The Donnor Party's struggle to reach California despite harsh weather and starvation. This is absolutely one of the BEST and the most DETAILED account...moreThe Donnor Party's struggle to reach California despite harsh weather and starvation. This is absolutely one of the BEST and the most DETAILED accounts of the Donnor Party story that I have read. Highly recommended!
RASL is a scientist-turned-art-thief, drifting between parallel universes through the power of a dimension-shifting apparatus originally intended as a...moreRASL is a scientist-turned-art-thief, drifting between parallel universes through the power of a dimension-shifting apparatus originally intended as a weapon. Pursued by an assassin and plagued by his past – as well as the parallel versions of the women he has loved – RASL struggles to make sense of his broken life and the technology he helped create. Brutal, cerebral and emotional all in one.
High School's a killer, and this graphic novel series makes anyone feel lucky to get out alive. This is a fast paced, super violent, world building se...moreHigh School's a killer, and this graphic novel series makes anyone feel lucky to get out alive. This is a fast paced, super violent, world building series is filled with smart and snarky characters that all have something to hide. Fans of the Hunger Games and Battle Royale will like this series.
-- Alexis S.
Morning Glories is a title that you have to re-read because you might have missed something on the first pass. In my opinion, Morning Glories is one part the Breakfast Club mixed with one part the Facts of Life brewed and steeped in the creative mind of writer, Nick Spencer then filtered through the keen eye of artist, Joe Eisma. What you get is one deliciously strange brew that keeps you wanting more! This graphic novel will definitely appeal to both genders because it has a fantastic script and some of the best art that I have ever seen. Due to language and mature themes the recommended reading age for Morning Glories is teens to adults.
Emerson sometimes sees things that aren't there. When she meets Michael, he tells her that what she's seeing are echoes of the past. Michael works for...moreEmerson sometimes sees things that aren't there. When she meets Michael, he tells her that what she's seeing are echoes of the past. Michael works for an organization that uses time travel to right wrongs, and the case he's working on now can only be solved with Emerson's help. This is a great story for fans of time travel and super hero style tales.
This is the story of a girl named Katherine who is trying to deal with the passing of her twin sister. Suffering from both loneliness and survivor's g...moreThis is the story of a girl named Katherine who is trying to deal with the passing of her twin sister. Suffering from both loneliness and survivor's guilt, Katherine must find a way to forgive herself and Bennett, her sister's boyfriend. The story is set in the time of the 1876 Centennial Fair.
For those who enjoy a solid fantasy with a strong female heroine, this book is a must read. Celaena Sardothien is the kingdom's most celebrated assass...moreFor those who enjoy a solid fantasy with a strong female heroine, this book is a must read. Celaena Sardothien is the kingdom's most celebrated assassin, but has been imprisoned for her crimes. When she's given the opportunity at possible freedom, she leaps at the chance. However, that freedom may come with a price. Forced to compete to become the King's Champion for a cruel king, Celeana soon finds herself battling an invisible monster who is killing her competitors. Interesting characters, fast paced action, and a deadly, mysterious enemy keeps the story moving at a good pace.
"Hercules" Martino is on his way to spend an undesirable summer with his uncle in Baltimore. On the train, he spots a "beautiful, unattainable woman"...more"Hercules" Martino is on his way to spend an undesirable summer with his uncle in Baltimore. On the train, he spots a "beautiful, unattainable woman" and makes her his mission. His uncle has other plans for him, however, a list that will spur not only an exploration of the world around him, but the world inside him as well. Comparable to "Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes", this book explores the relationship of a coming-of-age teen and the uncle who helps him see the value of small things. –Tiffany J.- (less)
Anya’s Ghost is a remarkably original graphic novel with enough twists and turns to keep your interest throughout. This is sequential storytelling at...moreAnya’s Ghost is a remarkably original graphic novel with enough twists and turns to keep your interest throughout. This is sequential storytelling at its best. Brosgol is an excellent cartoonist and the pacing of this entertaining book allows you to read it effortlessly. That’s not to say that this is simply a straightforward story. The author pushes all the buttons of what it means to be a teenage outsider while also throwing in supernatural elements and healthy portions of humor. It’s even a bit scary at times. Highly recommended! -David K(less)
Voted one of the American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults in 2007, American Born Chinese is a striking blend of art and story. Three...moreVoted one of the American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults in 2007, American Born Chinese is a striking blend of art and story. Three storylines are masterfully woven together in this tale of culture, stereotypes, and diversity. A page-turning, powerful, and entertaining tale that should be required reading for all!
What happens when a 3,000-year-old mummy and an Egyptologist’s daughter fall in love? Burial wrappings fly and hijinks ensue! Short and quirky little...moreWhat happens when a 3,000-year-old mummy and an Egyptologist’s daughter fall in love? Burial wrappings fly and hijinks ensue! Short and quirky little graphic novel. Sure to make you chuckle and sigh. -Lindsey D.-(less)
The illustrated true story of Laika, the little Soviet dog that became the first animal to orbit the Earth. This is a great graphic novel for history...moreThe illustrated true story of Laika, the little Soviet dog that became the first animal to orbit the Earth. This is a great graphic novel for history and space lovers, and gives heart to the story of this brave and relatively unknown little space hero. Animal lovers might want to stay away from this one though unless they are in the mood for a good cry - I read it three years ago and I still get choked up just thinking about it!
