The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

The City of Ember is an interesting book. This book is about a town that was built underground (there is no explanation of why it was built underground, but my sources say the third book in the series let's you in on the secret). This town has never known blue sky, the moon, sun, grass, etc. Lately in their town of Ember things have started to shut down and break. The food supply is getting lower and they are starting to have more blackouts (their city is run on electricity, which no one understands). Lina and Doon decide that there has to be a way out of this town, there must be something else out there. These two teenagers embark on a journey to find a way out of their dying town. A very fast and fun read...I am even looking to read the sequel!

Black-eyed Susie by, Susan Shaw

If you liked reading "A Child Called It" you may just want to pick up this book. This book discusses a mom's abuse to her daughter. The book does not focus on the abuse (although you learn of some as you read along) but instead on Susie trying to recover at a mental hospital. Susie has made herself believe that if she does not eat, talk, or move that it will make her mother happy! This book has very small chapters and is a very fast read. As a reader I found myself cheering on Susie's recovering and hoping that other family members would step up and open their eyes to the truth of the mother.

Maxx Comedy by Gordon Korman

Maxx Comedy is about a student who thinks he is a stand up comedian and tries his hand at winning "The funniest kid in America" contest. He sends in his demo tape and is given an audition spot. Now the only problem is trying to practice in front of a willing audience and trying to make it to his audition on time. Trying to get to the audition turns out to be more funny then his comedy act. If you are looking for a light hearted quick book to read (no sadness, no huge adventure, no mystery) then Maxx Comedy has your name on it!

Nobody's Princess by, Esther Friesner

Wow if you like mythology then you will love this book. This book tells the story of Helen of Troy before the Trojan War. This book shows her growing up and off to her own adventures. She is a girl but does not enjoy doing "Womenly" tasks. She would rather be off fighting with swords against her brothers then stitching by the fire. This book has it all, weddings, war, adventures, and of course all the gods in Olympus. This book will suck you into the intriguing life of Helen. However, this book does not end it continues on to a sequel called "Nobody's Prize" which will not come out until April.

Beastly

Oh how I love fairy tales!!! This story is based off of the fairytale of Beauty and the Beast. It is set in New York and a private high school. Kyle is the type of kid that every girl would like to date. He is tall, blond, and beautiful! The only problem is Kyle is ugly on the inside. Kyle is constantly making fun of other students for their looks, until the day is makes fun of the wrong girl. This girl is a real true witch. She decides that Kyle's outsides should reflect his insides (ugly). So she turns him into a hideous beast! Not even his own father wants to be seen with him now. Kyle has 2 years to try and break the curse and the only way to do that is to get a girl to see past his hideous features and to love him for who he is, not what he looks like. This is easier said then done. This fairytale takes place now and has chat rooms and all...so don't miss it!

The Rag and Bone Shope by Robert Cormier

Wow, what an interesting book. I did not even know this author existed. This author has been banned from libraries for his negative description of adults in his book. This book dealt with a 16 year old boy named Jason. Jason was the new kid in town and did not have a lot of friends. He befriends a 12 year old girl next door. After an afternoon of putting together a puzzle and then returning home, Jason awakes to discover that the girl was murdered and he was the last one to see her alive. Jason wants to help the investigation, but what he doesn't know is that he is their prime suspect. Interrogator Trent is sent in especially to help Jason confess to the crime. However, Jason is innocent. Read to find out what happens. It is a quick read!

Freaky Green Eyes By, Joyce Carol Oates

Wow to this book. It was not what I expected. I felt like I really got an inside look to separated or divorce families. It is a world that not everyone can understand (and I must say that I do not). It was hard to read and comprehend how the dad could lie to his children to turn them against their mom. Then to see the kids in the book turn on their mom because of the lies the dad told. It really made me stop and think what some home life situations might be like at home. I would encourage anyone to read this book...boy or girl! I think it is great!