39 Clues: The Maze of Bones

The Maze of Bones by, Rick Riordan. ISBN-13:978-0-545-24365-0

Book one in the 39 Clues series is an action-packed, page gripping adventure that will send readers racing out to pick up the next book featuring the Cahill siblings. Amy and Dan Cahill find each other as annoying as any brother and sister do. But a string of outrageous events helps them to realize that all they have in this world is each other. Years before, Amy and Dan's parents both died in mysterious fire. Now, with the death of their grandmother, Grace, the two are plunged into a mysterious challenge that might just alter the course of human history. Amy and Dan better act fast, because there are other teams searching for the clues-- teams that are willing to do anything to get what they want. The heroes are believable and their sibling bickering makes them easy to relate to. The villains are devious, dastardly, and dangerous. The humorous story is fast-paced, exciting, and full of suspense. Rick Riordan has written a story complete with fires that burn down houses, bombs that blast museums, lightning charged mysterious goo, historical facts that are actually interesting, skeleton filled catacombs, people burning millions of dollars, and a cat who likes red snapper. It will be fascinating to see how book two relates-- while Riordan mapped the storyline for the ten book series, other authors will write the projected nine remaining books. Luckily, readers, who are left in a lurch at the end of the first book, can immediately go pick up the next book and decide for themselves. The book contains collector's cards, which contain clues relating to the puzzle. Scholastic has also developed a website where students can play the game and enter to win over $100,000 worth of prizes.

The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass by, Philip Pullman. ISBN-10: 0-440-41832-1

Pullman has created an absolute masterpiece in the His Dark Materials trilogy. The first book, The Golden Compass, tells the story of Lyra Belacqua, and her daemon and constant companion, Pantalaimon. Lyra is a brave and heroic character whose exploits readers will love to follow. She encounters gypsies, witches, stolen children, and armored bears. Pullman deftly weaves together an extraordinary adventure with rich characters, strange creatures, perilous danger, hidden philosophical nuggets, and a lot of heart.

Twilight

Twilight by, Stephanie Meyer. ISBN-13: 978-0-316-16017-9

Isabella Swan moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father, Charlie. She feels an immediate attraction to Edward Cullen, a beautiful and withdrawn boy at her high school. Edward, who was initially repulsed by Isabella, eventually warms to her and brings Isabella to meet his unusual family. The two fall deeply in love, immersed completely in their passionate romance. Isabella finally learns Edward's dark secret, but at what cost?

Twilight is a perfect book for tweens and teens. Meyer painstakingly creates the teenage drama that high-school students live. The book's wild popularity is due, in part to the rich descriptions of what it is like to be in high school. Kids can relate to Isabelle. They can relate to what she's going through. Throw in a few vampires, and we've got a smash hit on our hands.

Although the Twilight saga is currently as popular as Coca-Cola, the book does have a few flaws. For instance, the main character is about as pathetic of a female protagonist as it gets. She is hopelessly in love, terribly clumsy, and doesn't seem to think about or do anything that doesn't revolve around the cute guy she likes. But with a book like this, it doesn't matter. So, pop open that can of coke, sit back, and enjoy this delightfully dark, teen vampire tale.

Gaia Girls: Enter the Earth

Enter the Earth by, Lee Welles. ISBN-10: 1-933609-00-1

Welles has written a wonderfully delightful story that speaks to the environmental and societal challenges that occur in modern society. Elizabeth Angier lives on Three Oaks Farm, in a fertile valley that contains housing subdivisions, large estates, and a number of family farms which become threatened by the arrival of the Harmony Farms Corporation. Gaia, the living entity of the Earth, speaks to Elizabeth about the importance of caring for the planet, and guides her on a mission to help save it. This is the first in a series of four books entitled, The Gaia Girls.

Taylor Swift: You Belong With Me

Borchetta, S., Chapman, N., & Swift, T (Producers). (2008). Taylor Swift You belong with me. Big Machine: Tennessee.

