Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
Reiko wants nothing more than to be an ordinary high school girl. However, Reiko has super powers that clearly show her peers, and family, is anything but ordinary. One day, Tachibana Ran barges into her classroom with a gun in hand and tells her that her life belongs to him. Translation: Ran wants Reiko to marry him. What makes Ran think he could do this to Reiko? Well, Ran is the heir to a the Tachibana empire and is worth millions of dollars. Reiko has no intention of marrying Ran and does everything she can to run away. Rather than chasing her all over the city, Ran makes a deal with Reiko: if Ran can catch Reiko within the next twenty-five hours, she will marry him. If he doesn't catch her, Reiko is free to go. What she doesn't plan on is that during these tumultuous twenty-five hours, she becomes victim to the people who want to assassinate Ran because of his high status and name. What the kidnappers and assassins don't know is that Reiko actually has a few tricks up of her sleeve...she is incredibly tough and flexible. Although the deadline passes, Reiko finds herself strangely attracted to Ran because he is the first person to like her for who she is rather than what she is not. What most people don't know about Reiko is that her heart was broken by a boy she though she loved; the reason why he didn't return her feelings is because she wasn't ordinary. However, Reiko and Ran are far from ordinary, which makes this pursuit hilarious and absolutely heart warming. 

Critical Evaluation:
I have read some pretty funny Shojo in my time and this one takes the cake so far. Not only is Ran outrageously crazy, he is so caring and loving that one cannot help but love him. As for Reiko, she is definitely not the traditional Shojo character who is looking for her prince charming, In fact, Reiko shuts out everyone because her heart was broken. I really, really admire her spirit and strength and that is what attracts Ran. Although Ran can have any girl in the world, he chose Reiko because she is extraordinary, which is what he needs. Although this story wasn't completed (it's only two volumes), readers can hope that when Ran is kidnapped, Reiko does what she can to rescue him. Along with the romance, the comedy is pure genius. I could not stop laughing simply because Takagi's dialouge is smart and quick. Although Ran has a tendency to be over dramatic, the tender moments are genuine and heart felt. I really, really wish there was more to this series, but I am looking forward to reading other series by Takagi-san. 

Information about the Author:
According to Baka Updates, Shigeyoshi Takagi was born on July 17 in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. She has a twin sister and has been writing manga since 2009.

 Genre:
Teen Shojo Manga

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Flower in a Storm:

•  Black Bird by Kanoko Sakurakoji

Plot Summary:
In this anthology is a collection of steampunk tales that involve time travel, romance, flying machines, tragedy, technological weapons, heartache, robots, horror, wars, and growing up. Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have enlisted the help of fourteen amazing YA authors and steampunk experts. All of these stories paint a picture of a mechanized world wrought with mystery, suspense, love, death, and redemption. In Cassandra Claire's Some Fortunate Future Day, a young girl is tending to her home while her father is fighting in the world. Although her interactive dolls keep her company, while the home bots take over the chores and the cooking, she is left alone with her books and her father's inventions that keep her hidden from the real world. However, when she saves a handsome soldier, she believes that he will fall in love with her and whisk her away to his kingdom in the Capital. What she doesn't realize is that matters of the heart are rarely like those found in fairy tales; when she learns that he loves another she decides to measures into her own hands. In Cory Doctor's, Clockwork Fagin, is a gritty story of a bunch of children whom society has deemed unfit and are thrown into the factories where danger lurks in every corner and most of them are injured in the process. At St. Agatha's Home for Crippled Children, Sian reminisces about the time when Monty Goldfarb bested their headmaster known as the Grinder. Known for his cruelty and abuse, Monty does everything in his power and spirit to defy and humiliate the Grinder. When he murders Grinder, not only is Monty St. Agatha's hero, he is children's new headmaster and gives the order to make an automated version of Grinder; in order to keep their home, they must trick the nuns who stop by once a week to give them their alms. For the first time, the children are coming together as team and family, which will not only secure their futures, but keep them away from the cruel world that put them there. The ending is awesome and readers will be cheering them on through the entire stories.

Critical Evaluation:
This anthology is just plain brilliant. Although steampunk is a relatively new YA genre, it is a genre that very few authors can actually master. Every one of these stories is beyond creative where every twist and turn or surprises will leave the reader wanting more. For me, I am used to short stories that have a beginning, middle, and end; however, all of these stories don't provide readers with this structure. In fact, all of these stories don't provide an ending, which not only conveys that there is more adventure to be had, but that in this realm, nothing is certain. I absolutely loved Libba Bray's Last Ride of the Glory Girls because of the time period: the Wild West. Not only does Adelade have a thick country accent, it's the use of the language that draws the reader in. The Wild West was a time for new beginnings, revival, and danger  so intertwining steampunk into this rich history is ingenious. Despite what the movies show about homesteading and cattle driving, the Wild West was called the Wild West because the weather was unpredictable, disease was rampant, and violence plagued the new land. For Addie, in order to survive the new world of sin and tragedy, she must giver herself to the one and only God, but when she loses the boy she loves, reality sets in and she loses everything. With the help of the Glory Girls, Addie is able to find her strength again by repairing and re-building a gadget that will allow her to have control over time. Time travel and God are prominent themes in steampunk where science and religion are constantly debated. For Addie, she knows that God is the only way to salvation, but, after losing John during his baptism, her faith in God is stifled. When she is finally able to fix the time travel gadget, she is able to defy God by bending time at will. However, rather than abusing this new power, she uses it for good by saving her posse from the Pinkertons, which goes to show extraordinary gifts must be treated with respect. In the end, we don't know what becomes of the Addie and the Glory Girls, but we do know they will find each other once again somewhere in time. This story, amongst the other thirteen, unravel serious issues through goggle lenses where time, machines, and human nature collide. Amazing collection!

Information about the Editors:
According to their website:

Kelly Link is the author of three collections of short stories, Stranger Things Happen, Magic for Beginners, and Pretty Monsters. Her short stories have won three Nebulas, a Hugo, and a World Fantasy Award. She was born in Miami, Florida, and once won a free trip around the world by answering the question “Why do you want to go around the world?” (”Because you can’t go through it.”) Link and her family live in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she and her husband, Gavin J. Grant, run Small Beer Press, and play ping-pong. In 1996 they started the occasional zine Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet.

Gavin J. Grant is a firm believer in the do-it-yourself ethos that powers the steampunk movement. He started a zine, Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet, in 1996, cofounded Small Beer Press, an independent publishing house with his wife, Kelly Link, and in 2010 launched WeightlessBooks.com, an ebooksite for independent presses. He has been published in the Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, Bookslut, Xerography Debt, Scifiction, The Journal of Pulse Pounding Narratives, and Strange Horizons. He co-edited The Best of LCRW (Del Rey) and for five years co-edited the fantasy half of The Year’s Best Fantasy & Horror (St. Martin’s Press). He lives with his wife and daughter in Massachusetts.

Genre:
Teen Steampunk

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Steampunk!

