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.

Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

Sam is eleven years old, has leukemia and is dying. He decides to write a book about his experience. At once extremely funny and tear-jerkingly sad, this book is a fantastic read for middle school students. Sam's older friend Felix is also dying and they are home-schooled together by Mrs. Willis who loves science and keeps the boys engaged in unique and inventive ways with learning and expanding their minds, even in this rather hopeless situation. The boys develop lists of things they want to do and Sam puts them in his book, along with his description of what happens as they pursue some of the things on the lists. NOT just a wimpy story about a Make-a-Wish kid, this robust and real tale will make you cry and laugh out loud.