Megiddo's Shadow

Megiddo's Shadow

By Arthur Slade

Published by Laurel Leaf 2006 288 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, War, Death, Violence and Adventure

Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary: After receiving the news of his brother's death, 16 year-old Edward joins the British army against his father's wishes. He eventually becomes part of the cavalry. Part of being part of the cavalry is that you have the constant companion of your horse. Luckily, Edward gets an excellent companion in his horse, Buke. As he deals with the horrors around him, he also has the letters from Emily, his first love.

Response: I loved this book. It actually portrays the horrors and humanity of warfare and yet it also touches the most tender parts of your heart. Edward's character seems so immune to the horrors around him, but when he comes face to face with his victims, he displays great compassion and mercy.

Cautionary: Deception, graphic descriptions of violence, moderate bad language, racial prejudices, use of alcohol and tobacco

The Rag and Bone Shop

The Rag and Bone Shop

By Robert Cormier

Published by Delacorte Press 2001 154 pages

Genre: Mystery and Suspense

Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary:A seven year old girl named Alicia Bartlett is dead and twelve year od Jason Durrant is the prime suspect. It is up to Trent, the top interrogator to get a confession, but will he go too far?

Response: I loved this book. This is a very gripping mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is plot twist right at the end that you will never see coming.

Cautionary notes: Moments of intense violence, and emotional child abuse

Skellig

Skellig

By David Almond

Published by Laurel Leaf Books 1998 182 pages

Genre: Family, Death, Religious and Mystery

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: When Micheal meets the strange creature named Skellig in his almost falling down garage, he feels that his life is falling apart. His baby sister is fighting for life and it's all his family can do to keep living from day to day. Skellig, with the help of Micheal's new friend Mina, helps Micheal and his family to survive this trial in their lives.

Reponse: This is a very sweet story. While being a very easy read, it really shows the power of helping people and the power of friendship. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a miracle in friendship.

Cautionary notes: mild language, violence, moments of intense sadness and magical realism

The Looking Glass Wars

By Frank Beddor

Published by Dial Books 2006 358 pages

Genre: Action & Adventure Thriller, Fantasy, Science Fiction and Magic

Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary: This book is a different twist on Alice in Wonderland. In this version, Alyss is a princess in Wonderland and she had to flee at the age of eight, after her parents, Queen Genevieve and King Nolan were killed by Redd, who then took over the throne. Alyss ends up on Earth and then 13 years later, Hatter Mardigan finds her and takes her back to Wonderland to defeat Redd. Will she succeed or will Wonderland be under Redd's thumb forever?

Response: I really liked this book. I really liked the new twist on a classic tale, but at the same time, it created a whole new world, so that it completely independent from the classic. I would recommend this book to anyone who looking for an adventure that will keep them on the edge of their seat.

Cautionary notes: Violence, and magical realism

The Bone Collector's Son

The Bone Collector’s Son

By Paul Yee

Published By Marshall Cavendish 2004 137 pages

Genre: Multicultural, Family and Supernatural

Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary: Bing is ashamed of his father's profession. His father is a bone collector, a person who collects the bones from Chinese graves to send them back to China to buried beside their ancestors. They unearth a skelton without its skull. He gets a job as a houseboy in a mansion that is believed to be haunted by a deceased relative. Then his father falls miserably ill and Bing through the help of Fortuneteller, is able with both problems.

Response: I really liked this book. It had the right combination of ancient beliefs with a young man who is struggled to trying to find himself in a modern world. It would help young adults who may have to deal with combining the traditions of the old country while trying to embrace the culture of the United States.

Cautionary notes: Racial slurs, language, and violence

The Hunter's Moon

The Hunter's Moon By O.R. Melling

Published by Harper Collins 2005 274 pages

Genre: Multicultural, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic, Supernatural, Romance and Family Life.

Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary: Findabhair and Gwen are cousins who have decided to spend their vacation exploring the magical sites of Ireland. They decide to spend the night beneath the mound at Tara, the legendary entrance of the land of Faerie. Findabhair gets taken captive by the king of Faerie and Gwen starts on a journey to rescue her.

Reponse: I really liked this book. It has just the right combination of supernatural and reality. It is a clash between the land of mortality and the land of Faerie, which is the mystical land of the fairies.I also admire Gwen's determination in her journey and her quest to find the land of Faerie and rescue her cousin. There is a wonderful romantic aspect to it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking to escape their life for a while.

Cautionary notes: Violence and Magical Realism

This is a Fan made Trailer but I think that it captures the scope of the book perfectly.

Elsewhere

By Gabrielle Zevin

Published by Square Fish 2005 288 pages

Genre: New Experiences and Death

Reading Level: Young Adults

Summary: Liz was killed at the age of fifteen while she was crossing the street. After she dies, she ends up in a place called Elsewhere. Elsewhere is where the dead continue their existence. They chose new avocations and they age backwards. But Liz has a hard time adjusting to her new life in Elsewhere and she has to make a decision on whether she is going to make a new life for her self or whether she is going back to Earth early?

Response: I really liked this book. Liz's grieving over the life she left behind is similar to that someone grieving over a loved one they have lost. Her transition to her afterlife is truly amazing, her ability to pick up her life in Elsewhere, where she left off on earth took amazing courage. I also like the romance aspect of the book.

Cautionary notes: Brief strong language

Wintergirls

Wintergirls

By Laurie Halse Anderson

Genre: Death & Dying, Friendship, Body & Self

Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary: Cassie has died and Lia is left behind. Both of them were combating against their weight through eating disorders. The thing different about this story is Cassie is visiting Lia from the grave. What will Lia do? Will she follow in Cassie's footsteps or will she turn her life around?

Response: Wintergirls gave me a new perspective on eating disorders. The way that it captures their mindset in a gripping way. The way that it follows her struggle with weight, and food is very fascinating. The procession of the plot will keep you hooked so that you have to know what will happen next.

Cautionary notes: Eating disorders and self mutilation