As a middle school librarian I spend a part of every day talking about and recommending books to teens (sidenote: How cool is it that I get PAID to do this?!?!) It’s Wednesday and I’ve already talked to 7 classes in addition to the teens that come in to the LMC on their own. Since students check out books as I talk them I usually use a new set for each class. It adds up to quite a few books! Instead of a full review I thought I’d share a few of the books I’m talking this week 🙂
The fact that this book has what is quite possibly the worst cover I’ve encountered makes it extra fun to booktalk. The students who get past the cover love it as much as I do! Sherwood Smith is a fabulous storyteller. Fans of Robin McKinley and Tamora Pierce schould check her out!
About this book: Rhis, princess of a small kingdom, is invited along with all the other princesses in her part of the world to the coming of age party of the Crown Prince of Vesarja, which is the central and most important kingdom. When Iardith, the prettiest and most perfect of all the princesses, is abducted, Rhis and her friends go to the rescue.
What happens to Rhis and her posse has unexpected results not only for the princesses, but for the princes who chase after them. Everyone learns a lot about friendship and hate, politics and laughter, romantic ballads and sleeping in the dirt with nothing but a sword for company. But most of all they learn about the many meanings of love.
I love Anne Osterlund’s books. I almost didn’t read this one because I didn’t think I’d like the setting. I’m so glad I gave it a try! My only complaint is that the cover, while beautiful, puts boys off.
About this Book: Aerin Renning is a scarred fugitive, Dane Madousin a rebellious son of privilege. On the surface, they have nothing in common. But the two most competitive freshmen at Academy 7 share an undiscovered bond. Both harbor a dangerous secret that threatens their own destruction. And while their safety depends on their staying apart, the two are inexplicably drawn to each other. Even as unknown forces conspire to separate them, their competition turns to friendship, and their friendship to romance. Now not only their lives—but their hearts—are at stake. To survive, the two must unite all their knowledge, skills, and gifts to uncover a secret bigger than either could have imagined. A secret as big as the entire universe…
This was a great audiobook. You really can’t go wrong with Roland Smith for middle grade readers. His upcoming release Storm Runners: Wind will have them dying for the next one!
About this Book: When fourteen-year-old Peak Marcello’s long-lost father presents the opportunity for them to summit Everest together, Peak doesn’t even consider saying no–even though he suspects there are a few strings attached. And if he makes it to the top before his birthday, he’ll be the youngest person ever to stand above 29,000 feet. It’s not a bad turn of events for a guy who’s been stuck in New York City with only skyscrapers to (illegally) scale.
Indigo
I forget where I read it, but it seems the latest discussion is how MG book covers seem more geared toward boys, and YA covers toward their counterparts.
I wonder if publishers wouldn’t garner more sales by offering two different cover options. Kind of like Beth Revis’ book “Across the Universe” having a double sided book jacket. One side appeals to the males, the other (love glance) toward the girls. Might be something in this. (Hugs)Indigo
Charlotte
what a fun threesome! I enjoyed them all, but Posse is one I love…despite its truly odd cover!