Port Moody Public Library New Books for Teens

Fiction: Okay for Now

2011-12-29T12:43:00.000-08:00

It's 1968: the Vietnam war is raging. The Americans are about to put a man on the moon. Doug Swieteck is about to move to a small town named Marysville in upstate New York.

Doug's dad is a blue collar worker with a temper, and he's not shy with his fists. One brother is away in Vietnam: another spends his spare time stealing Doug's prize possessions. Doug's life sucks, even before he's forcibly relocated to a small town where everybody thinks he's a brainless thug.

It'd be nice to say that everything changes when when Doug discovers a book of original Audubon bird illustrations at the local library: in fact, things are looking up for a while, as the librarian gives him art lessons, his English teacher helps him out with reading, and he gets a job delivering groceries (it helps that he's sweet on the grocer's daughter).

But Doug's pretty sure that just when you think life might be alright, that's when it kicks you down. Sure enough, Doug's older brother comes home from Vietnam without his legs, and the entire town gives his family the cold shoulder when Doug's brother is accused of stealing. To deal with his disappointment and turbulent family life, Doug focuses on restoring the missing Audubon prints to the library book.

It seems like the town has been using the priceless book as a bank: everytime they need money, town council excises an illustration, and sells it for profit. This leaves the book tragically incomplete, and Doug feels so strongly about it that he's willing to do almost anything to retrieve the dispersed pages. Collecting all of them is a faint hope, especially since he's got a budget of exactly zero; but as he gets to know the town and its inhabitants, Doug finds that he's got a surprising amount of credit with the people who care for him.

This is a poignant story about overcoming loss and circumstance. Doug finds hope and redemption in art, while staying true to his blue-collar, 1960's American roots. Every word in this tale rings true, and we're left believing that the characters will find happiness, even as we mourn the tragedies that they've experienced.

Fiction

Grades 10-12

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Science Fiction: Divergent

2011-12-29T12:16:00.000-08:00

There are lots of dystopian teen fantasies out right now, and Divergent holds its own against them.

Beatrice has lived all of her sixteen years as part of the Abnegation faction. Her family and friends are devoted to the concept of selflessness: they strive to place the needs of all others above their own. Beatrice knows students from the other factions through her school: the fierce and courageous Dauntless, the studious Erudites, peaceful Amities, and scrupulously honest Candors.

Sixteen is the age of majority: now Beatrice and her classmates must choose their allegiances. Will they stay in their birth faction, or take a leap into the unknown, and join another sect? The psyco-emotional testing that students undergo is a guide, but Beatrice is one of the very rare people who come up as indeterminate: Divergent.

The tester is a shocked by the result, and she erases the test and swears Beatrice to secrecy. Being Divergent is apparently a death sentence, and Beatrice doesn't plan on making things easier by following the expected faction path. As she struggles to protect her secret and survive the brutal faction initiation, Beatrice begins to realize that her Divergent status could be the key that topples her entire society: a society that is might be rotten to the core.

This action-packed tale has something for everyone: romance, adventure, and a healthy dose of rebellion against an oppressive authority.

Science Fiction

Grades 8-11

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Historical Fiction: Heart of a Samurai

2010-12-03T16:22:00.000-08:00

Part fact, part fiction, part Moby Dick, and part rags to riches story,
Heart of a Samurai is a simple, breathtaking, tale. And don't just take my word for it - this debut novel got four starred (that means really, really dang good) reviews from four of the biggest book review magazines.

It is 1841 and fourteen year-old Manjiro is a poor Japanese fisherman who finds himself lost at sea with four of his friends. They group finds themselves on a deserted island, barely clinging to survival, when they are rescued by an American whaling ship. Never having seen Caucasian people before, Manjiro and his friends are weary of these barbarian North Americans (they call them "butter stinkers"). But unlike his friends, Manjiro can't fight his curiosity and soon begins to learn English. Once he befriends the Captain of the ship, Manjiro's life begins to change in drastic, exciting ways, and he begins a whirlwind around-the-world journey.

While I like historical fiction, I prefer things domestic and girly (think Karen Cushman's The Midwife's Apprentice or the Dear Canada books). I'm not one for adventure on the high seas. But I was completely absorbed by this novel, which is based on a real historical figure. Manjiro (or John Mung as he is known in North America) was believed to be one of the first Japanese people to ever set foot on North American soil - and he was just a teenager!

Sometimes historical fiction can be boring and overly-detailed, but Margi Preus exercises a wonderful restraint. I think that's the main reason I enjoyed this book - the language is simple and sparse, with an emphasis on action rather than description.

If you are not one for swashbuckling tales and this sounds like the last kind of book you would ever read, let me say two things: 1) I felt the same way, and 2) I dare you to read this! In a publishing climate that's full of vampires and wizards and paranormal everything, this is something completely different and completely absorbing.

Historical Fiction
Grades 6+
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Science Fiction: Omnitopia Dawn

2010-09-13T14:17:00.001-07:00

Omnitopia Dawn is actually written for adults, but this excellent science fiction title is written by beloved YA author Diane Duane. Fans of her "So You Want to be a Wizard" series will be eager to pick up another of her titles, even though the protagonists in this book are adults.

Omnitopia Dawn is set in the near future, where genius programmer Dev Logan has created a gigantic MMORPG: a massively multiplayer online role playing game where participants with good game karma can build their own microcosms, and create a universe for every taste.

With over two hundred million people playing worldwide, Omnitopia is more than just an online game: it's a gigantic corporation with a huge financial footprint on the world stock markets. As Omnitopia prepares to roll out a massive game expansion, the company learns that a viscious hacker attack is being planned, with the potential to bring the entire system crashing down. Crashing the game would destroy the company, and ruin the creations of millions of micocosm creators who have invested their time and hearts into the gameworld.

We follow likeable programmer and CEO Dev as he and his idealistic team of elite programmers work frantically to disable the attack, and save the complex and beautiful world of Omintopia. Even in the face of betrayal and impending disaster, Dev retains his good-guy nature: he's portrayed as uniformly likeable, as are his smart and dedicated employees. The teen appeal in this book comes from the very clear good-guy-vs.-bad-guy plot cycle, and Diane Duane adds just enough fantasy science into the game structure to interest technology buffs (while not alienating those of us who just like to play!). Anyone who's every been sucked into an RPG game, or those who just enjoy a great science-fiction espionage yarn, will find Omnitopia Dawn an engaging read.

Science Fiction

Grade 11 and up

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Science Fiction: I Am Number Four

2010-09-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

John Smith is number four. You may not believe it, but he's one of the last six survivors from the planet Lorien. He's been living in hiding on Earth, along with his Cepan guardian, for the past twelve years: any day now, he's expecting to die.

Twelve years ago, the Mogadorians destroyed the planet Lorien when they raided it for resources that their own planet had run out of. The inhabitants of Lorien - the Cepan guardians and the warrior Garde - were slaughtered in the surprise attack. Only nine Garde escaped with their keepers, and three of those have already been hunted down and murdered by Mogadorian soldiers.

John Smith was created yesterday, when news of number three's death reached him. When John and his Keeper Henri burned their house and all identification to the ground as they fled, they also erased all traces of John's previous identity, Daniel Jones. Now they live in remote Paradise, Ohio: population 5,243.

John's job is to stay alive and stay hidden until his Garde legacies appear. The legacies are the warrior powers that will tranform John from an althletic and intelligent teen into a superwarrior capable of returning to Lorien, and scouring the planet of its alien invaders. But until he masters his legacies, John is horribly vulnerable to attack by the Mogadorian soldiers who are hunting him day and night, tirelessly seeking to destroy him.

Despite a lifetime of training, John finds staying undercover in Paradise harder than anything he's ever done. A lot of this is to do with Sarah, the gorgeous classmate who's falling hard for John. Unfortunately, her bully ex-boyfriend makes it very difficult to keep out of high school politics and squabbles, and when John accidentally befriends an expert in alien identification and legends, his entire identity is compromised.

With his cover blown wide open, John and Henri are at risk, along with everyone they care for in their new town. This fast paced Science Fiction thriller tears along at breakneck speed, ending in a thrilling climax that just begs for a sequel or two.

Science Fiction
Grades 9-11
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Fantasy: White Cat

2010-09-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

Though I liked Holly Black's elfpunk titles Tithe and Valiant, I have to say that her newest dark fantasy, White Cat, blows them out of the water.

Combining elements of mafioso gang warfare, frustrated romance and gypsy magic, this violent and disturbing book propels the reader through the increasingly complicated life of seventeen year old Cassel.

Cassel thinks he's the only untalented member of a wildly magical family of curse workers. He's focused on making a life for himself at an exclusively snobby private boarding school, where he practices his con skills on his trust-fund-baby peers.

When his haunted nightmares strand him in an awkward situation, there's no help for it: Cassel has to go home, where he can't avoid the people and places that remind him of his best friend, Lila.

Lila, whom he remembers killing with his own hands.

But of course, in a world of magic and cursery, memories may not be what they seem; and those who love you may be the most dangerous ones of all. If he wants any sort of future at all, Cassel has to use all of his con skills to uncover the truth about his past from his tortured memories.

With convoluted plots and main characters who hover on the edge of evil, this taut and complicated fantasy novel is just the first in the forthcoming Curse Workers series.

Fantasy
Grades 10-12
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Short Stories: The Poison Eaters

2010-09-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

Holly Black sticks to her strengths in this dark, edgy collection of short stories. Like her other teen titles, this collection explores the bleeding underbelly of urban adolescence, where faeries meet GBLTQ lust, vampires sweat out their infection on youtube, and werewolves consort with royalty at a bloodstained court.

Librarians will be particularly thrilled by the doubly-geeky tale of classification gone wrong, and fans of Black's elfpunk Tithe and Valiant will find some familiar characters in the bleak The Land of Hearts Desire.

The standout tale is clearly the last in the set. In The Poison Eaters, three sisters fulfill their destiny by bringing death to their hapless suitors. Merely weapons, the end of the story twists and turns in revealing the double and triple crossings of fate that brought kings and knights to a poisonous end at their hands.

For teens with a taste for supernatural horror, Holly Black is reliably disturbing. Those who love her should check out titles by Laini Taylor or Justine Larbalestier.

Short Stories (supernatural horror)
Grades 10-12
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Fantasy: Finnikin of the Rock

2010-04-16T12:24:00.001-07:00

When Finnikin was born, he was already privileged. Son of the Captain of the Royal Guard, friend of the prince and princesses, his childhood was perfect. All he wanted was to grow up to protect the future king, just like his father.

But in 5 short days, the kingdom of Lumatere is shattered. The Royal family is slaughtered, an imposter seizes the throne, and many of Lumatere's citizens, including Finn, are locked outside the kingdom by a blood curse.

For years, Finnikin has wandered the continent seeking justice and protection for his exiled people. They live in sordid refugee camps, rife with illness and choked with filth. Every exile holds in their heart a desperate wish to return home: but nobody knows how to break the curse, and open the magically sealed borders of Lumatere again.

