from the points of view of others who love Auggie. I especially appreciated hearing the thoughts and feelings of his sister, Via (short for Olivia), who loves her brother, but has had her life severely impacted by his condition. I also loved his protective and supportive parents and could feel their pain when the son they loved so much was bullied or humiliated.

Our middle school participates in the Rachel’s Challenge program, which was instituted by the father of Rachel Scott – the first person killed at Columbine High School. One of the fundamental principles of Rachel’s Challenge is to start a chain reaction of kindness. This book goes hand-in-hand with Rachel’s Challenge to treat everyone with respect and kindness.

“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” ~ Mr. Tushman

I not only recommend this book, I strongly encourage everyone to read it – as a family, as a class, as an individual.

Suggested ages:
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 8-12
School Library Journal - Grades 4-7
*Mrs. Duke says - As I said in my review, this book should be read by everyone, regardless of age!*

Revenge of the Witch

Revenge of the Witch
by Joseph Delaney

From the publisher:
"Capturing witches.  Binding boggarts.  Driving away ghosts.  For years, Old Gregory has been the Spook for the county, ridding the local villages of evil. Now his time is coming to an end. But who will take over for him? Twenty-nine apprentices have tried-some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive. Only Thomas Ward is left. He's the last hope; the last apprentice. Can Thomas succeed? Will he learn the difference between a benign witch and a malevolent one? Does the Spook's warning against girls with pointy shoes include Alice? And what will happen if Thomas accidentally frees Mother Malkin, the most evil witch in the county ... ?"

I had several students request this series.  I have to say I didn't enjoy it very much, but middle-schoolers probably will.  It is very scary and deals with a lot of witches and ghosts and things, so sensitive kids probably shouldn't read it.

Suggested ages:
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 10+
School Library Journal - Grades 5-8

Need

Need
by Carrie Jones

From the publisher:
"Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life's been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother's pretty much checked out. Now Zara's living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays "safe." Zara doesn't think she's in danger; she thinks her mother can't deal. Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn't a figment of her imagination. He's a pixie, and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He's the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he's trailing Zara. With suspense, romance, and paranormal themes, this exciting breakout novel has all the elements to keep teens rapidly turning the pages."

This is a fun read for Twilight-lovers, because you pretty much just have to substitute pixies for vampires, a small town in Maine for Forks, and Izzie and Devyn for Alice and Jasper.  But if that doesn't bother you, it is a fun read.  I enjoyed how each chapter was named for one of Zara's phobias.  Zara is spunky and funny, and there is blessedly no love triangle in the book.

There are probably 40+ uses of the "d" , "h" and "a" words.  There is some pretty passionate kissing.  The pixies in the story are not the cute little blue things from Harry Potter.  They are mean and blood-sucking, so there is quite a bit of violence.


Suggested age:
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 12 +
*Mrs. Duke says - While it is very similar to Twilight, there is a lot more language in this book."

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games
By Suzanne Collins

From the publisher:
"A chilling tale of survival from the New York Times bestselling author. In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the other districts in line by forcing them to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight-to-the-death on live TV. One boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and sixteen are selected by lottery to play. The winner brings riches and favor tohis or her district. But that is nothing compared to what the Capitol wins: one more year of fearful compliance with its rule. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her impoverished district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before - and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. Acclaimed writer Suzanne Collins, author of the New York Times bestselling Underland Chronicles, delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy, adventure and romance, in this stunning novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present."

Wow - intense. Once you get a little ways into it you simply can't put it down.  However, it is very violent and tragically sad. 

A few cuss words.  Some kissing.  Intense violence.  Disturbing themes of alcoholism, starvation...

Suggested ages:
Booklist - Grades 9-12
School Library Journal - Grades 7 +
*Mrs. Duke says - This book is incredibly popular in our library - the most checked out book.  However, my recommendation is that parents read it first or at least with their child because of the violence and mature themes contained in the book and series.* 

I Am Number Four

I Am Number Four
by Pittacus Lore

From the publisher:
"Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books-but we are real. Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing. But they know. They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They killed them all. I am Number Four. I am next."

This is the first book in The Lorien Legacies series.  There is a big controversy about the author of this book, but in spite of that I liked it.  It was recommended to me by one of my Media Aides and she loved it!  I thought it was an intriguing premise, I liked the characters, and it was a quick and easy read. I did NOT like all the bad language.  And I found the ending highly implausible.

Numerous uses of the "s" word, the "h" word and the "d" word.  Some kissing.  Heavy violence at the end.

Suggested age:
School Library Journal - Grades 7 and up
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 14 and up

The False Prince

The False Prince
by Jennifer A. Nielsen

From the publisher:
"THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats."

I really enjoyed this book, and I think middle-schoolers will gobble it up. It had a great plot, fun and interesting characters, action, adventure, and humor. I liked the main character, Sage, and cared what happened to him. And I loved that the book actually had an ending of sorts. It will definitely go on, but you're not left up in the air about important things.  A fun, fun read.

No language or sexual situations.  Some violence - a teenager is killed in front of other teenagers, another boy is put in a dungeon and beaten.

Suggested age:
School Library Journal - Grades 5-8
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 8-14