Halt's Peril by John Flanagan

Halt, Will and Horace are on the trail of the Outsiders, a fake religious group that preys on the people's insecurities and whose leader killed Halt's brother, Ferris. Now the Outsiders have crossed over to Araluen and things have started up again. Expecting an ambush, Halt goes ahead while Will follows Halt as his backup. During the fight, one of the assassins grazes Halt's arm with a crossbow bolt. Halt's wound is tended the trio continue on their way to stop the Outsiders. Halt begins to act strange and the wound is infected. Will and Horace realize Halt has been poisoned by the crossbow bolt. Will sets off to ask Malcolm to come help Halt while Horace keeps watch over Halt. As Halt slips deeper and deeper into the grip of the poison, Will, Horace, and Malcolm must work together to save Halt and stop the Outsiders once and for all.

Once again, a great addition in the Ranger's Apprentice series. This entry delevoped Will's and Horace's character more. At times they seemed like young boys (usually around Halt)and at other times, young men with responsibilities beyond their years. Halt keeps saying he is too old for this so I feel like this may be one of the last books in the series.

Killer Pizza by Greg Taylor

Summer has officially started and Toby is already bored. His best friend is in California and that's about it for friends. Toby decides the best thing to do is get a job - one that will keep him away from his annoying sister and out of the house. He gets a phone call from Killer Pizza and is told the job is his but he better be on time tomorrow. When he arrives at Killer Pizza, he finds three other applicants (Strobe, Annabel, and Doug) for the job and this is only a testing period. If he doesn't make the cut, he is out of a job. Strobe, Annabel, and Toby work hard to keep Killer Pizza going but Doug is no help at all. Next thing the three know is the owner, Harvey, wants to meet them. Harvey is really Doug who was watching how they handled the store. Harvey takes them "behind the scenes" and tells them he is the head of a monster hunting organization and he wants all three of them to become active members to help fight the invasion of the guttata.

Good monster book. I liked the characters and the actual fight scenes. Each of the main characters has flaws and learns to share them with the others which only makes them a stronger team. I especially liked the Killer Pizza Dragon Breath pizza recipe. Might have to try it!

I.Q.: The White House by Roland Smith

Q, Angela (his stepsister), and their parents have been invited to the White House to perform for the President and his staff. Angela and Q meet P.K., Will aka the President's Kid who shows them the secret tunnels and many other cool things about the White House. Unknown to their parents, Q and Angela are still secretly working behind the scenes against those who wish to harm the United States. When they find out there is a mole (spy) in the White House, the stakes have been raised because the night of the concert is the perfect time for the bad guys to strike. Can Q, Angela, and the rest of the good guys save the lives of the most important people in the United States or is it to late to stop their plan?

I have waited over a year for this installment of I. Q. and was not disappointed. I kept turning the pages to find out who the mole was and how the plot was going to stopped. If you like adventure, spies, terrorists, and intrigue, I. Q. The White House is for you.

Monster High by Lisi Harrison

Fitting in has never been harder if you are a RAD (Regular Attribute Disorder) or as "normies" call you, a Monster! Frankie Stein, born only 15 days ago, has a chance to leave her father's basement laboratory and go to Master high school but she has to cover up her beautiful green skin, her neck bolts, and her seams so she can go undetected in the "normie" world. On Frankie's first day, she finds out the whole school is freaked out by rumors of monsters in their midst. Frankie soon finds out their are more RADs around than just her and they too are hiding in plain sight. When the school decides to have a Monster Mash dance, Frankie and her friends decide to crash the party as themselves since everyone else will be dressed in monster costumes. Things do not go well when Frankie loses her head. Now what is she and her friends going to do? Can she trust the other new girl at Master High School with her secret and set things right?

This is the first in a series and the story definitely leaves the reader hanging at the end. I listened to this on on CD and all of a sudden it was over. All in all, this book was funny, entertaining, carries a message of acceptance, and sure to be a hit with fans of Harrison's Clique series.

Shiver By Maggie Steifvater

Grace was biten by a wolf when she was young and developed a fascination with the wolves she sees out her window in winter, especially the wolf with the gold eyes. When a high school student is attacked by wolves, the wolves are hunted and Grace does her best to stop the killing. When she arrives home, she find Sam bleeding on her doorstep - a boy with gold eyes. Grace puts things together and realizes Sam is her wolf with the gold eyes. Sam's story slowly unfolds as he tells Grace about his parents, his pack, and how the cold weather causes him to become a wolf. Jack, the high school student who was attacked by the wolves, becomes a problem and endangers Grace, Sam, his pack and the people each of them hold dear.

A different perspective on werewolves gives this story a fresh, new approach while making it seem very real. The relationship between Grace and Sam is troubled but authentic. Shiver provides the reader with a little romance, mystery and an intensity that will keep reader's reading until the last page. Thank goodness, Linger, the sequel to Shiver, is out.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

When Tessa arrives in England to meet her brother, she is met by Mrs. Dark and Mrs. Black (the Dark Sisters). Once Tessa is in their home, she is held captive and cruelly taught how to use her "gift". All she knows is the Magister wants her to develop her gift and the Dark Sisters will do anything to achieve that goal. Tessa is rescued from the Dark Sisters by the Shadowhunters and taken to live in the Institute where she is safe from the Magister and other members of the Pandemonium Club. It is here she learns about being a Downworlder and exactly who and what the Shadowhunters are. Her loyalty is tested, the world is about to be destroyed, and her life and those of the Shadowhunters are at stake.