When Finnikin and his mentor meet Evanjalin, and novice of the Goddess Lagrami, they are shocked when she claims to be able to lead them to Prince Balthazar, presumed dead all these years. But Evanjalin has an agenda of her own: she lies and schemes to accomplish some end that Finnikin can't make out. It's clear that Evanjalin loves Lumatere, and that she too wants to return home: but how can he trust her, with her wild claims of sleepwalking inside the dreams of the Lumaterans inside the wall? How can he trust a girl who won't tell him even the simplest details of her past? Even as he falls in love with Evanjalin's courage and strength, how can he allow her to lead the exiles to what might be their doom?

Finnikin must find his faith, and untwist the tangled strands of the past in order to regain his kingdom. And to gain redemption for Lumatere, he and the other Lumaterans must confront their darkest, most shameful history.

Fantasy
Grades 11 and up
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Fantasy: Incarceron

2010-04-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Incarceron is a prison, but it's also a whole world. For those inside its enormous walls, escape is a legend, and freedom a myth. No-one knows how large Incarceron is: there is nobody who has managed to cross it's length. Inside, there are not only cells, but strange metal forests, crumbling cities falling into ruin, and twisted wildernesses. Throughout all of Incarceron, the unblinking eye of the prison watches...and waits.

Finn is woke up, years ago, inside a barren cell. Since then, he's been struggling to live in the hostile world of Incarceron: he threw his lot in with a band of thugs and murderers, but he's sure that he was born for something else. In fact, Finn is sure that he was born Outside...free. When he finds a mysterious key that links him what what could be Outside, Finn and his companions embark on a dangerous journey through the unknown wilds of the prison.

His link to the outside is Claudia, a girl whose father is the prison Warden. As the daughter of a high ranking official, she's doomed to a loveless marriage. She dreams of throwing off the chains of Protocol that bind her, and her most dangerous desire is to break into the fastness of Incarceron, and discover what lies inside the prison that no-one can enter or leave.

These two are fated to meet: prophecy and their strong wills demand it. But how will they breach the prison walls? Is it even possible?

Fantasy

Grades 10-12

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Steampunk: Leviathan

2010-04-13T18:17:00.001-07:00

So you're probably wondering, What in the world is Steampunk?? Steampunk is a genre term for books that cross victorian technology (e.g. the steam engine) with fantasy or science fiction.

In this case, Scott Westerfeld has created an alternate universe set just at the beginning of world war I. Twelve year old Aleksandar Ferdinand, son of the Archduke, is spirited away into hiding when his father and mother are assassinated. Those who know their history will be able to anticipate the ponderous, inevitable clashing of nations that follows, as Austria-Hungary crashes against the forces of 19th Century Europe.

Aleksandar's desperate flight to safety is interspersed with accounts from Deryn, a plucky British recruit posing as a boy for a chance to fly on the great liveship Leviathan. Britain's technology is Darwinist: they use science to interbreed creatures into vast, machine-like ecosystems. Even enormous ships like the Leviathan are completely living: and no-one knows how they work better than the mysterious civilian passenger, Dr. Barlow.

The war pits Darwinist countries against Technologist counties, who prefer the power and reliability of hard steel and metal engines. When the Leviathan is downed by German planes, Deryn and Alek are forced to find a way to blend the two technologies, and find a way for two completely different concepts to work together.

This looks like the start of a complex and fascinating series. The elements of history will engage many readers, while the original and carefully realized steampunk technologies will fascinate scientific minds. An excellent read.

Steampunk
Grades 8-11
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Fantasy: Ice

2010-03-08T15:37:00.000-08:00

Sarah Beth Durst brings us another fantasy tale based on the classic fairy story "East of Sun, West of Moon". Protagonist Cassie was raised by her father and grandmother in an arctic ice station, with scientific instruments as her toys and the deadly cold arctic icefields as her playground. She's a confident and experienced outdoorswoman: and for her 18th birthday, she's promised herself she'll tag a Polar Bear.

But the bear that Cassie corners isn't an ordinary one: he's a Munaqsri, guardian of a species and custodian of polar bear souls. Not only that, but he says that Cassie was promised to him in lieu of her long-lost mother. Cassie is incredulous, but she can't deny Bear's magic. In return for becoming his bride, Cassie forces him to promise to rescue her mother from the Trolls who live east of the sun, and west of the moon.

Once married, Cassie finds herself falling in love with her life in the barren arctic. Far from being a wasteland, the Bear lives in a fabulous castle of ice, with snowy gardens and magical powers that provide for her every need. But when Cassie can't resist peeking at Bear while he is in human form, she nearly loses everything to her impulsiveness.

This book provides a very mature perspective on the classic fable, but one that older teens will find challenging and engaging. Cassie experiences loneliness, pregnancy, captivity and even death in her quest to free Bear. Her success hinges upon one startlingly obvious observation, but the book will keep you guessing right to the last page.

Fantasy

Grades 10 and up

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Fantasy: Dragonfly

2010-03-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

Author Julia Golding has created a fairly standard fantasy novel here, with a typical princess-in-trouble, endangered betrothal, eventual reconciliation storytline. Dragonfly would be a fairly run of the mill fantasy, except that there are many unique touches and original details that make the book worth reading.

Fourth princess Taoshira is sent off to marry a rude, uncouth princeling from a foreign land. Neither she nor the prince are pleased with the prospect: Prince Ramil calls her a "white painted witch", and Tashi has her formal sensibilities offended time and again when she arrives in the much more casual land of Gerfal.

Tashi sends a message to her co-princesses calling off the wedding, but before she can announce her intentions she and prince Ramil are both kidnapped by their mutual enemy, Emperor Fergox Spearthrower. Through their wits and perserverence, Tashi and Ramil escape, and find that their opinions of the other have changed drastically for the better during their ordeal.

The plot is quite predictable, but the details of princess Taoshira's complex and formal religion are standouts. Her prayer sequences and thoughts on religion will be of interest to any teen with an interest in philosophy or world religions.

grades 8-11

Fantasy

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Fantasy Thriller: Bones of Faerie

2010-03-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

Nuclear war, disease, zombies: these are the standard premises around which most apocolyptic fiction books are built. Janni Lee Simner bucks the trend with this tense, horror-filled YA novel about the end of the world as we know it.

15 year old Liza can't remember a time when plants and forests didn't crave the taste of human blood. She lives in a small village, where the residents fortify their homes against the bloodthirsty faerie magic, and cast out anyone who shows any signs of magic of their own.

It's a tenuous, dangerous existence, and Liza finds out how close she is to disaster when her father casts out her newborn sister for having silver faerie eyes. Just a week after her sister's death, Liza's mother disappears from the village: everyone gives her up as lost, for surely no-one could survive in the sinister forests that surround the town.

When Liza discovers that the faerie magic is growing in her, she knows that she must flee the village for the safety of her friends and family. Matthew, a boy who also shows a glimmer of faerie magic, decides to go with her. Together, they decide to search for Liza's mother in the deadly forest: neither one knows anything about the world beyond their village's boundaries, and so their search is blind. Slowly they realize that finding Liza's mother may shed light on the origins of the cataclysmic war between humans and faeries, and that their hybrid faerie magic may be the key to finding a new way of life in a world where humans are no longer the peak species.

Fantasy/thriller
Grades 10-12
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2010-03-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

You can't trust Micah. Eveyone believes that she's a compulsive liar, but that might be the only true thing her high school classmates will ever know about her.

Micah doesn't know why she lies, or if she does, she's not going to tell. Sometimes her lies seem so real that she's not sure herself what's true and what's false. But when her boyfriend dies horribly, Micah's history means that everyone suspects her: the police, her friends, her parents, even herself.

Micah isn't a likeable heroine, and you'll be wondering right up until the end whether or not she's responsible for Zach's death. That's ok: Micah's wondering too. The real mystery is what could possibly make a pretty, smart teenage girl into a pathological liar? You'll be absolutely surprised when you find out.

Science Fiction
Grades 10-12
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Fantasy: The Lost Conspiracy

2010-02-25T14:58:00.000-08:00

Fantasy is a new genre for author Frances Hardinge. In this book, she's created a detailed and original world where some people are born with the ability to send their senses outwards. These people are revered as oracles, and called The Lost.

Arilou is one of these lost, or so everyone believes. Her sister, Hathin, is Arilou's attendant: it's her job to keep Arilou safe and happy while her senses wander the world. Both girls belong to a native tribe that is feared and oppressed by the ruling colonists: a clear parallel is drawn between British colonialism here, and all the usual stereotypes apply (stiff-necked, overly proper and ignorant colonials rule over the wise indigenous tribes)

The stereotype might be an old one, but Hardinge uses it to good effect. Her indigenous people are particularly original: Hathin's tribe (known as the Lace) have unique and interesting customs, including smiling all the time (even when deeply unhappy or stressed). Add in a couple of truly evil antagonists, and things get really interesting.

Tensions between the Lace and the colonials come to a head when the Lost of the island seems to be murdered, invisibly, all at once: only Arilou escapes, together with Hathin. The rest of the book is spent unraveling a sinister, island wide conspiracy, where telling friend from foe is difficult, and uncovering a path that leads to a better future seems impossible.

Fantasy

Grades 6-10

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Fantasy:Ash

2010-02-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

New author Malinda Lo has written a haunting, atmospheric fairy tale based loosely on the Cinderella story. Ash is angry and confused when her merchant father remarries soon after her mother dies. To console herself, Ash spends time at her mother's grave, despite the local greenwitch's warnings. "They will come for her!" cautions Solanya, and Ash knows that "they" are the faeries who have lived in the wood since time began. Sure enough, they do come for Ash; but she is too young for the mysterious Sidhean, who sends her back to her dreary life.

When Ash's father also dies, the teenage girl is uprooted from her childhood home and village, and made a servant to her stepmother and stepsisters in the city. Torn between the mysterious and seductive world of faerie and a startling new friendship with the King's Huntress, Ash unwittingly bargains her soul for the one thing that could keep her from willingly leaving the mortal world: love. At the end, this fairy tale has a fresh, sweet love story between Ash and the huntress Kaisa. After finding her heart, Ash must discover a way to fulfill her bargain with the dangerous Sidhean, while being true to the only person in the city who sees her for who she really is.

Fantasy
Grades 9-12
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Fantasy: Moribito II: Guardian of the Darkness

2010-01-04T17:30:00.001-08:00

Moribito is a very popular series that has been translated from the original Japanese. Balsa, our heroine, is a mercenary and bodyguard who has been fighting since she was spirited away from her home at the age of six. Exiled to a strange land, she was raised by her warrior mentor to be a fierce fighter. Now, nearly twenty five years later, Balsa is a mature and complex woman with strong morals and unparalleled spear fighting skills.

In book one, Balsa was charged with guarding a child prince whose spirit held the key to the country's rains. Balsa defended Chagum against assassins, disasters, and other threats; her skill saved not only Chagum, but the kingdom itself.

