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.