1984 by George Orwell

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publish Date: July 1950
ISBN: 0451524934
Page #: 336pp
Reading Level: Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Science Fiction/Classic

Subjects: Dystopia, Government, London, Politics, Rebellion, Romance, Satire, Totalitarianism

Annotation:

1984 is a warning against centralized government but also against apathy and propaganda. The phrase "big brother is watching you" comes from this classic novel.

Summary:

It is 1984 and the world is divided into three countries that include the entire globe: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. All three of these countries are a totalitarian society led by Big Brother, which censors everyone’s behavior, including their thoughts. Winston Smith lives in London, which is part of the country Oceania. He has become disgusted with the way things are and is tired of living his oppressed lifestyle as he longs to join the fabled Brotherhood, an underground society of rebels who have intent on overthrowing the government. In his endeavors, Winston meets a girl named Julia and they fall in love, though they have to keep this a secret as it is considered a crime. Winston and Julia learn the hard way about who to trust and who not to upon being introduced into the Brotherhood which leads them down a path of despair.

Megan says:

George Orwell is one of those authors who was clearly ahead of his time. 1984 is a fascinating look at a possible future, even in today's world. Written as adult fiction back in 1949, I feel teens will love this dystopia tale as it is not only revelant in our time but a classic of all time. One that everyone should read and experience. In fact, 1984 has been the source of inspiration for many novels, movies, and ideas in general.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

1984 Movie Trailer
1984 Apple's Macintosh Commercial
The complete works of 1984 George Orwell

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Publisher: Random House Childrens Books
Publish Date: March 2005
ISBN: 0385732317
Page #: 432pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy

Series: The Gemma Doyle Series
A Great and Terrible Beauty (2005)
Rebel Angels (2006)
A Sweet Far Thing (2007)

Subjects: Boarding School, Death, Friendship, Ghosts, Gothic, Magic, Romance, Victorian.

Annotation:

It is the 19th century and Gemma Doyle has just witnessed her mother being killed by a strange shadowy creature-though Gemma was not there, this was seen through one of the many visions she has.

Summary:

Gemma Doyle is a sixteen-year-old British girl living in India with her mother and father. That is until the death of her mother, in which Gemma had a vision of. After losing her mother, she is sent to boarding school called Spence Academy in London. She quickly makes a friend in her roommate Ann and falls into the bad graces of the school's most powerful clique. To makes matters more intense Gemma notices a man she once met in India following her. When she starts getting strange visions, she is warned by the mysterious man to ignore them. Gemma does for a while, until her curiosity gets the best of her. Gemma is desperate to find out what this all means and who killed her mother.

Megan says:

Fantasy and historical fiction rolled into one, A Great and Terrible Beauty contains ghosts, mystery, suspense and magic all set in a 19th century all girls boarding school. Though it has all the fantastic elements ultimately it paints a beautiful picture about what life in the 1800's is like for young women and the choices they make along with the struggle to be more than what is expected. All of the characters are complex and intriguing. The supernatural twist to the story keeps you moving along at a steady pace. All in all, Ms. Bray takes you on a mystical quest that is both passionate and terror filled. Teens who love Gothic intrigue along with magical Realms will fall in love with this series.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Libba Bray Website
Libba Bray Live Journal
The Gemma Doyle Trilogy
A Great and Terrible Beauty Trailer

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Publisher: Sterling Pub Co Inc
Publish Date: October 2005
ISBN: 1402725027
Page #: 136pp
Reading Level: 12 and up
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fantasy/Classic

Subjects: Adventure, Fairy Tales, Magic Realism

Annotation:

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is one of the most celebrated children's books of all time. This classic novel is brought to life with vintage illustrations gathered from the late 19th century.

Summary:

Alice begins her surreal adventures when she follows a panic-stricken White Rabbit down a hole into the magical world of Wonderland. While Alice is in Wonderland, she goes on many adventures, witnesses plenty of peculiar events, and meets lots of unusual creatures, including Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the ever-smiling Cheshire Cat, the hookah-smoking Caterpillar, and The March Hare, Mad Hatter, and Dormouse, who invite Alice to the strangest tea-party she has ever attended. All Alice wants to do is go home but her curiosity leads her to more adventures.

Megan says:

Fantastic! Amazing! Perhaps my favorite story of all time, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is not just a fairytale for children it is a deeply meaningful experience as Lewis Carroll takes the reader into the world of Wonderland through the eyes of Alice as she goes on many adventures, witnesses plenty of peculiar events, and meets lots of unusual creatures.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Alice in Wonderland, a Tim Burton Production 2010

Alice in Wonderland, Tim Burton 2010 YouTube

Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Publisher: Random House Childrens Books
Publish Date: September 2007
ISBN: 0385751559
Page #: 420pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Real Life

Subjects: Cancer, Death, Drugs, Friendship, Leukemia, Relationships, Romance, Sex, Teen Pregnancy.

Annotation:

Tessa has only a few months to live so she has made a list of things she wants to do and having sex is number one on that list.

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Tessa has a list of things to do before she dies. She has battled leukemia for four years and her chemotherapy is no longer working, leaving her angry. With that emotion she decides to be defiant and conquer a list of things she has always wanted to experience including: drugs, committing a crime, falling in love and having sex-among other things. Tessa’s relationships with her family, friends, and new boyfriend are all painfully solidified in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out.

