Along for the Ride

by Sarah Dessen

Summary: Auden has always immersed herself in her studies and is looking forward to spending the summer reading ahead in her college textbooks. In a rare spontaneous moment, she decides to go spend the summer with her dad, his young wife, and her new baby sister. The summer turns out to be quite a surprising ride that begins when Auden meets handsome, cyclist Eli.

Thoughts: I adore Sarah Dessen's writing, and her latest novel did not disappoint. The summer beach setting pulled me right in and then I fell in love with these characters and their journeys to find healing, love, and the perfect piece of pie. ;)

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead

Summary: The note read: "I am coming to save your friend's life, and my own.... you must write me a letter." Miranda wonders what it means. Is she being influenced by the time travel in her favorite book A Wrinkle in Time or could it really be possible??

Thoughts: This book is fascinating! It makes your head spin! After I finished, I wanted to start it all over again and see how it all fit together. Very original and captivating. I am so glad it made the new Texas Lone Star list!

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn

by Alison Goodman

Summary: Eon is in a fierce competition to be chosen as the apprentice to the Rat Dragon. Each year one of the twelve dragons that rule the Empire selects an apprentice from the young candidates who have spent years training and preparing. Crippled and small, Eon has little change of being selected. Futhermore, this candidate holds a dangerous secret, that, if revealed, will surely result in death.

Thoughts: Fantasy is not my first love, so I can be a tough critic. This one, however, gets high marks from me! I thoroughly enjoyed Eon's Chinese-inspired setting, the dragon lore, the richly-developed characters, and the exciting plot twists & turns. I highly recommend this novel for fantasy lovers and for anyone looking for an exciting adventure.

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You!

Check out the trailers of these novels that will soon hit the big screen:

New Moon
by Stephanie Meyer




















The Lightning Thief
by Rick Riordan

Bull Rider

by Suzanne Morgan Williams

Summary: Cam comes from a family of champion bull riders, but he prefers skateboarding. His life is turned upside down when his big brother, Ben, comes back from Iraq severely injured. Cam must deal with the changes in Ben and also consider carrying on the family tradition of bull riding.

Thoughts: This is a realistic look at how devastating war can be on the families of soldiers as well as the soldiers themselves. I really enjoyed the story as seen through Cam's eyes; it was well-developed and poignant. The world of bull riding was interesting to me, but a reader wouldn't need to have an interest in this to enjoy this compelling novel.

The Kind of Friends We Used to Be

by Frances O'Roark Dowell

Summary: Kate and Marilyn were best friends forever ... until sixth grade. Now as 7th graders, they are trying to navigate their changed relationship as they make new friends and explore new interests. The girls wonder if they'll ever be the kind of friends they used to be.

Thoughts: This book is spot on as it explores the changes that occur in middle school ...changing friendships and girls trying to figure out where they fit in. I loved the characters, especially Kate who is hilarious. This is actually the sequel to The Secret Language of Girls, but it stands alone and doesn't require the reading of the first. I hope there will be more novels about these girls and their middle school experiences.

The Lab

by Jack Heath

Summary: Agent Six of Hearts lives in a futuristic world that is controlled by the evil corporation Chaosonic. Six works for the Deck, a secret agency trying to provide justice in a corrupt world. He is the Deck's most brilliant agent; mission after mission is executed perfectly. But, Six is about to face his most dangerous assignment yet, and he may not be prepared for what lies ahead.

Thoughts: The Lab is a fast-paced, suspenseful thrill ride that grabs the reader and doesn't let go. I really enjoyed the action and look forward to more Agent Six of Hearts adventures. Interesting note: This debut novel was written by the author when he was in high school!

The Last Invisible Boy

by Evan Kuhlman

Summary: As he is trying to deal with the sudden death of his father, Finn realizes he is slowly starting to disappear. He tells and illustrates his story attempting to figure out what is happening to him and to hold on to the memories of his father.

Thoughts: This book really surprised me; it's realistic, magical, funny, and touching all in one unique novel. I loved Finn's engaging voice and his realistic struggle with devastating loss. The illustrations used throughout are an excellent complement to the writing. Readers who like the format of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series but would also enjoy a more serious story should check out The Invisible Boy.

Shadowed Summer

by Saundra Mitchell

Summary: Bored and looking for something to do in their small town, friends Iris and Collette hang out in the cemetery pretending to cast spells and call up spirits. But then, Iris actually hears someone whispering in her ear. Could it be the ghost of Elijah the local boy whose death years ago was never explained? The girls' summer becomes anything but boring as they start looking into Elijah's death and Iris continues to be haunted by a restless spirit.

Thoughts: This is a suspenseful novel that pulled me in from the beginning. I could easily relate to the girls' search for something to do, and then I was immediately captivated by the mystery. Also, the novel emphasizes the struggles of friendship and romance which added depth and realism to the supernatural story.

The Seven Keys of Balabad
by Paul Haven

Summary: Seven keys were used to lock up the national treasures of the country of Balabad; the keys were then taken by seven brothers to different corners of the world. Five hundred years later, Oliver Finch moves with his parents from Manhattan to Baladad. At first he is bored and homesick, but then one of his friends is kidnapped and Oliver finds himself in the middle of an ancient mystery and in serious danger!

Thoughts: This is a fast-paced, intriguing mystery full of villains, double-crosses, and dangerous escapes. I liked the Middle Eastern setting and the ancient secrets. The author worked as a foreign correspondent and his experience lends authenticity to the story and its setting.