Now Balsa wants to return home, to the land beyond the mountains. She was driven from her homeland of Kanbal as a child, hunted by assassins and warriors; she watched her mentor die before her. When she finds that she was betrayed by the very warriors who should have protected her mentor and her country, Balsa swears that she will take revenge. With the help of two Kanbalese children, Balsa must uncover the conspiracy that threatens to destroy her kingdom.

Fantasy

Grades 9-12

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Fantasy/Short Stories: Lips Touch Three Times

2009-12-23T15:44:00.000-08:00

New writer Laini Taylor has a gift for creating unique, mesmerizingly fallible characters. In this insipred collection of short stories, three strong female heroines navigate curses, goblin entrapments, and alternate worlds.

The three fantasy tales are each illustrated with short graphic prequels in rich reds and blacks. These graphic introductions give readers a backstory that can't be fully understood until they unravel the text of the tales.

The stories all have a thread of romance, and a chilling core of horror. The author has woven legends, zoroastrian myths, and victorian poetry into a compellingly dark series of tales where the good may not always come out on top.

Fantasy - Short Stories

Grades 10 and up

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Fantasy: Fire

2009-12-23T15:21:00.000-08:00

Fire is a monster. She looks human, but she's part of a separate species; her kind appear similar to normal animals or people, but they are incredibly, irresistably attractive. Kings and paupers alike are drawn to them, and for Fire, this is a curse.

Fire has spent her entire life hiding her wild flame coloured hair, and trying to pass as normal. She fears that her monstrous gift - to read and influence the minds of men - will be used for evil by those in power. People fear her power at the same time as they adore her, and she lives under a constant threat of assassination.

But inside, Fire is a normal girl, with hopes, fears and desires of her own. When she is summoned to the King's palace to help uncover a plot against the country, Fire decides to go despite the risk to herself. She knows that many in the King's city will hate her for her power, and believe that she is a risk to the throne: nevertheless, Fire knows that she can't stay in seclusion forever, hiding her face and her gifts.

Fire's journey to the capital is fraught with danger and, strangely, romance. She struggles to understand her place in human society, and wrestles with the fears and joys that are part of every adolescent's experience.

This powerfully written fantasy novel is a gripping read, full of internal growth and struggles. It's a companion book to Kristin Cashore's other award winning book "Graceling", but does not need to be read as a sequel.

Fantasy

Grades 10 and up

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Suspense: Ruined

2009-12-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

Rebecca isn't too pleased about being uprooted from her stylish New York City life, and transplanted to the middle of New Orleans. Sure, she'll be living with her aunt and cousin in the famous garden district, but what about all her friends, her school, her life? But it's not like she has a choice: her Dad will be working in China for a few months, and that means she has to go.

The Garden District shows no signs of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, but Rebecca begins to suspect that something even more destructive lies beneath the old money attitudes and southern manners of the girls and boys at her exclusive new private school. They hang out at night in the creepily elegant Lafayette cemetary, and there's talk of centuries-old curses and murder.

No one will tell Rebecca anything about what's going on, though they all seem to know something: so when she meets a honest to goodness ghost in the cemetary, she takes the opportunity to ask a few questions of her own. Pretty soon, Rebecca is caught up in the resolution of the curse...and she's far more involved than even she realizes.

A spooky and atmospheric tale that includes a fair amount of really interesting history about race relations and the foundation of fabulous city of New Orleans.

Suspense

Grades 10-12

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Fantasy/Horror: Malice

2009-12-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

Malice is the perfect book for kids who aren't afraid of the dark. Believe me, there's plenty of darkness in this graphic novel hybrid! Part comic, part thriller novel, this book will keep middle schoolers on the edge of their seats with a mix of horror and suspense.

Everybody at Kady's school has heard of Malice. It's a secret comic series about an alternate world, full of deadly tricks and traps. The sinister Tall Jake is master of this alternate reality, and if you want to get in, you must say the rhyme six times: Tall Jake, take me away.

Kady is overcome by trepidation when her friend Luke says the rhyme. She's not sure why, but she knows that Malice is evil, and that Tall Jake is no fairytale meant to scare gullible kids. When Luke disappears the very next day, Kady and Seth are sure that something horrible has happened. There's only one way to help Luke, and that's to enter the nightmare world of Malice...and do their best to survive.

This wildly popular book is unique and original in it's darkly inventive descriptions (and pictures!) of Malice's beasts and monsters. Highly recommended for brave kids.

Fantasy/Horror

Grades 7-10

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Adventure/Thriller: Lockdown

2009-12-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

Lockdown is the ferocious new title in Alexander Gordon Smith's new series, Escape from Furnace. For kids who like Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series, or Darren Shan's Cirque du Freak, this book will strike exactly the right balance of adventure and terror.

The trouble started when Alex got caught. Sure, he'd been stealing cars and breaking into houses since he was a kid, but he'd never been busted by the cops...until one night, the B&E seems just too easy. Sure enough, there's someone waiting inside...and they're not the police. Not even close.

Alex runs, but there's no escape. Soon he's in jail for a crime he didn't commit: murder one. And not just any jail, but the infamous Furnace Penitentiary, a state of the art prison for young offenders. Years ago, England decided to deal with the gang problems by building the most sophistocated prison ever. It sinks down miles underground, built into a deep crevice in the rock. No one has ever escaped: anyone who tries is executed with extreme prejudice. Alex can feel hope falling away from him with every metre the elevator drops, but he hasn't got a clue what's really going on in the guts of Furnace's tunnels.

Death is the least of Alex's worries when he reaches the bottom of the pit, for the boring mundanity of prison jobs and tasteless slop for meals is punctuated by the terror of being hauled away by the nightmarish prison guards, and turned into something horrible. Escape is the only option for Alex, because he knows that even in death there's no way out of Furnace.

Adventure/Thriller

Grades 8-12

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Graphic Novel: Orange

2009-11-13T14:45:00.001-08:00

This graphic novel is definitely aimed at mature readers. With themes of violence, suicide, sex and drugs, it gives a teen perspective on a variety of shocking and disturbing topics.

This book tells the story of Orange, a teenager coming of age in the heart of a dense, gritty city. Orange has decided that she's got nothing worth living for: not her shallow friends, disengaged parents, nonexistent future: not even the empty promise of love. But just as she's poised to leap from a barren rooftop, a stranger enters her life, and changes everything.

This is a tale of discovery, growth, loss and redemption. There's no simple, happy ending to this tale; everything is complicated, and there's no easy answer to the terrible feelings of disconnection and isolation that drive Orange to her limits.

Readers will put down this graphic novel feeling confused, frightened, and inspired. The intense, brilliantly-hued art will captivate you; every page is a masterpiece, bursting with emotion and tension. Many teens will find some echo here of the confusion and isolation they feel as they make the difficult transition from childhood into adulthood. Orange's lesson - that life is worth living, even when painful - will inspire even as it hurts.

Graphic Novel

Grades 12 and up

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Fantasy: The Demon's Lexicon

2009-11-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

This book will strongly appeal to teens who are tired of Twilight readalikes, but are still interested in titles that focus on werewolves, the occult, and other supernatural topics. This book is full of sinister magicians, secrets, an demons who long to possess the bodies of the unfortunate, and destroy the world.

Nick and his brother Alan are on the run. They've been running ever since their father was murdered by a circle of wizards, years before. Alan keeps trying to pretend that their lives are normal, but Nick knows that their family is anything but. They move everytime the witches catch up to them; they carry weapons everywhere; their mad mother hides in her room, and inexplicably hates the sight of Nick. The closest they get to normal is that Nick attends high school when he can...but only because Alan insists.

Things spiral out of control when two of Nick's classmates show up on the family's doorstep, begging for help. Jamie has been marked for death by a demon, and Alan takes a mark of his own defending them from an attack. Nick is furious: his only anchor in their chaotic life is Alan, and the only way to save his brother is to hunt down and kill the magicians and demons who are stalking them.

Nick is strong: he's always protected their family with his sword and his cold indifference for anything but their own future. When he discovers that Alan has been lying to him for years, the foundation of his strength is shaken, though not toppled. But then he discovers that the lie goes deeper than anything he could have imagined...right to the bottom of his soul.

This is a powerfully written book, with a totally unique main character. It's great to find a fresh and fascinating voice in a sea of books about vampires and other supernatural entities. I highly recommend this title.

Fantasy

Grades 9-12

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Fantasy: Blackbringer

2009-10-06T17:37:00.001-07:00

This powerful and original fantasy novel is written by Laini Taylor, a relative newcomer to the author scene. Her first book, Blackbringer, begins the "Faeries of the Dreamdark" series.

Magpie Windwitch is the granddaughter of the west wind, which may explain her roving soul and daredevil antics. She travels with a band of rollicking crows, and leads them through adventures where they search for laughter, treasure, and snags.

Snags are bad spirits, monsters, or escaped devils that live to cause havoc and torment the living. There are many small devils in the world - Magpie should know, for her speciality is hunting them down. But now there are larger evils creeping back into the world, from times long past...and Magpie may be the only hope of imprisoning them again.

The best part of this book is the richly imagined world of faerie. Far from the high courts of other books, this world is populated by practical brownies, resourceful sprites, and other tiny creatures with lots of moxie. I particularly loved the dialect that the author gives her faeries. They speak in a sort of gaelic slang that heightens the sense of being right inside this fantasy world.

Those who love high fantasy's tales of good against evil (e.g. Lord of the Rings, etc) will find lots to like in this tale, and will want to read the next title: Silksinger (just as good!).

Fantasy

Grades 9-12

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Science Fiction: The Roar

2009-09-16T22:59:00.001-07:00

Emma Clayton`s new novel is the first in a fast paced new science fiction series, set in a future where the entire population of earth lives behind an enormous concrete wall.

Mika and Ellie are twins, but Ellie is supposed to be dead. She disappeared a year ago, just outside her run down refugee apartment tower. But Mika knows it`s not true; he's sure that Ellie is alive, and in terrible danger.

Mika is so determined to find Ellie that he plays along when the school authorities start making kids drink a supplement that changes them; makes them strong, fit, aggressive...almost like soldiers. And when he excels as a pilot at a government sponsored video game, Pod Fighter, he knows that his skill might be the only thing that can get him close to Ellie again.

You see, Mika`s becoming more and more certain that Ellie has been taken by the government for some military purpose. Why else would the authorities be training kids to fight? Why else would they stage an elaborate game, where the elite pilots and gunners are weeded out, and moved to the Golden Towers high above the smog and the shadows of old London?

In the end, Mika and Ellie discover a secret that's so vast, so overwhelmingly evil, that they know they have no choice: they have to escape over the Wall, where all the world is dust and poisonous ashes. Or...is it?

An exciting adventure, with plenty of gaming action, government bad guys, and rebellious teen heroes (and heroines). Thoroughly enjoyable, and well written.

Science Fiction
Grades 8-10
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Fiction: Jellicoe Road

2009-09-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

Another award winner! Jellicoe Road, by Melina Marchetta, won the 2008 Printz award. I have to say, this is now my favourite book of the year; the award is completely justified!

