Remembering Green
by Lesley Beake
The best thing about this short book is that it's short. Rain is African, that much is clear from this story that reads like a legend or tale, and she is the Lion Girl. When she was young, her grandmother gave her a lion cub to raise, and according to prophecy Rain and her lion will bring rains back to a dry Earth. Apparently, the Earth is now a mess because of global warming, and some smart people, "the Tekkies" live on an island with a dome over it. Rain is kidnapped from her home in an African village by some travelors and taken to the dome. The Tekkies in the dome think that she will save them from a horrible thing that hasn't happened yet. The story left me with tons of questions. First of all, if the world was destroyed, how can Rain live in the wilds with her lion, named Saa, and have memories of playing in the river back home? Who are the people who kidnap her? Why? Why would Tekkies, with so much control over their technology, think a girl and her lion could help them survive some disaster? What disaster do they fear—they already live under a dome! I left this book with more questions than answers, and while the words the writer uses are pretty, I felt a little cheated at the end.

Fire
by Kristen Cashore
Restricted Room.
Graceling was a Lone Star book this year, and Fire is the next book in Cashore's Graceling series. In my opinion, however, it was written for an older audience. Fire is the name of the "monster" main character—part human being, part monster creature—so beautiful that even her own breath catches when she sees herself in the mirror. Not only can she control others with her beauty, but she can also control them with her mind. There are those that would have Fire use her power and beauty for evil causes, and Fire is tempted to do just that when she visits a neighboring kingdom—but a dark secret from her past holds her back. The characters are not the same as the characters in Graceling, but instead are from the kingdom over the mountian pass. Eventually, the two worlds will collide, which is hinted at in the novel. I enjoyed reading this work of fantasy because the creatures and beings who live there are so unique—they don't copy off of other works like the Lord of the Rings or The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. There is plenty of suspense and fighting in the chapters, and a love triangle that will keep romance readers engaged. On a more cautionary note, the book contains sexual references, and even though the acts aren't described, the book is suggestive enough that some might find it offensive.

Atlas Shrugged
by Ayn Rand
Note: this novel is a classic.
How would you feel your teacher placed you in a group, and you were the only person in the group who did any work? What if the teacher then divided your "A" in with everyone elses' zeroes, and you ended up with a "D-" even though you really did work that deserved an "A"? This novel examines that idea, "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need," through the eyes of Dagny Taggart, the owner and operator of a railroad that spans the United States. This 1200-page novel analizes the communist way of governing and running the economy in contrast with the democratic and capatlistic forms of governing that is used in the United States. This novel is recommended for the college bound, and those who enjoy studying politics. It's edgy, as classics can sometimes be, because it was really written for older crowds. But the wording is eloquent—it makes one think—and provides a wide doorway for the reader to begin thinking about philosophy.

The Genie Scheme
by Kimberly Jones
What if one small act of kindness earned you all the wishes you have ever made and all the wishes you could ever hope to make? Janna finds out when an act of kindness wins her a personal genie. All is not as it seems however; because her genie, a.k.a. "Eugenie," ironically fills wish requests a little differently than one might expect. An easy read, this book is funny, but has a valuable message about caring for others. Through Janna's actions, I started to wonder, how might the things I wished for change if my own good fortune took away from another? Jones really brings new light to the old idiom (figure of speech), "be careful what you wish for!"

Ruined
by Paul Morris
When I think of New Orleans I think of mystery—ancient swamps, voodoo, eerie cemeteries, Mardi-Gras traditions with colorful costumes...and ghosts. And when Rebecca, a girl from New York, comes to stay with her aunt while her dad works in China for a year, this is exactly what she encounters. She has only one friend, Lisette, who turns out to be quite different from the girls she goes to school with. The more she gets to know Lisette, the more details she discovers about a curse that threatens some of the elite girls at her school—and the more she learns about her own connection to New Orleans. Ruined is a 10 on the creepy factor. I was plugged in to this novel the whole time and couldn't wait to uncover the secret of the curse. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who wants to know more about New Orleans and who loves to be creeped out. But be careful, there isn't a sweater in the world that will make those goosebumps on your arm go away once you've cracked open page one!

The Season
by Sarah MacLean
LONE STAR TITLE
If there is one thing I've learned in this life it's to NEVER say NEVER. That's clearly part of the lesson of this historical mystery about three girls who are getting ready to have their "debut" into society. What's a "debut?" Well, it's sort of like a quinceanera or a sweet sixteen, only it marks the time you are considered a woman and ready to find a husband, as in be married! Alex has no intention of being married—that is until Lord Blackmoor, or Gavin, catches her eye—but he is so terribly frustrating and irritating, she isn't sure why she has a rush of funny feelings flooding her chest whenever he is around. She won't figure that out either, or at least not until she discovers who murdered Gavin's father. The best thing about this novel is its cover. The writing is somewhat predictable(the guilty party in my opinion too easy to spot), and simplistic (the author over-uses phrases like "acutely aware" and "conspiritorial grin"). MacLean clearly loves classics like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, and wants to acquaint modern readers with the era. The positive side of her work is that readers who aren't ready for the classics, but are interested in this highly romantic period in history, can feel Jane Austen's work without tackling it yet. And...the novel is squeaky clean, no need for parents to worry about what message the novel is sending to those female readers looking for a good romance.

