Wallace only tells the truth, a quirky habit which creates trouble when he is to report on the book "Old Shep, Old Pal" for his English class. He ponders, "Why does the dog in every classic book always have to croak at the end?" His report does not please his teacher, who orders Wallace to attend play rehearsals rather than his football practices until he can write a satisfactory report on the book. Coincidentally, the school play, directed by Wallace's English teacher, happens to be based upon this classic dog drama. Wallace and a unique cast of characters discover the meaning of friendship as the canine tragedy evolves into a rock-and-roll extravaganza through this quickly-paced tale of hysterical consequences which result from Wallace's refusal to lie.

Reviewed by Tricia B., South County Regional

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Maybe she was switched at birth. She doesn't have brown hair like a Shreves. She isn't brilliant like a Shreves. And, most importantly, she isn't thin like a Shreves. Virginia struggles through life feeling inadequate in a very big way. To make matters worse, her best friend moves to Walla Walla, Washington for a year leaving Virginia alone with Froggy Welsh the Fourth reaching up her shirt. But all of this changes with a single telephone call from Columbia University where Virginia's perfect brother attends school. Suddenly, Virginia must change the way she views the world or surely be crushed by it. This funny, hopeful story doesn't end with a thin and popular Virginia. Instead, it ends with the reader shouting, "Hooray!" for a real-life character.

Reviewed by Alyson B., Sugar Creek

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I loved this book! It has such rich sensory details, you feel as though you are standing right beside the characters, Bella and Edward, as they take their perilous journey through a not-so-average year in high school. Twilight is Stephanie Meyer’s first book and I can only hope not her last. This book is a must read for those that love a good romantic, suspenseful book.

Reviewed by Taylor L., Main Library

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I loved this book. I would recommend it to a friend who loved romance and vampires of course.
-Kenya, Charlotte,NC

I absolutely love Twilight! There are 3 more books in the series."New Moon",Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn."For all you vampire fans, P.C. Cast is a good author, too.
-Beth, Charlotte, NC

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From the outside Annabel Greene's family looks perfect, but in reality things have been pretty rough. Annabel's older sister Whitney has an eating disorder, which is disrupting the whole family, while Annabel is hiding a pretty big secret as well. Annabel hates confrontation and so she tries to make people happy - even at her own expense. Before summer break Annabel and her best friend Sophie got in a huge fight and now that school is back in session Annabel is having to face the consequences of not telling the truth about what happened. But, when she becomes friends with Owen, Annabel realizes just how much her secrets are costing her. Just Listen is a thought-provoking novel that shows the importance of standing up for yourself and really listening to people.

Reviewed by Jessica B., University City Regional

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Seventeen-year-old Cass McBride has been buried alive. Who would want to do such a thing to smart, popular, Homecoming Queen Cass, and why? College student Kyle Kirby, who blames Cass for his brother David’s death. When Cass is reported missing, Detective Ben Gray is assigned to investigate the case. The author alternates among Cass, Kyle, and Ben’s points of view throughout this fast-paced thriller. Tension mounts as Kyle begins to lose his grip on reality, Ben zeroes in on his suspect, and Cass fights for her life. Will Cass safely emerge from her early grave, or has her time run out? Read this suspenseful tale to find out What Happened to Cass McBride?

Reviewed by Erin N., Independence Regional

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Horowitz’s first book in the Gatekeeper series is sure to keep you at the edge of your seat. It tells the story of an orphaned English boy named Matthew Freeman. He is put into a juvenile rehabilitation program on a farm in the English village of Lesser Malling. Matthew is forced into a life of hard labor by Jayne Deverill. A sense of evil surrounds both the village and the farm. Matthew tries to runaway, but everyone who helps him mysteriously dies. He finally flees the village with the help of a journalist named Richard. Upon his escape, Matthew discovers his unique role as a gatekeeper. This tale is both suspenseful and captivating, but readers beware if you don’t like scary stories.

Reviewed by Amy L., Mint Hill Branch

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In a blinding flash of white light, the entire Marvel universe disappears, to be replaced by the House of M. In The House of M, mutants - formerly the oppressed minority - control the world. Humans are second class citizens, and Magneto and his family rule. In this new world, only a handful of people remember the old. Their task is to find why the world has reshaped itself and bring the old reality back. This is a daring reshaping of the Marvel universe, as it re-creates each Marvel character in turn and puts them in a new role in a new world.

