Catching Fire

Suzanne Collins

Scholastic P, New York, 2009

Genres: Dystopia, Violence, Death, Adventure, Science Fiction, Love

Reading Level: Young Adult (14-18)

Pages: 391

Summary:

This is the second book of the Hunger Games Series, and the plot is becoming even more intense and dangerous. Katniss has returned home after the games to find that nothing has changed: The capitol is still in control, her friends are starving, and she still hunts for food. But something has changed, and it's going to affect her life forever.

Reaction:

I'm raving about this book! I started it with high expectations because of the last book, but after the sixth chapter I couldn't put the book down. It delivered everything that I wanted in a good YA book, and it had some interesting twists along the way. I rate these two books along with Harry Potter for excellence. They recommend these books for ages 12 to 18, but I'm thinking that perhaps it's a little too intense for some younger kids. Other than that, It's just a great book for all ages.

Cautionary Note: Like the last book, they describe the death scenes. There's lots of action, drama, and suspense. I didn't notice any language though. This isn't a children's book.

Author's Website: http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac

Gabrielle Zevin

Square Fish, New York, 2007

Genres: Family, Body Self, Love

Reading Level: Young Adult (14-18)

Pages: 271

Summary:

If Naomi had picked tails, she would have won the coin toss, and then she wouldn't have hit her head, and she wouldn't have gotten amnesia. But she did pick tails, and now her life is upside down. She can't remember anything from the last four years, and boy does that make school hard. Even worse, she can't remember her friends, her boyfriend, or even what she likes to do. This story is about self discovery and true friendship.

Reaction:

When I first read the title I was intrigued, but not extremely excited. After a few chapters, I found that I couldn't put the book down. It's similar to Adoration of Jenna Fox, but different as well. I'd have to say that this book is more realistic, and probably less controversial, but still tons of fun. It does go on quite a bit about James, her savior, but I liked the twist at the end.

Cautionary Note: Some language, especially towards the end. References to sex, drinking, and severe depression, including suicide.

Blood Secret

Kathryn Lasky

HarperCollins, New York, 2004

Genres: Journey, Historical Fiction, Multicultural, Family, Religious

Reading Level: Young Adult (14-18)

Pages: 236

Summary:

Jerry is a 14 year old girl who hasn't spoken since her mother left her. Now she's living with her great aunt and starting to discover who and what she is. In the cellar she stumbles upon a mysterious trunk that takes her back into time, back to the Spanish Inquisition, and back to family cursed by blood.

Reaction:

I don't usually gush about most YA books because they tend to be poorly written, but this book was powerful. I loved how it made me feel and how honest it seemed. I felt like I was there, living in their shoes, suffering the same things that the characters were. The book started out slowly, and at first I thought it was going to be another partially lame book until she discovered the trunk. This book is perfect for High School age teens, in fact I would say that it is a must read. It teaches about finding yourself through your roots.

Cautionary Note: Graphic torture descriptions, and mature persecutions. I wouldn't recommend this book for teens under the age of 14.

Son of the Mob

Gordon Korman

Hyperion, New York, 2002

Genres: Humor, Family, Mystery

Reading Level: Young Adult (14-18)

Pages: 262

Summary:

Vince is the son of a powerful mob boss and his life is anything but normal. His first date he finds a kidnapped person in his trunk, his father is a suspect in a murder case, and Vince is dating the FBI Agent's daughter. This book is about a kid who is trying to find out who he is and whether he wants to join into the "family business". Can he be a Luca and date the enemies daughter at the same time?

Reaction:

I liked this book, though it is a guy book. The main character is amusing as he deals with his best friend Alex and his girl friend, and his dealings with his family are interesting, but it wasn't as gripping as it could have been. I think that it would be perfect for a male teen who is 14-16, but much older than that they might think it's lame. Vince's relationship with his girlfriend was little too much, not gross, so much as dumb, but perhaps that would appeal to a younger age.

Cautionary Note: Not much swearing, but there's drinking, crime, violence, and lots of kissing. Overall, a pretty clean book for the subject matter.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

Mary E. Pearson

Henry Holt Co, New York, 2008

Genres: Body Self, Science Fiction, Friends and Family, Mystery

Reading Level: Young Adult (15-18)

Pages: 265

Summary:

Jenna Fox survived an accident and now she can't remember anything: Parents, friends, herself, life, nothing remains. She does remember random facts though, and this is part of the mystery. What really happened to Jenna, and why won't her family ever talk about the accident? This is a story of self discovery.

