The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod - Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer

The Chronicles of Vladimar Tod's second book of the series, NINTH GRADE SLAYS by Heather Brewer is rivoting! Whether students have read the first book (Eighth Grade Bites) in the series or not, NINTH GRADE SLAYS proves to be a very interesting read. Vlad is a teenager who has vampiric powers beyond his knowledge. As he goes on his quest of trying to fit in with other ninth grade students, Brewer takes the reader on a journey that will never be forgotten. Vlad is born of a human and it has been foretold that a vampire who is born of a woman will be ruler of all of the vampire world. Is Vlad the one to bring these words to fruition? Brewer writes a suspenseful tale chronicling the lives of average teenagers in ninth grade, dealing with adolescent issues, growing up and finding love. The only thing is that Vlad isn't the average teenager.

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix

FOUND by Margaret Peterson Haddix is going to be one of this year's favorites. Adolescents (and adults) will really like the plot to this story. It's intriguing and mysterious. Like Haddix's Shadow Children series, this new series of books, The Missing, is going to be very popular among readers. FOUND is the first book in the series with the next book, Sent, coming out in August. The story begins with a plane that appears literally out of thin air, though this isn't the only mystery...the plane has 36 passengers - all toddlers. There was no pilot and no crew. Interested? I thought so. Once you start, you will not put the book down. It's just that good.

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale

Rapunzel’s tale gets on a new twist as she emerges as a take-charge personality. After her “mom” locks her in her ghastly tower, she realizes her long hair can be very useful. She uses it to escape (no need of prince charming here, in fact, he happens along after she’s freed herself and she tricks him in to continuing to the empty tower!) and teams up with an annoying boy named Jack (of the beanstalk fame!) to seek revenge on her fake mom and release her real mom from a life of slavery.

It’s lots of fun and a powerful female lead. The graphic nature adds to the adventure, more of the rough and tumble fights and stuff happen in the illustrations, not in the text. Easy to follow graphics with distinction between the narrative description (in beige background rectangles) and the dialog (in white bubbles).

Traction Man Meets Turbo Dog by Mini Grey

Traction Man must venture to the depths of the Evil Bin with "new toy" Turbo Dog to rescue his faithful sidekick Scrubbing Brush.

This book is witty, adventurous, and shows how great a child's imagination can be. I also think it could be used to introduce children to the comic book/graphic novel format. Overall a great read!

Recommended for ages 4-8.

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Sixteen year old, Katniss Everdeen lives in Panem, the future North America that is made up of 12 districts ruled by the Capital. Each year on reaping day, two people from each district are picked for The Hunger Games, a televised survival game. When Katniss’ sister, Prim, is picked, Katniss volunteers to go in her place. The games are required viewing for the citizens of Paneam and they watch until there is only ONE survivor. The book is violent, full of drama, and even a little romance. The story will keep readers on the edge of their seats and the ending will cause them to “hunger” for more.

original post by Cherie Wasserman - YA Lit group, Fall 08