Seeing Redd

Seeing Redd: The Looking Glass Wars Book Two

By Frank Beddor

Published by the Penguin Group 2007 371 pages

Genres: Action and Adventure, Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Romance

Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary: Alyss's reign has just begun, but already they are those conspiring to bring it to an end. There are rumors that the biggest threat of all might be realized, the return of Redd and the Cat. Alyss must secure her kingdom as her life becomes a mixture of duty, love, and tough choices.

Response: I loved this book. I could barely put it down. I loved the mixture of romance and sci-fi.

Cautionary notes: magical realism, and sci-fi violence.

Black Mirror

Black Mirror

By Nancy Werlin

Published by Dial Books 2001 249 pages

Genre: Mystery, Social Issues, and Body and Self

Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary: Frances has been hiding for years, from herself and from everyone else. Now her brother Daniel has completed suicide. This turns to be her motivation to stop hiding. She becomes involved in a charitable organization called Unity. Her brother was involved in Unity and so she decides to be involved as well. But it turns out that things at Unity Service aren't quite what they seem.

Response: I loved this book. It is completely riveting. It kept me glued the entire time. The hidden complexity of this book is incredible.

Cautionary notes: Body image issue, descriptions of premature female development, drug use and drug dealing.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins

Published by Scholastic Press 2008 374 pages

Genre: Utopia & Dystopia, Adventure, Science Fiction, and Fantasy

Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary: A war has completely destroyed North America as we know it. The new republic of Panem has been created with 12 districts. Once a year, two children, one boy and one girl, aged 12 to 18 are chosen from each district to participate in the Hunger Games. It is a bloody fight to the death, from which only one victor can emerge. When Katniss's little sister Prim is chosen to be the tribute from District 12, Katniss volunteers to take her place, but will she make it out of the Arena alive.

Response: This book totally rocks. It is definitely the best book that I have read all semester. The complex plot twists that are partially orchestrated by the Gamemakers are incredibly ingenious. This book kept me glued the entire time that I read it. I can't wait to read the sequel.

Cautionary notes: Extreme violence, and graphic descriptions of wounds.

The Misadventures of Maude March

The Misadventures of Maude March

By Audrey Couloumbis

Published by Yearling Books 2005 290 pages

Genre: Western, Action and Adventure, Humor, and Family

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: Maude and her sister Sallie have been orphaned for the second time. Eventually, they leave Reverend Peasley's home and journey to Independence to find their Uncle Arlen. Along the way, they meet some unsavory characters, and start out on an adventure that will change both their lives forever.

Response: I really liked this book. It had a wonderful plot and I love it when girls take charge and kick butt.

Cautionary notes: violence, and robbery