My Life Undecided

My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I found myself thoroughly engaged in the story of Brooklyn Pierce, the girl who fell down an abandoned mine shaft at two years old, and felt herself “decision challenged” from that point on. Certainly the beginning of the book makes you wonder about her decision making as she is being “lowered into the backseat of a squad car” because she is deemed responsible for burning down a model home.

It is at this point in her life she decides that maybe she has “poor judgment” in her DNA, and that she has to do something about it. She decides that she will not make decisions anymore. She will leave decision making for her life to followers of her new blog My Life Undecided. It is the blog followers that help Brooklyn to try things she has never tried before like rugby and debate. The blog followers are also directing her romantic life as she tries to decide between two handsome, but decidedly different boys that come into her life. As you can tell, the premise is unique and fun. The characters were believable and engaging. I think My Life Undecided should be a real hit for middle school and older girls who love books with a little romantic interest.





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Michael Vey

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The book reminded me of several books I have read lately, but that is precisely why it will appeal to the market intended (ages 12 and up). The story is of Michael Vey, a bullied fourteen year old with Tourette's syndrome. He has been warned by his mother to not lose his temper and for good reason. Michael has special powers. He is able to create electricity, which could give a deadly jolt. His mother and his friend Ostin are the only ones who know of his special powers until one day he has all he can take from one of the bullies, and gives him a taste of his power. This draws the attention of someone else who has special powers, the cheerleader, Taylor, that Michael has a crush on. It turns out that both Taylor and Michael were part of an experiment gone awry in the hospital where they were born. The experiment left 17 of the babies born at that time with special powers. Of course, evil men wish to harness those powers in order to rule the world. Although the plot is predictable, there is plenty of action, and a promised sequel; both guarantee a middle school following.



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Malice

Malice by Chris Wooding

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Malice was recommended to me in a workshop for creating middle school readers by Chris Hales. He said he recommends Malice to his middle school boys, and has found it never disappoints. Based on my first young reader at Union, I think he may be right. The reader absolutely loved the book and insists we get the sequel Havoc right away. Malice is an engaging story about teens who find this underground comic and end up in the middle of the evil world it portrays. Luke is the first to disappear, so Kady and Seth say the chant required to end up in the comic to save their friend. This mix of prose and comic keep the reader thoroughly entertained as Seth and Kady battle the evil forces in Malice. I would have preferred a more satisfying ending, but certainly the stage is set for the sequel, which I have on my next order.



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Pathfinder

Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The story of Pathfinder is the story of thirteen-year-old Rigg, who has a special talent of being able to see the paths of people past and present. He is disciplined and taught many, many things by his "father." Unexpectedly, his father is killed in the woods by a falling tree, but before his passing he gives Rigg special instructions to find the sister that Rigg didn't know he had. As he begins his journey to find his sister, he is joined by a childhood friend, Umbo, from the village. It turns out that Umbo also has a gift of being able to manipulate time. The gifts of the two boys are important gifts to the story as they try to escape those who want to harm them. Card also has an overriding story that begins each chapter. That story is the story of the colonization of different worlds by Ram Odin, who apparently also has power over time. We hear this story unfold from the spaceship as it travels through space. Certainly, Ram Odin will figure into the sequel, but I found this counter story a little distracting from the engaging story of Rigg and his friends. The audio version of this book didn't disappoint. Card's writing is fun to listen to, and the narration was excellent.



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Scorch Trials

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The Scorch Trials will be a hit with fans of the Maze Runner. Thomas, the main character, and his friends have a new test. They are required to survive a scorching desert while trying to arrive at the "safe haven" in the allotted two weeks given for the trial. Of course, the scorching heat is only part of the trial. They also run into "cranks," who are crazed people infected with the "flare," a disease that causes madness. Although, not many questions get answered in this sequel, there is plenty of action to keep fans engaged. Hopefully, the Death Cure, the final book in the trilogy will give long awaited answers as to why the government agency, WICKED is putting them through such trials.



