From the back cover: In a brutal city of the future, human life is in the hands of the evil Overlords who have decreed that no child live a day past his fourteenth birthday. On that Sad Birthday, the child is the object of an obscene harvest—his brains and muscles are used to construct machine-like creatures whose sole purpose is to kill. The mysterious Shade—once a man, but … [Read more...] about Shade’s Children by Garth Nix: B+
YA
The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman: B+
From the back cover: "Beware the seven blessings..." When she first utters these words, sixteen-year-old Sally Lockhart doesn't know their meaning. But when an employee of her late father hears them, he dies of fear. Thus begins Sally's terrifying journey into the seamy underworld of Victorian London, in search of clues that will solve the puzzle of her father's death. … [Read more...] about The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman: B+
The Drowning of Stephan Jones by Bette Greene: D
From the back cover: Hate. It's the farthest feeling from sixteen-year-old Carla Wayland's mind. She can't believe people would persecute others just because they are different. But she isn't about to worry about the injustice surrounding her because she's in love with handsome and popular Andy Harris. Although raised to act on her ethical beliefs, Carla finds that her … [Read more...] about The Drowning of Stephan Jones by Bette Greene: D
Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton: B+
From the back cover: Full of enthusiasm, young English schoolmaster Mr. Chipping came to teach at Brookfield in 1870. It was a time when dignity and a generosity of spirit still existed, and the dedicated new schoolmaster expressed these beliefs to his rowdy students. Nicknamed Mr. Chips, this gentle and caring man helped shape the lives of generation after generation of … [Read more...] about Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton: B+
Specials by Scott Westerfeld: A-
From the front flap: "Special Circumstances." The words have sent chills down Tally's spine since her days as a repellent, rebellious ugly. Back then Specials were a sinister rumor—frighteningly beautiful, dangerously strong, breathtakingly fast. Ordinary pretties might live their whole lives without meeting a Special. But Tally's never been ordinary. And now she's been … [Read more...] about Specials by Scott Westerfeld: A-