Reaction:

When I first started reading this book, I though that I already had it figured out, but as the story progressed, I found that I knew less and less about Jenna Fox. It's a rare book that truly takes me by surprise, and this one is one of them. That's why I would recommend this book, especially to older teens who are struggling to understand themselves and where they stand in the world. It deals with many serious issues that younger teens probably won't be able to grasp. I won't say that I loved this book, but I couldn't put it down until I finished it (about 4 hours).

Cautionary Note: I can't remember much, but there is some mild language, kissing, an almost rape scene, fits of anger, and lots of controversial themes. Like I mentioned earlier, I wouldn't recommend this book for anybody younger than 14 or 15, and they need to be mature.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Sherman Alexie

Little Brown, New York, 2007

Genres: Humor, Multiculturalism, Graphic Novel, Body Self, Sports, Friends and Family, Death

Reading Level: Young Adult (14-18)

Pages: 230

Awards: National Book Award, ALA Best Book, Horn Book Award Winner, New York Times Best Seller

Summary:

Junior Spirit is 14 years old and he's an Indian living on the Washington Reservation. The problem is that he wants to get off the Reservation and do something with his life. A world of trouble awaits him when starts attending an all white high school 20 miles from home. Friends, Family, and Tribe all turn against him, yet he discovers a new world of friends and most important of all, he discovers who he really is.

Reaction:

I loved this book because it tells the genuine experience of an Indian growing up in two worlds. I loved the relationships that Junior had with friends and family because it all seemed much more real than some fiction I've read. The way that Junior faces challenges and what he thinks about them is honest to the point that at times I felt like I was being smacked in the face. It's not a good book for anybody younger than the age 14 because it does deal with some serious issues such as sexuality and death, but I would recommend this book to any high school age teen.

Cautionary Note: There is language, Sexuality references, Death, Racism, and strong Indian Opinions, not to mention all of the Native American problems described.

Bird

Angela Johnson

Dial Books, New York, 2004

Genres: Family, Friends, Multicultural
Reading Level: Young Adult (14-18)

Pages: 133

Awards: Caretta Scott King Award

Summary:

Bird is 13 and she's run away from home to look for her father Cecil. She ends up in Alabama living in a shed. Ethan is the boy who lives in the house next to the shed and Jay is another boy in town. This books tells the story of all three of these teens and how their stories are entwined.

Reaction:

This book was an easy read for me, since it's short and simple, but the ideas portrayed in it are anything but simple. I liked how Bird influenced everything around her and she struggled to define her life. Even though the story doesn't really end, it left me with a content feeling of completion. I would recommend this book to someone who is struggling to find out who they are.

The Looking Glass Wars

Frank Beddor

Penguin, New York, 2006

Genres: Fantasy

Reading Level: Young Adult

(12-18)

Pages: 358

Summary:

Young Alyss is heir to the Wonderland throne and her life is just great, until her evil aunt Redd invades the Kingdom. Fleeing for her life, Alyss falls through a mysterious pool that takes her to our world in the 1800s. Suddenly, life isn't as easy for the young princess as she struggles to survive and remember all that she has lost. Meanwhile, back in Wonderland Redd has overturned the peaceful kingdom, turning into warren of crime and suffering. Can Alyss return and retake what is rightfully hers?

Reaction:

This book was well written and gripping, though at times I felt that the author left out too much information. I liked the parody on the Alice in Wonderland characters, and I was especially impressed with Hatter Madigan, the real version of the Mad Hatter. It's not as well written as some YA fantasy that I've read in the past, but its a good read for all ages, and it teaches good morals.

Cautionary Note: There are scenes of violence and graphic blood. Redd likes to kill all of her opponents. There is also stealing, but other than that, it's really very clean.

The Moves Make the Man

Bruce Brooks

HarperCollins, New York, 1984

Genres: Sports, Multicultural

Reading Level: Young Adult

Pages: 280

Awards: Newbery Honor

Summary:

Jerome Foxworthy is twelve and he loves basketball. For him there is nothing better than to spend an entire day practicing his "moves" and beating imaginary opponents. Everything seems to be going well until he starts the new school year as the only black kid in a white school, his mother get into an accident, and he meets Bix. Bix is a strange kid whose emotions sometimes run out of control. Can Jerome learn his dark secret in time to help him.

