Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman

Great book with a clever twist on Romeo and Juliet. Vince is the son of a mob boss and Kendra is the daughter of the FBI agent who is trying to put him away. Obviously this causes problems. Son of the Mob is filled with humorous situations that will keep kids rolling, as well as great moral messages.

This is one of Gordon Korman's few young adult novels, so keep that in mind when choosing this book. It isn't your average Korman book. However despite the references to things occuring in high school, both vince and Kendra are good kids, and make good decisions.

-Jenny

How To Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford

Definitely a different, whimsical book. The characters aren't your typical popular kids, and don't do your typical teenager things. One is known as Robot Girl because of her lack of emotions, while the other is known as Ghost Boy because of his lack of engagement in anything. They stay up into the wee hours of the morning listening to a late night talk show known as Night Lights, where a small group of loyal listeners call in and talk about death, ghosts, and time travel.

Although the plot seems rather simple and a bit unbelieveable, it seems to me this book borders on some tough issues like abandonment, trust, adultry, and depression, which make it a worth while read.

It is a young adult book, but parents should keep in mind that there is some marijuana, and underage drinking references, and neither of these are addressed as bad or morally wrong, but rather a part of high school life, and the characters partake in some of these activities. If this is an issue for parents, you may want to pass this up.

-Jenny

It's a Book by Lane Smith

Oh, boy, is this book perfect for our time. It's unbelieveable how many times I get asked "a bookstore? Why did you open a bookstore? No one reads books anymore." It's a Book, shows that even though you can't tweet, blog, or text with a book, it is still worth your time. The illustrations are simple and cute and the text switches between characters. The "anti-book" character in a computer like font and the "pro-book" character in a storybook font (the same as the cover). It was cute and quirky and entertained me. Good for any age really, but based on the language and word choice, it might be meant for early readers.

Warning: The anti-book character is a donkey who's name is Jackass. The last line of the book is "It's a book, Jackass." So it's a cute and simple children's book, but because the last line has some obvious second meanings, you may want to consider who you buy it for.

-Jenny

Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg

Beautifully illustrated by Mr. Van Allsburg, this story from 1990 still speaks today of the need to recycle and save the planet. We each can do our part to reduce -- trash, electrical usage, and more. The author is a great story teller. This picture book is for all ages.

-Deena

Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

Ancient China -- a grown up story similar to Mulan, but so much more to this story, including ancient powers. Strong female character, battles, quest for good, twists - its a great book. Perfect for middle school and high school.

-Deena

Prometheus Project: Trapped by Douglas Richards

A fantastic, realistic, and thought provoking adventure! When Ryan and his sister Regan overhear their parents talking about a sercret organization known as Prometheus, they must go and investigate. Despite their age, they use their cunning and quick qits to discover the world's best kept secret, an underground alien civilization with impossible technology and opportunity.

Aside from being an excellent adventure thriller for middle schoolers, the story also emphasizes the scientific method as well as introduce some valid scientific theories. Be prepared for some brain teasers and a good mind work out! A very modern and well researched book.

Thankfully it is part of a trilogy, so you MUST have all three before you finish the first!

-Jenny

Surf Angel by Terry & Heather Kraszewski

This mother-daughter team co-authored a beautiful bedtime story. The illustrations are peaceful and show ocean mamas and babies bedding down for the night. The story is rhyming and makes for a soothing night time.

-Deena

A Flight of Greed and Glory by Marjorie Krausz and Toni Hood

Seven children meet up at a military base as a 'race to space' contest is held. The two competitors it seems have different motives for being here. The kids tour the base, meet the teams and see the behind-the-scenes of this event. Well it doesn't take long before our kids realize something is going wrong, and they work together to make it right.

-Deena

Conor and the Crossworlds: Breaking the Barrier by Kevin Gerard

This series is going strong, with 5 books and more to come. A young man, saddened by the death of his dear uncle is thrust into a world of large, super-natural cats - pumas, tigers, etc. these cats serve as his guardians, and guides as Conor is deemed to be the only one who can save the world. Conor trains as a warrior to defend and maintain the world as we know it.

-Deena

Dragon Boy by Donald Samson

This is the first of a triology. A young boy orphaned wanders around, drawn to a compound with a dragon...the dragon that protects the village. The adventure continues as his hidden talents help him grow into what he was meant to do. It's not your usual dragon story. Fun, fun, fun!

-Deena

Lunch Thief by Anne Bromley

From the title I thought I knew what this was all about. But you have to read it -- it isn't a bullying story. It is a very compassionate story of surviving natural disasters. About communities coming together. Neighbors helping neighbors. A young man, new to the school, steals the lunch of one student each day. Rather than reporting it, or fighting, or even condeming the young man, he is instead made a friend with his classmates. As soon as the need is known, wow, things change for the better. This is a great 'feel good' story that our children need to hear. I hope you share it soon.

