Pop by Gordon Korman

Gordon Korman’s newest young adult novel Pop does not disappoint and asks readers big questions about what it means to sacrifice ones body for the love of the game. Enter, Marcus Jordan a die hard football buff and high school player who has just moved to up state New York in the dead of summer. He realizes being the new kid is not easy and is disappointed when his local high school team who had an undefeated record last season has little to no interest in bringing in someone new…even if they are pretty great!

To make matters worse Marcus is being sought out by Alyssa who is not only the hot head cheerleader but also Troy’s (the head quarterback) on again off again girlfriend who is making it near to impossible for Marcus to score some extra points with the team. On the flip side there is one crowning jewel in this transition and that comes in the form of a middle aged man by the name of Charlie. Charlie is just if not more enthusiastic about football than Marcus and meets him in the local park randomly to go through football drills. Marcus likes hanging out with Charlie and appreciates the moves/hits he creates. As a matter of fact, Charlie’s off the field practices are having a positive affect on Marcus allowing him to improve on the field and be noticed by his team and coach!

The only problem is Charlie does not seem to have a grip on reality. He is constantly calling Marcus by the wrong name, likes to play pranks, and acts like a teenager. Something that Marcus cannot quite wrap his mind around seeing as he has never met a grownup like Charlie before…

Gordon Korman’s newest addition is gripping and does not skip a beat. Readers cannot help but be drawn into Marcus’ world and want to know the truth behind Charlie’s strange appearance and actions. Seeing as this is not your traditional “new kid on the block” story readers will come to appreciate what Korman has created and will understand that although this book is very much about football it is more importantly about the relationships we make throughout a lifetime and the consequences that will come when making the right decision. Honestly, another enjoyable read that both middle and high schoolers should not miss.

Witch Child by Celia Rees

The year is 1659 and fourteen-year-old Mary is a witch! As a matter of fact she comes from a long line of witches but when her grandmother falls under suspicion and is put on trial the results are devastating. Now, an orphan Mary has no one to turn to till a friend of her grandmother’s decides to take her under her wing. The only problem is she does not provide the type of guidance Mary is looking for and soon finds herself with a one way to ticket to Salem Massachusetts.

Luckily, Mary befriends an elderly woman on the unbearable boat ride, someone who is just as lonely and looking for a companion. Mary jumps at the chance realizing that it is imperative that she hide her true identity. Staying close to others will make it easier for her to blend in and the more she gets to know this woman and her friends the more Mary feels like an insider and is able to call Massachusetts home. But, many do not like the idea of a newcomer and cannot forget that they do not know Mary’s past! And, as the winter gets stronger and their lives get harder the more they questions Mary’s abilities and her original origins.

Celia Rees’s witchcraft tale reads like a diary allowing readers to come in tune with not only Mary but also her long journey overseas and the necessary strength it takes to create a village from virtually nothing. Mary’s overall journey and diary is extremely detailed and readers have to come to terms with the fact that the Puritan times did not offer a lot of excitement or entertainment. Readers’ looking for magical spells or sorcery should read elsewhere seeing as this is a historical piece remaining not only true to the times but also the strict Puritan rules that made it easy for villagers to be falsely accused. I think this is a perfect read for those studying the time period or who are interested in learning more about the Puritan era and how strict and manipulative it was for those who struggled to fit in.

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

In Wildwood Dancing Juliet Marillier reflects traditional fairytales using adventure, feats of strength, and most importantly difficult decisions with a fairy portal twist that brings myth and legend alive in a time when such mysteries seemed plausible in the deep, dark wood.

Jenica, the second oldest of five sisters being raised solely by their father since their mother’s death narrates this story but plenty of supporting characters abound. She explains that her sisters have a secret; one that passes at midnight with every full moon when they head into the Wildwood to cross a portal that leads them to a Fairy Kingdom. The girls have been traveling this portal for years and have made another world filled with dancing and friends that have been one of their favorite childhood activities.

But, when Tatiana, the oldest and most well rounded sister decides to fall for someone only accessible in the Fairy Kingdom their childhood secret and future is threatened seeing as they will have to decide which “world” gives a better chance for these star crossed lovers to survive. Of course Jenica and her sisters do not want their older sister to leave for fear that they will never see her again but they also do not like the idea of her dark beau wondering through their world. They know that her family and the local villagers are very superstitious and any changes or strangers may bring danger and with their power hungry cousin lurking around Jenica fears that he will discover their secret and close the portal forever.