Reviewed by Ian R., North County Regional

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“I pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the Safer States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one Nation under Law with Security and Safety for All.” Safety is of the utmost importance in the late twenty-first century, so when Bo is accused of starting a rash that infects the entire high school he is sent to prison. This prison is a pizza factory located in Canada and surrounded by hungry polar bears! Prison life can be hard and this one is no different unless you make the illegal football team. As Bo is adjusting to prison life, the artificial intelligence he created, Bork, takes on a life of his own. Just when thing’s can’t possible get worse, they do. Find out how Bo and Bork survive this crazy new world.

Reviewed by Angela A., Cornelius Branch

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Among alchemists, human transmutation is the worst possible sin, which brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric find out to their sorrow. In an attempt to bring their mother back from the dead, Edward loses two limbs and Alphonse’s whole body is taken, leaving him a formless soul trapped in a suit of armor. Now Edward works for the military and the two travel through a dangerous world, struggling to find a way to revive Alphonse’s body. Arakawa’s story is by turns heartbreaking, funny, and exciting. Her art has depth with no small details neglected and clear illustration of the action and the characters’ emotions. This first volume is a hit-the-ground-running introduction to a world of intrigue, power, and magic.

Reviewed by Snow W., Mountain Island Branch

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Tohru Honda is a homeless orphan, but she tries to always stay cheerful, despite her troubles. When Yuki Sohma, the handsome prince of her school, offers to let her live with him and his cousins in exchange for housekeeping, Tohru discovers that the members of the Sohma family are under an ancient curse. Her determination and love might be just what this troubled family needs to break free from the chains of tradition binding it together. Takaya’s extremely popular manga is drawn with a gentle romantic style that perfectly complements this sweet story, filled to the brim with friendship, romance, and the powerful pull of family ties and obligations.

Reviewed by Snow W., Mountain Island Branch

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A fantastic book for the outdoor enthusiast. This is a story of a 14-year old boy, named Peak, the son of avid mountain climbers. Peak lives in New York City with his mom and has taken to climbing skyscrapers. When that gets him into trouble his long-lost dad shows up and offers to take him back to Nepal for the summer. Dad seems to have an ulterior motive for getting Peak to Nepal. He wants Peak to be the youngest person to scale Mt. Everest, but Peak is competing against a 14-year old Nepalese boy. Who will summit Everest? A thrilling read that will leave you wanting more. A must read.

Reviewed by Susan K., South County Regional

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This potential classic, set in South Africa in the 90s, has made this reviewer an avid fan of YA lit. Indeed, the hilarious journal of a boy’s first year at boarding school is a celebration of reading; for the young man reads constantly. He is also hugely distracted by his oddball family, his apparently emotionally unbalanced girlfriend, a dream girl he meets while starring in the school’s production of Oliver, his classmates, and – of course – sex. The reader is challenged to get through any two pages of this book without laughing out loud. The one caveat is that this ain’t Tom Brown’s School Days: the language and preoccupation with sex is extreme – as it should be in a tale of newly pubescent boys.

Reviewed by Jim B., Main Library

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This book gives the reader a view into a world where the Pro-Life and Pro-Choice groups have come to an agreement. The abortion of a fetus is no longer legal, but when a child reaches the age of 13, if the parents choose to, that child can be unwound. Unwound, meaning their bodies are taken apart and harvested for replacement parts for adults and other children. If the child can reach the age of 18, by law, they can't be unwound. The story follows three unwinds on a journey to escape being unwound, and ultimately find a purpose for their lives that their parents so willingly gave away.

Reviewed by Amy H., Steele Creek Branch

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In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth of the seven book series, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the others return to Hogwarts to find a lot of changes. Their new DADA (Defense against the Dark Arts) teacher is Deloris Umbridge, the ministry insists that You Know Who is not really out there, and Harry’s scar is troubling him more than ever. To top it all off the fifth year is OWL year. Harry must also deal with the increasing loneliness that comes when over half the wizarding world thinks you’re crazy. Will his friends abandon him? How far will Deloris go to bring “order back to Hogwarts”? What will happen with Cho? And what is the Order anyway?

Reviewed by Elizabeth, Charlotte

This book review was submitted on-line by a Reader's Club patron.