Winner of the MTV Best Female Video Award, Taylor Swift has made her way into the hearts of teens across the nation. Soft and ethereal, Taylor Swift is a beautiful performer. Though some music critics have called her pitchy, American tweens and teens will be quick to defend their idol. You Belong to Me is a song about a classic love drama that so many teens can relate to. Swift sings about her love for the boy next door who is dating the captain of the cheerleading team. The video shows them writing notes to each other, the football game, and the big dance. Swift carries herself with respect and is a positive role model for tween audiences everywhere. In the video, she dresses like a normal girl-- while lounging in her room she wears tee shirts, glasses, and has her hair back in a ponytail. The song's lyrics speak to teens who might not be the most popular. In this regard, Swift has done the music industry a great favor. She is one of the few artists who offer that image to teens. The music is basic pop with a country flavor-- a few guitar cords, steady drumbeat, and a catchy, cheerful chorus make the song easy to enjoy. Musically, it is about as interesting as every pop song ever written, but Taylor's message and image make this a smash hit with tweens and their parents alike.

Justin Bieber: Baby

Stewert, C., The-Dream, & Milian, C. (Producers), Bieber, J., Stewert, C., The-Dream, Bridges, C. & Milian, C. (Writers) (2010). Justin Bieber Baby. Island Records: New York.

Justin Bieber, teen sensation, has melted hearts all over the country with his pop hit, Baby. The lyrics describe Bieber talking to his first love, telling her all the sweet things he can in order to win her back. The song is simplistic and the music is unremarkable, but Bieber's fans are head over heels for this one. The song does feature a short segment by Ludacris, which will only help to cement the cool factor into the minds of Bieber fans.

Miley Cyrus: Party in the USA

Dr. Luke (Producer), Gottwald, L., Claude Kelly, & Jessica Cornish (Writers). (2009). Miley Cyrus Party in the USA [video recording]. Hollywood.

Stomping her dirty cowboy boots and shaking her hips, Miley shows she knows how to have a good time. The video, about her moving from Nashville to L.A., talks to kids about the feelings of uncomfortability people experience about moving to a new place. Miley tells kids that even though things are different all over the country, they can still turn on the radio and hear their favorite songs, and then everything will be okay.

Syren

Syren by, Angie Sage. ISBN-10:0060882107

Seventh son of the seventh son, Septimus Heap has a powerful destiny. In this, the fifth book in the series, Septimus gets trapped on an island with Jenna and Beetle while they wait for their dragon, Spit Fyre to recover from a lightning injury. Septimus discovers that the island is inhabited by Syrah Syara, a 500 year-old apprentice who is controlled by a dangerous spirit named Syren. The story has many subplots that tie together nicely to create a grand adventure that is every bit as excellent as the rest of the series.

Dragonsdale

Dragonsdale by, Salamanda Drake. ISBN-13: 978-0439871730

This heartwarming story is a bit of a cross between the new fantasy dragon stories with the classic girl loves horses story. Except the horses are dragons. They live in fireproof stalls, get saddled and groomed, and fly through various obstacle courses with their riders. The story features a dragon riding school run by Huw, a gruff man whose wife died after falling of her dragon. Consequently, he has forbidden his daughter, and our hero, Clara, from ever riding a dragon. She cleans the muck from the stalls and takes time for her favorite dragon, Skydancer. Skydancer is a wild, untamed dragon who seems to love Clara as much as she loves him. Clara also must deal with the Lord Torin's horrible daughter Hortense, whose spiteful ways seems to cause much of the book's action. Hortense uses whips to beat the dragons, which the author has used to take her stand against animal cruelty.

The story is light, the characters are girly, and the relationships between people are a major focus of the story. The plot moves slowly and doesn't really do more than scratch the surface of the fantasy genre. While there are a variety of mythical creatures, they are all portrayed as parallel to other, more familiar ones. Drake claims to be 16 years old, and it shows in the depth of her story. It is a delightful book, but don't expect anything more than that.