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Vampire Rising

Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Jason Henderson agreed to do a Skype visit for our school in January. I was excited to read one of his books in preparation for the visit. Vampire Rising turned out to be a perfect middle school read. The story is about Alex Van Helsing, who finds out he is part of a famous family of vampire fighters. Because of a fight and strange experiences at his school at home, his father decides to send him to Glenarvon Academy in Switzerland. He begins to have strange sensations and experiences after arriving at this school. He discovers he has abilities to detect vampires. He also discovers that the school he is attending is close to a vampire stronghold. His abilities are necessary to help the Polidorium fight the vampires. The book is filled with action that should attract middle school boys, but also be exciting for girls.



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Wait Till Helen Comes

Wait Till Helen Comes: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A lot of students seem to gravitate to this book: spooky cover, spooky title, and a truly scary ghost story. It's been around since 1986, but the story is pretty timeless. Michael and Molly move with their mother, step-father, and his daughter to an old church in the country. The parents feel it has the makings of a perfect home for the family. Of course, there is a graveyard behind the church. There is also considerable tension between the step-daughter, Heather, who resents her father's love for her new mother, and her new family. Heather is younger than Michael and Molly and does everything she can to make them look bad to her father. She hates to share his attention. Heather also finds a friend in a ghost, Helen, a young girl who is buried in the graveyard behind their house. Molly is able to see the ghost, but everyone else thinks Molly is just so afraid of ghosts that she imagines the whole thing. Scary things happen in the book, which makes it a great read for Halloween and perfect for middle school.



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Everlost

Everlost by Neal Shusterman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I totally missed this book when it came out in 2006. With Neal Shusterman's recent visit to our Sandy Library, I became curious about this book--especially since it is supposed to be turned into a movie this year. And, I'm glad I did. I think it will be the first book choice for Friends of the Library group this year. Since Nick and Allie are the two main characters that we follow through the book, there is buy in for both boys and girls. The story is unique. Nick and Allie are in a terrible automobile accident, and they don't survive. They are now trapped in a kind of "in between" existence called Everlost. The rules of existence in Everlost are different from those of the living world. As Nick and Allie struggle to keep their identities and find their way in this new world, they run into some exciting characters such as Mary Queen of Snots, who has become sort of the "queen mother" for all the children in Everlost, and the McGill, the monster who terrorizes them all. Although the first in a trilogy (Skinjacker Trilogy), the book can stand alone. Great middle school and above read.



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A World Without Heroes

A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I listened to the audio of this book, and I was thoroughly entertained. The story is not terribly unique: a young boy is destined to be the hero and save the world. But, the characters and the situations they find themselves in are totally unique. The book has appeal to both boys and girls as the quest to overthrow the evil Maldor is shared by Jason and Rachel. The two have entered entered the country of Lyrian in another world by secret portals of Earth. They join together to find the syllables of a magical word, which is said to have the ability to conquer the ruler,Maldor. The world of the Lyrians is treacherous at best, and they face opposition at every turn. Fortunately, they find friends such as the displacer (one whose body parts can detach as needed), who help them get out of serious jams. The question, of course, is whether or not they can ever return to Earth, or whether they are destined to be the heroes of the country of the Lyrians. The book is the first in the trilogy, so there are some unanswered questions at the end.



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The Thief

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Gen is a remarkable thief. Although in prison at the beginning of the book, he is soon released on orders from the King into the hands of the magus. The condition of his release is that he is to accompany the magus and his group on an expedition to steal the famous Hamiathes's Gift Stone, which is hidden in a magical maze under a river. If he succeeds he will have a reward, if not he dies. The likable Gen's adventure is filled with action and intrigue right to the unpredictable end. Both boys and girls will find this an interesting read.



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The Clockwork Three

The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Clockwork Three is an engaging story about Hannah, Frederick, and Giuseppe. The book begins with three separate stories about the characters: Frederick,the apprentice clockmaker, Hannah, a maid who is working to help care for her ailing father, and Giuseppe, a street orphan, who plays his violin on the street and pays his proceeds to Stephano, his evil caretaker. There doesn't seem to be any relationship between the stories or the characters in the beginning, but Kirby craftily weaves the three stories together. As the stories intertwine,the characters find they need each other to help solve their individual problems. The story has a stronger beginning than end, but it is still an enjoyable read.

