Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

Just looking at this book and reading the description I doubt I would have picked Ship Breaker on my own, but thanks to some major prodding I finally gave it a shot. Oh my! Fabulous story telling here. I doubt the setting or genre really matters. Bacigalupi can flat out tell a great story. One of the best stories I've read in a long time -- A rating.

The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet by Erin Dionne

Hamlet Kennedy just wants to fit in. Eighth grade is hard enough without being in the spotlight, but thanks to a genius little sister and her Shakespearean professor parents that's exactly where she finds herself. Okay, it's weird enough having to live with a name like Hamlet, but how would you like to have a class with your seven-year-old sister? When Hamlet's English and History teachers decide to do a 'Salute to Shakespeare' unit, Hamlet just knows her parents will parade through her school in period costumes and embarrass her further.

The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet is all about fitting in, or rather, not standing out. Many a middle school student spends three years trying to be just like everyone else. For Hamlet, there's no way she can do it. Having her little sister in the same school, much less the same class is a major reason. I loved how she desperately tries to seem like her neighbor, while knowing that there's no way she can. Her cringe of embarrassment at having her classmates actually see her mother's odd dress is exactly how many eighth graders feel about their parents. Most parents aren't as exaggeratedly embarrassing as Hamlet's, but I know most middle schoolers feel exactly the same way as Hamlet about their own parents. How Hamlet resolves her feelings and eventually embraces her uniqueness will have readers cheering.

A fun read about the highs and lows of being in middle school, The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet will be a must read for anyone who dreams of just fitting in. I give it a B+.

Written in Bone : Buried Lives in Jamestown and Colonial Maryland by Sally M. Walker

I must be morbid, because I found the book totally fascinating. The author joined an archaeological expedition in Virginia and Maryland of Colonial-era digs. She explains the entire process to the reader, going through each step of a dig and each expert's job responsibilities. I couldn't believe what details about the lives of the person could be discovered today, based on his skeletal remains, the soil near his remains and so forth. The colorful pictures and illustrations add to the story, and are what make this book exceptional. Those curious about archaeology and anthropology will find this a highly educational insight of what those jobs entail. Written in Bone is highly recommended for all reader, and gets an 'A' from me.

Pop by Gordon Korman

Marcus has just moved to a new town in the middle of summer, where he knows no one. He spends the summer working out and honing his quarterback skills alone in Three Alarm Park, in hopes that he can make the varsity football team at his new school. His summer takes an unexpected twist when Marcus is joined at his workouts by a man with mad football skills. He soon discovers that his workout buddy is famed NFL linebacker, Charlie Popovich - the "King of Pop," and that Charlie's family is desperately trying to hide a secret about him from the rest of the world.

While at first glance one may think this is just another football book, in actuality it's much more. While plenty of action takes place on the football field, plenty more takes place away from it. The reader gets hints of the difficult relationship between Marcus and his dad, and can infer some of the turmoil of the recent past. There's a fabulous undercurrent of rivalry and jealousy between Marcus and Troy, the star QB for the team and Charlie's son, over football, a girl, and Charlie, that creates a great deal of tension and conflict during the story. Not to mention the central conflict surrounding Charlie's secret and what it adds to the drama.

The reader will laugh, cheer, and cry right along with the characters in Pop and enjoy every minute of this roller coaster ride. I give it a 'B.'

The Roar by Emma Clayton

Mika lives with his mom and dad in the refugee area "behind the wall" in England. When the Animal Plague threatened human existence on Earth all humans moved to a protected area behind a massive wall around the northern third of the planet. Now, people must deal with massive overcrowding, food shortages, and basically a dismal existence. Mika life is doubly dismal for his twin sister, Ellie, disappeared about a year ago and everyone believes she died. Everyone, that is, except Mika. He *knows* that Ellie is still alive, but can't convince anyone else of the truth. When he government begins a program to improve the fitness of all twelve-year-olds and holds a contest to find the best players of a virtual reality video game, Mika begins to suspect it's somehow connected to his missing sister. He is determined to be among the winners, in hopes of finding his sister, but along the way discovers the truth is more terrifying that imagined.

