The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie

This is a story told with words and drawings.  It's not exactly a graphic novel.  It does incorporate some elements of it.  It's a great story.  Arnold ends up going to a school off the reservation.  He is seen as a traitor by his own people.  Arnold has some physical challenges going for him, since birth but he's a fighter and he's smart.  He's also pretty funny.  It's just great story telling.

Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi by David Chotjewitz

I have to say this is a dark book, and if you've read The Berlin Boxing Club, this would be another one on the list to read.  Wait till you get to the end!  That's all I'm going to say.  Journey with Daniel as he uncovers his family truth.  And then has to blend in.  Oh the conflict!  Read the book!  It is good.

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

I read this years ago.  Loved it, ties in beautifully with population control that other countries in real life have done.  Also ties in with Anne Frank.  Hiding from a powerful government.  I have read a few in this series.  

House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

This is a seriously intense book.  I read it years ago and my book club students thought almost everyone was evil.  Perhaps they were right.  Poor Matteo.  And I had a little crush on Tam.  Ever wonder why they have clones???? You'll find out in The House of the Scorpion.  It is a  must read!

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

This one sexy book.  I read it years ago and most of the series.  Really liked it.  Gemma grows to be a strong character.  There are some other strong characters as well.  It takes place in Victorian British rule.  India and then England.  Magic and sorcery makes this story pretty interesting.  If you like gothic novels, here you go.

LIfe as We Knew it by Susan Pfeffer

This book address the what ifs?  Pandemonium ensues.  Don't need vampires and zombies, good old Mother Nature will kick our butts.  Disease, break down in electricity, riots and thugs.  The moon moving closer to our planet just made things that more interesting.  It's a page turner.  Read how one family has to survive to make it.

The Naming by Alison Croggon

I read this book several years ago but it stays with you.  Highly recommend it.  If you like the Lord of the Rings series and that type of genre, then this is the book for you.  You'll thank me later.

An Egg is Quiet by Aston/Long

This is a beautiful book and fits perfectly with science curriculum or an art class.  Well crafted with words and images that illustrate the beautiful egg.  And there are a lot to see.  My favorite is the shark egg.

The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco

This touching story is based on a teacher in the author's life.  Every teacher, principal and school board member should have this book.  A group of students who don't fit into regular classrooms have an amazing teacher.  At the end, when these young students become adults, they go on to do amazing things.  You  never know how we touch each other's lives and the long lasting impact it makes.
Read this book!

Before the Snap by Katherine Hengel

Derrick has problems.  His ex-girlfriend is now pregnant.  He's not the father but everyone thinks he is. Only 48 pages.  Works for reluctant readers.

The Elite by Kiera Cass

The story continues from Book One: The Selection.  More secrets to palace life are revealed.  Lady America witness problems at all level.  I enjoyed the story but to be fair, the story does bog down with the main character trying to choose.

The Cats of Karsinkski Square by Karen Hesse

Based on a true incident.  The drawings are charming and convey the story well.  Perfect for any unit studying WWII.

14 Cows for America by Carmen Deedy

This amazing true story is filled with deep compassion from a county far away on another continent.  The events of September 11 touches the hearts of the Massai people in a little village when one of their own returns from New York to share the story.  The images are as powerful as the story.  This is a story that can be shared with any classroom.

Fireboat by Maira Kalman

This amazing story is well done.  Nice background history of the 1930s in New York.  The images created work well for younger generations and still engage teens.  Written for little ones up to adults.  Heroes can come in all shapes and sizes.

Waking the Storm by Sarah Porter

Chopsticks by Anthony and Corral

This is a story told in a scrap book and photography way.  As you read through the different texts used to create the story, you are pulled in to a private story.  Art is the way, between music and paintings and drawings that links these two teens together.  I should mention that there are a few f*bombs and some classic nude figure drawings. Overall a very interesting read.  The story stays with you.

The Search for WonderLa by Tony DiTerlizzi

Mix in Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz and sprinkle in a bit of science fiction and technology and you get one fantastic story.   The illustrations remind me of my favorite classic Wizard of Oz series drawings of vintage time.  The story is crafted well with marvelous creatures.  The illustrations keep you anchored to the story.  Highly recommend it.

Nubs: The true story of a mutt, a marine & a miracle by Dennis, Larson & Nethery

This book is touching.  If you love dogs, read this book.  In Iraq, where soldiers patrol, there are packs of wild dogs.  Nubs got his name because his ears had been cut.  When he makes friends with Major Brian Dennis, his life changes.  Nubs travels over 70 miles to be with him.  It's an amazing story.
http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/storyofnubs/index.html will take you to the publisher site.  More photos and activities related to the story.

Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship by Hatkoff & Kahumbu

This story can be read to any grade level.  I know I'll use it with my high school students.  They love to be read to and I can fit this in different subjects: World Geography, Science and English.  Who doesn't love hearing a good story! http://www.owenandmzee.com/omweb/  this is the link to the Owen & Mzee and also Knut the polar bear.  Lots of interactive activities.    Enjoy!

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvatter

Maggie Stiefvater did it again.  Another book I wish I had written.  It is that good and I am looking forward to the sequel.  A psychic's daughter, four boys and a lot of mystery makes this a good read.  The phrasing style in this story is elegant and deep.  A must read!

The Death Cure by James Dashner

Finally it's over.  Or maybe it is not.  This is a dark series and we have come to the end.  Except now I need to read the prequel, The Kill Zone.  This is an intense series and if you like dystopian worlds with a very dark, confusing ... so confusing you have to keep reading, page turner then read this series.  Book One is The Maze Runner.  Very popular with the boys.  Always asking for it and when I'll get the next book in the series.