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Saving Gracie: How One Dog Escaped the Shadowy World of American Puppy Mills by Carol Bradley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book that should be read by everyone; animal lover, teen,and adult. If you are an animal lover; this book will sadden you and outrage you. If you are a teen, hopefully it will create empathy for these poor defenseless dogs (mostly) who are treated so badly, some dogs forever bear the scars of their captivity in cages, without water and food, living in their own excrement. If you are an adult, many of you will remember these cases of animal abuse because they were widely reported on the news and in newspapers and magazines. This book has thoroughly researched the puppy mill business, targeted the abusers and worked through the law and government to put an end to puppy mills and educate the public to the widespread use of raising dogs in kennels in deplorable conditions only to sell sick dogs to people and stores. It also shows how one woman; the woman who adopts Gracie,and how she changes as a result of saving Gracie. This is a must read, but a very difficult read. Many times I wanted to put it down, but I knew this story needed to be told. Now I will be sharing this compelling book with my friends and hopefully opening their eyes to the horrendous practices in American puppy mills.

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Champion by Marie Lu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I loved the ending to this series! Marie Lu has written a moving novel where there is heartbreak, pain, suffering, plague(s)in a dystopian world where the Republic (once mighty) fights against time with the Colonies exhorting Day to come to their side or else everyone he loves (Eden, June, etc.) will be executed. If Day will tell the people of the Republic to surrender, there is hope, but Day and June and others concoct a FAKE surrender, fighting against time for a cure, and seeking military aid from Antarctica. What I liked about this final book was the way characters like Anden, June, and Day worked together (throw in Eden, Pascao and Tess) against evildoers like Thomas and Commander Jameson who escape right before they are due to be executed--thriller!!!June and Day's relationship is still strained but they are deeply committed to each other; it was gripping when Day begs June to either tell him she loves him or just release him of all his heartache and nightmares by revealing she doesn't love him. But we all know they love each other and once June finally speaks from her heart, what follows is awesome. This book is a wild ride that will not disappoint and the ending is hopeful, redemptive, and all those positive things we sappy readers want to see between June an Day.

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The Gravity of Birds by Tracy Guzeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to my GMA friend, Mimi for recommending this book! Tracy Guzeman's book about family, sisters and the art world was mesmorizing. Sisters Natalie and Alice Kessler are on a summer vacation when they first meet Thomas Bayber who is a young artist in his early thirties. This fateful meeting and vacation will irrevocably change their lives. Once close, Natalie, the oldest sister, is controlling, vindictive but compelling beautiful. Alice is also good looking also but she is kind, compassionate and saddled from a very young age with rheumatoid arthritis, prohibiting her from pursuing her caeer in ornithology. After their parents die, Natalie controls Alice with lies, subservience and away from the public eye once they move away from their home. Fast forward to Thomas Bayber, in his seventies, commissions two art experts to find his earliest never seen before painting, titled The Kessler Sisters. Only problem, it is nearly impossible to find the sisters. If you love lies, romance, family dysfunction, and the thoroughly evil sister against the backdrop of the beauty in and around the art world, you will not be disappointed with this sweeping novel.

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UnSouled by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Can't wait for Book #4! In this 3rd installment of the Unwind Dystology, Connor has been captured by Argent who wants to show him off to the world but Argent is thoroughly disgusting as a character. He has a sister, Grace, who he is so nasty, angry and rude to- she is labeled "low cortical" which means she is lacking in her mental capacity (boy do they get that wrong) but it is Grace who ends up helping Connor escape and goes with him and Lev to find out answers to the unwinds, Proactive Citizenry and try to find Jansen Reinschild's wife, Sonia (they invented unwinding). Argent meets up with Nelson, the parts pirate who is consumed with finding Connor and they are both detestable characters, along with Starkey who thinks he is the God of the Storks and has no moral compass. I enjoyed the parts involving Risa, I can't make up my mind about Cam; I like him sometimes and I don't like him other times. I know he really loves Risa and wants to prove it by taking down Proactive Citizenry and his creator, Roberta but so far he hasn't really escaped Proactive Citizenry. When Connor, Lev and Roberta go to the Indian reservation to be protected things begin to test the friendship of Connor and Lev. Lev is trying to recuperate after being hit by a car driven by Connor and Cam comes to the reservation hoping to find Risa and how Cam knows to go to this reservation is the result of his having some of the "parts" (like the hands) of an Indian who was rewound, yuck! I am looking forward to seeing more development of Grace as a character; she is definitely making herself very useful to Connor and Risa. The whole idea of unwinding and the unscrupulousness of the world towards teens make me cringe---Shusterman has done a fantastic job of creating a dystopian world at odds with teens, life and identity. Couldn't put this book down!