Jellicoe Road is a complex tale about family, love, loss and redemption. It winds between two generations, and manages to juggle a family mystery, a school adventure, and a couple of sweet loves stories all at once, without ever missing a beat.

Seventeen year old Taylor Markham has lived at the Jellicoe Road boarding school since she was abandoned by her mother at eleven. The school is her home, and house supervisor Hannah is the closest thing she has to a parent. So when Hannah leaves suddenly, without any explanation or notice, Taylor is pulled headlong into her old issues of abandonment and loss.

To make things worse, Taylor is now a house leader herself. This means that she's responsible for running the yearly "war" between the School, the Townies, and the Cadets. Each group claims a bit of the surrounding forest as territory, and for a few short months of the year, they all fight to claim territory according to a mysterious old book of rules. Taylor's determined to ignore the feelings between her and her arch enemy, Jonah Griggs; she's heartbroken about Hannah's unexplained absence; and now, she's starting to suspect that there's a secret that Hannah has been keeping from her. How does Hannah know Taylor's mother? Who was Taylor's father, and why does the mysterious Brigadier shadow her and Hannah? Taylor is determined to figure out what's going on, but every clue she uncovers brings her closer to a truth that will either liberate her, or destroy her.

An amazing read that will leave you astounded by the human capacity for forgiveness. The characters are at once fragile and full of strength, flawed yet capable of redemption. The very best kind of book, and recommended for all readers.

Fiction

Grades 11 and up (yes, adults too!)

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Science Fiction:The Knife of Never Letting Go

2009-09-16T22:34:00.000-07:00

This grim story won the 2008 Guardian award for best children's book published in the UK. Author Patrick Ness has written a darkly forbodeing tale about settlers who find that their new planet is less than welcoming.

When the Church settlers arrive, they found that their new home was not quite the Eden they were expecting. Instead, a native virus attacked them, and gave every animal a voice, and turned the thoughts of men into an audible Noise than never goes away. Ever.

Todd Hewitt was born into this world. In Prentisstown, there are no women: the virus allegedly killed them all off, and Todd is the last boy born. He's waiting fearfully to grow into a man, because he knows from the Noise of his kinsmen that something bad is going to happen. When Todd stumbles across a terrible secret in the swamp, his kin force him to flee for his life. But there are some secrets that you can't run away from, no matter how fast you go.

Full of emotional tension and suspense, this book is excellent for older teens and those looking for a gripping read with a darker edge. Fans of Philip Reeve, Meg Rosoff and Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games) will love this first book in the series.

Science Fiction/Suspense

Grades 10-12

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Fantasy: Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

2009-09-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

This book retells the fairy tale "East of Sun, West of Moon" with a Nordic twist. When a woodcutter's daughter with no name agrees to accompany a great white bear to his frozen castle in the North, she believes she has made a wise decision. After all, she will only have to stay for a year and a day, and her family will be freed from poverty forever.

Although she has every luxury she could want in the bear's castle, she feels more a prisoner than a guest. She can't stop wondering about the true nature of the castle and the white bear, even as all clues point to a terrifyingly dangerous answer.

The woodcutter's daughter can't resist her curiosity, and she creates a disaster that she can only solve by travelling east of the sun, and west of the moon. With magic, mystery, and a romantic echo of Beauty and the Beast, this book is perfect for fans of retold fairy tales.

Fantasy

Grades 8-12

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Graphic Novel: Wonderland

2009-09-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

Based on the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, this graphic novel follows the adventures of Mary Ann, the White Rabbit's timorous and fetishistically tidy housemaid.

We meet Mary Ann as she's hurrying to the White Rabbit's house, eager to start her day of cleaning and tidying. It's immediately apparent that Mary Ann is a bit OCD about cleanliness, as she can't resist sweeping the dirt path that she meanders along.

Author/illustrator team Tommy Kovac and Sonny Liew perfectly capture the strangeness of Wonderland, as Mary Ann opens strange doors, falls down rabbit holes, and has a delightfully strange tea party with the Mad Hatter and friends. Of course, the Queen of Hearts is still the villainess, and when Mary Ann is tricked into crossing her by the Cheshire Cat...chaos ensues!

Mary Ann, being a wonderland native, isn't fazed at all by the strangeness of events. Her main objective is to save the silly White Rabbit from losing his head, while making every corner of Wonderland as spic and span as possible.

This award winning graphic novel is well worth picking up, and it's suitable for a very wide audience. With quirky art and sly humour, it's recommended for kids in grades 5-12.

Graphic Novel

Grades 5-12

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Fiction: Destroy All Cars

2009-09-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

Destroy All Cars has created an hilariously ironic yet heartfelt story in this short, diary-style book.

We're first introduced to seventeen year old James Hoff through his AP English essays. James uses the assignment's platform to rail against CONSUMERIST AMERICA (his yelling) and the culture that drives people to constantly purchase USELESS CRAP (again, his). James is an idealist of the highest order, and he believes that nobody (especially his ex girlfriend Sadie) is doing enough to solve the world's ecological problems.

After wading through a couple of James's essays (his teacher keeps making him re-write them, due to objections to his "manifesto stylings") we start to see undeneath the thick layer of idealism. Although James sincerely belives in his cause, he's not immune to the issues that affect every one of us; love, family, and yes, sex.

This book is part comic masterpiece, part earnest ecological rant. It will certainly strike a chord with many guy readers, both with it's humour and its eco message. Add on Blake Nelson's witty and spot-on internal dialogue, and this book is definitely worth picking up.

Fiction

Grades 10-12

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Fiction: Everything Asian

2009-09-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sung Woo's has written a thoughful and honest novel about the experiences of a korean family, reunited in America after a 5 year separation.

David Kim is twelve years old, and he hasn't seen his dad since he was seven. His father left his wife, son and daughter behind in order to build a better life in the US: but David isn't so sure it's better when he arrives in Newark, New Jersey.

He speaks no English, his fifteen year old sister is miserable at losing her friends and boyfriend, and his mother is suffering total culture shock in stoic silence. On top of that, his dad is a total stranger (although one who desperately wants to get to know his family again).

Over the course of a year, we hear from each member of the family. As they attempt to settle in to their new surroundings and each other, life goes on; people get sick, their business does better and then worse, and they deal with typical adolescent issues such as love, friends, and parental conflict. The true value of this book is in its unflinchingly honest assessment of immigrant life; sometimes good, sometimes bad. Kids who have gone through this experience will find a lot to identify with here, and those (like myself) who have never moved to a new country will have their eyes opened. The whole experience, as David puts it, "Could be worse". A worthwhile book.

Realistic Fiction

Grades 8-12

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Graphic Novel: Life Sucks

2009-09-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

If you're sick and tired of Stephenie Meyer's flawlessly beautiful and nauseatingly virtuous vampire stereotype, check out this clever graphic novel for the perfect antidote.

Our hero, Dave, is a poor vampire working the night shift at the local convenience store. He never wanted to become a vampire: he was suckered into it by his sleazy boss, who turned Dave into his undead night-clerk slave.

Dave's life....well, it sucks. He works the night shift, goes home to beat the deadly sunlight, then gets up at night to do it all again. The one bright spot in his dreary existence is Rosa, the hispanic goth princess who comes by the store now and then with her friends. But when Dave (amazingly) gets a date with the girl, he ends up competing against buff surfer-dude vampire Wes. Dave, who exists on expired blood bank serum so that he won't have to hurt people, doesn't stand a chance.

This dystopian, clerks-like book is full of clever irony and sarcastic humour. If you loved Twilight...stay away. If you like Seinfeld, Clerks, Office Space, Ghost World, etc...you'll love this book!

Graphic Novel

Grades 10 and up

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Horror: The Forest of Hands and Teeth

2009-08-31T20:01:00.000-07:00

I suppose this book could theoretically be called Science Fiction, but it scared the pants off me, so i'm classing it as Horror.

Mary is waiting for a boy to declare for her. She's sure someone will; after all, her village needs every girl to marry and have children in order to replace those who are lost to the Unconsecrated. But Mary's preoccupation with love and the future is interrupted by the gruesome death of first her father, then her mother. They are both claimed by the Forest of Hands and Teeth, where the Returned bodies of their former neighbours roam in the gloom.

In case you haven't figured it out yet, this book is all about the Zombie apocalypse. If this concept scares you (like it does me) read NO FURTHER, because I can tell you, you will have nightmares.

Mary is forced into the arms of the Sisterhood, the religous group that guards the town from danger, and holds its own secrets about the past. No one but they know how their ancestors tinkered with the stuff of life in order to cheat death; no one but they know where the fenced paths through the woods go. Their secrets break free when the fences are breached, and the village attacked.

Mary, torn between her love for a forbidden boy and her desire to escape the village, is forced to flee with her family when the village is overrun by the dead. Could there be life in a world so full or horror and death? The ambiguous ending will leave you shaking in your sheets. A scary, scary read for halloween.

Horror (or possibly Sci Fi, if your'e brave)

Grades 10 and up

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Biography: Japan Ai: a tall girl's adventures in Japan

2009-08-31T19:55:00.000-07:00

This true account of a trip to Japan was penned and illustrated by professional animator Aimee Major-Steinberger. Her cute, Manga style illustrations are annotated with notes about the amazing things she did and saw when she took a trip to Japan with her two best friends.

There's lots of humour and great art in this book, but the main appeal is the quirky inside information that readers will get about travel and life in Japan. Aimee takes us on a whirlwind tour of Japanese temples, art, fashion and shopping (!) and her cartoons give you a perfect sense of what it's like to travel as a visible minority in this amazing country.

Great for older teens, this book will appeal to both boys and girls who are interested in manga, travel, or a career in art. What's not to like!

Graphic Novel Biography

Grades 10-12

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Fantasy: Eon Dragoneye Reborn

2009-06-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

Twelve year old Eon has been in training for years. His intensive study of Dragon Magic, based on East Asian astrology, involves two kinds of skills; sword work and magical aptitude. He and his master hope that he will be chosen as Dragoneye: an apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons of good fortune.

But Eon has a dangerous secret. He is actually Eona, a sixteen year old girl who has been masquerading as a boy for the chance to become a Dragoneye. Females are forbidden to use the dragon magic; if her ruse is discovered, her death is certain.

When Eon's secret comes to light, she and her allies are plunged into a deadly struggle for power, survival, and the imperial throne. Eon must find the inner power to battle those who want to take her magic... and her life.

This is a top notch high fantasy novel. Those who loved Eragon or inkheart will love this book.

Fantasy

Grades 9-12

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Fantasy: A Curse Dark As Gold

2009-06-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

This book is a masterful retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale, where a maid bargains with a malicious spirit to save herself and her family from death.

Charlotte Miller is the last hope for the town of Stirwaters. Her father has died suddenly, leaving the mill in the hands of her and her sister, Rosellen. Charlotte is a strong heroine, and she would surely have been able to run the mill if not for the curse.

For generations, the Stirwater mill has carried a dark curse. Small things go wrong, the luck is always bad, and the mill never passes to a son; infant boys always die mysteriously. Charlotte is determined to break the curse, and she will need all of her courage and wits to do so.