• Corsets and Clockwork: 13 Steampunk Romances edited by Trisha Telep
  

Awards & Recognition:

• 2012 Indie Choice Awards Finalist
• Starred Review Publishers Weekly 08/08/2011 
• Starred Review Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2011
• Starred Review School Library Journal 09/01/2011
• Starred Review Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2011
• Starred Review Booklist 11/01/2011

Plot Summary:
After losing his best friend in a plane crash, Ken is terrified of death. Not only does he want to evade death, but he wants to live forever. After researching psychics, and other spiritual advisers, he finds an ad from a Cheri Buttercup in Queens, New York. After traveling quite a distance by train and bus, he manages to cheat death after an almost accident with a car on the way to Cheri. When he gets there, he is beyond disappointed with what he sees. In her ad, Cheri guarantees that she can hide Ken's soul so he won't be vulnerable to death. Although Ken is skeptical, he agrees to her instructions that involve powder and paste. After surviving the ritual, Ken feels like a load has been lifted from his shoulders and that the pain of his best friend's death has dissipated. When Ken musters up the courage to ask the hottest girl in the school, and angering the jock who has claimed her as his own, Ken is testing his new invulnerability by getting beaten up. However, no matter how many punches or kicks the bullies make, Ken can't feel a thing. After realizing that he is practically invincible, he tricks his parents in to taking a vacation in the Caribbean where he will swim in shark infested waters. When he meets Sabine, not only does he fall for her, but he learns the truth about his invulnerability and goes on a journey to save his soul. The ending is definitely unexpected.

Critical Evaluation:
Honestly, we have to give William Sleator some serious cool points for writing this original zombie tale. Some readers my be familiar with voodoo, but those who do not know about this art will get a slap upside the head. Although Voodoo tends to have a negative connotation to its practices, Sleator outlines the culture and the history of the people who practice. I will confess that Voodoo does tend to creep me out, but, from what Sabine tells us, it's not meant to be evil. With any religious practice, there is always going to be a good side and a bad side. Unfortunately for Ken, he made a deal with the dark side and he has no control, whatsoever over his mind and body. The irony of this story is that Ken wants nothing but control, but, now that he is a zombie under the control of a black magic user, he gave that up. The real issue at hand, in this story, is that we cannot escape because whether we like it or not, it will find us. For Ken, death found him and now controls his mind, will, and soul. Ken's character is very stereotypical rich kid who gets what he wants, but, in the end, he falls prey to his own ambitions that leaves him soulless and unsatisfied. Although this book is tiny, and quick to read, it packs a lot of serious consequences, especially when we deal with things that are beyond our knowledge. Call me a pessimist, but Ken really got what he deserved, but, as he develops his relationship with Sabine, he almost starts to look more like a human than a zombie. This story is seriously twisted and complicated, which makes it a great read for all of those who love a zombie love story.

Information about the Author:
According to the book jacket of The Boy Who Couldn't Die:

For more than thirty years, William Sleator has thrilled readers with his inventive books, which blend real science with stories that explore our darkest fears. His House of Stairs was a groundbreaking books for young adults, names on the best novels of the twentieth century by Young Adult Library Services Association. Critics call his writing "cleaver and engrossing...and just plain fun" (Booklist) and "gleefully icky" (Publisher's Weekly). Mr. Sleator divide[d] his time between homes in Boston, Massachusetts, and rural Thailand.

William Sleator passed away on August 3, 2011 at his home in Bua Chet, Thailand. The New York Times published the following quote:

Moody, psychologically probing and sometimes terrifying, Mr. Sleator’s work chronicled young people’s passage through all manner of dystopias. It was a fitting juxtaposition of age group and subject matter, for what, after all, is more dystopian than adolescence? In confronting the grotesque, the menacing and the outright evil, Mr. Sleator’s protagonists simultaneously confront their own identities and their relationship to their families, especially to brothers and sisters.

Genre:
Teen Zombie Lit, Teen Horror

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Boy Who Couldn't Die:

• Thirsty by MT Anderson
• Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Awards & Recognition:

•  Starred review ALA Recommended Reluctant YA's (2/15/2005)

Plot Summary:
In the future, specifically in Chicago, Illinois, society has been broken down into factions: Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), the Amity (the peaceful), the Erudite (the intelligent), and the Dauntless (the protectors). The reason why society is contained in these factions is to eradicate the behaviors that lead to the downfall of humanity; Abnegation fights selfishness; Candor fights deception; Amity fights aggression; Dauntless fight cowardliness. For every 16-year-old, they are now at the stage in their life where they can chose which faction they want to belong to; in this reality, society still upholds the democratic right to chose where teens can either stay in their faction or transfer. However, those who transfer are not only shunned by their families, the factions will see this decision as betrayal. For Beatrice, she has grown up in the Abnegation faction and does not want to leave her family. The only problem is that she doesn't feel like she could fulfill her role. At her final examination, Beatrice learns that she is divergent--she has personality traits that fill into three factions, which is not only unusual, but confusing and upsetting. Not knowing what to do, Beatrice is terrified when she climbs the stage at her Choosing Ceremony. What should have been easy choice, turns out differently than she expected. After making her decision, Beatrice, now named Tris, is re-learning her new way of life and, to her surprise, she makes friends with other initiates and realized just how powerful she really is. What she doesn't count on is her feelings for Four, her instructor, and as she falls for him, she learns about his painful past and uncovers a despicable plot that could the factions apart.

Critical Evaluation:
I really did not know what to expect while reading this story and I was very, very pleased. I am not going to be one of those reviewers who will call this a "Hunger Games" read-alike simply because there is really no comparison. In this world, one city is divided into factions to prevent aspects of human nature that could lead to turmoil. For Tris, she has grown up in Abnegation, which focuses on selflessness and she knows she doesn't belong. Although she is Divergent, what makes her special is that, unlike her peers, she will not allow herself to be brainwashed or controlled. In many ways, readers realize that the purpose of the factions is to rid the world of chaos is admirable, but, as we all realize, that human beings are not capable of resisting temptation. As the years pass by, the factions start slipping where their desire to be the most honest, the most intelligent, the strongest, and the most selfless clouds their judgment. For the Erudite, they want to be free of the Abnegation rule simply because they cannot fathom that an entire of faction can be completely selfless and fair. Unfortunately, the Erudite have just cause when we hear about Tobias' father. However, it's the skepticism that gives those who want to rebel the ammo they need to start a war. Although all of this is in the background, these are the clues that Tris and Four put together as time goes by. For Tris, her training has not only been painful, physically and emotional, she has to battle the prejudice of her peers and prove to them that she is not weak or frail. As a characters, Tris undergoes so many changes, very quickly, that readers just want to cheer her on. I wasn't expecting the love stories, but that's what happens when you put a bunch of teenagers together in one setting. I will admit that the scenes with Four and Tris we pretty hot, but, aside from that, the story is absolutely awesome and I couldn't put the book down. 

Information about the Author:
According to the book jacket of Divergent:

Veronica Roth graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in creative writing. While she was a student, she often chose to worn on a story that would become Divergent instead of doing her homework. It was indeed a transforming choice. Now a full-time writer, Ms. Roth lives near Chicago. Divergent is her first Novel.

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thrillers


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Divergent:

• Matched by Ally Condy
• Legend by Marie Lu
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review Publisher's Weekly (2/21/2011)
• Starred Review School Library Journal (6/1/2011)

Plot Summary:
Jakob's grandfather, Abe, was his best friend. Not only did Jakob grow up with grandpa's stories of traveling the world, he hear the tales of his grandfather's childhood at the Island known as Cairnholm Bay. Jakob's grandfather's past was not easy. After escaping the Nazis, during World War II, Abe lost his family and was shipped off to Cairnholm Bay to live at Miss Peregrine's Home. These were the happiest time of of Abe's life and the tragedy struck. Jakob's father, who was not as close to his father like Jakob was, said that he was hardly ever there for him, which struck Jakob as odd. As Jakob got older, he started to realize that the stories that his grandfather told were too goo to be true and then, eventually, he stopped believing them. Now, at sixteen, Jakob is convinced that his grandpa is losing his mind. One day, he received a frantic phone call from Abe about the "others" and that he must escape. Although Jakob is worried about his grandfather, he doesn't know what to believe so he told Abe that he would stop by when his shift at the Smart Aid was over. With the help of his buddy, Dylan, Jakob goes out to the senior community that Abe lives at. What was supposed to be a routine visit turned out to be a nightmare; Jakob found his grandfather's body in the forest and caught a glimpse of a gruesome creature; just before Abe passed away he uttered his final words to his grandson, which leave Jakob terrified, confused, and in shock. Haunted by nightmares, Jakob starts putting together his grandfather's stories at the behest of his psychiatrist, which not only take him on a journey to Wales, but on a quest to uncover the truth about his grandfather, Miss Peregrine's home, and the darkness that shrouds his grandfather's past.