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Experience the world of the flock, genetically enhanced teens that are 98% human and 2% bird. With wings, super strength, and raptor vision, they have set out to find if they have actual parents. Escaping from “The School” that created them but chased at every turn by mutant wolf-like Erasers, it all comes down to their leader Max and “The Voice” she hears in her head. This fast paced story is action oriented and entertaining. You’ll enjoy getting to know all of the bird kids and their discovery of individual special talents. Highly recommended for those that dream of flying.

Reviewed by Christie B., Independence Regional

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Bird-kids, nonstop action and a dash of humor. What more could you ask for? So good, you will spend hours with your eyes glued to the page.
-Summer Library Volunteer, Cornelius, NC

This book was really cool. I couldn`t put it down. This is a book about genetic experiments and being able to fly; that makes you wonder `is it really possible.` That makes my mind reel.
-Harold, Charlotte, NC

A fast-paced book about a `flock` of mutant children finding out about themselves and their origins.
-Taylor, Charlotte NC

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Kiriel, a Fallen Angel, aka demon, decides he needs a vacation from hell and “borrows” Shaun’s 17-year- old body. After all, even a demon should be able to take a break, right? And what more could you ask but to experience “sin”? Kiriel’s experience inside Shaun’s body more than lives up to his expectations: the sights, sounds, smells, and FOOD are amazing. But then there is Shaun’s brother, Jason, and his mother. What are they going to do when they find out Shaun is really dead? Kiriel discovers that being human isn’t just physical but there is a whole emotional side to deal with too. A fun, yet thought-provoking must-read.

Reviewed by Vera B., North County Regional

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Sixteen year old Thomas wakes alone in an elevator, no memories except his name. Suddenly the doors open and he is in a courtyard enclosed by four massive stone walls. Thomas is welcomed to the Glade by other boys who came before him also without memories. He learns the Glade is surrounded by the Maze, a vast area of mysterious doors, shifting walls and dangerous creatures. Thomas soon breaks the number one rule and finds himself in the Maze at night after those doors have closed. Can Thomas find his way out of the Maze, back to his memories, back to his life and home? Does he want to find what is waiting on the other side? Enjoy a fast-paced adventure which is just the beginning with this first installment of The Maze Runner Trilogy.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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The world has changed. The U.S. is now the Unified States, a totalitarian land enclosed by an invisible barrier installed long ago to protect against war. Nothing or no one can cross the country's borders; freedom has been compromised for national security. One particular area, the Line, has a dangerous reputation as it borders Away, a place rumored with bizarre creatures and superhumans. Rachel and her mother live near the Line. Everyday Rachel watches and wonders what's really on the other side. Then Pathik, a boy her own age, appears across the border. He needs help. Should she risk her life for another? What will she find on the other side? The cliff hanger ending answers these questions with more only to be answered in the exciting sequel, Away.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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When the mockingjay sings, everyone listens. Especially when that mockingjay is Katniss Everdeen, now the voice and the face of a rebellion. Panem is in chaos, the districts are rising up against the Capitol, and President Snow wants Katniss dead. Her defiance started the war, but now her courage must end it. The grief of so many casualties and sacrifices shadow her every action and decision. In an exciting, heartbreaking, and brutal race to the truth, Katniss aims and hits her mark to find truth and freedom. Suzanne Collins also hits the mark with this powerful and haunting conclusion to the Hunger Games trilogy. Regardless of Katniss`s choices in the end, fans will be satisfied and re-reading the series for years to come.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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Thomas and the Gladers may have escaped the Maze, but now they find a tougher challenge -- reality. Back in the real world, they find a world after the end: a wasteland devastated by sun flares, brutal climate changes, disintegrated governments, and deadly disease. Yet somehow WICKED is still in control, changing the variables and using the Gladers in more life and death trials which are deemed necessary for the survival of humanity. Yet, Thomas isn’t so sure any longer. He just wants to be free -- free from WICKED, free from the experiments, free from the horrors. Courage, friendship and loyalty are tested is this fast paced, action packed second installment of The Maze Runner Trilogy.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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Have you ever felt like you were crazy? Not just a little on the wild side, but certifiably crazy as in you see things that don’t exist or talk to the walls? Lucinda has felt this way since she was a little girl and first realized that not everyone saw the shadows that she saw. Her kind of crazy has followed her through life and now she is at a reform school because of her somewhat boyfriend’s suspicious death. When she starts having déjà vu around one of the kids at her new school, things really get weird. The shadows seem to be getting much stronger lately. When another student dies in similar circumstances, Lucinda worries that she may really be crazy.

