Mrs. Klassen Recommends

What Mrs. K. has been reading (up to Sept. 2010)

These are the books that kept me up past my bedtime ...	up to the end of the summer of 2010
Summer of 2010:	Plastic by Sarah Harvey Should a 16 year old girl accept the birthday gift of breast enhancement surgery? Her best friend doesn't think so and he sets about trying to convince her not to do it.
The Silver Donkey by Sonya Hartnett This was not my favourite book, this summer. I abandoned it before I was done. I think I may revisit this one when I am more in the mood for a book that is a series of short magical short stories. Read it and tell me what you think...	What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles Cass writes a not-so-nice note which may, or may not, have led to David's suicide. Now David's brother is out for revenge. Will Cass be able to convince him to let her go? This is a fast but thrilling read. Recommended for grade 9 and up.
Alone in the Ice World (aka I am the Ice Worm) by Mary Ann Easley Allison is on her way to visit her mother in Alaska when her plane crashes. The pilot is killed but Allison survives. She is rescued by an Inupiat trapper who takes her to his village. From there, Allison must convince someone to help her find her way to the coast and to her mother. Set in the 1970's, this book paints a picture of how the traditional Eskimo way of life was being eroded by modern civilization.	Crackback by John Coy A novel about football that is also about so much more...being true to yourself, resisting peer pressure, living with an imperfect family, enduring injustice and finding that special someone. Quick to read but you will remember this book long after you have put it down.
Three Million Acres of Flame by Valerie Sherrard When Skye Haverill and her family are caught in the terrible Miramichi fire of 1825, they lose nearly everything including many of their closest friends and family members. Do they have the courage to rebuild their lives? This story is based on true events and had me spellbound. Give it a chance - the first few pages set the stage before the action picks up and intensifies. A wonderful book by a talented writer about a terrible piece of Canadian history. Highly recommended to all.	I am the Wallpaper by Mark Peter Hughes Floey Packer thinks that no one notices her and she determines to do something about it. But when the little boys next door get a hold of her journal and publish it on-line, complete with racy pictures of her, she has far more fame (or infamy) that she ever wanted and she takes matters into her own hands to set things right again.
All-In by Pete Hautman 17 year-old Denn has a talent for reading poker tells and he has built up a fortune by exploiting this talent. Then he meets Cattie and his luck seems to run out. He is determined to win back all the money he has lost at a million-dollar, winner-takes-all poker tournament but the entrance fee is $10,000. An unusual story about high-stakes gambling and revenge.	The Missing Girl by Norma Mazer Like many good thrillers, this books starts off by building tension slowly. 5 sisters are being watched by an anonymous man. They don't know it and go on with their lives oblivious to the danger lurking nearby. When one of them is kidnapped the rest find themselves helplessly searching for her.
Escaping into the Night by D. Dina Friedman Halina is running for her life and hiding with a group of fellow Jews who are living secretly in the forest and working against the Nazis with the help of the Russian army. Although she is a young girl, she finds within herself reserves of courage and daring she did not know she had. An unforgettable novel inspired by true historical events. HIghly recommended.	I Am Not Joey Pigza by Jack Gantos Joey Pigza is back. This time his no-good dad has won the lottery, re-married Joey's mother and reinvented their family complete with new names. Funny and original as it is improbable.
Malka by Mirjam Pressler The very unexciting cover of this novel hides a thrilling story that is based on real people and true events. While fleeing from the Nazis Malka's mother makes the difficult decision to leave Malka behind. From that point on, Malka's life takes a turn toward hardship and a fight for survival. An unforgettable novel of World War II, set in Poland and Hungary. Highly recommended!	Keesha's House by Helen Frost Written as a series of poems in the voices of teenagers who, for one reason or another, have run away from their homes, this book is one of the best I have read this year. Highly recommended.

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta Two tragic stories come together in this novel - one from the past and one from the present. (from the book jacket) This prizewinning novel is recommended for grade 9 and up.
The Trap by John Smelcer An unforgetable adventure set in the far north. Highly recommended for all ages.	A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban Friendship troubles, family problems and thwarted ambitions are part of daily life for Zoe but in this cheerful, lighthearted book, things work out in the end. A quick, fun read especially for students who have an interest in music and performance.
