The City of Ember

Title: The City of Ember
Author: Jeanne DuPrau
Published: May 2003
ISBN: 9780375822742
Other books in the series: People of Sparks, The Prophet of Yonwood, The Diamond of Darkhold
Characters: Lina and Doon
Awards: Kirkus Editor's Choice, Best Children's Book of the Year Selection
Genre: fiction, dystopia, sci-fi
Reading Level: 4th grade
Interest Level: 4th-7th grade
Summary: Hundreds of years ago the builders created the city of Ember to save the human race. The problem is that the city is starting to fail. The power is always going out and food supplies are running low. People are starting to fear that the power might go out and never turn back on, leaving them in complete darkness. Lina and Doon, two friends, have found something that might hold the key to saving Ember. Lina and Doon have found parts of an ancient document that they believe to be from the builders themselves. Lina and Doon believe it might be the way out. But where is the way out? Where does it lead? And is it okay to go there? The builders made Ember for a reason, what if they aren't suppose to leave?
Review: This is a great dystopian novel. It is almost like a treasure hunt as Lina and Doon try to figure out the directions left by the builders. The story keeps the reader interested as Lina and Doon find their way to the outside. The story leaves the reader on a bit of a cliffhanger as Lina and Doon find themselves outside for the first time in their lives. The book asks many questions about survival, about fear, humanity. When Lina and Doon make their way outside they find other people which makes the reader wonder if people survived why were people forced into the ground in the first place? Could they have survived on the surface.
Main themes: survival, dystopian
Read alikes: Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Why for tweens? The two leads are tweens themselves who become the heroes of Ember. The tweens will love the mystery as Lina and Doon figure out how to get out of Ember. Tweens will also enjoy that it is a series so they can continue the story.

Holes

Title: Holes

Author: Louis Sachar

ISBN: 9780439244190

Published: Aug 1998

Other books in the series:

Characters: Stanley Yelnats, Zero, Mr Sir, The Warden

Reading Level: 4th grade

Interest Level: 4th-6th grade

Summary: Stanley Yelnats is pretty sure he can blame his bad luck on his no good, dirty rotten pig steal great great grandfather. Stanley's bad luck gets him blamed for stealing a pair of famous athletes baseball shoes and sent off to Camp Green Lake . The thing is there isn't a lake at Camp Green Lake. What there is is a vast desert covered in holes. See at Camp Green Lake troubled kids are forced to dig a hole every day. Each hole needs to be 6ft wide and 6ft deep. They are told it's because this will build character but Stanley is pretty sure that the Warden, who runs the camp, is looking for something. They are under orders that if they find anything interesting while digging to report it immediately to Mr Sir. One day Stanley finds a gold tube with the initials K.B. on it. X-ray told Stanley he was to give it to him so X-Ray could pretend he found it and get the day off. The rest of the boys are then forced to dig where X-Ray claims he found the tube, for what they don't know. Stanley soon forges an unlikely friendship with Zero, who agrees to dig part of Stanley's hole everyday in exchange for Stanley teaching him to read.  But one day while out digging Zero flips out and runs into the desert. Stanley tries to steal the water truck and take after him but crashes it into a hole.  Stanley decides to take after Zero on foot. But how long can two kids survive in the desert? And what is it that Mr Sir and the Warden are looking for? 

Review: I really enjoy Sachar's story telling. He takes what seems like unrelated stories and unrelated characters and weaves them all into one cohesive story. The back and forth between the Stanley and Zero's story and then the old story of Kissing Kate is a nice transition in the story. It gives insight into the story and the history of Camp Green Lake. Sachar keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as Zero and Stanley go on a treasure hunt in the desert. 

Reader Annotation: Stanley Yelnats is at Camp Green Lake for a crime he didn't do. Now he is stuck digging holes in the desert but Stanley is convinced that there is something hidden in that desert.

Main Themes: treasure, family secrets, juvenile delinquents 

Read Alikes: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

Why for tweens? Tweens will love this story of hidden treasure and family curses. They will get into the mystery of why the boys are digging holes.

