Catching Fire

by Suzanne Collins
Ages: 12+

Second Book in the Hunger Games: Katniss afer winning the Hunger Games finds a new set of challenges. She is older now and realizing that she can't resist the feelings of injustice she has witnessed.

I would like to write more about this book but it would ruin the intensity of the first book "The Hunger Games." Collins leaves in suspense the entire read. Every page brings a new surprise. The best and worst part is that the next book in the series is not due out until late August. I don't know if I can wait that long.

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins
Ages: 12+

Katniss, a teenager, finds herself volunteering to replace her 12 year old sister in this year's Hunger Games. Katniss has practice surviving, after her father was killed in a coal mining accident and mother went into a deep depression. She find herself making difficult decisions and choices. The Games were created to remind the 12 districts that the Capital stills controls them. She and 23 other teenagers must fight to the death in a televised arena after being chosen this year. Her whole world is turned upside down after her name is selected.

I LOVE THIS BOOK! A MUST READ! I recommend it for everyone, not just young adult. It is like The Giver and Fahrenheit 451. Even if you don't like science fiction, you will still enjoy this book. It is a parody on society and control. The State of Panem needs to keep control of the tributaries and the gluttony of the rich people living in the Capital. You fall in love and relate to Katniss and her situation. Then, just when you think you know what is going to happen next, Collins throws you for a another loop. Warning: I couldn't put this book down and you are going to immediately want to read the next book in the series, Catching Fire.

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.

Report to the Principal's Office

by Jerry Spinelli
Ages: 10+

Plumstead Middle School is opened for the first time and Principal Brimlow is determined that this new school with start off well. He memorizes every student's profile. He decides to befriend a few 6th graders; Sunny Wyler, Eddie Mott, Salem Brownmiller, and Pickles Johnson. Sunny has decided to not bathe until she is transferred to the old middle school to be with her best friend. Eddie hopes to survive the 6th grade by being friendly and avoiding 8th graders. Salem is an aspiring writer and is in everyone's business. Pickles is an inventor of gadgets and getting into trouble. Principal Brimlow names the sixth graders his Principal Posse and assigns them, among other things, to come up with a name for the new school mascot. He can't control everything that happens in the middle school. These students have to learn how to survive middle school on their own.

A very delightful, lighthearted book about surviving middle school from many perspectives.

Heist Society

written by Ally Carter

Katarina Bishop has tried to leave the family business by going to boarding school. However, leaving her former life proves harder than expected when she is unjustly kicked out of school. Katarina's family is not typical, nor is their chosen profession. Katarina's family appreciates fine art and culture-so much so that they steal it. When her father is accused of stealing priceless paintings from a very dangerous man, Katarina and a motley crew work to save him. As Katarina returns to the life that she so desperately wanted to leave, she finds strength in her family, friends, and most importantly, herself. Will the love that she has for her father be enough to help her outwit a dangerous villain as well as a brilliant thief?

Heist Society is the second series penned by author Ally Carter. Although not as well written as the previous Gallagher Girls Series, Heist Society is still a well executed story. Hopefully the remainder of this series will provide Carter with the opportunity to return to a more engaging and thoughtful writing style.

Police Officers on Patrol

written by Kersten Hamilton
illustrated by R.W. Alley

Who are police officers? What do they do? How can they help you when you are in trouble? All of these questions are answered in this rollicking tale. Fun illustrations and catchy writing make this book fun to read and share. This great book is a wonderful way to introduce preschoolers to police officers and what they do to help the community. Not only is this a perfect book for fans of police officers, but also for those who are hesitant of them.

Say Please, Louise!

by Phil Roxabee Cox
Illustrated by Jan McCafferty

A cautionary tale for children to warn them about the perils of behaving badly. Louise can't remember to say please and demands everything. Her parents pleaded to "Say Please" because that was all that was needed. Louise would not listen and when she demanded a new pet, she learns her lesson.

My sister recommended this book to me because it helps her with her 3 year old. When her daughter forgets to use kind words, she asked her what happen to Louise. It is a cute and fun story with great illustrations.

How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?

written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague
ages: 2-6 years

What happens when a dinosaur gets sick? Does he whimper and whine in between each atchoo? What if a dinosaur goes to the doc? Does he drag all his feet till his mom is in shock? No, a dinosaur rests, takes all of his medicine, and gets well soon!

The How Do Dinosaurs... books are such a wonderful treat for parents and their children to read together. The rhyming text is fun and easy for even the youngest child to understand. Mark Teague’s illustrations are whimsical and delightful. Young readers will love seeing parents with giant dinosaur children. This book proves that silly is indeed wonderful!

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.

Touching Spirt Bear

by Ben Mikaelsen
ages 12+

Cole has no other options left. The Circle Justice was the only way of avoiding jail time, after he beat up a fellow classmate brutally. He didn't care or understand why they decided to send him to an island on Alaska by himself for year. Who cared? Garvey, his parole officer, was the one who suggested it. Once banished to find himself and prove his is sorry for his actions, he allows his arrogance to set him directly in the path of a mysterious, legendary white bear. Mauled almost to death, Cole awaits his fate and begins the transition from anger to humility.

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. It is not a typical story. I thought he would just go to the island and find himself in nature and learn his lesson. Oh, no, Cole makes some decisions that cause the story to have many twists and turns that happened in real life.