Fantastic beginning to the Mortal Instruments series. The story just pulled me in and I went along for the ride. The battles between the Shadowhunters and the forces of evil were believeable. I found myself pulling for the good guys and missing those who are no longer part of the story. My advice is to pull up a chair, get comfy, and start reading.

Rise of the Huntress by Joseph Delaney

When Tom, Alice, and Mr. Gregory return from their battles in Greece, they find the county overrun by enemy soldiers, his house is destroyed along with his precious library, and Bony Lizzie has escaped. The trio escapes to the island, Mona, only to find themselves being hunted by Lord Barrule's troops. Tom and Alice are survived being captured as witches only to be locked in a dungeon to be devoured by the Buggane. Bony Lizzie has become very powerful and wants Mr. Gregory dead. Through many twists and turns, Alice, Tom, and Mr. Gregory struggle to rid the island of evil and with each step death follows them.

I am not sure the title fits the book unless the Huntress is supposed to be Bony Lizzie. Mr. Gregory is showing his age and Tom is becoming stronger in the ways of Spooks. With this entry in The Last Apprentice series, I see the end of the series coming soon. The story is still fast paced, entertaining, and a very good read.

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn

Florence, orphaned since she was five, has suddenly been contacted by her Great Uncle Thomas to come live with him and his sister, Eugenie. A year ago, Sophia died and Great Aunt Eugenie can't get over the death of her "sweet, darling" Sophia. Only Sophia wasn't so sweet. Also living in the house is Sophia's brother, James, who is sickly and stays in his room so he may recover from what ails him. As Florence settles into the routine at Crutchfield Hall, she hears a young girls taunting voice. Florence knows it is Sophia and Sophia has her ways of getting Florence in trouble with Great Aunt Eugenie. Now both Sophia's and James' lives are in danger. "Uncle said the dead did not return. He was wrong."

It was an okay ghost story. Nothing really fantastic. Hahn's "Closed for the Season" is better. The book had all the makings of a great ghost story but fell short.

The Dead and Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer

After being hit by an asteroid, the moon has been pushed closer to the earth causing destruction and chaos in its wake. Since the moon is now closer to earth the tides are higher, submerging coastal areas, setting off a string of earthquakes and volcanoes, and creating conditions unfavorable for growing crops. The air quality is worse, food is in short supply, and families are torn apart. This is the world Alex Morales, 17 years old, and his two younger sisters now live in. Both parents are dead and it is up to Alex to keep his sisters alive and safe. Down to one meal a day, usually one can of vegetables split three ways, Alex is running out of options and his Catholic faith is being put to the ultimate test. Where will Alex and sisters do when there is no place else to turn?

Gruesome, horrifying, and very realistic. "The Dead and Gone" is an excellent survival novel but be prepared for brutal nature of the book. This book is alot darker than "Life As We Knew It", the first book in the Last Survivors series. The good thing about the first two books in the series is it doesn't matter which one you read first because the books are set in two different locations with different problems to overcome. I had to take a break and read something light and funny after finishing this book.

Skeleton Creek: The Crossbones - Patrick Carman

Sarah has moved away and Ryan is left in Skeleton Creek working for his Dad in the Flyfishing Shop. Their parents ban Sarah and Ryan from communicating with each other because of events at the Dredge. At the conclusion of the last book, Ghost in the Machine, Ryan told no one about the envelope he picked up on the floor when Old Jeb Bush fell. Summer seems to drag by for Ryan and the envelope is a huge temptation Ryan cannot pass up. What he finds in the envelope throws Ryan, Sarah and the ghost of Old Jeb Bush into a dangerous crosscountry mystery.

I really like the format of the book - read several diary entries and then watch the video. Once again, the videos really need to be viewed as you read the book because the videoclips add to the creepiness of the story and nothing is creepier than the glimpses of Old Jeb Bush's ghost. If you like spooky stories, ghosts, and haunted places, read this book.

Betrayal by Lili St. Crow

Dru Anderson has found out the hard way that things that go bump in the night truly do exist and are trying to kill her. After her last minute escape at the end of "Strange Angels", the first book in the series, Christophe has her tucked away in a school where she will be "safe". Graves is becoming more and more wulfen while Dru, the only girl at the school, is isolated in her room away from everyone. Dru is slowly coming to terms with the fact she isn't totally human and the changes she is experiencing has her questioning who she really is. When the school is attacked and set on fire, Dru and her friends escape and make their way to what they hope is safety. Dru now knows there is a traitor and trusting anyone is the most difficult thing she has had to do lately.

Betrayal is just as good if not better than Strange Angels. It is full of twists and turns, life and death, and a traitor among those who are supposed to be protecting her. The next book in the series comes out in June and I can hardly wait to see what happens between Christophe, Dru, and Graves.

Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien

Gaia Stone lives in a world of haves and have nots. The Enclave lives within the walls and want for nothing while the rest of the people live outside the Enclave and struggle to survive. Each month, the first three babies born are given to the Enclave, the child's name is changed, and their birth families have no more contact with the child. When Gaia's parents are arrested by the Enclave, Gaia sets enters the Enclave under threat of death to rescue her parents. Now everything Gaia has believed in under scrutiny - who are her two older brothers and why is Sgt. Grey so interested in helping her instead of turning her in?

I was really disappointed in the ending until I realized there will be a sequel. The story brings up questions of what is right, fair, and good for the whole population. Birthmarked moves slowly is a few places but picks up the pace as Gaia tries to come to peace with her decisions.

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Once upon a time, Scarlett and Rosie lived with their Oma March in a little cottage at the edge of the woods. One day while playing in the Oma March's garden a stranger comes calling with an arrow tattoo on his wrist. Oma March ushers Rosie and Scarlett into the cottage and frantically calls her neighbor, the woodsman, for help. Scarlett and Rosie hurry to Oma March's room and lock themselves in as the door to the cottage bursts open and Oma March is attacked by a wolf leaving Scarlett and Rosie unprotected. Soon the wolf is at the Oma March's bedroom door and what happens next is a battle for survival. Several years later, Scarlett, scarred and without sight in one eye, and Rosie have become Fenris (werewolf) hunters. Scarlett believes the job defines her while Rosie secretly yearns for more than hunting. When Silas, the woodsman's son, returns from a year in San Francisco, things begin to go very wrong - there are too many werewolves in their small town. As the three research the situation, they come to the realization that the wolves are hunting for the Potential, the next human to be turned into a wolf. As the clues slowly fall into place the relationship between the three hunters begins to disintegrate, will Rosie, Scarlett, and Silas be able to prevent the Potential from being taken by the Fenris and still save their friendship?

Loved the book! Great mix of fairy tale and werewolves. This novel is not your usual werewolf story - lots of hunting, fighting, and surviving along with a personal story from each of the characters.

The 39 Clues - Into the Gauntlet by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Amy and Dan set out on the final leg of the hunt for the 39 clues and treachery still abounds. As each branch of the Cahills manage to arrive at the final destination all at once, Amy and Dan to realize what a big task has been set before them. When faced with a decision that could change everything, can Amy and Dan complete Grace's task and do what 500 years of Cahills could not?

Fantastic end to the series. Haddix ties up every loose end and answers every question readers have been asking. Fast-paced, action-packed, and beautifully constucted, this last installment in the series won't let fans down. I was sorry to see it end.

The Hunt for the Seventh by Christine Morton-Shaw

When Jim's dad gets the head gardner's postion at Minerva Hall, they are greeted by the owner, Lord Minerva himself. Lord Minerva has very strict rules about where the Jim and his sister, Sal can be on the grounds and what they can actually do. Soon after Jim and his family arrive at Minerva Hall, Jim begins to hear voices telling him to "find the seventh". As Jim investigates the history of Minerva Hall, he finds out there have been 6 deaths of Minerva children over the years and the ghosts of children are asking him to find "the seventh". With each step Jim takes towards locating the seventh child, the more trouble he gets into with Lord Minerva who threatens his father's job at the mansion. When the nearby village is threatened by flood water, Jim risks his life to save those he loves.

Great mystery with just enough creepiness and evil to keep you turning the pages. I am looking forward to more books by this author.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Sent to a school for paranormal misfits, Sophie finds herself among other witches, warlocks, fae, and shapeshifters. Sophie has never fit in and things are no different at Hex Hall. When she finds herself the rooming with Jenna, the only vampire at the school, and has crossed the popular crowd, fitting in still hasn't gotten any better for her. To make matters worse, Sophie falls for Archer Cross, the boyfriend of one of the popular girls. Then the murders start and her roommate is blamed. Sophie knows Jenna didn't kill those girls, sets out to clear Jenna, and find out who really did murder the girls.

I found this book to be a fast read. Sophie is a walking disaster - if she can mess something up, she does. The characters seem real and the story moves fast. Entertaining and funny with a touch of romance and mystery. What more could you ask for?

Finnikin of the Rock By Melina Marchetta

At nine years old, Finnikin (the son of the head of the King's Guard), Balthazar (heir to the Lumatere throne), and Lucian (Balthazar's cousin)make a blood oath to protect Lumatere but soon after, the royal family is murdered and a curse placed around Lumatere - no one gets in and no one gets out. Ten years later, Finnikin is still in exile with Sir Topher, a former advisor to the now dead King. As the two travel the countryside, they find small settlements of Lumatereans barely surviving, waiting until the day the curse is lifted and they can return to Lumatere. Finnikin has taken it on himself to record the names of the Lumatereans he meets in his travels carefully writing down the names of the living and the dead. While helping survivors of "the five days of the unspeakable", Finnikin meets Evanjalin, a novice who can "walk the sleep" of others and tells Finnikin it is he who will lead his people home and break the curse. As Finnikin gathers his people for the return home, he has to deal with betrayal, lies, intrigue, and death. Finnikin must find the courage and strength to complete the task set in motion ten years earlier when he made the blood oath with his best friends.

