Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

A story of two sisters and the secrets that tear them apart yet keep them together. This book is real and sad without any of the idealism that often creeps into books that have difficult historical settings. Different people deal with hardships in different ways. Sometimes overcoming these hardships is just a matter of continuing to put one foot in front of the other.

caution: violence and sexuality

*** adult

Forest Born by Shannon Hale

This is a beautiful book. A book that you can take something from at many stages of life. We all need good friends and mentors. We all struggle to find balance. We have all done things in the process of learning and growing that we are ashamed of and need to forgive ourselves for.

caution: violence

***** middle school and up

Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen

This would be an excellent book for upper elementary classes. Between each chapter of the story, there is a short explanation of how things were during the Revelutionary War Time Period.

Caution: war violence

**** upper elementary and up

The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova

This is an intriguing read about the thin line between art, obsession, madness, and love.

caution: sexuality

***** adult

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

I can't decide if I like this book or dislike it. There are many things I like:
poetry & great literature reading teens
relating to someone who is an outcast
the town librarian who runs the magical library on days when the regular library is closed
It is a compelling read

I am uncomfortable with the idea that this young witch (castor) is waiting for her 16th birthday to find out if she will be light or dark. The idea of not having control of being good or bad is disturbing to me.

Caution: language, teen lovey dovey stuff, some violence

*** middle school and up