The Compound

The Compound by S.A. Bodeen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is another Beehive book nominee for 2011 that will keep you reading long past bedtime. The story is about Eli, son of a billionaire, who is ushered into an underground compound built by his father in the event of a nuclear attack. In the rush to get into the compound, Eli's twin Eddy, and their grandma are left behind. In spite of his heartache at the loss of his twin and grandma, life for Eli and his family goes on rather routinely. Then Eli discovers some important secrets that make him understand that he must be responsible for his families survival.



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Along for the Ride

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The story is simple: summer vacation, girl meets boy. But, this Beehive book award nominee is delightful reading. I think it is because Dessen creates real characters; even the minor characters are multi-faceted. Auden, the main character, goes to stay with her father, his wife, and Auden's new half-sister, baby Thisbe. Auden is a bookworm and a model student, model daughter. She doesn't have the usual teenage plans when going to stay at a beach town like the one where her father lives. Her only plans are to review the textbooks she will be using in her classes in the fall. When she arrives her new stepmother, Heidi, is having such a rough time taking care of baby Thisbe, that Auden steps up to help manage her step-mother's boutique by doing the accounting. Here she meets girls her own age, and becomes acquainted with the boys who hang out at the bike shop, particularly Eli. Auden's life is transformed that summer. It was just nice being "along for the ride" as Auden moves towards self-realization.



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City of Bones

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Although the writing in this book was sometimes laughable, I did find myself caught up in this fantastic tale of Clary Fray and the world of Shadowhunters, vampires, fairies, werewolfs, etc. Clary is a normal teenager in the beginning of the book going with her friend Simon to a club for the evening. It is then that she sees someone being murdered, and finds out the attackers are Shadowhunters. Shadowhunters are assigned to kill the Night Children. As if that were not enough for one evening, when Clary returns home, she finds her apartment ransacked and her mother gone. Clary is also attacked by a slithering beast and sent to the infirmary at the Institute where the Shadowhunters reside. It is here she meets Jace and the adventure really begins. Jace tells her that the person who took her mother was after the Mortal Cup, one of the mortal instruments given to the Shadowhunters. The rest of the story is a fun ride as Clary looks for her mother. She finds many secrets about herself as well as her mother along the way. Recommended for 14 and up.



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Musician's Daughter

The Musician's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The book is one of Utah's Beehive book nominees and deservedly so. The story takes place in eighteenth century Vienna. At the beginning of the story, fifteen-year-old Theresa Maria finds out that her musician father has been murdered. Theresa's mother is expecting a baby any day and is rendered unable to care for the family's needs. The burden of caring for the family and finding out about her father's death falls upon Theresa. Theresa soon discovers that her father was championing the plight of Hungarian serfs (Gypsys), a dangerous cause. The first person account of Theresa builds suspense with each page giving the reader a taste of adventure, mystery and romance. An enjoyable read.



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My Fair Godmother

My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This 2011 Beehive book award nominee is perfect for the middle school girl. It has a nice mix of fantasy and modern day teenage angst. It is called My "fair" Godmother instead of My Fairy Godmother because Chrissy, Savannah's godmother, didn't do very well on her tests, so she is only fair, instead of really good. She proves that over and over again in the story. Fun read.



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Incarceron

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Incarceron is a prison created originally as a Utopian society. It was created at the same time as the world outside decided to end the fear of technological advances by reverting to a life patterned after medieval times. Claudia, the daughter of the prison's warden, is raised in this false medieval environment and resents it's restrictions on her life. She also resents the fact that she must marry Casper, the prince of the Realms.



Finn is locked in the prison Incarceron, which has now degenerated into a base, dog-eat-dog society, and is trying to escape with his friends. Claudia's life intersects with Finn's when the two stumble onto high-tech keys, which allow them a glimpse into each other's world. Both are surprised at what they see.



The story is a little confusing at first, but turns out to be a first rate read for fantasy lovers.



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Mockingjay

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Mockingjay is a surprising but satisfying conclusion to the Hunger Games trilogy. It is a little darker than the previous books. In fact, it is somewhat depressing. But, Katniss, the heroine, doesn't disappoint. The Hunger Games series is one you can't put down.



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Ruins of Gorlan

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book is ideal for middle school boys. Will, the main character, wants to become a knight, but instead becomes a Ranger's apprentice. He is well suited to be a ranger's apprentice because of his curiosity and his extraordinary ability to move around without being noticed. Circumstances thrust him into a battle with violent beasts that are determined to kill his master, Holt. Will proves he is a match. Flanagan has the perfect setup for sequels as we follow the adventures of Will.



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The Journal of Curious Letters

The Journal of Curious Letters by James Dashner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Tick, a smart kid who is bullied at school, receives a strange letter. If he burns the letter, nothing will happen, but if he keeps it he will be involved in an adventure where "many, many lives are at stake." He chooses to keep the letter,and the adventure begins. One especially redeeming feature of this book number one in the series, is that Tick actually confides with his father about what is happening to him. This usually never happens in young adult books. His dad helps him solve the mystery. What a nice touch.