-Deena

Grandma's Pear Tree by Suzanne Santillan

This is a cute bilingual picture book. A young boy playing ball on a farm accidentally gets his ball (la pelota) stuck in his Grandma's favorite tree, a Pear Tree. Fearing she will be very upset with him he seeks the help of family members on the farm. The story continues with repeated lines adding to it with each attempt to resolve the problem, all the while making the Spanish vocabulary words more familiar. It's a cute way to teach children some basic Spanish words. The illustrations are warm and welcoming.

-Deena

Return to Treasure Island by John Woods

Feel the sea mist in your face as you take off from a small village to the high seas in the (return) adventure of the life time. 1890s, old friends and new friends. Each time I picked up the book I was excited to meet up with my friends again - friends you like but would you trust them? Probably not all of them. The story line was so gripping...what would I do in this situation? I hadn't read Treasure Island prior to this book, ok, so I stopped reading this book and read the original story, and then finished this book. I'm not a pirate type person, this being my first pirate book, I was surprised by how tough this life style was. Who is the bigger liar? Who can be trusted? So many questions I had. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. What a great story teller is John O'Melveny Wood. 'And you can lay to that., as Long John Silver would say.

-Deena

Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs

An all too relevant story for our region and time. Victor lives in a small village in Mexico where he supports his mother and three younger siblings by growing corn, but when he can no longer make money from that, he decides to do the unthinkable- go north, into America. Victor's innocence and dedication is heart warming. As he runs into the worst people imaginable on his journey, his true character reveals itself.

Regardless of your feeling about illegal immigration, this is a very good survival story and shows just how far one will go to ensure his family will survive. A tale full of adventure and heartache, triumphs and let downs. But it is quite evident how the author feels about illegal immigration and the "barbaric" nature of both Americans and Mexicans when it comes to crossing the border. If you don't wish to see the other side of this issue, you may not like this book.

Although the size and vocabulary of the book is good for elementary kids, the subject and issues introduced would be good for older kids as well.

-Jenny

Emily the Chickadee by Carol Zelaya

A cute rhyming story about a little girl who watches patiently for a little bird outside her bedroom window to become a mommy and have her eggs hatch. The text has a singsong quality to it which goes well with the description of the chickadee. Cute story with interactive elements like counting and guessing what comes next. This would be a good story to read to a pre-reader.

-Jenny

The Unbreakable Code by Sara Hunter

This historical story has been written in novel and now in picture book. A story from WWII about how the Navajo people helped save the US and end the war by communicating in their ancient language over radios so the enemy couldn't understand. Since the last Code Talker has now passed away, it is important to remember what took place, and that the "Love of our country" made one goal clear to all. It is interesting to see how it came about.

-Deena

The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley

Firstly, to honor the illustrator of this book, Brian Selznick...he is an amazing artist with many books to his credit, and this book has recieved the Caldecott Honor Award.

In 1853 London, Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins was an artist who was intrigued by the dinosaur. He made drawings, clay models and life-sized models of these creatures...using science he drew conclusions as to how big they were and how they stood, ate, etc. He made a museum for the public. He then came to America to help make our dinosaurs 'life-like'. Sadly he met opposition in New York and was unable to achieve his goals. This book and drawings bring his struggles to life. Although picture books are generally for all ages, this book would be of interest to older readers.

-Deena

Horns & Wrinkles by Joseph Helgerson

A fun, quirky, if not a little creepy tale of bullies, trolls, and magic. Claire and her bully cousin Duke live by a section of the Mississippi that is enchanted, though no one will talk about it or acknowledge that weird things happen there. When Duke falls in one day, he comes out with a rhino like horn where his nose was. So insues an odd, twisted, adventure as Claire tries to save her cousin from the midst of a troll war, and restablish his human nose.

With a similar vibe to A Series of Unfortunate Events, Horns & Wrinkles, spins a classic parable of bullying and selflessness, and knowing right from wrong. A cute story good for 3rd-5th graders or even younger if parents read to their kids.

-Jenny

Queen Geek Social Club by Laura Preble

A fun, high school story about the pressures placed on girls to be thin, pretty and popular. A couple girls - not of that mind-set, go about creating a club for 'all' girls. They discover at their first meeting that this idea is a hit. They are empowered to change the world - a little at a time. This quirky, funny tale is the work of a San Diego high school teacher, living the high school life.

-Deena

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

The title says it all. You want to laugh at the awkward, nerdy main character, and all the ridiculous situations and people he runs into, but you must stop yourself. It's Kind of a Funny Story is about depression and how a teenager struggles to fit in when everything he does is deemed either "cool" or "uncool". After seriously considering suicide, Craig decides to check himself into a mental facility to get help, where he meets the "real" crazies, who unknowingly help him come to terms with himself and accept his mental condition.

