Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

This was a book I couldn't put down! Definitely needs to be in teen libraries.  It's a saga story with despair and hope, a lot of adventure and plenty of fighting and insults and it's just great.  The dialog runs true.  The characters are all strong.  This story is highly unpredictable and awesome.  I can see why the author has won an award on her other works.  This my first time reading anything by the author and give me more!

Enjoy and you'll thank me later.

Stardines: Swim High Across the Sky by Jack Prelutsky and illustrated by Carin Berger

This is a beautiful book and fun too!

Manfish: A story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne and Eric Puybaret

This is a beautiful book that any library should have.  The elegant images capture the imagination of Jacques Cousteau.  Would love to see this book win an award.

Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore

It was alright.  It seems to try and emulate a currently popular PBS series.  I wouldn't add it to my high school library.  It's not bad.... it's just more of a been there, done that... kind of book.

Neverwas by Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed and Larkin Reed

I haven't read the first book but this book gives you enough backstory to catch up.  It's a strange concept.  I got it from the book fair at school.  It's entertaining but could be a challenge for some non-readers.  There's a lot of concepts to sort out.

Poison by Bridget Zinn

I loved, loved, loved this book.  It was fun to read.  I'm sad that the author died so young.
The characters in this book were crafted well.  Dialog was snappy and true.  Put this on your list if you like this kind of genre.

The Iron Trials by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the sequels.  It's a bit like Harry Potter with the concept of a magical school.  Preparing to fight a crazy magician.  It's entertaining.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

This would probably fit best in a college course or an AP science/biology class.  The story is a bit muddied with so many other people's story.  It would be interesting if the author had written one for children/teens and condense the story to just Henrietta Lacks.

Three Cups of Tea by Mortenson & Relin

Interesting read.  Sometimes a little bit much.  I also saw that there is some controversy  about the organization and the authors on the web.

Unusual Creatures by Michael Hearst

We Are America by Walter Dean Meyers and illustrated by Christopher Meyers

Beautifully illustrated and beautifully versed, created by Walter Dean Meyers and his son Christopher

visit the website for some insight in the making of this book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDQXjG0hjLQ

My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza

This is a fun read.  Welcome to any library!

Zom-B by Darren Shan

Lot's of racism and gore.  I'm not impressed with this book.  Not an enjoyable read at all.

Curveball The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick

Peter had it all until he blew out his arm pitching a game.  After surgery and physical therapy he learns he won't ever be able to play baseball again.  His grandfather, a professional photographer, takes him up to the mountains to snap photos of eagles.  Peter realizes there's something wrong with his grandfather.

I liked this book.  Teens need stories about family with parents or grandparents who are ill.  Told in a positive teen life.  I think this book would be good in any teen library.

When We Wake by Karen Healey

I thought this was an interesting book.  I now want to read book 2 to see what happens.  This has everything in it; government conspiracy, ecological disasters, teen friendships and some science fiction made real.  Enjoy!

America is Under Attack by Don Brown

This book would fit any unit teaching what happened in 9-11.  It's eye witness accounts, personal stories done well.  Good job to Don Brown!

Easy on the Eyes by Jane Porter

This is an adult story about a woman who finds her strength.  She doesn't need to be rescued she just finds herself.  I met the author last year at the Clovis Cowgirl U fundraiser.  I liked the story and am enjoying reading another book in the series.  There is nothing torrid in the story and teen girls could read it also.  Some good messages.

Passion by Lauren Kate

Torment by Lauren Kate

The Thief by Megan Whelan Turner

Over all I liked it.  If you like this book then I recommend the False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen.
The book was good.  I do think there could have been some editing.  Some details were a bit off or thick.  Think Lord of the Rings meets the False Prince.  It's good.  Good for any library.