N.E.R.D.S.

National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society by, Michael Buckley. ISBN-13: 978-0-8109-8918-4

Jackson Jones was undoubtedly the most popular guy in school. That is, until the day he got braces. Instantly, Jackson went from adored to shunned-- causing him to take a good look at the type of person he used to be. In this amusing nerdy, spy adventure, Buckley does an excellent job of talking to kids about the fact that popularity isn't what makes people cool.

The safety of the entire world is at risk and it is up to the super top-secret team of misfits to derail the evil plot of a dastardly villain. The team consists of six super nerds--kids who get wedgied in the school bathroom and then save the world using inhalers, braces, and an enormous pair of gleaming buck-teeth. These super nerds know that they better move quick if they have any chance of thwarting the beauty-pageant assassin working for an evil mastermind determined to destroy the world. These characters are easy for kids to understand; Buckley provides excellent descriptions of normal childhood dramas, helping readers relate to these nerdy superheroes. Full of action and antics, this is a great book for reluctant readers and outcasts. The story is fast-paced, the plot is easy to follow, and the creativity that Buckley has used in writing this story will amuse and delight his readers.

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief by, Rick Riordon. ISBN-13: 978-0786838653

There are many books that become overnight smash sensations, but this one really deserves the fame. Riordon has crafted an ingenious book, carefully melding together the world of the Greek gods with that of 21st century youth. The result is a marvel that educates and entertains readers who will have a difficult time putting down this book. Our hero, Percy Jackson, is a boy who suffers from ADHD and dyslexia. His best friend, Grover, turns out to be a satyr while Percy discovers that his own father was actually a Greek god. This, and a giant minotaur that attacked Percy, Grover, and his mother, lead Percy to Camp Half-Blood where Percy will discover his destiny. The action-packed adventure is exciting and intelligent. The characters are well-developed and slide gracefully between the world of the mundane and heroic battles with mythical creatures. Percy, who is granted a quest to find the magical lightning bolt belonging to Zeus, will travel from Olympus to the Underworld in an attempt to divert a massive battle from erupting between the gods and goddesses themselves. This, the first book in the Percy Jackson series is an unbelievably amazing story that begins an epic series that will be known for generations. Fans of Harry Potter will be enthralled with this magical delight!

Dragon Rider

Dragon Rider by, Cornelia Funke. ISBN-13: 978-0439456951

The dragons can sense the arrival of humans into their fair valley, but only Firedrake is brave and strong enough to make the journey to search for a new resting place... a place known only in legends as the Rim of Heaven. Firedrake is accompanied by a hungry brownie named Sorrel, a boy named Ben who he meets along the way, and a homunculus named Twigleg with a dark secret. Together they must strive to find the hidden liar of the dragons, nestled in the Rim of Heaven, before they are discovered by the evil Nettlebrand-- an enormous gold dragon-eating dragon-like creature who rules the water. Our heroes are facing great obstacles, but along the way they will discover their place in the world.

This delightful story is a joy to read. It is exciting and full of adventure, but it also contains rich characters that are fun to follow. Mystical creatures and humans work together and create strong bonds between them. The characters are honest and trustworthy heroes that live according to their strong consciences. Of all of the multitude of dragon books available right now, this is one of best. Readers who enjoy Dragon Slippers will appreciate this wonderful story. Cornelia Funke is a gifted and talented writer and all of her books are worth a good read!

Zoobreak

Zoobreak by, Gordon Kormon. ISBN-13: 978-0545124997

The man with the plan, Griffin Bing, teams up with his friends for another exciting adventure in this humorous sequel to Swindle. This time, the kids set out to rescue Savannah's pet monkey from a grimy, floating zoo. The kids tackle one problem after another in their heroic attempt to save the monkey. As expected, they end up way over their heads in a messy situation that even Griffin Bing will have a hard time fixing.