Marillier’s fantasy is full of magic and never ending drama since Jenica’s sister is not the only one with a love interest. Even though this story stems from the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairytale it is clear that Marillier has created a story uniquely her own (vampires included) which is refreshing when it comes to a rewrite. Jenica’s situation and love complications are at times predictable seeing as it is easy to see how this fairytale ends but for those that like historical pieces with a twist (in this case a magical one) Wildwood Dancing is sure to please. Perfect for both middle and high school readers.

The Mystery of the Conjured Man by Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin

Ozzie, Wiggins and the rest of the Baker Streets Irregulars are back again to help Sherlock Holmes solve his newest case. When Elsa Hoff’s wealthy Aunt Greta dies suddenly during a séance where the ghost of the elderly woman’s late husband was supposedly summoned, the young suffragette is instantly suspicious.

When Holmes brings in the Irregulars, the boys quickly discover that the teenage medium, Konstantine, is really a fake. But knowing a fact and proving it are two completely different things and the boys are going to have to use every trick in the book to save Elsa. Even getting help once again from Pilar and her mother.

An excellent follow-up to The Fall of the Amazing Zalindas, though it does suffer from the same problem in that the mystery is not as much of a challenge as it should be. However the book still makes for a good introduction to the mystery genre for younger readers, as well as the original Sherlock Holmes stories.

The Dying Breath by Alane Ferguson

As the assistant to the coroner, its Cameryn Mahoney’s responsibility to help both the police and the medical examiner solve unexplained deaths. But in the events of The Angel of Death Cameryn became the target of a murderous sociopath… her ex-boyfriend, Kyle.

Now Kyle is back and has been leaving gruesome love notes for Cameryn, with a few dead bodies. The deaths, however, are completely unusual. The victims all appear to have suffocated, but their lungs are full of a strange gel. And as if her very own stalker wasn’t enough, Justin; a Deputy Sheriff and a good friend; has finally made his own feelings about Cameryn very clear. It’s going to take all of Cameryn’s intelligence and wits, and the help of everyone she holds dear, to find the answers and stop Kyle O’Neil for good.

For those who may have been a little disappointed with the previous book, Circle of Blood, this sequel helps to make up for it. The bright, independent, fiery-tempered Cameryn is back. The mystery is perhaps not as solid as the others, with most of the focus on the characters, but the mystery buffs should catch the clues pretty quickly.

Journey Through Fire by Maya Snow

After searching for so long, Hana and Kimi are finally reunited with their mother and little brother, Moriyasu. Since the battle at Sagami, the family has been in hiding in an inn in a small village. When their Uncle Hidehira’s soldiers decide to search the inn, the girls hide with their mother and brother in a crawl space, but Kimi can’t stay hidden when the soldiers threaten to take the innkeeper’s young daughter. The soldiers set fire to the inn, and both Hana and Kimi are burned trying to save the little girl.

The four then take refuge in a monastery full of warrior monks, hoping to have enough time to let their injuries heal. While there, their mother begins petitioning the Shogun for help in retaking the family title and lands. Granted an audience, the family must now make their way to court, where the privileged live on in ignorance of how the poor starve around them. Kimi having lived on both sides has difficulty fitting in and wants nothing more to be out on the battlefields with a sword in her hand. But court can be as dangerous as any battlefield and the girls will have to find someone they can trust…

This third book in the Sisters of the Sword series was a definite improvement from the previous volume. The author’s use of Japanese words and terms to starting to feel more natural and flows better with the rest of the book. Even the subtleties of life in the court of the Shogun felt reasonably realistic. Fans of the series will find themselves eagerly anticipating the next book.

Seven Paths to Death by Dorothy Hoobler

When an injured man and his dead attacker are found floating in a rice field during an important seasonal planting ceremony, Seikei and his foster father, Judge Ooka, are asked to stop in the small farming village and look into the matter.

The injured man has some odd tattoos that Judge Ooka believes may have contributed to the attack on him. There are three small numbers on his hand spelling out ‘yakuza’ and an elaborate tattoo across his back resembling part of a map. Back in Edo Ooka and Seikei come to realize that there are more men with these odd back tattoos, seven in total. But standing in their way is the mysterious ninja known as Kitsune, who has been tasked with returning the maps to their owner, even if it means killing the men who wear them. And just what does the map lead to and why is it so dangerous?

