Search for the Red Dragon by James Owens - ESSENTIAL

Owen, James A. The Search for the Red Dragon, pgs.368 Simon and Schuster, Inc. 

Language-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G; 

EL,MS-ESSENTIAL. 

It's been nine years since John, Jack, and Charles had their adventure in the Archipelago of Dreams and became Caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica. Now they are going back to save the Archipelago again, this time someone has been stealing the children of the Archipelago. Their only clue is a message from an odd girl with artificial wings: "The Crusade has begun." Worse, all the dragon ships have gone as well. Now they have to save the children, find the Red Dragon, figure out who has been stealing the children, and head to the Underneath. 

Sequel to Here there be Dragons. A very humorous book but read the first book first or you won't get a lot of things. 

Student Reviewer:RH
Owen, James A. The Search for the Red Dragon, pgs.368 Simon and Schuster, Inc. Launguage-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G; It's been nine years since John, Jack, and Charles had their adventure in the Archipelago of Dreams and became Caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica. Now they are going back to save the Archipelago again, this time someone has been stealing the children of the Archipelago. Their only clue is a message from a odd girl with artificial wings: "The Crusade has begun." Worse, all the dragon ships have gone as well. Now they have to save the children, find the Red Dragon, figure out who has been stealing the children, and head to the Underneath. Sequel to Here there be Dragons. A very humorous book but read the first book first or you won't get a lot of things. EL,MS-ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer:RH

The Crow by Alison Croggon - ESSENTIAL

Croggon, Alison The Crow, 483 pages. Candlewick Press.

Language-G, Sexual Content-G, Violence-PG-13 

MS, HS-ESSENTIAL. 

The Crow is the third installment in the series the Books of Pellinor. It tells the next segment of the tale from the point of view of Hem, a young man who has been an orphan and friendless until meeting his sister Maerad, the protagonist of the series, in a past installment. But while Maerad traveled north, Hem went south with his mentor to learn how to use his gift to its full potential. But war is approaching from the Iron Tower, and the south is no longer safe. Hem, and his mentor are forced to flee. But as they attempt to escape, Hem and another orphan, Zelika, plan to investigate the dark tactics being used against their home.

Although The Crow is very different when compared to its predecessors, it was still very intriguing and has vital points that are sure to carry on to the climax of the series. The content of the book was darker the than previous novels, but still a great read! 

Student Reviewer: KR
Croggon, Alison The Crow, 483 pages. Candlewick Press. Language-G, Sexual Content-G, Violence-PG-13 - ; The Crow is the third installment in the series the Books of Pellinor. It tells the next segment of the tale from the point of view of Hem, a young man who has been an orphan and friendless until meeting his sister Maerad, the protagonist of the series, in a past installment. But while Maerad traveled north, Hem went south with his mentor to learn how to use his gift to its full potential. But war is approaching from the Iron Tower, and the south is no longer safe. Hem, and his mentor are forced to flee. But as they attempt to escape, Hem and another orphan, Zelika, plan to investigate the dark tactics being used against their home.--Although The Crow is very different when compared to its predecessors, it was still very intriguing and has vital points that are sure to carry on to the climax of the series. The content of the book was darker the than previous novels, but still a great read! MS/HS-ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: KR

Sure Fire by Jack Higgins - ESSENTIAL

Higgins, Jack with Justin Richards Sure Fire, 224 p. Penguin, 2007. 

MS - ESSENTIAL

Rich and Jade's mother has just died and now they find themselves saddled with a dad whom they had never even heard of. Well, he's never heard of them either, but they must try to live together. Dad is trying to shuffle them off to boarding school, but before he even gets a chance, he is kidnapped; the only reason the kids know is that they followed him when he snuck out of the apartment. Now all three of them are running for their lives and only fast wits, smart plans and family togetherness will save the world and their lives along with it. 