Critical Evaluation:
Ransom Riggs has written an amazing story where reality and fantasy collide. What were supposed to be tales of magic and mystery, Jakob learns that these "fancies" were real, especially the people in the photographs. I really didn't know what to expect when I read this story and I was plenty surprised as to how the tale shifted from what could be an excellent horror story to a thrilling science fiction/fantasy. I really did not expect time travel at all and it was really exciting! I absolutely love all of the children and Miss Peregrine; not only are they unique, but of all the supposed "normal" people in the world, they are the most real and stable. Compared to Jakob's family and the people of Cairnholm, the peculiar people have it together; they feel joy, happiness, loyalty, and love for one another, which is hard to get nowadays. Furthermore, since this world exists in a time loop before the island is bombed by the Nazis, it is free from the fear that Jakob runs into when he first crosses over. This story takes place during an incredibly volatile time, which not only explains the uneasiness of something, or someone, out of the ordinary, but conveys how the beauty of isolation. Miss Peregrine created the loop to not only protect the children from those who condemn them, but it also prevents the children from leaving. In many ways, Jakob loves and despises the loop.  Although he understands the beauty of the loop, which saved his grandfather's life, he also understood why his grandfather left the safety of Miss Peregrine's home. As readers venture into the story, not only will they uncover some dark secrets, they will also see why Jakob had to take this journey and how the fate of Miss Peregrine's world depend on him. For most teens, they don't think themselves to be extraordinary, but, after reading this book, I hope the realize the strength within themselves to follow their hearts and find their purpose without fear and hesitation. I am definitely looking forward to the sequel!

Information about the Author:
According to his website:

I was born on a 200-year-old farm in rural maryland, where at the tender age of five I decided that I definitely wanted to be a farmer when I grew up, because being a farmer meant driving tractors.  Then, partially as a result of my new ambition, my mom moved us far away to Florida, where there were relatively few farms but lots and lots of old people and not very much for kids to do.  In retrospect, it was precisely because there wasn’t a lot to do, and because the internet didn’t exist and cable TV was only like twelve channels back then, that I was forced to make my own fun and my own stories -- and that’s what I’m still doing, only now I get paid for it.  So thanks, sleepy Florida fishing village!

I grew up writing stories and making videos in the backyard with my friends.  I knew I wanted to do one or both of those things in some professional capacity when I got older, but I didn’t know how.  For three summers during high school I attended the University of Virginia’s Young Writer’s Workshop, and I still consider it one of the shaping experiences of my life.  I met so many great, brilliant people, and it convinced me that it was possible to make a life for myself as a writer.

I also knew I wanted to make movies.  So I compromised, and went to Kenyon College first to study English,  then moved out to Los Angeles to go to film school at the University of Southern California.  Looking back, that was a lot of time and money spent on school, but I don’t regret it at all.  Being part of those creative communities gave me lots of time to practice writing things and making movies before I had to go out and try to do either of those things professionally.

Genre:
Teen Mysteries

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children:

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
• The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
  

Awards & Recognition:

From Amazon.com:

“A tense, moving, and wondrously strange first novel. The photographs and text work together brilliantly to create an unforgettable story.”—John Green, New York Times best-selling author of Looking for Alaska and Paper Towns

“With its X-Men: First Class-meets-time-travel story line, David Lynchian imagery, and rich, eerie detail, it’s no wonder Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children has been snapped up by Twentieth Century Fox. B+”—Entertainment Weekly

“Readers searching for the next Harry Potter may want to visit Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.”—CNN

“You'll love it if you want a good thriller for the summer. It's a mystery, and you'll race to solve it before Jacob figures it out for himself.”—Seventeen“Riggs deftly moves between fantasy and reality, prose and photography to create an enchanting and at times positively terrifying story.”—Associated Press

“It’s an enjoyable, eccentric read, distinguished by well-developed characters, a believable Welsh setting, and some very creepy monsters.”— Publishers Weekly

“An original work that defies categorization, this first novel should appeal to readers who like quirky fantasies. Riggs includes many vintage photographs that add a critical touch of the peculiar to his unusual tale.”—Library Journal

“His premise is clever, and Jacob and the children are intriguing characters.”—Booklist

“Readers will find this book unique and intriguing.”— School Library Journal
“Somewhat reminiscent of Jack Finney’s Time and Again, Rigg’s first novel is enchanting…highly recommended.”—Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine

“In a time when so much summer entertainment seems to be more of the same, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is a pleasant surprise—a story that is fresh and new, engrosses and grips, and provides enough clues so that the ending makes sense and seems thoughtful.” —Popmatters.com

“Hands down, this is one of the best books of recent years...both creepy and terrifyingly delicious.”—Forces of Geek

Plot Summary:
In this alternate reality, the lives of men and women have been shortened by a deadly virus. After eradicating cancer, and other detrimental diseases, the first generation of disease-free humans started reproducing and their offspring were stricken with a genetic disorder that only grants each female child a life-span of twenty years and a male child a life-span of twenty-five years. For Rhine, she lives alone with her twin brother, Rowan, and she is never out of his sight. Since the disease has drastically slowed the growth of the human population, young girls are being abducted from the streets and their homes by the Gatherers who sell them to rich men for breeding purposes; those who don't meet the requirements are murdered on the spot. After being abducted by the Gatherers,  Rhine is sold to a man named Linden Ashby, the House Governor, along with two other girls: Jenna and Cecily. Convinced that Linden is a horrible monster who kidnaps young girls, Rhine wants nothing to do with him. However, Rhine finds comfort and solace in a boy named Gabriel, who is the apprentice of Housemaster Vaughn, House Govenor Linden's father. What Linden and Rhine don't know is that Vaughn is obsessed in finding an remedy to the fatal disease that will claim his son's life. When Lady Rose dies, Vaughn experiments on her body to find this cure, which is not only immoral, but Linden has no idea that his father is going behind his back to find this so-called cure. As time goes by, Rhine starts to see Linden's true nature, which not only changes her opinion of him, but her feelings for Gabriel make her place in the mansion unbearable. Rhine's only option is to escape and find Rowan before it's too late.

Critical Evaluation:
I could not, whatsoever, put this book down. Not only is the premise ingenious, but the idea of shorter life-spans is terrifying. DeStefano incorporates very real issues such as: the sex slave trade, genetic experimentation, and wide-spread panic. What's even more shocking is that this future could actually happen if science and ethics aren't treated with the respect they deserve. As much as we want to be rid of diseases such as cancer, at what cost are we willing to pay to be disease-free. In this world, viable embryos are genetically altered to create, what I consider, of a clone minus the mishaps. For those who aren't aware, clones don't live long because of their copied DNA, which explains why Rhine and her peers are dying so young. Another important issue, which is, in my opinion, disgusting, is the routine kidnapping of girls to be sold off to rich families to produce offspring. Not only is this morally wrong, but illegal in every way possible. For Rhine, her feelings about being in the Ashby household are true and legitimate, which not only encourages her right to want to escape, but the reader will cheer her on in every way possible. However, the escape is very bittersweet because Rhine starts developing feelings for Linden. What we don't realize is that Linden, himself, is a prisoner of the mansion and that his own father is the reason why he is ignorant of the ways of the world. The sister wives are very important characters because their presence is what keeps Rhine sane after being separated from her twin brother. Lastly, Gabriel was the unexpected glimmer of hope in Rhine's life. It is him that inspires her to be free because she wants to be able to love him without having to keep it a secret. Rhine also wants to show him the beauty of freedom, which compels her to take him with her. Clearly, there are a lot of heavy issues that have created this sad world, but it is the power of the human spirit to want be free, to love, and to live. I am so looking forward to the next installment!

