Beasts and Monsters by Anthony Horowitz

These are a collection of short stories of various cultural mythologies.  They a quick easy read and actually the author puts a fun spin on the retelling.  I would include in any library.  There is a whole series of these books that the author has written.

This picture book fits with any curriculum that ties in with the Civil War history.  It also ties in with Women's history.  You can read this book to any group of age ranges from 4th grade to adult.  It's amazing what people can do in the face of danger.  Worth the read.

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

The story goes back in forth and is worth the read.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Winter White by Jen Calonita

Jen Calonita has a way of writing that has you fall into the characters.  This book 2.  The series is hinged on two sisters.  One sister, Izzie became a member of the family when her ailing grandmother contacted her father to tell him about Izzie.  That was book one.  Now the story continues and lots of high school drama that makes it fun to read and also care about the characters.  It's a good read and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Oh my goodness, this has got to be the best contemporary book ever this year! I read a lot of books but this is the book to read.  I loved "Okay" as their code.  And Hazel comparing herself to a grenade when she talks to her parents.  Amazing.  I know... I'm gushing.  But this is the book to read!

Until I Die by Amy Plum

I guess sometimes I read books out of order.  I read book 3, now I've finished book 2.  Guess I'll have to read book 1 next.  It's a sexy novel but with out sex.  I want my own Vincent to murmur sweet thoughts.  It's full of adventure and baddies.  All set in Paris.  Kate seems a bit too mature for a seventeen year old but it's a fun read.

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter

I have only read book 3 which may be the last of the series.  It's easy to catch on to what has taken place.  It's Greek mythology updated with modern lives.  Kate is now married to Henry and is pregnant with their child.  However she is held prisoner by two bad Greek Gods.  It's an interesting twist to traditional Greek Mythology.  It's an okay read.

Beautiful Darkness by Garcia & Stohl

This is book 2 and doesn't disapoint. Told in the perspective of Ethan, we enter the caster world. Ethan is on a mission to save his girlfriend.  He has more help then he realizes.  I'm looking forward to reading the next story.

The Runaway King by Jennifer Nielsen

I wish I could write a story like this.  I look forward to book 3 to find out what happens to Jaron.  Love the story line, the humor and the action.  This is one of those treat books, entertaining and fun.  Enjoy!

Forever by Maggie Steifvater

This was a great final book in the series.  Maggie Stiefvater gets better every time.
Enjoy this read

Game Changer by Mike Lupica

Ben cares about the game and will do what ever he can to help his team win.

Entwined by Heather Dixon

This is a dark story but well told.  If you know the dancing princesses story and how they wore out their shoes, this takes the story to a whole new twist.  Great character development and plot development.  Characters are fleshed out and have their own emotions and thoughts.  A good read.

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

This one of these books I wish I could write.  Highly recommend it.  The story stays with you long after you've read it.  Really smart and well crafted.  I look forward to reading the sequel.  There is a nice video about the book http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12394100-seraphina click on the book trailer.

Double by Jenny Valentine

I really liked this book.  The characters read as real and believable.  A good mystery.  Actually two mystery for the price of one.  It's set in England in modern times.  A good read.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

I think the book needed an editor who could help this book.  The concept is interesting but there are holes in the story that needed to be sorted out better.  It was painful to read.

The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen

This was a great read! Okay so I checked out the audio book from the public library.  The story line really works and boy are there surprises abounding. Sage is a very strong character and he is competing with two other boys.  He does have a few people on his side but his main concern is the puppet master who is training these boys to be the false prince to be passed off as the real prince.  Read this story and then come see me so we can talk about the story!  Rumors are that a movie is being made from this book.   READ THE BOOK FIRST.  You won't be disappointed. In fact you'll thank me later.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

One of my favorite students last semester told me to read this book and I'm glad I did.  Now she's at another high school and I hope she read's this blog so I can thank her.  I enjoyed reading this book.  It reminded me of when I went to my trip to London many years ago.  I enjoyed this book very much after reading a heavier book.  This is a book about relationships.  Of teens and their dads.  Of boys and girls.  Smartly done.  Also go visit the author's website.  There are two fun video clips of both Hadley and Oliver sharing their thoughts. author's website

Eve by Anna Carey

This is a good story.  At times, I did get a bit mad at Eve for not thinking but then had to remember she was a sheltered girl all her life so may not know as much as she should.  So if I got mad at a character, there is some good development to the story.  I do want to read the next book to see what happens.

Feed by M. T. Anderson

I had the opportunity to hear M. T. Anderson speak at the Woodward Library.  He is worth hearing.  I checked out the audio book from the library and if you get a chance to hear the story, it is worth it.  Of course read the book also.  This book is good on so many layers.  Just to let you know a few F bombs incase you need to know that.  Here is the author's website:  http://mt-anderson.com/blog/his-books/books-for-teens-and-adults/feed-2/   and worth the visit Author's website

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

I enjoyed reading this book.  Okay, I cheated, I checked out the audio book from my library.  It was fun to hear the story in a British Victorian voice.  I adored Sophronia and wanted her to be my new best friend.  I also wanted to have a mechanical dog and feed it bits of coal as well.  It's fun, it's adventures and it's spunky.  Just how many petticoats does a young woman need to wear???

Reaching Out by Francisco Jimenez

The previous two books have been amazing and this too is an inspiration.  His parents were migrant workers harvesting crops all over California.  Insightful to what life can be like for those work hard for everything they need to earn.  Also moving on to go to college and being away from your family can be the learning experience as well.  Great book to read!

Messenger by Lois Lowry

If you have ever read The Giver and Gathering Blue then this is the next book to read.  Brilliant.  Simply brilliant.  This is the author's website Lois Lowry's website so you can read about the author and also learn more about this series.

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

This is the third of the books.  I should say that the father of the series was killed off in the first book, Graceling and you learn about him in book 2, Fire.  He was a very evil character.  So there is mention of his crimes.  He had raped, killed and hurt people.  It happens all off pages.  But I did wish to be sensitive to anyone who is thinking about reading the books.  They are good books.  Also can be entertaining for adults to read as well.  This is a book about healing, a country healing, people healing and facing the hard terrible truths.

Scrivener's Moon by Philip Reeve

This book follows a series of books.  I'm including the author's website link http://www.philip-reeve.com/index.html to see the variety of the books he's penned.  The book that I read before this was Fever Crumb.  I know I'll be visiting more of the author's books.

In The Shadows of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

This book is a page turner.  I liked how history was incorporated into the story so it didn't read like a history lesson.  The paranormal aspect is a driving force in the story.  It was a nice read.

Death Cloud by Andrew Lane

Smartly written.  If you like a good mystery, give this a go.  Sherlock has his first adventure of solving a mystery.  He doesn't do it by himself, he has an American tutor who is a tracker/detective and learns about observing and hiding in plain sight.  The villain is an evil mastermind and challenges Sherlock to an amazing sword fight.  It's a good read.

Brides of Rollingrock Island by Margo Lanagan

This is a multilayered story.  We have silkies who are seals turned into women.  If they are united with their pelts then they can return to the ocean as seals.  We have angry women who are cast into witches. We have men who fall under the spell of magical women.  It's a dangerous book.  Well crafted and written.  Not for under 10th graders.  For the more mature reader.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

This came out in the 70's and I found a copy in a used book store.  I know several people who have read it and how it touched them.  It's a metaphor for finding ones self and about being.  Instead of people, seagulls are our characters to read.  If you are interested in flying or are a pilot this is the book for you.  It's not really young adult but I would recommend it to teens.  You never know.....

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.