If you like mystery and intrigue with a side of psychic powers and magic, then this book truly is for you. Being able to twist the story around and around, until the reader feels desperate to get to the final pages, is truly an art, and this story does that and more.
A Monster Calls
I have been remiss in not giving this book a posting earlier. A Monster Calls paints a dark and beautiful narrative of what it feels like for a child to watch a parent struggle with terminal illness.
Shadow and Bone
When I selected Shadow and Bone from my Netflix menu, I had no idea I was stepping into the Grishverse. Little did I know that the intriguing show is based on a young adult trilogy that takes the reader deep into the heart of a complex and totally captivating world of magic.
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
When thinking about a good book to blog about for father’s day, this was the perfect candidate. No, the father in this story is far from perfect, but then, most father’s aren’t perfect. It’s the relationship between him and his daughter, Coyote (the main character), that makes this book a treasure.
Talon
Talon offered me everything I was seeking in a good dragon-inspired YA novel. Thrilling action, well-designed intrigue, and star-crossed romance kept this plot humming. The main characters, who tell the story in alternating first-person voices, were tough and vulnerable all at once, and I think that takes great skill to write well.
Heartbreak Messenger
This ended up being a delightful story about first crushes, but one that really gave us a good look at a boy’s perspective. Funny situations and dialogue, in addition to a friendship that outshines any middle grade romance, puts this book in my “favorites” category.
The Cousins
McManus does a fine job here, giving us insight into each character and winning us over so we feel like part of the team. As the past and the present collide, this book will keep you guessing about the final outcome–will the cousins restore the relationship with their grandmother and gain back the family inheritance?
Closer to Nowhere
If you’ve ever been a member of a complicated family, this book is for you (yeah, so that’s everybody). Ellen Hopkins, famous for books such as Crank, which deals with complex and mature topics for teens, gives us a middle grade book that’s not easy to forget.
Hello Future Me
I was excited to pick this book up because it is so pretty! Although, right away, I knew the main character was going to be, well, a character. The voice and humor is strong in this story that includes friendship, magic, and dealing with life when adults are making decisions you don’t like.
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
I now understand why my daughter’s fifth-grade teacher recommended the Maximum Ride series to her. The series has a perfect mix of adventure, science fiction, intrigue, and romance (which is minimal, but just present enough). The story focuses on children and young teenagers who have been turned into flying mutants, and it gives X-Men franchise a run for its money.
Mortal Engines
Not your typical post-apocalyptic world, Mortal Engines is a fast-paced read with plenty of action and adventure. The main characters have wonderful depth, the settings are intriguing, and the plot will keep any reader invested in the series.
An Abundance of Katherines
Quirky is the only word to describe Green’s An Abundance of Katherines. From the main character-narrator, to the story itself, it’s a quirky good read with moments of emotional depth and poignancy.
Kid List 