A Great and Terrible Beauty

by Libba Bray

I have had this book on the pile of "to-reads" since early summer. I finally got a chance to begin. It was completely different from what I was expecting. I found it a little slow to start, but by midway through the book I was enveloped. The characters are young adult girls who are still discovering love, boys, and hormones, so I would definitely read it before letting someone under 16 read it. But it IS clean. I really liked the setting of Victorian England and the idea of magic always makes it more interesting!

***

Fablehaven

by Brandon Mull

GREAT!! Adventure in our world with other-world creatures. Might be a little scary for younger children - could read aloud and edit. Can't wait to read the next one...!

****
p.s. Local author

Catching Fire

By Suzanne Collins

Seriously, couldn't put this down. 2nd book in Hunger Games Series. I'm dying to have to wait until August to find out what happens next! If you haven't read Hunger Games, you must. Then you absolutely HAVE to read Catching Fire. Then we can both be frustrated and anxious together until August!

Love the setting...could be near future (within a lifetime)?
Science fiction is believable, but still fiction.
Romance for your heart, Drama for your head, Intrigue to keep your fingers turning the pages.

****

Reincarnation

By Suzanne Weyn

Interesting story of two people meeting, knowing each other throughout different periods of history. They never quite get together, but always feel a distinct connection. Not a good read if you are questioning your testimony of who you are and where did you come from. Excellent read if you don't need reaffirmation of your own pre-existence and purpose in this life.
The connection between these two people is what kept me reading!!
Dramatic, Romantic, Interesting, CLEAN.

Percy Jackson Series

By Rick Riordan


Young boy. Greek mythology comes to life. I learned A LOT about Mythology and the Greek Gods.
Loved the entire seried. Couldn't stop reading until I had finished them all.

Must read for 6th graders!

Love the characters, plot twists, and present-day setting.

*****

The Secret Life of Bees

By Sue Monk Kidd


Takes place in 1960's South.
White girl. Black friends.
Coming of Age.
Finding Yourself.
Realistic Fiction. Historical Fiction.
Interesting story, a little slow at times, worth finishing.
A few giggles, a lot of tears, moving.

***

Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins

I began reading with excitement. That feeling never left as I read as often as possible. I finished the book in about 4 days. Kept my interest the entire time. Love the elements of science fiction without the confusion of a setting so foreign I get lost. Simple, exciting, intriguing, fantastic! Definitely a good read!

****