Fighting Ruben Wolfe by Markus Zusak

Cameron and Ruben Wolfe see despair and little hope in their Australian working class home; their father out of work, mother doing domestic labor, and their sister getting a reputation for "getting around." The boys themselves are not held in high esteem, hanging out at dog races, and sparing in the back yard, each wearing a single boxing glove. At school, a bloke makes a comment about their sister, and Ruben beats him to a pulp. Word gets around, and when arriving home from school, the boys are greeted by a tough-guy with an offer: come and fight in an illegal boxing syndicate and make some money. Ruben is wanted for his fighting ability, and Cameron, because he will illicit sympathy tips for his inability to fight. Both sign on, and "Fighting Ruben Wolfe" takes on a double meaning....
This is far more than a story about brothers who box. This a story about brothers with a strong bond, and deep affection for each other and their family. The writing is simple, street-wise, and poetic. This book is the second of a trilogy, but Markus Zusak's (The Book Thief) first book to be released in the U.S. You can now find the entire trilogy published as one title called Underdogs, also available in the Reed library. This is an outstanding read.
Reed Reads Score: 4.5

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

From the author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret comes a new novel, that from the moment you open the cover, you know that this is something very special. While using the same illustrative technique as Cabret, Wonderstruck is different because it uses the illustrations to tell one story, and the text another. The pictures tell the story of Rose Kincaid, a young girl growing up in 1927, Hoboken, New Jersey. She is a lonely girl, who seems to be obsessed with a movie star of the period. The reader quickly learns that she is deaf, hates her tutor, and escapes from home by her bedroom window. The text tells the story of Ben Wilson a young boy growing up in 1977, Gunflint Lake, Minnesota. His mother, the town librarian, has recently passed away, and with no knowledge of his father, is staying nearby with his aunt. He has avoided going back home, but a light in his mother's house draws him back in. Here, as he reminisces in his mother's room, he discovers clues about his father, leading him to New York City to find him. The journey causes Ben to discover what friends and family really mean, and how intertwined our lives can be.
Reed Reads Score: 5

No Passengers Beyond this Point by Gennifer Choldenko

The Thompkins kids, India, Finn and Mouse, have been placed on a plane by their mother, as their home has been repossessed, and they will stay with their Uncle Red in Denver, as their mother finishes teaching her classes in California. Fourteen year old India is gorgeous and typically self-absorbed and influenced by her friends. Finn, the middle child, is cursed with constant worry, and takes his responsibility seriously. Mouse, the youngest, is bright beyond her years, scientific and questioning, supported by her invisible friend, Bing.
As the plane experiences severe turbulence, the plane lands, the children disembark, and find themselves in a strange world called Falling Bird. "No, Toto, this isn't Kansas," as this Oz like world provides them with everything they wished for, except for the one thing they need; each other. As the people of Falling Bird try to tempt and lure them to earning citizen status and a life without conflict or worry, each child eventually realizes that they need family more than anything, and attempt to escape this wacky, illogical world. A fun, but predictable read.
Reed Reads Score: 3.5

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

In the near future, off the Gulf coast, Seventeen year old Nailer is part of a light crew whose mission is to strip old oil tankers of their valuable copper wire. Life is bitterly cruel, with little to live on and survival is dependent upon your personal will, wits and strength. Nailer's father is a sadistic drug user who is heartless and murders at whim. Nailer almost loses his life, when a crew mate abandons him after he falls in a pool of oil. Nailer faces another near death experience when a hurricane hits, and he decides to put his own life in danger to save his father. Following the hurricane, he discovers a ship wrecked cruiser, which has the promise to make him wealthy. While scavenging on board, he discovers the body of a teen-aged girl. Ready to cut off her fingers to take the gold surrounding them, he discovers she is alive. Torn if he should kill her, and take the bounty surrounding him, or save her, Nailer flashes on his own brush with death, and decides to spare her. He learns that the girl, Nita, is the daughter of a wealthy shipping company owner, and is being pursued by enemies of her father. The unlikely pair...a dirt poor crew member, and a wealthy "swank" form a relationship that is unlikely, yet compelling as they must escape their pursuers...Nailer's father and the enemies of Nita, who want her as a pawn to gain control of her father's wealth. A fascinating read, combining a violent dystopian world, with the strength and importance of trusting relationships.
Reed Reads Score: 4.5