It's Kind of a Funny Story is a real emotional rollercoaster, and will probably make you look crazy as you sit there reading it. One minute you will be laughing out loud, the other you will be wiping at something in your eye. But I think it is a book everyone should read since it shows how anyone can have depression, no matter how successful, smart, or popular they are.

-Jenny

Sandman by David Lucero

An awesome, action packed thriller that moves so fast you won't find a stopping point until you reach the end! Sandman follows a similar writing style to that of Dan Brown and Michael Crichton books, where the author takes the point of view of many different characters to support the story line and give background, yet the book is evidently about one man, codename Sandman.

Iran is on the brink of nuclear power, and this poses a threat to the rest of the world. However none of the world leaders can do anything to stop them without starting another world war. The solution? A sabatour, sent to infiltrate the nuclear facility before Iran goes public with their break through. In this way, it looks as if it is Iran's fault.

An great book whos subject matter seems a little too relevant and makes those of us who seem to have set opinions question themselves. Is the Sandman a hero or a villain? Should Iran be allowed to join the world as a nuclear power or stay below par? Thankfully, this book answers neither of these questions. That is up for you to decide.

-Jenny

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

Why read this book? I know everyone is saying that, but it actually gives the reader a better understanding of the newborn vampire. Why are they so out of control? I had the pleasure of reading it before seeing the third movie in the Twilight series, "Eclipse" and was happy to have had the inside information about what had happened leading up to the newborn army attack. ...and Twilight fans...if you haven't visited Stephenie Meyer's website to read the unpublished book from Edward's point of view...you gotta do that, ok?

-Deena

Tortilla Sun by Jennifer Cervantes

Izzy is forced to spend the summer with a grandma she doesn't know very well, in a small village that is culturally different than her own - so she thinks. Slowly Izzy is reconnected to a rich heritage that was hidden from her -- in an effort to protect her from the sadness of her deceased father. That summer Izzy came to know her father well through all those who loved him and the village he loved so much. A great writing to make you feel connected, to be part of a community and culture that's isn't your own...just as Izzy found out. For ages 8 years and up. Oh, and find Grandma's Tortilla receipe in the back!

-Deena

Old Black Fly by Jim Aylesworth

Here is an ABC book for older kids! It has creepy illustrations, and a fun story as well to keep the older child's interest. ABCs don't have to be a baby board book!

-Deena

Gamadin (Series) by Tom Kirkbride

A perfect mixture of modern and futurisic science fiction, this book keeps the interest of a wide range of folks...the motto: "Finally the boys have a series the girls like to read" really sums it up. Lots of surfer-dude lingo (that us San Diegans can relate to), James Bond type action, and military technology to meet the invasion of alien type beings...wow, I was engrossed to the end. It is recommended for ages 12 and up -- I would recommend a little older as there are some references to girls that might be a little risque.

-Deena

City of Bones (Series) by Cassandra Clare

A mixture of powerful old magic runes, shadow hunters, vampire, werewolves, and beasts from the underworld -- and even a tragic love story with every twist and turn you can't imagine. This series is an intense read, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Who can you trust? What's really going on here? You won't know until the very end! This series of three books is great for high schoolers.

-Deena

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

As you can imagine, any book that has received this many awards is bound to be good. Taking place in the Revolutionary War, our heroin is a young slave striving to stay together with her mentally disabled younger sister. Daily life of a slave and the challenges of right and wrong make for an interesting, heart-wrenching story of what so many slaves endured.

Warning: For those of us who like to read a series only when the next one is already published, be warned - the next book Forge is due out in October.

-Deena

Zorgamazoo by Robert Weston

Poetry can be boring. It can be hard to read. If you are having negative feelings about poetry, try this book. The whole 281 pages is rhyming. Not a clumsy, awkward kind of rhyming, but a playful, stick-to-the-amazing-story rhyming. I was deeply impressed with the author's technique.

Beyond the poetry, what an amazing story. The orphaned girl is placed with a distant relative who has no desire for adventurous tendencies...so what better way to solve the problem than with a lobotomist? Don't worry this is such a playful story that even talk of brain surgery (or removal) can be something to laugh at! This book will pique the curiosity of 3rd graders and keep kids laughing in 6th grade. It's sure to be a favorite in your library.

-Deena

Maze Runner by James Dashner

One of the best books I've read. The story begins with a boy waking up in an elevator -- accending for a long period of time. The boy knows what an elevator is, but he doesn't have any memory of family, friends, schools, towns - nothing. He realizes that his memory has been altered, after all, how can he understand the basics of the world and yet not have any human contacts? He meets up with a group of boys and the game of survival begins. Trust, and talent bonds the boys together in an effort to break out of whatever type of prison they are in. A great adventure where you find yourself center stage -- how are you going to survive? A great read for ages 10 years and up.

