Uglies

Uglies by, Scott Westerfield

ISBN: 978-0-329-85924-4

Living in a world where beauty means everything, Tally Youngblood will learn just how far she will go to protect her changes of becoming pretty. The pretties of Tally's world live a thrilling life filled with parties, excitement, and never-ending thrills. Yet Tally's new friend, Shay, is willing to give it all up-- risking her life to find out about what life is like outside of the city. Tally will be forced to make many difficult choices, but along the way the she will discover something she never intended to find-- herself. Join Tally Youngblood as she begins her journey in Uglies, the first book in a four book series.

The Thirteenth Child

Thirteenth Child by, Patricia Wrede

ISBN: 978-0-545-20026-4

Imagine Little House on the Prairie with a splash of magic and you will find you are reading the Thirteenth Child by, Patricia Wrede. The story is a little slow. It about a family that has thriteen children-- which is considered to be very unlucky. The thirteenth child is a twin and her brother is the seventh son of a seventh son-- which means that he is incredibly powerful. The numerical set-up for this book made me expect there would be more drama, but this is a story about a family moving out west in a time the west was still wild and dangerous. It's good if you like westerns, but certainly not the next Rick Riordon book.

W.I.T.C.H. Book 7: The Light of Meridian

The Light of Meridian by, Julie Komorn. ISBN-10: 0-7868-1796-8

Sandwiched between fourteen pages of a graphic novel lies the heart of the story that is The Light of Meridian. The W.I.T.C.H. series, which originated as an Italian comic book created by Elisabetta Gnone, has since become a series of comic books, chapter books, and an animated television show. The series focuses on five girls who live seemingly ordinary lives in a town called Heatherford. However, they are secretly the Guardians of the Veil and are responsible for protecting Earth form evil creatures that could enter through one of twelve portals from the dark world of Metamoor. The girls suffer with classic teenage fashion and boy problems, which helps make the characters easy to relate to. Each girl has two basic personality traits and almost all of their actions and dialogue could be predicted by these two traits. Will, the leader of the group struggles with feelings about the boy she likes, Matt; Taranee goes on a date with Nigel, the boy she likes, and Cornelia deals with dreams about her unknown soul mate and memories of her old best friend-turned-enemy, Elyon. Cornelia, who sets off for the other world of Meridian in hopes of saving Elyon, happens to meet the boy of her dreams and learns that he is the leader of a rebel movement set on destroying the evil Prince Phobos, who is Elyon's brother. Far more of the book is filled with descriptions of boy dramas than with the fantasy parts of the story or the major battle that gets fought between Phobos' army and the rebels. The battle takes place without much violence-- it is definitely geared towards a female audience. Nonetheless, the story moved quickly, the action was exciting, and the friendships felt real. The story does not come to a true ending, but leaves readers hanging so that they will want to read the eighth book in the W.I.T.C.H. series, Out of the Dark. This book follows the current trend in modern fantasy books like the Percy Jackson or Alcatraz Smedry series of taking modern, normal kids, giving them special powers, and still having them behave like modern, normal kids. Ultimately, this is a girly book that will appeal to fans of the Candy Apple series.

Scerets of Dripping Fang Book One: The Onts

The Onts by, Dan Greenburg. ISBN-13: 978-0152054571

With the worst allergies and stinkiest feet ever known, Cheyenne and Wally Shluffmuffin should have been glad that Hedy and Dagmar Mandible chose to bring them home from the orphanage. But Wally, ever the pessimist, sensed trouble-- even though dinner consisted of Belgian chocolate cake, chocolate dinner mints, and double-chocolate sundaes. Besides, their new home was smack in the middle of a creepy place called Dripping Fang Forest. The two women seemed nice enough, but their strange rules led Wally to explore the forbidden cellar-- only to discover that some secrets really are better left unknown. Cheyenne and Wally will have to try to escape with their lives. Even if they can get past the evil Mandible sisters, how will they be able to survive the countless horrors lurking deep within the Dripping Fang Forest.

This is a quick read, a light read, a perfect book for reluctant readers. It will appeal to tweens who appreciate the Edgar and Ellen series by, Charles Ogden. The plot is loaded with disgusting twists and turns and some seriously bizarre villains. The main characters aren't that well developed, but character development isn't really what this book is about. It is the first book in a series that follows a familiar formula: add together a set of siblings, something spooky, something gross, something chasing after them, and a cliffhanger. Do this a few times and suddenly we have a series of high interest, easy to read chapter books that will get reluctant boys to pick up a book and read.

