Missing Sisters by Gregory Maguire

I heard this on audio book and was happy to hear it done well.  I had borrowed it from the library.  The story is solid and well crafted.  Gregory Maguire knows how to write.  He nailed his characters, from Alice, to the different children, the nuns.  I bet he invented a backstory for each nun.  He nailed the times also.

The Bride's Farewell by Meg Rosoff

I liked this book.  It's different.  It's a coming of age story set in England in the 1850's.  Pell leaves a difficult family life behind and forges her own life.   Experiencing freedom for the first time.  She's now homeless struggling to find work.  Her little adopted brother has gone with her so she's responsible for him also.  Through out the story, is woven the back story that explains why she left.  Author explaining the story link  This link is interesting to listen to as Meg Rosoff explains the story.

Variant by Robison Wells

I listened to this on audiobook and was impressed with the story line.  I don't want to spoil anything.  I know you won't be disappointed.  There's a mystery to the really weird and creepy school which turns out to be more of a prison.  No adults.  Students forced to play paintball.  And you can never really be sure who to trust.  Danger and death, and no one ever comes back from detention.  It's a good teen read.

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

This is an epic book.  Reminds me of Game of Thrones.  I can't wait to get to book 2.  Four basic stories weave around each other in a masterful way.  Lots of secrets.  I should say there is some violence as well.  It's a good read.    I have to thank my favorite independent book store: Petunia's Place for recommending this book to me!

Wishful Thinking by Alexandra Bullen

Hazel finds out she has three dresses that can grant wishes.  She ends up meeting her birth mother and father.  She ends up meeting herself from the experiences.

The Freedom Riders by Heather Schwartz

This book has many great points about it.  It's a thin book but it's a great start to go deeper in research.  It's high interest and low level with lots of photos and primary resources to document an historical event.  Fits common core needs.

Woven by Michael Jensen & David Powers King

I found this book in my favorite independent book shop, Petunias.  The owners highly recommended the book to me and they were correct.  I hope to see more collaborations of these two authors.  They are super storytellers.

Fairest: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

I thought it was a good sidebar book to the series.  There are some mature situations to consider.

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

This book is true literature.  I can see why it is taught in high schools.  Masterfully crafted.

Oblivion by Anthony Horowitz

Great story, so glad a student got me into this series.

Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

Fox Forever by Mary E. Pearson

This book does not disappoint.  I love this series and would encourage anyone to read it.

The Lord of Opium by Nancy Farmer

If I could have a dinner party, I'd invite Nancy Farmer and Neal Shusterman as guests.  I would love to hear them discuss their writing process and just be a fly on the wall.  These two are strong YA writers.

UnSouled by Neal Shusterman

Well thought out, complex and has a certain truth about this story.  It could happen?!?! in the future.
Characters have a strong backstory to make them viable.  You will enjoy if you are reading this series.