Reaction:

I loved this book from the very start. When I first read the cover I was worried that it would all be about sports, but I found that sports took a minor role in the overall story. This story goes into the inner workings of an ordinary family without dwelling overmuch on racial profiles. I also liked the relationship the developed between Jerome and Bix. I would recommend this book as a good read that has the possibility of inspiring some deeper thought.

Cautionary Note: I can't remember, but it seems there might be some language. Bix explodes and has some minor episodes of anger. There is also some mild racism. One scene also has some mutilation of flesh.

Bomba The Jungle Boy: The Underground River

Roy Rockwood

McLoughlin Bros, New York, 1953

Genres: Adventure

Reading Level: Young Adult (12-18)

Pages: 204

Summary:

Bomba is a white kid who has lived his entire life in the Amazonian Jungles. He sets out on an adventure to discover the fate of his mysterious parents. Every page he finds himself beset by adventure and trials. The story is an obvious imitation of the popular series Tarzan.

Reaction:

I thought that it was poorly written, though to a young boy perhaps it might be interesting. I grew up reading the Hardy Boys, which I think are far more interesting and less cheesy that this book was. I also think that the way that Bomba was portrayed was very racist.

Cautionary Note: This book is racist, in that the White man is dominant and better than the natives. There are some fight scenes, but nothing graphic is described.

Maus: A Survival's Tale

Art Spiegelman

Pantheon Books, New York, 1973

Genres: Historical Fiction, Holocaust, World War 2, Graphic Novel

Reading Level: Young Adult

Pages: 159

Awards: 1992 Pulitzer Prize

Summary:

This is the story of Vladek Spiegelman, who is a Jew living in Poland during WWII. It is written about his experiences of living under German rule and the many sufferings that Jews went through. To make the story more interesting, the Jews are portrayed as mice, the Germans as cats, and the Polish as pigs.

Reaction:

I didn't like this book at all until the second half, when I wasn't able to put it down. The main character Vladek isn't lovable, and he doesn't really inspire the reader with his attitude, but the story is gripping. I must confess that I've never really enjoyed graphic novels, so this book was difficult for me to finish. I would say that it's an easier way for teens to get into the mentality of the Holocaust.

Cautionary Note: There is strong language towards the latter half of the book. There is reference to adultery, harassment, sexuality. There is also two pictures that have nudity in them. This book is better for ages 14 and up.

Twilight

Stephenie Meyer

Little Brown Books, 2008

Genres: Romance, Supernatural, Fantasy

Reading Level: Young Adult

Pages: 544

Summary:

Bella Swan is clumsy, ordinary, and new in town. Edward Cullen is beautiful, smooth, perfect, and a vampire. Somehow, these two get together to create one of the most unusual couples to walk this earth. Set in Forks Washington, the story is about forbidden love, unreal challenges, and overcoming weakness.

Reaction:

I'm a guy, so naturally I didn't particularly enjoy this book. I can say that it wasn't the worst book I've ever encountered, though. The romantic emotions were a bit excessive at times, and I felt that the author's grammar was a bit confusing, but judging by the world's reaction, I would have to say this book is perfect for teen girls.

Cautionary Note: Some language, lots of sensual and heavy emotional stuff, and a couple scenes of violence.

Ender's Game

Orson Scott Card
Tor, New York, 1977

Genres: Science Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult (12 and up)
Pages: 324
Awards: Hugo Winner, Nebula Winner, New York Times Best Seller.

Reaction:

I read this book ages ago, yet it remains one of my all time favorites in the genre of Young Adult Fiction and Sci-Fi. I recommend this book to anybody from the age of 12 and up. I made this movie for a class as a sort of introduction. I hope you enjoy it.

Summary:

Cautionary Note: Contains language and intense battle scenes.

The Taking of Room 114

Mel Glenn

Dutton Juvenile, 1997

Genres: Poetry, Mystery, Suspense
Reading Level: Young Adult (14-18)
Pages: 192

Summary:

This story is written in free form poetry and tells the story of a senior history class that is being held hostage by their teacher. Each of the student's stories are told through creative poems, and the story is riddled with doubts concerning the mysterious room 114.

Reaction:

The poetry was gripping to me, and it helped set the tone of the story. I liked the way that the author profiled all of the different students in the class, giving us a glimpse into mixed up world of high school. It's a good book for mature high school age teens interested in understanding different backgrounds of their fellow students.

Cautionary Note:

Some language and Sexual content. The teacher is also armed and crazy, but nothing graphic is described.