The Dangerous Days of Daniel X, James Patterson

Lexile 680

James Patterson begins this science fiction novel with a normal scene.  A 4-year old boy playing with Play-Dough, his mom calling him for dinner.  Of course, no science fiction novel stays normal for long.  Daniel's parents were shortly after killed by a large human-sized praying mantis, who goes by the name The Prayer.  Daniel is also not a normal 4 year-old boy, unless you call a boy capable of turning himself into a tick normal.  He escapes the same fate his parents suffered.  Now, it is his mission to complete his parents work- hunting aliens on Earth.  Daniel is very lonely moving from place to place killing disgusting aliens and dodging cops and truancy officers. When he goes after #6 on his list he has met his match-really more than he can handle.  In Daniel's darkest days, he finds truth about who he is and friends that can help him in get through his dangerous days. 

I loved the how quick paced this book is.  Science Fiction is not my favorite of genres, but I found Daniel's character very compelling.  I wanted to root for him, care for him, befriend him.  The short chapters send you through the plot's twists and turns at a fever pitch.  James Patterson is the master of suspense and urgency, this book lives up to that reputation. 

Peak, Roland Smith

Lexile Level 760- Grade 5.4

Roland Smith has done it again.  He has written an adventure book that totally sucked me into a world of danger, disappointment, and humanity.  I was looking for books that my reluctant boy readers would buy into and found you didn't need to be reluctant, nor a boy, to enjoy this coming of age tale.  Peak, yup that's the main character's name, gets into very hot water in New York City where he lives with his mother and step-father.  Narrowly escaping jail time, he is exiled to live with his father.  His father, out of the picture for seven years, wants to be called Josh and is NEVER around.  Peak figures out quickly that his father's reappearance is not because he wanted to help his son, but that he needs his son to help him.  Peak finds himself on Everest trying to reach the summit and be the youngest climber in the world to do so.  Can he actually do it?  Will his father help him when he needs it most?  Can Peak slip the Chinese soldiers who want to stop him?  Enjoy this fast paced adventure now....or you will miss the summit. 

NERDS by Michael Buckley

       

Flint Heart, by Katherine and John Patterson

Lexile Level: 1030

When a warrior wants to be leader of the tribe, he goes to the shaman to have a special necklace made.  The shaman warns him that the stone charm would harden his heart and he would lose the respect of the tribe.  Craving the power and the riches that comes with being Chief, the warrior kills many in his tribe, including the current Chief.  When the evil warrior finally dies, the magic charm is buried deep with him.  ....Until it is found by a kindly man and his son Charles.  The man immediately begins to take on a hardened heart and makes all around him miserable.  Charles and his sister seek out the fairies to find help.  Charles and Unity now find themselves on a mission to save ALL creatures from the Flint Heart. 

You will enjoy this new fairy tale.  The illustrations are beautiful and help give the characters charm.  I enjoyed this tale and will be reading it again soon!

Steel Trapp, by Ridley Pearson

LEXILE: 660
                      
The Challange, book #1
In this riveting thriller, 14-year-old Steven "Steel" Trapp sets off with his mom and their dog, Cairo, on a 2-day Amtrak journey to compete in the National Science Competition in Washington, DC. Steel is both blessed and cursed with a remarkable photographic memory--just one look and whatever he sees is imprinted for keeps. Trying to be a good Samaritan on the train, he instead becomes embroiled in an ingenious, international plot of kidnapping and bribery that may have links to terrorists. Federal agents track Steel and his new-found science geek accomplice, Kaileigh Augustine, as they attempt to put together the pieces of a complex puzzle. Using Steel's science contest invention--and with the help of Cairo--Steel and Kaileigh lead readers on an action-packed chase adventure as they attempt to prevent the unimaginable, before it's too late. http://www.amazon.com/Steel-Trapp-Challenge-Ridley-Pearson/dp/1423106407

The Academy, book #2
When you have a mind that won't forget any detail or pattern you have ever seen, you stick out among "regular" students.  Steel's parents are sending him to a special boarding school that only allows students who are invited.  So, Steel was surprised to see his friend Kaileigh.  Sure, she was smart, probably smarter than he was.  How did she get invited?  Why did his father help?  As the questions about Steel's new school pile up, he becomes more and more obsessed in finding out what IS going on.  He begins to count the opening of doors, watching for upperclassman after classes, and hiding in an old church organ.  Enjoy this mystery that is quick paced and filled with excitment. 

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Matched, byAlly Conde

                                                 

This is one of the most intriguing young adult books I have read in a while.  Cassia lives in a post-apocalyptic world where the Society tells its members what job they will have, where they will live, and when they will die.  They believe their statistics give their members the best chance to live "full and healthy" lives.  Cassia has turned 17 and goes to the Capitol to be matched with her statically preferred match.  To her and everyone's surprise she is matched with someone she knows, Xander.  He has been her best friend for a long time.  The Society gives her a data card with all of her information about her match.  When she puts it in she is surprised yet again.  There is another match...someone else she knows.  Cassia secretly tries to figure out what is going on in her "perfect" life.  She comes to realize it may not be as Utopian world she thought she did.  This book is an adventure as much as a reflection of what it means to live with or without choices.  It left me pondering about the life we choose and what is best for us as a "society". 

Book 2- Crossed,

Casia is preparing to go against the Society to find Ky.  She is working in the outer Providences and is trying to figure out how to get to where Ky is stationed.  In Crossed, every other chapter gives us Ky's perspective as well.  Ky is stationed on the outer border pretending to be a villager and watching other Aberrations die in fire storms.  He is smart and lucky and is managing to tempt fate by staying alive.  He thinks of Casia all the time, but doesn't realize how far she will go to find him.  Casia sees her chance to get to him when she pretends to be an Aberration being sent to the border.  She is risking everything to be with Ky.  Will they find each other?  Will they stay safe from the Society?  This is an exciting, bridge to a great trilogy.  

Tentacles, by Roland Smith

I started reading Tentacles because it was recommended in Storm Runners- which I LOVED (see post).  As I got about 5 pages in, I realized that this is a sequel to Cryptid Hunters.  I was too intrigued to wait to get the first book, so I dove in....and it didn't matter that I didn't read book 1.  I instantly liked our hero Marty, a 13 year old boy who is quick on his feet and truly funny.  Marty, his cousin Grace, and his best friend Luther go to stay on his uncle's sea vessel in search of a Giant Squid.  Not only has no one ever seen this great predator, but they also live in an impossible location to get to.  Marty, Grace, and Luther are all on a much bigger adventure than they thought.  Come on this incredible ride...if you can hold your stomach contents in!