Hamlet by John Marsden

Shakespeare's Hamlet in modern English.

I enjoyed it.

Caution: swearing, (the F word) sexuality, and violence

**** middle school and up

Witch & Wizard by James Patterson with Gabrielle Charbonnet*

* not really sure what with means?


Exciting page turner. Think Salem Witch Trials in the modern day.

Caution: violence

**** everyone

The Goosegirl by Shannon Hale

Love this book. Everyone is beautiful. Everyone has talents. This book is all about this discovery.... of finding your own strength.

Caution: violence

***** everyone

The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer

Viking lore, magic, family dynamics, and the journey of self discovery. This is an excellent book.

Caution: violence

***** upper elementary and up

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

This book is the fallen angel version of Twilight. An exciting read. I worry though about romancing and glamorizing the idea that a "bad boy" turns good because of love. Are we setting girls up to get hurt?

Caution: swearing, violence, sexual themes

*** high school

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Almost identical plot structure to The DaVinci Code... but with the theme of how science and spirituality work together. This intellectual thriller takes place in Washington D.C. and is centered around Masonic rites. I liked that I have been there and could easily picture the buildings talked about in the book.

Enjoyable read.

Caution: violence & disturbing ideas

**** adult