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Princess Academy

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Shannon Hale brings back warm memories of childhood and books from the bookmobile. It is hard not to be entertained by her stories. I would recommend her books to any of our middle schoolers. They are just fun to read.

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The Magician

The Magician by Michael Scott


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I actually liked this book better than the first in the series--maybe because I listened to it, and the reader was excellent. The story is the continuation of the twins Josh, and Sophie who are destined to save the world. Might even read the next one in the series.

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Looks

Looks by Madeleine George


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Not a bad little story. Two girls, one anorexic and the other a binge eater, end up as friends joined in revenge against the girl who betrayed them both. The overweight girl is a victim of serious bullying. Might be a good read for middle school students to help them see a little more clearly how destructive bullying can be.

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Skeleton Creek

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
We are going to try to have Patrick Carman, the author of this book, pay a virtual visit to Union Middle School next year. I thought it might be a good idea to read his books before this happens. This book, the first in a series, is the diary of Ryan, detailing his mysterious adventures with his friend Sarah. The two are trying to research the truth about an abandoned dredge that was used to find gold. Ryan writes about the adventure and Sarah records videos. The reader is told periodically through the book to go to the internet to see the videos Sarah has recorded. Although the idea of internet videos interspersed with the writing is a bit of a gimmick, Carman may have an approach that appeals to the middle school crowd. We will see.

Pillage

Pillage by Obert Skye


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Beck Phillips is sent to live with his reclusive uncle when his mother dies. He finds out he has power over plants and can make dragon eggs hatch. The story is a little formulaic, but might appeal to dragon fantasy lovers.

Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Although not quite as good as the Hunger Games, this book will appeal to the same audience. The story is of a dystopian community, actually a completely closed environment, where boys arrive monthly by a type of elevator. They arrive with no memory of their previous life. When Thomas arrives, the society of about 60 boys has been in existence for two years. The Gladers, as they are called, function rather well because everyone has a job contributing to the needs of the group. One of the jobs is that of runner. The runners must go out into the maze that surrounds the place every day trying to find a way out. Thomas intuitively knows he must be a runner. The day after Thomas arrives, the first girl arrives in the elevator. Thomas doesn't remember how, but he knows he has a connection to the girl, Teresa. Teresa brings an ominous message to the Gladers. Adding to the suspense are technological monsters called Grievers that live in the maze--active mostly at night. The book was a real page turner with a sequel to follow.

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Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Arnold Spirit is an Indian living on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington state. Born with hydrocephalus (water on the brain), Arnold has his share of struggles and becomes the brunt of jokes at the reservation school. His friend Rowdy (aptly named)acts as his protector. Arnold spends a lot of time recording his experiences in drawings which are scattered effectively through the book. When a teacher at the reservation school tells Arnold that he should want more, Arnold decides to enroll in the school in a nearby town off the reservation. Here he is surrounded by white students. Expecting to become an outcast as much as he was on the reservation, he is strangely accepted here. But, his friend Rowdy considers him a traitor as do other members of his community. The novel creates a complex picture of life on the reservation complete with alcoholism and the endless problems created by the disease. Family loyalty and eventually the loyalty of friendship prevail, however, as Arnold moves toward a better future than is his heritage. An enjoyable book with a wonderful message, but crude language in spots may make some middle school readers uncomfortable.

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Chains

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Isabel and her sister Ruth are slaves with the promise of freedom when their owner dies of smallpox and leaves a statement in her will promising freedom. That dream is soon eliminated when the heir of the owner's estate manages to keep the pastor from reading the will. Isabel and Ruth are sold to a Loyalist couple in upstate New York during the Revolutionary War. The cruel treatment by her Loyalist mistress underscores the fact that Isabel is in chains, not only because of her slave status, but she is chained between the rebels and the Loyalists, finding she can trust neither. Although there are promises made to her from both sides, she finds she must find her own freedom. This would be a worthwhile accompanying novel for middle and high school American Studies, Civil Rights, and African American History.

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Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie

Drums, Girls, And Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Although at little predictable, this was an uplifting story about eighth-grader Steven Alper. Steven's life is not much different than other eighth graders with the typical girl problems and family issues. Then his four-year-old brother, Jeffrey, is diagnosed with leukemia. Steven's world changes as his family tries to cope with the fear and unending adjustments they must make to cope with Jeffrey's illness. Steven throws himself into his drumming as he becomes invisible to his parents who now have little time or energy for interaction. But the family bonds are strong, and Steven really shows how deep his love is for his brother. Enjoyable.