Do-Over by Rachel Vail Whit is a likeable guy who is obsessed with girls. He bumbles through life and basketball but manages to stay out of big trouble. You'll like this main character. I'm not sure about the cover of this book, or the title. It's an entertaining, if somewhat forgettable read. Good for passing the time.	Heartsinger by Karlijn Stoffels A whimsical book about love's many faces. Written in the style of a series of fairy tales. Not my favourite but definitely original in concept.
The Girls by Amy Goldman Koss Any girl who has ever had friendship problems will want to read this book. Critics called it "Suspenseful and realistic". It's short and compelling. Highly recommended.	Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson Based on an Emily Dickinson Poem which begins "Hope is the thing with feathers", this novel will enchant you.
Multiple Choice by Janet Tashjian Monica suffers from Obssessive Compulsive disorder - she is a perfectionist whose compulsive habits are spiraling out of control. To "get a grip" she invents the multiple choice game in an effort to force spontaneity into her life. At first the game is exciting and even liberating but very soon it starts to go terribly wrong!	The Taker by J. M. Steele When Carly tanks her all important SA Test losing her chance to attend her dream university, she receives a mysterious message from "The Taker", a person offering to take the exam for her...all she has to do is give him a promise. Soon Carly is in too deep and doesn't know how to get out. Brad, her boyfriend, is giving her trouble and her somewhat geeky but very cute next door neighbour is being very helpful. Recommended for grade 9 and up.
Snow Apples by Mary Razzell IN the 1940's, Sheila defies her family to carry on a romance with Nels. She imagines a beautiful future for the two of them but what she gets is pain and heartache. Nominated for a Governer General's award. Recommended for grade 9 and older.	The Crimes and Punishments of Miss Payne by Barry Jonsberg "...a riveting read filled with laugh-out-loud comedy, heart-pounding action, senseless tragedy, criminal activity, remorse, refrigerators and revenge." So says the book jacket and that about sums it up!
Stolen Child by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch Nadia arrives in Canada after the end of World War II. She knows that the people who call themselves her parents are not her real parents but who is she really? Troubled by dreams and worried about the taunts of her classmates, Nadia must face the truth about her past. Based on true events, this story will amaze you.	Hard Hit by Ann Turner This novel in blank verse will take you less than an hour to read but it will stay with you for a long time. Mark Warren seems to have it all - athletic ability, a hot girlfriend who also happens to be nice, a great family. Life is great for Mark until his father is diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer. A short but beautiful book.
Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey A very creepy book... Don't read this one just before falling asleep unless you want to have vivid nightmares! Recommended for grade 9 and up.	Choices by Lynn Jacobs Winner of this year's Stellar Teen Choice Book Award. Have you ever wondered what it would be like know the consequences of the choices you didn't make? After a tragedy in her family, Kathleen finds herself shifting between alternate realities living out multiple possibilities and consequences of her different choices. Original and a quick read. Recommended.
My 2009/10 reading:
The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: How Greg Heffley Went Hollywood by Jeff Kinney If you are a fan of the Wimpy Kid books you will enjoy learning how the movie was cast and made. I learned a lot about the movie business by reading this book . Watch the movie trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZKekhgbh5A
The Edge by Alan Gibbons Danny and his mother are living in fear when they make a run for it. Things are a bit better where they end up but there are problems of another kind. Take a look at the rave reviews (opposite). This book deserves them all. The action in this book will keep you turning the pages. Highly recommended.	…a fast and compelling 'must read'…I can't recommend it highly enough. Books for Keeps, July 2002 The characters are brilliantly drawn Mail on Sunday, July 1, 2002 Alan Gibbons is committed to writing books boys will read…No film or televising could compete with the immediacy of this intense plotting. Sunday Herald, July 7, 2002 Alan Gibbons's best yet. The writing grabs you from the first page and entwines you into the lives of the characters. The Herald, July 6, 2002
Going Bovine by Libba Bray This is the only book I've ever read where the acknowledgments page was more amusing than the book. Not that the book wasn't impressive but I think it would appeal more to senior high students than to middle school. Definitely for grade nine and up, this one.	The nuttiest author interview you will ever see... (watch it even if you don't read the book!)
Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller by Sarah Miller This book had me enthralled from page one...I've seen the old movie called "The Miracle Worker" starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, and watched plays about Hellen Keller's life , etc., but this book, based on real events, is my favourtie treatment of the inspiring life of Annie Sullivan and her equally famous pupil, Helen Keller. A great introduction to a beautiful true story, written in novel form. Highly recommended.	A summary of Helen's LIfe in video trailer form
Savvy by Ingrid Law Mibs is about to become a teenager, and as if that isn't scary enough, thirteen is when the people in her family get their "savvy". With one brother who causes hurricanes and another who creates electricity, her birthday savvy promises to be outrageous...and possibly thrilling. (adapted from book jacket) An unusual story with colourful characters - quick and fun to read.
Walkabout by James Vance Marshall This book, written in the late 1950's, is a classic tale of survival in the wilderness. I loved the richness of the language and the characters came alive for me. At first, I was bothered by the "lack of political correctness" that places the book back a few decades but soon realized the book is a product of its time and accurately reflects the way the characters would have thought and spoken. It is a not too be missed, short and satisfying read (and you will learn a few new words...guaranteed!).	The Falconer's Knot by Mary Hoffman There are an awful lot of dead bodies in this Middle Ages story about two young people who fall in love. One is hiding out in a monastery because he is falsely accused of a murder and the other is sent to the neighbouring convent by her uncaring brother. I enjoyed the historic details but found the ending a bit predictable. Everybody (except the corpses, of course) lives happily ever after.
When you Reach Me by Rebecca Stead Like the author, Miranda, the main character in this book, loves the work of writer Madeline L'Engle -- especially her most famous book, A Wrinkle in Time. When Miranda starts receiving messages from the future about saving her friend from death, she realizes that tessering (time travel) may actually be possible. This is one of the most unusual books I have read in many years.	Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas This is a novel about finding out that what you thought was the truth was not so. It's also about a weird bunch of high school Dada-ists (look it up) who take on the system.
Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn Nick is angry and confused when his girlfriend Caitlin goes to court to get a restraining order against him and he is forced to attend anger management classes. He doesn't see himself as an abuser and he misses Caitlin, a girl he thought loved him as much as he loved her. It takes a tragic event to get Nick to see his life for what it really is and to make some changes. This book is unforgettable.	Get Well Soon by Julie Halpern Most teens wouldn't expect to find love on the Psych ward of a hospital but that is what happens to Anna when her parents get so worried about her that they have her committed.
Heist Society by Ally Carter Kat is racing the clock to pull off the biggest heist in the most secure museum in the world; her father's life is at stake! By the author of "I'd tell you that I love you but then I'd have to kill you"	Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen It's hard to know whether this book is fact or fiction...it certainly is based on Gary Paulsen's own life and experiences. This book is both funny and outrageous.
I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali with Delphine Minoui This non-fiction memoir about a 10 year-old Yemeni girl who was married, against her will, to a man three times her age is a true story that will stir your heart and linger in your mind long after you have finished reading it.	The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt Set in the 1960's during the Vietnam war, this a novel for readers who like some substance in their fiction. It doesn't grab you by the throat immediately, but rather grows on you until you can't stop reading. I found myself teary eyed in one section; a sure sign that, in spite of the humorous tone, this book is serious and compelling. A Newbery Honor book.
Rock Star by Adrian Chamberlain When Duncan realizes his dream of playing bass in a heavy metal rock band, he thinks his life is finally looking up. But there are troubles ahead with the band, with Zach's former friends, with Zach's girlfriend and with his dad.	Reaction by Lesley Choyce When Zach's girlfriend tells him she is pregnant his life turns upside down. Worst of all he doesn't know how to make things right with Ashley who is angry and spreading rumours. Besides having to decide whether to keep the baby, abort the baby, or give up the baby, Zach and Ashley have to deal with their angry and hurt parents and a police restraining order. Don't expect a nice, tidy ending from this talented author but do expect a compelling story in this short novel.
