A Beautiful Novel for All Readers!

Eleven Seconds: A Story of Tragedy, Courage, and Triumph is my new favorite nonfiction book. Travis Roy tells the story of his heartbreaking accident that left him paralyzed after playing in his first BU hockey game. The writing is honest, real, and extremely heartfelt. It teaches young readers a powerful message about life and what it means to really live. This would be a great book to read with a student. Travis's story touches the heart of all readers. I highly recommend this book! As we get closer to the holiday season, we could all use a reminder about the importance of family, love, and living life to the fullest.

Full Tilt - A Wild Ride!

Full Tilt by Neil Shusterman is a wild ride! It's haunting, dark, and suspenseful. Blake's troubled younger brother Quinn, has disappeared. Not physically - he's actually laying in a hospital bed. Emotionally and mentally, Quinn has vanished. It's like his soul has disappeared. It's up to his older brother, Blake, to save him. Blake is invited to a secret, ghostly carnival where he has to ride 7 terrifying rides before the sun rises in order to save Quinn. Sounds easy, right? Well, these rides incorporate some of Blake's worst fears and they make him question every aspect of his life. Can he achieve this task, save his brother? Read this book to find out! It's a great read for anyone interested in an adventure novel that has moments of terror and intensity!

Interested in a Great Adventure?

Peak, a 14 year old boy, has just gotten caught scaling a skyscraper in New York City! After being arrested, the judge decides on his punishment. He must join his biological father, who is a professional mountain climber, in Tibet. His father reveals that Peak will climb Everest in order to be the youngest person to reach the summit. He wants his mountain climbing company, Peak Experience, to make more money so he can retire. In this book, you'll follow Peak through ups and downs that will change his life forever. The story, characters, and plot is pretty complex, so I think this is a great novel for students 8th grade and above.

A Great Book for Boys!

I was introduced to The Absolutely True Story of a Part Time Indian by two 7th grade students at HMS. From the first page, I loved this book. Arnold (aka Junior) is a Native American who decides to leave his poverty stricken reservation and transfer to the local public school where the majority of the students are white. At the "rez," he is branded a traitor and falls victim to cruelty, abuse, and losing his best friend, Rowdy. Arnold's parents do their best, but fall short as parents. Often, Arnold has to walk 22 miles home from his bus stop. At his new school, he experiences his first real love, trying out for the basketball team, and making new friends. Meanwhile, he is trying to keep the fact that he's poor a secret from the new people in his life. Sherman Alexie writes with honesty, humor, and wit that will hook all YA readers, especially boys. He even includes several drawings and cartoons that provide great additions to the story. There is some language and content that is mature, so please be aware before reading. I highly recommend this book to students in 7th grade and up.