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Paranormalcy

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Evie can't remember much before becoming the foster child of Rachel, the head of the International Paranormal Containment Agency (ICPA). Evie has unique abilities she uses to help the ICPA. She is able to see through the glamours of paranormals such as vampires and werewolves. Her job is to use this gift to capture and bring the paranormals back to ICPA for cataloging and neutering. Armed with her pink taser (Tasey), she is good at what she does until Lend, an unidentified paranormal ends up in a cell at IPCA. Lend is a shape-shifter, who has come to find answers to what is going on at the ICPA. Evie falls in love with Lend. She is attracted not to his many glamours, but to the boy inside. Both find the acceptance they haven't found from anyone before. They also uncover the person behind a sinister attack on all paranormals. The book is an enjoyable blend of normal teenage angst and the supernatural. Middle school students and above should find this a fun read.



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Half Brother

Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Ben Tomlin is introduced to his new brother on his thirteenth birthday. After being an only child for thirteen years, it's a little difficult adjusting to a new brother, especially since his new brother is a chimpanzee. Ben soon learns to love this brother as he works with him teaching him sign language. The problem is that Ben's father sees Zan, the chimpanzee, as his research project. When the project is questioned, Ben realizes how much he truly loves Zan, and realizes he will fight for Zan's safety.

The book introduces some interesting thoughts about animal experiments--even those with the best of intentions, in an enjoyable, easy to read story.



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The Red Blazer Girls : the Ring of Rocamadour

The Red Blazer Girls: The Ring of Rocamadour by Michael D. Beil

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The red blazer girls are a modern day version of Nancy Drew. The new heroine is named Sophia St. Pierre. One day in English class Sophie sees someone in the window of the church across the way and she is asking for help. When Sophie and her friends go to find out who the person is, they discover that she is an older woman who needs help solving an old family mystery. The girls become involved in helping the woman solve the mystery, which is finding the "ring of Rocamador." The ring rightfully belongs to the woman's daughter. In order to find the ring, the girls have to solve mathematical puzzles that were created by the daughter's grandfather 20 years ago. The reader can't help but try to solve the puzzles too, which makes for some interesting math problems. The book was fun to read because of likeable characters (although many of the adult characters were pretty stock creations), and the application of math to solving the problems. The book could be a great possibility for math class literacy.



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I Am Number Four

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I watched the movie when I was halfway through the book, so I thought I could skim through the rest, but as with all book to movie adaptations, this turned out not to be true. The book was much better than the movie, and had a lot of details integral to the story that were left out of the movie. I do think this will be a hit with a lot of my middle school readers. True, there is a lot of violence, but it doesn't seem over the top. The main character, although an alien, has teenage appeal as he falls in love with Sarah, the daughter of the real estate agent who shows them the house they move to in Ohio. This is after escaping possible danger from the Mogadorians (aliens desiring to take over Earth) in Florida. Although, there are sequels to come, the book is a complete experience. You aren't left hanging, as you are with a lot of recent series. For lovers of action movies and books, this is one to read.



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Red Pyramid

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I think if you are like many of my middle school students who loved the Lightning Thief series by Riordan, you will love this new series,The Kane Chronicles. The Red Pyramid (first in the series) is about Egyptian Gods instead of Greek Gods, and the main characters are a brother and sister, Carter and Sadie Kane. But, the excitement and quirky sense of humor are very similar to Lightning Thief. The brother and sister, who have lived apart since their mother's death, are together on Christmas Eve with their father visiting a British Museum. They do not realize that their father is going to try to summon an Egyptian God, Set, during the visit. When their father makes his attempt to summon the God he blows up the Rosetta Stone, and unleashes five Gods, one the mortal enemy, Set. The God overpowers their father in the explosion, but Carter and Sadie escape. As they try to find out what happened to their father, the two discover they have magical powers, which they must use to save the world from the evil Egyptian Gods. With exciting short chapters, and humorous banter between brother and sister, the book is sure to please followers of Rick Riordan.



