All around the world, children are kidnapped and forced to do terrible things, all in the name of something they don’t believe in, or understand. Jacob is a fourteen year-old boy living in Uganda; he is smart and attends an all-boys school with his friends. One night, he and his friends are kidnapped and forced to act as rebel soldiers. Can Jacob kill like he is supposed to? He must decide between death or survival, but can he live with his actions later? If he escapes, what will happen when he gets home? The art work is very moving, as is this fictional story that is similar to tales of children from around the globe who are abducted and forced into rebel armies.

Reviewed by Maeve C., University City Regional

Add your comments about this book

Locke Jenkins wants to get on with this life, even though that life began 260 years ago and was spent mostly in a small black box, just his disembodied mind and his thoughts. Now with a new body, Locke can start over with best friend Jenna. But first he must escape his fanatical creator, Dr. Gatsbro, with help from the Network. Such help comes with a price, or “Favor,” forcing Locke into the dangerous world of the Resistance, an underground movement to aid the disenfranchised and create a new government. Locke must decide his role in this new world, and his feelings for Raine, the daughter of an enemy of the Resistance. With danger, romance and adventure, Fox Forever is a satisfying, yet bittersweet, ending to the series.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

See more titles featured in Books for Teen Book Clubs

See more titles featured in End of the World: Teen Post-Apocalyptic and Dystopian Fiction

Add your comments about this book

London and Zach were as close as siblings can get having spent most of their childhood in third world countries with their missionary parents. What happens when the family is torn apart by tragedy? London’s family faces such a situation when her brother Zach commits suicide. London, her mom, and her dad each deal with their grief in very different ways. London drifts away from the friends she once had and withdraws from society. A chance meeting with the new boy leads London to question her feelings and forces her to confront some hard truths. Can London make peace with her brother’s death and perhaps discover some happiness?

Reviewed by Angela A., Cornelius Branch

Add your comments about this book

Victoria has always known what the future would hold: she will become Queen of England upon her Uncle’s death. As a future ruler, one would assume that Victoria would have some control over her life. That is not the case. Her mother is very controlling restricting her daughter’s access to court and forcing Sir John’s strict guidelines upon her. Her mother and Sir John will stop at nothing to gain power including finding Victoria a husband. Will Victoria be able to choose her own husband and rule England as she sees fit? Discover how Victoria became one of England’s greatest rulers.

Reviewed by Angela A., Cornelius Branch

Add your comments about this book

Jason calls himself Freak. He’s an alphabet (an alphabet meaning that he is a schizophrenic – SCZI) and his best friend, Drip, has ADHD. Life is hard for them because of bullies, but soon it is much, much worse. Sunshine, their best friend who is extremely shy (diagnosed as SM), has gone missing and everyone is blaming the Freak—Jason. Can he convince his friends, parents, and the authorities that he is innocent? Can he convince himself? The reader will battle along with Jason as the demons in his mind keep his memories clouded and negative. This book is riveting, and gives you a hero like no other. Will Jason ever be able to beat his mental illness?

Reviewed by Maeve C., University City Regional

Add your comments about this book