This excellent book will appeal to fans of Robin McKinley or Tamora Pierce. It's certain to win awards over the next year or two.

Fantasy

Grades 9-12

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Romance: TheSummer I Turned Pretty

2009-06-29T13:26:00.001-07:00

Jenny Han has written a light, sweet romance that's just perfect for summer beach reading. Belly has been going to the beach house her entire life. Her summers have always been one long expanse of sand, surf, family...and Conrad.

Belly has love Conrad forever, but he's always been too busy to pay any attention to her. He's either romping with his brother Jeremiah (Belly's special friend and first kiss) or helping Belly's brother Steven pick on her.

But this summer, Belly's 15 and something's changed. Not only do Jeremiah and Conrad both pay attention to her, but she meets her first boyfriend at the yearly bonfire, and discovers what it's like to grow into herself. There's love, fighting, forgiveness, sadness and the joy of moving on, all packed into this quick read.

Romance

Grades 8-11

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Realistic Fiction: Marcelo and the Real World

2009-06-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Marcelo is unique. He hears music that nobody else can hear; he lives in his own treehouse; he is deeply fascinated by religions, and he already has a job lined up for the summer, caring for the horses at his special school.

Marcelo has an aspergers-like condition that makes it hard for him to make small talk, to read what people are feeling, and to communicate with others. He's not stupid- far from it! Marcelo is just different, and his school helps him make the most of his strengths.

But when Marcelo's dad decides that Marcelo needs to work in the real world for the summer - in his high-powered law firm - Marcelo is forced to agree. The deal is that Marcelo will give it his best shot, and in return, he can attend his special school in the fall, instead of the public high school. Marcelo and his dad both know that the summer will be difficult; Marcelo just wants to survive, and his dad want Marcelo to prove that he can be "normal".

But nobody could have predicted the consequences when Marcelo uncovers scandal, deception and intrigue right in the heart of his father's firm. Marcelo has tough decisions to make, and he has to make them on his own. At it's heart, this is a book about growing up, and taking a stand for what's right. Marcelo, with his crystal clear vision of human contradictions, is the perfect person to narrate this story. Marcello appears initially as flawed, but we come to realize that he, or all the people in the book, understands the nature of morality and goodness.

This book is a great read for anyone, but I particularly recommend it for those who have experience with Aspergers or Autism. A challenging and uplifting book. I loved it.

Realistic Fiction

Grades 10-12

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Fantasy/Mystery: Terrier

2009-05-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

Well known fantasy author Tamora Pierce has written an unusual series. The Beka Cooper series focuses on the eponymous heroine. Beka is a lowborn gutter rat who was rescued from poverty by a lord as a child. She lives with her siblings in his manor as a servant, where she is well treated.

But Beka wants something more. She joins the City Guard at 16, and begins her training as a "puppy", or novice guard. Born into the slums, Beka has a driving need to see justice done. Paired with two of the city's best Dogs (guards), Beka uses her natural wit and her innate magic to bring down the city's most wanted criminals, thus earning her nickname of "terrier".

The book is set in a vaguely mediaeval world, where lords and ladies live a very different life than Beka. Tamora Pierce has broken the mold by making her heroine a debilitatingly shy gutter rat, with no great beauty or intelligence. Instead, Beka is doggedly persistent, with a keen sense of justice. The book is written in diary format, which brings readers right into Beka's rich and colourful life. A wonderful read, with a strong mystery element. Also recommended is the sequel, "Bloodhound".

Fantasy/Mystery

Grades 9-12

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Graphic Novel: Rapunzel's Revenge

2009-05-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

The Rapunzel in this story is quite a different girl than the one you might find in traditional fairy tales. The story of the girl who waits for a prince to rescue her from a tower is turned on its head in this snappy graphic novel.

This Rapunzel is a redhead who defies her adoptive mother when she realizes that she was stolen away as a child. The witch Mother Gothel has been using growth magic to drain the land of life, and keep its peoples under her green thumb.

Locked up in a treetop prison for four years, Rapunzel has plenty of time to nurse her anger, and to practice using her growing braids as deadly weapons! The early lasso training she received from her bodyguard allows her to develop into a braid-snapping crack shot.

When she finally breaks out of prison, Rapunzel is determined to get revenge, and to rescue her real mother from the witch's mines. Told with an untraditional Western twist, this full colour graphic novel has appealing illustrations that draw the reader into an old tale made new. Nominated for a YALSA quick pick award, this book is sure to please those who love fantasy and strong heroines. Funny and smart!

Graphic Novel

Grades 9-12

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Fantasy: City of Glass

2009-05-19T20:01:00.001-07:00

This book is the third in Cassandra Clare's "The Mortal Instruments" series. It's a darkly convoluted trilogy that follows Clary as she learns that there is a world the rest of us can't see...one that she belongs to by right of birth.

In previous books, Clary discovers that she and her mother are anything but ordinary. They are part of a race called Shadowhunters, fierce beings who can call down magic using drawn runes. Almost immediately, Clary's mother is attacked by demons, and Clary joins forces with a group of New York Shadowhunters to fight against them.

Slowly, Clary finds herself falling in love with Jace, a fellow Shadowhunter. Jace is the quintessential bad boy, as he is the son of the ultimately evil Valentine. Despite Jace's suspect past, he and Clary are well on the way towards romance when the two discover that they are, in fact, siblings.

I won't give any more details away, but the books are filled with battles against evil, and more than a little romance. This series is sure to be popular with those who loved Twilight, or books by authors Holly Black and Melissa Marr.

Fantasy

Grades 10 and up

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Supernatural Fatasy: Need

2009-05-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

Fans of Twilight will want to pick up Carrie Jones's new book, Need. It tells the story of Zara White, new girl in town. She's living with her grandmother now, because her mom sent her away to recover from the shock of her dad's sudden death. But Maine isn't exactly the relaxing vacation she thought it would be.

Instead, Zara finds she's being stalked by a pale man who leaves a trail of gold dust in his wake. Sound weird? That's not all. On top of that, her new friends can turn furry on the full moon, and the high school cliques are fierce enough to draw blood; literally. Throw in a hot guy and a budding romance, and you have a recipe for a supernatural thriller.

This book isn't as gripping as the Twilight series, but for fans who are looking for titles that are similar, it's a quick read.

Supernatural Fantasy

Grades 9-12

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Science Fiction: Genesis

2009-05-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

This book is classic science fiction, in the tradition of Arthur C. Clarke and Ray Bradbury. Nothing is what it seems; the whole book is designed to upend your view of what humanity is, and how it relates to others.

This thoughtful book feels more like a short story than a full novel, but it's worth the trip through its brief, 185 pages. Student Anax is taking her final examination for entrance to the Academy, and her topic is the life of Adam Forde, long dead hero of the Republic. As she explains the history of her specialization, we begin to see a picture of a ruined world, with only one tiny bastion of civilization remaining. Anax delves deep into the concepts of ethics and morality, wrestling with ideas that will rock the foundations of her world... and ours. This is a book that will unsettle and grip readers. Highly recommended.

Science Fiction

Grades 10 and up

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Horror: Skeleton Creek

2009-05-19T19:30:00.001-07:00

Skeleton Creek is hybrid book, and it's one of the best examples of it's kind. Author Patrick Carman has delivered unparalleled creepiness by mixing a traditional book format with online video clips that are reminiscent of The Blair Witch Project. The diary-style writing is simple and direct, and the scary videos build the suspense and mystery as the book progresses.

Teenage Ryan and his best friend Sarah have found something horrible in the woods. They were messing around, exploring an old piece of machinery at night when Ryan saw something moving. After he woke up in hospital, he couldn't remember what happened...but Sarah had recorded the whole thing on video. At this point, you pause to watch a scary clip on the book's website, and then you resume following Ryan as he and Sarah explore the secret that haunts Skeleton Creek.

In case you hadn't caught on, this book is definitely not for the faint of heart! Despite the distinct lack of gore, the suspense is heavy. I certiainly didn't want to watch those videos at night, and had to wait to read the book in the daytime! Highly recommended for reluctant readers, and teens who love suspense/horror.

Horror

Grades 5-10

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Graphic Novel: Dark Wraith of Shannara

2009-03-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

This title is author Terry Brooks' first venture into the graphic novel format. Based on his wildly popular Shannara series, this book follows magic user Jair Ohmsford as he battles the forces of evil to save his friends.

The main attraction of this book lies in the detailed fantasy world that the author has painstakingly created. The world of Shannara is set in the far future, eons after humanity nearly destroyed itself through chemical and nuclear apocolypse. Magic has seeped in to fill the gaps where science was lost, and elves and other fantastic races have risen in power to vie with humanity for supremacy.

Jair is a half breed;the magic of the elves runs in his veins, for he is a descendant of a great elven bloodline. His unique power is the wishsong, a dangerously seductive magic that seeks to destroy him each time he uses it to accomplish his will. In this book, Jair must walk the fine line between using his magic for good, and falling forever into the hands of the dark druids. His quest is to destroy the last scraps of the Ildatch, a maelevolent parchment imbued with the ultimate evil. Fans of sword and sorcery fantasy will dive into this well written graphic novel; I recommend it for those who like tales of dark faeries, quests and battles of good vs. evil.

Graphic Novel (fantasy)

Grades 10-12

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Graphic Novel: Silverfin

2009-03-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Why two images for this post? Well, the very popular graphic novel (right) is based on the equally excellent young adult fiction title (left). I couldn't decide which format I preferred, so I'm reviewing both versions of the book here.

Charlie Higson's fiction novel was published in 2005, to the joy of Bond fans everywhere. Released just prior to the film Casino Royale, the book describes the childhood of James Bond. Starting with his teen years at Eton, Higson follows Bond as he makes the transition from a clever and adventurous boy into a hardened government spy.

Kids who love espionage and thriller novels will definitely want to pick this book up, in either the fiction or the graphic novel version. Both are fast paced reads focusing on action, with plenty of military technology, betrayal and action. I expect that the entire Young Bond series (three more titles exist in the fiction format) will be made into graphic novels, with a possible movie deal in the works.

Graphic Novel/Fiction

Grades 9-11

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Fantasy: Tender Morsels

2009-02-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Margo Lanagan is best known for writing eerie, atmospheric short stories. Her fantasy novel, Tender Morsels, is a dark and convoluted story based on the fairy tale of Snow White, Rose Red.

Lanagan's tale is for mature readers, as it involves themes of rape, murder and heartbreaking sadness. However, readers will be well rewarded for approaching these difficult topics, as the characters wrestle with their desire to retreat into a dream life of ease and kindness, where they are insulated from the harsh realities of life.

One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is the unique use of language. Lanagan creates her own dialect, which adds to the jarringly vivid sense of place. This is a rich tale about the human soul, and it explores the depths of cruelty, and the heights of human kindness. The message, in the end, is that somehow life is worth it.

Fantasy

Grades 11-adult

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Elfpunk: Wicked Lovely

2009-02-05T11:41:00.001-08:00

Elfpunk is a genre set in gritty urban environments, with characters who are conflicted, dark, and often goth. If you like vampire novels, like Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, you'll probably find Elfpunk appealing!

