The Year of Secret Assignments

by Jacklyn Moriarty

Summary: Three girls from private school Ashbury High write to three boys from rival public school Brookfield High as part of a pen pal project. The correspondence leads to secret assignments, pranks, romance, revenge schemes, and all-out wars between the schools.

Thoughts: I listened to the audio version of this book and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The Australian characters, the plot, and the rival school wars were hilarious. The audio featured different voices for each of the characters, and I really missed hearing them when the novel came to an end! I just hope there is a sequel in the works so I can hear more from Lydia, Sebastian, Emily, Charlie & Cassie!

Elsewhere

by Gabrielle Zevin

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Liz Hall is hit by a car while riding her bicycle. Her life is over before she turns 16, gets her driver's license, goes to college, or falls in love. She wakes up on a ship headed to a land called Elsewhere. Now Liz must figure out how to "live" in this new existence.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed Ms. Zevin's book Memoirs and a Teenage Amnesiac, but hadn't had the chance to read this one until now. It was really interesting and engaging. I liked Liz, the other characters, and the idea of communicating with pets. :) Also, any book that begins with the thoughts of a pug is one that will pull me right in!

There seem to be several "from the grave" novels in young adult literature these days, and I have enjoyed reading these different accounts of the after life. They definitely provide a lot of food for thought and discussion.

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You!

Everlost

by Neal Shusterman

Summary: Following a fatal car crash, Nick & Allie collide on their way to the light. No longer living they find themselves in Everlost, a limbo for lost souls. Here they discover other lost souls and new rules for "living." Nick begins to settle into this next existence, but Allie will stop at nothing to find her way out.

Thoughts: I am glad I finally had the chance to read this Shusterman novel. Although I knew the premise, the book was very different than I expected. I enjoyed the creative twists and turns. This was a selection of one of my book clubs, and I was so intrigued with the excellent discussion this novel produced. This is a favorite of many of my students who are eagerly anticipating the next volume of the trilogy.

Things Not Seen

by Andrew Clements

Summary: Bobby looks in the mirror one morning and cannot see himself. Somehow he has actually become invisible. His parents, concerned about unwanted media attention, advise him to stay inside until they can help figure out the cause. Instead, he ventures out to the library and runs into, literally, a blind girl named Alicia. A friendship develops that helps both Bobby & Alicia "see" what's really important.

Thoughts: This is such a unique, powerful novel. The author makes an unbelievable event completely believable and tells a beautiful story in the midst of it.

Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie

 by David Lubar

Summary: Scott Hudson is starting his freshman year and nothing is going his way. He's constantly getting smacked by the seniors, having his lunch money stolen, and is completely ignored by the girls. He never sleeps because of his endless homework, he's certain his gym teacher is trying to kill him, and he's growing apart from his childhood friends. To be near the girl of his dreams, he joins the paper, runs for student council, and tries out for the play, all of which completely backfire. And, on top of everything else, he finds out his mother is pregnant. In hilarious journal entries written to the unborn baby, Scott describes his experiences as he tries to find his place in the high school world.

Thoughts: I listened to this Lubar classic on audio and enjoyed every syllable. It's a delightful story of a great kid. I loved Scott's English teacher and will forever be obsessed with Tom Swifties! :)

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You!

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging
by Louise Rennison

Summary: This is the diary of 14-year-old British teen, Georgia Nicholson. In this hilarious journal, Georgia tries to control her wild cat, Angus, deal with her weird parents, keep her little sister occupied, make her nose stop growing, avoid as much school work as possible, and win the love of older man Robbie. The diary is complete with a British - American glossary which defines "snogging" and other Brit slang terms.

Thoughts: I am a huge fan of the "fabbity, fab, fab" Georgia. Be sure to get to know this feisty heroine before the movie (Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging) hits the big screen this year. There are several books in this series describing Georgia's hilarious and often embarrassing adventures. And, they are a blast on audio!

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You!

Twilight

by Stephenie Meyer

Summary: When her mother remarries, Bella Swan moves from sunny Phoenix to rain-soaked Forks, Washington to live with her father. She just wants to fit into her new school without being noticed. But noticed she is, by the gorgeous and mysterious Edward Cullen. Bella is instantly drawn to Edward, and she is determined to unveil the true identity behind this distant yet alluring boy.

Thoughts: This captivating novel is one of my very favorites. If you haven't read Bella & Edward's story, be sure to do so before the film release on December 12, 2008. The story continues in New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn.

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You!

The City of Ember

by Jeanne DuPrau

Summary: The city of Ember was built 241 years ago to ensure that the human race would continue on earth. However, Ember is rapidly decaying, and the instructions for how to get out of the city have long since been lost and forgotten. Twelve-year-old Lina and her friend Doon are convinced that the only chance to survive is by finding a way out. The courageous duo works together, determined to save the doomed city before the lights go out forever.

Thoughts: This is a creative, fast-paced novel that makes the reader thankful for life on earth. If you haven't read it, be sure to do so before the movie hits theaters in October 2008. Also, the story continues in The People of Sparks, The Prophet of Yonwood, and The Diamond of Darkhold.