Okay, there's a lot I liked about The Roar. I'd become so involved in certain sections that I'd read for 100 pages without realizing it. There's a twist at the end that wasn't what I had expected or suspected at all. BUT ... I didn't like feeling so confused or lost through most of the reading. Big sections of the story are devoted to Mika, and we'd get all involved with his story, and then, bam, we're suddenly switched to Ellie and her story. These changes in point of view seemed abrupt and unnatural to me. It took me out of the story, which probably is the reason it too me so long to read.

Overall, I loved the idea behind the story and yes, can see some exciting possibilities in the sequel. My hope is that it's better organized and flows a bit more smoothly. I give this one a 'B.'

Slob by Ellen Potter

Owen is the fattest boy in his school. He's teased some, and especially picked on by his P.E. coach who seems to want to make his life extra-miserable. Owen tries hard not to let school bring him down, for at home his specialty is inventing things. Right now, he's working on building a TV that will show events from the past. Specifically, the past that was two years ago. That's when his parents were killed in a robbery of their deli and the murderer was never caught. He's hoping that his invention will give him a clue.

For me, Slob didn't start off particularly interesting. In fact, it was rather painful to read about the despicable behavior of the coach towards Owen, knowing his life was hard enough without that extra jab from an adult. I was over 50 pages into the story, before I even had a hint of what this story was about (and why I should keep on reading). I don't know too many teens that would give a story that much time or pages to hook them. Once I finally found out what's the deal with the book, it wasn't that much of a hardship to pick it up and finish. The last quarter of the book redeems the slow start, but I doubt most will make it that far. My grade? A 'C.'

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

Lia's father has unexpectedly passed away. She and her twin sister, Alice, and their younger, disabled brother are left orphans. When Lia discovers that she and Alice are key parts of an ancient prophecy, tied to good versus evil with the fate of the world in the balance, everything she knows is thrown into chaos. Suddenly Lia and Alice are pitted against each other, danger is everywhere and Lia doesn't know whom to trust.

Spooky. That's the best description I can give Prophecy of the Sisters. It has a dark, Gothic feel, where I could just sense the evil presence threatening the heroine, Lia, on every page. I read each chapter, just waiting for Lia to realize how close she was to those waiting to destroy her. This story should please many teens, especially if they enjoy those stories that scare you, but aren't necessarily filled with blood and gore. The ending leaves the reader with a feeling that the story isn't over, and one will eagerly await the next chapter in the lives of Lia and Alice. A fabulous, chilling read -- I give it a 'B.'

The Season by Sarah MacLean

In The Season, Alex and her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, are preparing for their first Season. They will attend various balls, parties and events with the goal of finding a husband. Well, at least that's the goal of their parents. The girls don't want to get married yet, for seventeen is way too young. Each wants to experience more in life before settling down, and Alex isn't even sure she wants to get married at all. Alex becomes involved in unraveling the mystery surrounding the death of the father of close family friend, Gavin.

I loved reading a YA set during the Regency, for there's not much being written for teens set in that time period. It's accessible for readers that want something like a Jane Austen novel, but find the language in JA too difficult. Alex, Ella, and Vivi delight the reader with such normal teen behavior. They gossip, long for the time when they are independent, complain about their lives and how no one understands them. The mysterious death of Gavin's father, linked to rumors of French spies in England, leads to a thrilling adventure and romance for Alex . I admit, I was thoroughly entertained. Definitely a 'B+' book for me!

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

So many people have raved about this book, telling me, "You must read it!" I really wasn't excited about reading it, because the blurb didn't sound all that exciting and the cover is kind of blah. Yes, I know, I'm not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but we all do to a point. Well, I finally read it, and now I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. (And the cover makes much more sense after reading the book.)

Miranda receives a strange note shortly after noticing that her apartment's key is not in the hiding place she and her mom had selected. "I am coming to save your friend's life, and my own. I ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter." After this Miranda receives more strange notes that give clues to events occurring in the future. The solution of this puzzle is amazing as Miranda attempts to put all the pieces together.

I could so relate to Miranda's obsession with her favorite book, A Wrinkle in Time, and how she carried it with her and reread it again and again. My favorite book wasn't A Wrinkle in Time, but I still remember my favorite book and how I would return to it again and again. I'm sure it was the comfort of something familiar for me and probably to a point with Miranda as well. I really liked how the story of the mysterious notes were woven into the story about Miranda's life with her mom and her friends at school. I'm not sure how much a person who hasn't read A Wrinkle in Time would get all the references to Meg and the story itself. It's probably best to at least have a working knowledge of A Wrinkle in Time, but not an absolute must.