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

Lauren DeStefano was born in New Haven, Connecticut and has never traveled far from the east coast. She received a BA in English from Albertus Magnus College, and has been writing since childhood. She made her authorial debut by writing on the back of children's menus at restaurants and filling up the notepads in her mom's purse. Her very first manuscript was written on a yellow legal pad with red pen, and it was about a haunted shed that ate small children.

Now that she is all grown up (for the most part), she writes fiction for young adults. Her failed career aspirations include: world's worst receptionist, coffee house barista, sympathetic tax collector, and English tutor. When she isn't writing, she's screaming obscenities at her Nintendo DS, freaking her cats out with the laser pen, or rescuing thrift store finds and reconstructing them into killer new outfits.

Genre:
Teen Romance, Teen Dystopian Thrillers


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9&up


Books Similar to Wither:

• Matched by Ally Condie
• Delirium by Lauren Oliver

  Awards & Recognition:

•  Starred Review Publisher's Weekly (1/10/2011)

 Reviews from Amazon.com
A “harrowing debut . . . DeStefano has an observant and occasionally pitiless eye, chronicling the cruelties, mercies, and inconsistencies of her young characters. . . . It will be intriguing to see how DeStefano develops [the larger world] as this promising trilogy progresses.”
– *PW STARRED review, January 10, 2010

"Creepy and elegant, shocking and romantic, dreadful and rewarding, and delivers unexpected twists. It'll leave you longing for book two."
--Lisa McMann, New York Times bestselling author of the WAKE trilogy and CRYER'S CROSS

“Lauren DeStefano crafts an all too believable future. I loved the world, the romance, the writing -- exactly the kind of book I've been craving to read.”
--Carrie Ryan, New York Times bestselling author of THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH

"This beautifully-written debut fantasy, with its intriguing world-building, well-developed characters and intricate plot involving flashbacks as well as edge-of-the-seat suspense, will keep teens riveted to the plight of Rhine and her sister wives. The compelling cover will draw them in and the cliffhanger ending will leave them eagerly awaiting volumes two and three of The Chemical Garden Trilogy. This thought-provoking novel will also stimulate discussion in science and ethics classes."--VOYA

Plot Summary:
It's been 264 days since anyone has spoken or touched Juliette. Her parents no longer care for her and she has no one to call friend or someone to love. For 264 days, she spent her time in silence until Adam shows up. Juliette has no idea why this boy would be her new cellmate, but what she cannot help is the way she feels about him. Why would such a beautiful boy be locked up in the same room as her? Furthermore, Juliette cannot explain to him as to why she is there and why he cannot touch her at all. In this story, the Earth has been damaged by global warming where the seasons have ceased as well as the wildlife; everything and anything has been genetically modified so there is no need for birds to fly or for cows to graze. The Earth is a desolate wasteland until the Reestablishment came to the rescue. However, the Reestablishment has decided that since it has done such a wonderful job in restoring peace and sustainability that it has the right to take over. In other words, the entire planet is under the control of the Reestablishment. With each passing day, Juliette longs to go outdoors and to be free. Everyday she dreams of the birds and the fresh air and, to her surprise, Juliette has the chance to make that dream a reality. However, the price she must pay is not only frightening, but absolutely out of the question. The proposition: gain total freedom, but, in return, must provide the Reestablishment with her "talents". For Juliette, she can finally be free; however, she must use her powerful abilities, which could be dangerous.

Critical Evaluation:
Shatter Me is a chilling story of a future that could easily happen if we don't take care of ourselves and our environment. Although Global Warming is one of the back stories of this book, it's a a great representation of Juliette. Juliette has been thrown to the wayside to rot away in a jail and no one cares. Just like this planet, people take it for granted until its too late. Furthermore, because of her ability, Juliette has been treated unfairly, which not only conveys the sudden regression of humanity, but the signs of a failing culture. The relationship between Adam and Juliette is not only beautiful, its based off the fact that neither one of them have any prejudice or predispositions about who they are and why they have been locked away. Despite the fact that they are roommates, Adam provides Juliette with a sense of comfort and hope that she is going to be okay. In fact, Adam not only sees her,  and does not flinch, he actually wants to get to know her as if she matters. All her life, Juliette has been seen and treated as nothing but a monster, which is not only upsetting, but down right cruel. Although readers learn that her "gift" is very mutant-ish, Juliette has been given a choice: use the gift in order to gain her freedom or lean to channel her powers and utilize them to help her find her way out. I will admit the ending was cheesy and Omega 23 is very similar to X-Men University so the sequel should be interesting if one can get past the upcoming mutant/superhero story.

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

She’s 24. She was born in a small city somewhere in Connecticut and currently resides in Orange County, California, where she drinks too much caffeine and finds the weather to be just a little too perfect for her taste. When unable to find a book, she can be found reading candy wrappers, coupons, and old receipts. SHATTER ME is her first novel. Foreign rights have sold in 22 territories to-date and film rights have been optioned by 20th Century Fox.

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thriller


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Shatter Me:

• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
• Wake by Lisa McMann
  

Awards & Recognition:

From Amazon.com
“Addictive, intense, and oozing with romance.
I’m envious.
I couldn’t put it down.” (Lauren Kate, New York Times bestselling author of FALLEN )

“Rip-roaring adventure and steamy romance scenes, with a relationship teens will root for as much as they did for Bella and Edward. Inventive touches propel the story, such as strikeouts that reveal Juliette’s inner thoughts. The final chapters leave Juliette, Adam, and Warner well poised for round two.” (Booklist )

“Mafi combines a psychological opener with an action-adventure denouement in her YA debut. This is a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” (Publishers Weekly )

“Fans of Cashore’s Fire, Oliver’s Delirium, and, yes, Twilight will find this addictive.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books )

“Teens will feel satisfied yet wait impatiently for more.” (School Library Journal )

Plot Summary:
Six is different then the rest of the agents in The Deck. Not only is he super strong, he can heal faster than the average human, he has perfect vision, and he is lethal. More importantly, Six is only sixteen years old. What most people don't know about six, is that he was the product of an illegal experiment at the Lab, which burned down sixteen years ago. Furthermore, if anyone at the Deck found out that he isn't a true human being, he could be hunted and destroyed. In the world that Six lives in, two major corporations have overrun the government and everyone is under the every watchful eye of ChaoSonic. In other words, ChaoSonic requires every citizen to have an assigned ChaoSonic ID, which means they can track every more that person makes. There is no such thing as civil liberties and those with the most money have total power over everyone. In this world, any rich man or woman can create and destroy whoever they want because they have the funds that supply ChaoSonic. For those who desire to defy ChaoSonic form their own syndicates like the Deck. The Deck is is literally a rebellion of cards: the hearts are the enforcers, the Diamonds are the negotiators, and the Jokers are the information resources. The goal of the deck is to expose and neutralize any activity that threatens the innocent and absorbs any assets belonging to those who seek to hurt humankind. In this world, humanity has become an endangered species where technology and greed threaten its very existence. For Six, his goal is to do his job, and do it flawlessly, while staying under the radar from the Lab. However, after being summoned by the King of Hearts to investigate a location that could be housing an operation that terrifies Six--the Lab is back.  Furthermore, when he meets Kyntax, Six's nightmares are about to come true.