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

You may remember Doug Swieteck from Gary Schmidt's Wednesday Wars. Doug is now the main character, in another warm Schmidt novel that takes place in the 70's. Doug is angry, and has good reason to be, with an abusive father, a cruel brother, and forced to move from Long Island to a small town in upstate New York as he enters the eighth grade. He hates his new town, he hates his new school, but finds solace when he visits the library where he discovers a book by James Audobon, and his beautiful illustrations of birds. The librarian, Mr. Powell, takes the time to teach Doug how to draw like Audobon. Doug is able to make parallels from what he sees in the drawings to his own life, which creates the organization for the book (each chapter is named and illustrated by one of the drawings from the book). Told in Doug's voice, you meet Lil Spicer whose friendship with Doug allows him to work for her father's grocery store, making grocery deliveries to people in the town, some of whom Doug gets close to. You will be angered and frustrated with Doug's father, his brother, Principal Peattie, and Coach Reed, but be uplifted by the others that support Doug in overcoming the adversity he faces. This book is touching, and will bring tears from the hurt Doug must confront, and joy from the support of those that care for him.
Read Reeds Score: 5

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

In the second installment of The Maze Runner trilogy, Thomas and the surviving Gladers, must now endure an Earth scorched by solar flares and ravaged by the Flare; an epidemic, causing insanity. Now infected by the virus, Thomas and the Gladers are promised a cure, but only if they survive a trek across a landscape ravaged by scorching heat, unpredictable weather and populated by Cranks, people infected by the virus, and whose insanity causes them to behave in unpredictable ways. Thomas and Theresa, the girl with whom he has telepathic communication, are separated and Thomas must find her, before time runs out and before he reaches the destination that WICKED has promised will provide them passage to the Flare's cure.

The Scorch Trials is clearly the "middle book" of the trilogy...it moves the story along, none of the questions are answered, and many new questions come into play. Why was there a parallel maze, populated by girls and one boy? Why has Teresa disappeared and seemingly become the enemy of the boys? Why is WICKED investing so much in this experiment? The answers to these and many other questions lie in the third and final installment. In the meantime, the Scorch Trials leave the reader with no resolution, and a somewhat ungratifying reading experience. I compare this to Catching Fire, the second installment of The Hunger Games trilogy...it just leaves you still hungry, wanting more.
Reed Reads Score: 3.5

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Thomas can only remember his name. He finds himself alone in an elevator, and then greeted by a group of boys. Thomas must acclimate himself to the Glade; a community closed off by walls and inhabited by a group of 60 boys. The boys have created their own society, where each has a specific role for survival; farmer, butcher, cook. The most honored role is that of maze runner, for outside the walls lies a labyrinth which maze runners have attempted to document to figure out an escape. The problem is that the walls move. The walls surrounding the Glade close every evening to protect the 'Gladers' from the horrible beasts that lurk outside at night. Thomas makes a connection with another recent arrival, Chuck. He also has a connection with Theresa, a girl that appears in a coma, with a note revealing that things are going to change. We learn, as Thomas learns, about the boys of the Glade, how their society works, and what Thomas' real purpose is.

If you enjoyed Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, though not as strong, you will most likely enjoy The Maze Runner for its mystery, adventure, and the will to survive. There are no real answers in this first of a trilogy.
Reed Reads Score: 4

Morpheus Road: The Black by D.J. MacHale

Spoiler Alert: This review contains spoilers for the first book in the series! The Black is the second installment of the Morpheus Road trilogy. Here, the voice of the narrator switches from Marshall Seaver, to Cooper Foley, Marshall’s best friend who is killed in book one (Morpheus Road: The Light). Most of the plot elements from the first book are retold from Cooper’s point of view. The plot goes further in this telling explaining what the Morpheus Road is… a middle world where one confronts one’s life and contemplates the good and the bad, before moving on the road or being condemened to the Blood. As Cooper learns to navigate his new world and existence, he meets his deceased grandfather, a young girl, an evil and powerful warrior called Damon, and Marshall’s mother (who's death set everything in motion).  Cooper is determined to fight the earthshaking mayhem caused by Damon, whose goal is to dominate the world of the afterlife as well as the living, who is responsible for Cooper’s death, and who is haunting of Marshall Seaver (which occurs in book one). I didn't enjoy The Black, as much as The Light, as it is not as fast-paced, nor as scary. Still, and entertaining read, and looking forward to book 3: The Blood.

