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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