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Found

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Haddix opens this new series with her usual intrigue. Jonah and Chip are friends. Jonah has always known he was adopted, but Chip only finds out that he is adopted when both boys start receiving ominous letters indicating that they are the "missing." It turns out that they were part of a planeload of babies that landed thirteen years ago, and then disappeared after the babies were taken off the plane. Jonah and Chip, and Jonah's sister Katherine, try to find out all they can about their mysterious connections to the planeload of babies. As usual with Haddix, the characters are likeable and well-developed. She also doesn't disappoint as she takes us twisting and turning through problems encountered in their identity search to the perfect set up for the next book. Certainly a must read for middle school.



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Fever Crumb

Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Fever Crumb was the adopted daughter of Dr. Crumb. He has often told her the story of how he found her in a basket and knowing he could not take her to the orphanage destroyed by the Skinner riots, he took her to his home. Fever grows up in a man's world of engineers. Her head is shaved and she is taught not to give into sentimentality. She must think and behave like an engineer, suppressing emotions. When she is sent on her first job to help Kit Solent on a secret archeology project, she has to travel the streets of London, where she is mistaken for a "Scriven", a mutant race of speckled people. The Scriven were virtually destroyed by bands of "Skinners" years before, but the fear of the race still exists among the Londoners. Solent rescues her from this first encounter, but the head of the Skinners has decided that she must be captured and destroyed. Fever has to elude her captors and in the process discovers who she really is. The story is actually the prequel to the "Hungry City Quartet," Reeves masterful steampunk series. I did not know this until after I read the book, proving that the book is truly a stand alone.



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The Kneebone Boy

The Kneebone Boy by Ellen Potter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Kneebone Boy is the story of the Hardscrabble children: Otto, Max and Lucia (pronounced Lu-CHEE-a according to the never revealed but easily guessed narrator. The Hardscrabble children are living with their father, Casper, in a town called Little Tunks, near London. Their Mum disappeared five years ago, and their dad goes away on trips to paint famous royalty. Their father is usually quite careful about having them stay with Mrs. Carnival while he is away, but when he has to leave in quite a hurry, he decides to have them stay with his cousin Angela in London. It turns out cousin Angela is away on a holiday when they arrive. Apparently, there was a miscommunication with the girl asked to walk Angela's dog. The resourceful Hardscrabble children, alone in London, find their way to their Great-aunt Haddie's castle folly in Snoring-By-the-Sea. Here they have an adventure trying to find the mysterious kneebone boy, who supposedly is captive in the real castle behind where Great-aunt Haddie is staying. Their stay not only involves adventure, but uncovers other mysteries in their lives. Reminiscent of The Series of Unfortunate Events, the story thoroughly charmed me. Definitely a must read for the middle school crowd.



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The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The big question to be solved in this novel is whether or not the finger puppet created by "weird Dwight" really has the ability to give advice that can be trusted. Tommy documents several different first-hand accounts of experiences of fellow students and their encounters with Origami Yoda, Dwight's finger puppet. It seems that in most of the stories, Origami Yoda, really does have some amazing power, unlike his operator, Dwight. Since, no one believes Dwight could think of the answers that Origami Yoda gives, the Yoda must indeed be magical. Tommy's big question for Yoda is whether or not Sara likes him. Middle schoolers will have to decide for themselves whether or not Origami Yoda has magical powers. I think they will enjoy weighing the evidence. Fun story.



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Cosmic

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Finally, a book I can wholeheartedly recommend to my students. The story is about Liam Digby. He has always been called big for his age, but by the time he is twelve, he is sprouting facial hair and is often mistaken for an adult. Sometimes this comes in handy. He can pretend to be his friend Florida's dad as they go about town. When he hears about a contest for the best father, his eagerness to win a ride on the world's best thrill ride,leads him to enter as a dad. When he wins, he persuades Florida to come with him as his daughter. What he doesn't know is that the thrill ride is actually a trip into space, which is how he ends up as a twelve-year-old with four other twelve-year-olds in outer space. Ties into video gaming and the humor of middle school, makes this an entertaining adventure most students will enjoy.