Reviewed by Linda K., North County Regional

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All Kat wanted was a normal life. After Kat pulled off her biggest job, she was out of the family business. Or so she thought. When the headmaster’s car was found on the fountain, security cameras point to her as the culprit. Kat got kicked out of school. Her father is in trouble and they have a limited time to help. He is accused of stealing paintings from someone who is bad to the bone. Kat’s father didn’t do it; he was in another country. Kat and her friends can save him by stealing the paintings back. But the paintings are in the most secure building in the world. How can she and her friends pull off their biggest job in just a few short days?

Reviewed by Linda K., North County Regional

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Darn! Summer has just begun but Jason must go to Florida to help his dad with his grandmother's belongings. Jason had never even met his now deceased grandmother, Florida is hot, and his best friend is in Boston - BUMMER! But after a strange phone call leading to a hidden postcard, a thrilling nonstop adventure commences intertwining current life with an old magazine story. According to the magazine the author died after writing Chapter 1, but Jason is convinced there is more to the story. And is the bizarre story about his grandmother? Postcard clues of nearby locations lead Jason and his new friend Dia on a race with unknown felons to uncover family secrets. Intrigue grips the reader as you read this fast-paced story within a story.

Reviewed by Debbie G., Morrison Regional

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Imagine a world where love is considered a disease. Can you? For seventeen year old Lena, love is not only considered a disease but has a mandatory “cure” at age eighteen. Lena looks forward to her cure until she herself falls in love with an intriguing security guard, Alex. In this futuristic United States, not only is love destroyed, but the government controls other aspects of life, including personal freedoms. But not all citizens can endure these restrictions and seek dangerous existences outside this society. Author Lauren Oliver skillfully immerses the reader into this novel with a just right balance of dialogue, first person narration, and genuine characterizations. A spellbinding read to the very last page, embrace the adventure of Lena’s forbidden love!

Reviewed by Linda O., University City Regional

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Could you leave your world to travel 300 years into the future? Amy does just that. She, her parents, and others from Earth are cryogenically frozen cargo on the spaceship Godspeed, heading to the planet of Centauri-Earth. But 50 years before the scheduled landing, Amy is mysteriously thawed in a murder attempt. She finds herself among 2,312 passengers who are monoethnic, without free will, and under the rule of tyrannical leader, Eldest. While uncovering secrets that could jeopardize the ship`s original mission, Amy meets Elder, a boy her age who will become the ship`s next leader. Can they stand up to Eldest, saving the ship and its inhabitants? In the first of her trilogy, Beth Revis offers an exciting story of love and adventure that travels Across the Universe.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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Percy Jackson is back! The only problem is that he doesn’t remember anything about his past! Percy just vaguely recalls he has a girlfriend named Annabeth. Luckily, Percy finds himself at Camp Jupiter, a camp that is for Roman demigods. Percy is befriended by Frank and Hazel, who are both outcasts at camp. Frank and Hazel each have a secret they are desperately guarding. Soon Percy, Frank and Hazel are headed to Alaska on a quest to free Death, who was captured by giants, in order to stop the dead from leaving the Underworld. And they only have four days! How will they ever succeed? Here’s your chance to return to Riordan’s imaginative and amazing new series that’s filled with non-stop action and plenty of laughs!

Reviewed by Carrie M., Myers Park Branch

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Elena wakes up to an almost perfect world; her friends are safe, her beloved town in Virginia has been saved from evil and she still enjoys the love of one vampire, Stefan Salvatore. Readers were punched in the stomach when Damon Salvatore was killed in the last Vampire Diaries book and the love triangle shattered. The 6th installment of L.J. Smith`s popular young adult series The Vampire Diaries continues with new life in The Hunters: Phantom. But of course, they didn`t come back from the Dark Dimensions alone and it isn`t long before a new evil begins to harass the group and a new handsome visitor to town is the prime suspect.