Reed Reads Score: 3

A Million Shades of Gray by Cynthia Kadohata

A story of inhumanity, humanity and survival in the jungles of Vietnam, shortly after the Americans pull out of Vietnam. Y'Tin is now 13, but has been an elephant handler since the age of 11. He loves his elephant Lady, whom he treats with a courage and compassion uncommon to the other elephant handlers in his village. His village is attacked by the North Vietnamese, and Y'Tin is captured, separating him from his family and beloved Lucy. He witnesses horrors and cruelty but escapes to search the jungle for his family and Lucy, while trying to avoid being re-captured or killed. A good novel, that will help make students aware of the Vietnam War, it's horrors, and the courage and hardships the Vietnamese people faced, though the commitment and love that Y'Tin and Lucy have for each other is what really drives the story
Reed Reads Score: 3.5

Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

Rigg has lived his life trapping furs with his father. His father has trained him well for the wild, the world, and a special talent that only Rigg possesses; he is able to see the paths taken by people of the past. There is only one path he cannot see, and it is that of his father. His father is unexpectedly killed by a falling tree, and on his return from the forest, Rigg witnesses a young boy in danger. As he attempts to save him, a figure from the past, occupying one of the many paths Rigg sees, suddenly appears and prevents Rigg from saving the boy. The boy dies, and the boy's older brother, Umbo, accuses Rigg of killing him. With the town enraged, Rigg takes refuge with one of his father's friends, where he learns of a message and artifacts left by his father. It is decided that Rigg must leave to escape the town's rage, and get answers to the message left by his father. As he leaves, Umbo admits to Rigg, that he lied, and to keep the blame and his fathers rath away, he wants to leave with him. Umbo and Rigg are very different, but they discover each other's power, creating a symbiotic friendship between the two. Their journey is filled with adventure as they try to get answers to the mystery left by Rigg's father. This is a must-read, fantastic tale that intertwines intergalactic space travel with a story of unusual powers and royalty.
Reed Reads Score:5

And Then There Were None by Agatha Cristie

Ten travelers, all strangers, have all arrived on Indian Island for a vacation. There are just two things that they all share. First, they don't know the hostess/host. The second, is that they all have, to say the least, a murky past. After they all are settled, they witness some strange things happening. One by one, they're being killed off. In the duration of just two days, they are all dead. The only people who are innocent, are those who are dead. For who can kill when they're already dead?
And Then There Were None was a page-turning novel. Well, at least two-thirds of it. At first, you might think this book is boring. Sure, at the beginning, you start wishing you had never picked it up. For me, I had to make myself remember the back flap and how cool it sounded, to make me forge ahead. You must too. As soon as the first murder takes place, the ball starts rolling pretty quickly. I'm not much into creepy books, but this one oddly enough didn't kill me with fright. In it, you're dealing with psychologically twisted people who are scared out of their wits, sleepy, hungry, and wide-eyed with desperation for life and suspicion. Most of all, they're all haunted by their past. Agatha Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime." I have to agree that she is an exquisite writer. There are so many puzzles and she keeps you on your toes. The ending leaves you intrigued, struggling for more information, and grasping for more answers.
Reed's Read Score: 3.5

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Twelve-year-old Abilene Tucker has been left by her father in Manifest, Kansas under the care of an old friend named Shady, as he works on the railroads in 1936. Abilene finds the town curious, but boring...until she finds a cigar box, filled with mementos and letters. Who is this spy called Rattler? Who are the letters from? What is the significance of these objects? And, why did her father leave her here and what is his relationship with these people? The mystery is what drives this story that is told in two time periods, Abilene's present, and the period of the mystery person's box, World War I.