Holdup by Terri Fields Told in the voices of several unforgettable characters, this is the story of a robbery and hostage-taking in a fast food restaurant and what happened afterward. This is a book that will keep you up past your bedtime. I'm going to be recommending this one to every teen who likes a good psychological drama/thriller.	I.Q (an Independence Hall novel) by Roland Smith When Quest and his step-sister go on the road with their parents, famous rock musicians in the band "Match" they don't expect to get caught up in a terrorist/spy drama that will nearly cost them their lives. Their extraordinary skills keep them one step ahead of the spy agencies out to capture them. In this tight-paced thriller it's hard to tell who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. Pure escapist fiction.
The Underneath by Kathi Appelt The first few pages of this fabulous book had me hooked. I thought the cover looked a little "young". Give this one a chance, though. It is magical and unforgettable and, in spite of the cover, not for little kids. I'm predicting that this will be a movie soon.	Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks Another quirky novel by the author of "The Reformed Vampire Support Group" This one was a little slow getting going, for me, but once I was into it...a real page-turner.
Board Rebel by Jake Maddox Perfect for people who don't like reading...this book and the others in the series are SHORT but still fun to read with lots of action.	Blob by Frieda Wishinsky One of the popular Orca Soundings series. This book won't take long to read. It's perfect for silent reading period.
Not Suitable for Family Viewing by Vicki Grant I love a book with a plot twist or two at the end and this one does not disappoint. There is a mystery at the heart of the story and a love story complete with jealous ex-girlfriends, etc. Never a dull moment in this book.	Incarceron by Catherine Fisher This book is a page-turning, nail-biting adventure! If you like books with plenty of action, this is the book for you.
Every Soul A Star by Wendy Maas Three unlikely characters meet in a remote camp to witness a solar eclipse. Anything can happen...including love and personal transformation.	Nothing But The Truth (and A Few White Lies) by Justina Chen Headley I loved this book, but it is definitely a grade 9+ novel that will appeal more to girls than to guys. What do you think? Ms. Nip loved it!
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld People are saying this is the new "big" book after "Hunger Games" So I couldn't wait to get into it. My impressions? I don't like books that scream "sequel coming up" because I like a proper ending. In my opinion, this is too obviously volume 1 in a series. A good read, though.
The Cay by Theodore Taylor Short but thrilling and highly recommended. A classic survival adventure set in the time of WWII in the Caribbean Sea.	Cracker: The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata I'm almost finished reading this book which is the best dog story I've read. I don't usually choose war stories but the action in this book has kept me turning the pages to see what will happen next. I don't want the dog to die!
Nation by Terry Pratchett The only survivor of a tidal wave that destroyed his home and all the people he has ever known, Mau must survive and help the other castaways who wash up on the Island. This book raises some deep questions about faith and traditions.
Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande This book was fun to read but I found that some of the characters (especially the "religious" ones) were awfully two-dimensional. Still, I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to know what would happen.
Outside Beauty by Cynthia Kadohata I loved this book about Shelby and her three sisters and their very unconventional mother. When their mother is seriously injured in a car crash the four sisters are split up; each one goes to live with her father in a different state. Most of them adjust to their new situation, even though they don't like being apart, but they are all worried about the youngest, Maddie who is desperately unhappy. So they hatch a plan to run away together... This book reminded me of the book "In Spite of Killer Bees" by Julie Johnston. Both books are wonderful. If you liked Outside Beauty, read In Spite of Killer Bees, next.	Edge by Diane Tullson I'm not crazy about the cover of this book (it doesn't give much of an idea of what the book is really about) but I read it anyway because I like Diane Tullson's writing. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it. What would YOU do if your friends were planning a revenge that could turn out to be deadly?
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson Jenna comes out of a coma to find that most of her memory is gone. No, this is not a typical amnesia book (although those plots are always fun to read), there is something much more sinister and mysterious going on and Jenna aims to find out why she is being hidden away and what sort of danger she might be in. Great book.