Reviewed by Angel T., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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Take an average everyday teen girl dreaming of true love and add a magical compact and you get the graphic novel `Codename Sailor V: Champion of Justice`. We follow a peculiar girl as she discovers her true destiny in life. Through her confusion, humor, and stubbornness we come to like this character. She has a host of regular characters surrounding her and the most notable is a talking cat. (She`s not crazy, we are!) Fighting her way through silly and serious conflicts, we catch a glimpse into the life of a Japanese teen. If you are a fan of the popular anime series `Sailor Moon`, check out this never before told background story of the adored `Sailor Venus` of the series.

Reviewed by Angel T., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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Kat is not in the family business but not truly out of it either. She is still a thief, but now she has a higher purpose. She is returning items to their rightful owners. When she is approached by an elderly woman with a sob story about the infamous Cleopatra Emerald, it could be deadly. For this job, she will need her crew or at least some of them. There are only 2 problems. The first one is that family members have been forbidden to steal the Emerald. The second one is that the jewel is cursed. Tragedy has befallen everyone who has ever touched the Emerald. Can they pull it off and get the Emerald to its rightful owner, or will they be caught?

Reviewed by Linda K., North County Regional

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The town of Forks, Washington has never looked better in this retelling of the popular Twilight series. In Volume 1, we follow Bella as she navigates this seemingly dreary town. Why would you leave your sunny home in Phoenix, Arizona? Well when the mysterious Cullen family comes into play, particularly the handsome Edward, Bella stops asking herself that question. Between her quirky friends, her best friend Jacob and awkward relationship with her Dad, we truly get to know Bella. Emotions are tense at first but soon the love story develops between the "old soul" teenager and her vampire boyfriend. The visual detail of the graphic novel sheds a brand new light on this story loved by millions.

Reviewed by Angel T., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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It was a very moving book. It made me see things in a whole nother perspective.
-Shaunya, Huntersville, NC

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In volume 2 of “Twilight Graphic Novel,” we return to the town of Forks, Washington where Bella Swan and Edward Cullen are completely in love. In this volume, we get some background history on the Cullen family and find out just why they are `vegetarians` in the vampire community. Dating a vampire doesn’t erase normal teenager activities as Bella balances life with her Dad, homework, friends, and Prom! An innocent family game of baseball with the Cullens during a thunderstorm turns their world upside down and they are forced to think about a life without each other. This new version of the famous `Twilight` book by Stephanie Meyer is a delight to read and see!

Reviewed by Angel T., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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Late for school, tripped by a delirious cat, and failing MATH; this is the complicated life of teenager Usagi. The mysterious cat leads her to become a Champion of Justice in a sailor suit, thus `Sailor Moon` is born. She is given the mission to find the `legendary silver crystal` and the moon princess. As the graphic novel progresses, her `Sailor` team grows and her friends Sailor Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter join her in her fight to conquer the `Dark Kingdom`. Not only are these girls fighting energy sucking evil aliens, they struggle with the weight of homework, boys, and pesky family members. We are happy to go along for this fun and adventurous ride!

Reviewed by Angel T., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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Peek inside the pages of `Chopsticks` to uncover a mystery woven around two teens and the joy of reading a book through a set of pictures and notes rather than pages and pages of writing. The pages seem like someone`s personal scrapbook of mental notes, photographs, and mementos of a life. A fascinating tale of young teen love emerges and the unconventional storytelling featured in this book grabs you. Turning each page is a revelation and an unexpected turn of events has you glued to every page until the last. This fun read even has some online `treats` and mixed CDs that really make you feel like you personally know the young lovebirds. I highly recommended this book for those who like thinking outside of the book.

Reviewed by Angel T., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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What’s a girl to do when she has no VALENTINE?! Well, Mina aka `Sailor Venus` has little luck in love when we start this second volume of the `Codename Sailor V`. She soon swoons over a mysterious beau and she finds herself ready to take on the dark forces that threaten to drain the energy of her teenage friends. Not only is she trying to save Tokyo and subsequently the world from domination but she is trying to live a normal teenage life. Her faithful and witty guide, `Artemis` the cat, is still there to help but we soon find out that Mina can never be a normal. Sailor V recovers some vital information and she has to decide if her new love is her friend or foe.