The Crimson Cap
by Ellen Howard
Imagine you have just landed in a lifeboat on a hostile shore. Your ship sank days ago, and the only thing you have left to help you survive are a few moldy biscuits, a knife, a pistol, and your knitted hat. To top that off, a few days after arrival you discover that there are people already living on that shore, and they don't like the idea of you squatting on their land. Time passes without rescue; the other guys from your lifeboat begin fighting; clearly, it won't be long until someone snaps and shoots that gun in the wrong direction, maybe even at you. What would you do? Pierre did not know when he joined LaSalle's expedition to the new world that he'd be fighting for his life—he was just a boy. Thing is, boys can die too; especially when the people of three different nations are trying to capture them. If you've ever wondered what your history teacher wasn't telling you in 7^th grade history, this is the book for you. It brings native Texas tribes back to life, shows you how nasty living in the early settlements was, and how bloody the world of the pioneer tended to be. Short chapters and action make this book move quickly, but make no mistake, you need to enjoy reading about history to fully enjoy it.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
by Jacqueline Kelly
LONE STAR TITLE
Okay, so...I didn't really want to read this book...you know, a little girl and her granddad who like to go out and take samples from nature and look at the samples from the eyes of a scientist. I could feel my eyelids sinking down, down, down, the longer I thought about reading this book. But then, well, there was the Lone Star Nomination (I had to read it) and now this novel is all over the press! Here's the reason it's such a fantastic read and will be around for many years to come. Calpurnia is just a little kid—in fact, she has trouble pronouncing words like "mutant" which she pronounces "mootant." In a time when girls aren't supposed to be out traipsing around in the woods, she's exploring, getting dirty, learning about science, and planning her scientific future. She fights against sewing, knitting, cooking and all things girly. Meanwhile, she is the only grandchild her eccentric (weird) granddad ever pays attention to. It's set in Texas, and that familiar world that we know, coupled with Calpurnia's innocent voice (which reveals the author's funny, sarcastic humor), makes it a highly entertaining historical novel. If you like science, historical fiction, or want to know more about life in Texas 100 years ago, check this out; it's the book for you.

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn
Alison Goodman
This isn't Disney's Mulan folks! Eona is an orphan handpicked by a former Dragon master and trained to be the ascendent Rat Dragon—that is to weild the power of the magical dragon on behalf of the Pearl Emporer and to help maintain his power. However, she must first pass as a man, and then gain the favor of the Rat Dragon; but when she approaches her ceremony, she is chosen for a position far more powerful than being the Rat Dragon's chosen, and now she is the center of a controversy to rule the kingdom. This novel is rich with plot twists, heavy on the code of honor and duty, and educates one a great deal about Asian history and culture (even though there is no indication of where in Asia the story takes place). In true Asian fashion, many of the characters are cross-dressing or eunuchs, so it may be a bit controversial to those not comfortable reading Asian-themed action epics. However, if you can get past that, and the occasional bloodletting that appears in true kung-fu fashin, then this novel is well worth the 544 page committment it requires from its readers.

Girlfriend Material
LONE STAR BOOK
by Melissa Cantor
Can you really know anyone completely? That's what Kate wonders when her mother and father take a "sabbatical" from one another and Kate's mom decides to take Kate with her for a summer in Cape Cod. Far from being excited about bumming around on the beach all summer, Kate resents being seperated from her best friend and her writing class so that her mom can spend time brooding and moaning over how rough her life is being married. When an old flame seems to magically appear in her mom's life, Kate begins to wonder if her mother is violating every trust—that is until Kate's own attentions are diverted to Adam. But does Adam have a secret equally as disturbing as Kate's mother's secret? This is a classic "chic lit" work of fiction. The characters all have money (which explains how they can hang out at the country club pool all the time and spend money at will), but once you get past that aspect of their lifestyle, it's easy to get drawn into Kate's concerns. Her parents might be divorcing and she is devestated. Where will she live? Who can she talk too? Who will her friends be? And add that to the issues she faces with Adam—well, the short chapters and tension are adequate to keep the attention of those who love chic lit.

 A Kiss in Time
by Alex Flinn
If you've ever seen the movie Enchanted, with the princess who falls out of cartoon land into New York City and laughed until your eyes were glistening with tears, then you'll love this book. Talia is the spoiled princess who has been put under a witch's spell. When Jack (on a summer tour of Europe) stumbles into Talia's kingdom and finds her sleeping, he decides he has to kiss her because she is so beautiful. However, after he wakes her up, he's not so sure, because Talia is...well...spoiled to say the least and that takes away from her beauty. Will Talia fall under the curse again because Jack is not her true love, or can she make Jack love her? More importantly, how can Talia survive in a world so unlike her own? This fractured fairy tale is fun! My favorite parts were when Talia goes to her first party and sees the bathing suits girls wear. She is appalled with the amount of skin girls show in this century. And I also liked the scene where she sees a cell phone for the first time...you can imagine her reaction. The end may be a little unrealistic, but it's a fairy tale, so it has to be a happy ending, right? Or does it? Not as original as Alex Flinn's first fractured fairy tale, Beastly, but not as heavy either. A great read for a relaxing, lighthearted afternoon in the sunshine.

SCAT
by Carl Hiaasen
Ever had a teacher who hated you and made sure you knew it? Ever had a teacher who hates everyone and everyone knew it? That's Mrs. Starch—and when she goes after the kid from the wrong side of the tracks, “Smoke” in front of the whole class—calling him a no-future, acne ridden failure, Smoke threatens revenge. When Mrs. Starch disappears during school the next day, Nick and Marta begin to wonder what happened to their teacher, and whether or not the fire in the Florida Everglades might have been started to hide her body. Readers can never go wrong with Hiaasen's books. This is the guy that wrote Holes, remember? What's not to like about SCAT? Great dialogue between the characters, clues that are nearly impossible to figure out before the end, and facts about the environment and endangered species that we all need to know. This is a hit that may one day make it on the big screen just like Holes did. I know that's a movie I'd certainly pay to see!

Kaleidoscope Eyes
by Jen Bryant
I always love stories where an important character leaves something behind for a loved one when they die. The protagonist, with teary eyes and shaking hands, gently rips open the envelope to read the precious last words of their beloved. It's a thousand times better when the letter leads to possible treasure like it does for Lyza! When her Grandpa, a great adventurer, dies, Lyza discovers a letter for her eyes only that leads her on a hunt for treasure. There's a lot more to this story than searching for treasure. It's the 70s; there are hippies everywhere; young men are being sent to Vietnam by the truckload; and Lyza's mother has hit the road. It's a glorious novel, and it's written in verse, so that makes it even more magnificent, because it's fun and quick to read even though it looks long. I would highly recommend this novel to those of you who don't like historical fiction very much but need to read a historical novel, because this book doesn't feel like you are reading about the past, and the characters will keep you hooked. Read it, Matey...arrrggg...!(that's a clue to the novel's plot, heh, heh).