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Spine Poetry

Since April is poetry month, some of our English classes have come to the library to create "spine poetry." First there was a review on how to find books in the library. Then the classes were divided into groups of five or six and their job was to find titles of books that fit together to make a poem. The students seemed to have a great time looking and creating. Here are some of the best of the creations:

The Kiss

Columbus

This is What I Did
Gorilla, My Love

Time

Weird Creatures

Wonderful activity for poetry month. The students were told that they could use their poems for National Poem in your Pocket day, April 14th. None of them seemed to take that suggestion seriously. (:

Moon Over Manifest

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Abilene Tucker, the twelve-year old daughter of Gideon Tucker, is sent to Manifest, Kansas by her father while he goes on a job for the railroad. The only thing Abilene knows about Manifest when she jumps off the train is that her daddy lived there for a time. It has been arranged for her to stay with Shady, the Pastor, who has been "filling in" as pastor for the last 14 years. Abilene brings life back into the town as she searches through a box of mementos and is able, through the help of the town "diviner," Ms. Sadie, to find links to the past. The story moves rather seamlessly from 1918 to 1936, as Ms. Sadie unravels the past of the town of Manifest in stories to Abilene. Abilene is determined to find out how her father fits into that past.
Vanderpool has done an excellent job of creating an historical picture of a small town in the Midwest, and the characters who inhabit that town. Although I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story, I am having some student readers read the book to see if the appeal for my middle school readers is there.



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Bruiser

Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Shusterman is usually a good read, and this book was no exception. The story is that of Bruiser, real name: Brewster Rawlins. Bruiser, who is voted the boy "most likely to receive the death penalty" in eighth grade is going out with Bronte, Tennyson's twin sister, much to Tennyson's dismay. When Tennyson confronts Bruiser about the situation, he finds himself agreeing with his sister that the Bruiser is misunderstood. The twins soon discover an amazing ability Bruiser has of absorbing the pain of others. The ability is only manifest when the Bruiser likes someone. When Bruiser finds himself liking Bronte and Tennyson, his painful life becomes happier, but more painful at the same time. The story is told from the viewpoint of Tennyson, Bronte, Bruiser and his little brother Cody, with each having a distinctive voice. The story should easily interest girls and boys 8th grade and above, and maybe some 7th graders.



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3:15

Our Friends of the Library group have been discussing the new book, 3:15 by Patrick Carman designed specifically for iPhones, iPod touches and Androids. Students download an episode from iTunes every couple of weeks. They read online then watch the video. Our group is supposed to receive some free T-shirts that say 3:15. At least the representative for Patrick Carman told us to send sizes for the shirts, which we did a couple of weeks ago. Hopefully, they will come soon. Our library group has become fans of Patrick Carman after having him visit our school by Skype in the fall. For those interested in finding out more about 3:15, go here.

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


So many of my young middle school friends have read this book, that I had to see why they found it so interesting. As you might guess from the cover, the story is really a prequel to Peter Pan. Peter is actually an orphan who ends up with other orphan boys on the ship Never Land. The boys are being sent to be servants of the King of Rundoon. On board the ship is a trunk that contains some kind of magic. The reader doesn't really know what magic it contains at first, but those who are around the trunk feel the effects of this magic. Also,on board the ship is a young girl named Molly who knows the contents of the trunk. She reveals to Peter the importance of the trunk and enlists Peter's help in trying to protect it. The ship is, of course, pursued by Pirates, the evil Black Stache and his crew, who are determined to get the trunk. Peter saves the day, and because of his exposure to the "starstuff" in the magic trunk, he is changed, so he never grows old and is able to fly. His fondness for Molly reminds us of Peter's affection for Wendy in the Peter Pan tales. We realize that Molly must be an ancestor of Wendy's. I did enjoy reading this story. I heartily recommend it to any middle schooler who hasn't read it.