Marchetta has written a wonderful fantasy full of unique characters with flaws that make them seem real. The struggle facing the survivors of Lumatere and the murder of the royal family are heartbreaking at times and Finnikin feels it the strongest. It will take a while to get into the book but then needing answers to questions brought up in the story keeps the reader from putting this book down.

Rivals By Tim Green

Josh and his team, the Titans, have made it to the national tournament in Cooperstown where the Baseball Hall of Fame is located. Winning would mean everything to the team - endorsements for the Titans and the attention of baseball scouts. After an injury that could keep Josh from playing, he notices something suspicious at a game. Josh turns to Jaden, who has also made the trip as the school's newspaper reporter, to investigate what he has seen. The only problem is Jaden's now hanging around Mickey Mullen Jr., a player from an opposing team. Jaden says she is doing research but Josh isn't sure. All he knows is that he now has a rival. As the championship game approaches, Josh knows he has to do something to prove what he has seen and will risk anything to prove he is right.

I love reading Tim Green books because the story may be a sports-based but there is always an underlying storyline in every book. The way he writes each novel makes the books easy to read and grabs the reader's attention. The main characters are funny, loyal, and are truly the best of friends. This one is another great addition in the Baseball Great series.

Only the Good Spy Young By Ally Carter

Cammie, still under guard after the kidnapping attempt, is in London when Mr. Solomon grabs her. Only something isn't right - her guards are after Mr. Solomon. He leaves her with a cryptic messages "Follow the pigeons." and then jumps into the Thames river. When Cammie returns to the Gallagher Academy her mother isn't there to greet her and Mr. Solomon is accused of being a member of The Circle, the sinister group that tried to kidnap Cammie. If that isn't enough for Cammie and her best friends, Zach shows up to complicate matters even more. With the help of her roommates, Cammie and company unravel Mr. Solomon's message and get to the bottom of the mystery.

With each book in the series keeps getting better and better and this one won't let you down. It captured my attention from the first chapter and I definitely wanted to know what "Follow the pigeons." meant and if Mr. Solomon truly was a member of The Circle. The story is fast-paced, exciting, intriguing, and a test of loyalty for Cammie and her friends. If you liked the other Gallagher Girls books, you are going to love this one and will be anxiously awaiting the next one.

Captivate by Carrie Jones

In Captivate, the sequel to Need, Zara and her friends have been capturing pixies and locking them away in the house in the woods. The longer the pixies remain in the house, the worse their need to feed on blood becomes. As Zara's father, a pixie king, becomes weaker and weaker, he loses control of the pixies and opens the door for other pixie kings to take over his territory. Zara meets Astley, a rival pixie king, who wants to gain her trust and make her his queen. Zara resists all attempts to become a pixie queen but when Nick, her boyfriend, is mortally wounded will Zara make the ultimate sacrifice to save him?

With each book in this series just keep getting better. The characterization of Zara, Nick, Devin, and Izzy are totally different from each other and just as endearing in their own way. Captivate leaves Zara and friends at turning point indicating there is definitely a sequel coming. Hang in there and don't get Tinked!

Football Champ by Tim Green

In this sequel to Football Genius, Troy White is working for the Atlanta Falcons helping to read the opposing team's defense on every down. Seth Holloway, a friend of Troy's and member of the Atlanta Falcons football team, has made an enemy of a reporter named Peele. Peele has made it his life's mission to ruin Seth's career like Seth ruined his in college. Peele becomes obsessed with Troy - who is he, what is he doing talking to the coach when he is only the ball boy, who is his mother, how is he related to Seth. Peele uses his reporter credentials to sneak into the owner's box and get an interview with Troy about his abilities. Peele uses that information to accuse the Falcons of stealing plays from their opponents. The reporter doesn't stop there - he accuses Seth of using steroids. While all of this is happening, Troy's football team is heading to the playoffs and Seth, amid all the accusations of cheating and using steroids, can no longer be their coach. What starts out as an innocent interview undermines everything in Troy's life. How can Troy and his friends help Seth clear his name in time for both the Falcon's and Troy's team's playoffs.

Once again,Tim Green writes from experience as an NFL player and creates a wonderful book about truth, loyalty, friendship, and never giving up. Mr. Green's children (characters in his books are named after his children) have a say in every book he writes, hes asks them their opinion, and uses their input to create wonderful novels about sports and life outside of sports. Every Tim Green book I have read I have thoroughly enjoyed. I hope he keeps writing books for young adults for a long time.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Set at the beginning of World War I, this story follows an alternate path. The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and his wife remain the same but their son Alek is wisked away before he too is murdered. This one act sends countries around the world into war only in this alternate universe the war is fought between the Clankers, who believe in machines, and the Darwinists, who uses technology to develop new species. Alek and his four faithful followers flee Austria in a Cyklop Stormwalker similar to a walking tank, hoping to reach Switzerland and safety. Meanwhile Deryn, a girl who wants to be an airman for the British, masks herself as Daryl, because the British Air Service only accepts boys. She is lucky enough to serve on the Leviathan, a enormous flying biological ship resembling a whale. When the Germans attack, Leviathan crash lands in Switzerland. It is here that Alek's and Deryn's lives intermingle and only by working together will both survive.