In 1996 Emma and Josh, high school juniors, have been neighbors and best friends since childhood. When Emma gets a new computer, Josh gives her an AOL...moreIn 1996 Emma and Josh, high school juniors, have been neighbors and best friends since childhood. When Emma gets a new computer, Josh gives her an AOL CD that opens up a strange website where Emma can see her future in 15 years. Welcome to Facebook! Emma and Josh quickly get sucked into seeing what becomes of their lives and how the tiniest changes in 1996 can have HUGE consequences in 15 years. Can Josh and Emma's friendship survive 15 years from now? Or better yet, can their friendship survive their junior year? Told in alternating chapters, Emma and Josh are both realistically flawed characters. Combined with the interesting premise of looking 15 years ahead when you are still in high school, this book will appeal to both teen and 30-something readers. -Erin J. (less)
A wondrous tale of young love, mental illness, art, and music told in an unforgettable collage of pictures, quotes, and play lists! I highly recommend...moreA wondrous tale of young love, mental illness, art, and music told in an unforgettable collage of pictures, quotes, and play lists! I highly recommend it for teens and those looking for something just a little different.
Much of today's teen fiction features the tragedies in life, so it's always a pleasure to find a novel that's funny and fun to read! Our hero is Oliver...moreMuch of today's teen fiction features the tragedies in life, so it's always a pleasure to find a novel that's funny and fun to read! Our hero is Oliver Watson, an overweight twelve year old student, who pretends to be slow-witted, when he's actually extremely intelligent, fabulously wealthy, and something of an evil mastermind. His plot to become the class president ties in with his need for his father's recognition and approval. Many clever touches abound, including some quirky characters and situations (Oliver's dad manages the local PBS affiliate and the young man uses some of his wealth to bring an abrupt halt to a tedious pledge drive at the TV station). This fun, fast read is especially recommended for students in grades 7 – 9. -Louisa Aikin-(less)
In this narratively complex book, Jay Asher explores the theme of teen suicide brilliantly. Told through a series of tapes made before Hannah Baker's...moreIn this narratively complex book, Jay Asher explores the theme of teen suicide brilliantly. Told through a series of tapes made before Hannah Baker's suicide and one person's reactions as he listens to them, this is an engrossing and tragic story. It highlights how one’s actions can affect someone and create serious repercussions, even if they seemed inconsequential to others. In fact, that is the precise reason Hannah decides to chronicle her reasons to end her life -- so that the people who influenced it would understand the very real consequences of their actions. Hopefully, there is room for everyone to change. I burned through this book in less than a day -- definitely worth picking up.
By reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, you take a journey with a boy who tries to find out about his grandfather's secretive past and...moreBy reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, you take a journey with a boy who tries to find out about his grandfather's secretive past and the cause of his peculiar death through photos that he stumbles upon. Along the way you get to meet interesting characters and to explore an abandoned orphanage on an eerie island. This book is full of mystery and adventure that will keep you wanting to read more as the story unfolds one photo at a time. –Christina S.- (less)
Meet Tohru Honda, a female teenage orphan, who goes to high school by day, works several jobs by night, and is living in a tent in the local forest. F...moreMeet Tohru Honda, a female teenage orphan, who goes to high school by day, works several jobs by night, and is living in a tent in the local forest. Fate soon brings young Tohru and the local mysterious Sohma family together, but the Sohmas’ have a dark secret… they are all animals from the Chinese Zodiac and change forms when hugged by a member of the opposite sex! An entertaining read sure to delight tween readers and fans of Shojo Manga.
High-schooler, Ichigo Kurosaki, has always been able to see and hear ghosts, but when a ghost-eating monster attacks him, a mysterious woman shows up...moreHigh-schooler, Ichigo Kurosaki, has always been able to see and hear ghosts, but when a ghost-eating monster attacks him, a mysterious woman shows up to fight it. Their encounter imbues him with the power to destroy such monsters, but also embroils him in the long-running plots and grudges of several secret societies that govern the dead. This long-running action manga is full of conflict, humor, intrigue, and its own unique cosmology, and is well worth the read. -- Hillary D.(less)
When Ani is betrayed by those she thought were her friends, she must find the courage within her to fight back and protect what she holds dear. This w...moreWhen Ani is betrayed by those she thought were her friends, she must find the courage within her to fight back and protect what she holds dear. This was a wonderful and magical tale about finding yourself and standing up for what you believe in. --Jennifer W.(less)
Young Luffy wants to be the Pirate King, but all the pirates on the ocean stand in his way. Armed only with his talent for making friends, his indomit...moreYoung Luffy wants to be the Pirate King, but all the pirates on the ocean stand in his way. Armed only with his talent for making friends, his indomitable will, and his rubber powers -- gained by eating a magical fruit -- he sets out on a world-spanning adventure that will garner him as many allies as enemies and put him in opposition to every oppressive force he encounters. An action-packed series about friendship, justice and sacrifice, it has a well-fleshed out world and history, admirable characters, stirring fights, and plenty of humor. One of my absolute favorites!