Aislinn has always been able to see fairies, but her grandmother taught her to never, ever show that she's aware of the other world that shadows ours. The Fey Folk have had no interest in Aislinn...until Summer King Keenan discovers that she is fated to be his queen. As Keenan pursues Aislinn out of love, the Snow Queen's minions race to kill her. An unusual love story follows, as Aislinn struggles to evade her fate, and maintain the fragile life (and love!) she has built for herself in the city. With romance, violence and a large dose of the fantastic, this book is suited for older teens.

Melissa Marr is definitely an author to watch. Other books in this series include Ink Exchange and the forthcoming Fragile Eternity.

Elfpunk
Grades 10-12
Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue.

Science Fiction/Horror: Bloodtide

2008-11-17T10:23:00.000-08:00

Author Melvin Burgess typically writes disturbingly graphic young adult novels for the mature reader. I knew this when I picked up Bloodtide, but I was still shocked, revolted and utterly transfixed by the incredibly intense, powerful and gory retelling of the viking Beowulf legend.

The story is set in a post-apocolyptic London, where warring gang families have divided the city into territories that they defend visciously. The whole city of London has been abandoned by the democratic government and a wall has gone up round the perimeter, to keep the gangs in. Terrifying halfmen, created by twisted science, patrol the strip of territory between the wall and the gang lands; these monsters are fed on human sacrifices, and evoke fear and loathing in all who encounter them.

Two families have split London between themselves, the Volsons and the Conors. And so here we have the perfect setting for a modern blood feud. When a marriage is arranged to calm the tensions between the families, betrayal and an incredibly brutal war ensues. Burgess's genius is in the steady, relentless progression of vengeance and tension; midway through the book, you can see that there is no possible path to a happy ending. Nevertheless, you must read on to the brutal, inevitable ending, where the poor, battered protagonists face the truth about revenge's poisionous nature.

This is a complex book told by many different voices as the action progresses. And as well as all the fantastic characters (Gods and monsters make several appearances) there is real human drama and deep emotional development. I was absolutely gripped by this book from the first page, and Burgess's genius is in portraying the many facets of humanity in the face of terrible events and extreme emotions.

Science Fiction/Horror

Grade 11 and up (for mature readers)

Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue!

Graphic Novel: The Rabbi's Cat

2008-11-13T16:01:00.001-08:00

This graphic novel is translated from the original French, and is actually intended for an adult audience. However, I would certainly recommend this title for older teens or young adults who are interested in ideas about religious freedom, philosphy, and love.

Set in the 1930's, this is the story of a cat who swallows a parrot, and magically gains the power of speech. Much to his owner's consternation, the cat immediately begins to tell lies! The Rabbi immediately vows to teach the cat right from wrong by educating him in the ways of the Torah, but the cat keeps asking questions that challenge the Rabbi, and require him to think about the nature of Judaism, and of goodness in general.

The Rabbi's daughter is a major player in this book, as she finds love with a non-observant family. This presents many challenges, and the book is funny, sad and thoughful by turn as the Rabbit's family expands to include a new son and parents-in-law.

The art is cartoonlike and drawn in full colour, and its familiar mood balances the writing's often pensive tone. A classic graphic novel, and highly recommended for all mature readers.

Graphic Novel

Grades 11-Adult

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Graphic Novel: The Good Neighbors: Kin

2008-11-13T15:36:00.001-08:00

Holly Black is the author of several elfpunk novels for teens, including Tithe, Valiant, and Ironside. This graphic novel follows the same style, with dark, urban settings and gritty characters.

Heroine Rue (short for Kangaroo) is pulled into the dangerous world of faeries when her mother goes missing. It turns out that Rue's mother is a faerie herself, and that she's been called back to the fey because of a broken promise. Rue needs to rescue her mom, save her father from being charged with murder, and uncover the secrets of her mixed heritage.

The black and white art in this book is drawn in western comic style, with lots of dark shadow and play on white space. The dark tones really echo the plot's mystery and sense of foreboding. Strange pixies and faeries dance across the pages, and even the trees and buildings seem forbidding. There is just enough romance in the plot to round out this title; fans of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight and graduates of the Spiderwick Chronicles will love this graphic novel.

Graphic Novel

Grades 8-12

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Science Fiction: Cherry Heaven

2008-09-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

History is repeating itself. Kat and Tanka have moved with their foster parents to the New Frontier. They're leaving the old cities behind, along with the DNA race riots, violence and discrimination that haunted their childhoods.

But is the New Frontier so different? Kat and Tanka are priveleged Atsumisi, and their experiences are contrasted with those of Luka, a Galrezi worker.

Luka wasn't always Galrezi. Ten years ago, she was just a child, living in the family orchard at Cherry Heaven: the very place Kat and Tanka are living now. Luka has escaped from slavery in the factory, and she's out to right some wrongs. Whose side will Kat and Tanka be on when their priveleged positions and their home are at stake?

This books is the companion novel to the equally thought provoking Diary of Pelly D. Both books, by L.J. Adlington, are disturbing in their portrayal of racism in the future.

Science Fiction

Grades 8-12

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Thriller: Streams of Babel

2008-09-20T15:04:00.001-07:00

When Cora's mother dies, she assumes that her mother finally overdosed on the painkillers she'd been taking for years. So she's shocked to learn that her mother AND a neighbour both died of a brain aneurysm on the same night. When Cora and other neighbourhood teens become ill with a mysterious flu, and government agents arrive in her small town, they all fear the unthinkable - a terrorist attack.

Meanwhile, a world away in Pakistan, a sixteen year old computer genius named Shahzad is working as a virtual spy. He's alarmend to see an influx of chatter about a substance called Red Vinegar that will, as he reads, "lead to many deaths in Colony One". Can Shahzad sift through the babble of the chat rooms, and find the location of the attack in time?

Thriller

Grades 10-12

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Rumors: A Luxe Novel

2008-09-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

If you like the Clique, A List or Gossip Girls books, you will love diving into the mystery, romance and betrayal of the Luxe novels.

This decadent series is set in the 19th century, and follows the lives of New York's most eligible debutantes and socialites. The soap opera scenes are played out in opulent settings where the very rich (and their servants, of course) scheme and vie for power and love.

This book is the second in the Luxe series; it follows the events of the first book with more of the same gossip, scandals and secrets. Pick up either of these hefty novels, sit back, and enjoy the read!

Historical Fiction/Romance

Grades 10-12 and up

Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue!

Fiction: Chasing the Falconers

2008-08-18T20:41:00.001-07:00

Chasing the Falconers is the first book in Gordon Korman's On the Run series. This fast paced book follows Meg and Aiden Falconer as they escape from a Juvenile Detention Centre, and go on a cross-country mission to rescue their parents.

Meg and Aiden know that their parents have been framed; there's no way they're terrorists! Someone in the CIA has set them up, and now they're in prison for life, convicted of treason. Their kids are their only hope, and Meg and Aiden are determined not to let them down.

There's just one problem. Meg and Aiden have been sent to Juvie in Nebraska, "for their own protection". When they break out of the centre, they must travel undercover as they try to track down clues from their family's past. Stolen cars, narrow escapes, and edge-of-your-seat writing will make you want to finish this short book as fast as possible! The next book in the six-volume series is waiting...

Fiction
Grades 5-9
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Science Fiction: The Adoration of Jenna Fox

2008-07-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

This book begins as a mystery, but readers will quickly find that it becomes a science fiction account of a girl's tragic accident. Jenna wakes up from a year long coma with a complete loss of memory. She can't remember her mother (Claire) her strangely distant grandmother (Lily) or even the events that led up to the accident that nearly cost her her life. Her parents keep her closely protected, and seem to be afraid of Jenna making contacts with the world outside their new house. Slowly, Jenna begins to remember...

Soon Jenna finds that she didn't nearly die...to most people, she did die. Even with the advanced medical techniques available in Jenna's future, no doctor expected her to survive. Could her parents have a good reason for their overprotectiveness, and their secretive behaviour? Is there something terrible that Jenna doesn't know about herself? Jenna is determined to find out.

Science Fiction
Grades 9-12
Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue.

Fiction: Dairy Queen

2008-07-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

This is possibly my favourite book of the year, until Breaking Dawn is released.

After her father is injured, 15-year-old D.J. Schwenk takes over the lion's share of work on her family's small Wisconsin dairy farm. Between milking cows, mucking out the barn, and mowing clover, this erstwhile jock takes on training Brian, the rival high school's quarterback. A monster crush and a tryout for her own school's football team ensue.

DJ is a realistic and charming narrator, and the author does a fantastic job of getting her personality across. Shy, tongue-tied, hardworking and honest, DJ is forced to think about what she really wants for her life when her totally unsuitable crush, Brian, tells her that she's like a cow headed unquestioningly down the cattle shoot of life. Over the summer, DJ wrestles with this question while simultaneously juggling a grinding farm chore schedule, an uncommunicative and conflicted family, and a best friend who turns out to be gay. In the end, DJ is able to find her own way, and readers will be won over by her heart of gold. This book is highly recommended for fans of realistic fiction, sports stories, and even romances.

Fiction
Grades 9-12
Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue!

Edward or Jacob? What do you think?

2008-07-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

OK, so you probably know that Stephenie Meyer's newest Vampire thriller/romance/all round great book is coming out on August 2, 2008. For Meyer fans, the big question is, what's going to happen with Edward, Bella and Jacob?

At the end of Eclipse, the third book, Bella has made a choice (sort of) between Jacob and Edward. But her choice is by no means final, and everyone is wondering what will happen to the guy she doesn't want choose? Will she end up with Edward forever? Or will Jacob find a way to win her heart after all? I would hate to be in Bella's shoes, because I can't even decide as a reader who I want her to end up with, and I have no idea how the author is going to end the series with all three of them happy (if that's even possible, but I hope it is).

So what do you think? If you've read one or all of the books, who do yo think Bella should choose? Edward, the gorgeous vampire who will love her forever but take away her mortality, or Jacob, the hot tempered werewolf who could give Bella a home and a family who will age with her? Let us know by commenting on this post.

Fiction: A Countess Below Stairs

2008-07-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

Author Eva Ibbotson is best known for her enchanting historical fiction, such as Journey to the River Sea and The Star of Kazaan. In A Countess Below Stairs, she turns her pen to an older audience with fabulous results.

Anna is a young Russian countess whose opulent world is turned upside down by the Russian Revolution. She has no choice but to flee for England with her family, losing her homes, wealth and status in the process. Despite her troubles, Anna retains the charming, optimistic nature that endears her to all. In a Cinderella-like plot, Anna takes employment as a housemaid in Rupert Westerholme's mansion. When he returns to his home after fighting in the Great War, he slowly and inevitably falls in love with the lovely Anna, and she with him.

Of course, there is a catch. Rupert is engaged to the grasping, conniving Muriel, a lady of the Nouveau Riche who has her heart set on Rupert's title (and not his heart). Rupert is a true gentleman, and Anna knows that he will never break his word to Muriel by jilting her, regardless of her manipulative and cruel actions.

