Talon offered me everything I was seeking in a good dragon-inspired YA novel. Thrilling action, well-designed intrigue, and star-crossed romance kept this plot humming. The main characters, who tell the story in alternating first-person voices, were tough and vulnerable all at once, and I think that takes great skill to write well.
Category: AR levels
Heartbreak Messenger
This ended up being a delightful story about first crushes, but one that really gave us a good look at a boy’s perspective. Funny situations and dialogue, in addition to a friendship that outshines any middle grade romance, puts this book in my “favorites” category.
The Cousins
McManus does a fine job here, giving us insight into each character and winning us over so we feel like part of the team. As the past and the present collide, this book will keep you guessing about the final outcome–will the cousins restore the relationship with their grandmother and gain back the family inheritance?
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
I now understand why my daughter’s fifth-grade teacher recommended the Maximum Ride series to her. The series has a perfect mix of adventure, science fiction, intrigue, and romance (which is minimal, but just present enough). The story focuses on children and young teenagers who have been turned into flying mutants, and it gives X-Men franchise a run for its money.
Mortal Engines
Not your typical post-apocalyptic world, Mortal Engines is a fast-paced read with plenty of action and adventure. The main characters have wonderful depth, the settings are intriguing, and the plot will keep any reader invested in the series.
An Abundance of Katherines
Quirky is the only word to describe Green’s An Abundance of Katherines. From the main character-narrator, to the story itself, it’s a quirky good read with moments of emotional depth and poignancy.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
If you enjoy cracking the case right alongside the character, then this is your book. Although a larger novel, the book is definitely hard to put down. The pages seem to turn themselves to each dark discovery. And I feel fairly confident it will keep even the best reading detectives in the dark up to the last few chapters.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia)
I always try to do a holiday post around this time of year. However, feeling a wave of nostalgia, I returned to a childhood favorite–The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The idea of walking through an enchanted wardrobe and entering another world is a concept for any reader bent on finding adventure in unassuming places.
My Life As A Potato
Hilarious and off-the-wall moments abound in this fun novel. It does talk about middle school “liking” and the drama that goes with that, which makes it a good fit for both boys and girls.
Reboot
The action in Reboot moves the book scene to scene. At the same time, Tintera builds her characters throughout, ensuring that the action scenes are not throw away, but instead keep the reader highly involved.
One of Us Is Lying
By Karen M. McManus Published: 2017 AR level: 5.1 AR points: 14.0 Word count: 91,844 I suggest: 7th grade+ I love a good murder mystery, and Karen McManus delivers an intriguing read with One of Us Is Lying. Secrets, lies, and even a little romance all stack up to make a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down read. I…
Holes
Whether you have had the experience of reading Holes, or you’re not sure you’ve heard of it, now is the time to pick this one up. It may be 20 years old, but it not only entertains and excites, but corresponds to some of the issues of racism we are still working to overcome. Also, its a great story for boys, and sometimes those are hard to come by.
Kid List 