Megan says:

This novel is a unique coming-of-age story simultaneously dealing with death about a sixteen year old girl named Tessa. The story is revealed through Tessa's interior monologue, exposing characters who are well-developed and believable. The story is so sincere that readers might forget it is fiction and be encouraged to think about their remaining days, making a list of their own. Additionally this book brings up questions I can imagine teens would ask - how does dying feel? What if I'm not ready? What if I feel fear? That is why I would recommend this for mature young adults and/or for parents to read first or along with their teen. Conservative parents may object due to the sexual content.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

An Interview with Jenny Downham

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Publish Date: March 2007
ISBN: 142310126X
Page #: 336pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Paranormal

Series Title: The Blue Series
Blue Bloods (2007)
Masquerade (2007)
Revelations (2008)

Subjects: Fashion, Friendship, High School, Manhattan, New York City, Romance, Socialites, Vampires

Annotation:

Schuyler Van Alen's veins are turning blue and she is starting to crave raw meat. Soon, her world will be turned into a maze of secret society and vampires.

Summary:

Schuyler Van Alen attends a prestigious private school in New York City where she doesn't fit in with her peers except her best friend Oliver and though her family used to be one of the wealthiest in the city, their legacy has become sparse as Schuyler's parents are vacant from her life, so she lives with her fearful grandmother. Suddenly, things begin to change and Schuyler’s veins turn blue and she develops a craving for raw meat. People start noticing her, especially Jack Force, the most popular guy in school. When one of the most popular girls is found dead, Schuyler and Jack begin to investigate. As it turns out, Schuyler isn't human. And her best friend Oliver isn't just her best friend. As the mysteries begin to unfold, Schuyler realizes she has much more to uncover in order to know who she really is.

Megan says:

High society meets vampire lore equals a non-stop thrill ride though the world of Schyluer Van Allen, a fifteen-year old that doesn't quite fit in with her fellow students at one of New York's most exclusive prep schools. From finding out she is one of the elite vampires in New York, Schyluer's life is turned upside down from dealing with boyfriends that are not allowed to having friends that just have too much blood for her all while dealing with family secrets that keep unfolding every time she turns around. Teens will want to take a bite out of this new series. Especially if they came from the Twilight Saga and enjoy Gossip Girl drama!

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

Melissa De La Cruz Website

Blue Bloods Book Trailer

Blue Bloods Fan Made Book Trailer

Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Publish Date: January 2009

ISBN: 0375845631

Page #: 256pp

Reading Level: Young Adult

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Fantasy

Subjects: Faerie, Magic, Post-Apocalyptic, War

Annotation:

This is the story of the War between humans and faeries. It's a cautionary yet hopeful apocalypse story.

Summary:

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the faerie war ended before Liza was born, but it seems the world will never recover from the devastation that took place. Liza's town has become very secluded ever since and doesn't welcome strangers. There are references are made about "Before" when there were such things as TV and airplanes but there has been a traumatic war that involved "our world" and the world of the Faerie. This has created great fear in the sense that children who are born with faerie hair like Liza's newborn sister are cast out to die as people who are touched by magic are even more dangerous than the trees, so when Liza suspects that she may be tainted with magic as well, she flees from her village. She soon finds out that there is much more about herself, the magic, and her world, that she did not know before.

Megan says:

Bones of Faerie is a beautifully written, page-turning and thought provoking story. The post apocalypse/magic angle is unique and makes for an intriguing plot. Teens who enjoy faerie fiction (hi Melissa Marr and Holly Black fans) with dark fantasy twists will love this book.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

Janni Lee Simner Website

Book of a Thousand Days by Hannon Hale

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Publish Date: September 2007

ISBN: 1599900513

Page #: 320pp

Reading Level: Young Adult

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Fantasy

Subjects: Central Asia, Dysfunctional Family, Fairy Tales, Friendship, Love, Magic, Orphans, Secrets, War

Annotation:

Dashti thought life within the tower with her sullen lady was hard, but her real challenge begins when she escapes. A re-telling of the Brothers Grimm tale, Mail Maleen, through the simplistic voice of Dashti, maid to Lady Saren.

Summary:

This is a beautiful retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Maid Maleen. Lady Saren and her lady’s maid Dashti, a common “mucker” from the dirt-poor steppes, are locked up in a stone tower when Lady Saren refuses to marry the cruel Lord Khasar. Lady Saren worries and seems to welcome death, but the illustrious Dashti decides to keep a journal of their imprisonment in between her lady’s maid duties. She sings mucker healing songs to attempt to lift her lady’s complaints, in which seems to not always work. All is dark and depressing within the tower, but Dashti never succumbs to the distressing mental anguish. It is when Dashti leaves the tower that she is faced with an imminent threat by Lord Khasar and his armies. Lady Saren is too scared to do anything, leaving Dashti to pull from her inner strength and simple healing songs, and cultivate courage she never believed possible. Her actions may cost her life, but it might also bring her happiness she never thought was possible.