Will they find their way to true love, despite all that stands against them? Of course! This is, after all, a lovely and romantic fairy tale of a book. But the author's graceful writing and vivid characters will keep you on the edge of your seat right until the final page, even if you can guess the happy ending.

Romantic Fiction

Grades 10-12

Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue.

Horror: Verdigris Deep

2008-06-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

When Ryan and his friends are caught stranded and penniless late one night, they steal coins from a wishing well for bus fare. Soon after, strange things start happening to them. Peculiar marks tingle on Ryan's knuckles, light bulbs explode, and a terrified Chelle starts speaking words that aren't her own. Then the well witch appears, with her fountains for eyes and gargled demands. From now on, the friends must serve her - and fulfill the lost wishes that lie rotting at the bottom of the well.

This spooky book is perfect for teens who want to scare themselves silly. If you liked watching The Grudge or The Ring (yikes!!) you'll love this tale.
Fiction (horror!)
Grades 9-12
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Fiction: Book of a Thousand Days

2008-06-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

When Dashti, a maid, and Lady Saren, her mistress, are shut in a tower for seven years for Saren’s refusal to marry a man she despises, the two prepare for a very long and dark imprisonment.

As food runs low and the days go from broiling hot to freezing cold, it is all Dashti can do to keep them fed and comfortable. But the arrival outside the tower of Saren’s two suitors—one welcome, and the other decidedly less so—brings both hope and great danger, and Dashti must make the desperate choices of a girl whose life is worth more than she knows.

With Shannon Hale’s lyrical language, this forgotten but classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm is reimagined and reset on the central Asian steppes; it is a completely unique retelling filled with adventure and romance, drama and disguise.

Fiction
Grades 7-12
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Science Fiction: Unwind

2008-06-05T16:34:00.000-07:00

Connor's parents want to be rid of him because he's a troublemaker. Risa has no parents and is being unwound to cut orphanage costs. Lev's unwinding has been planned since his birth, as part of his family's strict religion. None of them are willing to let themselves be unwound, their bodies salvaged for spare parts by the rich.

Brought together by chance, and kept together by desperation, these three unlikely companions make a harrowing cross-country journey, knowing their lives hang in the balance.

If they can survive until theireighteenth birthday, they can't be harmed -- but when every piece of them, from their hands to their hearts, are wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away.

Science Fiction

Grades 10-12

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Fiction: Big Fat Manfesto

2008-06-05T16:26:00.000-07:00

Jamie is a senior in high school, and that means she's incredibly busy with school, extracurriculars, and - oh yeah - trying to change how the world looks at fat people. Jamie's sick of people thinking that she doesn't know she's fat, that she's ashamed of her size, and that she can't get a date. Nothing could be further from the truth! She decides to challenge her fellow students with a new column in the school newsletter, starring Fat Girl (that's Jamie) and her Big Fat Manifesto.

As her column raises all kinds of questions, so too, must she find her own private way in her world, with love popping up in unexpected places, and satisfaction in her size losing ground to real frustration. A great read that will challenge your preconceptions.

Fiction

Grades 8-12

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Fantasy: Powers

2008-06-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Ursula Le Guin is a master of fantasy, and it shows in this thoughtful novel. Young Gavir was brought up a slave in a comfortable and orderly upper class house. His world is founded on the trust between master and slave; one protects, one serves. But when war ravages the city and Gavir's beloved elder sister dies a tragic and unnecessary death, Gavir flees his masters and begins a dangerous journey into the unknown. Is he seeking freedom? Or his own people? Or the true use of his strange power of future sight? There is a complex interplay of trust, dependency and individual freedome in this book that will leave every reader questioning their own views.

Fiction

Grades 9-12

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Fiction: Duchessina

2008-06-05T16:20:00.001-07:00

Young Catherine de' Medici is the sole heiress to the entire fortune of the wealthy Medici family. But her life is far from luxurious. After a childhood spent locked away behind the walls of a convent, she joins the household of the pope, where at last she can be united with her true love. But, all too soon, that love is replaced with an engagement to a boy who is cold and aloof. It soon becomes clear that Catherine will need all the cunning she can muster to command the respect she deserves as one of France's most powerful queens. Readers will be awed by the detailed descriptions of opulent court life, and historical details abound.

Fiction

Grades 10-12

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Fiction: Sara's Face

2008-06-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

Seventeen-year-old Sara wants to be spectacular. Not just pretty, not just popular, but spectacularly famous. She is a borderline anorexic, purposely hurts herself, often adopts different personalities, and sees ghosts, among other things. When pop idol Jonathon Heat takes her under his wing, she crosses into a world of lunacy and cosmetic surgery to reach her goals.

An eerie Michael Jackson-esque figure, Heat lives on a wacky estate with a private plastic surgery theater and has undergone so many facial reconstructions that he's forced to cover his pieced-together face with a mask. After Sara moves into his compound, readers are led to believe that she will meet the same fate, or worse. Known for edgy, raw teen novels that pull no punches, Burgess certainly delivers his trademark sexual frankness, folding in the mature issues of body image, self-mutilation, and personality disorder.

Fiction

Grade 9 and up

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Fiction: H.I.V.E.

2008-06-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

H.I.V.E. is operated on a volcanic island in a distant ocean by G.L.O.V.E., a shadowy organization of worldwide wickedness. And, as 13-year-old master of mischief Otto Malpense soon discovers, here the slickest of young tricksters, thieves, and hackers have been brought against their will to be trained as the next generation of supervillains.

Otto and his friends refuse to be held prisoner at the institution and develop a scheme to escape from the island, but they must defeat the all-seeing computer system, a seemingly undefeatable assassin in black, and a giant carnivorous plant to succeed. Warner's first novel is a real page-turner; those who love superhero stories will eat it up and not want to put it down.

Science Fiction
Grades 5-8
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Fiction: Treasure at the Heart of Tanglewood

2008-06-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

This original and atmospheric fantasy by the author of the Darkangel and Firebringer trilogies introduces Hannah, who lives by the fearsome Tanglewood with a few talkative companion animals. Hannah doesn't age, and she has no memory of anything but this life of isolation. Once a month she plucks the flowers that grow from her head and brews them into a tea for the wizard who lives deep in the woods.

Hannah is an unusually compelling character: lost but self-assured, brave but deeply na‹ve. When she falls in love with one of the many knights who search for the treasure of the title, she begins to question the wizard's motives, eventually escaping his manipulative power and undertaking a quest to heal the knight, whom the wizard has transformed into a fox. The book loses momentum somewhat as Hannah begins her travels, largely because readers will be quicker than Hannah at piecing together the story elements. As the flowers in her hair grow unplucked, spring descends upon the land (which has been lost in an epic winter) yet she never guesses that, among other identities, she is the legendary Spring Maid of whom townspeople talk, the treasure all those knights were seeking.

Fiction

Grades 9 and up

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Fiction: Horowitz Horror

2007-08-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

Bathtubs dripping with blood, a monkey's ear instead of a monkey's paw, a cannibalistic chef looking for new ingredients, and a camera that kills the subject of its photographs are some of the elements in these selections. While the stories probably won't make most readers want to sleep with the lights on, they have their own brand of creepiness. Readers Beware!

Fiction

Grades 7-10

Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue!

Graphic Novel: 300

2007-08-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

From a master graphic novellist, the 300 is the historically based tale of the battle between the Spartans and the Persians at Thermopylae. King Leonidas is a true Spartan; he and his 300 dedicated warriors head off to certain death when they take a stand against the God King Xerxes' persian army of millions. This tragic tale is the story of their bravery and sacrifice, told in Frank Miller's trademark no-holds-barred style. This incredible book is kept in the adult graphic novel section because of the high violence and gore content; it's an amazing read, and is definitely my favourite graphic novel of the year.

Graphic Novel
Grade 10 to adult
Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue.

Fiction: Silverhorse

2007-08-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

In the country of Breda men are forbidden a home to call their own. They live as nomads, resting only at the mercy of the ruling women. Kats mother, Tess, the Maestra of Crowfoot Inn, is one of these powerful women and Kat has always known it is her destiny to follow in Tesss footsteps. But then one rain-swept night a scarred woman comes to Crowfoot riding an extraordinary silver horse and Kats world is turned upside down. From that moment on it is her burning ambition to become a Bredanaria keeper of the peace and rider of these magnificent creatures. But it isnt easy for a girl from the Vales to fit in at the Bredanari training academy in the big city. Worse still, Kat knows something which has put her life in danger. She has accidentally discovered the whereabouts of a dangerous outlaw known as Ermine. Now there are ruthless people who will do anything to keep her from revealing this secret, including leaving her unconscious on Hellhorse Mountain, where the beautiful but deadly stallions run wild.

Fiction
Grades 8-12
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Fiction: The Goblin Wood

2007-08-01T15:00:00.001-07:00

In this complex story, it's not always easy to tell the difference between good and evil. 12 year old Makenna's mother is a hedgewitch, and when the Hierarch announces that witchcraft is evil, her friends and neighbours murder her. Consumed with fear and a desire for revenge, Makenna flees the village and befriends a tribe of goblins. The goblins are feared and hunted, for they are magical by nature; Makenna uses her wits and growing witchcraft to lead them as they fight for their survival. A thought provoking read, and an exciting adventure for fantasy readers.

Fiction
Grades 6-10
Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue!

Fiction: Does My Head Look Big in This?

2007-08-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Australian 11th-grader Amal is smart, funny, outspoken, a good student, and a loyal friend. She is also a devout Muslim who decides to wear the hijab, or head covering, full-time. The story tells of her emotional and spiritual journey as she copes with a mad crush on a boy, befriends an elderly Greek neighbor, and tries to help a friend who aspires to be a lawyer but whose well-intentioned mother is trying to force her to leave school and get married.

Amal is also battling the misconceptions of non-Muslims about her religion and culture. While the novel deals with a number of serious issues, it is extremely funny and entertaining, and never preachy or forced. The details of Amal's family and social life are spot-on, and the book is wonderful at showing the diversity within Muslim communities and in explaining why so many women choose to wear the hijab.

Fiction

Grade 9-12

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Fiction: Ysabel

2007-08-01T14:26:00.001-07:00

Guy Gavriel Kay is a master of fantasy, and fans won't be disappointed with his newest novel, Ysabel. Ned Marriner is 16, and he should be elated to be on location with his famous photographer father. After all, he could be home in the States writing exams! Instead, Ned finds himself caught up in a series of increasingly bizarre events, starting with a weird encounter in the ancient cathedral at Aix-en-Provence, France. In the shadowy interior of the church, a very old story is beginning again. Ned and his new friend Kate are drawn into a conflict from long ago, where centuries-dead Roman legions and Celtic tribes cross the boundary from death back into life. The best part of this book is how the author weaves modern technology into the well researched and complex history of Roman times.

Fiction

Grades 11-adult

Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue!