Reviewed by Angel T., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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The Vampire Diaries series continues as the teenagers of Fell`s Church go off to Dalcrest College and as usual, danger surrounds them. The love triangle is renewed between the beautiful Elena Gilbert and the Italian brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Damon was resurrected in the last book and Elena continues to struggle through her love for both. Elena`s gal pals Meredith and Bonnie share a dorm room while their childhood buddy Matt discovers sports glory. Nefariously, students on campus start to go missing or are found dead, and a supernatural being is suspected. There are so many revelations and secrecy abounds; secret pasts, secret societies, and secret love.

Reviewed by Angel T., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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In the future, vampires rule and humans are nothing more than blood cattle. But as an Unregistered, Allie doesn’t have to give blood, but that also means she doesn’t have the protection and provisions that being Registered gives. One night, Allie finds a treasure trove in the Ruins- a basement full of canned food, but leaving she is caught by the Rapids. She’s nearly dead when a Master Vampire offers to turn her. Despite her hatred of vampires, Allie wants to live. She now struggles with the desires of a vampire as she searches for the key to save humanity. A very exciting story that is just book one in the new `Blood of Eden` series.

Reviewed by Jessica W., University City Regional

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Peter Friedman, star pitcher, ruins his arm the summer before his freshman year of high school and wonders how he will ever cope with the loss, let alone tell his best friend and pitching partner AJ that he won’t be playing baseball anymore…ever. After a bumpy start, Pete’s freshman year starts to improve as he gets closer to Angelika, the cutest girl in his photography class, but life is still throwing curveballs. While he struggles to prepare for the inevitable talk with AJ, Pete also worries about his grandfather’s increasing bouts of forgetfulness. Will Pete fess up and stop keeping secrets or will he strike-out with everyone he cares about? Sonnenblick’s honest character-driven novel will have you crossing your fingers for a homerun.

Reviewed by Tracy P., Independence Regional

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From high in his crow`s nest Matt Cruise, a teenage cabin boy on a luxury airline, the Aurora, spots a crippled hot air balloonist and manages a fantastical, mid-air rescue of the injured man in the basket, while the dying man mutters about beautiful flying creatures. Matt befriends the feisty, curious Kate, who wishes to find these mysterious creatures. From start to finish, the interesting characters, the unexpected plot twists, the suspense and the detailed encounters with pirates and “cloud cats” makes this fantasy air adventure, a page turner that readers will not put down. Set in an imaginary past of giant airships, readers will feel they are cruising on the Aurora. This is a 2005 Printz honor book and ALA Noteable book winner.

Reviewed by Gay Ann L., Independence Regional

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Kristin Cashore returns to the Seven Kingdoms in her third novel. Eight years after the events in Graceling, Bitterblue is trying to rule a kingdom deeply damaged by her father, King Leck. She grows restless behind the mounds of paper her advisors push in front of her and she sneaks out to see her kingdom for her own eyes. This first rebellion leads to others as Bitterblue discovers that secrets are kept by many people, some of them kept by her most trusted friends. To help heal her kingdom, Bitterblue must discover exactly how deep the wound is that Leck created. She will need new friends and allies when she no longer knows who to trust. And whether she trusts him or not, she will also find love.

Reviewed by Kristi M., Mountain Island Branch

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In his fast paced novel, John Green creates relatable characters with big hearts and believable dialogue. High school student Quentin Jacobsen has a crush on his neighbor Margo Roth Spiegelman. One night, Margo appears outside Quentin`s bedroom window. Together the two spend an unforgettable night driving around Orlando, Florida. The next day Margo disappears leaving clues to her whereabouts that only Quentin can decipher. The search for Margo leads Quentin and his friends to explore an abandoned strip mall, attend crazy high school parties, traverse half-built housing subdivisions, and take a road trip. While their journey is a physical one, readers of Paper Towns take an emotional ride learning about friendships and identity along the way.

Reviewed by Leanda G., University City Regional

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This fast-paced novel is told in first person voices. Trina is the girl who believes she is beautiful and is an artist. Is she really “all that”? Dominique is the basketball player with the rough reputation. What is behind her issues? Leticia is the girl who witnesses the “incident” between Dominique and Trina. Will she speak up? Readers will have to form their own opinions about the teen girls through their words, actions, and attitudes. This is a “day in the life” story of three very different girls as they roam the halls of their school, with one of them unaware of what may happen to her after school.