When the Whistle Blows
by Fran Cannon Slayton
Rowlesberg is a small town where it's easy to get in trouble—at least that is, for Jimmy and his friends. They spend nights wreaking havoc on the local sheriff and upperclassmen, and days sneaking around gathering clues and ammunition that fuel their nighttime activities. This fabulous novel goes from one Halloween to another in the life of Jimmy and his family. Of course, the fact that each event takes place on such a spooky holiday lends to its suspense and humor (picture teenagers running around pulling pranks on Halloween); it is laugh out loud funny, but there are equally chilling and serious chapters included in the novel (I have a new perspective on funeral homes). When the reader closes the last page he will wonder what his own future holds, because Jimmy certainly never thought that the town he loved, whose economy depended on trains, would one day buckle as technology changed.

My Life in Pink and Green
by Lisa Greenwald
Anyone who knows me can tell you that I am a recycling fool. If I could “Go Green” all the way and minimize my impact on the Earth (otherwise known as my carbon signature) I would. It's hard work sometimes, lugging dirty plastic and smelly cardboard to the recycling center, but I feel good about doing it even though my friends sometimes tease me. So what does going green have to do with a pharmacy that is best known for its cosmetics and Lucy, its young makeup artist? It doesn't really, that is until Lucy discovers her family business is going under, and they may lose not only their business but their home. Lucy isn't satisfied to sit back and let this happen; and when the answers unexpectedly fall in her lap during an Earth Club meeting, Lucy must try and convince her mother and grandmother that she may have a solution to their troubles. While this book might be a little young for some of our readers, I certainly had fun reading it. Remember that first crush you had and how funny you felt every time you saw him in school? The author does a great job showing how awkward a first crush is, and how hard it is to get an adult to listen to you when you're only twelve.

Ms. Kellie at the Great Wall of China

Heck, Where the Bad Kids Go (on order)
by Dale E. Bayse & Bob Dob
The best thing about this book is the title. In fact, the only thing going for the book is the clever names as far as I'm concerned. Milton and Marlo, a brother and sister pair, are literally blown to bits while committing a mall prank/crime and end up in “Heck.” Heck is, apparently, where children go because they aren't bad enough to go to Hell until they are 18. Heck is sort of a warm-up for Hell. The author has fun using literary allusions (Milton and Marlow are the authors of Doctor Faustus and Paradise Lost, two works of literature dealing with forbidden knowledge, doom and gloom), and very little else. There are chapters and chapters where the Faustus siblings (yes, the author stole the title of a literary work too) struggle through excrement (poop), and rotten food to escape Bee “Elsa” Bub, the principal of Heck. The only redeeming line in the entire 288 pages is on page 84 “A demon isn't some random, bloomin' monster dreamed up by the Big Guy Downstairs. We're simply people...turned inside out.” The book is on order, so if you want to read it when it comes in and tell me what you think, do so—otherwise, read something with some sort of entertainment value. As far as I'm concerned, this just ain't it.

Boys are Dogs
by Leslie Margolis
Of course boys don't eat garbage, scratch their behinds, steal our shoes and run with them, make us chase them, destroy things just for the fun of it....wait a minute...Okay, that's a bit mean....but....So, as I was saying, Annabelle is not happy when her mother moves in with her boyfriend, even if it means she'll have a huge new house and a new puppy to go with it. She misses her friends in the city, her old apartment, and her all-girls school—especially when she discovers that the boys at her school, and her new dog, Pepper, have way too much in common. Will her dog-training book help Annabelle become the Alpha Dog she needs to be? Loads of laughs, furry pets, and annoying but cute boys. What's not to like? This book is worth the very short time it takes to read it.

Everything for a Dog
by Ann M. Martin
This novel is told in 3 voices. The first voice, and my favorite, is the voice of Bone, the wild, stray dog whose interactions with humans are hardly pleasant. I really felt for Bone; I wanted to adopt him and make him my dog so that he wouldn't know hunger or sadness. Oddly, I felt more sympathy for this animal character than for many human characters I have read about—perhaps because dogs are so innocent. The other two voices are of Charlie and Henry, two boys who love dogs for the same reason (loneliness). At first, the three stories seem like very different short stories about dogs—and I wasn't sure I'd be able to pay attention because they kept changing back and forth. However, I hung in there, and the payoff is really interesting. These three characters come together in a very unexpected way at the end of the story, and the it's a nice little surprise. I actually had a little “aha” moment when I got to the final pages. If you adore dogs then this book is for you, if you don't you may not last through to the end.

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg
by Rodman Philbrick
What does the Civil War, a hot-air balloon, and a traveling circus have in common? Homer P. Figg—and look out, because he's one of the world's best liars. Good thing too, because he needs that skill to survive a quest and attempt a daring rescue. You see, back in the day a person could pay $300 and not have to go to fight in the Civil War. They could hire someone else in their place. Sometimes, poor individuals would take the money and go to war because they needed it for their families, and sometimes they would send a slave in their place. Either way, the rich made out loads better than the poor. That's what happens to Homer's brother—sold away to fight for the Union army at 15. I enjoyed this book so much, even though I thought the cover was corny. Homer exaggerates all the time and that made me chuckle; plus, I learned a lot of things I didn't know about the Civil War. I didn't know that hot air balloons were used for reconnaissance missions. I didn't know that bullets had special names (do you know what they are) and that the “Rebel Yell” was actually a very frightening thing—legendary amongst the troops. This novel deals with very serious topics and has some sad parts; I am amazed at how the author was able to do such an excellent job describing a very dark period in our nation's history, and still keep me smiling.