Megan says:

Book of a Thousand Days is a lovely Brothers Grimm fairytale, Maid Maleen, re-told by Shannon Hale. This is a story about Dashti, a ladies maid to Lady Saren, who during a seven year incarceration in a tower overcomes the tragedies that befall them with unfailing optimism. I liked how the story was told in the form of a journal of sorts, but unlike some books, where this convention has been used awkwardly, this story flowed easily and enjoyably as told from the view of Dashti. I highly recommend this book.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Shannon Hale Website

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publish Date: October 2006
ISBN: 0060850523
Page #: 288pp
Reading Level: Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Science Fiction/Classic

Subjects: Alienation, Collectivism, Drugs, Dystopia, Genetic Engineering, Rock Music, Satire, Sex, Totalitarianism

Annotation:

Picture the future if science ran berserk, where people are not born, but made in test tubes, and are fed subliminal messages throughout their institutionalized upbringing. Welcome to a Brave New World, where old things are encouraged to be thrown out, "ending is better then mending."

Summary:

Written in 1932, Brave New World features a dystopian future, where the world is regulated and happy. People are conditioned from conception to fill and be satisfied with a particular niche in society. After work, they're given a variety of pleasures to keep them happy and satisfied. Told in various character viewpoints, the story evaluates the tragedy and pain of life as a necessary component of humanity.

Megan says:

Aldous Huxley's amazingly prescient novel of a future dystopia is brilliantly written. I found that the story had raised some very interesting questions about society, ones that could be pondered in today's world. The fun thing about this book is that there are different main characters throughout. One person's story seamlessly becomes another person's story, all coming together to show us what a Brave New World would be like. Teens who like science fiction who absolutely LOVE this classic story!

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brave New World? A Defense of Paradise-Engineering

Aldous Huxley's Mind Control and Depopulation Interview (Part 1 of 3) - look in the description area.

Aldous Huxley's Mind Control and Depopulation Interview (Part 2 of 3) - look in the description area.

Aldous Huxley's Mind Control and Depopulation Interview (Part 3 of 3) - look in the description area.

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publish Date: August 2008
ISBN: 031606792X
Page #: 768pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Paranormal/Romance

Series: The Twilight Saga
Twilight (2005)
New Moon (2006)
Eclipse(2007)
Breaking Dawn (2008)

Subjects: Death, Friendship, Love Triangle, Romance, Sex, Teen Pregnancy, Vampires, War, Werewolf, Young Mother.

Annotation:

Bella Swan, the star protagonist from the first three Twilight novels finally between her vampire love and her human life. Additionally, she is forced to make a decision regarding the life of herself or the life of someone she loves (even more then Edward).

Summary:

With the conclusion of Eclipse, Bella has finally agreed to marry Edward, despite her hang-ups on getting married young. As Breaking Dawn begins we see Bella gearing up for her wedding to Edward. Simultaneously, her friendship with Jacob is dwindling. As always, Bella is having hard times with the consequences to her decisions, especially about what happens to her on Isle Esme Island. The relations between Jacob and Bella remain uneasy as Jacob has a hard time being happy with Bella’s decisions. Breaking Dawn is sectioned off into three narrations, two of them are from Bella’s perspective and one of them is from Jacob’s perspective. The final installment is filled with dramatic moments and immense decisions involving the characters relationships, the fight against the Volturi, and the meaning of true love.

Megan says:

Stephenie Meyer will never win the Nobel Prize for literary style, but she is a GENIUS storyteller! Therefore making this final installment of the Twilight Saga simply breathtaking and my favorite of the Saga. Readers will finally have conclusions to all the questions presented in the previous novels, plus more. Stephenie Meyer has said that Mid-Summer Nights Dream was an inspiration for Breaking Dawn.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stephenie Meyer Website
Stephenie Meyer talks about Breaking Dawn on YouTube
Breaking Dawn Teaser Trailer

Canon, Volume 1 by Chika Shiomi

Publisher: DC Comics
Publish Date: April 2007
ISBN: 1401211631
Page #: 200pp
Reading Level: Adult
Classification: Manga
Genre: Paranormal/Superhero

Series: The Canon Series
Canon Volume 1 (2007)
Canon Volume 2 ( 2007)
Canon Volume 3 ( 2007)
Canon Volume 4 (2008)

Subjects: Adventure, Friendship, High School, Revenge, Romance, Vampires

Annotation:

Canon Himuro is the sole survivor of a vampire attack, leaving all her classmates dead and herself as newly turned vampire. Canon struggles to use her new found powers to do good and to avenge the death of her friends and her undead fate.

Summary:

Canan is the only student who survives a bloody vampire attack that takes all of her friends and fellow classmates from her high school. But the survival comes with a price; Canon is now a newborn vampire. She struggles against the needs that capture the common vampire in order to commit herself to use her new powers for good and good only. She does whatever she can to avenge the death of her friends and her own unfortunate fate. She befriends a talking vampire crow, Fuui, and begins her suspenseful quest for vengeance against the one who did this to her.

Megan says:

Dark, mysterious and deadly. Canon Volume 1 lures you in both visually and literally. The female lead, Canon, is a strong character with delicate feelings as her past tortures her, making her thrive on revenge. Her trusting friendship with the vampire crow is both hillarlious and meaningful as we watch Canon struggle for information regarding her maker, the one who killed all of her friends back at school. I really enjoyed this manga and feel teens with a vampire addiction will certainly be entertained!

