By: Pseudonymous Bosch
If you choose to read this book, you will know secrets that could put you in danger. But, if
you are brave enough, you will become part of the team trying to protect the secret from many enemies. Cass and Max-Ernest find out quickly that trying to solve a magicians codes will lead to great adventures and great dangers. Their adventure begins by finding the "Symphony of Spells" and leads to spying, kidnapping, and more!
Mrs. Senechal says:
Thanks to Nick, Ella, and Will for encouraging me to read this book! The mystery will draw you in to the story from the beginning! The author does a great job of telling you just enough information to make you more curious about what will happen next. I will definitely continue reading the series!
By: Shannon Hale
In the sequel to The Princess Academy, Miri, Peder, and several other girls from Mount Eskel have the opportunity to travel to Asland, the capital city. While there, the girls will stay at the castle and help prepare for Britta's wedding, Peder will apprentice with a stonecutter, and Miri will be able to attend school. While there, Miri finds out about a brewing rebellion hoping to help provide for the poor. However, this new cause will force Miri to make some difficult choices.
Mrs. Senechal says:
I was so glad to find a sequel to the original book! The author does a great job of describing the city of Asland and contrasting it with what the characters are used to in their simple village on the mountain. I really enjoyed the many tough issues that Miri had to think through, and it reminded me that many challenges are more complicated then you might realize. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Shannon Hale!
By: Brandon Mull
Jason is back home after his first experience in Lyrian. Life is not the same, and he can't stop wondering what is happening to Rachel and his many other friends there. Jason returns to the zoo hoping a portal will open and take him back - and it finally does! Once he arrives and eventually reconnects with Rachel, they begin to see the possibility of defeating Maldor will take more then they ever imagined. They find that there is a slim hope based on a complicated prophecy, but this requires Jason and Rachel to split up and face almost insurmountable odds to take down Maldor. These books complete the Beyonders series
Mrs. Senechal says:
I purposely waited until book #3 was available before I read book #2! I couldn't bear to be left in such suspense as I was after book #1! I was thrilled as the story continued through many other parts of Lyrian, and fascinating new characters were added. There were many surprises as characters showed their loyalty or betrayal. In my opinion, the world and characters created by Brandon Mull in this series could be used in many other books!
By: Cuthbert Soup
As suggested by the title, this is the third and final book in the series. The Cheeseman family has been heroically trying to use the LVR, a time machine, invented by Mr. Cheeseman, to go back in time and rescue their mother before she is poisoned and dies. In this book, the three children and their father get stuck in "sometimes" - a world that changes location and time right before their eyes. They see civil war soldiers, dinosaurs, the Grand Canyon, and a blizzard within just a few hours. Then, the Cheesemans meet a relative from the future who may have the technology to help them leave "sometimes", rescue their mother, and save their family.
Mrs. Senechal says:
Picking up the tale told in the first two books, this story continues the funny adventures of the Cheeseman family. I love how the author includes characters from the past, present, and future. There were also great twists and turns in the plot that I hadn't expected. The best part about this book is that the author retells how he became part of the Cheeseman's story! The worst part is that this is the last book in this series.
Book 4 by Roland Smith
Book 5 by Linda Sue Park
Amy and Dan continue to do the bidding of Vesper One, but only because he holds seven members of their family hostage. At least they have added Atticus and Jake to their team. Unfortunately, there is still trouble at every turn, and each time they think they have accomplished something, Amy and Dan are met with a new challenge.
Mrs. Senechal says:
I've been holding off reading these books because every time I finish one, I can't wait to read the one that follows. So, with a snow day following a weekend, I thoroughly enjoyed reading these two! As you can expect from this series, the suspense and adventure never slow down. I love the detail that goes into each historical item or new city they visit. And now, Book 6 - here I come!
By: Jeanne DuPrau
Lina and Doon succeeded in taking the people of Ember above ground, but nobody realizes how different life will be. After walking for several days with few supplies or food, the people of Ember come to the town of Sparks. While both groups of people want to work together to help each other survive, they find it very difficult. Where should the people of Ember live? How do the two groups share food and resources? These three books tell the story from both before Ember was founded and into the future beyond their time with the people of Sparks.
Mrs. Senechal says:
After reading the first book, I just had to find out what was going to happen! I love that all four books give you different pieces of the story. Sometimes you are reading about the past, sometimes it's current, and you get to hear the story from many points of view. These books also made me think. It is tough to get along with one another, but these characters remind me of the good that comes from cooperation. Thanks to my sister, Katie, for recommending this series!
By: Suzanne Collins
Those who live in the capitol city live in luxury, but those who live in the outlying districts live in poverty. After the districts tried to rebel, the leaders created an annual event called "The Hunger Games". A boy and a girl, chosen at random, from each district were required to compete in this battle-to-the-death, televised event. The main character, Katniss Everdeen, lives in District 12. Her father was killed in a mining accident, and Katniss must hunt to provide food for her family. When her younger sister's name is chosen for "The Hunger Games", Katniss immediately volunteers to take her place.
Mrs. Senechal says:
To begin with, I would not recommend this series for students below sixth grade. This series was suspenseful and intense - I could hardly put the books down. The characters and setting are very well described - there are similarities to our current lives, but vast differences as well. The author really brings up tough topics about life and death, relationships, and standing up for yourself in others in extreme situations. The books can definitely lead to some deep conversations, too. The stories are phenomenal, but are more appropriate for older children and adults.
Those who live in the capitol city live in luxury, but those who live in the outlying districts live in poverty. After the districts tried to rebel, the leaders created an annual event called "The Hunger Games". A boy and a girl, chosen at random, from each district were required to compete in this battle-to-the-death, televised event. The main character, Katniss Everdeen, lives in District 12. Her father was killed in a mining accident, and Katniss must hunt to provide food for her family. When her younger sister's name is chosen for "The Hunger Games", Katniss immediately volunteers to take her place.