Leviathan is intriguing, creative, action-packed, and a thoroughly good read. Westerfeld mingles the two stories perfectly and the events ring true. The creativity of the Clanker machines and the Darwinist creations is amazing. This book is totally different from what is out there. The ending definitely lets the reader know there is to be a sequel.

Token of Darkness by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Cooper awakes in the hospital after a horrible car accident to find his high school football career over and a strange girl, Samantha, next to his bed. He realizes Samantha is a ghost only he can see but there are shadows surrounding intent on destroying her. Cooper knows no one will believe him about Samantha and the shadows so he keeps it to himself. As he struggles to survive the things haunting him, he meets Brent, a telepath, and reacquaints himself with Delilah, a cheerleader with secrets of her own. As the mystery of Samantha unfolds, Cooper begins to remember the accident and what exactly Samantha is if she is not a ghost. All Cooper wants is to help Samantha on her way and find peace within himself regarding the accident but everything is not as it seems.


Token of Darkness started off with a bang but ended too quickly for me. Cooper's guilt and Samantha's haunting of him is perfectly portrayed. The supporting characters seem flat at times. I felt a great ending coming but was disappointed as the story wrapped up too quickly and without a big finish.

Incarceron By Catherine Fisher

Finn, 17, a prisoner of Incarceron, whose memories of life before prison are vague dreams. Incarceron was built centuries ago to correct the evil that men do and now Incarceron rules all handing out life and death. A legend passed down over the centuries is of a man named Sapphique, who escaped Incarceron. He was the only one to do so. Now Finn, and three others are ready to follow in Sapphique's footsteps and escape the prison. Claudia, the warden's daughter, lives a sheltered life surrounded by servents but longs for escape from ther father, Incarceron's warden. Claudia has been raised to marry the heir of the kingdom where she lives, only the true heir died years ago and she now has to marry a spoiled, selfabsorbed half brother. Finn and Claudia each find a key that allows them to communicated with each other. Over time, Finn and Claudia learn to trust each other and vow to help each other obtain freedom. As with any path taken, there are twists and turn in their journey to help each other. In a startling, unexpected turn Claudia and Finn come face to face.

Detailed, savage, and dark, Incarceron takes the reader into a world of survival and deceipt. The characters are neither all good or all bad and each has his/her own agenda for their actions. Finn's guilt and loyalty tug at him each step of the way. Claudia battles what has been taught to her as duty and what she thinks is right. If you are looking for a light fluffy read, this isn't it. Be prepared to be sucked into the world of Incarceron and to stay there for awhile.

Triskellion 2: The Burning Will Peterson

After escaping the eerie village of Triskellion, Rachel and Adam are looking forward to going home in New York only the Hope Project has another agenda for the twins. Separated from their mother, Kate, Adam and Rachel are treated very well until the head of Project Hope, Van der Zee, wants more from them. Rachel and Adam are joined by a younger set of twins, Morag and Duncan, whose powers are far more developed than Rachel's and Adam's. Escape seems to be the only solution and Gabriel is there to help. On the run from the people at Project Hope and a mysterious new enemy, Gabriel leads the twins on a winding journey that only he knows where it will end. Finding help and betrayal along the way, Rachel and Adam only hope to survive, find a way to end this madness, and be reunited with their mother.

Triskellion 2: The Burning is full of adventure, betrayl, secrets, and lies. The reader never knows who to trust and to what end those they meet along the way want. I liked this book as well as the first book but I would strongly recommend to read both books close together because the stories are full of detail. It took some time for me to remember bits and pieces of the first book before I could understand a reference.

Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

Aerin Redding has been enslaved for six years on a distant planet when the ship her father was flying crashlanded. Now Aerin has had enough of the beatings, hard labor, and too little to eat. She repairs her father's ship and barely escapes out of the planet's atmosphere before the ship starts falling apart again. Sending out an SOS she hopes will be heard, Aerin hopes to be rescued. Aerin is taken aboard a merchant ship where she begins to heal from her enslavement. The merchant ship's captain encourages her to take the entrance exam for Academy 7, an exclusive school for only the smartest students in preparation to serve as protectors of the Alliance, Aerin makes top scores and is admitted. While at Academy 7, she meets Dane Madousin, a rebellious son of a high ranking officer in the Alliance and overcritical dad. Both harbor a secret that will tear their lives apart but without each other nothing will ever be right.

I liked this book - full of adventure, mystery, and characters who seem real. The book moves quickly and is easy to read. Students stay at Academy 7 for three years so I foresee two more books in the series.

Destiny's Path by Frewin Jones

After saving her village from invading Saxons, Branwen is sent her next quest for The Shining Ones. This time it is the Man of the Forest, Govannon, who sends help in the form of an owl-girl, Blodwedd. Branwen is to stop the slaughter and defeat of the castle at The Place of the Singing Gulls. The Place of the Singing Gulls is the first line of defense for Branwen and her people. If the castle falls to the Saxons, all their lives hang in the balance. Dodging the troops of Prince Llew (who will arrest her and Rhodri on sight), Branwen and friends become witnesses to a cruel betrayal knowing no one will believe them. As she strives to save those in the castle, help comes from an unexpected source - the creatures of Govannon's realm.

