A World Without You by Beth Revis

I wasn't sure what to think about this book...but I dove in anyway.  I liked it.  A story told by the main character who has mental health issues, but doesn't really understand that.  Also told in the voice of his sister.  The unique perspective of seeing the world through Bo's eyes is really fascinating.  I like books in which I see the world in a different way.  I recommend this book.  (HS, MS)
Rating: 4

Snowmobile: Bombardier's Dream Machine by Jules Older

This is the story of Joseph-Armand Bombardier of Quebec, Canada.  He is an inventor and at the age of 14 he invented a working cannon, much to the dislike of the villagers!  He lived in a remote village and during the winter, access was impossible.  People could not get to hospitals, and so, often died.  He wanted to invent a machine that could drive on the snow!  A very interesting history of the snowmobile, and biography of it's inventor.  And the story of perseverance and realizing your dreams. Includes drawings and photos, a timeline, and a bibliography.  I recommend this book. (ES, Anyone)

RATING:  4

The Turtle of Oman By Naomi Shihab Nye

I picked up this book because I have always been interested in the country Oman.  It is the story of a third grade boy, Aref, who has always lived in Oman.  But his parents are moving to Michigan for a few years.  It is the story of his process of saying goodbye to the people and places he loves, and his fears of change.  Aref is very close to his grandfather, Sidi, and they go on adventures and have good talks.  And it did give me a peak into the lives of people in Oman.  (2-4 grades, Anyone)

RATING:  4

The Sky is Everywhere By Jandy Nelson

Lennie's older sister unexpectantly dies, and Lennie and her "unique" family are struggling with the grief.  And Lennie, for the first time, has boys.  One, helps her to remember her sister and understands her grief.  The problem?  It is her sisters boyfriend.  The other is the new boy in town - talented, handsome, and a big connection with Lennie.  The characters are real and interesting.  Lennie is a writer and her poetry are scattered through the book (which actually was very cool.)  It is romantic and passionate, about love and life.  And it is funny.  (HS)

RATING:  5

Ten By Gretchen McNeil

Ten teens.  Three days. The cover pulled me in with a scary looking island and those words. Ten teens are invited to a weekend party at a fellow students getaway mansion on an island off the Washington coast - with no parents!  They arrive by ferry in rough weather.  Then the first one dies.  A story that kept me guessing with surprises.  Just a bit graphic with the murder scenes.  I didn't want to put it down!  (upper MS, HS)

RATING:  4

I am Princess X by Cherie Priest

Honestly, by the looks of the cover, I did not want to read this book.  But I kept hearing about how good it was, so I picked it up.  Glad I did!  One of my favorite summer reads.

Two girls meet in the fifth grade because neither is allowed to participate in PE.  Off on the sidelines of the playground, Libby, the artist, and May, the storyteller, create their own comic, Princess X.  They have been best friends since.  And have created notebooks and notebooks of their comic.

Libby and her mom get into a car accident and die, and Princess X dies along with them.  Now, May is sixteen and to her complete surprise discovers a sticker, among other thngs, with Princess X on it.  This is the mystery of May figuring out how, and where, the new comic, Princess X is coming from.  She is convinced it is Libby - but how can it be?  This book kept me on my toes and was a very enjoyable read. (MS, HS)

RATING:  4.5