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Airhead by Meg Cabot

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Emerson Watts secretly despises the "walking dead" at her private school. That is the name she and her boyfriend Christopher have given to the girls who rule at her high school. She and Christopher like to spend their time playing video games. Everything changes, however, when Em takes her younger sister to a grand opening at the new Stark megastore and through a freak accident is hit on the head with the giant jumbotron falling from the ceiling. Science has apparently advanced at this point in time to be able to do brain transplants, because that is what happens to the brain of Em Watts after the accident. Her brain is put into the body of supermodel Nikki Howard, who by some twist of fate is injured and declared brain dead during the same accident. I have to say that once I got past the improbability of the whole brain transplant idea, I quite enjoyed the story. Meg Cabot is great at capturing teenage dialogue and making her characters quite believable.



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Reckless by Cornelia Funke

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Reckless, by Cornelia Funke, follows her tradition of great story telling. Although not quite as entertaining as the Inkheart trilogy, it is still a good story. Jacob, the main character has been going to Mirrorworld through the mirror in his father's study after his father's disappearance. This Mirrorworld is a world of magic, secrets and strange adventures. When his younger brother Will follows him through the mirror with his girlfriend Clara, Will gets an adventure that he hasn't bargained for. He is through fairy magic turned into a goyl. Goyls are men that are made of stone--not only on the outside, but inside they are hardened as well. Jacob, his friend Fox, and Clara go to heroic measures to save him. The adventures are exciting, but the characters are not as believable as they are in other Funke novels. Still a fun middle school read.



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Cardturner by Louis Sacher

The Cardturner: A Novel about a King, a Queen, and a Joker by Louis Sachar

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The narrator sums the problem with this book up in this way: "So, here's the deal. Whenever you see the picture of the whale, it means I am going to go into some detail about bridge. If that makes you zone out, then just skip ahead to the summary box and I'll give you the short version." You truly need to do this. I didn't, and I thought exactly that: there is way too much detail about bridge. Truthfully, if you skipped all of the detail about bridge, the story would be very short. The essence of the story without all of the bridge detail is rather engaging. The narrator is the nephew of a rich, eccentric, and blind bridge player. He is recruited to be the card turner for his uncle's bridge games. There ends up being a little romance and a little mystery woven into the story that keeps you reading. At least it kept me reading, but I think my students would get bogged down in all of the bridge talk and put the book down. Novel idea, but not a really good novel.



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Candor by Pam Bachorz

Candor by Pam Bachorz

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Having lived through a period of time when everyone was listening to subliminal messages to help control their thinking, this story did not seem too far-fetched. It is about a town named Candor where everyone,including formerly wayward teenagers,behaves perfectly. Everyone eats what they should, studies, avoids physical contact, and respects their parents. The reason everyone is so well behaved is that they all listen to music loaded with subliminal messages. Oscar, son of the town's creator, is the model boy--on the outside. In reality, since he knows the secret, he creates his own messages to overcome some of the messages created by his father. Being the model citizen of the model town is just an act with him. When a new girl, Nia, moves into town, he starts to lose his cool. She seems to be able to function without absorbing the messages. Oscar, who falls desperately for Nia, is determined to keep her real and not another robot creation of his fathers.
Although an interesting read, I think I would give the book a PG rating, maybe even PG-13. Definitely more for 9th graders than 7th graders.



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Lockdown by Alex Smith

Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is one that truly gave me nightmares after reading it before bed. I dreamed I was locked in a prison and woke up when the guards were trying to kill me, which is why I recommend you not read this as a bedtime story. It is easy to get caught up in the story of Alex, a 15 year old delinquent, who is locked in a prison called the "furnace" for a murder he didn't commit. After one summer labeled the Summer of Slaughter because of the murders and mayhem committed by teenage gangs, the government has cracked down on teenage offenders, basically locking them up and forgetting they ever existed. It seems besides being tough on offenders on the inside of the "furnace," the "furnace" personnel (black suits)actually frame juvenile delinquents with additional crimes, like murder. No one will look for an early release of a murderer.