When You Reach Me uniquely ties together a realistic story with a fantasy story in a way that allows the reader to question events and maybe investigate the long term results of his decisions. I loved how the story kept you puzzling over the clues in the mysterious letters along with Miranda. This is one of those books that you don't realize how good it is until you finish it. Wonderful story! I give it a 'B+.'

The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima (Seven Realms #1)

I became a fan of Ms. Chima's books after reading The Warrior Heir several years ago. I know any time I pick up one of her books, it'll be a dramatic story highlighted by complex and dynamic characters. I will be on the edge of my seat, anxious to discover what happens to each and every character, and knowing that just about anything could happen.

Although The Demon King is over 500 pages long, I became so caught up in what was happening with Han and Raisa that I scarcely even noticed the length. In fact, I really didn't want it to end. Obviously, the first in a series, The Demon King doesn't conclude the story at the end of the book, rather it's a pause, and I, for one, can't wait to find out what happens next.

I highly recommend The Demon King to fans of fantasy and adventure stories. You won't be disappointed. I enthusiastically give this book an 'A.'

Killer Pizza by Greg Taylor

Killer Pizza, a horror story with an eye-catching cover, tells the story of Toby, a fourteen-year-old wannabe chef. He'd just about given up in finding a summer job, when he's offered a job at a new pizza restaurant in town, Killer Pizza. Toby's super excited about the opportunity, because how else is he going to get experience in the kitchen in order to one-day fulfill his dream of becoming a famous chef. After starting work there, Toby and his two co-workers, Strobe and Annabel, learn that Killer Pizza is actually a front for a monster-hunting organization and are recruited to become its latest trainees.

Teens will be drawn to Killer Pizza by the striking cover and will be hooked immediately after reading the prologue, which describes a monster attack on a teen. The story is fast-paced and action-packed which will keep even the most reluctant reader turning the page. Personally, I found it a bit campy, almost like a B-movie of the past come to life. This allowed me to look fondly on a story which probably would be forgettable otherwise.

I know many teens that will love this story much more than I did. From me, it gets a 'C.'

The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander

I first heard about The Sweetheart of Prosper County from the 2010-2011 Texas Lone Star Reading List. After reading the description, I couldn't help but put it towards the top of my TBR. A couple of things caught my eye: (1.) It's set in small town Texas. (2.) It features a girl involved with FFA.

Austin Gray's goal for the next year is to be the FFA (Future Farmers of America) Sweetheart and ride of the hood of a pickup in next year's Christmas parade. Austin sets out gung-ho to reach her goal by joining FFA and getting a rooster to raise, but is hampered by the town bully and her overprotective mother. You see, Austin's mother still grieves for Austin's father who died in a car accident six years ago. Through the events of the story, Austin gains a better understanding for her mother and together the two begin to work through the pain of losing her father.

At first glance, one may think Austin's goal is a bit shallow, but come on, this IS a teen. It's EXACTLY the sort of goal a girl of 14/15 would have. She really wants to be accepted by her classmates and is looking for a niche. There is a ton of work involved in caring for an animal, so she shows more dedication towards reaching her goal than just a superficial one. I adored the characters -- some quirky, some determined, some shallow. They all felt real! The description of small town Texas life was dead-on, including the glimpse of the politics of the town.

I've already begun to recommend this book to many students and can't wait to recommend to many others. It's a story that those living in a rural town will recognize and those that don't will get a glimpse of the real rural life -- more than the stereotypes. Jill Alexander has made my "watch" list. I will definitely be looking for more from her in the future.  This is a strong 'B+' for me, Super!

Airman by Eoin Colfer

Since I adore Colfer's Artemis Fowl books, I'm always hesitant to read any of his other stories. I know they aren't going to have the same feel, and I worry that I won't like them.