The Death Collector

The Death Collector by, Justin Richards. ISBN-13:978-0-439-02278-1

This riveting story begins with Albert Wilkes returning to his home four days after his own funeral. From the first sentence to the last, readers will be engrossed with this story--part horror, part mystery and completely entertaining. The three heroes, George, Liz, and Eddie are drawn into an exciting adventure, full of action and plot twists, that leads to their battling an evil villain and a dinosaur-like creature who has been roaming the streets of London.

Sent

Sent by, Margaret Peterson Haddix. ISBN-13: 978-1-4424-0767-1

Continuing where she left off in book one of the Missing Series, Found, four children, Katherine, her adopted brother Jonah, their neighbor, Chip, and their new friend, Alexander have been sent back in time to fix history and make it right again. The boys had recently learned they were each famous people from history who had been stolen out of their own time, causing dire consequences for future generations. The children, who land in fifteenth century England, are told that Chip is actually Edward V and that Alexander is his brother, Richard. Their mission is vague and their futuristic guide, JB, is far less helpful than the children hope. Haddix uses this story to examine the unsolved history of what might have happened to prevent Edward V from making it to his coronation. There are castles, armor, and war, as well as an intriguing glance into a place in history, which most are unfamiliar with--including our heroes. While the first book, Found, was mysterious and easy for kids to relate to, the sequel feels like it was written more to tell the story of Edward V and Richard. Haddix had created likable characters that allowed kids to read autobiographically, but by transporting them to fifteenth century England, she has switched genres completely--from a sci-fi story set in the modern era to historical fiction with a couple of futuristic gadgets. There is an interesting discussion regarding science and religion, but many readers will gloss over that. The story moves slowly and the action doesn't really heat up until the end. Although by that point, it is so exciting that readers will be racing for the next book in the Missing series to find out where Katherine and Jonah end up next. Hopefully, before she writes it, Haddix can tap back into the heart of what made Found so appealing.

Chasing Vermeer

Chasing Vermeer by, Blue Balliett. ISBN-13: 978-0439372947

This mystery is enough to keep even the brightest minds puzzling through the gripping story. Neither Calder Pillay nor Petra Andalee really fit in at school. Though they are in the same class, it is not until an incident in a museum closet that the two come together in a powerful friendship that might just be able to out-solve the FBI. Calder and Petra work together to figure out what has happened to a stolen Vermeer painting. The burglar, like Balliett herself, uses the theft to bring the art world into the public eye. Balliett speaks through her thief, who publishes letters in the newspaper, encouraging the mass public to delve into the art world and try their own hands at playing the critic. This book, like From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, is a marvellous mystery that lures young minds into the world of art. The protagonists are believable and easy to relate to; the other characters are shrouded in just enough mystery to make readers suspicious of them all. Balliett emphasizes a theme of connections--and the fact that a string of coincidences may play a part in unravelling a greater truth. The story, which took her five years to write, is loaded with tidbits that have fascinated the author throughout her life. This, and Balliett's setting the book in her hometown, Hyde Park, Chicago, gives the book a personal feel that helps to draw readers into her world. Balliett has teamed up with Brett Helquist, who has created detailed illustrations complete with their own mystery. Chasing Vermeer, loaded with puzzles, codes, clues, danger and suspense will entertain the mind of the reader long after they have finished the book.