Freeze Frame
by Heidi Ayarbee
Do you believe that just one moment can change the entire course of your life? After reading this book, I do. Kyle is 16 when he and his very best friend, Jason, wander into Kyle's dad's shed, but both of them don't walk out. The novel is chilling. I can't tell you a whole lot about it, though—otherwise I'll spoil the plot. I will tell you that I felt Kyle's character was extremely real. In Kyle's situation I think I would feel very much like he does. He has to deal with so much, competition for friendship and bullying are just the start of what he copes with. I also think that the librarian in the novel rocks (of course, he's a librarian so...no surprise there...heh, heh), and that there are teachers in our lives who can make a difference without saying a word. There is a bit of profanity in this book, but given the circumstances and the extreme angst that Kyle feels, it doesn't seem excessive. Still, if you or your family are offended by language then this book may not be for you.

Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightening
by Danette Haworth
I'll admit it, sometimes I feel a bit jealous. Usually I'm envious of someone who has really great hair, a nice Coach bag, or is very pretty or smart. Maybe we all feel that way sometimes. Violet feels that way when a new girl named Melissa moves into her small town from Detroit. From the moment Melissa arrives, it seems like Melissa is out to steal Violet's very best friend—Lottie, even though Lottie and Violet have been friends since birth. Now Lottie seems more interested in hanging out doing makeovers and talking about boys at Melissa's house than spending time with Violet. Will their friendship last, or do some friendships just fade away over time as we get older? I thought this book was very different from other books that have girls as main characters. Violet is a very strong character who speaks her mind, and there is no boy-girl romance to muddy the waters. I wasn't sure if I believed the ending (although it did make me feel hopeful) but it could happen that way, although in my experience girls can be very unforgiving. I guess the only thing I really didn't like was that Violet spoke using double negatives, and as a former English teacher I was a bit aghast. But—it's dialogue—sometimes kids don't know no better, right? LOL.

 Franny Parker
by Hannah Roberts McKinnon
Franny is a future veteranarian in the making—her favorite pastime? Franny collects injured animals, especially the wild, non-domestic types, and nurses them all back to good health. When new neighbors arrive next door, Lucas and his mom Lindy, Franny realizes that not only animals need help to get well. This novel was easy and quick to read, but the conflict, what really makes me get into a book, came too late in the story. I don't think I suspected that there would even be a real problem to solve until at least chapter seven. It was also a little strange to me that Franny and Lucas sort of seemed to have a little romance blooming, and yet Franny seemed like she was only about ten years old. She was way too young to be involved with a guy in my opinion. Lastly, the antagonist, the villian, was not very threatening or scary to me. The book might be short and easy to read, but it is not one of my favorite books—perhaps it would be better for younger kids? If you read it and like it, let me know why I may be wrong.

Love, Aubrey (On order)
by Suzanne LaFleur
Aubrey's mom woke up and went for a drive one day and never came back. It takes weeks for someone to notice, and when they do, her whole world is turned upside down. This novel is told in a series of letters and chapters that move the story forward. Aubrey must learn to live in a new place, to heal from the betrayal of her mother and the tragedy that led up to it—and Aubrey must learn to make hard choices about her future—choices that may not make everyone happy, especially those people she loves the most. LaFleur does a fantastic job of showing that some situations are just impossible to resolve without hurting someone. Sometimes no choice is appealing and yet a choice must be made. On that front, the book was very realistic. It reminded me of the book Waiting for Normal by Leslie O'Connor which made the Lone Star List last year. The book isn't necessarily that unique (or different), but it is well-written and the resolution of the conflict might surprise you.

Vibes
Amy Kathleen Ryan
Kristi can read minds, which is interesting, because her own self-image is so skewed. She spends most of her time with earbuds pumping out opera to sooth her tired and troubled mind. Not only does this music have the effect of drowning out her own cynical thoughts, but the it also drowns out the insults coming from her classmates. When a new student comes to her school named Mallory, a former child-model and now acne-ridden teenager, Gusty, the best-looking guy in school, acts as if he would like to suddenly get to know her better, and Kristi is confused. Isn't she the fat, “sick” girl that no one likes? This book is classic chic lit fare with a love triangle. Kristi's negative vibes don't come off as depressing, and the reader will laugh all the way through the book, even though there are some seriously deep issues discussed in this book like divorce, bullying, dishonest parents and growing up.

Bystander
James Preller
A long time ago a woman named Kitty Genoveve was being murdered in an alley. She screamed for help. 38 people opened their windows in the apartment building next door but not one of them called the police or an ambulance. These neighbors watched Kitty's murder because they figured someone else would call for help. If you stand by and watch while someone is called names are you just as bad as the one who did the name calling? If you say nothing while someone is beaten because you are afraid for your own safety, are you just as guilty as the one who did the beating? These are the issues that Eric must face when he moves to a new school and meets Griffin, the local bully. The novel is both interesting because it tells about the way bullies become bullies and how they work. But it is also saddening, because the ending is very real. While the story does hit you over the head a little with its message, I recommend reading it—at the very least it will help you to become more aware of your behaviors and clue you in to knowing when you have to “man up” and be responsible for being an honest and honorable human being.

Tropical Secret
Margarita Engle
When Daniel arrives in Cuba, a Jewish refugee from Germany trying to escape the Nazis and who has nothing, it is only the kindness of Paloma and David that help him to cope with the loss of his parents. When Nazi spies are suspected of being in Cuba, white Christian refugees are taken away to prison camps and intterogated. Oddly, being an immigrant with a “J” for Jew on your passport is the only thing that protects you here in Cuba. It is the exact opposite of life in Germany. The world is such a messed up place that only Daniel's music keeps him sane. Written in verse, this novel reads incredibly fast! There are less than 50 words on a page, and yet the words read like music. You will be surprised to learn that Cuba took in many immigrants that the United States and Canada sent away without giving a thought that these people would die. This is a Holocaust story with a heartbeat.