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Great and Terrible Beauty

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Gemma Doyle lives in India with her family, but longs to go to school in England. On her 16th birthday, Gemma argues with her mother and runs away from her into the streets of Bombay. Then Gemma has a vision of her mother's death involving a dark shape. Because her mother is no longer there to forbid her going to England, Gemma gets her wish to go to Spence, a girl's school in England where young girls are groomed to be lovely young ladies suitable for marriage. Gemma's visions increase at Spence and she soon is involved in things more mysterious and mystical than proper training for marriage. The book is the first in a trilogy, which is a good thing, because after reading this book, the reader definitely wants more. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

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Shift

Shift by Jennifer Bradbury


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Chris and Win arrange for the trip of a lifetime after graduation--a two month long cross-country bike trip. But, Chris returns alone after Win disappears somewhere in Montana. The story begins with the FBI investigating Chris. The agent suspects Chris has knowledge of Win's whereabouts, but Chris has no idea where his friend is, or what happened to him. In fact he is pretty mad at Win for letting him pay for everything and then disappearing--especially, when he knew Win had thousands of dollars in his pannier. The suspense builds as chapters alternate between events of the trip and events in Chris' life now he has begun his first year of college. The mystery of Win's disappearance pulls the reader in. It was a hard book to put down.

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House of Scorpion

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Matt (Mateo) Alacran is the clone of the 142 year old ruler of Opium, known as El Patron. Opium is a land separating the United States and Aztlan (used to be Mexico.) Matt is raised by a loving cook Celia for a time, but then because of his curiosity, is thrust into the care of an abusive maid in the main household. At 7 he is discovered by El Patron and is given special attention and treatment--much to the dismay of others in the household who consider clones to be on the level of animals. Matt later learns that there are other clones of El Patron who are used to provide body parts for the ruler so he can continue to live, a disturbing discovery to say the least. But, he also learns that there are some that consider him for his true qualities and accept him as a person. Important issues of acceptance, friendship, as well as social issues are addressed in this book. This multilayered story keeps the readers interest from beginning to end. Truly fun to read.

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City of Ember

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Lena Mayfleet and Doon Harrow are feeling the effects of being in a 241 year old underground city doomed to extinction because of diminishing electricity, food, and other supplies. Doon feels there might be something he can do to save the city. So, when Lena discovers a message in an old book in her grandmother's closet, they work together to decipher the message, which seems to outline a way out of the doomed city. Readers will be amazed at how resourceful Lena and Doon become as they try to save Ember.

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Beautiful Creatures

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ethan Waite has lived in Gatlin his whole life. This small town in South Carolina has all the characteristics of any small town--everyone knows everything about everyone else. Then Lena Duchannes comes to town. She is nothing like the other girls at Jackson High. Ethan is overcome by her beauty and uniqueness. But, he soon learns she is unique in more ways than just her looks. She is part of family of "Casters" that have supernatural powers. He is finally able to make sense of the frightening dreams that he keeps having--dreams about Lena Duchannes before he ever knew her. The reader soon learns that there is more than supernatural magic that keeps them together. Ethan and Lena have a love story that spans over time. The story should appeal to the romantic side of both girls and boys.

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Talking About Books

Our "Friends of the Library" group has had some interesting discussions lately. "A" lunch has been talking about the Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. We have been discussing the various characters in the book--trying to decide if Silas is a vampire, or what in the world Miss Lepescu really is. Overall, the group has enjoyed this Newbery winning title.

"B" lunch has been discussing the characters in Maximum Ride: the Angel Experiment by James Patterson. Students were given the opportunity to tell about which character they liked the most and why. It was interesting to hear the reasoning behind their choices. Several students have already finished the book and are continuing on with the others in the series. Definitely a "Maximum Ride" for these students.

Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigators

Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator by Jennifer Allison


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Although the cover makes this book look more like a book for elementary students, I thought the book was definitely a great middle school read. Gilda Joyce, is a spunky, refreshing, character. I truly enjoyed this book.

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When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Miranda, a twelve-year-old girl, lives in an apartment building with her mother. Her best friend is Sal, the boy who lives downstairs. One day a boy named Marcus hits Sal in the stomach on their way home from school, and Sal suddenly doesn't want to be friends with Miranda anymore. Other odd events happen; Miranda receives strange notes that seem to foretell the future. The reader cannot help but be pulled into the intriguing mystery of the story.
Rebecca Stead does a great job of creating believable characters in this warm, but strange narrative. I think the book's uniqueness and warmth helped earn this book the Newbery Award for this year.

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Eon: Dragoneye Reborn

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Eon is one of twelve vying to become the apprentice to the Rat Dragon in the Empire of Celestial Dragons. Only boys can become apprentices, but Eon is really Eona--a sixteen-year-old girl. She has been disguised as a boy by her master, and has trained to be a Dragoneye. When the competition begins, Eona is not chosen as an apprentice to the Rat Dragon, but instead is chosen by the Mirror Dragon lost for more than 500 years. This is an amazing adventure with touches of old Chinese history woven into the tale. I really enjoyed this book.

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Dork Diaries

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel R. Russell


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Dork Diaries is the girl counterpart to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Quite an enjoyable book that captures how hard it is to feel popular in middle school, and how popularity can change from day to day.

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