I sure hope that there are going to be many more titles involving the Chance family, because they are fantastic. They are just as good as the Cherub series and I don't remember a single swear word, which makes them even better! 

Cindy

Higgins, Jack with Justin Richards Sure Fire, 224 p. Penguin, 2007. Rich and Jade's mother has just died and now they find themselves saddled with a dad whom they had never even heard of. Well, he's never heard of them either, but they must try to live together. Dad is trying to shuffle them off to boarding school, but before he even gets a chance, he is kidnapped; the only reason the kids know is that they followed him when he snuck out of the apartment. Now all three of them are running for their lives and only fast wits, smart plans and family togetherness will save the world and their lives along with it. I sure hope that there are going to be many more titles involving the Chance family, because they are fantastic. They are just as good as the Cherub series and I don't remember a single swear word, which makes them even better! MS - ESSENTIAL

Secret Life of a Teenage Siren by Wendy Toliver - ADVISABLE

Toliver, Wendy The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren 281pages, Simon Pulse. 

Language PG13- Sexual Content PG- Violence G

MS-HS - ADVISABLE 

Roxy is a band geek. She can barely get cute guys to notice her, much less date her. Then on her birthday she turns into a Siren: incredibly beautiful with the power to control all men. Now she can get a guy to do anything she wants with just a few notes from her flute. There are two rules though; you can't tell anyone about being a Siren, and you can't fall in love. When she starts dating Zach, the guy everybody's crushing on she realizes she could get used to being a Siren…but how can she not fall in love? 

A great book for teens that enjoy a fun romantic comedy. 

Student Reviewer: RH

Dusssie by Nancy Springer - ADVISABLE

Springer, Nancy Dusssie, 166 p. Walker (Bloomsbury), 2007. 

EL, MS - ADVISABLE

Along with puberty, Medusa "Dusie" Gorgon has inherited a head of snakes. Though interesting and kind of cute, the snakes do not make for a fashionable hairdo. Now Dusie is stuck at home, trying to come to terms with her new "friends", while keep her real friends in the dark. She also needs to figure out how correct her biggest mistake - turning the cutest boy in school into stone. 

Extremely cute, with a great ending. A fine addition to stories based on mythology. 


Springer, Nancy Dusssie, 166 p. Walker (Bloomsbury), 2007. Along with puberty, Medusa "Dusie" Gorgon has inherited a head of snakes. Though interesting and kind of cute, the snakes do not make for a fashionable hairdo. Now Dusie is stuck at home, trying to come to terms with her new "friends", while keep her real friends in the dark. She also needs to figure out how correct her biggest mistake - turning the cutest boy in school into stone. Extremely cute, with a great ending. A fine addition to stories based on mythology. EL, MS - ADVISABLE

Blood Brother by Malcolm Rose - ESSENTIAL

Rose, Malcolm Blood Brother (Traces #6), 219 p. Kingfisher (Houghton), 2008. 

MS - ESSENTIAL

Still recovering from his last forensic investigation, Luke Harding is called in to investigate a series of mysterious death statistics at the hospital that saved him. Not only does he find his birth parents, but he also thinks his own father may be the culprit. But Luke and his MALC (Mobile Aid to Law and Crime) will investigate thoroughly and carefully all of the twists and turns and secrets before bringing the investigation to a close. 

There are now six books in this series, all in paperback; if your students love Horowitz, this is a good series to move on to. 


Rose, Malcolm Blood Brother, 219 p. Kingfisher (Houghton), 2008. Still recovering from his last forensic investigation, Luke Harding is called in to investigate a series of mysterious death statistics at the hospital that saved him. Not only does he find his birth parents, but he also thinks his own father may be the culprit. But Luke and his MALC (Mobile Aid to Law and Crime) will investigate thoroughly and carefully all of the twists and turns and secrets before bringing the investigation to a close. There are now six books in this series, all in paperback; if your students love Horowitz, this is a good series to move on to. MS - ESSENTIAL

Airman by Eoin Colfer - ESSENTIAL

Colfer, Eoin Airman, 412 p. Hyperion, 2008. 

MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Conor Broekhart was born in a hot air balloon and grew up beloved by his little island nation, especially after he saved the life of his best friend, the island's princess, Isabella. After several wonderful years of education and friendship, however, an evil man frames Conor for the murder of his king and now Conor is stuck, at the island's vicious prison. Targeted for death, he manages to somehow survive, always plotting a plan to escape, always looking for that perfect moment. That moment happens to arrive with the coronation of Isabella as Queen. But now Conor has to decide between just escaping and running off to America to build a new life, or staying and saving his Queen and his country. 

If you thought that Artemis Fowl was great - you ain't seen nothin' yet! Colfer has hit a fantastic stride with this exciting and dangerous novel (not for elementary)! 

Cindy
Colfer, Eoin Airman, 412 p. Hyperion, 2008. Conor Broekhart was born in a hot air balloon and grew up beloved by his little island nation, especially after he saved the life of his best friend, the island's princess, Isabella. After several wonderful years of education and friendship, however, an evil man frames Conor for the murder of his king and now Conor is stuck, at the island's vicious prison. Targeted for death, he manages to somehow survive, always plotting a plan to escape, always looking for that perfect moment. That moment happens to arrive with the coronation of Isabella as Queen. But now Conor has to decide between just escaping and running off to America to build a new life, or staying and saving his Queen and his country. If you thought that Artemis Fowl was great - you ain't seen nothin' yet! Colfer has hit a fantastic stride with this exciting and dangerous novel (not for elementary)! MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Ruby Key by Holly Lisle - ESSENTIAL

Lisle, Holly The Ruby Key, 368 p. Scholastic (Print Date: May 2008). Genna and Dan are desperate to find their father and save their mother, before she is forced to marry the village's new chieftain. What they don't know, however, is that their incredible journey is destined to save more than one race of peoples. Cunning will be needed and danger must be encountered along every step of the way as the two and their companions try to satisfy the demands of the nightling king without getting themselves killed or betraying those they love. A really hard-hitting start, a little slower in the middle and then a big rush to a fine conclusion, with a great setup for at least one sequel. This book can easily span all three levels of school libraries. Lisle has made a smooth transition into the teen fantasy market - check out her adult level fantasy if you haven't already. EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIALLisle, Holly The Ruby Key, 368 p. Scholastic (Print Date: May 2008). 

EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Genna and Dan are desperate to find their father and save their mother, before she is forced to marry the village's new chieftain. What they don't know, however, is that their incredible journey is destined to save more than one race of peoples. 

Cunning will be needed and danger must be encountered along every step of the way as the two and their companions try to satisfy the demands of the nightling king without getting themselves killed or betraying those they love. A really hard-hitting start, a little slower in the middle and then a big rush to a fine conclusion, with a great setup for at least one sequel. This book can easily span all three levels of school libraries. Lisle has made a smooth transition into the teen fantasy market - check out her adult level fantasy if you haven't already. 

Hex Education by Gould and Zarren

Gould, Emily and Zarren Jaffrey Hex Education, 182 p. Razorbill (Penguin), 2007. Sophie's parents have dragged her from the twinkling lights of LA to the dark and dank town of her Dad's childhood - Mythic Massachusetts. They have been called back sop that her horror movie-making dad can help rescue the depressed town and turn around its tourist industry. What Sophie doesn't know, however, is that she is the final and most powerful member of this generation's coven; and her powers are needed right now to save the town for possible destruction. Cute, fun and a good little witch story. MS - ADVISABLE

Questors by Joan Lennon - ESSENTIAL

Lennon, Joan Questors, 359 p. McElderry (Simon and Schuster), 2007. 

