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!

Out of my mind, Sharon Draper

Can you imagine being trapped in your own head.  You have feelings, thoughts, experiences and you can't share them with anyone.  Melody deals with that every day of her life.  She has Cerebral Palsy and cannot walk, eat, dress herself, or talk....and never will.  When people look at her (when they bother to look), they think she is stupid.  How can she know anything- since she is drooling, moaning, and flailing about.  They can't see that she capable of feelings as complex as our own.  Sharon Draper writes a beautiful tale that is so moving that it will change the way you interact with people in wheelchairs.  Melody shows us that there is more inside them than they can get out.  I promise this book will change your life. 


NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
People often ask me, "What was your inspiration for Out of my Mind?" I reply, "All great stories emerge from deep truths that rest within us." But the real truth of a story often can be found in places that not even the author has dared to explore. I suppose the character of Melody came from my experiences in raising a child with developmental difficulties. But Melody is not my daughter. Melody is pure fiction--a unique little girl who has come into being from a mixture of love and understanding. Out of my Mind is the story of a ten-year-old-girl who cannot walk or talk. She has spirit, determination, intelligence and wit, and no one knows it. But from buildings that are not wheelchair--accessible to classmates who make fun of her she finds a strength within herself she never knew existed.

I was fiercely adamant that nobody feel sorry for Melody. I wanted her to be accepted as a character and as a person, not as a representative for people with disabilities. Melody is a tribute to all the parents of disabled kids who struggle, to all those children who are misunderstood, to all those caregivers who help every step of the way. It's also written for people who look away, who pretend they don't see, or who don't know what to say when they encounter someone who faces life with obvious differences. Just smile and say hello!

--Sharon M. Draper    http://www.amazon.com/Out-My-Mind-Sharon-Draper/dp/141697170X 

Storm Runners, by Roland Smith

                 

lexile leve: 700

   I found myself on quite a rollercoaster of a ride when I read Roland Smith's Storm Runners.  Chase Masters and his father have an unusual life.  After weathering some tough storms in their lives, Chase's dad moves him away from everything that was familiar.  John Masters now runs after storms, the big ones, to help people clean up after them.  Yet, Fate step in when John Masters miscalculates hurricane Emily.  Follow Chase to see how he rides out the storm. 

The Surge, book 2 is an excellent sequel!  I was on the edge the whole time.   Chase is still battling a hurricane beating the coast of Florida, but now he is also fighting with escaped circus animals.  Not your average problem; especially when you are only a teenager!  Chase's father is still braving a hurricane to try to get to his son, before something awful happens to them.  Come join the adventure!

 Read a chapter here!  http://booktalk.scholastic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Stormrunner-chapter.pdf



Ruby Red, by Kerstin Gier
    Kerstin Gier wrote an impressive first book to her Ruby Trilogy.  Over the centuries Gwen's family has kept a secret.  They are part of team of time travelers who are working to solve a very old puzzle.  Gwen thinks she is a common 16 year old girl.  Her cousin is the one destined to be special.  Charlotte was trained her entire life to be ready for when it was her turn to travel through time.  Yet, the family was wrong.  It wasn't Charlotte who trips into the past but instead it was Gwen.  One minute she's heading out to the store for sweets, the next minute the scene changes.  Gwen couldn't believe she can travel back in time.  Her family is quite upset to find out that she is the magical Ruby that they have been waiting for.
   

Ancient Egypt nonfiction (informational text) book

Code Quest, Hieroglyphs, by Sean Callery
This book is a great combination between mystery, adventure, and codes.  Anybody who is interested in Ancient Egypt needs to learn the basics of hieroglyphics to understand better.  This is a great introduction to them. 



Mummies of the Pharaohs, Exploring the Valley of the Kings, by Melvin Berger and Gilda Berger
age age 8 and up (grade 4-7)
This book is an excellent book to learn more about the Pharaohs of the Valley of the Kings.  It has great pictures and diagrams. The pictures are so clear, the items look like you can touch them. 
*Mrs. B's Tip:  If you are reading either Theodosia or Kane Chronicles, understanding the Valley of the Kings and the Pharaoh's buried there will help you visualize when reading. 


The Living Tomb, by Jacqueline Morley
I liked this book because the illustrator draws the whole scene and then magnifies smaller parts.  So for example you see the Pharaoh's palace across two pages and then 6 different close ups- Pharaoh's throne, Queen and her sons, scribes at work, etc.  I think this book helps you visualize how these ancient ruins once looked. 


Graphic Library, The Curse of King Tut's Tomb, by Michael Burgan
Grade 3-6
King Tut is the most famous pharaoh.  Why?  Is it partly because it was the first find in the Valley of the Kings that wasn't robbed?  Yes, but that is not the reason why people remember him.  The reason is because his tomb was said to be cursed.  Read the graphic novel to find out the whole story. 


Pharaoh's Boat, by Daid Weitzman
This book really explains how the Ancient Egyptians built boats.  It is very interesting and the story behind the boat is intriguing. 
*Mrs. B's Note: In Kane Chronicles, Sadie and Carter ride this kind of a boat down the Nile.  Helps for visualizing the story.


Secrets of the Sphinx, by James Cross Giblin
One of Egypts mysteries sits in front of three pyramids.  The Sphinx is part lion part man.  It is the World's largest statue.  It was built around 4,000 B.C.  This book talks about the Sphinx's long forgotten history. 

Theodosia, by R. . LaFever

          

http://www.theodosiathrockmorton.com/  Love this website!  It offers a blog written by Theodosia, books she's reading, and information about the time period Theodosia lives in.  You can also read a section of the book here.


     This series quickly became a favorite for me.  Theodosia's parents work for a museum in London.  They are very neglectful parents so they often forget all about Theodosia.  She practically lives in the museum and sleeps in her own coffin.  Why you ask? Theodosia is special.  She can feel curses!  She's always careful to keep her hands covered and doesn't lurk in the dark halls of the museum.  Her dad thinks she's very odd, but she's just trying to protect people from these dark curses.  She goes on quite a few adventures trying to stop the Serpents of Chaos from bringing chaos and destruction to London.  She rescues artifacts, control mummies, and even goes to Egypt to save London.  You must read this adventure tale to see how a young girl does it!
*Mrs. B's note:  when reading about ancient cultures, it always helps to research more about that time period, people, and beliefs as you read.  It will surely help you comprehend (understand) so much more.  See my list of Egyptian books to help you.