Naruto Uzumaki yearns to be acknowledged by his ninja village, but the evil fox spirit sealed into him while he was a child makes him an outcast among...moreNaruto Uzumaki yearns to be acknowledged by his ninja village, but the evil fox spirit sealed into him while he was a child makes him an outcast among his people. Determined to prove himself worthy and to achieve his ambition of becoming the Hokage -- the ninja leader -- Naruto enters training along with the other young ninjas and meets Sasuke and Sakura, whose own ambitions and pains will define his path. With a strong focus on belonging and redemption, this terrific manga series showcases an imaginative parallel world of adventure, humor and strife. -- Hillary D.(less)
Michael Vey is a normal teenage boy who tries to avoid the school bullies who target him, play video games with his only friend, admire his crush duri...moreMichael Vey is a normal teenage boy who tries to avoid the school bullies who target him, play video games with his only friend, admire his crush during Biology class...oh, and hide the fact that he has a strange electric superpower coursing through his veins! Michael’s “normal” life is turned upside down when he realizes he is one of a small group of “electric children” being hunted. A bit slow at first, this book quickly picks up and leaves you ready to embark on a new adventure with Michael at the end. Fans of James Patterson’s Maximum Ride series should enjoy this new series. –Erin J. (less)
The teen actors who play super-couple Jenna and Jonah on a popular TV show have been pretending to be a real-life super-couple for years. But what hap...moreThe teen actors who play super-couple Jenna and Jonah on a popular TV show have been pretending to be a real-life super-couple for years. But what happens when the cat's let out of the bag? You'll never look at celebrity couples in the same way once you've read this! -- Beth M.(less)
Loved The Hunger Games? Try Moira Young’s new novel, Blood Red Road. Set against the backdrop of a dusty post-apocalyptic landscape, Saba is forced to...moreLoved The Hunger Games? Try Moira Young’s new novel, Blood Red Road. Set against the backdrop of a dusty post-apocalyptic landscape, Saba is forced to leave the meager existence she has known all her life when her twin brother is violently taken by a group of mysterious riders. Through her journey, Saba finds that she might have more to gain than just her brother. –Erin J. (less)
One Amazon reviewer describes this book, the first in its series, as “fresh and grimy.” Somehow, that’s spot-on. James, newly orphaned and living in a...moreOne Amazon reviewer describes this book, the first in its series, as “fresh and grimy.” Somehow, that’s spot-on. James, newly orphaned and living in a home for young reprobates, is being watched. His particular talents and resourcefulness—even used unconstructively, peg him as the right material for CHERUB, a secret agency that trains children as spies for the British government. With tough urban teens who speak as crudely as you’d expect (in British street-speak), grueling boot-camp sequences, vandalism, violence and even some philosophical and moral self-questioning, there is much for teens (and many adults) to love. --Kate D.(less)
This debut novel delivers an interesting twist to the post-apocalyptic dystopian genre. Well-developed characters give a unique voice to this strange...moreThis debut novel delivers an interesting twist to the post-apocalyptic dystopian genre. Well-developed characters give a unique voice to this strange world of polygamy, genetic tampering, love, and the human condition. Readers who liked the Hunger Games will like this book. -- Alexis S. (less)
Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America is a fascinating and fun look at the business, technology, and history of all your favorite Nintendo games...moreSuper Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America is a fascinating and fun look at the business, technology, and history of all your favorite Nintendo games and characters. Hit the pause button and put your controller down because this is one book you won’t want to miss, or (even better!) check out the e-audiobook on OverDrive and keep on playing while you listen along!
This series, sanctioned by Ian Fleming’s estate, carries both teen and adult appeal. It is the 1930s and James Bond is a beginning student at Eton Col...moreThis series, sanctioned by Ian Fleming’s estate, carries both teen and adult appeal. It is the 1930s and James Bond is a beginning student at Eton College (for boys aged 13-18). Almost immediately he gets on the wrong side of a nasty, older American kid, and from there follow entertaining episodes--a swim meet with very suspicious results, a lesson with James’s uncle in driving…surprise…an Aston Martin, a wild horse ride over Scottish moors with a beautiful lass, a battle to the death with genetically altered eels, and more! He’s not yet the Bond-James-Bond we have come to know, but he’s clearly on his way. Kate D.(less)
Two completely different characters are thrown together when one of them is struck down by a school bus. This time it is the homecoming queen who is k...moreTwo completely different characters are thrown together when one of them is struck down by a school bus. This time it is the homecoming queen who is killed, and the supposed school freak who must help her after she is dead. Alona, beautiful and popular, must depend on Will, who is an outcast and persecuted by his principal. Will can see dead people and they often cause him to behave in strange ways. He is on the verge of being placed in a mental institution. Alona, who is as clever and conniving dead as when she was alive, finds ways to help him. In return, she asks for his help in finding out what is keeping her stuck on earth. The unlikely pair form a friendship, and each finds that the other is not what they supposed. --Tiffany J.