Conor is the son of the king's head bodyguard and has enjoyed a childhood with much freedom and friendships. He's especially close friends with the king's daughter. One night, Conor overhears plans to murder the king, but is unable to stop the assassination. The conspirators then set him up as the fall guy and send him to jail, hoping he will die in prison. Conor has other ideas and begins to plan a way to escape. You see, Conor has always been interested in flight, and has always wanted to design an airship. Hot hair balloons are a rarity and no one has successfully built a flying machine. But, Conor thinks he can ... and it'll be his way to freedom.

Airman is way different that Artemis Fowl. There's no smart-aleck Artemis, no strong and silent Butler, no heroic Holly, but I still loved it. I enjoyed the richly depicted characters, even the evil ones. I felt like I was there in the stinking prison, having to dive for pearls, worried if I'd live until tomorrow. I miss the humor that is always a part of the Artemis Fowl books, but I found I could overlook it. The story was just that fulfilling.

My grade? An 'A', Highly Recommended.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

The Adoration of Jenna Fox. It's a strange title for a book, I thought. And, what's with the butterfly on the cover? How does that connect with Jenna Fox? So many questions, that made me eager to open the book and dig in.

I guess it was a good thing I was already in a questioning mood, because reading the story made me ask more questions. What happened to Jenna?!? Why did they move? Why does her grandmother hardly speak to her and seem to hate her? Why can Jenna remember every little detail about the French Revolution like a walking, talking encyclopedia, but can't remember her life before the accident?

Oh, I kept reading to find the answers, almost finishing the book in one sitting. I would have too, if real life hadn't interrupted me. Oh, this is one of those uber-fantastic books that stick with you a very long time after finishing. I had so many other, deep, meaning-of-life-type questions to ponder when I finished Jenna Fox. But, I will say those pesky questions about the cover and the title? Well, I did find out the answers to them and it all makes complete sense now. I give this one an A, Highly Recommended!

The Compound by S.A. Bodeen

Wow. That was my first response when finishing The Compound. I couldn't believe how simply "weirded out" the book made me.

Eli and his family have been living for six years in an underground bomb shelter. It's not your typical one-room bomb shelter from the fifties, but rather a lavish living space with lots of amenities. You see, Eli's dad is a multi-billionaire and was able to get his family to the "Compound" before the first nuclear bombs exploded. Well, most of his family. You see, Eli's twin brother Eddy and his grandmother had to return to the house to get Eddy's medicine and didn't make it back in time. One night, Eli was checking out the laptop, when an IM pops up. It's from Eddy and he tells him that he and Grandma are alive and well -- there was no nuclear war. Eli begins to realize that his father has locked them down in the Compound and he might be completely insane.

As I said before, I got shivers just thinking about the things Eli and his family were having to contemplate. With food supplies, especially protein, running low, their father had devised some simply awful ways in order for the family to receive the protein. Ugh! I still get shivers... The suspense and horror felt was like seeing a really bad car accident. You don't want to look, but you can't help yourself. With all the events that slowly, step-by-step, built up to the climax, I felt the ending just rushed by. I'm sure it was because I was dreading what was going to happen next. A superb horror story that will please many different readers. I can't wait to get some reactions to this book from others! I give it an A, Highly Recommended.

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Ever since watching the preview for Found during last year's book fair, I've been intrigued by this book. Unfortunately, everyone else was intrigued as well and I wasn't able to read it during the year, since it was always check out. Thankfully, it's included on this year's Lone Star reading list and I've put those at the top of my to read list this summer.

Jonah's life has been that of a typical seventh-grader. He likes to play basketball, has a younger sister that bothers him, and parents that can be embarrassing. The only thing that makes him out of the ordinary? He's adopted. It's not that big of a deal to him, since he's known that as long as he can remember. When he receives a strange message in the mail that says, "You are one of the missing," he thinks it's weird and wonders who sent it. When he receives a second one that says, "Beware! They're coming back to get you," he gets a little more nervous, especially when his friend, Chip, received the exact same letters and was also adopted 13 years ago. Jonah and Chip decide to investigate the strange letters and their adoptions. After Jonah and Chip discover that they were two of 36 babies that strangely appeared in a plane at the airport, their detective work leads them smack dab in the middle of a mystery involving the FBI, kidnapping, and strange men that appear and disappear right in front of their eyes.