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Reality Boy by A.S. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Let me introduce you to Gerald Faust. He is now 17 years old, works at a concession stand, sees an anger management counselor, has no friends and why? When Gerald was five, his family was part of a reality tv series and Gerald would poop (on the table, in shoes, etc) when he became really angry. As you read Gerald's story you find out why Gerald was expressing his rage in this very bizarre way. No one in his family, or on the show, or even the Nanny who was supposed to help them become a functional family tried to save Gerald and his other sister, Lisi, from their psychopathic older sister, Tasha. She tried to drown them, kicked them, punched them, strangled them, all while she called them gay and many other horrible names. Now his older sister has dropped out of college, is living at home and still being very inappropriate. As a result, Lisi, has flown the coop for college as Gerald feels so abandoned. His mother firmly sticks up for his oldest sister, and made sure Gerald was placed in special ed classes at school (Gerald has normal intelligence, but feels safe in spec ed classes). His father seems to be at work all the time and doesn't do anything when psycho sister, Tasha acts up. This book was difficult to read; you will see what I mean, but you root for Gerald and his search for love, happiness and acceptance. I couldn't put it down; I loved when he becomes friends with the girl at Register 1, talks to Snow White and goes to Gersday (have to read the book) in order to deal (insulate himself from his anger and fears). Gerald really believes he will never go to college, or hold a job; that he will end up in prison. I was so angry at the adults in this book and their disregard for a little boy who grows into an insecure, angry teen with little self worth. The only adults I liked were Beth, his boss, and the hockey lady who sticks up for Gerald and gives him big hugs. Until Hannah (girl at Regiser #1), no one has hugged Gerald, no one. A.S. King's book is a study in total family dysfunction, the harm of reality tv shows, and escapism in all its many facets.

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Allegiant by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the chapters being narrated by Tris and Tobias. The big step they made toward keeping their relationship intact was their promise not to lie to each other anymore. Tobias really comes across as a character in love with Tris and she makes him feel more secure and a better person, even though they argue and agree to disagree as well. Tris is still more obstinate and very sure of herself- her way of thinking and reactions are so much different than Tobias'.
I loved how they showed much more affection for each other and kiss in front of their friends and they are definitely ribbed about it (but they don't care). There are many upheavals with the factions (more history about before the factions), continued drama with Tobias' parents, and Tris' brother, Caleb. I liked the Old Chicago and New Chicago and the aspects of the truth serum and the ambiguity they feel about using them. I never expected the surprise end, but you will have to read the book. I love Roth as a writer and these 3 books were some of my favorite dystopian novels.

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Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a fan of Rainbow Rowell- her characters, her plot, her dialog and all the dysfunction in families, with friends, etc. I LOVED Eleanor and Park and I Loved Fangirl!!! They both have an insecure main character in Eleanor and Cather. They both have an adorable male protagonist in Park and Levi. But Rowell has crafted a totally different story and gratifyingly absorbed me the whole time I read this engaging, humorous, and ultimately GREAT, GREAT, GREAT story of growing pains, tremendous insecurities, and fearsome love (for family and friends and boyfriends). Cather is a freshman in college and her twin, Wren (who has been her staunchest ally up to freshman year)is not her roommate and out partying hard and drinking and not returning Cath's calls. Cath has a scary roommate, Reagan (I loved her- she totally grows on you)and with Reagan comes her boyfriend, Levi. Cath has so many hangups and they are even more pronounced since Wren has ditched her and Cath isolates herself in her room, writes fan fiction about Simon and Baz (and has a huge readership). Rowell reveals all of Cath's insecurities in her dealings (or not) with her roommate and Levi, not eating in the cafeteria, and not going to parties. But the reader likes and roots for Cath- that she will throw off the blanket of fears and anxieties she has cocooned herself in and participate in life, college, and love. I love how characters don't give up on Cather, how Levi and her Professor work with Cath at her halting pace and how, in Cath's own crippling way- she achingly blooms. Please read this book; it is great writing, dialog, and characters trough and through. If you have not read her other book, Eleanor and Park - then read that after- I promise, you will not be disappointed. Her books and characters ring true (she gets family dysfuction, teens, and best of all romance)