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publish Date: September 2003
ISBN: 0142400017
Page #: 240pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Coming of Age/Real Life

Subjects: Death, Family, Fathers and Daughters, GPA, High School, Neighborliness.

Annotation:

Kate Malone is a straight A-student, preacher's daughter, and long distance runner. Her dream is to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where her deceased mother went. The outside looks close to picture perfect, but underneath Kate is falling apart.

Summary:

Kate Malone is a brilliant math and science high school senior who has her sites set to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where her deceased mother went. She is motivated, intelligent, organized, and hard-working-every parents dream. Though her father, Rev Malone, is often too busy preaching to her to actually listen to her. This leaves Kate running in order to clear her mind and find mental focus, or mental nothingness as she does not want to deal with the life issues that haunt her. As Kate goes out for these runs to clear her head, the Litch family, her neighbors and long time enemy, are going through their own series of disasters. As Kate’s relationships with her friends begin to crumble, and her world begins to spiral out of control she somehow finds hope in her new found relationship with her enemy Teri.

Megan says:

Out of all the Laurie Halse Anderson novels (Speak, Fever 1793, Prom, Twisted, and newly released Wintergirls) , I chose to review Catalyst because of the deeply moving and serious storyline I found resonating with me long after I finsihed the novel. The domineering tale of Kate and Teri's plots intertwine to produce an overall plot line that speaks volumes. I highly recommend this novel to all teens and adults. Especially if you have not yet experienced the works of Laurie Halse Anderson, who is a literary legend!

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

Laurie Halse Anderson

Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Publish Date: October 2004

ISBN: 0060598395

Page #: 304pp

Reading Level: Young Adult

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Real Life

Subjects: Athletics, Basketball, Brothers, Drugs, Family, High School, Incest, Realistic, Relationships, Sexual Abuse, Suicide, Teen Pregnancy, Violence

Annotation:

Dillon Hemingway is a teenage triathlon runner who is still coming to grips with his brother’s suicide and the tangled emotions he has with Stacy, his brothers girlfriend and Jennifer, his friend from High School.

Summary:

Dillon Hemmingway is not your average sixteen-year-old jock. He is smart and kindhearted and thoughtful. He has hopes of one day entering the Ironman triathlon. But before he can do that, he must deal with his brother Preston’s recent suicide and the role he played in it. To help him cope with the emotional details, Dillon turns to a journal. Additionally, Dillon runs to lose himself, to forget about his family falling apart; to sort out his feelings for Stacy, Preston’s girlfriend, and to stop thinking about the secret that his friend Jennifer has just entrusted to him, a secret about herself and her stepfather. Dillion can’t keep running away from all of his problems and he knows it.

Megan says:

This was my first Chris Crutcher novel. I was not sure how I would like it because it is not usually the type of story I go for but Chris Crutcher has a way with words and storytelling. Chinese Handcuffs is an intensely emotional story that deals with many serious and complex subjects such as; rape, incest, violence, drugs, teenage motherhood, and teen suicide in which the characters use athletics as one way to control or cope with their lives. This is a beautifully written story.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chris Crutcher Website
Learning about Chris Crutcher

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Publish Date: April 2007

ISBN: 1416914285

Page #: 496pp

Reading Level: Young Adult

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Supernatural/Paranormal

Series: The Mortal Instruments Series
City of Bones (2008)
City of Ashes (2008)
City of Glass (2009)

Subjects: Demons, Faerie, Mortal, Romance, Vampires, Werewolf

Annotation:

Fifteen-year-old Clary Fray discovers the world of magic when she was just looking to unwind at the club one night and happens to witnesses the murder of a demon by three teenagers who are invisible to everyone else.

Summary:

Fifteen-year-old Clary Fray is not like everyone else, though she discovers this new world of magic when she happens to witnesses the murder of a demon by three teenagers who are invisible to everyone else. When her house is invaded by demons and her mother is kidnapped, she is brought to the home of the same teenagers who she saw kill the demon that night at the club. The three teens, Isabelle, Alec and Jace, are members of a secret group called the Shadowhunters, charged with slaying the invisible-to-everyone demons that threaten the world. Clary learns about this other world that lives right beside her, as well as uncovering her past and ultimately uncovering herself.

Megan says:

City of Bones is the first book in The Mortal Instruments trilogy. I found this story to be a whirlwind with intricate and complex characters. A must-read for teens who love the urban paranormal/fantasy genre and who like to read series.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

Cassandra Clare Website
The Mortal Instruments Website
Classandra Clare Live Journal
Cassandra Clare MySpace

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publish Date: May 2004
ISBN: 0142401757
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Real Life/Coming of Age

Subjects: Abuse, Drugs, Relationships, Rebellion, Sex

Annotation:

Caitlin O'Koren has always been overshadowed by her older sister Cass. That is until Cass runs away and Caitlin gets involved with the wrong person who leads her down a spiral of drugs, abuse and mental dependency.