Lucy the Diamond Fairy

Lucy the Diamond Fairy by, Daisy Meadows. ISBN-13: 978-0439935340

Though the Rainbow Magic series is probably best suited to a second or third grade reading level, the subject matter of the stories appeals to younger tweens who are often found crowding around this section in the library. Lucy the Diamond Fairy, which is one of the seven Jewel Fairy stories from the Rainbow Magic collection has a plot that is about as complex as the reading level it was created for. The cover art, though cartoon, contains rainbows and sparkles and an outfit that screams teen fashion.

Our heroines, Kristy and Rachel, are summoned by the glowing of the lockets presented to them by the King and Queen of the fairies. They travel, using the magic of fairy dust, to Fairyland to help the fairies. Though Kristy and Rachel have already saved many of the magic jewels that were stolen from the Fairy Queen's crown, the magic diamond is still missing-- and without it the fairies have lost their ability to fly! Kristy and Rachel must find where the evil Jack Frost has hidden the diamond and get it back to the King and Queen of the Fairies.

The story is light, easy to follow, and perfectly suited to younger readers. Simple black and white cartoon sketches are dispersed throughout the book. It is a bit too basic for the majority of tweens, but this is a really good series for female English language learners. The themes follow along similar lines as the popular books for tweens, but it is done at a level that will encourage understanding.

Beck and the Great Berry Battle

Beck and the Great Berry Battle by, Laura Driscoll. ISBN-10: 0-736423737

Disney, more than just about any corporation ever, knows what kids like. This story, of the Disney Fairies series, is one of a multitude of Disney Fairies products that include books, music, clothing, jewelry, toys, school supplies, movies, and a website. The stories take place in and around Pixie Hollow, the secret heart of Never Land. Though we are most familiar with the second star on the right from Peter Pan, he is not a character in the series, which centers around various fairies and animals that live in or nearby the Home Tree. In this story Beck, one of the best animal-talent fairies in Pixie Hollow, is challenged to find a way to end a berry battle that has erupted between the hummingbirds and the chipmunks due to a misunderstanding over a lost nest. The fairies can barely go outside for fear of getting hit with berries! As tension in the forest builds to a fervor, the animals encounter a terrible, though slightly contrived, danger that could only be safely navigated if the two sides would call a truce and work together. Will they be able to do it?

The story is light, easy to read, and has no real depth. It has a nice message about getting along with others, which adds value to the story in a very typically Disney sort of way. Beyond that, it's a fairy book with scattered color illustrations in that very classic Disney style that appeals to young girls. The reason there are over 40 Disney fairy books is because young tween girls still love fairies. This book bridges the genres of animal books with fairy books to create a book that has a lot of appeal to tween girls.

Eragon

Eragon by, Christopher Paolini. ISBN-13: 978-0375826689

Filled with rich descriptions and fascinating characters, this thick story is begging to be read. The plot moves slowly, building gradually to an intensely epic saga fashioned after The Lord of the Rings trilogy by, J.R. Tolken. The author, a 15 year old who felt disappointed in the modern fantasy novel, set off to create a masterpiece and eight years later he is working on the fourth and final book in the Eragon series.

The book begins in the town of Caravall, a small village near the Spine, an ominous mountain range where a teenage boy named Eragon finds a mysterious, blue stone. Eragon cares for the stone, which is actually a dragon's egg, and eventually from the egg hatches the dragon, Saphira. The two must flee the village after evil servants for King Galbritox named the Ra'zac come to find and take Saphira's egg. Eragon and Saphira are accompanied by Brom, a storyteller from the village who eventually reveals himself to be one of the famous dragon riders. Brom teaches Eragon many skills to begin his training as a dragon rider. Eragon will need to use these skills and many new ones if he will be able to battle all of the challenges he faces. He will fight alongside elves, dwarves and the Varden rebels to bring peace to the land of Alagaesia.