Critical Evaluation:
In this stunning debut, Jack Heath has given teen readers an adventure of a lifetime. Not only is our hero a superhuman, he is the hunter who is being hunted. In this world is a very scary reality where no one has control over their own lives or futures. Furthermore, the idea that greed is so powerful that those who possess the money have the freedom to do whatever they want is down right scary. As for Six, all I could think of, as I was reading this, is a mixture of The Terminator and Judge Dread. For those who aren't familiar with these movies, they are old school action flicks starring two of my favorite action stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. Since he isn't a machine, or liquid metal, Six has human DNA that has been altered and mixed with specific genes that make him invincible and powerful. Furthermore, the opening Prologue, is not only creepy, but makes the reader think hard about the possibility of human experimentation. Although its never really stated that Six is a clone, but the idea of altering fetuses is not at all impossible. Clearly, Six was created to be the ultimate weapon, but, at the same time, those who "created" him, didn't count on the fact that Six is capable of thinking and feeling. Six may not be the most personable being on the planet, but he feels fear and loneliness, which convey that beneath all of the superpowers is a teen looking for his place in this world. For me, when we meet Syntak, I had this surge of hope that Six would not be alone in this world. However, I am not so sure of Syntak's motives, but I guess I will find out in the sequel, Remote Control.

Information about the Author:
According to his website, Jack Heath was born in Sydney, Australia, but moved to Canberra, Australia, until he was nine years old. He started writing his first novel when he was thirteen and earned a publishing contract when he was eighteen. His first novel, the Lab, has not only been adapted to a screenplay, hi second novel, Remote Control,  was a shortlisted sci-fi book of the year at the 2007 Aurealis Awards and, in 2009, he was named ACT Young Australian of the Year. When he was 23, he was invited to teach creative writing at the Canberra Institute of Technology and was featured at the the Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo. When he is not writing or writing:

Jack is performing street magic, composing film music, teaching or lecturing at schools and festivals, or playing a variety of instruments including the piano and the bass guitar. He stoically ignores his lack of qualifications or training in any of these areas. Also, now 25, he’s working on his seventh action book and compiling a list of every book he’s ever read.

Genre:
Teen Thriller, Teen Sci Fi

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Lab:

• The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
• Double Helix by Nancy Werlin
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Positive review from Booklist
• Positive review from the Bulletin of the Center of Children's Books
• Postive review from School Library Journal
• Positive review from Kirkus Review
  

Plot Summary:
Wally is a rebel. In fact, she is such a rebel that she ran away from her wealthy family and decided to live on the streets of Manhattan in search of a place to sleep and find food to eat. As the new leader of her "pack," this rebel becomes a leader where her friends rely on her for everything, which, for Wally, is a great responsibility and burden. Although her friends know that she was adopted, she is not at all the spoiled little rich girl that she should be.Wally was born in Russia, but was dropped off at an orphanage.Wally enjoyed living with her bother and sisters and her adopted Babushka (grandmother) and caretaker, Mrs.Ivanoa. Babu would tell Wally all sorts about her mother, which told Wally that she had a mother and didn't need anyone else. However, after the sudden death of a former crew member, Wally is being tracked down by NYPD and the Russian syndicate. Although Wally is a runaway and petty thief, she is not at all who she seems to be; now that the notorious Russian mobster is on the lose, his target is Wally. Meanwhile, after attempting to get a new fake ID, Wally makes her way to Brighton Beach, the Little Moscow of New York, is given an envelope that contains a picture of a man, papers, and a rare stone called Alexandrite. In the same envelope is a letter from Wally's birth mother telling her that she loves her, but they may never reunite because of the bad man in the photo. For Wally, this isn't good enough and she and her crew decide to go looking for her. In their search, not only do the uncover the truth about Wally's mother, but how Wally is the key to this mystery, which leads to a series of deadly events.

Critical Evaluation:
In a classic game of cat and mouse, Richter has created a thrilling adventure for teens. For Wally, not only is she searching for herself, she is looking for her mother who has thrust her into some serious trouble. In many ways, readers will feel extremely sympathetic for Wally because not only is she in a mess, she is trying to figure out who her mother is and why she did what she did. In my mind, as I was reading this story, I feel like I have been thrown in to an elaborate Le Femme Nikitia movie where a young girl's life has suddenly taken a dark turn, but instead of working for the government, she is running from the mobsters in search of the truth. Readers are going to get a brief insight to Russian culture, including their mob, which adds the suspense that has building; Wally is in some serious trouble. I really, really enjoyed how Richter incorporated a variety of Russian rhymes and text that not only add to cultural aspect, but serve as clue into Wally's past. As Wally tries to make sense of the clues that have been given to her, we are starting to see the resilience and the power of team work as the whole crew comes together to find the truth about Wally's mom. Lastly, the fact that Wally has extensive knowledge when it comes to guns is just plain awesome. Obviously, readers will know from this fact, just how powerful and strong Wally is, which makes this whole story more exciting.

Information about the Author:
According to the book jacket of Dark Eyes:

William Harlan Richter is a Hollywood screenwriter. He was nominated for an Emmy Award as producer of  "We Stand Alone Together," the documentary episode of the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers. William was born and raised in California. Dark Eyes is his first novel.

Genre:
Teen Thriller, Teen Mysteries

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Dark Eyes:

• Legend by Marie Lu
• Can't Get There From Here by Todd Strasser
  

Awards & Recognition:

•  Starred Review Booklist (2/15/2012)
  

Plot Summary:
Mara Dyer has no recollection of what happened at the old insane asylum. She remembers being woken in the middle night by Jude, her boyfriend, and has reluctantly agreed to join him and his sister, Claire, and her best friend, Rachel, to investigate the haunted building. What she doesn't remember is how she woke up in the hospital and how her friends died. After being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Mara convinces her family to leave Rhode Island to the sunny and tropical state of Florida. After enrolling in Croyden School, Mara has to start over, knowing that her best friend is dead. On her first day of school, she meets Jamie, who not only puts her nervousness at ease, but a her first friend who doesn't know about her past. Unfortunately, with every new school, Mara quickly learns that everyone in this school, except for a good few ones, is as dumb as a rock and ten times more vicious than a rabid lion. However, what Mara didn't count on is Noah. Known as the most hottest, and most popular guy, in school, Mara becomes the object of Noah's time and affection. After being warned that he is an all-time heart breaker, Mara does everything she can to avoid him. However, Mara still struggles with her nightmares and hallucinations that she fears she may never heal or be normal again. Although no one know this, but Mara has a very powerful gift that she cannot control, but, unbeknownst to Mara, this gift is her curse where certain people he had encountered end up dead. Mara has no clue what's going on with her head, but the last things she needs is to be humiliated by Anna and Aidan (the school's most notorious bullies and dimwhits). What Mara didn't count is that Noah was there, from the beginning, protecting her. Mara is very leery about Noah, but the more she gets to know him, the more she starts to realize that he is something all together different. Is it possible that this broken girl could finally start over? Could Mara have a happy ending? The cards say something different.   