Honestly, I didn't enjoy the book's start. It was a too sweet, rural America, historical fiction. Then the story grew on me and I realized the simple apple pie I was reading was far more complex than it first appeared. This is a story that you savor slowly; one that gets more interesting as it develops, and brings a huge reward at the end.
Reed Reads Score: 4

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

The peaceful planet Lorien is attacked by vicious Mogadorians. The planet will soon be destroyed, but before total annihilation, nine young Gardes, each accompanied by a guardian adult, their Cepan, are blasted into space. The Gardes will travel light-years to a planet called Earth, where they will disperse, and, with their Cepan, will develop their powers so they can defeat the Mogadorians and return to their home planet. A special protection is placed upon the nine Gardes. Each are numbered, and can only be destroyed, if killed in numerical order. The Mogadorians have followed them to Earth with the intention to kill the Loriens and then complete their mission by destroying Earth. One, two, and three have been killed. Now it is number four's turn. Number four, John, with his Cepan, Henri, have currently settled in a rural Ohio town, where he will meet his first love, Sarah, an arch-enemy, Mark, and a nerdy friend, Sam. Little do they understand, and little do they know...they are about to fight the battle for their lives.
Strong plot moves this story forward in this thrilling science-fiction. I am looking forward to reading the soon to be released sequel,  I Am Six.
Reed Reads Score: 3.5

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Mariller

Have you ever heard of the twelve dancing princesses? Once upon a time, there were twelve princesses, regular ordinary princesses. The only thing weird about all of them was that every morning, their father would find broken shoes. Yet, they hadn't made any noise in the night or left their bedrooms. What was happening? 
The princesses were going to a different world, a world where they danced every night. Wildwood Dancing is somewhat like that. Every full moon, Jena and her three sisters cross into a fairy world, existing parallel to their own. These little crossovers go on through out Jena's childhood. Suddenly, when she turns 17, her world is turned upside down. Her father far away on business, becomes fatally ill. Her nosy cousin is trying to kill everything magical, as well as woo her, and take over her life. Her older sister, Tatianna, has fallen in love with a sort- of soul-less human. A vampire is trying to make her his victim. And, there is much more. To set everything right, Jena and her frog Gogu must journey farther then they ever have into the magical world and into their own past. I really enjoyed this book and have read it over and over again. There's much detail and it is enchanting. It's not your average fairy tale book. It takes place in Transylvannia and is very cultural. It's not stereotypical at. Unlike most books with fairies, they don't make them out to be perfect. Also, the villain is not who you think it is. Altogether, this book is wonderful. And for those who were wondering, there is a sequel with Jena's sister, Cybele's Secret. 
Reed Reads Score: 4.5

I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak

First it was The Book Thief, and now I am the Messinger. Markus Zusak has quickly become my favorite author. I had a very deep, personal connection to Messenger. The writing is extraordinary, but more than that, its message is one that will make you look deep into yourself. "...sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are." It is a message that simply says you can be more, you can make a difference; it doesn't take much, the little things count.
The story centers around 19 year-old Ed Kennedy. A slacker whose life centers around driving a cab, playing cards with his three friends Ritchie, Marv, the love of his life, Audrey, and living with his smelly companion, his dog Doorman. Ed's life takes a turn when he and Marv are caught in a bank robbery, and Ed by happenstance becomes a hero by catching the robber. A few days later, a playing card, the ace of diamonds, appears in his mailbox with three addresses written on it. What is he to do? Who is behind this? Why Ed? Each story, the colorful cast of characters, and your connection to Ed will mesmerize, surprise, humor, and touch you in ways you will not expect. Mature content, violence, and language make this (sadly) a read for mature readers.
Reed Reads Score: 5

Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai

Eleven year old Fadi's family is escaping the turmoil of the Taliban in Afghanistan. In the chaos of their escape, Fadi's younger sister, Miriam, is left behind. This nightmare torments each member of the family, as each blames themselves for the loss of Miriam. Emigrating to San Francisco, Fadi's family tries to adjust to life in America, while continuing their search for Miriam. Fadi sees an opportunity, when the grand prize to a photography contest is a trip to India. He will join the photo club at school, win the prize, and find his sister. All does not go smoothly, when the attack on the World Trade Center, creates tension and bullies take revenge on Fadi.
      The story is simply told, providing background information needed to understand the situation. I would have enjoyed more depth to the story, perhaps including Miriam's experience to parallel Fadi's.  It is still a decent read, and I enjoyed the warmth and affection between Fadi, his parents, older sister, and extended family... a testament to the strength of family.