This book follows along a number of traditional patterns-- from the classic fantasy pattern to the orphan who wonders about his parents. The major theme is similar to the Star Wars epic saga, a small band of constantly roving rebels attempts to take down the evil empire. All of the big reveals in the story seem related to the titular theme of the series-- The Inheritance Cycle. Ultimately, the complex and intricately woven story contains rich plot development, exciting battles, spine-tingling adventure, and believable characters, which combine together to make this saga one that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

The Crazy Man

The Crazy Man by, Pamela Porter. ISBN-10: 0-88899-695-0

Fans of Sharon Creech's Love That Dog must pick up this heartwarming, poetic story. This is a book that must be read with Kleenex. Rich emotional content dances through sparse prose tickling the imaginations of readers. The story begins with an accident. Emaline is hanging off the back of her daddy's tractor when her dog, Prince, spies a rabbit and takes off right in front of the tractor. Emaline races off to save her dog, but gets her leg caught in the tractor and Emaline is badly mangled. While she is in the hospital, her dad shoots the dog and walks away from the farm forever. Emaline's mother tries to pay a neighbor to help with the fields, but he suggests she get a gorilla from over at the crazy hospital. Desperate, Emaline's mother takes his advice and brings Angus to work the family farm. Small-town prejudices create pain and heartache for this family who is just trying to get back on it's feet. Angus, who Emaline discovers is not actually a gorilla, turns out the be the best thing that could have ever happened to this family.

The story written plain
provides an honest view
into the hearts of America.

Some hearts are hardened.
Hardened by our own mistakes.
Hardened by our inability
to affect our own destiny.

The story of farmers in the 1960's
is full of pain.
Looking for rain.
But not hail.
Please, let there be no draught.

Crazy hospitals hold gorillas.
Gorillas are wild animals.
Nobody wants to know a gorilla.
Nobody wants to see the truth.

Truth flashes open in kindness
simple gestures
show truth
where prejudice lies deep

People suffer.
People grow.
They dance under the northern lights
and hope for a better tomorrow.

Children of the Lamp Book Five: The Eye of the Forest

The Eye of the Forest by, P.B. Kerr. ISBN-13: 978-0439932158

John and Phillipa Gaunt are drawn into yet another exciting adventure in this, the fifth book in the Children of the Lamp series entitled, The Eye of the Forest. They face carnivorous plants, headhunters, twelve-foot long centipedes, and some familiar villains as they work their magic to try to save the world yet again. This time the djinn twins have flown to the depths of the Peruvian Amazon with their Uncle Nimrod, Zadie, and Mr. Vodyannoy to meet up with Sicky, a local guide and his chef, Muddy, so that they can find their way to an ancient lost city. Hopefully there, they will be able to stop an ancient prophecy regarding a set of twins and a great tragedy. Unfortunately for the reader, we are never actually told what the great prophecy foretells.

This book is filled with scientific explanations that sometimes lend credibility to Kerr's discussions-- such as an explanation of the way hot air rises in circular currents. At other times, however, like when she uses concepts about radioactive isotopes to bring us to our story's climax, the logic feels a bit forced. With a series focused on magic characters, she should lean a bit less heavily on advanced scientific theory. While the rich descriptions of the Incan life or landscape were historically interesting, this feels like the least magic-based book of magic ever written. The Eye of the Forest has shifted directions from the rest of the series and Kerr fans might be disappointed with this change. The unfinished ending leaves Kerr with a great set-up for the next book, where she will hopefully return to the magic-driven format which has been so successful in the first four books.

The Ranger's Apprentice Book One: The Ruins of Gorlan

The Ruins of Gorlan by, John Flanagan. ISBN-13: 978-0-14-240663-2

With the arrival of the Choosing Day, Will had to accept that his dreams of entering Battleschool would never come true. As disappointed as he was, Will couldn't help but realize that he didn't want to go to Battleschool for himself, but instead, to make his father proud. Will, who knew nothing of his father beyond that he was a hero, imagined that his father would have wanted him to be a brave knight. But Sir Rodney, who was head of Battleschool, would not have him, and Will was left with the dreary prospect of spending his life as a farmer. The mysterious Ranger Halt, handed the Baron a note regarding Will's future-- if only Will were able to see it. Will, who was adept at climbing walls and sneaking around, felt that he must break into the Baron's tower to learn what was on that paper.

