Enchanted Ivy

Author: Sarah Beth Durst

Lily Carter's dream is to go to Princeton University, so she is excited when her grandfather promises her a tour when they go for his reunion. He told her that she has been chosen to take a teat that, if she passes, she gets an automatic acceptance to Princeton. When she gets there however strange things start to happen; her test is to find the Key, a boy with black and orange hair says that he is her guard, and gargoyles start talking. Lily finds dark secrets that are tied to her family that she has to resolve; will she make it out alive? As Lily goes through this mystery I found myself guessing and wondering what will happen next, the suspense will keep you wanting more.

For Parents: This book has some killing in it so I would suggest it for ages 11+.

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How NOT to be Popular

Author: Jennifer Ziegler

Maggie Dempsey has moved around her entire life. she would only stay in one place for a couple of months. She used to think that it was fun but when she had to leave a boyfriend that she loved behind she's sick of it. At this school she's not going to make friend, she's going to be that loner girl that no one talks to. She will dress like a freak and not talk to anyone so that it won't hurt to leave. Unfortunately, Maggie attracts another loner who becomes her friend, and there's this guy... This story about Maggie trying to avoid friendship is hilarious and almost made me want to do some of the same things. If you like laughing and romance then you would love this book.

For Parents: Ages 10+

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Lucky Stars

Author: Lucy Frank

Three people who love to sing, one school, one talent show, and one determined chorus teacher. Kira comes to visit her dad and she hopes that she never has to sing for people again, still she ends up singing on the subway. Jake dreams of being able to sing well, but in real life he stutters. Eugene wishes that when he sings people will laugh with him and not at him. Ms.Hill takes Jake and Eugene into the chorus were amazing things happen. A very sweet story about finding yourself and friendship. You will find these three friends worming their way into your heart.

For Parents: This book I would suggest for ages 10+.

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The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters

Author: James Dashner

Atticus "Tick" Higginbottom comes home from school one day to find a letter on his bed that tells him about a mission that could lead to very dangerous consequences if he continues and if he stops. If he continues "M.G." would send him 12 clues that would help him through his quest. This is a very adventureus story and I loved it. The only part that I didn't like was that James Dashner spent three quarters of the book buliding up suspense and then the end falls flat.

For Parents: There is one part where something comes out of the boy's closet and it is kind of scary so I would say for ages 10+.

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This Lullaby

Author: Sarah Dessen

Remy never keeps a guy for long and she has had a lot of guys. So, she knows when to break up with before it gets too serious. But there is one guy that she just can't seem to get rid of; Dexter. He is nothing special, in fact he is one of those people who is below her standerds. So, why can't she dump him? This is a touching story about a girl who refuses to see what is staring her in the face and the boy who is determined to make her.

For Parents: This book does talk a little about sex and being drunk so I would say that the ages are `14+.

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If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period

Author: Gennifer Choldenko

Kirsten McKenna's life is falling apart; her best friend isn't talking to her and her parents are constantly fighting. Walk Jones is really hoping that he will be able to make it through his new school. These two unlikely friends come together with Matteo and find out some very amazing things. Like why Matteo will do anything  popular and rich Brianna tells him to do and why Kirsten's parents are fighting so much. This was a very good book, when I first saw it I just breezed over it but when I actually gave it a try it was fantastic. Walk is an African American boy going into an all white private school so it gives a kind of insight into the prejudices of this time.

For Parents: You and your child will both like this book and hopefully will read it over and over.

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Amazing Grace

Author: Megan Shull

Grace "Ace" Kincaid wants out. She is a 15-year-old Wimbledon champion and a model and has everything that she could ever want or need but she is done. All that she has to say is three little words and she gets a whole new identity and a whole new look. She is shipped off to a town out in the middle of nowhere with a population of 813. This is very sweet book about just wanting to be yourself instead of what you are expected to be. I loved this book and I thought that it was interesting to see the rich and famous life from the rich and famous's point of view. I thought that it was kind of slow but that's ok.

For Parents: I suggest it for ages 10+.

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Princess Ben

Author: Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Princess Ben lives in the small mountain country of Montange. They are bitter enemy's with the next door country Drachensbett. This is Ben's story of her life under Queen Sophia's thumb; starved, locked in a tower, and miserable. But, when she finds a secret room all does not seemed lost. Full of sorcery, war, assassinations, and rumors of dragons this book is more than your classic fairy tale. I absolutely loved this book and will read it again and again. If a little predictable it still is a very good read.

For parents: This is a fairy tale that you will want to read to your kids; I totally suggest it. 10+

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The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

This book is about 12 districts and their capitol, the country of Panem. Every year they have the Hunger Games where they put two kids from every district in an arena and they kill each other. This is so that the districts rebel against the Capitol like they once did. 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen takes her sister's place in the selection where they choose a boy's name and a girls name who go to the Hunger Games. Will she make it out alive? This is a truly fabulous story that Suzanne Collins has spun full of love, danger, and death. The one thing that I did not like about this book was that I did not think that there needed to be so much violence. Throughout the story I laughed, cried, and was held in suspense as the it progressed.


For Parents: This book is very violent and I would only suggest it if you feel that your child can handle it. I would suggest this book for ages 12+.

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Carpe Diem

Author: Autumn Cornwell

Carpe Diem is about a teenager named Vassar Spore who has planned out her whole life, but that plan might be ruined by one phone call. What's the big secret and are grandmothers supposed to blackmail? You will be captivated as by-the-book Vassar travels through Southwest Asia with her grandmother who is determined on getting her to LIM. I loved all of the adventure, characters, and descriptions that Autumn Cornwell has invented. I don't think that there is one thing that I dislike about this book.

For parents: This is a very funny book and I would truly recommend it for all teens.

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