Cinder

Book One in the Lunar Chronicles
by Marissa Meyer
Ages: 12+

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg.  She is considered a second-class citizen in New Beijing.  Her stepmother blames her when the stepsister gets the mysterious plague.  Her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai and finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle between humans and the ruthless lunar people.  She uncovers her mysterious past which leads her into making difficult choices in order to protect her world's future.   

I was very hesitant to read this book at first because it seemed like another Cinderella story remake.  I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book and had to finishing reading.  I was drawn into the world of humans and androids.  I felt torn when Cinder's past was slowly revealed and she had to make some difficult decisions. I can't wait until Book 2 Scarlet comes out.  It will be featuring Cinder meeting Little Red Riding Hood in France.  There will be four books in the series.     

The Boggart

by Susan Cooper
Ages: 9-14

What is a Boggart? The Volnik family finds out after they inherit a old castle on an island off Scotland. Once they return home, Emily and her brother Jessup notice strange things happening. They realize that a mischievous boggart was accidently trapped in a piece of furniture the family shipped home to Canada. Of course, no adults believe them. After a crazy Halloween incident, doctors believe Emily is a troubled adolescent in need of hospitalization. They have to find a way to return the boggart back to Scotland, but HOW!

I was a little worried when I read the premise of this book. I thought it might be another silly ghost story, but the author is able to take an old-story creature and infuse him into a modern times creating a good story.

Something Upstairs

by Avi
Ages 10+

Kenny moves with his family to Providence, Rhode Island. He finds himself intrigued by a 100 year old murder of a teenager slave, Caleb, who used to live in the house he moved into. Kenny is haunted by Caleb and the injustice of his murder and finds himself back in time trying to solve the murder or stop it. Kenny finds himself making difficult choices whether to return to his time or save Caleb.

I really enjoy reading this book. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. You think you have it figured out, but Avi changes the pace on you. This book will spark discussion of slavery and violence of the past.

The Lambkins

By Eve Bunting
Grade 4-6, Science Fiction, Boys

The Lambkins is one of my favorite chapter books she has written. It is a light-hearted science fiction book. It reminded me of the Little’s, but with a science fiction flare. Kyle was kidnapped, after he was injected with some kind of formula, which shrunk him to the size of a Coke bottle, along with three others. Kyle realizes that he is a part of Mrs. Shepherd’s collection, the Lambkins. Mrs. Shepherd is a temperamental, lonely old lady, who desires to have company. So, she kidnapped 4 people including Kyle. You wonder:
Are the Lambkins going to stay small forever? How does she make them little? You experience the difficulties and drama as Kyle and the others plot to escape from Mrs. Shepherd.

Eve Bunting has written over 100 picture and chapter books of all genres.