Alabama Moon by Watt Key Before Moon's father dies, he tells Moon to trust no-one, especially not the government, and to get to Alaska where he can live alone in the bush. Although his dad has taught him survival skills, Moon is soon captured and sent to live in juvenile home a.k.a. prison for kids. He does the impossible and escapes but his nemesis but a police officer is hot on his trail and itching to get revenge on Moon. This is one of the best adventure books I've read in a long time.	Awards won by Alabama Moon Parents Choice Gold Award 2007 E.B.White Read-Aloud award for Older Readers VOYA Top Shelf Award For Middle School Readers 2007 SIBA Children's novel of the year Bank Street's Best Children's novel of the year Book Sense 2007 Pick
Hate List by Jennifer Brown Is she a hero or a co-conspirator in a murder? Even she doesn't know the answer to that question. A powerful story about a girl, a boy, a school, a list and a gun.	The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill A wonderful book of survival and human spirit.
Harley, Like a Person by Cat Bauer Harley suspects, no she KNOWS that her family is not really her family; she must be adopted. But when she finds out the truth, it is much more complicated than she could have imagined. a Booklist Top 10 first novel for Youth An ALA Best Book for Young Adults An ALA Quick Pick	The Night My Sister Went Missing by Carol Plum-Ucci Nobody does "thriller/suspense" better than Plum-Ucci. Her books have the added dimension of psychological drama - the hidden subtext of what friends really think about each other and what their motives really are. There is loads of drama, suspense, suspicion and a shocking plot twist or two to keep you turning the pages of this book.
The End of the World As We Know It by Leslie Choyce It's difficult to describe this book except to say it is unique in the YA genre (which is saying a lot). The characters are troubled; the adults are sympathetic but flawed; the love story is unexpected and doomed but beautiful. I read this in one evening because I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended book (on this year's Stellar Teen Choice list and no wonder). Bonus: it's written by a Canadian author.	Shiver Maggie Stiefvater I resisted reading this because I thought it would be just another Twilight wannabe but my friends and every review I read told me it was fabulous. I tried, I really did...Shiver , a werewolf/girl romance, is not my kind of book. But, to be fair, nearly everyone in the universe disagrees with me. People love this book. Judge for yourself.
Riley Park by Diane Tullson Coban must convince the police that he is innocent of his best friend's murder. He thinks he knows who is guilty but he is in the hospital and doesn't have a way to prove it.	Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway I had high hopes for this book because it got such rave reviews from nearly everyone on the planet, including Meg Cabot of Princess Diaries fame. I have to admit that I was underwhelmed. More than that, I was a little irritated by the thinly disguised wish fulfillment teen fiction cliche of "I want to hang out with rock stars and be so famous that everyone recognizes me". Sure, Audrey finds that fame is not to her liking and that rock stars can be boring lowlifes just as easily as the boy next door...but meanwhile she makes out with at least one of them and is mobbed by the papparzzi at every turn. Read this one if you like -- it's fun -- but don't say I didn't warn you that it is as shallow as a mud puddle.
Poison Ivy by Amy Goldman Koss Unlike "Audrey, Wait!", this novel manages to take a well-worn theme in Teen Lit. and make it fresh. The author manages to avoid cliches and revenge fantasies while writing about the victims of bullying and the consequences to the bully. I was a little puzzled by the ending and not quite sure what the author meant by it but it provoked a lot of thought. I'd like to know whether other readers think the bullies got off easy or whether they were exposed, as they deserved to be? I'm leaning toward the second opinion. Let me know what you think.	Exposed by Susan Vaught What could be safer than an internet boyfriend? Especially if you never plan to meet him face to face...but then things go terribly wrong. If you like this thriller you will also like "Dear Jo" by Christina Kilbourne
Pop by Gordon Korman A football story that will grab even the non-jocks with it's tension, excitement and classic Gordon Korman humour.	Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick I have to confess, I started this book because it had such an amazing cover...but the first few pages hooked me.
First Shot by Walter Sorrells It is two years since the unsolved murder of his mother and David is starting to get on with his life until he uncovers some troubling clues. This is well written and suspenseful. You will not be able to stop reading! Also by this author: Fake ID	Watch a video of the author demonstrating a Japanese sword he has made:
Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard Time travel meets great shoes! Fun, silly, romantic...	How to Ditch your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier If you had a "parking fairy" and your friend had a "all the boys will like you" fairy, you would want to trade with her, too! But there are hidden dangers in trying to get rid of your fairy...Dangers you can only imagine. This is an original and funny book.