Critical Evaluation:
Michelle Hodkin has written a thrilling account of a teen who not only has to deal with the loss of her best friend, but the very idea that she is the reason the person she cares the most for is dead. Although what happened that night was rules as a terrible accident, the events of that night slowly come back to Mara as the story progresses. By entwining flashbacks of the past with the presents, readers cannot put this book down because we have to know what Mara saw. Although this story is a very real tragedy, the idea that someone has the power to will the demise of another person without physically doing it is not of this world. Mara is convinced that the flashbacks are just hallucinations, but when it starts to literally affect her, and those around her, Mara believes something awful is happening to her. For Noah, who happens to be just as special as she is and complete opposite, has the power to heal and restore. The idea of a romance between two people who can cause and resolve catastrophe is more than romantic, it is also very dangerous and unpredictable. Although I get the feeling that Mara resembles X-men hero, Rogue, Mara has yet to make a choice: learn to control her power or let her power control her. I seriously could not put this book downs and am looking forward to the sequel!


Information about the Author:
According to the book jacket of her book, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer:

Michelle Hodkin grew up in South Florida, went to college in New York, and attended law school in Michigan. When she isn't writing, she can usually be found prying strange objects from the jaws of one of her three pets. This is her first novel.

Genre:
Teen Thriller, Teen Supernatural Romance


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer:

• Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
• Wake by Lisa McMann
  

Awards & Recognition:

Review Quotes

"Haunting and dreamlike, the intrigue and romance of Mara Dyer will inescapably draw you in." --Cassandra Clare, author of the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series

"The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer strikes a rare balance of darkly funny, deliciously creepy and genuinely thoughtful. One minute I was laughing out loud, and the next, I was so scared I wanted to turn on all the lights and hide under the covers. Michelle Hodkin’s talent and range are obvious, from her chilling descriptions to romantic scenes that almost crackled on the page. I’ve never read anything quite like it."--Veronica Roth, New York Times bestselling author of Divergent

"A clever, captivating thriller, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is perfect for those (like me) who like their heroes dark, their heroines dangerous, and their romances seriously twisted."

--Kirsten Miller, New York Times bestselling author of The Eternal Ones

"WOW. Michelle Hodkin's debut will keep you guessing until the last page--and long after."

--Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of Across the Unviverse

"As spooky and twisty as it is lyrical and beautiful, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Read this one with the lights on." --Rachel Hawkins, New York Times bestselling author of Demonglass

From Amazon.com

It's that time again! It's Summer Reading Program time! This year, the Alhambra Civic Center Library will be hosting its annual program with some of my favorite creatures of the night: zombies and ninjas. I will admit that I let my super dorkiness take over in creating this program, but we have a lot of great events coming this summer and prizes! 

The Teen Summer Reading Program is for teen 13-18 years old. The objective is to read an hour a day (for five days) and come to the Library the following week to report by summing up your book in three little words: "It was fantastic!" or "It really sucked." Really, this isn't so hard!

Every week, we will be giving away cool goodies for a job well done and teens will be entered into a weekly raffle to earn additional prizes. Also, by attending the weekly programs, teens will increase their chances of winning the weekly prize. Sign up at the Teen Reference Desk to receive a reading log where teens will record their programs and use as a nifty bookmark. For further information, visit the following link or calling the Teen Staff at: (626) 300-1549 or e-mail us at: alhambrateens@gmail.com.

Plot Summary:
Prince Aleksander wants nothing but to be just like his father the smart, thoughtful, and peacekeeping Arch Duke. For Deryn, it was her father that showed her the beauty of aeronautics and aerology, but, unfortunately, she was born a girl and not a boy. These teens share one thing in common and that is to master machines and beings that were invented to do battle. In this alternate reality, World War I has just begun. After Aleksander's parents are murdered, he is forced into hiding by the Wildcount Volger and Master of Mechaniks, Otto Klopp. The reason why he must go into exile is that Aleksander's mother was a commoner; therefore, he has no claim to his title, which leads to chaos when his own people turn against him after the death of his father. Meanwhile, with the help of her brother, Deryn (aka. Dylan), is able to enlist in the Navy, provided she doesn't blow her cover with "girly" ways. Although Deryn isn't really all that feminine, her worries and fears could easily expose her true identity. However, Deryn has one aspect that most of these recruits do not have and that is guts. Ever since she was a little girl, she has been exposed to daring feats such as riding in air balloons, high into the sky. What she wasn't counting on is the Darwinist weapons that the Brits have created; in this world, there are two types of military power: the Clankers (machine builders) and the Darwinists (bio-engineers). For Aleksander, his only hope for survival is a rickety Stormwalker that holds him and his small crew. While Alek is running for his life, Deryn's recruitment advances rather quickly since she is very capable handling the "beasties" (the Darwinist animal weapons) and finds herself aboard the Leviathan--a floating ship that is made of a real whale and hundreds of small ecosystems. After proving herself worthy, Deryn is a "middie" who not only has the pleasure of outdoing her male counterparts, she becomes the personal assistant to Dr. Barlow who is a bio-scientist and is carrying a top secret government secret. The journey for Alek and Deryn takes a rather explosive turn where the end up meeting on a glacier in the Swiss Alps, which inadvertently brings the Clanker Austrian outcasts and the stranded Darwinists.

Critical Evaluation:
Scott Westerfield has written a cleaver alternate reality where machines and science will determine the fate of the world. I am very new to the Steampunk genre and I have to admit that's its pretty darn cool! Although the idea of animal weapons is a bit creepy, I would give anything to see a flying whale or a bat that is able to digest explosives. Granted, there are many ethical issues in the creation of these beings, what I found fascinating is how these creatures are able to coexist without impacting their surroundings. However, just because man has dominion over animals, doesn't mean he can use them in a way that puts their very existence at risk. The Clankers, those who prefer mechanical robots, strongly oppose these "abominations," which leaves the readers wondering the true purpose of the war: eliminate the Darwinist methods. Although history states the Germans and the Serbs were begging for a war, was the assassination of Alek's parents just a cover for an all out war between Darwinists and Clankers. Although Leviathan is the first book in the trilogy, it leaves readers pondering a variety of outcomes. For instance, when Alek finds out that his father made an agreement with the Pope to honor him as the next Emperor after his great-uncle dies, is Alek's accession to the throne  the reason why the entire world went to war. Secondly, why are the Darwinists France and Russia teaming up against the Clanker Germany and Austria? What makes this book so brilliant is that it reads like a strategic war game where players have chosen their pawns and the battle is about to begin.

Information about the Author:
According to his website, Scott Westerfield was born on May 5, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. His father was a computer programmer in the 1960s-1970's that took his family to different parts of the country; his father and mother are native Texans. Westerfield graduated from Arts Magnet High School, earned his Bachelor of Art in Philosophy from Vassar College in 1985, and his Master of Performance Studies in 1988. Westerfield has two older sisters and is married to his wife, Justine Larbalesteir. Westerfield has written eighteen novels (thirteen for young adults and five for adults). Here are some random facts about Scott:

Jobs held
factory worker (making lead soldiers!)
substitute teacher
textbook editor
software designer
ghost writer

Six Interesting Facts
1. I just bought a telescope (80mm primary)
2. I am a vegetarian (for family reasons, mostly)
3. My book So Yesterday has been translated into Slovene.
4. Languages studied: Japanese, Spanish, and Latin. Languages fluent in: English.
5. Justine and I are bisummeral, moving between the hemispheres to avoid the deadly scourge of winter.
6. I never wear jeans. Never!

 The Leviathan Trilogy is his latest trilogy and I am sure there are more on the way! For more information on Keith Thompson, click on the following link.