-Deena

Gifted (Series) by Marilyn Kaye

This series for ages 10 years and up is every bit exciting as the older social-type books for high schoolers, yet this series is toned down for the younger crowd. It begins in a high school, in a special class for gifted students. This class is very secretive. The general public believes its for high achieving students, but once you're inside the class you realize real quick that these gifts are not academic...rather they are super-natural gifts -- that the students don't know how to control or properly use. While there is no commarderie in the class, the students slowly see how working together helps hone their skills. This series is high energy, action packed and full of everyday social issues students deal with--as well as situations that no one would ever deal with, unless of course you find yourself in a "GIFTED" class such as this. I highly recommend this page turning-thriller to middle schoolers, even avid readers in 4th and 5th grade.

-Deena

The Thingamabob by Il Sung Na

A cute, short little story about an elephant who finds an object and can't figure out what it is used for until it rains. Although short, and lacking much development, the story is cute and the illustrations are unique. The text is large and simple, enough that an early reader could attempt it with some parental help.

-Jenny

Anything But Typical by Nora Baskin

A facinating look into the minds of autistic children. Written from the point of view of Jason, an austic 12 year old, who knows he is different, and understands how hard it is for others to accept that. The one place Jason feels normal and even looked up to is on an online forum for young writers, where he meets Rebecca, a writer like him, but a "nuerotypical."

Not many people understand what Autism is and very few of us understand what an Autistic child goes through in everyday life. This is a great book for understanding what that trouble might be. The reader can understand how Jason feels about his friends and family, but they can also see how hard it is for his friends and family to have that same understanding.

It is also a great read for perspective writers. Writing is a passion for Jason and Anything But Typical spends a great deal of time on the writing process.

-Jenny

Looking Like Me by Walter Dean Myers

Inspiring and unique. A goosebump inducing book! Looking Like Me encourages you to define yourself by all the things you are, a brother, sister, runner, dancer, writer, or reader. The illustrations are wild, a mixture of photography and paper cutouts of odd and whimsical things with a slight jazzy feel to it. The language is very simple with a simple rhyming pattern, but it isn't just simple type like most books but art unto itself. Different fonts, styles, colors, and placement, make reading it even more engaging and eye grabbing to kids. Very neat and artistic book. A celebration to the self.

-Jenny

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

A beautiful version of the classic Aesop's fable. The illustrations are vibrant, detailed, and cover the entire page. Although there are no words in this book, it encourages the imagination of kids to fill in the story for themselves. Especially since most people know this story already, limiting the words allows for more focus to be on the illustrations and the action happening on the page.

-Jenny

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

A future in the aftermath of a pro-life, pro-choice war. The outcome: unwinding. Children must be kept until the age of 16, when the parents have the option to donate all their body parts to people in need of them. In this way, the children aren't being thrown away or killed, but kept alive as the rest of society uses their parts.

Unwind takes the point of view of three different kids sentenced to be unwound, but for different reasons. Connor is a trouble maker and his parents can no longer tolerate him. Risa is part of an over crowded orphanage. And Lev is a religious sacrafice, who has lived his entire life knowing he will be unwound when he comes of age. Together, the three run away and hide, in hopes that they will not be found until they reach 18, when they can no longer be unwound.

A classic dystopian novel that covers many of our societies issues from abortion, to our "throw away" lifestyle, to suicide bombing. And as different and unrelated as those topics may seem, Shusterman relates them beautifully without seeming to rant or preach about any of the topics. A great read, but another story you must take with a grain of salt.

-Jenny

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson

After being in a coma for a year, Jenna Fox no longer remembers anything of her past, let alone her own beliefs and feelings before the "accident." Her family seems supportive enough trying to help her regain her memory, but the also seem a bit distant, especially her grandmother. As Jenna pieces together her own identity, she learns more about her own family, and the world she has woken up into.

An intriguing, futuristic novel about what makes us human, and the limits science might face in the future. I wouldn't say a dystopian novel, but definitely a novel about the dangers of the future if science goes unchecked. You can't really classify Jenna as a physically strong female character, but in her ambition and determination despite her ailments, Jenna stands out.

-Jenny

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

A surprisingly realistic and suspenseful adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. However, Hunger Games is definitely not one for the weak of heart. In a future where America has fallen and an all controlling government has taken over the few remaining districts that survive, the Hunger Games is the one thing that unites them all. A brutal televised event where two children from each district battle to the death in a carefully controlled arena until only one remains. So be prepared for some bloodshed and tragedy. If these traits are fine with you, the Hunger Games will be a great read! It is a great dystopian novel with a strong female lead and of course, the secondary love plot. Have the sequal Catching Fire on hand though, the ending will force you to pick it up immediately. :)

-Jenny