Airhead
by Meg Cabot
Imagine being a tomboy who loves to play video games and waking up one day with a super-model's body. That's what happens to Emerson Watts, a.k.a. “Em.”One minute she's waiting in line for an autograph and the next she's waking up in a hospital bed with everyone in her family looking at her strangely. Little does she know it, but she now has the body (and all that goes with it) of Nikki, the hottest super-model since Tyra Banks. That's a good thing right? Not when Em realizes that she's lost her boyfriend, can't go back home, and has a schedule that leaves her exhausted every night, the Paparazzi are driving her crazy, and guys won't leave her alone. Honestly, this was a fun “chick lit” book. Half the time I read this book I was snorting out loud and chocking. I can't imagine waking up with a perfect body and a fistful of cash and not being thrilled. Em's jokes cracked me up, and frankly, I'd love to read an Airhead Volume II. Those of you who liked I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You and Bras and Broomsticks will love this!

Elsewhere
by Gabrielle Zevin
I always wondered what happened after someone dies. I know what they taught me growing up, about the whole heaven and hell thing, but it's always interesting to hear what other cultures and religions think happens after you die. Liz Hall is only sixteen when she is hit by a taxi driver. She wakes up bald, with stitches across her scalp, and on a boat. Soon she discovers this boat is going to the afterlife, or Elsewhere...the place where everyone goes after they die. It's nothing like the heaven and hell I learned about...more like an extension of life. I enjoyed the book, although I really, really hope the afterlife is not at all like the one in the book. Elsewhere seemed more like what the ancient Greeks believed about death—that it was sort of like on Earth. In the words of Socrates, “Who knows if to live is to be dead, and to be dead, to live? In other words, maybe our life now is just a dream, and when we die we start our “real” lives. If you are a reader or have an interest in the supernatural, you may enjoy this book. I really liked it, but it wasn't at all funny or humorous. It was a very serious read that makes you think a lot about how you live your life, and what your death holds.

Jolted; Newton Starker's Rules for Survival
by Arthur Slade
When I was seven, my parents took me to a farm where I tried to feed an apple to a cow. I say tried because the fence I reached through was electrified. When the cow approached me and I jerked back a little because the cow was so big, my hand caught the fence and BAM! Just like that I felt a jolt of electricity go through my body to the rubber soles of my feet and back up again. It was the worst feeling ever. I know, I know, many of you have your own electricity stories—I have seen otherwise intelligent students do crazy stuff like lick batteries, and stick knives in sockets to impress friends (really?), but this was the stuff of your nightmares. Newton, the main character in this novel, bears a family curse. He is the last living person in the Stark family line. Every other Stark has died from electrocution, more specifically being struck by lightening. Newton wants to survive, and he thinks that at Jerry Potts School for Survival he can learn how. This book was an easy read, and had interesting (although gross) recipes in it. The chapters are short, the characters interesting, and I learned a lot of new words. Plus, if I ever get stuck out in the forest with only a knife, I think I just might be able to survive now....NOT!

Notes from the Dog
by Gary Paulsen
Finn plans on doing nothing during his summer off before entering the 9^th grade and high school—nothing but read and vegetate that is. He has absolutely no plans to interact with people; in fact, he really doesn't like socializing all that much. But when a young, skinny, bald girl sachets up to his doorstep, he finds himself thrown into a crazy summer job, and a summer that makes him wonder if people aren't so bad after all. How can you go wrong with Gary Paulsen? (author of Hatchet & How Angel Peterson Got His Name ya'll). Just when you think this novel is getting a bit too serious, Finn or his best friend Matthew come up with one-liners and jokes that would make Chris Rock jealous. These two guys crack on each other like only guys can...(you male Wolves know what I'm talking about)..but you can feel the love. This book is short, it's interesting, it's funny, and it's a page turner. Read it.

Closed for the Season
by Mary Downing Hahn
What would you do if you moved into a new house and you found out that an old lady was found murdered inside? That's what happens to Logan when he and his parents move to a new house in a small town. The good part about this mystery is that Logan's new friend, Arthur (who he really doesn't want to be friends with), is a very strong character. He's funny (without knowing it), gutsy (he stands up to bullies), has no manners (as evidenced by his tendency to take food without asking), and smart (he loves to read). In short—he's the most annoying human being on the planet. He is, however, entertaining. The weakness of the story is its creep-factor. I expected some ghosts to drop in or something, but that was not the case. I mean, the cover rocks. The thing is it's more a mystery than a creepy ghost story so be not deceived. If you want to read a mystery, dive in. But I warn you, it's possible you may guess the villain(s) early in the book (or perhaps not). But I guess that depends on how much of a Sherlock Holmes you really are.

Houdini The Handcuff King
by Jason Lutes and Nick Bertozzi
And yes, this graphic novel is AR.
Part graphic novel, part short historical documentation, I found this story about Ehrich Weiss, a.k.a. Houdini, very interesting and easy to read, even though the writers aren't exactly sure if they guessed Houdini's escape methods accurately. In this day and age, Magician Chris Angel is burning up the tube, but back then, before T.V., the entire nation (and the world actually) all knew who the Magician Houdini was. It was said that no bonds, no matter how strong, could hold him. The only bonds that got him in the end were the bonds of death—but even that didn't come through one of his escape artist routines. In fact, his death has a lot to do with his personality. If you want to know more, read this short little number and maybe you can guess the reason for Houdini's demise.

Catching Fire
by Suzanne Collins
Phenomenal, amazing, breathtaking, astonishing, astounding, mind-boggling...is that enough to say how wonderful part two of The Hunger Games is? I can't tell you much about this masterpiece without giving away the secrets...no spoilers here. I will tell you that Gale doesn't play as much a part in this second installment as everyone thought he might. In fact, it seemed like Kat and Peeta got closer than ever in this novel. But Gale's out there...lurking, and I, for one, would like to see how he might fare in hand-to-hand combat. Might that be in the future? Caution, this epic is bloody, gory and revolutionary. The citizens of the outlying districts are enraged...just how much longer will the capitol district be able to maintain the dictatorship? Guess I will be biting my nails until the book three comes out, and it doesn't even have a name yet...grrr....