Reviewed by Jeanenne R., Steele Creek Branch

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A brilliant piece of neo-noir fit for fans of mystery or casual readers, this novel is short at only 158 pages, but comes through with an intensity in every sentence as the life of Driver (in the best tradition of spaghetti westerns, he has no name) unfolds for the reader. Well crafted, non-linear storytelling creates a character study more than a straight mystery, as the past, present, and future for this fascinating character unfolds for the reader. If you saw the 2011 movie staring Ryan Gosling, it is different enough that the novel is well worth your time, but still true to the character and feel of the James Sallis original. The first thing this reviewer did after finishing was place a hold for the sequel: Driven.

Reviewed by Jonathan W., Morrison Regional

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Duncan is serving time at his summer job in the transit system lost and found. It’s boring and tedious. Day after day he sorts and fetches lost items – junk, mostly. One day he comes across a new addition - a book - and he decides to read it. It’s disturbing. The book is a diary in which the owner has documented his crimes. They start small, but quickly escalate to diary entries and newspaper clippings of mutilated animals and arson. Soon, Duncan finds that the diary owner has tired of small crimes; he’s now on the hunt for the most dangerous game - people. Can Duncan stop this killer before it’s too late? This is a great fast-paced suspense/thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Reviewed by Jessica W., University City Regional

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In this nail biting, edge of your seat sequel to the thriller Ashes we meet Alex again. Alex survived the Pulse that killed all electronics and turned teens into bloodthirsty cannibals. But she didn’t change the same way those teens did. Now what she thought was a brilliant escape from a cult like insular survivor community has become the fight of her life. The town of Rule has been feeding these cannibal teens and now Alex has been captured by them. Thinking she is in for a pain filled but immediate death she finds that her captors are much smarter that anyone has imagined, and they keep her alive. Can Alex manage escape, all the while planning how she will rescue the people she cares for most?

Reviewed by Jessica W., University City Regional

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Dead bodies all around, the rain battering down from above, and you have no idea who you are. The words `the body you are wearing used to be mine...` cycles on a loop in your head, and you curse the stars above. That scenario begins Daniel O`Malley`s debut novel,The Rook. Myfawny (think Tiffany) Thomas begins her life in the rain and starts her fight for answers. Her path is complicated by the fact that she is a secret British operative with enormous supernatural powers that she does not understand, and someone is obviously trying to kill her. This page turner will have you chasing the sun and the moon as Myfawny discovers all the dangerous mysteries of her life!

Reviewed by Angel T., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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Thousands of miles traveled, and thousands more to go before reaching the planet Centauri-Earth. But now the ship Godspeed is no longer moving. The engines are failing, and the crew is on verge of rebellion as food and supplies are almost gone. Elder has assumed leadership of the ship, but at 16 years old, he struggles with being fair and just while forced to be tough and unpopular. With Amy by his side, he desperately searches for answers. While racing to save themselves and the 2,312 residents onboard the ship, a larger mystery unfolds. Startling secrets and lies hidden for generations are uncovered. Romance, chaos, and a cliff-hanger ending will keep fans on the edge anxiously awaiting the next installment in the Across the Universe series.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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The ship Godspeed has finally arrived at Centauri-Earth. Amy and Elder are desperate to leave the ship and see their new home. But first, they must deal with the chaos between the ship’s 1,456 passengers, or Shipborns, and the military personnel, the Earthborns who are slowing returning from frozen animation. Both groups have conflicting missions in their attempt to colonize this new world. Unfortunately, this new world is not the paradise they all expected. Giant pterodactyl-like birds, poisonous plants, abandoned and unexplained ruins are just a few dangers encountered. But more dangerous are the other two-legged creatures inhabiting the planet. The colonists are not alone; an alien race is watching and waiting. All answers are finally revealed in this exciting conclusion to the Across the Universe series.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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Denim and Dre are the ideal picture of teenage puppy love. Growing up together as friends, it was just a matter of time until they fell in love. Denim`s parents are quite concerned about the relationship and when they voice their concerns, it only pushes them closer. These two headstrong teens take you on a ride throughout their early stages to the ultimate test of their love. When Dre mysteriously disappears, Denim is left feeling lost and confused. Unsure of how to handle it, she starts lashing out and not caring about the consequences. Young adults who enjoy the dramas of high school will enjoy this book and the entire series.

Reviewed by Candy H., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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