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To Be Perfectly Honest: A Novel Based on an Untrue Story by Sonya Sones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am rally not a fan of unreliable narrators and in this novel in verse, Colette is an unreliable narrator, liar, fibber; it is just a part of her personality. She can't help it, and when you are the daughter of a famous movie star, well, many people just want to be your friend because your mom is famous, good looking, funny, etc. As Colette look forward to spending her summer in France with her friends, her hopes (and friendships) are dashed when her mom takes her on the set of her latest movie and makes her babysit her little brother, Will. She meets Connor and falls for him especially when he really seems to be interested in her....only problem, she has to babysit Will often. Colette (who is only 15) does have problems with consummating her relationship with Connor and it is only when "illness" becomes involved that Colette "almost" changes her mind. I love Sonya Sones; her characters are real and the games Colette plays may just catch up to her...Read this book and see what you think of Collette's problem with telling truth- she really does have an imagination!

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The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maggie Stiefvater has pulled me in once again with her wondrous world of the Raven Boys searching still for mythic King Glendower through ley lines. But oh this story has added depth with the dream thieves, that is right- dream thieves are able to take things "out of" their dreams like keys, boxes and did I mention- "night horrors" can escape from thei dreams into the real world. They are scary, big and black apparitions with beaks and teeth and claws that can and will kill. Ronan's dreams have shaped his life, his personality, and his outlook. If you remember Ronan from the first book, The Raven Boys, he was not really likable, mean, but very handsome. I like his bird, Chainsaw and his brother, Matthew. Blue Sargent's family of seers is much more involved and expanded in this 2nd book. The Gray Man is a new character (and Kavinsky) and I will not say too much about them other than to say - read the book!!! The characters of Blue, Gansey, Adam, Noah, and Ronan experience much, grow a lot and the reader just really revels in their trials and tribulations. As the search continues for Glendower, the world of Henrietta and the living quarters of the Raven Boys and Blue's home of 300 Fox Way become entangled in solving the mystery of the Cabeswater and what is sapping its strength. It requires many of the characters working feverishly
toward the stunning climax. I can't wait for Book 3!!! An incredibly, gripping read---love, love, loved it!


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The Archived by Victoria Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tiff recommended this so long ago; now that I finally read it, I wish I had read it sooner! It was so good; action-packed all taking place within an old hotel, The Coronado. Mackenzie has a grandfather with special powers and as she grows up, he passes on his knowledge so one day she can take his place as a Keeper, one who returns histories (dead people) who have slipped back to The Archive. There are Keepers, Librarians, and Crew, and Mac is such a tenacious, tough, yet sensitive character. It is the death of her little brother, Ben that sends and keeps Mac in an inconsolable state, while still returning the histories. I loved Wesley; he lives in her hotel as well with his little sister. There is so much to his character---you have to read the book. I also enjoyed Owen and Roland. There is a mystery taking place in The Archive and MacKenzie wants to solve it but she can't really tell anyone about it. As she helps her parents get ready to open their coffee shop (maybe this will help them move on without Ben) Mac has too much work to do with the names appearing on her list that she must return to The Archive. Something is not right within the walls of the hotel and MacKenzie's abilities as a Keeper are sorely tested as she lies her way to answers. Schwab's book was so visually appealing and loved where Keepers could touch others and read/feel their thoughts and their past. MacKenzie works hard to try to trust and with living with the noise that is the job of a keeper. One good thing about reading this so late after I got it, I only have to wait until January for Unbound #8!!!