Graphic Novel: Beowulf

2007-08-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

This classic norse epic gets an update in Gareth Hinds' compellingly dark graphic novel. Lavish full colour illustrations draw the reader into Beowulf's grisly battle with the monster Grendel, and the angular perspectives and rich, dark colour palette lend an air of foreboding to the book. Beowulf's further battles agains Grendel's horrible, lake dwelling mother is incredibly menacing, and the book's third and final chapter ends with the mournful tale of Beowulf's death at the hands of an enormous dragon.

This beautiful book is a must-read for fans of classic graphic novels, and will appeal to anyone who ever enjoyed tales of heroes and monsters. Not bad for a story that's over a thousand years old!

Graphic Novel

Grades 8-12

To check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue, click here!

Fiction: Twilight

2007-03-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer, is the best book I have read in a long time. I read its entire 500 plus pages in one (long) night, and when I was done, I couldn't wait to read its sequel, New Moon. Here's why.

Twilight is a vampire romance/thriller that tells the story of Isabella Swan. Bella moves from sunny Phoenix, Arizona to live with her father in the perpetually rainy town of Forks, Washington. She's pretty nervous about starting at her new high school, but nothing could prepare her for the strangely compelling Cullen family. Bella is immediately drawn to the mysterious and unreasonably gorgeous Edward, and she ignores him when he tells her that he is dangerous to her. Pretty soon, Bella has fallen hopelessly in love with Edward, he he with her.

But Edward is a vampire, and Bella finds out that he was serious when he said he and his family were dangerous. Although Edward swears he would never hurt Bella, there are other vampires who don't feel the same way. Somewhere in the middle of this book, the story changes from a heartbreakingly beautiful romance into a chilling tale of pursuit and terror. Bella is in mortal peril as the Tracker vows to hunt her down, and Edward is the only thing keeping her alive.

A highly recommended book, and the sequel, New Moon, is just as good! Watch for a third book, Eclipse, coming in August.

Fiction

Grade 10-12

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Short Stories: White Time

2007-02-26T14:05:00.000-08:00

Margot Lanagan has written a creepily disturbing selection of science fiction short stories in "White Time". The ten stories vary in length, but each story will unsettle you, and make you question the foundations of our beliefs. My favourite story was the first, for which the book is named. A future high school student finds herself dealing with the paradoxes of time travel when she takes a work-experience assignment; the descriptions of "white time", or the reservoir of time in which interplanetary travellers have become trapped, will make your skin crawl. A wonderful collection of stories for all readers.

Short Stories

Grades 10-12

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Fiction: Magic or Madness

2007-02-26T13:57:00.000-08:00

Magic or Madness, by Justine Larbalestier, is an exciting and mysterious start to a fantasy trilogy. Reason (yes, that's her real name) has been on the run with her mother, Sarafina, for as long as she can remember. Her mother has always told her that her gift for knowing things about people, for seeing patterns in things, is science; magic does NOT exist.

But when Sarafina ends up in a mental hospital in Sydney, Reason is forced to live in the house of the enemy; that is, her grandmother, the witch Esmeralda. Reason's hatred for Esmeralda starts to falter after a few days. In her beautiful, airy house, it seems like nothing could be dark, or dangerous. But then...Reason opens a door that should have remained closed. A wonderful magic mystery that promises to get better as the trilogy progresses.

Fiction

Grades 7-11

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Novel: Fairest

2007-02-12T16:13:00.000-08:00

From the author of Ella Enchanted and The Princess Diaries comes another fairytale fantasy about 15 year old Aza, who helps her family run their inn in the countryside.

Aza is bulky, akward and homely, so she is surprised when duchess invites her to be a lady's maid, and attend the wedding of the King. When the beautiful but deceitful queen discovers that Aza can throw her beautiful voice and make it seem as if others are speaking, Aza is drawn into a deception that could spell her ruin.

Aza must unconver her true heritage and learn her own self worth in order to set the court and the country to rights. A great book, though a little more serious than some of Gail Carson Levine's previous works.

Novel
Grades 6-12
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Novel: Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie

2007-02-12T16:07:00.000-08:00

Jordan Sonnenblick has written another winner in this novel about thirteen year old Stephen. Stephen is just a regular kid who plays drums in the All-Star band, has a crush on the hottest girl in school, and is constantly annoyed by his five year old brother, Jeffrey.

But when Jeffrey gets sick, Stephen's life is turned upside down overnight. Suddenly, he has to deal with overdue homework, his nonexistent girlfriend, his family falling apart, and, oh yes, Dangerous Pie.

This book is such a great read. It's horribly sad, hilariously funny, and extremely sweet all at the same time. And yes, you will have to read the book to find out what Dangerous Pie is.

Novel

Grades 7 and up

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Novel: London Calling

2007-02-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

Martin Conway is sleeping his life away, aimless and unhappy, until his grandmother dies and leaves him an antique radio that belonged to his grandfather. Suddenly, a boy named Jimmy appears in his room at night, and sweeps Martin back to London in the year 1940, during the Blitz. When Martin wakes up, he discovers that everything he saw was real, and that Jimmy's time holds a secret that is the key to saving his own life and a perfect stranger's. To save them both, Martin must unravel a mystery that has haunted Jimmy for over 50 years.

This book is full of historical detail and vivid descriptions of war-torn london. Readers of historical fiction and fantasy alike will appreciate the mystery and danger in this novel.

Novel

Grades 6-12

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Novel: Code Orange

2007-02-12T15:24:00.000-08:00

Mitty is a pretty carefree guy. He likes walking around New York City, listening to his ipod (especially in class) and he's not really worried about getting a good grade when his teacher assigns him a report on infectious diseases.

Mitty thinks he's lucky when he finds some old medical books at his family's weekend cabin. He opens one of the texts to a page on the virus Variola Major, and finds something extra; an envelope filled with dried scabs. Mitty thinks this is gross at first, but he quickly realizes that his medical research is no longer about getting a good grade...it's about life and death. This fast paced medical thriller will keep you up all night reading just to find out whether Mitty survives.

Novel

Grades 6-12

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Novel: The Ranger's Apprentice

2007-02-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

John Flanagan's novel is the first in a fantasy series about Will, Ranger's Apprentice. In this first book, Will finds out that although he has always wanted to go to Battleschool and become a hero, his apprenticeship will be to the mysterious Rangers.

With their dark cloaks and mysterious ways, the Rangers have always scared Will a little. Now, as he learns how to fade into the forest and track any animal that moves, Will discovers that his skills will be needed to fight a battle that may make or break the kingdom.

Novel
Grades 5-10
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Novel: Notes from the Midnight Driver

2007-02-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

Fifteen year old Alex Gregory made a mistake. He drank two pints of vodka, got in his Mom's car, and drove off to give his cheating, no-good dad the tongue lashing he deserved.

Unfortunately, he hit something enroute. No, not a person, not somebody's pet dog...just a garden gnome. Does he really deserve to be convicted of drunk driving? Alex doesn't think so!

The judge thinks otherwise.

This book is the hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking story of Alex, his best friend Laurie, and the friendship of a lifetime.

Graphic Novel: Nana

2007-02-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

Nana is Japan's most popular Shojo manga serial, and no wonder! Volumes 1-4 are now available in English, and they tell the story of two girls named Nana, who couldn't be more different.

Nana Komatsu is a flaky young woman who has just finished a star crossed affair with an older man. She decides to follow her friend Junko's advice, and just be friends with Shoji, a nice (and cute!) art student. When Nana's friends move to Tokyo to attend art school, Nana stays behind to work for a year. She wants to prove she can support herself, even though her friends think she's a silly flirt!

Meanwhile, high school dropout Nana Osaki is rocking onstage with her punk band, and offstage with Ren, her drummer and boyfriend. When Ren moves to Tokyo to take a recording contract, Nana O decides to stay in her small town and make it on her own. In book two, both Nanas decide it's time to make the move to Tokyo.

These books have amazing art. At first, the story sounds like a soap opera; as you keep reading, you will find yourself being drawn into the lives of these complicated and cool friends. I loved these books!

Graphic Novel

Grades 8 and up

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Nonfiction: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Slam Poetry

2006-12-15T09:47:00.001-08:00

For teens who want advice on attending, performing in, or organizing a poetry slam, this book is a great resource. From the basics right through to the nitty gritty details of booking a venue and marketing your event, The Complete Idiot's guide will show you the easy way. Check out the accompanying audio CD for some examples of real poets reading their work at slams.

Nonfiction

Grades 8 and up

Click here to go to the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue.

Nonfiction: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Slam Poetry

2006-12-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

Nonfiction

Grades 8 and up

Click here to go to the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue.

Science Fiction: Pretties

2006-12-13T15:14:00.000-08:00

This book is the middle volume of a trilogy by Scott Westerfield. In this sequel to Uglies, Tally Youngblood has all but forgotten her previous life as a teenage renegade. The surgery that made her and all her friends into physically mindless Pretties has made her content to enjoy a carefree life of pleasure...almost.

Tally can't shake the feeling that something is missing, so when a mysterious stranger from the Big Smoke gives her some pills that he says will "cure" her, she splits them with her boyfriend Zane. Her choice propels her and Zane into a headlong flight, as they discover that their beauty and life of pleasure come at a terrible price.

Science Fiction
Grades 7-12
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Fiction: Runaway

2006-12-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

Wendelin Van Draanen has written a diary-style book that tells you what it feels like to be homeless, alone, and on the streets...at twelve years old. Runaway Holly was placed in foster homes at age 10, after he mother died. After a couple years of getting pushed around in the foster system, Holly decides that anything must be better than being locked in her foster parent's laundry room every weekend with no food. T

his book follows Holly as she travels across the States to California on her own, evading the police and the dangerous people who want to take advantage of her. Holly is smart and resourceful, but how long can she survive on her own?

This compelling book will keep you up at night as you wait to find out whether Holly will find safety and, perhaps, a place to call home again.

Fiction

Grades 7-12

Click here to go to the Port Moody Public Library's Catalogue

Fiction: Breathe: a ghost story

2006-12-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

Jack has always had an affinity with the supernatural, people who lived long ago and whose spirits remain in this world. Following his father's death, he and his mother move to an isolated house. Instantly, Jack senses the presence of the previous owner. But he is soon aware of other spirits reaching out to claim him.

At the heart of the house is the Ghost Mother, who is long dead, but still mourning her daughter. In order to stay in the real world, she has imprisoned four children, all from different times and families. She has intercepted their passage from the living world to the afterlife and draws her strength by leeching their souls. Is it her intention that Jack meets the same fate? Or has she other plans for her latest resident?

Jack's encounter with ghosts leads him to the terrifying Nightmare Passage - a kind of purgatory to which spirits are violently, viciously condemned. His survival depends on his own powers, his understanding of the Ghost Mother's guilt, his contact with her dead daughter, and the resolution of his own grief. Breathe is a compelling stand-alone novel, not for the faint-hearted but immensely rewarding for its psychological depth and the literally breathless action sequences, the hallmarks of Cliff's writing.

Fiction
Grades 6-12
Click here to go to the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue.