i ♥ Neal Shusterman's books!

I have NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED by Neal Shusterman's books. They are always entertaining, sufficiently creepy, and well written. Definitely check out his website at www.storyman.com to read about his books and other projects. You will find that some of his books are being made into movies, which I am super excited about!

For people unaware of this talented author, my top three Shusterman book recommendations are as follows:

1. Unwind (2007)- Completely amazing and by far my favorite Shusterman book. It is about a future world where children between the ages of 13-18 can be unwound, which is the process of harvesting every organ in the body. This decision to unwind is made by parents or guardians, and needless to say, teens try their hardest to behave. This story follows three teens from different backgrounds with lives that intersect due to the prospect of the unwinding. I actually listened to the audio version of this book, and I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat. The second book in this trilogy should be released in late 2012. Also, I was going to post a book trailer, but there are a million of them out there! So go to this page to check some of them out...http://unwindmovie.com/UNWINDMOVIE/Trailer.html

2. Bruiser (2010)- I am not sure what I expected, but I imagined this book involved sports. Perhaps it was the title? Anyway, it did not, which made me happy. Instead, the book deals with one boy's ability to take on other people's pain (often bruises). In order to shut out the pain, Brewster shuts people out. Until one day he meets Bronte... I think this would be classified as a "teen romance," but I feel like it is so much more.

3. Everlost (2006)- I read this book a few years ago, but it it such a unique story that I still remember it very well. The main characters, Allie and Nick, are involved in a fatal car crash at the beginning of the book. Although Allie and Nick are killed together in the crash, it is only in death that they officially meet. They are introduced to each other in Everlost, an afterlife that is only populated by children and teens. Initially this world seems magical and wonderful, but they realize that things are not as they seem. Allie and Nick must search for a way out of this limbo before it is too late. Together they encounter danger, magic, and unusual circumstances. It is a quick read that everyone will enjoy!

Shanna
Teen Librarian

An Amazing Book...

Allegiance
by Cayla Kluver

After a recent Skype Interview with Cayla (the author), I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reading copy of her next book Allegiance, which comes out in March of 2012. This book arrived in the mail and I began reading it right away, finishing it just short of two days. I could not put the book down! I was amazed that this book was equally good, if not better than the first. If possible, there seemed to be more action, romance, magic and intrigue. In a nutshell, this series has a fantastic love triangle set in a medieval kingdom on the verge of war with all sorts of twists and turns to the plot (I don't want to give too much away because her first book, Legacy, is so important to the sequel). Anyway, I am now super bummed that I have to wait so long to read the conclusion to the trilogy!

Check this author out!

Shanna
Teen Librarian

Hunger Games Movie Trailer...

The latest Hunger Games movie trailer was released on Monday, November 14th. I am so excited for this movie, but bummed that March is so far away (opening date March 23rd).




Shanna
~Teen Librarian

Another Book Review!

The Gathering Storm
by Robin Bridges

I absolutely loved this historical fantasy by Robin Bridges! Balls, boarding schools, and bling are my most favorite things in the world. This story takes place in 1888 Russia with the main character being a descendant of royalty. Katerina is not only a Duchess and grandchild of a former Tsar, but she is also a necromancer with the power to raise the dead. Although, her power is unknown to many people in their elite circle, a neighboring country has learned of her ability and wants to secure a marriage. However, Katerina has also formed an attachment to George, the second son of the Tsar. Which path will she choose? You should definitely read this book to find out because the romance and magic will take your breath away!

Shanna
Teen Librarian

Book Review...

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
by Ransom Riggs

Book sale numbers do not always indicate a book's greatness, but in this case it was spot on. After coming across this title for multiple weeks on the New York Times Best-Seller List for Children, I finally was able to get my hands on a copy of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. I cracked the book open on Saturday and was finished by noon on Sunday. The book is fantastical, amazing, and bizarrely good. Initially, I thought the story might be slightly juvenile (it does contain pictures), but it is definitely teen and I actually found myself looking forward to the photos, which were black and white lending an air of creepiness and mystery. The story is about a teen, Jacob, whose grandfather dies in a mysterious accident in the woods. Not only is the cause of death questionable, but the boy realizes that his grandfather's whole life was somewhat mysterious. To piece together his grandfather's past, Jacob and his father travel to an isolated village in Wales, the location of the grandfather's childhood. Secrets that were buried for years are finally uncovered by Jacob, but will he survive to tell them? CHECK OUT THIS BOOK!!!

The author has a Youtube site with all sorts of cool videos- Ransriggs. I am posting the book trailer below...



Shanna
~Teen Librarian