Most Popular

Breathe : A Ghost Story by Cliff McNish

When he and his mother move into an old farmhouse in the English countryside, asthmatic, twelve-year-old Jack discovers that he can communicate with the ghosts inhabiting the house and inadvertently establishes a relationship with a tormented, malevolent spirit that threatens to destroy both his mother and himself.

Curveball : The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick

After an injury ends former star pitcher Peter Friedman's athletic dreams, he concentrates on photography which leads him to a girlfriend, new fame as a high school sports photographer, and a deeper relationship with the beloved grandfather who, when he realizes he is becoming senile, gives Pete all of his professional camera gear.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley recounts his daily experiences during summer vacation as he tries to live out his ultimate fantasy of spending the days indoors playing video games with no responsibilities and no rules, despite his mother's attempts to pack the summer with outdoor activities and family fun.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Callie rides an emotional roller coaster while serving on the stage crew for a middle school production of Moon over Mississippi as various relationships start and end, and others never quite get going.

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land--Greece itself--to find the Doors of Death.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Three teens embark upon a cross-country journey in order to escape from a society that salvages body parts from children ages thirteen to eighteen.

Thoughts on Lincoln's Flying Spies: Thaddeus Lowe and the Civil War Balloon Corps by Gail Jarrow

Having never heard of the Civil War Balloon Corps, I was curious to read this title. Thaddeus Lowe petitioned Abraham Lincoln and the various Generals of the Army of the Potomac to hire him (and his balloons) to scout and identify the position and numbers of the Confederate Army. Jarrow tells of the trials and triumphs of Lowe's quest -- which generals supported and which didn't.

I enjoyed the various photographs and illustrations in the book, but I just wish there had been a little bit of color. I know the photographs had to be black and white, but I think some color could have been included somewhere! There is a great deal of information presented to the reader, and some may find it difficult to comprehend it all. I found the story, while a fascinating subject, dully written. I doubt if any, except the avid Civil War buff will bother to read it. Still, it could be useful for use with a research project on this topic. C+ rating.

Thoughts on Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy

There have been so many Holocaust books written for young readers, that I have to applaud Ms. Roy on telling an unique and amazing story! To be one of twelve children to survive the Lodz Ghetto...Wow! I'm so glad I knew going in that Syvia survived (no spoiler there since you know this on the first page), otherwise I would have been petrified to turn the page. Even knowing the outcome, I still didn't want to turn the page for fear it would describe some friend or family member's death.

Yellow Star is another novel told in verse, perfect for those looking for an excellent example of this format. I'll be highly recommending this to one and all! A rating.