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

Three children are taken from the lives they know, thrown together in a strange place and then told that not only are they siblings, but that their destiny is to save all three of their worlds. Thus begins the journey of Madlen, Bryn and Cam, three teens sent across the dimensions to find "something", not even their mentors know what. 

Tight and action-packed, this novel is a perfect piece of fantasy fiction (except for four swear words). Instead of spreading the story out through a trilogy, all three worlds and all three problems are very neatly wrapped up within one fascinating book. The good is just good enough and the bad is just bad and just crazy enough to satisfy the readers. 

CINDY

Cam's Quest by Dian Regan - ADVISABLE

Regan, Dian Curtis Cam's Quest, 334 p. Darby Creek, 2007. 

MS - ADVISABLE

Princess Quinn's father is determined to have her married off - and soon. So she suffers through endless balls meeting endless prince's who do absolutely nothing for her. But Quinn in pinning for Adam, the boy she left behind in the world above. Meanwhile, Cam, the wizard's apprentice is cast loose from his home; he wants so badly to offer for Quinn's hand, buts dares not, because he has no idea of his family and origins. The answers for both teens lie in the world above. 

It has been a long time since the original publication of Princess Nevermore, and I honestly thought thee would never be a sequel. Thank goodness Ms. Regan proved me wrong. Cam's Quest is a nice adventure tied up in a romance with just the right amount of magic and danger. 

CINDY

The Hour of the Cobra by Maiya Williams - ADVISABLE

Williams, Maiya The Hour of the Cobra, 290 p. Amulet (Harry Abrams), 2006. 

EL, MS - ADVISABLE

Xanthe, Xavier, Rowan and Nina are back for further adventures. They are going back in time with Aunt Agatha on a special mission to Ancient Egypt. The conflict between Xanthe and Xavier, however, escalate to a point where the twins cause a split in the time stream and they find themselves in an alternate reality. Only they can figure out how to repair the damage and save everyone from their original home. 

This novel is quite a fitting sequel to the original Golden Hour. It is a fine piece of adventure fantasy with some good lessons on sibling warfare thrown in. 

CINDY

The Glitch in Sleep by John Hulme - ESSENTIAL

Hulme, John and Michael Wexler The Glitch in Sleep, 254 p. Bloomsbury, 2007.

At the tender age of nine, Becker Drane unknowingly applied for a job with The Seems, the behind the scene peoples who take care of everything that we of The World take for granted. After an apprenticeship, intensive training and some time as a Briefer, Drane has worked his way up to Fixer, the most important job of all of the Seems. But his first job may also be his last, as he is called upon to fix a Glitch - and not just any Glitch, but one in Sleep. If Becker can't find the Glitch, then the World will go into a Ripple Effect, causing upheavals and problems and conflicts that may never be resolved.

A perfect bit of highly entertaining fantasy that you need right now!

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

Pretty Tough by Liz Tigelaar - ADVISABLE

Tigelaar, Liz Pretty Tough, 246 p. 

MS, HS - ADVISABLE

Since one fateful day in the school cafeteria, sisters Krista and Charlie have hated each other with visible vehemence. Now Charlie has been recruited to join Krista's beloved soccer - Krista's senior year, the year she is supposed to be a star. But, Charlie is every bit as good as Krista and has been specifically recruited to transform the team in to a true powerhouse. The two seem to have a truce on the field, but unless the original feud is finally settled, they may ruin everyone's chances of a successfully season, besides ruing any chance they might have of being loving sisters. 

Good soccer, and great drama about sisters and friends and high school in general. There is some talk of teen drinking and Krista's boyfriend is trying to pressure her into sex, but otherwise it is superb. 

CINDY

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott - ESSENTIAL

Scott, Michael The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, 369 p. RandomHouse, 2007. 

MS - ESSENTIAL

Twins Sophie and Josh Newman are caught up in a deadly encounter between the forces for good and evil, right in the middle of the bookshop that Josh works in. Josh's employer, Nick, and the twins survive the encounter, but Nick's wife is kidnapped and it looks as though the bad guys have won the day. But the twins are part of a greater story - and they are the key to keeping the forces of evil at bay. 

This is not the Nicholas Flamel that J.K. Rowling brought to the world's attention, but instead, we have a powerful, active agent for the side of good in modern America. Characters and creatures from myth and reality abound, so students who really want to understand will be well-advised to "know their stuff". But the action and adventure is plenty enough to engage those who just enjoy a great piece of fantasy. 

CINDY

Unwind by Neal Shusterman - ESSENTIAL

Unwind by Neal Shusterman, 335 p. Simon and Schuster, 2007.           

MS - ESSENTIAL

Troublemaker Connor has been sent to be unwound by his parents who are sick and tired of his grating behavior. Orphan Risa is being sent to unwinding by the overcrowded State Home system. Beloved Lev is the tenth child in his family and is being sent to unwinding as a tithe from his religious family. Their lives collide in an explosive way on their journeys. 

This biting social commentary is full of heart, full of suspense, full of fascinating tension. Though the basis of the novel could be extremely controversial, the book is so "freakin' awesome" that it needs to be read far and wide. 

Cindy

Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller - ESSENTIAL

Keller, Laurie Do Unto Otters: A Book about Manners PICTURE BOOK Henry Holt, 2007.
Mr. Rabbit is very worried about his new neighbors. Wise Mr. Owl talks Mr. Rabbit through his anxiety and give him good advice to make nice with the neighbors.
This fun, amazing, joyful book is great for almost every age, especially older classes with Advisory.
EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIALDo Unto Otters Do Unto Otters: A Book About Matters by Laurie Keller. PICTURE BOOK.

EL (K-3), EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

When otters move in next door, Mr. Rabbit is upset.  He goes to his friend Mr. Owl who gives him very wise advise indeed.

Really everyone should read this book, no matter the age.  Very fun, very sage advice about get along with people.  This would be a great way to start every year. 

CINDY

The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney by Suzanne Harper -

Harper, Suzanne The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney, 362 p. Greenwillow (Harper), 2007. 

MS - ESSENTIAL

All of the women in Sparrow's family have the gift of receiving messages from spirits. Sparrow has the quadruple whammy of every gift possible for a spiritualist - but no one in her family knows it, because she has been hiding her talents since she saw her first ghost at the age of five. Now she has been found by a ghost she cannot ignore. The only way she can get her message across is by revealing her talents to the world. 

Fabulous, fun and wonderful to read. 

CINDY

Sight - Adrienne Maria Vrettos

Vrettos, Adrienne Maria Sight, 254 p. McElderry (Simon and Schuster), 2007. Since a school friend was murdered during their kindergarten year, Dylan has been receiving visions - always of kidnapped children, just as they are about to die. Now 15, Dylan has been secretly helping the police. A new girl in town seems set on getting close to Dylan and shaking up her friendships. And, unfortunately, it looks as though The Drifter, the name the town gave to the original murderer, may be back in town. Dylan needs to confide in someone and the time has come for her to embrace her powers. This powerful, intense book will fly off the shelf, but be aware that there are a dozen-ish swear words (including one "f"). Fans of Haddix will adore this. MS - ESSENTIAL

My Mother the Cheerleader by Robert Sharenow - ADVISABLE

Sharenow, Robert My Mother the Cheerleader, 304 pgs. HarperTeen. 

Language-PG, Sexual Content-PG, Violence-PG

MS-ADVISABLE 

Louise lives in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans with her mother, running a boarding house. When Ruby Bridges comes she is pulled out of school and her mother joins the crowd every day jeering at the girl. A man from New York comes and starts changing their lives as he tries to change his. It had the perfect mix of historical fiction and fiction. I learned something while still having a good read. It showed that courage comes in all shapes and sizes. There was a little bit of alcohol. 

Student Reviewer: KD