Summary:

Caitlin’s family life is hard as her sister Cass has disappeared and her family is falling apart. One night she notices Rogerson Biscoe and becomes increasingly interested even though she knows he is a drug dealer. Everything chances from this point as Rogerson keeps Caitlin’s mind off her problems at home. She begins to give up her friends for him because he gets mad when she is with them. Caitlin starts engaging in drug use with his friends and he begins abusing her physically. After having sex with him, Caitlin is afraid to leave, although in the back of her mind she knows things aren't right. Thing escalate from there and Caitlin's family try to intercept and help her get off drugs and emotionally stable.

Megan says:

I found Dreamland to be another compelling novel by Sarah Dessen. Many delicate issues are presented as the psychological whirlwind that accompanies an abusive relationship is told both vividly and with heartbreaking details. This realistic story takes a hard look at the pressures teens face as they enter adulthood, including the feelings of first love. This story may allude conversation with parents about healthy relationships and abuse.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

Sarah Dessen Website
Sarah Dessen Live Journal

Envy by Anna Godberesen

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publish Date: January 2009
ISBN: 0061345725
Page #: 416pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: The Luxe Series
The Luxe (2008)
Rumors (2008)
Envy (2009)

Subjects: Family, Friendship, High Society, Love, Manhattan, New York City, Romance, Sisters, Socialites

Annotation:

You haven't seen scandal and secrets until you've glimpsed Manhattan, early 1900's. The sisters, Elizabeth and Diana are back home, all appears good accept they are not as happy and carefree as it would appear. They are filled with tragedy, blackmail, secrets and lies that must never be revealed.

Summary:

The third book of the The Luxe series by Anna Godbersen continues the heart pounding events beginning just a couple of months after the disastrous conclusion Rumors left off. Both sister’s, Elizabeth and Diana, are back home and like usual, appear to have all their hearts desires. But things are not as they appear as Elizabeth Holland is still mourning her husband Will, whom was killed by police officers who were supposedly “protecting” her. She is now forced back into the life of parties, money and marriage. Though her marriage to Will was a secret it is fear that it might get out, for soon Elizabeth is carrying his child and she only has two choices to keep her and Will a secret. Meanwhile Penelope has captured Henry and blackmailed him to marry her. This has Diana pondering the reason why he would do so. She is determined to win him back, if she can escape the traps of Penelope. This story continues the drama and romance, and leaves you with a cliff hanger for the next book.

Megan says:

The third installment to The Luxe series was much needed and much appreciated. Envy continues the scandalous adventures of Penelope, Diana, Elizabeth, Carolina, Henry, and the rest of New York society. I find the entire series to be delightfully addicting. Teens who fancy historical fiction and Gossip Girl will love this!

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

The Luxe Official Website
The Luxe Characters, Elizabeth and Diana

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publish Date: February 2009
ISBN: 031253275X
Page #: 320pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy

Series: The Immortal Series
Evermore (2009)
Blue Moon: The Immortals (2009)

Subjects: Goth, High School, Immortal, Relationships, Survivor

Annotation:

Ever is a sixteen year old girl who's life is thrown into despair when her entire family is killed in a horrible car accident. Upon this event she has new abilities, psychic abilities, in which have caused her to be a recluse. That is until she meets Damen. . .

Summary:

Ever’s entire family, even her dog, died in a tragic accident. Since then she is able to see ghosts, specifically her little sister, and is somewhat psychic; seeing people’s auras, knowing someone's history by touching them, and reading minds (even though she hates this). Ever has always been an outsider at her school, until she meets someone who can silence the noise in her head, his name is Damen Auguste. He is smart, gorgeous, and no doubt hiding a whole host of secrets. She doesn't know what he is but he brings forth a world of magic.

Megan says:

This novel is definitely comparable to the Twilight Saga in means of relationships and fitting in at school, yet has it's own aspect on the paranormal lifestyle which excludes vampires. Although I LOVE vampire fiction this is a refreshing story and promising start to Alyson's Immortals series. If teens are on a paranormal fiction kick, then they should add Evermore to the reading list as it fits right in with the other young adult paranormal books that have been hitting the shelves.

Stars: ★ ★ ★

Alyson Noel Website

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publish Date: May 2008
ISBN: 0061284394
Page #: 336pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Series: The Evernight Series
Evernight (2008)
Stargazer (2009)

Subjects: Boarding School, Love, Paranormal, Supernatural, Romance, Teenager, Vampires

Annotation:

Bianca has just entered Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where most of the students look too perfect. She doesn’t fit in. She meets a boy named Lucas and falls head over heals in love. They have an on again off again romance until they are faced with the truth about one another.

Summary:

Bianca Olivier dislikes Evernight Academy, a boarding school for high school students. She has been displaced from her small hometown and forced to be enrolled at Evernight Academy, a creepy Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow overly perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. As Bianca meets her classmates she instantly knows she does not fit in. However, when she meets Lucas Ross at the beginning of term, she falls hard for him. She can't stop thinking about him even when he warns her to not care for him. She feels a deep connection to him, but dark forces beyond each others control conspire against their happiness (very much like Twilight).

Megan says:

I found Evernight to focus on some of the important topics of young adult literature such as peer pressure and fitting in. This coming-of-age story bleeds seamlessly within the confines of a vampire story, which is currently the craze since Twilight hit the shelves. Teen readers who are drawn to vampire romance and adventure will enjoy this novel as well as the sequel, Stargazer.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

Claudia Gray Website

Extras by Scott Westerfeld

By: Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Publish Date: October 2007
ISBN: 1416951172
Page #: 432pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Science Fiction

Series Title: Uglies Series
Uglies (2005)
Pretties (2005)
Specials (2007)
Extras (2007)

Subjects: Dystopia, Friendship, Plastic Surgery, Popularity.