The Red Blazer Girls
by Michael D. Bell
Lone Star Title
Calling all math geniuses! The girls from St. Veronica's Catholic School stumble across a secret passageway that takes them on a quest to find something very special, something hidden over twenty years ago right in New York City. Strangely enough, the answers to the quest are hidden in a series of riddles that test the girls' knowledge of algebra and geometry. Sound boring? I think not. It's fun to see how the girls work together and reason over daily visits to the local cafe “Perkatory,” which just happens to be right next to a church. The dialogue is snappy, the antagonist is sneaky (you don't even figure out who the villain is until the end) the girls are quite amusing, as well as smart. There's a little love interest sparking at the end, but it's not over-the-top. Just enough to make me want to read a second edition (if there is one, and I hope there is).

The Switch
by Anthony Horowitz
Imagine being a millionaire, you want for nothing. Ipod? You have three. Flat Screen? Whatever—that technology is so yesterday. Car? Um, do you want to drive your Porsche today or your Jaguar? That's Tad's life being the son of a tycoon. His dad sells all-natural beauty creams that have never been tested on animals. The public eats up the product. But one day Tad makes a wish, and when he wakes up he is in the grossest, poorest possible surroundings and inside of a stranger's body. In fact, the only thing that might be worse is being homeless—wait a minute—that might actually be better. Sucked into a life of crime and poverty, Tad must find a way to get back to the life he knows and loves. But while he is searching, he stumbles across a secret that rocks his world and shows him that he can really never go back. This is a quick read, easy to understand, fast chapters, and head-spinning action. I highly recommend it to those of you who groove on spy-like mysteries.

 Night Wings
by Joseph Bruchac
Paul lives on Mount Washington with his Grandfather, a place that sounds peaceful enough, but that Paul's people, the Native American Abenaki tribe, know holds a dark secret. The legendary creature Pmola is giant, ink-black, and razor clawed; Pmola deserves respect and he guards a great treasure. Paul and his grandfather would never purposefully provoke Pmola's anger. That is until Darby Fields, an egotistical TV star who produces shows about legendary creatures, blows into town, and Paul and his Grandfather are forced to face the creature head-on. If you like short chapters (I mean like 2-3 pages tops!) action, and lots of creepy mystery, then this is the book for you. I enjoyed reading it. In fact, I knocked the whole novel out in two nights, which is unusual for me. I'd finish a short chapter and then just have to go on to the next one. Why? Because every chapter ended in a cliffhanger, and I had to see if the evil Mothman-like creature would kill everyone in its path...and trust me, you'll feel the same way.

Chains
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Imagine you were in the worst prison imaginable—one where you had to work for someone else every day--and your prison sentence wasn't even fixed, you have no idea when you will be freed. You only know that your freedom will come when the warden of that prison dies. The day arrives, you are packing your meager belongings so that you can be released and start your new life, and the guard walks in and says you are to be transferred before the funeral. There will be no release for you. You can only hope for a new prison where the warden is less cruel than the last. This is Isobel's fate. She and her sister Ruth were promised freedom, but when her owner dies she and her sister are handed over to another owner and sold away. It's the American Revolution—every good American wants freedom—but only for themselves, not for the slaves. This novel is irony at its sweetest. How can a group of people who want to be free so badly not care about the fate of the people who serve them? You don't have to like historical fiction to like this novel. It's a survival story with a cliffhanger ending. The chapters aren't short, but there is enough action to move the story on and keep your interest. I don't know if there will be a part two, but it would be interesting to see if Isobel seeks revenge for the abuse she's suffered....

Prophecy of the Sisters
by Michelle Zink

All the Broken Pieces
by Ann E. Burg
Lone Star Title
Imagine you waking up tomorrow morning to the sounds of bombs exploding and smoke so thick in the air that you need to put a bandana around your mouth to breathe. That was Matt Pin's experience up until he was 10 years old. You see, Matt grew up in Vietnam during the Vietnam war. You may have heard about that time in the United States (not long ago) when our troops were fighting a war in Vietnam, just like they are in Iraq now. When Matt's brother stepped on a land mine and his arms and legs were blown from body, Matt's life changed forever. His mother gave Matt up for adoption, and now he is growing up in the United States where people see his face and blame him for the deaths of all the soldiers that died in Vietnam. That's a heavy load to bear for anyone, let alone a kid like Matt. The thing about this book is that it's written in verse—that means its like poetry that doesn't rhyme that tells a story. It reads really fast, and since Matt is a gifted pitcher in baseball, you have the whole season championship story going on too. I really liked this book. It was interesting, artfully written, easy to read, and had the sports angle going. It made me think, “what if that was me?” and books that do that always snag my interest.

Who's Buried in the Garden?
By Ray Villereal
Did you know the word “gullible” is not in the dictionary? Just kidding! Seriously folks, the three guys in this book are gullible all the way from the food fight on page one to the bitter end. When Artie Mendoza thinks that the old lady down the street has murdered her husband and buried him in the back yard, his two best friends, Josh and Wolf Man are horrified. Together, they form a plan to expose the old woman's evil deeds. This book is an easy read with lots of funny “guy humor” moments. The chapters were really short, which makes the book a fast read too. On the downside, if you don't speak Spanish, you may not understand some of the things people say, because the author sprinkles the speech of the characters with their native language. On the upside, it's a funny book, and pretty good study of what happens when one allows a self-centered friend to control you.

Anything but Typical
by Nora Raleigh Baskin
“All we are, all we can be, are the stories we tell,” says the writing teacher to Jason Blake. And the words ring true, because Jason is autistic and he doesn't feel normal in “neurotypical” (or “normal”-minded world). He finds he can only express himself through writing; and when he meets a girl online, Rebecca, that could become his first friend ever, his writing begins to free him from the feeling that he doesn't fit in. But, will Jason be able to meet Rebecca face to face and still feel free? This novel was easy to read, with short chapters that really made the pages flip. But, it lacked something. Maybe there didn't seem to be much of a conflict because I had a hard time relating to Jason since I'm “neurotypical” myself. Plus, I figured that Rebecca wasn't going to know Jason much outside of the Internet, so what did it matter if she liked him or not? It's easy to pretend on the Internet. A better story would have been for Jason to meet someone he could actually develop a real, and not “cyber” relationship with. Over all, a pretty forgettable book.