So begins a night that will change Will's future forever. The next morning he will have a new path, with new challenges and discoveries. Readers will hang onto Will's adventures as he grows into a person that would have made his father proud. Filled with enormous wild boar, bear-like mind controlled Wargals, and the dreadful Kalkara-- evil beasts that will paralyze you with fear if you look into their eyes, the land of Araluen is a dangerous place for Will to accomplish his dreams. Though the plot is slow to reach a climax, Flanagan does an excellent job of providing a rich description of his characters and the types of lives they lead. Readers will be lured into this book that contains realistic characters who are going through the classic tween dramas of growing up. They will relate to Will wishing for his growth spurt or his feelings after a first kiss. Will is the type of hero that will make every parent proud; he is down-to-Earth, reliable, and courageous. Readers who have enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia by, C.S. Lewis will appreciate this new series.

Dear Dumb Diary: Never Underestimate Your Dumbness

Never Underestimate Your Dumbness by, Jim Benton. ISBN-13: 9780545242073

Dear Dumb Diary,
This book is important if you need to know a lot of dumb things. You can learn all about different ways to stand at a school dance, how to tilt your head when eating a taco, or where you cannot fart during a wedding. You can read all about Jamie's Aunt Carol marrying Assistant Principal Devon and find out everything you need to know about being a bridesmaid. It is also a good book for helping you to remember that when you think bad things about a person, sometimes you can be wrong. Other times, you can be very, very right!

This would be a good book to read except for the fact that by reading it you are breaking into somebody else's diary and reading it. But, if you were going to do that, well, just make sure you learn about all of the dumb things that happen in the book so that you don't have them happen to you! If you liked reading the Diary of a Wimpy Kid, then you must already be the type of person who likes reading people's most private secrets and you would probably like reading my secrets as well. My secrets are very useful for girls in middle school who are trying to figure out how to get along with all the dumb people you have to talk to every day. It's funny and it has lots of little drawings that help you to understand the most important things inside this book. Some of the things in this book are so funny that you will have to read them out loud--and that is not a very nice thing to do with somebody else's diary. There are nine books in this series that you can read and three more that I will write as soon as you stop peeking over my shoulder.

Alcatraz Versus The Scrivener's Bones

Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones by, Brandon Sanderson. ISBN-13: 978-0-439-92553-2

This, the second book in the Alcatraz series, is written in a smarmy, smart-alecky, tone that makes you want to smack the book closed and then keep on reading. Alcatrez Smedry is an unlikely hero. In fact, he will be the first to tell you that he is NOT a hero. Like many heroes (we can decide later if he really is one or not) he has a special talent- Alcatraz Smedry can break things. He is one of the best at breaking things that the world has even known-- whether that be this world, the Hushlands, or the Free Kingdoms. Mind you, the world you know is not at all as you have been taught in school. There's actually nine continents, but the other two are being kept hidden from you from all of the evil librarians who are controlling the information and thereby controlling the world. Alcatraz writes his story so that you can finally know the truth about this-- and to prove that he really isn't a hero at all.

Still, somehow our unhero manages to break a giant glass dragon plane, tour the ancient Library of Alexandria, and escape from undead librarians with flaming eyes who will suck out your soul. There's also some bunnies with bazookas. It's just another book in the Alcatraz series written by Brandon Sanderson. These books are hilarious, high action, fast-paced, intelligent, and well-written. If the librarians knew he were writing these books about their underhanded plots at world domination, well, they'd probably still have to buy this fabulous series for their collection!

The Underland Series Book One: Gregor the Overlander

Gregor the Overlander by, Suzanne Collins ISBN-13: 978-0439435369

After Gregor's father mysterious disappearance, the family is devastated. Gregor's two-year-old sister, Boots, falls down a hole in the laundry room and Gregor has to follow after to try to save her. They end up in another world, called the Underland, and with the help of enormous talking roaches and bats they must face gigantic rats who want to take over the Underland. If they succeed, Gregor might be able to save, not only the Underland, but also his family.

The Jacket

The Jacket by, Andrew Clements. ISBN-13: 978-0689860102

While at school one day, Phil sees an African American boy, Daniel, wearing the jacket that his mother had bought him in Italy. He starts a fight with Daniel and while in the principal's office, Phil discovers that his mother had given the jacket to the woman who cleans their house-- which happens to be the Daniel's grandmother! This leads Phil to question whether he would have started that fight if Daniel had been white. An excellent book that helps readers examine their own racial biases.

