The Princess Test by Gail Carson Levine

A sweet easy read, "Princess and the Pea" retelling.
Not as deep and humorous as other books by Levine.

** everyone

Edgar & Ellen Rare Beasts by Charles Ogden

An easy read like a darker "Series of Unfortunate Events". Abandoned twins wreck havoc on their town. The title page says "If ever in your life you are faced with a choice, a difficult decision, a quandary. Ask yourself, "What would Edgar and Ellen do?" And do exactly the contrary." I know students who love this series. Personally I think there are so many better books to spend time on.

* upper elementary-high school

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

This is a wonderful book that makes you think about the things we believe, the things others want us to believe, and the way things really are. An interesting look at a way a society tries to control the inhabitants. My daughter was infuriated by the ending, she wanted a nice clear cut ending. I love that Lois Lowry leaves the reader thinking about all the possible things that could happen.

**** everyone

The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley

Though there are many stories similar to this one, Hanley pulls you right into her world for an exciting and enjoyable journey. I liked the humanness of the characters-- none of the absolute good and absolute bad you sometimes find in hero journey stories. A pleasure to read.

**** middle and high school

Mick Harte Was Here by Barbara Park

This book was recommended by Mary Beddingfieldsmith. A wonderful book just like she said. It makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you laugh again.

***** everyone

The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman

Have you ever felt invisible or known someone who seems to be? This is the story of a friendship with an invisiblish boy.

*** upper elementary and middle school

The Hunter's Moon by O.R. Melling

A modern day fantasy. While visiting her cousin in Ireland, Gwen takes a holiday to search for the reality of all the Irish tales she loves. She ends up finding more than she bargained for.

*** middle and high school

The Botony of Desire by Michael Pollan

I have learned so much from this book. Plants and how they sway us.

*** adult

Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen

A quick hilarious and financially enlightening read.

**** everyone

Do Not Pass Go by Kirkpatrick Hill

A story about how a boy's life changes when is father is arrested for drug possession. A book about second chances. A book about learning to look at others from the heart not the eyes of prejudice. A book about how everyone has a story. The end left me with hope. There are so many kids out there who need some hope.
***** everyone

Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George

A wonderful fantasy and new way to look at dragons.

***upper elementary and middle school

Beautiful Boy

An honest memoir about a father and his son. This is a much better book talking about the consequences of crank use.

****adult

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

A book written about the author's daughter. Amazing work of literature: a novel written entirely in verse. I would not put this book in a school library or let my kids read it. She spends too much time on the excitement of crank not the consequences.

**adult