This is a very good sequel to Warrior Princess. Branwen is a reluctant heroine, wanting only to go home and help her mother rebuild her home. The reader experiences her struggle to do what is expected of her and having no choice to follow the path someone else has selected for her. It is her struggle and her friendships that make Branwen special. Since there are four Shining Ones and her next quest is to the Woman of the Mountains, I foresee two more sequels in this series. If you like adventure, battles, court intrigue, and courage, this book has it all.

MIllion Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica

Nate Brodie's purchase of an autographed Tom Brady football allows him to enter into a drawing for the Million Dollar Throw at a New England Patriots' game Thanksgiving night. To Nate's surprise, he wins that chance and that is when things go from bad to worse. Nate's father has lost his job, his mother has gotten a second job, his best friend's eyesight is getting worse, and he is no longer the star quarterback for his school's football team. As Thanksgiving gets closer, begins to fold under the pressure. Nate isn't sure what he is going to do to make things right because the one million dollars can make a huge difference in the life of his family and his best friend.

Lupica has done it again - he has written a wonderful story of friendship and family with the backdrop of football. This is a great sports book for boys or girls. You can't help but love the characters and how friends help one another overcome obstacles.

Epitaph Road by David Patneaude

Set in 2097, Kellen lives in a world where the male population has be decimated by the Elisha's Bear plague that struck in 2067. There is about one male for every 19 females. The world is now a better place with no war, hunger, poverty, and violence and run totally by women. Men can only hold certain jobs where they can do "no damage" to society and must have "minders" to be out and about. Most of the surviving men have become "loners", living is isolated towns or up in the wilderness away from the women who run world. Kellen overhears his mom and Aunt Paige arguing over something having to do with his father, Charlie. Piecing things together, he knows Elisha's Bear isn't just a some naturally occuring plague but created to be used whenever the women feel a justification for its use. Right now the place that will be hit is Afterlight, the settlement where Kellen's dad lives. Kellen, and two girl cousins, Tia and Sunday, head out to warn Kellen's dad. Once there, they uncover a terrifying secret about Elisha's Bear - there isn't just one.

Eerie, terrifying, and all too possible. As the story unwinds and betrayal unfolds, Kellen's world is turned upside down. This story is definitely draws the reader in and grows more terrifying as the story unfolds. A great story of what human kind does to itself in the name of a better world. This is a must read!

Cherub: The Recruit by Robert Muchamore

James and his half sister, Lauren, live with their mom in a dump of an apartment and always seems to be in trouble coming home battered and bruised. When their mom dies, Lauren goes to live with her physically abusive, no-good dad and James goes to an orphanage where chances of being placed in a foster home is slim to none. One arrest too many lands James at a secret Cherub recruiting base where he will be trained to be a spy for the British government. If he survives the 100 day basic training he will become a Cherub agent. His first mission is to infiltrate a hippie commune and find out who is planning to kill Petrocon convention attendees. Just when things are going great, James uncovers the plan to be unleashed at Petrocan and now his life is on the line.

Now that the Alex Rider series has ended, Cherub is a great replacement for an adventure, spy story with a male protagonist. The action was fast paced, James' basic training was brutal but real, and the twists and turns keep the action going until the end of the book. There are a few British slang words but nothing that can't be understood from the context of the sentence. There is a sequel and I can't wait to read it.

A Coven of Witches by Joseph Delaney

A collection of short stories filling in the gaps in The Last Apprentice series. The collection includes the story of how the spook Gregory fell in love with Meg Skelton, Alice's first year with Bony Lizzie, and two others dealing with witches found in the pages of the series.

This is the second book in the series like this and I find background stories of the events and characters interesting. It also helps to understand the reasons why the characters do what they do.

Hawksmaid by Kathryn Lasky

Matty, the daughter of Nottingham's most famous falconer, lives a life of poverty in castle partially destroyed by Prince John's forces. Her mother murdered and her father never the same after her mother's death, Matty learns what it is like to go hungry and fear punishment for hunting in the surrounding forest. As things get worse and people are starving to death, Matty, Fynn, Rich, and John find ways to help those who can't help themselves. King Richard has been fighting in the Crusades and his brother, Prince John's tyranny has become unbearable. Matty becomes Maid Marian, Fynn becomes Robin Hood, John becomes Little John, and Rich remains Rich. Robbing from the rich and giving to the poor angers Prince John and now there is a price on their heads. To rescue King Richard, Robin Hood and his Merry Men set out on a dangerous mission to release King Richard and end Prince John's horrible reign.

A wonderful story of how Maid Marian, Robin Hood and his Merry Men came to be and what made them legendary. It is a story of suffering, strength, perserverence, and the determination to make things right.

Word After Word After Word by Patricia MacLachlan

As the end of the school year approaches, a new teacher steps into Lucy's classroom and the world changes for her and her four friends. Ms. Mirabel brings magical words,a new way of seeing the world and a wonderful journey into writing. As poems are written and stories unfold, the lives of Lucy, Henry, Evie, Russell, and May are exposed and changed forever.