Falling In

Falling In by, Frances O'Roark Dowell ISBN-13: 978-1416950325

Isabelle Bean is an unlikely heroine. Friendless and eccentric, she questions reality in a way that drives everyone around her absolutely crazy. One fateful day, Isabelle, who was distracted by a strange buzzing sound under her school, was sent to the principal's office. There, she falls down a magic hole, which leads Isabelle into a fairy tale world that feels much more like home than the world Isabelle had always known. The children Isabelle meets in this new land are escaping to secret camps in order to hide from the evil Witch of the Woods, but Isabelle finds the idea of witches exciting and desperately wants to meet one. Isabelle befriends a girl named Hen and tricks her into accompanying Isabelle to the witch's house. Isabelle, who has always known how it feels to be different, learns that even wicked witches are not always what they seem. Isabelle may be an outsider in both worlds, but she learns a lot about growing into the kind of person she was always meant to be. This enchanting story offers children a chance for philosophical speculation as Isabelle lures readers into the journey of her own personal growth. She speaks directly to readers, which helps them to relate to Isabelle's evolution from misfit to heroine. Isabelle demonstrates how challenging it is to balance one's sense of creative freedom with the need to be socially accepted. Falling In is a fairy tale about growing up.

The Supernaturalist

The Supernaturalist by, Eoin Colfer ISBN-13: 978-0786851492

Cosmo Hill is determined to stay alive. He knows that staying in the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys will mean certain death. Thus begins an epic sci-fi adventure set in the future. Eoin Colfer, of Artemis Fowl fame, has written a book that is truly fascinating and unique. Cosmo escapes the orphanage, but nearly dies in the process. As he lay on the roof, a small blue creature with sparks charging down its' veins, clings to Cosmo, pulling energy from his dying body. He is rescued by a team of supernaturalists, whom Cosmo joins up with to save the city from these unusual blue parasites. Cosmo and his friends struggle with their secret mission in a series of well-developed twists and turns, which make it impossible to guess what will happen next. The characters in the story are well-conceived-- each bizarre and unique with their own internal struggles and history. Their action packed adventures are fast-paced and extremely dangerous. With shootings, car races, space travel, and a whole hoard of villains, this book will draw in many reluctant readers. The futuristic setting and its' bizarre technology can get a bit challenging for some readers to comprehend, but sci-fi fans will be hanging on every word. The ending leaves open the possibility for a sequel, but in this six years since The Supernaturalist was written, the sequel has not yet come. Colfer will have to work hard to create a story that is as gripping as the first.

The Magic Thief

The Magic Thief by, Sarah Prineas ISBN-13: 978-0061375873

Conn, a pickpocketing orphan, lifts a magical stone from a powerful wizard, which leads the wizard to discover the boy's hidden ability for magic. The wizard, Nevery, takes the boy on as an apprentice as he searches for the underlying reasons that magic is disappearing from the city. Intriguing characters, dark adventure, and a touch of magic create an enjoyable story that will appeal to Harry Potter fans. This is the first book in an upcoming series.

Dragon Slippers

Dragon Slippers by, Jessica Day George ISBN-13: 978-1599900575

The novel begins with our heroine Creel sent to be sacrificed to the local dragon because Creel's aunt is sure that the prince will save Creel, fall in love, and pull the family out of financial ruin. Creel, however, uses her quick wit to escape from both the dragon and the prince, and manages to obtain a very special pair of shoes in the bargain. These magic slippers and Creel's heroic bravery might just save the entire kingdom from absolute ruin. This delightful fairy-tale will appeal to readers who appreciate Dragonsdale by, Salamanda Drake.

The Postcard

The Postcard by, Tony Abbott ISBN-13: 978-0316011723

After his grandmother's death, Jason is forced to join his father in Florida to clean out Jason's grandmother's house. Through the course of his cleaning, Jason discovers an old photograph which leads him on a spectacular mystery embedded in another mystery that dates back to his grandmother's childhood. Complete with hidden messages and a secret society of circus freak assassins, this exciting story will draw in even a reluctant reader.