Genre:
Teen Steampunk

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Leviathan:

• Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
• The Iron Thorn by Kaitlin Kittredge
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review Kirkus Review (9/1/2009)
• Starred Review Publisher's Weekly (8/24/2009)
• Starred Review School Library Journal (9/1/2009)
• Starred Review Bulletin of the Center for Children's Book (12/1/2009)
  

Plot Summary:
Taro lives in a small village near Shimahara Bay in the Kanto Province of Japan and he dreams that one day he will become a samurai.When he was younger, he rescued his best friend, Hiro, from a shark attack and his parents took Hiro in. Even at a young age, Taro has all of the qualities of a good warrior, strong and true. Although he spends most of his time hunting in the forest, life for Taro is pretty quiet. However, his father had fallen very ill and he knows the inevitable is bound to happen. One night, Taro and his mother, heard a noise in their home to find that Taro's father has been assassinated by ninja. Not knowing what's going on, or what to do, Taro foolishly tries to take revenge and fight until he is stopped by another ninja named Shusaku. What Taro doesn't realize is that Shusaku is more than a ninja--he is a Kyuuketsuki--a vampire. Furthermore, this ninja vampire's weapon bears the same symbol as Taro's bow (three hollylock leaves in a circle). In order to flee the assassins, Shusaku makes a hasty decision and Taro is changed forever. According to the ninja traitor/assassin, someone paid Shusaku good money to kill Taro, but Taro has no idea why anyone would want to kill him. What he doesn't realize is that this order comes from Lord Oda Nobunaga, the Shogun's most powerful daimiyo besides Lord Ieyasu Tokugawa. When Taro reaches Shusaku's clan, the secrets behind his existence are slowly revealed and his dream of becoming a samurai is shattered.However, Taro embarks on an adventure that will not only make him a ninja, but the most powerful being in the land.

Critical Evaluation:
Blood Ninja is the epitome of an epic tale where readers will not only love the richness of the back story, but he or she invest their time, energy, and hope in all of the characters. Nick Lake has definitely done his research, which not educates the readers, but allows those who are familiar with Japanese history to get excited. I grew up on samurai flicks where all of this is totally familiar, not to mention, my favorite anime series (Ruroni Kenshin) takes place in the same time period. Lake not only weaves true events into this tale, but the idea of ninja as vampires is pretty ingenious. The idea of ninja has always been shrouded by mystery and, for those who have done their research, know that these beings are incredibly powerful, but their secrets very well hiddne. Granted, I don't any Ninja, personally, I could easily see how the traits of a vampire are very similar to these warriors. Along with the historical background, the characters in this story are so beautifully STRONG! I have to give credit where its due because none of the females, in this story, are just as formidable as the male. Hana, Heiko, Yukiko, the Abess, the Ame, and, even Lady Tokugawa (lasting for as long as she did) are given the opportunity to show their strengths, which, for me, is such a huge breath of fresh air. Moreover, since this book is definitely meant for the reluctant male reader, Lake provides them with a story where the stereotypical gender roles have no place in this world, especially when vampires are for hire. Blood Ninja is action packed adventure where one boy's life takes a rather interesting turn that will either make or break him.                   

Information about the Author:
According to Simon and Schuster, Nick Lake was born on August 21 and is the current Children's Book Editor for Harper UK. He attended high school in Luxemburg and went to college in Oxford, England where he earned his degree in Phonetics. Here are a list of unique questions that he has answered in regards to his life, work, and dreams:

Q. How would you describe your life in only 8 words?

A. I would use the word "busy" eight times.

Q. How would you describe perfect happiness?

A. A fire, a good chair and a new Stephen King book. Or the moment the soundchecks finish and the band take to the stage. Or sunset on the mountains, with weary feet, and the lights of a pub ahead. Or the sound of a breakbeat. Or a very sweet tea, anywhere in the middle east, at any time of day.

Q. What’s your greatest fear?

A. Not being good.

Q. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?

A. The main square in Esfehan, Iran, with the aforementioned glass of tea.

Q. With whom in history do you most identify?

A. Er... someone who was a writer and an editor? I don't know. I don't think I identify with anyone.

Q. Which living person do you most admire?

A. Haruki Murakami. Stephen King. Anyone who works for Medecins sans Frontieres or Amnesty International.

Q. What are your most overused words or phrases?

A. "Apparently".

Q. If you could acquire any talent, what would it be?

A. The abillity to play a musical instrument well. Also, the ability to speak all languages fluently.

Q. What is your greatest achievement?

A. Meeting my wife.

Q. If you could be any person or thing, who or what would it be?

A. I wouldn't mind being Simon Cowell. I could make the X-factor go away. Not to mention R&B flavoured pop music.

Q. What trait is most noticeable about you?

A. I have no idea. My hair? It's usually quite big, because I keep forgetting to have it cut. I look like the freakish son of Tom Hanks and David Hasselhoff.

Q. Who is your favorite fictional hero?

A. Sally Lockhart.

Q. Who is your favorite fictional villain?

A. Steerpike. (Also hero.)

Q. If you could meet any historical character, who would it be and what would you say to him or her?

A. I'd like to meet Shakespeare and I'd ask him how to write better.

Genre:
Teen Thrillers, Teen Historical Fiction, Teen Fantasy


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Blood Ninja:

• Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
• I am Number 4 by Pitticus Lore

Awards & Recognition: 

Review Quotes:

“The night has a new hero.”—Darren Shan, author of the Cirque Du Freak series

“A fast-paced, gripping book about ninjas. It’s all I ask for, really.”—Conn Iggulden, coauthor of The Dangerous Book for Boys

“An elegantly thrilling and action-packed tale of honor, duty, and desetiny.”—Derek Land, author of Skulduggery Pleasant

“Deftly blends sixteenth-century Japanese samurai history with vampire mythology to concoct a gory and fast-paced adventure that will grab readers...the cliff-hanger ending will leave readers clamoring for a sequel.”—Booklist

“Lake uses the story's familiar elements skillfully, combining them into an imaginative and original whole. And, really, with vampire ninjas, how can you lose?”—Publishers Weekly

“Those who enjoy Far Eastern-tinged quest stories—with a dash of vampires and ninjas for flavor—will find much to enjoy here.”—VOYA
 
From Amazon.com

I made it into a super cool directory called the YA Book Blog Directory. If you are looking for more recommendations, definitely take a look at this site! Unfortunately, my layout is being picky with image layout so I won't be able to post this button on the sidebar so I will put it here! Happy reading!

Plot Summary:
After his parents moved him across the country, Ben has to get used to a new school, make new friends, and become a big brother to the newest addition to the Tomlin--  a baby chimp. Ben is not at all excited about his parents latest research project, which is teach language to this chimp. The moment his mom brought the baby home, he wanted absolutely nothing to with him because he had bigger problems to worry about--getting into an elite prep school, making new friends, and dating the cutest girl he has ever met. As time goes by, Ben's reluctance to be with the chimp wanes and when he names the baby, Zan (after Tarzan), all of his hesitation and heart melts. Ben has become to center of Zan's world and the closer they get, the more the Chimp progresses. In fact, the experiment goes so well that he and his family end up in People Magazine and the become the town celebrities. Life couldn't get any better for Ben because he befriends the children of the University Dean and his social profile is solid and he is good friends with the TA that is hired to help with Zan's education. However, things take a turn for the worse when the University, and critics, start questioning the validity of the experiment that leads to a treacherous journey for both Zan and Ben.