I don't know how Patricia MacLachlan does it. She puts a complete, beautiful, inspiring story in 125 pages. I am once again moved to tears by the beauty and honesty of this story. You have to experience this wonderful,must-read novel yourself.

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Liam has always been tall for his age. He should just give up and bring his birth certificate with him every where he goes. It does have its advantages - he can test drive a car or be mistaken for a new teacher. So Liam decides to use his height as an advantage - he uses his adult appearance to go to China for the thrill ride of his life. Liam, Florida (his best friend)and three other students take a ride into outerspace. One button push out of order leaves the five lost in space.

I enjoyed this book because it was funny, different, and easy to read. It was a good break from faery/werewolf/vampire stories. It was really nice to read something funny and outrageous.

The Season by Sarah MacLean

Set in 1815 England, Lady Alexandra and her two girlfriends, Lady Vivian and Lady Eleanor, don't exactly fit into British society. They are expected to be shy, dimwitted,and thoroughly charming but Alex, Vivi, and Ella are just the opposite - smart, informed,and outspoken-things that scare aware potential suitors. All three girls are about to enter the marriage market and feel more like cattle at an auction than debutantes. Gavin, a close family friend, suddenly becomes the Earl of Blackmoor after the untimely death of his father. He doesn't believe his father's death was an accident but has no way of proving it. Alex, Vivi, and Ella get entangled in the mystery of the death of Gavin's father and the traitor who is selling military secrets to the French and now Alex's life is at stake. She may even lose her heart along the way.

In the midst of supernatural/paranormal fiction, this book is a breath of fresh air. Totally unique and engaging and a joy to read. The details of Regency England do not overshadow the characters or the plot. The subtle romance between Alex and Gavin is perfect. The three friends are portrayed realistically and are exactly what best friends should be. Supportive parents, quirky characters, and a touch of romance and mystery are in perfect balance in the debut novel for young adults.

Grey Griffins: The Brimstone Key by Derek Benz and J. S. Lewis

The Grey Griffins, Harley, Ernie, Natalia, and Max, are back in another great adventure. The Grey Griffins are enrolled in Iron Bridge, a school where recruits for the Knights Templar are trained. The Clockwork King has returned to finish what he started years ago - putting the souls of changelings into robots - creating an unstoppable mechanical army. Now one of the Grey Griffins is at risk - Ernie. To save Ernie and other changeling children, the Grey Griffins must take back the Brimstone Key from the Clockwork King, otherwise known as Von Strife, and stop his mechanical army before it is too late.

This book was easy to read and easy to follow even if you haven't read the first Grey Griffin trilogy. It was nice to come back to the world of the Grey Griffins and be plunged into another adventure. If you like adventure stories, try this one.

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

Peter lives with an old soldier since his parents are dead. He is sent to the market to get fish and bread only he spends the money on a trip to a fortuneteller who tells him his sister is alive, a sister he thought died at birth, and an elephant will lead him to her. A magician makes an elephant crash through the roof of a theater and crushes the legs of a rich patron. By way of the elephant and the intermingling of the citizens of Baltese, Peter finds his sister and things are set right.

This book was a fast read. It was neat how the lives of several people in the story intermingled to bring Peter back to his sister. Professional views thought this book was great - I thought it was just okay.

The 39 Clues: Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park

Amy, Dan, and Nelly journey to Jamaica and the Bahamas in search of clues. The man in black is back only dressed in gray. Isabel Kabra are after the kids again and each attack is more deadly than the last and now they can't trust Nelly.

Another great addition to The 39 Clues series. I listened to it on CD that I borrowed from the county library. There are twists and turns every chapter and a huge confession is made at the end of the book. The story moves fast and the danger feels real for the brother and sister. You can actually feel the distrust the siblings feels for Nelly. The last book in the series (?) comes out at the end of August. I will be sure to read as soon as it is released to find out what happens to Amy, Dan, and Nelly.

Thirteen Days to Midnight by Patrick Carman

When the car Jacob is in slides into a tree, his adoptive father says these words to Jacob - You are indestructible. Jacob survives the crash, his adoptive father doesn't. Now Jacob has to live with the Fathers at Holy Cross Catholic School and Church until he is 18. Milo, his best friend, and Jacob meet the new girl wtih the pink cast, Ophelia (Oh), at Holy Cross and everything goes wrong. Oh has Jacob sign her cast and he writes "You are indestructible" on her cast. On the way to Milo's dad's book store, Oh rides her longboard and has terrible fall but escapes unharmed. It is then that Jacob realizes he has the power to protect people by saying those words. When Milo and Oh find out,Jacob realizes he has created a monster.

I just knew I was going to like this book because Patrick Carman wrote it. It was just an okay book. It took a long time to get into it. I actually put it down several times and then last night decided I had to finish it. IMO the story took too long to set up and get moving.

Need by Carrie Jones

The only father Zara has ever known died 4 months ago and since then she has been only existing. Hoping a change of scene will help Zara heal, her Mom sends her to her Grandmother Betty's house in Bedford, Maine. Being the new girl in school isn't easy and immediately she has made enemies with the "in" group. She makes friend with Izzy, Devin, and Nick. Zara has no idea why she is being stalked by a tall stranger who whispers her name from the woods near Betty's house. When a boy from the cross country team disappears, her friends decide she needs to hear the truth. The stalker is a pixie and not a nice Tinkerbell pixie either. As she tries to comprehend the existence of pixies, she is suddenly introduced to the existence of were creatures, including her grandmother. Now Zara has to find the strength to conquer her fears because her mother is now the target of the Pixie King.