Afrika by Colleen Craig Kim travels to South Africa with her mother, a journalist covering the Truth and Reconciliation hearings. Kim has her own truth she wants to uncover...who is her father and why is his identity such a well kept family secret?	The Facts Speak For Themselves by Brock Cole A book about the grittier side of life. Young Linda is left to fend for herself and to pick up the pieces when her mother doesn't look after her obligations to her husband or to her children. Not a happy ending kind of story but one that will stay with you. Linda is a very appealing and very lost young woman. "The Facts Speak for Themselves" is recommended for grade 9 and up.
The Bank Job by James Henneghan If the only good foster family you had ever known was about to be broken up because your foster parents didn't have enough money to meet government regulations, would you start robbing banks?...just to help out? These kids do. And they get away with it, too, until one of them starts feeling the need to confess. Interesting fact: This book was inspired by a series of actual bank robberies committed by a group of teenagers in Vancouver.	Swindle Gordon Korman For a very short time, Griffin holds a treasure more valuable than gold in his hands...a rare Babe Ruth baseball card worth millions. That is, until he is tricked out of his find by a lowdown swindler named Palomino. Griffin is not about to let his fortune go without a fight. This is classic Gordon Korman with out-there characters and lots of laughs. The plot thickens when killer dogs are added into the mix.
Rise of the Golden Cobra by Henry T. Aubin When 14 year old Nebi escapes a brutal attack that leaves his master and household dead, he desperately flees to the remote, but powerful, king Piankhy, ruler of the African kingdom of Kush. Furious battles on sea and land ensue and Nebi rises in the ranks of the Pharoah's army until he comes face to face with his enemy, Count Nimlot. Based on a true story of one of the biggest military campaigns in the history of Ancient Egypt. This book has it all...danger, intrique, battles, love interest, evil villians and valiant heroes. What's not to like?
Leftovers by Heather Waldorf This is classic Heather Waldorf fare...great characterization, gritty story line, suspense and some humour. This author always gets the tone just right and then, just when you are settling in and liking the main character a lot, she comes up from behind and hits you with a plot turn that knocks the breath out of you. Other books by this author: Grist, Fighting the Current	Run Like Jaeger by Karen Bass This is a must-read novel about a Canadian exchange student living in Germany. The taunts of one of the school's toughest bullies start "Jaeger" on a quest to find out the truth about his German grandfather. Was he a Nazi and a coward? Or...?
Gone by Michael Grant After seeing the book trailer, I couldn't wait to read this thriller about kids trapped in a town with no adults and no rules. Animals are mutating and the teens, themselves, are changing. I raced through this one to get it into the hands of all the CMS students who have been asking for it! Warning: Like many first books in a series, the ending doesn't resolve all the problems. You will want to read book two...Sent.	The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliott Eugenie's sheltered life changes forever as revolution grips France and hated aristocrats are hunted down. Eugenie tries desperately to help her brother escape from death but soon she must flee to save her own life. Who will find her first: the mob, the revolutionary guards or , most terrifying of all, the pale assassin? (from the book jacket) Book One in the Pimpernelles series. Coming Soon: Pimpernelles Book Two: The Traitor's Smile
Walking on Glass by Alma Fullerton Written in blank verse, this is a short book but a very powerful one. The main character's mother is in a coma from which she will never recover because of a botched suicide attempt. His father is sinking into depression, his best friend is spiraling into ever more violent behaviour. There's a girl who could help him if he could bring himself to let her. He is the only one left to make a life and death decision and it is too much for him.	Diva by Alex Flinn I enjoyed Beastly by this author and now I enjoyed reading about Caitlin, a young diva-in-training who lands a prized spot in the Miami High School of Fine Arts. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys the fine arts, especially music. Loved this book.