In spite of brutal treatment, and extreme control of the offenders, Alex thinks there may be a way out of the furnace. Seems impossible, but you can't help but start to believe that there is hope. That hope really keeps you turning those pages, in spite of nightmares.



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Matched

Matched by Ally Condie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Although there are obvious overtones of other futuristic societies in this book such as in Brave New World, 1984, the Giver, or even Hunger Games, the story has a unique quality. In this society everything is decided for you from what you eat to whom you marry. No one lives past 80 because society has determined that your usefulness is over by that time. Cassia, our heroine, trusts that the government has her best interest at heart, until the day she is "matched" to her partner for life. Instead of just showing the picture of Xander, her friend and future partner, the computer also flashes a picture of Ky, another boy in her neighborhood. Since this is something that never happens, she is confused. Her "official" tries to explain it away, but this opens up questions in her mind about the flawless nature of the society she lives in. Trust soon turns to distrust. The story moves along at a nice pace with the end begging for the sequel. Some reviewers suggest that the book should be for 14 and up, but it would be fine for the mature 7th grader.



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Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I had to read this book. This is the favorite book of one of the best readers here at Union Middle School. She routinely picks this book off the shelf in between reading other books. I had to know what the attraction was. I must admit, I could see immediately why this book has such a hold on her. Diana Wynne Jones makes this most unique fantasy come alive. Sophie, the heroine, is turned into an old woman by the wicked witch of the waste. She quietly leaves the hat shop where she works with her stepmother, and ends up at the castle of the sorcerer Howl. Howl has a reputation of stealing the souls of young girls. The curse of being an old woman changes Sophie. Her personality comes alive. She becomes an outspoken,delightfully pushy old woman. As such, Sophie is able to work her way into the castle and becomes Howl's cleaning lady. She meets his apprentice Michael, and his fire demon, Calcifer. The story has many magical elements, including the "Moving Castle" which moves across the countryside. Sometimes it is hard to follow with so much magic going on, but it Wynne has a way of making magic seem believable. Truly a fun read.



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Beastly

Beastly by Alex Flinn

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I thought I'd better read this before the movie came out. It was an interesting take on the Beauty and the Beast story. Looking at the movie trailers, it looks like the movie "beast" is little more like a guy with a lot of tattoo-like things on his body rather than the hairy beast he is in the book. The author stays closer to the fairy tale, but the contemporary setting makes it one that will appeal to most middle school readers, boys and girls. With the movie coming out, many students will be asking for this book.



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Brain Jack

Brainjack by Brian Falkner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Brain Jack was an action movie in a book, including the high speed car chase. Sam, the main character, is an especially adept computer hacker who enjoys hacking into the most secure sites. Instead of landing him in jail, his amazing skills attract the attention of the Homeland Security Cyber Defense Division. They recruit him to defend Cyber attacks on sensitive govt. sites. He soon finds himself in the middle of a worldwide cyber takeover. Middle school boys and many girls will find this is a book they cannot put down.



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The Roar

The Roar by Emma Clayton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I listened to the audio of this book and absolutely loved it. I'm not sure if an extra star was for the reader or the book, but it was one of the most entertaining books I have encountered in quite a while. The story is a futuristic story about a society that believes that an animal plague has made a large portion of the earth uninhabitable. Because of this, the population is crowded into bleak towering apts. with the rich living in the golden towers on top, and the poor living in the dark dwellings below. The story revolves around twins Ellie and Mika. Ellie has been kidnapped by the evil Mal Gorman, and the story begins with her trying to make her escape with her pet monkey Puck. Unfortunately, she is again captured. Her twin brother, Mika,is convinced, in spite of being told otherwise, that she is still alive. He understands that in order to see her again he will have to win the contests being sponsored by Mal Gorman. The story is beautifully orchestrated with the right amount of suspense and fantasy. Definitely recommended for the middle school crowd.



