Laurie Halse Anderson is a fantastic author, and she's done it again with this powerful coming of age story. Hayley lives with her father who struggles to deal with demons from his past. He is an Iraq war Veteran, and is dealing with some serious PTSD. Hayley also has some painful memories that she must confront as she experiences a new school, and new relationships. I'd recommend this book for grades 7 and up.
In a community where parents are only allowed to have two children, Luke is a third child. He must stay hidden from the Population Police, as well has his new neighbors. Unexpectedly, he befriends another "third child" who changes his life forever! Readers of all ages would enjoy this fast paced story! It's book #1 in the Shadow Children Series.
Every year, two children are taken from a small community. One is delivered to the School of Good, and the other goes to the School of Evil. Sophie tries to be perfect, and hopes to end up chosen for the School of Good, where characters like Cinderella and Snow White were once students. Agatha seems like a perfect fit for the School of Evil. What happens when the roles are switched? Sophie ends up at the School of Evil and Agatha is taken to the School of Good! This is an exciting journey of self discovery and a funny story told with terrific writing!
I've been meaning to read The Maze Runner for a while, and I finally got to it this year! Thomas goes on the adventure of a lifetime inside The Glade - a surreal environment where survival is key and life is harsh. When the only girl appears suddenly, everything changes. This book will hook you from page 1!