Critical Evaluation:
 Half Brother is an incredibly compelling story about a relationship between an animal and human. At the time of this story, the works of Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey were blossoming as well as the issue of animal testing in the 1970's. Moreover, this story is also about the pursuit of scientific knowledge and what its limitations are. Amidst this historic significance, is a story about a teenager who is just trying to find his place in the world. Despite being uprooted from his home, Ben has to start all over again and that is not easy. Another issue is having is living up to his father's expectations, which lands him in a school that is way above his abilities. The thing is that Ben is a normal teen who wants to live a normal life and have a normal family. Unfortunately, Ben is the child of two brilliant scientists who are embarking on a scientific feat, which is teach language to a primate. Although chimps are able to grasp the American Sign Language (thanks to the work of Allen and Beatrix Gardner), the Tomlin's want to take this concept farther which requires them to integrate this baby into human life. I can completely understand Ben's hesitance because it's not normal to integrate a wild animal into human family. Not only is it confusing for the baby, it's difficult for the family especially when the animal tendencies come out (i.e., Zan biting off another TA's finger and fits). Although the goal of this experiment is noble (to bridge the gap between humans and primates) it is also cruel (Zan's learning chair). Ben cannot help fall in love with Zan because Zan is a part of him, which makes it hard when the University threatens to close down the project. Moreover, the more he learns about the controversy of animal testing, Ben panics and does something so incredibly dumb, but admirable, readers cannot help but cheer him on. This is a beautiful story between to beings who have nothing but unconditional love and trust between each other.

Information about the Author:
In his website:

I was born in Port Alberni, a mill town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia but spent the bulk of my childhood in Victoria, B.C. and on the opposite coast, in Halifax, Nova Scotia...At around twelve I decided I wanted to be a writer (this came after deciding I wanted to be a scientist, and then an architect). I started out writing sci-fi epics (my Star Wars phase) then went on to swords and sorcery tales (my Dungeons and Dragons phase) and then, during the summer holiday when I was fourteen, started on a humorous story about a boy addicted to video games (written, of course, during my video game phase). It turned out to be quite a long story, really a short novel, and I rewrote it the next summer. We had a family friend who knew Roald Dahl - one of my favourite authors - and this friend offered to show Dahl my story. I was paralysed with excitement. I never heard back from Roald Dahl directly, but he read my story, and liked it enough to pass on to his own literary agent. I got a letter from them, saying they wanted to take me on, and try to sell my story. And they did.

Oppel wrote his first novel, Colin's Fantastic Video Adventure, in 1985, and received his BA from the University of Toronto. While in school he wrote his second novel, The Live-Forever Machine, and when he graduated he got married and went to Oxford, England where his wife was getting her doctoral in Shakespearean studies. He has three children and currently live in Canada. Half Brother has won the Canadian Children's Library Association Award as well as the Young Adult Book Award.


Genre:
Teen Historical Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 8 &up

Books Similar to Half Brother:

• Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse
• Million Shades of Grey by Cynthia Kadohata

 Awards & Recognition:

• Canadian Children's Library Association Winner
• Canadian Young Adult Award Winner
• Starred Review School Library Journal (9/1/2010)
  

Plot Summary:
It has been years since the Unconsecrated have roamed the island. For Mary, she has lived her entire life in the village, knowing her fate: marry or join the Sisterhood. Although Mary is in love with Travis, it is his brother, Harry, who will ask for her hand and she is unsure if she could be content marrying a man she doesn't have to love. However, this decision wouldn't have been so difficult if her mother hadn't died and joined the Unconsecrated. According to the law, anyone who is bitten has two choices: immediate death or thrown into the Forest of Hands and Teeth to roam the island with the undead. Although Mary was supposed to watch her mother that day, it was her mother's choice to be turned to the Forest to join her husband. Unwilling to deny her mother her wish, she watched her mother die and return, which not only tears her apart, but angers her older brother, Jed. When she returns home to gather her mother's belongings, Jed informs Mary that she will no longer be staying in her home. Apparently, no one has asked for her hand, which leaves her with only one choice: join the Sisterhood. The Sisters are the ones who not only keep the law and order the village, but are the keepers of all of the secrets and reasons behind the Unconsecrated. Being apart of the Sisterhood is not what Mary had planned, in fact, she is unsure about her future because of her mother's stories. For many years, her mother would tell her about the ocean and the existence of a place beyond the village. Although these "fancies" are nothing but stories, Mary cannot shake the fact that there could be something beyond the fences free of the undead. One night, an outsider makes her way into the village and Mary is convinced that if someone, who wasn't infected, is able to get into the village then there has to be a place she can go that isn't surrounded by the Unconsecrated. Unfortunately, when Gabrielle reveals to her the number "XVIII," Mary knew she was trying to tell her something, which will lead her on a journey that is not only dangerous, but could cost her everything. 

Critical Evaluation:
In this amazing tale of survival, Mary not only has to fight for her life, she has to face the trials and tribulations of adolescence by battling starvation and zombies. Carrie Ryan has given readers a remarkable tale where love and hope are rarities in a world ravaged by darkness and evil. Another aspect about this story, which will leave readers thinking, is how religion plays a huge effect on the outcome of this story. The Sisterhood is a powerful group who not only rule over the people, but are the only connection to God and His will. Readers also discover that the guardians (i.e., military), under the control of the Sisterhood, have hidden valuable information from the villagers in case there was ever a breach. In many ways, Mary sees this is a blatant attempt for the Sisterhood and Guardians to flee and leave the rest of the village to die. In just a short amount of time, Mary, Travis, Harry, Jed, Cass, and Jacob learn the harsh realities of life and, even with a huge fence, nothing is full proof, nor is it everlasting. All of the characters in the book undergo quite a bit of growing up, which forces them to confront the truth about life, love, and happiness. For Travis, he only wanted to protect Mary, but; in reality, she didn't need to be protected and a life with him could never be enough. For Harry, despite knowing that Mary could never love him, he wanted nothing more than to have a life with her because his love was strong enough for the both of them. As for Cass, her frailty turned in fierceness after caring, and loving Jacob, as her own. Lastly, for Jed, he and Mary are finally on equal grounding where he know that he can no longer tell Mary what to do or deny her strength. Many readers will identify with these characters because at one point, or another, we all realize what we really want and having faith that we can achieve that goal. I will admit there is quite a bit of angst, but when one is trying to survive a zombie apocalypse, and being a teenager, anyone would be a bit angsty. I can't wait for the next installment!

Information about the Author:
 According to her website, Carrie Ryan was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. While in high school, she  was the junior VP, captain of the field hockey team, founder of the girls soccer team, managed to write her first short story. After graduating from high school, she attended Williams College,  in Massachusetts, maintained a nice repertoire of school activities, became an avid mountain biker, hiked the Wind River Wilderness Mountains, participated in a Mayan archeological dig in Guatemala, and taught SAT Prep for Princeton Review. After graduating from college, she moved to Virginia and worked at Foxcroft school where she finished her first book:

She tried to convince agents that they really wanted a sensual western historical romance, but they were quite adamant that they did not. So she decided to write chick lit. Unfortunately, most chick lit showcased exciting city life and Carrie's life was pretty boring in the Virginia countryside. So she came up with the brilliant plan of going to law school and getting a job in a big city so she could have an exciting life to draw from.

While at Duke Law School, she met her husband, J.P., who introduced her to the world of zombies and kick started her fascination with the undead. After graduating from law school, Ryan wanted to get serious about writing chick lit for adults. However, she ultimately decided to write young adult fiction since the chick lit plan fell through and it was her husband who convinced her to write a teen zombie novel: "There are so many movies about the days and weeks after a zombie apocalypse, but Carrie wanted to know what happened much later—generations later. The Forest of Hands and Teeth is her first published novel and she's excited to be writing even more novels set in the same world." 

Genre:
Teen Zombie Lit

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 8 & up

Books Similar to The Forest of Hands and Teeth:

• The Boy Who Couldn't Die by William Sleator
• Dust and Decay by Jonathan Maberry 

Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review School Library Journal (05/1/2009)
• Starred Review Publisher's Weekly (02/2/2009)