The 39 Clues: Cahills v. Vespers, Book 3: The Dead of Night

By: Peter Larangis

In this third book of the "sequel series" to the original 39 Clues books, Dan and Amy are once again on the run.  However, now, instead of discovering clues, they must steal ancient and priceless treasures.  The infamous Vesper 1 has kidnapped multiple members of Dan and Amy's family, and is holding them hostage.  Dan and Amy must continue to follow all directions given by Vesper 1 or else he threatens to kill one of their relatives.

Mrs. Senechal says:
This book is a fantastic addition to the series!  It keeps the excitement and suspense that have made the previous books so great.  Even though Amy and Dan continue to succeed under extremely difficult conditions, the authors add great twists and turns to keep the readers on their toes.  I am very excited to continue reading this series!

The Hunger Games (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.

Aliens on Vacation

Aliens on Vacation
By: Clete Barrett Smith


"Scrub" is completely bummed that instead of spending the summer in Florida working on his basketball skills, his parents send him to Washington to stay with his Grandma who runs a bed and breakfast.  Scrub anticipates a boring little town with nothing to do, but what he gets is the "Intergalactic Bed and Breakfast" - an actual inn for aliens who have traveled to earth to spend their vacation!


Mrs. Senechal says:
This was a fun read!  The author uses good detail to create very interesting and likable characters.  Scrub has to endure some hilarious and embarrassing events while helping his Grandma run the inn.  If you like sci-fi, you'll definitely enjoy this book!

Fablehaven

By: Brandon Mull


Kendra and Seth's parents are dropping them off at their grandparents' while they go on a cruise.  Kendra and Seth are not excited especially when they arrive and their grandfather gives them stern rules to follow.  It doesn't take long before the two children realize that their grandparents live on a secret preserve for magical creatures called Fablehaven.  And, quickly, Seth's curiosity gets them in trouble.  Suddenly, spending a few weeks with their grandparents is a wild adventure!


Mrs. Senechal says:
At first, this seemed like a typical fantasy, but I soon found myself not wanting to put this book down!  The challenges and adventures that Kendra and Seth face are exciting!  There are some scary moments in this book, and the evil magical creatures do everything they can to take over Fablehaven.  However, I really enjoyed the author's descriptions and have already started book #2 in the series!  Special thanks to Chance for suggesting this series.

The Search for WondLa

By: Tony DiTerlizzi


Eva Nine has grown up with her robot mother in an underground Sanctuary.  All of her experience and knowledge of the outside world has been taught to her through holograms and computer technology.  Eva longs to meet other humans, and when their Sanctuary is attacked, Eva is forced into the real world.  Quickly, Eva realizes that the world is very different then what her computerized training had taught her.  Eva must rely on new friends who know can guide her through the dangers of her environment.  Eva also hopes that she is not the last human on this planet.


Mrs. Senechal says:
The concept of this story is very intriguing!  DiTerlizzi describes this new scenery and technology with detailed and unique vocabulary.  I enjoyed reading about the new creatures Eva encounters throughout the story.  Not only is this an excellent, adventurous story, it has an awesome website, too www.wondla.com!  Readers who have a great imagination will really like this book!

Raiders' Ransom

By: Emily Diamond


Set several hundred years in the future, this story tells what life is like after "the Collapse".  Lilly and her seacat fish the waters near what used to be London until raiders attack their village and kidnap the Prime Minister's daughter.  While attempting a daring rescue, Lilly meets Zeph, the raider chief's son.  As Lilly struggles to free the Prime Minister's daughter, Zeph tries to prove his worth as a raider warrior.  Throughout the story, the two have to decide whether they are friends or enemies.


Mrs. Senechal says:
It was fascinating to think of life in the future where many people view computer technology as evil.  I also loved how the author wove together the stories of two very different characters.  The story was exciting and suspenseful!  This book does contain some rough descriptions, and some students may find parts of the story too vivid.  In my opinion, it is a better choice for students in sixth grade and above.

Emily's Fortune

By: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor


All Emily has known is living in the quiet house of Miss Luella Nash.  Miss Nash only had one fault - she liked to drive her carriage fast!  This caused quite a tragedy when Emily's mother and Miss Nash went to town.  There was an accident, the carriage overturned, and the horse was the only survivor.  Emily's father had died years ago in a steamboat accident, and suddenly Emily is left with her tiny turtle, Rufus, and a stagecoach ticket to take her farther west to her Aunt Hilda.  On the way, Emily must hide from the "child catchers" and her mean Uncle Vincent.  Thankfully, an orphan boy named Jackson is there to help Emily on her journey.


Mrs. Senechal says:
This book was a fun, quick read.  Emily is a great character who starts off extremely quiet and shy but learns to be strong and stand up for herself.  On her stagecoach adventures, Emily meets lots of lively characters who make the story even more enjoyable.  I also liked the illustrations!  This book will appeal to anyone who enjoys the Wild West!