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The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child by Donalyn Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have gotten so many great ideas from Donalyn's book which emphasizes letting students read what they want and they will read more. She has her tried and true methods, students' reviews and conversations and just a wonderful way of children reading lots of great books. BUT!!! She stresses you must be a reader too; modeling reading in the classroom and constantly sharing books with book talks and a large classroom library and visiting the school library. So if you love to read, keep on reading and sharing your love of new books and tried and true books with you students. Highly recommended!!!

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The Good Braider by Terry Farish
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Viola's harrowing journey with her family from the war torn country of Sudan to Portland, Maine. Before leaving Juba, Viola is raped by a soldier; her self worth and her bride price are stripped. Farish does a superb job painting the fear, anguish and despair of Viola and those in her community in fear for their lives while trying to flee a country gripped in civil war. Once Viola, her mother and little brother escape, Juba, they begin a long perilous journey to Khartoum. Once Viola arrives in Portland, Maine settling into a community of African immigrants, attending school and working a job there is the clash of the new American culture and preserving the Sudanese culture. This novel in verse achieves the beauty of Viola's new American world and harsh reminders of the brutal civil war, Viola's voice is strong, happy, conflicted, scared, and hopeful. I loved the braiding title, which symbolized Viola's African world of beauty and how once in the US, she does not braid anymore and will not have her own hair braided. It is through her friends and family from the Sudan as well as her American friends that Viola finds her place in her new world of Portland, Maine. This is a must read for young adults; they will learn about the genocide the Sudanese suffered through, they will appreciate the customs and community that are so important to Viola. What is even more important for teens is to see the world through Viola's eyes and the positive and negative impact of American culture on immigrant communities. Powerful, this book is beautiful!


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Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so glad my friend, Matt, highly recommended Seraphina. He spurred me on to put this at the top of my list and wow I am so excited I did. I loved the dragons, humans, and dragon/humans in Hartman's wondrous fantasy plunging the depths of love, emotions, honesty, and lies. Seraphina has a secret (well, many secrets-she is both human and dragon) and she has made sure she does not stand out in any way. As a result, she has no friends, only her uncle Orma (tutor), and a father who has created a web of lies about his dead wife and Seraphina's mother, Linn. But Seraphina has inherited her mother's love of music; she earns second in command to Virdius, the palace musician. There is a tenuous peace treaty between the humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd; when Prince Rufus is murdered, it looks like dragons have committed this heinous act. I loved Hartman's characters, her storytelling, and the interactions between the humans and the dragons. Seraphina was such a wonderful, strong character, but she was wracked with doubt as a result of her deceit that she needed to keep hidden from everyone. This was at a very large cost of Seraphina, yet she continues to try to be good, bold, and help others d hopefully herself. I enjoyed the palace histrionics with Glisselda, Lucian, Orma, and Seraphina. This book is an adventure, but it is also so much more. From court intrigue, to murder, to music, to tensions between the dragons and human, this is a superior story and I can't wait for Book 2.

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The Hypo: The Melancholic Young Lincoln by Noah Van Sciver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really had no idea Lincoln suffered from depression and this graphic novel did an excellent job with the character of Lincoln, the people he lived with and his relationship with Mary Todd. She was also depressed but it was manifested in the form of migraines. I wanted this for the high school library but thought better when one of the first chapters deals with Lincoln being set up with a prostitute. The author was impressive in his rendering of Lincoln, his southern personality and respect for others, and delving into the depths of despair Lincoln sunk to; alarming many who came to his aid.