Heart of a Shepherd
by Rosanne Perry
When I was in college, guys in my class were called up to go fight in Desert Storm. Right in the middle of the semester these guys had to quit going to school and go to war. I was really freaked out by that because they were my classmates and some of them my friends. Have you ever known someone who had to go to Iraq? If so, you may relate to this book even better than me. Brother, the son of a long line of soldiers, is left to run the family farm in Oregon with only his grandparent's guidance when his dad is called up to go to Iraq, and his brothers go off to military school. The burden is almost too much for 6^th grade Brother to bear, and he doesn't quite understand his father's commitment to the troops over his own family. But as time passes, and things grow more difficult, Brother begins to understand the importance of community, and that he must find his own path in life—a path that may not be the same as the men who came before him. I loved this book. I learned about how hard ranching and farming is, and how hard it is to have someone you love go away to war. If you want a short book that will keep your attention and keep you rooting for the main character, this is it.

The Rock and The River
by Kekla Magoon
Sam, 13, son of the peaceful Civil Rights Activist, Roland Childs, is caught in the middle when his older brother, Steven, a.k.a. “Stick” begins to spend time with members of the Black Panther Party. When Stick brings a gun into the house, Sam feels stuck in the middle between his father's values and the values of his brother. Will he choose the more peaceful and passive means of resistance in his own fight for civil rights, or what he thinks may be the more active but militant methods of the Panthers? Either way, identifying his own beliefs will disappoint part of his family. It isn't until a tragic turn of events that Sam finally chooses the right way for him. This book will walk you down the razor's edge of the Civil Rights movement. All those classes you had about Martin Luther King Jr., and all that you may have heard about the Black Panther Party will come to life in these pages. When I read this book, I finally understood the difference between these two groups—and it didn't even feel like I was reading about history. I nearly cried at the conclusion; and Sam's choice made me think hard about what path I might have chosen in his shoes.

If the Witness Lied

by Caroline Cooney

Part mystery, part drama, this novel makes the reader think. Could you love your brother if his birth caused the death of your mother? What if it caused the death of your father too? And who would take care of you if your parents were gone? The little brother in this family, Tris, seems to tear the family apart--that is until the siblings start to uncover evidence that perhaps Tris wasn't the cause of his parents' death after all. While this novel is not as riveting as Cooney's other mysteries (Code Orange for example) it does manage to keep the reader's attention.  I would, however, like to have seen more action in the pages, and more suspense. As the novel stands now, there are only two scenes that made me bite my nails, and that's not nearly enough for me.  I also was a little disappointed with the outcome--I could spot the real killer a mile away--and that's never good for a mystery.

Million Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica

Nate has the football arm NFL recruiters only dream about. But when his best friend Abby hooks him up with a chance of a lifetime, suddenly his arm won't cooperate. Everything is on the line, and if Nate's arm fails him, he will not only let himself down, but everyone he loves. This novel rocks! First of all, it feels realistic. I mean, most of us know what it's like to live in a house that is tight on money and doesn't have a lot of extra cash to throw around. Some of you may have parents who work two jobs, or maybe you even have a part time job yourself to help take the strain off the parents. Either way, you will feel for Nate and won't be able to put this book down--and when Nate's moment comes, you'll be holding your breath and crossing your fingers that he succeeds--just like I did.

Jane in Bloom

by Deborah Lytton

Anyone with a popular older brother or sister knows what it's like to live in the shadow of a super-star sibling.  That's Jane's situation. Her older sister Lizzie is beautiful, popular and perfect--with the exception of her one flaw--she doesn't think she's beautiful. Lizzie has an eating disorder. She is anorexic and bulimic, and her sickness literally tears the family apart. Every teen should read this novel and parents too. Jane in Bloom reveals how harmful eating disorders can be, not only to the person with the illness, but to everyone around her (or him). This novel helps readers to see the reality of the sickness through the eyes of Jane; there is no beauty in being anorexic, only ugliness.

The Juvie Three

By Gordan Korman

All you have to say is that Korman wrote a book and you know it’s going to be good—this little gem is no exception.  Three hard-core felons are sprung from Juvie by a do-gooder, Douglas Healy, who wants to save the boys from a life of jail and dead ends.  Gecko, a thief and road racer, Terence, a gang-banger, and Arjay, convicted of murder, can’t believe their good luck at getting out of jail and moving into a halfway house in NYC, but each of the three have different reasons, and one of them is going to put them all in jeopardy—not just of going back to jail, but of becoming killers. Can you say irony? If you don’t know what that word means, read this book and expect the unexpected. If you lack street cred pass this one up, but if you want to read about what goes down in urban settings I highly recommend it.

The Kinds of Friends We Used to Be

By Francis O’Roark Dowell
So, this novel is supposed to be about Kate and Marilyn who are BFF’s and are now in middle school and have to work hard to keep that friendship alive. The thing is I hardly remember anything about either Kate or Marilyn because so many other characters keep popping up that I feel like I have to keep a chart to keep track of them all. The only stand-out fact is that Kate plays a guitar and Marilyn is a cheer leader. It’s your average book about doing what’s right and growing up strong, yada, yada—which is great—but since the book is totally unoriginal, it comes off as being little more than a cliché. In short, this book has been written before and done better by other authors. Not my favorite read of the year, and one I would pass on for more creative books about the same topic (see A Certain Strain of Peculiar & Waiting for Normal review).