I just finished listening to Need by Carrie Jones. I wasn't sure I was going to like and ended up liking it alot. So much so that I am going to read the sequel Captivate. I liked the characters and Grandmother Betty is not your normal grandmother. The story has humor, suspense, supernatural creatures and romance.

Gotta Keep Reading

Wikis

I find using a Wiki is hard to manuever. I can't say I use a Wiki regularly but I do add to the CFISD library destiny Wiki when something needs to be updated or added. Even after adding to the Wiki I still lose my file when I am adding. Then I have to relocate the file once I find it.

I think Wikis would be useful for the staff if a wiki was set up on a certain topic like differentiation instruction. Staff members could add differentiation ideas for lessons and instruction sheets for others to use. The only problem I can see is you need to trust who has access. There could be accidental changes made, something deleted by accident. Some level of proficiency has to be required.

I think the Wiki can be used for an ongoing school project like we use for Destiny Help. Then again someone has to be responsible for keeping it up to date.

I know teachers and students use the wiki to discuss classroom novels. Students responses are then used as a daily grade. I still worry about this because I know some of my students don't have access to a computer. Maybe this should be an option for a response.

Anything online must be current to be effective. Without that, it is a unfulfilling exercise.

Nings and the library

I like the idea of Nings. It seems to be a more controlled environment than other social networking sites. It is also easier to navigate than a Wiki. I like the idea of public and private Nings. I can see using a Ning for an online book club. Get the students started with the idea of a book club on Facebook and then switch them over to the Ning. I can see having several book club/discussions going at once: faculty and student. I also like that it seems to have been created with the educator in mind. Something not as free as a social network but with the same features. I am sure there are other uses for the Ning but I need to think on it for a while.

Blogs and RSS feeds

While exploring RSS feeds and what to add, I like to add blogs/feeds that support the library. I like School Library Journal and Blue Willow Bookshop. School Library Journal is more of a professinal site. I personally like Blue Willow because of the opportunities to meet authors and have them autograph books for school. Blue Willow provides a more intimate setting for meeting the authors and having discussions with them. I purchase books there, have the books autographed, and either added the autographed books to the collection or give away as reading incentive prizes. Blue Willow sponsored Teen Book Con this past spring and I am interested in taking a group of students this coming spring.

I located Blue Willow and Teen Book Con through the search component of Google Reader. Easy as pie to add to my list of "followings". Once I take some more time to think about what I would like to add to the Reader, I will go back and search for the sites.

Like I said in my previous post, I need to think about how to present Google Reader to my students and staff. I need to find several ways both can use this technology in their school lives.

RSS feeds?

Little did I know that when I started following several blogs I had already added them to Google Reader. I like the idea of keeping everything in one place. It is also easy to add a new RSS feed to Google Reader. Since this is new to me I am not sure exactly how I am going to use it. I would like to find a way to get teachers and students involved in using Google Reader or its equivalent. I am open to ideas on how teachers can use this in class. I need to "experience" Google Reader and RSS feeds first. From what I can tell this will be another site to log into each day and check. I always wonder if the district will let us access this from school. This will have to be added to my daily to do list.

Idea: Can students do this as a fact gathering instrument for research? Will they be able to access it at all from school? Can teachers do this instead of creating a Word document of websites for research?

I am not sure how valuable this will be for my students. I can see value in it for the staff. I am going to have to work on a brochure or something for the staff - inservice perhaps? I just don't know.

Blogging? Who me?

Me blogging? I didn't realize I already had a blog set up because I set it up a year ago and promptly forgot about it. It was added to the "one more thing to do" list. With things coming at you nonstop and faster than the speed of light, blogging became a "when I get to it" task. I can see now I wasn't ready to blog but now maybe I am. It isn't that I don't think it would be neat to discuss books with students and other librarians, it is the time factor. I don't like to do anything half way. I am really going to try to keep up with this blog this year starting this summer. I went to Library Lounge Lizards' blog and really liked his suggestion of dedicating a day of week to add certain content to the blog. Organization is the key. I think if I start this during the summer, then when school starts again, it will already be a habit. I still have lots to learn before my blog can be a site my students go check out. I need to add book trailers, for one. I am sure it isn't hard but I just need to do it a few times. I am also sure several librarians can walk me through that task.
What I am envisioning for my blog is a space that includes new titles, summaries, reviews, book trailers, upcoming movies from books, discussion, and book recommendations. I want something eye catching and creative. I really want to capture my students interest and keep it. I want to get students opinions about books and what I should read next. I want them to know I am there for them and I want them to succeed in school. High hopes, I know. I will shoot for the moon and if I don't reach the moon, perhaps I will fall among the stars.

One More Time

I am going to try this again. It has been a year since I started this blog, got busy and forgot about it. Hopefully I will do much better this year at keeping the blog up-to-date and full of useful, fun information about books, movies from books, and up coming events.