Maniac Magee

Maniac Magee by, Jerry Spinelli. ISBN-13: 978-0316809061

Orphan, Jeffrey Magee, runs to the small town of Two Mills, Pennsylvania and searches for his place in the world. His fast running, champion knot untying skills, ability to hit the fastest fastball, and rescue of a local child earn him notoriety. In this small town Maniac Magee, as he has been dubbed by the locals, learns about racism, belonging, and heroism.

The Spiderwick Chronlicles Book 1: The Field Guide

The Field Guide by, Tony DiTerlizzi. ISBN-13: 978-0689859366

After their father left the family, the Graces moves to the Spiderwick Estate-- a creepy and dilapidated old house that had once been home to their Aunt Lucinda. Mallory, who is thirteen, and her twin brothers, Jared and Simon are not very excited about the change from New York to this Victorian home in the middle of nowhere. Jared, who is thought to be the trouble-maker in the family because of one fight he got in at school after their dad left, hears a strange sound in the walls, and thinking it is a squirrel, he and his siblings set off to find it. What they find instead is a strange nest containing strung up cockroaches, army men with no hands and feet, a doll's head, and Mallory's silver fencing medal! This begins a set of adventures that will lead the children to a secret room with even greater mysteries than it's location.

This book begins the Spiderwick series, a fanciful and magical set of books that will lure readers into the world of fairies, boggarts, and more. DiTerlizzi uses the first book to introduce readers to the characters and their personalities, passions, and problems. He does so by creating characters that are easy to relate to-- these siblings have problems and they argue with each other, but they are there for each other in the end. It is a short book-- a quick read that is really just bait to get readers hooked on the series. DiTerlizzi is slow to come to the full action with this story, but the ending leaves readers hanging on the edge of their seats, ready for the real action to begin...This book will appeal to readers who enjoy the Land of Elyon series by, Patrick Carman.

If Your're Reading This It's Too Late

If You're Reading This It's Too Late by, Pseudonymous Bosch. ISBN-13: 978-0316113687

Max-Ernst and Cass are back in this exciting adventure involving a secret society, a 500 year old man who was born in a bottle, the evil pop-signing twin teen sensation of the Skelton Sisters, and a magical sound prism. Action and adventure blend with the author's insertion of quirky commentary and footnotes. A wonderful companion to the first book, The Name of this Book is Secret.

Deep Dark and Dangerous

Deep Dark and Dangerous by, Mary Downing Hahn. ISBN-13: 978-0618665457

Ali is excited when her aunt Dulcie invites her to spend the summer babysitting Emma, Ali's four year old cousin, at the lake house in Maine that Dulcie and Ali's mother used to visit as children. The girls meet Sissy, a cruel trouble-making friend with a dark secret. Ali must be careful, or the girls might not make it out alive.

The Thief Lord

The Thief Lord by, Cornelia Funke. ISBN-10: 0-439-40437-1

Orphans, Prosper and Bo escape to Venice and meet up with a street gang of kids who live in an abandoned movie theater. The kids are led by a boy named Scipio who calls himself the Thief Lord. A detective who loves disguises, an evil aunt and uncle, and a magical merry-go-round all play an important part in this enthralling book.

Fruits Basket: Book 16

Fruits Basket Book 16 by, Natsuki Takaya. ISBN-13:978-1-59816-024-6

One of the most popular shojo manga series worldwide, Fruits Basket is a series with an intricate web of characters with strong emotions and dark secrets. This, the sixteenth book in the series, is a bit hard to comprehend without reading the previous books. It begins with Kyo, who is remembering that he had actually known Tohru's mother, Kyoko. While Tohru is a heroine of the series, she plays a minor role in this episode. Kyo reveals that Tohru's mother was unwanted by her family and by middle school she was already heading down a dark path. She met Katsuya, a student teacher at her school, and fell for him. He decided to give up teaching, and the two fell in love. Her parents disowned her, he married her, they got pregnant, had Tohru, and a few years later Katsuya died. Readers of the Fruits Basket story will be excited to finally know Tohru's back story. The transition to the second half of the book is confusing and choppy. There are fifteen characters presented at the beginning of the book, but the majority of those in this story are not listed in the cast. The depictions of the characters change, making it even harder to follow. Jumping in at book sixteen is like flipping on your t.v. for the season finale of a soap opera you've never seen. The plot jumps all over the place and the characters and their decisions are inappropriate for younger readers. Fans of Kare Kano will appreciate the Fruits Basket series. If you are not a manga aficionado, however, this book is not the place to start.