Now You See Her

If you are looking for a thrilling book: Now You See Her by James Patterson is one of my favorites that I've recently read. I couldn't put this thriller down! It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more (I love that feeling!)  Anyway, it's about a woman named Nina Bloom who is a successful attorney and lives in NYC.  She receives a very interesting case and discovers that in order to prove this man's innocence she will have to put herself, her family, and her safety in jeopardy and uncover a secret she has kept hidden for two decades!  Check it out!

Sarah Plain and Tall

What a pleasant book!  I liked this story but did expect a bit more “drama.”  I thought it was well written and did enjoy reading the book and feel younger intermediate-aged students would like the story.  I feel students who have faced the trauma of losing a mother or parent will relate to the sadness this book portrayed in the beginning when the father is sad and no longer sings with his children.  The children get to experience their father coming to life after meeting Sarah and forming a bond with her.  Although I liked this story, I’m surprised it won the Newberry award as I expected more of a cliffhanger but suitable for a young audience.

Hunger Games

This summer I was preparing for my Adolescent Literature class at FGCU and read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Wow! What an intriguing read! I was hooked and couldn't put the book down.  The Hunger Games takes place in a Capitol city with twelve surrounding districts in rundown North America.  Each year, every district chooses one boy and one girl ages 12-18 to compete in the annual Hunger Games where they must fight for survival on live television.  This book follows a 16-year old Katniss Everdeen who lives with her mother and younger sister as she represents her district in the Games.

This book is book #1 of a trilogy which I haven't started but plan to read the other two books in the trilogy.  It is 384 pages and is for a more mature young adult audience as it does include some violence.  I certainly won't be reading this book with my third graders but would recommend this book to male and female students in grades 8 and up to check it out!