The Wreckers by Iain Lawrence The first book in the HIgh Seas Trilogy, this book is amazing! Fast paced and thrilling doesn't begin to describe it. HIghly recommmended.	The Escape by Robert Muchamore The prequel to the popular Cherub series by the same author and the first book in the Henderson Boys series. A little too gory and bloody for me ...and did I mention...I don't like books that scream "sequel coming! Certainly action packed, though
Locked Inside by Nancy Werlin Marnie's mother, Skye, was a famous musician before she died in a plane crash. Now Marnie is rich but unhappy in her dreary boarding school where she survivies by escaping into an on-line role playing game. When Marnie is kidnapped by someone who claims to be Skye's daughter Marnie must depend on her on-line gaming skills and her on-line friend"Elf" to survive real-life danger. This book has it all, suspense, romance, etc. by the author of "The Rules of Survival" and "The Killer's Cousin"	Sister Wife by Shelley Hrdlitshcka This book is based on the experiences of girls and women in polygamous religious sects such as the community of Bountiful, in British Columbia. The main character, 15 year-old Celeste is about to become, against her will, the sixth wife of a much older man. The problem is she is in love with his son! Although her sister is sure of her religious beliefs and her place in the community, Celeste has many questions. But questioning is taboo in her community leaving Celeste torn between her desire to please her family, satisfy the demands of her faith and be "pure' on the one hand and her desire to realize her own dreams of freedom on the other hand.
Impossible by Nancy Werlin Lucy is seventeen when she discovers that the women of her family have been cursed through the generations, forced to attempt three seemingly impossible tasks or to fall into madness upon their child’s birth. But Lucy is the first girl who won’t be alone as she tackles the list. She has her fiercely protective foster parents and her childhood friend Zach beside her. Do they have love and strength enough to overcome an age-old evil? (publishers description)	read an excerpt: http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780803730021,00.html?sym=EXC#
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler I resisted reading this in spite of all the great reviews it got, probably because I didn't like the first few pages - it seemed like another "I hate my body, I want to make out with hot guys" boring teen novel. Happily, I gave the book another chance, because there is so much more to this novel than the first chapter would lead you to believe. It is a very positive, book that reminds the reader that individuality is a good thing and that people in families, even serioiusly screwed up families, have the potential to rise above the worst situations. Definitely worth reading. Will probably appeal more to girls than guys but I could be wrong about that. Awards for The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things ALA Printz Honor Book in 2004 for Excellence in Young Adult literature	Anahita's Woven Riddle by Meghan Nuttall Sayres A friend recommended this one to me. I also really love the cover and it has an interesting title. The premise of the novel is intriquing. Anahita lives in a nomadic tribe with a tradition of arranged marriages. Her father is planning to marry her off to a rich, older man, a leader from a neighbouring tribe. Anahita is repulsed by the man and being a resourceful girl, she convinces her father and the religious leader of her community to allow her to weave a riddle into her marriage carpet; the man who can solve the riddle will be her husband. She is a skillful weaver and dyer and, more than that, she enjoys the clever word play of riddles. Four men set out to win Anahita's hand by accepting her challenge. Who will be one to match his wits with hers and win her hand?
Porcupine by Meg Tilly This is a beautiful novel! My advice...read it, soon! When Jacqueline (Jack) Cooper's father is killed in Afghanistan, her life changes forever. Her mother abandons Jack and her siblings with a great grandmother who lives on a farm. A very worthwhile book about the power of love and family. I loved Jack and her indomitable spirit. A definite 5/5.	Saving Grace by Katherine Spencer Grace's brother is killed in a car crash which leaves Grace and her family totally altered. Grace copes with her grief by changing everything about herself: her appearance, her behaviour, her social circle. Grace lies to her parents and rejects her former friends. She becomes angry with God, whom she blames for her brother's death. Grace is a very appealing character and you will want to keep reading to see whether or not she weathers this difficult time in her life.
Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta This novel, set in Australia, has been called a modern classic of Young Adult Literature. It's a wonderful story about a young woman who is finishing high school, meeting her father for the first time, falling in love... Awards for Looking for Alibrandi Book of the Year Children's Book Council of Australia Multicultural Book of the Year Award for older readers Kids Own Australian Literature Award
The Contender by Robert Lipsyte Alfred is scared. He's a high school dropout and he's in a nowhere job. His best friend is sinking into addiction and a street gang is after him. So Alfred starts going to Donatelli's Gym, a boxing club in Harlem that has trained many champions. (adapted from the book cover) This is an older book that grabbed me from the first page. It's short but good!	Awards for The Contender Child Study Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Award ALA Notable Children's Book.
The Body of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci Part thriller/suspense novel and part murder mystery, this book is unforgettable. What happens when the school loser just disappears? Accusations start to fly and history seems to repeat itself when innocent people are accused of murder...but where is the body? I couldn't put this one down, it kept me guessing until the end. *****/5	Awards won by The Body of Christopher Creed Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature - 2001 Honor Book ALA YALSA Best Book for Young Adults IRA - CBC Children’s Choice - 2001
Gravity Journal by Gail Disonie Sobat When Anise is hospitalized for anorexia she turns to her journal where she can vent, dream and make a decision about whether to live or die. This one dragged a little for me, in parts but it has won awards, so not everyone agrees with me. ***/5	Awards: Ontario Library Association’s White Pine Award for 2009.
A Curse as Dark as Gold by Elizabeth Bunce When her father dies, Charlotte and her sister inherit the mill and are determined to keep it open. But there are whispers among the townspeople that the mill is cursed. It certainly seems that way to Charlotte who faces a series of disasters. When Jack Spinner comes to her rescue by spinning straw into gold she strikes a bargain with him that will come back to haunt her....literally. This is an interesting adaptation of the familiar fairytale of "Rumpelstiltskin". ****/5	Watch a booktalk about Curse As Dark As Gold here:
What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell Evie' wants to be just like her mother; she wants to walk down the street and have men notice her; she wants to be beautiful and glamorous. When Evie's stepdad returns from the war and takes the family on a Palm Beach vacation it seems that Evie's dreams are about to come true, especially when a handsome young stranger takes an interest in Evie. But there are secrets in the air that Evie knows nothing about and soon her dream begins to turn into a nightmare. For tension, taut writing, excellent characterization and just plain readability, I give this book a 5/5. Suitable for grade nine and older.	Awards won by What I Saw and How I Lied National Book Award Winner You can watch Lemony Snickett (aka Daniel Handler) present the award to Judy Blundell at this link: http://www.nationalbook.org/nba2008_ypl_blundell.html
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac 16 year-old Ned Begay finds out that the US Marines are looking specifically for Navajo recruits for a top secret mission. He lies about his age to enlist and finds himself in the midst of some of the heaviest fighting of the Second World War. Ironically, it is his knowledge of his native language, a knowledge that was nearly beaten out of him in his boarding school, that is now needed by the US government for a top secret code which will help the Allies win the war. THis book is based on true events of WWII when Navajo speakers developed a secret code based on their language; a code that was unbreakable by the enemy. A great book!	Awards won by Code Talker: ALA Best Book For Young Adults
Trigger by Susan Vaught Jersey Hatch doesn't know why his best friend hates him. He doesn't know how to keep random words from flying out of his mouth. And he doesn't know why he tried to blow his own head off. But he is determined to find out while he attempts to piece his life back together after a year in the hospital. Most of all, he needs to know why he pulled the trigger in the first place.(adapted from book jacket)	Awards won by Trigger: ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2007 Booksense Children’s Pick, 2006 Booklist Top 10 Mystery/Suspense for Youth, 2006-2007
Double or Nothing by Dennis Foon Kip is stealing from his mother, his college fund, and risking alienating his girlfriend because of his gambling addiction. The stakes are high in more ways than one. How far will Kip go before his house of cards come crashing down? Some of you met Mr. Foon, the author of this book, Dirt Eaters and the Longlight series, when he visited Chilliwack Middle School to give an author talk a few years ago.****/5	Awards won by Double or Nothing: New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age List “Our Choice” List, Canadian Children’s Book Centre White Pine Award finalist South Carolina Young Adult Book Award finalist
The Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher This fabulous book is based on the legend of Scheherezade, the storyteller of 1,001 Arabian nights.

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