Sweet Tooth 11 - 15 by Jeff Lemire
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The Middle of Everywhere by Monique Polak
An interesting story set in the Far North of Quebec on the George River. Noah Thorpe is spending a semester with his father, who teaches at the local school, and living with the Inuit. TMOE was inspired by author Polak's visit to the region, and it shows in her detailed description of life in George River. The easy reading level paired with high school student issues makes this a perfect match for a reluctant or struggling older reader. Grade 8+
Flash by Michael Cadnum
Flash is an unusual story that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. Brothers Bruce and Milton set out to rob a bank and are disappointed in the results. In the meantime, siblings Nina and Carraway are looking for their own way to save their father's ailing business. When Terrence (Nina's boyfriend) witnesses Bruce and Milton burying something in the back yard, he alerts Nina and Carraway, who decide to profit from the brothers' carelessness. Underlying all the action is the financial crisis and its myriad repercussions. The Bay Area setting is richly detailed and the book's contemporary setting make this a singular reading experience. Recommended for reluctant readers. Grade 8+
z for zachariah by robert c. o'brien
Wow. Z for Zachariah was recommended as a Hunger Games alike by the young adult staff at Powell's books this summer, and I owe them big time! Robert C. O'Brien uses poetic spare prose to deliver a story that you'll want (and need) to read in one sitting. 16 year-old Ann Burden is the only survivor of a nuclear war. She's living on her family's farm and doing well, all things considered. Then a man in a green plastic suit shows up, and things get interesting. Told from Ann's point of view in a series of diary entries, this is a survival story par excellence, and will please fans of not only The Hunger Games trilogy, but of Cormac McCarty's post-apocalyptic tale, The Road, as well. Not to be missed. Incidentally, Robert C. O'Brien is the author of a childhood favorite of mine, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Another bit of trivia: he died before finishing Z, and his wife and daughter used his notes to finish the book. Grade 7+
Blood Ransom by Sophie McKenzie
Blood Ransom is every bit as exciting as its predecessor, Blood Ties. Rachel and Theo are living in different countries under a government protection program. They keep in touch via a weekly internet chat, but when Rachel misses a session, Theo gets suspicious. It turns out Elijah Lazio, evil genius mad scientist, is at it again, and this time he's after Rachel. Each chapter ends in a cliffhanger and you won't be able to stop turning the pages. Give this one to fans of Cherub. Grade 6+