Annotation:

Aya Fuse is a kicker in her city, where everyone has a feed (similar to social networking).In order for her to enhance her popularity and status she must kick an unbelievable story. Aya attempts to track a group of girls who are doing daring and adventurous things, so she can kick their story, but in the process discovers a dangerous secret.

Summary:

This is a companion book the Uglies trilogy. Instead of following Tally Youngblood we follow Aya Fuse. Even though Tally is no longer the main character, she still appears in the book in a major role. Ava is a normal fifteen year old “Ugly” who’s face rank is extremely low, making her an “Extra.” Your face-rank allows you to do and have the most exciting things. Ava is set out to be a part of that and her way to fame as a kicker, someone who finds and reports on the best stories in their world. As she sets out to this, she finds herself meeting a group of girls who want to remain under the radar and the adventure begins leading her all the way to Ms. Tally Youngblood.

Megan says:

Extras is not really a fourth book to the Uglies Series, but it is an extension of the story and therefore worth reading. Especially due to the fact that Tally Youngblood makes an ever so famous appearance! Teens who couldn't get enough of the Uglies MUST read Extras!

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Scott Westerfeld Website
Scott Westerfeld Blog
Scott Westerfeld on Extras

Franny and Zooey by J.D.Salinger

Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Publish Date: January 2001

ISBN: 0316769029

Page #: 208pp

Reading Level: Adult

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Coming of Age/Classic

Subjects: Family, New York City, Siblings, Spirituality

Annotation:

Franny and Zooey were originally published in the New Yorker magazine as two distinct short stories. J.D. Salinger’s introspective protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery through spirituality.

Summary:

J.D. Salinger’s short, two-part novel is the story of sister and brother, Franny and Zooey Glass, the youngest of seven precocious highly intelligent kids who grew up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Purportedly, Zooey is trying to help Franny, who is in the midst of a breakdown, which soon leads to some clarity that they both have yet to mourn the suicide of their oldest brother Seymour and the related, self-imposed academic exile of their other brother Buddy. The religious education Seymore and Buddy sought fit to bestow on their younger siblings supplements the desired knowledge for spirituality in which Franny and Zooey venture out on a Zen-like quest to be with God in a state of pure consciousness.

Megan says:

A literary classic, Frany and Zooey is written ahead of its time. It is an unpretentious story, unlike the characters involved whom struggle deep down about profound questions such as how to cope with this mad world filled with people who are not bright nor good. This story makes the reader think and contemplate there own beliefs, and why we do the things we do. As with anything by J.D Salinger, I highly recommend this to teens.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publish Date: April 2008
ISBN: 1595141758
Page #: 336pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Paranormal/Supernatural

Series: The Vampire Academy Series
Vampire Academy (2007)
Frostbite (2008)
Shadow Kiss (2008)

Subjects: High School, Guardian, Magic, Massacre, Mothers and Daughters, Paranormal, Relationships, Romance, Teenager, Urban Fantasy, Vampires.

Annotation:

Rose and Lissa are back with all new looming problems. Rose keeps getting sucked into Lissa's mind when her friend is with her boyfriend, Christian. However, Rose has her own boy troubles as she can’t get Dimitri, her mentor who is too old for her, out of her heart.

Summary:

Rose and Lissa are back with all new looming problems. Rose, a dhampir and guardian, and Lissa, her Moroi best friend are attempting to get through high school with the added pressure that comes with being a vampire in a world that doesn’t know they exist. Rose is taken away for her Qualifier exam and what she and her mentor, Dimitri, discover is horrifying. Thrown into a state of panic, the Moroi society tries to deal with a new deadly threat. Rose knows that when dealing with Strigori the odds are stacked against her but that doesn't stop her from wanting to do anything she can to eradicate the threat against all those that she holds dear.

Megan says:

The Vampire Academy series is great fun. Especially if you are vampire jonesing. Frostbite continues the story revolving around Rose and all of her unpredictable endeavors. Her complicated relationship with Dimitri provides romantic tension throughout the story, as does her relationship with Mason. I felt Frostbite to be a little darker in storytelling when compared to the first of the series, Vampire Academy.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

Richelle Mead Website
Even Redheads Get the Blues (Richelle Mead's Live Journal)
Interview with Richelle Mead
Frostbite Book Trailer

Generation Dead by Daniel Waters

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Publish Dates: May 2008
ISBN: 142310921X
Page #: 400pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Paranormal/Coming of Age

Series: The Generation Dead Series
Generation Dead (2008)
Generation Dead: Kiss of Life (2009)

Subjects: Football, Living-Impaired, Prejudice, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Zombies

Annotation:

When Phoebe becomes interested in Tommy Williams, a dead football player, she joins an undead studies class to get to know him and drags her living friends along.

Summary:

Goth chick Phoebe and her friends attend school with zombies, as her school is considered “zombie friendly.” Phoebe takes an interest in Tommy Williams, a zombie, and befriends him. She encourages her living friends to join her in a special project concerning the "living impaired" kids. But not everyone is on the zombie train, and being dead or dead adjacent is getting dangerous.

Megan says:

I was recommended this book by a dear friend (Courtney) and right away I knew this was going to become one of my favorites. Daniel Waters manged to tell an age-old story about prejudices while incorporating zombies. With a vast array of vampire and werewolf novels to pick from, it was refreshing to read a book about a different "living-impaired" subject. I highly recommend this to teens who are wanting to branch out of the vampire genre, yet want to stay within the realms of paranormal.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Daniel Waters Blog

Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publish Date: August 2008
ISBN: 0316113573
Page #: 336pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Paranormal/Coming of Age

Series: The Ghostgirl Series
Ghostgirl (2008)
Ghostgirl: Homecoming (2009)

Subjects: Death, Gothic, High School, Popularity, Satire, Voigts

Annotation:

High school outcast Charlotte Usher spends her whole summer plotting how to get crush Damen Dylan to notice her. Everything is working out perfectly until she dies by choking on a gummy bear.

Summary:

Charlotte Usher just wants to be noticed by the cutest guy in school, Damen Dylan, but unfortunately for her she dies before this can happen. On the first day back, she gets her wish in physics class when he's assigned as her lab partner, only for her to die minutes later choking on a gummy bear. Now Charlotte attends the Dead Ed and is living in the dead dorm with other deceased teens. This does nothing to thwart her designs on Damen, but alas she has a plan of reaching Damen.

Megan says:

To begin with, this book is visually stunning! I was drawn in by the cover and cuteness of the entire package. Luckily I found the story to be cute and funny, which made the purchase well worth it. I especially liked the quotes from musicians, bands and authors at the beginning of each chapter. I think the main theme in this story is self acceptance. Teens who liked Zombie Blondes and Generation Dead will definitely like Ghostgirl.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

Tony Hurley Website
Ghostgirl the blog

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Publish Date: July 2007
ISBN: 0545010225
Page #: 759pp
Reading Level: 9 to 12
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Harry Potter Series

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1997)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1999)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2004)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2006)

Subjects: Adventure, Death, England, Fantasy, Friendship, Magic, School, Series, War, Witches, Witchraft, Wizards

Annotation:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the seventh and last book in the Harry Potter series. This leads to the final fight between Harry and Lord Voldemort.

Summary:

This is the final novel in the Harry Potter series, and J.K. Rowling delves further into tales of darkness and magic and mystery. It is in this final chapter that Harry makes the journey from boy to manhood. It is in this book, that Harry will be faced with the sage wisdom of Dumbledore to make the choice between “what is right and what is easy.” And how this journey will test Harry Potter as his journey is filled with both triumph and victory as well as great loss and tragedy.

Megan says:

A spectacular finish to a remarkable series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was a bittersweet read for me as I LOVED the entire series and wanted it to go on forever. As with any ending to a series, questions and conclusions will be answered and reviled as the struggles Harry and his friends face throughout their quest to destroy Lord Voldemort are riveting and heart-ponding as the battle between Harry and Voldemort finally comes to end. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was on the YALSA's Top Ten books in 2008, picked by teens.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

J.K Rowling Website
The Official Harry Potter Website

Hunted by P.C.Cast

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publish Date: Pub. Date:
ISBN: 031237982X
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Paranormal

Series: The House of Night Series
Marked (2007)
Betrayed (2007)
Chosen (2008)
Untamed (2008)
Hunted (2009)

Subjects: Friendship, Relationships, Romance, Vampires

Annotation:

Hunted is the fifth book to the House of Night series. Thankfully Zoey is now back with her friends but all is not well as ancient evil has been set loose and Zoey's whole world is in trouble.

Summary:

Set in an alternative universe of Tulsa, Oklahoma where humans and vampyres coexist. The fifth installment of the House of Night series has Zoey back with her friends. Though, all is not good as ancient evil has been set loose and Zoey’s whole world is in trouble. Especially when the trouble is coming from a being that appears to be Beauty personified. Zoey’s strength is tested to unlock the truth in the House of Night, deeming a hard and adventurous task. The next title to the series is Tempted, there is no release date yet.

Megan says:

I have really enjoyed this vampire series thus far. Hunted provided just the right amount of suspense and like the rest, left me wanting more. I really liked the sense of strength Zoey, the main character seemed to inhabit. It was a refreshing change after reading the first four novels of the series. Teens who have already read the first four books of the House of Night series will undoubtedly need to read Hunted. The next installment, Tempted is set to release October 27, 2009. With that said, I recommend Hunted to all teens chasing the vampire genre.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

House of Night Series
Zoey, Hunted You Tube
Neferet, Hunted YouTube
Erik, Hunted YouTube

I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
Publish Date: January 2008
ISBN: 1416955208
Page #: 240pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Real-Life/Romance

Subjects: Death, Depression, Ghosts, Grief, Ghost Stories, Poetry, Medication, Counseling

Annotation:

Ava and Jackson are in love. When Jackson passes away, Ava is left in a deep depression. She begins to see Jackson and wonders if this is a good thing or a bad thing?

Summary:

Ava and Jackson are in love. In fact, Ava’s life has improved greatly since she met Jackson. So when Jackson dies unexpectedly at a school party she is devastated. Simple things such as getting out of bed and eating seem beyond her abilities. The guilt of Jackson’s death weighs on Ava heavily as she feels somewhat responsible which has hindered her mourning process. During one of her darkest moments she feels a brush of coldness against her skin, which provides a sense of hope as Ava feels maybe this could be Jackson. The possibility of Jackson still being around makes Ava feel happy, yet concerns her as she feels maybe she is going crazy.

Megan says:

Heartbreaking and tragically beautiful Lisa Schroeder paints vivid images that define the passion of teenage love. I found this poetic story to be insightful and deeply meaningful in dealing with death. Teen girls who love emotional stories will love this well-written, tragic romance.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

Lisa Schroeder Website
Lisa Schroeder reads I Heart You, You Haunt Me on YouTube!
Fan made book trailer

Jumper by Steven Gould

Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC
Publish Date: October 1993
ISBN: 0812522370
Page #: 352pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Science Fiction

Series: Jumper Series
Jumper (1993)
Reflex (2005)
Griffin's Story (2008)

Subjects: Abuse, Romance, Teleportation, Terrorism

Annotation:

The sudden discovery of his teleportation ability saves teenager David Rice "Davy" from his abusive alcoholic father and ignites a new and exciting lifestyle in a New York City.

Summary:

When David “Davy” Rice was 12, his mother left him in the care of his abusive drunken father. Hurting from the mental and physical wounds inflicted upon him by his father, Davy is determined to get away. He discovers his power of teleportation. He jumps to New York City to settle and begin his own life. Unable to get a job because of his lack of identification documents, he decides to get money through more questionable means. With government agents hot on his heels and a great girlfriend by his side, Davy’s mental and physical battles escalate. Only one thing is keeping him and his girlfriend out of the government’s hands and that is his ability to teleport.

Megan says:

Teleportation is hardly a new idea in the scope of science fiction, but it is written very realistically by Steven Gould in this adolescent science fiction thriller. The story examines how a troubled, abused adolescent with a decent amount of intelligence and reasonable morals would react to having the ability to teleport. This was an exciting read and I feel teens who love adventure stories will definitely enjoy Jumper.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

Jumper Official Movie Trailer

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC
Publish Date: April 2008
ISBN: 0765319853
Page #: 384pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Science Fiction/Real-Life

Subjects: Civil Rights, Department of Homeland Security, Friendship, Hackers, Politics, Privacy, Rebellion, Revolution, Romance, San Francisco, Technology, Teenager, Terrorism, War

Annotation:

Little Brother is George Orwell's 1984 set in the 21st century. Marcus Yallow is seventeen years old and will not let the Department of Homeland Security take his freedom away, not without a fight.

Summary:

Marcus Yallow aka techno-geek “w1n5t0n/ M1k3y" is a seventeen-year-old computer genius that manipulates technology to meet his needs. His friends, Vanessa, Darryl and Jolu engage in Harajuku Fun Madness and hacking the Xbox. All is good until they become victims in a terrorist bombing of the San Francisco Bay Bridge. After spending time incarcerated in a secret prison after the attack, Marcus finds him in a government run society where the Department of Homeland Security watches your every move, interrogating questionable actions, and making it close to impossible to live a normal life. This drives Marcus crazy and ignites the rebellion and freedom fighting in which causes him to lose people who are close to him. Cory Doctorow has been noted stating George Orwell’s 1984 as inspiration, labeling Little Brother Fan Fiction.

Megan says:

My favorite book that I have read this year so far. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE! Meaning both young adult and adult. From Harajuku Fun Madness to standing up to the man and fighting for freedom. Cory Doctorow is brilliant in his tech-geek fiction that is frighteningly close to reality. Reader's will enjoy the techno-revolution, rebellion, and all out civil rights fighting that Markus attempts to stage. This book really made me think deeply about civil rights. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cory Doctorow on Little Brother

Cory Doctorow "Craphound"
Download Little Brother for FREE!
Little Brother Myspace
Courtney Lerner's Book Trailer

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publish Date: July 1959
ISBN: 0399501487
Page #: 208pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Coming of Age/Adventure

Subjects: Adolescence, Adventure, Dystopia, Island, Survival, Violence, War

Annotation:

A classic tale of English school boys who are stranded on an unpopulated island where lack of order and supervision leads to savagery.

Summary:

Lord of The Flies tells the tale of a group of English school boys who crash on a deserted island. Initially, the school children take care of one another, cooperating and aiding in the survival of one another by making shelter, hunting food and igniting fires. However, civility quickly turns to a play of savagery as the boys paint themselves and begin taking sides, pitting one against the other. William Golding has written a thrilling novel that explores the not so great expanse between human reason and animal instinct.

Megan says:

Frightening. Beautiful. Tragic. Innocence. Lord of the Flies is an all time favorite of mine, therefore making this a must-read to all! The story examines the intrinsic dark side of humanity through thirteen boys who are stranded on a deserted island. We follow them on their journey into survival which lays many thrilling and disturbing adventures while equally displaying an innocence beauty within each of the boys. Really and truly an AMAZING story.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

William Golding Website
Lord of the Flies Trailer 1990

Lord of the Flies IMDB 1990