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The Gardener

The Gardener by S.A. Bodeen

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I guess I am a fan of S. A Bodeen. This story like The Compound was a unique story about about a future society. Mason, the main character in the story is a big guy with a giant heart. He likes to look out for people. When he ends up at his mother's work one day, he meets the most beautiful girl, Laila, and ends up helping her escape from TroDyn. He doesn't realize at the time that she needs to be there to survive. She is really a test subject for a futuristic project. Like The Compound, the story keeps you rapidly turning pages to the end. The book should be a good choice for reluctant readers.



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Favorite Books 2010

During our first meeting of 2011, the Friends of the Library discussed our favorite books for 2010. Here is the list we came up with. Add to the list if you want with your comments.
A Lunch
Kaitlyn B. :Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Josiah E. : Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Chase L. : Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins, Of Mice and Magic by David Farell,
Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Kyla W. : Baseball Box Prophecy by Bruce Newbold, Spirit Window by Joyce Sweeney,
Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Dream House Kings series by Robert Liparulo, Seer series by Linda Joy Singleton.

April T.: Warriors Series by Erin Hunter, Shadow Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Mason B: Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan


Jesse S. Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyers

Makaya B.: Darkside series by Tom Becker

Brooke D.: Maximum Ride series by James Patterson, Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Amanda M. : Once Upon a Marigold series by Jean Ferris, Haunted Places of the World by Raine Hogan, Fruits Basket graphic novels, Bleach graphic novels, and Vampire Night graphic novels.


Alysssa D.: A Child Called It by David Pelzer

Gabe C.: Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney

B lunch
Jarin C.: Maximum Ride series by James Patterson, Percy Jackson and the Olympian
series by Rick Riordan

Jacob O.: Owls of Ga'Hoole series by Kathryn Lansky, Lord of the Rings by Tolkien

Heather T.: Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer, Gamer Girl by Mari Mancusi, Heir
Apparent by Vivan Van Velde, Nancy Drew Series by Carolyn Keene, and the Hardy Boys series by Franklin W. Dixon.

Kassie G. : Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynn Jones, Look For Me by Moonlight by Mary
Downing Hahn,

Vladlen G.: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Popular Science Magazine, Calvin and Hobbes by
Bill Watterson

Joey E.: Maximum Ride series by James Patteson, Warriors series by
Erin Hunter, Bleach series Manga.

Devil's Paintbox

The Devil's Paintbox by Victoria McKernan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The year is 1865 and Aiden and Maddy are starving on what is left of their drought-stricken farm in Kansas. They are the only survivors of their family, and are now out of food. When Jefferson Jackson shows up on their farm, they are suspicious, but see him as a way out of their situation. Aiden, 16, convinces Jackson to take he and Maddy along with his wagon train in exchange for Aiden's promise of payment of future wages from the logging camp destination to Jackson. The travel in the wagon train is a bleak adventure for both Aiden and Maddy, as it was for most travelers in the westward expansion. McKernan has researched thoroughly for the book and gives an accurate portrayal of life during this time period--perhaps a little too accurate in some instances. The part of the story dealing with the prostitutes, although not graphic, may be too much for the middle school reader.

Heist Society

Heist Society by Ally Carter

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book would make a great movie. Reminds me a little of a teenage Ocean's Eleven. The main character, Katarina Bishop's, childhood is spent helping her father. This would be a good thing except that her father is one of the most notorious thieves of the day. She tries to escape the "family business" by getting herself enrolled in a girl's boarding school. But, when her father is accused of stealing paintings from a dangerous Italian criminal, and she knows he did not do it, she is forced to return to the business. This time she has to help her father by returning the stolen paintings within the two week deadline imposed upon her by Arturo Tacone, the Italian criminal. Kat gets a team together to help her with the heist. Although, the story is about thieves, Kat is a strong character with a basic moral sense. Quite a fun read.



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NERDS

NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society by Michael Buckley

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The premise for this story of nerds being secretly a spy ring (National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society)is a fun one. This group of school misfits operates their their spy ring from the home base of their school, using a school bus rocket to get to their destinations. Sometimes the story is a little confusing, and to me the author was trying a little too hard to be funny. Many students have enjoyed this book, however, so maybe it is just a matter of taste.



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