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Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved Matthew Quick's book
. It was difficult, funny but always hopeful; definitely a 5 star book. I couldn't really warm up to Leonard Peacock. Quick shows us a boy who is determined to end his self loathing and a tormentor, but Leonard also likes his neighbor who smokes too much but has shared his love of Bogart movies and now Leonard sees Bogart and Bacall as a way to express himself. He tries but doesn't maintain a relationship with a Christian girl, Lauren. Leonard absolutely looks forward to his Holocaust English class because of his teacher, Herr Silverman. While he has made some decisions about what he is going to do if no one remembers his birthday; we see that Leonard was normal with a best friend as a child. It is only when he is in 6th grade that his world ends and his horrible life begins and doesn't really ever change. Furthermore, his mother is awful (leaves him and moves to NY to follow a fashion merchandising dream) and his father is never around. I didn't really like the resolution of Leonard's problem. He reaches out to his teacher but he doesn't stay around the next day for Herr Silverman to help him and him on a path to healing.
I am not sure if young adults will like this book; it is difficult material and not really hopeful.

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Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final installment of The Infernal Devices by C. Clare was an awesome read! The addition of new characters to further the plot was a welcome addition and the love triangle of Jem, Tessa and Will was oh so good:) The author put depth into these characters and I think the teen readers of The Mortal Instruments will love this series as well. Magnus Bane is one of my favorite characters and the automotons were just downright creepy and scary, but you will have to read the book to find out why:) For a sweeping love story, supernatural elements and lots of suspense, this book does not disappoint.

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When It Happens by Susane Colasanti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always enjoy Susane Colasanti books. Sara is a smart girl and doesn't mind being nerdy but does have a few acceptance hang-ups. When new student Dave acts interested, Sara waits all summer for him to ask her out, which he never does. Now it is senior year and Dave does ask her out but Tobey, band geek slacker really thinks Sara is someone special and without telling Sara what a jerk Dave is; Tobey mkes his own plan to get Sara's attention and show her he is something special. I really liked characters Sara and Tobey; they have a nice group of friends and get each other. When Sara was seeing Dave; she had to choose between her friends at lunch but Sara liked being at the popular table. It was over time she realizes she is not connecting with Dave. When Tobey tells her best friend, Laila his feelings for Sara; Sara begins to see Tobey in a new and different light. A good romance and I enjoyed the band and songs aspect of their friendship/relationship.

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My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Backderf's graphic novel aboout his high school years and "friendship" with serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer is truly creepy. Dahmer was an outcast and made fun of his whole life. He was bullied in school (but never retaliated)had no friends, drank to cover his to cover his torment. Dahmer was gay in a time when it was kept a secret. His parents fought consantly and bitterly. It was this horrid life that propelled Dahmer to satisfy his urges and begin to kill. The black and white comics, the climate of his high school life and Dahmer's isms are perfect Def Backderf. The Sources contain even more information and notes on a sick, twisted Dahmer.

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The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in the Trilogy was awesome!!! Sage/Jaron has been accepted as the long lost prince and has become the King of Carthya. Jaron is not out of the woods yet because there are still those (the pirates, Devlin and even some of the regents in his court) who want him out and replaced with a steward until he reaches the proper age. As we all know what Jaron is capable of; he listens to no one and sets out to kill the pirates so that there will be no war in his kingdom. Jaron will not listen to Mott, Imogen, or Tobias. He is convinced he must do it alone. Once again Nielsen's plot is filled with suspense, deceit, and Jaron's wit, mind, and heart realize too late he will not be able to accomplish this on his own. He fools the pirates into making him a pirate and he is branded with a hot iron. Jaron's anger and hatred continually push him forward with his agenda but with catastrophic effects when the pirates find out who he really is. Hold onto your heart; it is going to be palpatating overtime with the Runaway King. New chracters are introduced and where the pirates live, no one ever leaves!I can't wait for Book 3!!!

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Requiem by Lauren Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The third and final book in the Delirium trilogy does not disappoint. Lena is shocked to find Alex is still alive and in alternating chapters Lena and her childhood friend, Hana. With each viewpoint, Lena takes us deeper into the world of the uncureds, betrayal and rebellion. Lena has a face to face with Alex and he tells her he never loved her making her turn to Julian fo solace and continuing their blossoming relationship. Hana is three weeks away from marrying Fred who is truly frightful. He takes great pleasure in hurting Hana but this does not deter her from trying to find answers to her questions. Oliver's worlds of Lena and Hana collide ad oh what a ride, loved this book!

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