I think students will love this book, because it's fast-paced and contains plenty of suspense. Each chapter ends with a cliff-hanger that will have you wanting to read just one more chapter, and then, just one more until you reach the end of the book. It's not the end of the story, though. There's enough of a tease to leave you waiting impatiently for the next book in Jonah and Chip's story. I give Found a B, Recommended.

The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner

Okay, so I usually love reading historical fiction, but something about The Red Necklace just put me off. I'm not sure exactly what turned me off... the illustration on the cover maybe or it might just be that it is set during the French Revolution, which is definitely NOT my favorite time in history. So, yes, I started reading it with a bad attitude. And yes, everyone sometimes feels that way! I know, I know! Boy, was I wrong.

The beginning of the story focuses on a boy, Yann, and his mentor, a midget named Tetu. (I kept thinking, "de plane, de plane" from Fantasy Island. If you don't know what I'm talking about you are too young!) They are gypsies and are working with an illusionist in a Paris theater. Apparently these two are the ones with the magical talent to make all the illusions seem real. At a house party, Yann meets the daughter of an aristocrat that will play an important part in his life and the choices he makes. After his boss is murdered, Yann travels to England to live with a gentleman, meets all sorts of interesting people, and even gets finds himself in Paris right after the storming of the Bastille.

Filled with descriptive scenes of terror, The Red Necklace, sure kept me turning the ol' pages way into the night. I desperately wanted to see Yann triumph over Count Kalliovski and rescue Sido. This book will appeal to those who love adventure stories as long as you don't mind a few gory scenes. I couldn't believe I didn't want to read it! I know, silly me. Don't judge a book by its cover... how many times do I say that to others! The Red Necklace is a wonderful story and I give it a B, recommended.

The Great Wide Sea by M.H. Herlong

Okay, as I picked this book up, I thought, a book about three brothers that become shipwrecked. Hmmm... wonder how this will compare to other wilderness survival stories like the fabulous Hatchet by Gary Paulsen?

My verdict? Surprisingly well. The story begins with a teaser ...

"Once upon a time three boys were lost at sea. One almost drowned. One almost went crazy. One fell off a cliff."

... and then switches to the beginning of the story--way before the island. We learn that the three brothers and their father are going to be taking a years' sailing trip in the Bahamas. The mother recently died in a car accident and all in the family are struggling with their grief. Yes, lots of dysfunction here! Dad apparently doesn't bother to tell the boys his plans until AFTER he's set it all in motion. Some of this part of the story drags, but it's good to know a little of the family history.

The action picks up with the sailing trip. Lots of description of what it takes to sail, especially good for someone like me who lives hundreds of miles from the ocean. What really makes this story is the interaction between the three brothers once they are marooned. The action picks up as well and it's a real page-turner until the end.

I'd definitely recommend this for those fans of Hatchet, and anyone else looking for a riveting survival adventure. I give it a B+, Recommended.

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor

I really, really didn't want to read this book. Another story about a girl struggling in life with a mom that didn't know how to be a parent. Ugh! I see enough of that in real life. Do I have to read about it too?!? But, this is a Lone Star Book this year and I wanted to read them all before the school year starts, so I took a deep breath and dove in.

The story starts off with Addie and her mom moving in to a run down old trailer at the edge of town, right next to a railroad bridge. Her mom has just divorced her stepdad, Dwight, a man to whom Addie has become very attached. Dwight has custody of Addie's two half sisters and is moving out of town for a job, and Addie won't get to see any of them very often. She has to start a new school and her mom is glued to either the television or the computer screen. Addie takes care of herself, and at times takes care of her mom as well. When her mom meets a new man, Addie knows that it may be days before she returns home. Addie has to check the food in the pantry and see how long she can make it last. More than anything, Addie longs for a normal life and a normal home, but it doesn't look like she'll get that. When a tragedy occurs, Addie's life once again changes. But will it be a change for the better?

Waiting for Normal is one of those books to tug at the ol' heartstrings. My heart just went out to Addie and I hurt when she did and actually teared up at points. While some sad things happen in the story, it does have a hopeful ending, so don't worry those of you that want the happily ever after ending.

Overall, a fantastic book! Ignore the 'eh' cover, and just dig in. It's well worth the time to read this lovely and poignant story. I give it an 'A', Highly Recommended. This book is a must read for those that enjoyed Pictures of Hollis Woods or So B. It.