Like the previous books in the series, Seven Paths is a decent enough mystery, but not a terribly difficult challenge for most readers. Also as with the previous titles the research is a bit flimsy, so anyone looking for historical accuracy might find themselves a little bit disappointed. Still for struggling readers, this series might be a good bridge into more difficult books.

Queste by Angie Sage

The fourth book in the Septimus Heap series once again delivers the wonderful and amusing characters Angie Sage does so well. Twelve year old apprentice wizard Septimus Heap has been back in the Castle for sixth months since the events of Physik and with the Glass broken his older brother Nicko and the Northern Trader Snorri are still trapped 500 years in the past.

Things have been settling down in the Castle, but Septimus has been hard at work trying to find clues to help get Nicko back. When the ancient alchemist Marcellus finally remembers the location of some notes and a map that Nicko and Snorri left in his care, Jenna and Septimus finally have the clue they need, a possible location for the House of Foryx, a place where all time meets and they might just be able to bring the two home.

But their plans are put on hold, when Merrin Meredith, who used to be known as Septimus Heap, shows up again to cause trouble for the real Septimus. He’s joined forces with the malevolent ghost of the very first Chief Hermetic Scribe, Tertius Fume, who delights in aggravation and harm he can cause to the wizards of the Castle. With Fume’s help, Septimus is sent on a Queste, a traditional test for apprentices who have completed their training. Problem is, over the years not a single apprentice who has been chosen for the Queste has returned alive.

As usual, this direct follow up to Physik provides Sage’s fun style of storytelling and quirky characters. The series is a definite must read, even for older readers who might be interested in lighter fair.

Kip Campbell’s Gift by Coleen Murtagh Paratore

It’s back to Clover, Massachusetts and the home of the Campbell family. The Campbell’s have run the funeral home in town since 1875, but Christopher “Kip” Campbell, next in line to inherit the family business, would rather not having anything to do with the family business.

But out of all the Campbells, Kip may be the one most suited to working in a funeral home. In addition to his tasks as the outside man by taking care of the yard and directing traffic during services, Kip can also hear the voices of the newly departed. But in particular, Kip only hears the ones who have unfinished business, something that troubled them in life that they were unable to resolve. And it’s Kip’s job to pass along their messages.

The payoffs have been pretty good so far, but when the school bully’s mother suddenly passes nothing could make up for the amount of trouble that’s about to come Kip’s way. Between the new rumor that Kip “talks” to the dead and Golden’s Funeral Home trying to knock the Campbell’s out of business, making it to Halloween might be harder than Kip thought.

Second in the series, Kip Campbell’s Gift makes for a good light read. With wonderful family interaction, and the Campbell family’s obvious respect for the deceased and their families, despite the very nature of the family business the books also manage to provide very uplifting and positive stories.

Lucky by Rachel Vail

Phoebe Avery is excited about entering high school if only because she will no longer be the left out sister since her two older siblings are constantly talking about classes, new friends, and what it means to be older. But, this separation has not been all bad seeing as Phoebe has the four best friends a girl could ask for and have decided to end this chapter of their middle school lives by throwing a party that no one could forget.

The only problem is the more the five of them plan the more they want and a party that was meant to celebrate their classes achievements has snowballed into a formal affair with personalized invitations, a professional photographer, and the perfect designer dress. At first Phoebe thinks nothing of these additions, simply something else her mother will have to pay for but what happens when the money disappears? How will Phoebe not only be able to pay but also comfort her best friends about their current financial situation without throwing her entire family under the bus?

Vail’s first installment in the Avery sister series brings readers back to what matters most. It is clear that Phoebe’s current blunder has caused a certain level of embarrassment, especially when checks begin to bounce. At the same time this change in status allows Phoebe to not only look inside herself but also her friends. Why has she never noticed the way she gets bossed around or how they tend to make fun of others that do not fit their perfect mold? Does money truly matter most and if so what does it mean about their bond? An interesting take on what it means to fit and whether or not Phoebe will be able to make the right decision in the end. A read that middle and high schoolers can both enjoy.