Category Archives: highly recommend
Peaceweaver – Rebecca Barnhouse
The historical fantasy setting is 6th century Scandinavia and the scene of constant fighting between the clans. Hilf is the niece to the Scylfing (Swedes) king and is prone to spells of hyper-adrenaline when she skillfully uses her sword to kill … Continue reading
A Million Suns – Beth Revis
I reviewed the first book in the planned trilogy, Across the Universe, in October 2011. A Million Suns continues the story with new and somewhat reluctant leader, Elder, facing a mutinous crew now that they are off the pacifying drugs. … Continue reading
The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure – Martin W. Sandler
I cannot begin to improve upon the summary provided by the publisher, so I will not try. The synopsis from the publisher: In 1897, whaling in the Arctic waters off Alaska’s coast was as dangerous as it was lucrative. And … Continue reading
Starters – Lissa Price
We’ve got another bleak future in store. This time, civilization has been ravaged by germ warfare. Only the youth and the elderly are vaccinated and survive. The elderly have been surviving quite nicely, living well into their 100s. But there … Continue reading
Dying to Know You – Aidan Chambers
This story hit me like a breath of fresh air right from the beginning. A stream of back and forth dialogue is used at the start of the book and is employed heavily throughout the novel. This approach made me … Continue reading
Code Name Verity – Elizabeth Wein
This book is amazing and intense. The story follows two young women and their involvement in the British war effort during WWII. One is a pilot, the other is a spy. The story opens in Julie’s voice. She has been … Continue reading
Wonder – R. J. Palacio
Wow. I’ve been sorting through everything I’ve read lately, trying to narrow down the reading list for my school next year. Wonder will be on the list. Auggie was born with severe craniofacial deformities. He’s had twenty seven surgeries. He … Continue reading
Blood Red Road – Moira Young
This dusty, gritty young adult dystopian novel is a fast 459 page read. The pages flip very quickly because the story is told in short sentences as the thoughts of Saba, the tough twin of her brother Lugh. Future Earth … Continue reading
Froi of the Exiles – Melina Marchetta
Finnikin of the Rock is one of my favorite political fantasy books and I have listed it under the fantasy tab. I was thrilled to get the galley for the sequel, Froi of the Exiles. It is highly recommended to … Continue reading
Slide – Jill Hathaway
Slide will be a big hit in the young adult market. Twisty mysteries are always good and this one has a unique way of delivering the clues, the pieces to solve the mystery. Sylvia (Vee) suffers from narcolepsy. When she … Continue reading
The Night She Disappeared – April Henry
Wow! Another book by April Henry that does not disappoint. Kayla is out at night making a pizza delivery and does not come back. Her panicked co-worker, Drew calls the police. It looks like the abductor initially targeted Gabie, another … Continue reading
Ruby Red – Kerstin Gier
A family with a time travelling gene eagerly anticipates Charlotte’s first time travel excursion. Only a few people throughout the generations have inherited the gene and it was foretold that Charlotte would be the next so she has spent her … Continue reading
In Darkness – Nick Lake
I finished this book several days ago and it still lingers with me and will for some time. More than lingers, it haunts me. In Darkness weaves together two time periods in Haiti’s tumultuous history and is told through two … Continue reading
The Mighty Miss Malone – Christopher Paul Curtis
Mr. Curtis’s newest has award winner written all over it. Set during the Depression, we become one of the Malone family, facing their heartaches, struggles, and joys. The story opens in Gary, Indiana, where the family is intact, but very … Continue reading
Legend – Marie Lu
Legend is receiving a great deal of publisher publicity and deservedly so. The formula is the same as in so many young adult dystopian novels: oppressive government creating a bleak existence for the masses and teens are the catalyst for … Continue reading
YA Lit Ramblings 
You must be logged in to post a comment.