 The Last Invisible Boy
by Evan Kohlman
I am of a split mind about this book. It is very unique, coupling the voice of a young man named Finn, who has just lost his dad (we find out how his dad died late in the novel) with Finn's drawings. My father died when I was young, (not as young as Finn, but young) and I can remember the profound sadness that I felt. The death of a person you love is never easy, especially when it's a surprise...and so it's to be expected that the novel will not be upbeat, funny, or perky. So I won't say that I loved the book. But when Finn tells stories about things he and his dad and brother did together in Ohio, I would place the book on the table, close my eyes and think. I have memories like that (and we all do). And so, I have to give this book a good review, because it made me remember my father's story. And in the words of Finn, “I have named myself the keeper...Whose stories are you guarding?”

Waiting for Normal
by Leslie Connor
Addie's mother wins the evil mother award. I thought some of the other books I read had evil moms (see Absolutely Maybe by Lisa Yee review below). But Addie's mom, a.k.a. “Mommers” is likely the most selfish human being on the planet. Mommers has a boyfriend who doesn't know that Addie exists, and Mommers goes away and sleeps at his house for days at a time. Meanwhile, Addie has to hope the food Mommers leaves behind is enough to keep her fed until the next time Mommers drops by. Addie even spends holidays alone. Her only break from the misery is when her ex-stepdad, Dwight, and her two sisters pick her up to visit. But those visits are few and far between...the suspense that builds in each chapter as things grow worse and worse for Addie kept the pages flipping for me. Mommers was a character I loved to hate...you'll have to let me know if you dislike her as much as I did.

Absolutely Maybe
Lisa Yee
What would it take to make someone want to run away from home? Maybelline (named after her mother's favorite makeup brand) runs when she is accused of something by her mother that is so awful most of us couldn't even say it out loud. Maybe (her nickname) possibly has the most monstrous mother in fiction—a former beauty queen named Chessy Chestnut who does nothing but insult and pester Maybe all day long, and who goes through marriages like a whale goes through krill. Thankfully, Maybe has a hilarious best friend named Ted (whose real, Thai name is impossible to pronounce) and a second-best friend named Hollywood who wants to make documentaries for a living. The three of them road trip to California, and the dialogue alone that flies amongst them is worth reading the book for. This novel has it all, loads of laughs, moments that bring the reader close to tears and a plot that continues to be surprising. Perhaps one of the few “chick” books that doesn't read one bit like a “chick” book.

Black Book of Secrets
by F.E. Higgins
LONE STAR BOOK
Ludlow Fitch runs away from his alcoholic parents and the violent streets of London to a small village named Pagus Parvias. The village is the home of the evil and notorious Jeremiah Ratchett, who gambles by night and harasses his renters by day. He is the worst kind of landlord—one who increases the amount of rent the moment it is late—and forces residents to perform horrible deeds to keep a roof over their heads. That is until Joe Zibbidou moves into town and opens a pawn shop. Strange things begin to happen at the pawn shop in the dead of night, and Ludlow begins to discover that perhaps Jeremiah Ratchett is not the only person who does bad things. This novel is dark and creepy, with a few gruesome parts. Think Sweeney Todd, although this novel is more of the PG 13 version. It will keep your attention, but it might also keep you up at night!

I.Q. Independence Hall
by Roland Smith
LONE STAR BOOK
This adventure novel had my attention quickly, because it featured two kids whose parents were rock stars. Because of this, Quest (a.ka. “Q” for short) and Angelica get to be out of school and travel across the country in a giant, tricked out, R.V. What could be more exciting? But the more I read, the more confused I got. Three different spy organizations, the Mossad (or Israeli spies), the C.I.A., and the F.B.I., all are after the two kids, but I really never figured out why. Even though Angelica's real mom has a lot to do with the spies tailing the kids, I just don't buy that she was enough reason for the special agents of two different countries to care about the daily movements of two teenagers. Even at the resolution I just felt skeptical, frustrated, and glad the novel was over. Maybe you will feel differently and can explain what I'm missing.

Found
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
When Chip finds out that he is adopted, he goes to Jonas, his adopted friend, for advice. While Jonas doesn't really worry about finding his adoptive parents, Chip does, and the two of them start snooping around Chip's house for clues. They discover way more than what they asked for—clues to not only Chip's birth parents and his true identity, but to Jonas's past as well. And their true identity threatens to destroy the only lives they have known, and take them from the people they love the most. An easy read (even though it looks long) with a ending that suggests more answers will be provided in book two, Found promises to be a popular series amongst those who like easy reads...but serial readers (those who read a lot) may not enjoy it as much.

Juliet's Moon
by Ann Rinaldi
If you like the Civil War and learning more facts about the history of this period, then this book is for you! Juliet's brother, Seth, is a member of the Quantrill Raiders...a little-known group of guerilla soldiers who were sympathetic to the Confederate cause. When Juliet is captured by Yankees and accused of treason because her brother is a member, she endures numerous hardships while she awaits her rescue or the payment of her ransom. Famous members of the Quantrill Raiders included Jesse James and Sue Mundy. Even though the story is told through the eyes of a girl and the cover is terrible, the novel is a fantastic read! The chapters are short, there's tons of action, and the reader will learn a great deal they didn't know about the Civil War.

Sam's fed up, and rightly so. Her dad is a boozer--a lush. He constantly makes promises he can't keep and disappoints the family on a daily basis. He's the last person Sam can count on. Still, she keeps his secret and never invites a friend over for fear that they may find out her family secret, even when her father does something terrible. Out of desperation Sam decides to leave a note in the library anonymously asking for help from a high school student. She gets an answer, but not exactly as she expected to...Lush, by Natasha Friend, is about what it means to live with a (barely) functioning alcoholic. I thought the story rang true although I think Friend went a little easy on the drama in the house. I mean, when someone is an alcoholic things can get really bad, and the author only included a few examples of how Dad's behavior hurt those around him. But the dialogue made me chuckle here and there despite the subject. I also liked how new surprises appeared in the middle of the book, helping to keep me motivated to read on. Answer me this one question, readers, the librarian at their school was mean; why does the librarian in books always have to be so mean?

Frost Bite