Read Reads Score: 3.5

Morpheus Road: The Light by D.J. MacHale

Marshall Seaver is a 16 year old geek who's summer plans with his best friend Coop are destroyed when Coop gets in trouble and is sent away for the summer. Marshall's mom was recently killed in an earthquake while doing a photo shoot in eastern Europe. Traveling the world, she often sent Marshall "stuff" from her travels. One was a mysterious glass ball, for which Marshall was clueless as to its purpose. One evening, after a heated argument with his father, Marshall throws the ball against his bedroom wall. It bursts into pieces, sending a blood like liquid all over. Moments later the liquid disappears, and strange things start happening. His friend Coop mysteriously disappears, strange patterns appear out of nowhere, and he gets a horrifying visit from a character that Marshall created in his art class named Gravedigger. This is the beginning of Marshall Seaver's nightmare, one in which he tries to find his friend Coop, while being hunted by forces with powers beyond his imagination.
          I'm not a fan of horror, nor does anything I read really scare me, BUT The Light, first in the Morpheus Road series is really creepy, and will send a chill to those that scare easily. It is a wild roller coaster ride of continuous mysterious events that will leave you exhausted.

Reed Read's Score: 4 

Wonderland by Tommy Kovac, Illustrated by Sonny Liew

Wonderland is a graphic novel that spins the original story off from a minor character named Mary Ann. Mary Ann is the white rabbit's house maid who is at first confused for Alice. In this telling, she is off to work, but late so she attempts a short-cut, landing her in the court of the Queen of Hearts. From here chaos ensues, leading Mary Ann to many of the familiar Wonderland characters; Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, and even a reciting of Jabberwocky. I have never read the original, and it was obvious to me that much of the humor is lost as a result. I think readers and fans of Lewis Carroll's original will enjoy it, but others may find it confusing. It is rare that I read a graphic novel (the other being Amulet), so it was difficult for me to adjust to the format, so I can lose myself in the story. The illustrations are highly stylized and add depth to the story.
Reed Reads Score: 3

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

It took me three years to read this book. It called to me, but it was too long. Didn't have the time. A month ago my daughter read it. She told me a bit about it, said it was a bit unusual and disconcerting for her. I finished my last book, had nothing around to read, so I picked it up. I've just finished it and write this with tears. This is one of the most brilliantly written books I have ever read. Period. It is a story, narrated by Death, of a little German girl, growing up in Nazi Germany. She finds life in words, and in the people around her who are both heroic and demonic. Not really a holocaust story. Not really a WWII story. This is a human story told from the German side, one we rarely read. Not all students will be ready for this book in middle school, but it is one that all of you should eventually read.
Reed Reads Score: 5

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

Eighteen-year-old Ben Wolfe is entering his senior year in high school. At his annual physical, it is discovered that he has an aggressive blood disease and has less than a year to live. He declines treatment, choosing to live as "normal" a last year as he can. Ben decides that he will keep his condition a secret and orders the doctor not to tell anyone. He determines that he will live his senior year fully by going out for football, dating one of the most attractive girls, challenging his teachers, and befriending the town drunk. He is close to his brother, has a loving father, a coach that is supportive, but his mom is manic/depressive and often isolated. In his dreams he talks to Hey-Soos for support and clarity. Things go extremely well for Ben, but he is constantly questioning his decision to keep his condition from those he loves the most. If you have read Crutcher before, you will be familiar with the sports/family/relationship theme, and of course, there is a therapist to help Ben sort things out. An interesting read, but not as good as Whale Talk or Staying Fat for Sarah Burns. Crutcher doesn't sugar coat the situation. For mature readers because of content and language.
Reed Reads Score: 4