Artemis Fowl, Book 1

Artemis Fowl by, Eoin Colfer ISBN-13: 978-0786817078

This delightful story hosts a bizarre mix of fascinating characters that will amuse and intrigue readers from beginning to end. Artemis Fowl is the twelve year old child genius of a wealthy family about to lose their (dubiously earned) fortune. With his father missing and his mother barely able to function, Artemis decides it is his responsibility to put the family back on top. He decides to follow his father's example and find lucrative means to do so. Which leads him to tricking a fairy into giving up her magical book, translating the book to learn the secrets of fairy technology, and kidnapping a fairy in order to ransom her for gold. The fairy Artemis kidnaps, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit of the fairy police force, is a cunning and likable character who will give this tween mastermind a bit more trouble than he had expected. Fairy technology, which far surpasses that of humans, is responsible for the creation of countless devices that will intrigue and enrapture many gadget-oriented readers. The story, which alternates between the perspectives of various characters, draws readers in to each character's unique drama and dilemmas. The characters include Artemis and his seemingly invincible bodyguard, Butler, as well as trolls, fairies, satyrs, and dwarfs. Colfer, who is already a well loved children's author in England, will gain many American fans with this witty and unusual story. This series would be an excellent choice for readers who enjoyed the Spiderwick Chronicles, but are looking for books with a bit more depth.

The Westing Game

The Westing Game by, Ellen Raskin ISBN-10:0-525-42320-6

Full of mystery, intrigue and suspense, The Westing Game by, Ellen Raskin, is a thrilling book that will leave readers completely satisfied. This 1979 Newberry winner will draw readers in from the very first page. They will be led along with the books' characters through a bizarre game created by a man named Sam Westing. The catch? The characters only learn about the game during the reading of Westing's will, in which he claims that one of the other sixteen heirs has murdered him! The winner of the game stands to inherit the enormous Westing fortune. Unlikely friendships develop between characters with little in common-- reminding readers that people are not always who we initially expect them to be. In fact, most of the characters in this book are hiding secrets that only a dead man seems to be able to bring to light. This well-crafted story is enjoyable on many levels. Besides, murder, secret lives, and multiple bombings, the book also contains clues for bright readers to ponder as they flip back through the book trying to tie the pieces together. The ending is the perfect culmination of an absolute masterpiece. Readers who enjoy mysteries, such as The Postcard by Tony Abbott, will quickly become absorbed into this captivating work of genius.

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by, Brandon Sanderson ISBN-13: 978-0-439-92550-1

If you are looking for a creatively snarky sci-fi adventure story, this is the book for you. Sanderson has created much more than just a work of fiction-- he has envisioned a futuristic reality which resides right here on planet Earth, hidden from all of us by the cult of evil librarians who control civilization as we know it. The book, which claims to NOT be a work of fiction, is narrated by Alcatraz, a boy who grew up in a series of foster homes unaware of the secret reality of his family's bizzare history. Upon his thirteenth birthday, he receives an inheritence of sand, burns the kitchen of his family's home, meets his grandfather, and gets a gun drawn on him. Thus begins an adventure that will amuse and confuse readers from here to the Free Kingdoms.

The Higher Institute of Villainous Education

The Higher Institute of Villainous Education by, Mark Walden. ISBN-13: 978-1-4169-3572-8

H.I.V.E., The Higher Institute of Villainous Education, is a creepy and exciting place I am glad that I will never have to visit. Students are discreetly whisked from their homes and brought to this secret academy devoted to bringing out the worst in the criminal masterminds of the future. The books' main character, Otto Malpense, is a likable protagonist who only does the wrong things for the right reasons. In this, the first book in the H.I.V.E. series, Otto teams up with a few other students to try to escape from the sinister school they have been brought to. The book is funny, full of adventure, and just bad enough to be really good!

The Wizard of Rondo

The Wizard of Rondo by, Emily Rodda ISBN-13:978-0-545-11516-2

Picking up where Rodda left of in The Key to Rondo, Leo and Mimi return to the secret world of Rondo that resides within the music box that was left to Leo by his Great-Aunt Bethany Langlander. Though this book seems to move slowly, The Wizard of Rondo will draw readers into a world inhabited by wizards, the Blue Queen, a talking duck, a ferocious and vain talking pig, and Leo and Mimi's missing ancestors. Readers who love the Inkheart series will cherish this other-worldly adventure.