Sequel Mania

As I was getting ready to publish this blog, I realized that every one of these books is a sequel. Three of them are the final in the series, but the other two are in the middle somewhere. And the book I am reading today is also a sequel. I have to tell you - that drives my son crazy - sequels that is. He prefers his books to be singles. I think he really doesn't like series because he is so impatient for the next one. He and me daughter always snatching books out of my ples of reading. The two of them read faster than I do! So here are some pretty great sequels for you and your students.

Haddix, Margaret Among the Free, 194 p. Simon and Schuster – Luke had been working in the stables at the Population Police headquarters for some time when he is taken on a patrol designed to issue new ID cards to the entire population simultaneously. When an old lady refuses to comply, Luke is ordered to shoot her; instead he makes a bold decision, leading to more decision which may change the course of his country’s history forever. This is an excellent end to the Shadow Children series. Plain, unembellished language brings the series to a swiftly moving, engrossing end. EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

Westerfeld, Scott Specials, 372 p. Simon and Schuster – Tally has been turned into a Cutter – ceramic bones, super healing and extra icy. Along with her friend Shay and the other Cutters, Tally sets in motion world-changing events involving every important figure Tally has ever come in contact with. The end of Tally’s story is filled with excitement, action, adventure and plenty of twists and turns. I did struggle with the feeling that Tally was just constantly being used by everyone around her, but with all of the excitement, plot sometimes takes a back burner. Tally’s final decision, while I think it was inevitable, was made incredibly quickly, but I still enjoyed the ride. MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

Zahn, Timothy Dragon and Herdsman, 299 p. Tom Doherty Associates – 4th in the Dragonback series. When one of Jack Morgan’s schemes to get information about the K’da enemies fails, he is joined in flight by Alice Kayna from his mercenary days. The group flees to a planet where they discover primitive K’da, Phooka, which they must protect also they also try to escape their enemies. Ambushes, sneak attacks, stealthy moves and quick thinking help this book move along. As this is the fourth book in the series, I hope we are nearing the end, as only one major plot point was revealed and that one was a surprise for the last couple of pages of the book. Jack is resourceful enough and Dracos is smart enough that I could wish for a little more. Not the best of the series. In fact, the author has yet to top number one! MS, HS – ADVISABLE (but only if you already own the series)

Meyer, Stephanie New Moon, p. – Return to Forks and the romance between human Bella and vampire Edward. Stir in a few werewolves and some really ancient vampires from Italy to spice things up. I am going to give away absolutely zero plot points in this review. The novel is excellently written. Even though you know it is setting things up for further books (one book?), you will still keep reading straight through until the end. MS, HS-ESSENTIAL

Delaney, Joseph The Last Apprentice: Curse of the Bane, 462 p. HarperCollins – Tom Ward and his master, the Spook, must confront the Bane with the help of Alice, Tom’s witchy friend, who is turning further to the dark side. Very dark and full of creepy ways to conquer evil. If you district tried to ban Harry Potter, you don’t want to add these books. On the other hand, if you students can tell the difference between make believe and reality and like spooky stuff, then by all means get this. I do not recommend this series for elementary students at all. MS-ADVISABLE

Barron, T.A. The Eternal Flame, 293 p. (and an extensive appendix) Penguin – Tamwyn, Elli, Brionna and Scree each have separate and essential parts to play during the final battle over the fate of Avalon. With the help of their many friends they may just find a way to defeat Rhita Gawr and his minions forever. I have been read several books with a lot of action lately and this one does not disappoint. I was worried that the author was handling too many points of view, but I should have had more faith. Elementary and middle school fantasy readers will enjoy this series. EL, MS – ADVISABLE

Barry, Dave and Ridley Pearson Peter and the Shadow Thieves, 541 p. Hyperion – Peter is settling happily onto the island and especially enjoys tormenting Captain Hook, as he now calls Black Stache. Then another enemy returns to the island, bringing greater danger as one of the Others comes seeking the chest of starstuff. In order to protect Molly and her family, Peter must make the long voyage to England. From the cover of the book, you may expect a retelling of Peter and Wendy’s adventure. Instead, you getting a rollicking tale that sets you up for more adventures to come – adventures you will look for with impatience. EL, MS – ESSENTIAL