Rapunzel's Revenge

Title: Rapunzel's Revenge
Author: Shannon and Dean Hale
ISBN: 9781599902883
Published: 2008
Other books in the series: Calamity Jack
Characters: Rapunzel, Jack
Genre: fiction, graphic novel
Reading Level: 3rd grade
Interest Level: 4th-7th grade
Plot Summary: Rapunzel lives in a grand villa with a woman she thinks is her mother, Gothel. Rapunzel is forbidden to leave the villa but one day she can't help herself and she climbs over the wasll to find that things are not so great outside her villa. Gothel has people working as slaves in the mines and Rapunzel finds a woman there who claims she is Rapunzel's real mother, that Gothel took Rapunzel from her as punishment for trying to steal lettuce to feed herself and Rapunzel. When she confronts Gothel about her real mother Gothel traps her inside a tall tree. Gothel has magical growing powers and creates a magical tree that is very tall and grows food inside to keep Rapunzel alive. But the tree isn't the only thing that is growing, Rapunzel's hair grows super long due to Gothel's magic. So Rapunzel uses her hair to escape from the tower.  While she is on the run she become unlikely friends with an outlaw named Jack and his goose. The two are on a mission to get to Gothel's Villa and get rid of her magical powers that have brought drought and hungry across the lands. Rapunzel is also determined to save her mother. It's amazing what a girl can do with a little hair.
Review: This story is a great twist on the fairy tale of Rapunzel. I like that Rapunzel is not a damsal in distress and instead is a girl who uses her hair as weapons and take matters into her own hands. There is also Jack from Jack the Beanstalk and his magical goose. I enjoy the wild west feel of the story, it fits Rapunzel's new persona. The story is action packed and fun to read. I also really enjoy that artwork of the story.
Reader's Annotation: This isn't your typical Rapunzel story. This one isn't waiting to be rescued, rather Rapunzel is after revenge.
Main Themes: fairy tales, outlaws, magic, family,
Read Alikes: Foiled by Jane Yolen, Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale
Why for Tweens? Tweens girls will love this new take charge outlaw version of Rapunzel. Boys will enjoy the graphic novel form and the non stop action and adventure.

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

Title:  The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
Author: C.S Lewis
Published: Jan 1950
ISBN: 9780006716778
Other books in the series: The Magician's Nephew, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Last Battle
Characters: Aslan, Lucy, Peter, Edmund, Susan, Mr Tummus, The White Witch
Awards: Hugo Award Nominee
Genre: fiction, fantasy
Reading Level: 7th grade
Interest Level: 4th-9th grade
Summary: 4 children living in London are sent to the English countryside to escape the dangers of World War II. While playing a game of hide and seek in the large house the Lucy stumbles across a magical wardrobe that takes her to a world called Narnia. While she is there she meets the very friendly and inviting Mr Tummus, who is half goat. It turns out that that Mr Tummus was so friendly because he planned on giving Lucy over to the White Witch. She rules Narnia and has made it winter, never spring. Mr Tummus decides he can't turn Lucy over to the witch and Lucy heads back home. When Lucy tries to tell her siblings about Narnia they don't believe her. Edmund, who has been the most harsh finds his way into Narnia and meets the White Witch, the Queen of Narnia. She gives him Turkish Delights and convinces him to bring the rest of his siblings to Narnia and take them to her. Edmund runs into into Lucy on his way out of Narnia and she is thrilled that he knows about Narnia. But when asked about Narnia by Peter and Susan, Edmund denies knowing anything. It is long after that all four children are hiding in the wardrobe and find themselves in Narnia.  Soon the children find themselves trying to rid Narnia of the evil witch and return Aslan the lion to his rightful spot as ruler. But will Edmund's promise to the witch ruin their plan?
Review: The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic series that has been loved by children for years. Lewis creates a magic world filled with wonders and amazing creatures and characters. He has children wishing that they too will find a wardrobe that leads to a magical world. The story focuses on good vs evil, friendship and loyalty. There is of course talking animals and lots of magic that help draw the reader into this magical world.  The book while written in 1950 still stands the test of time and will continue to hook new readers.
Reader Annotation: During a game of hide and seek Lucy stumbles across a magical wardrobe that leads to the world of Narnia. But this world is in danger from a powerful witch.
Main themes: good vs evil, siblings, magical worlds
Read alikes: The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien, The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens
Why for tweens? Tween fantasy readers will love this series. They will connect to with the 4 children as they become heroes in Narnia and battle evil.

Amulet, Vol. 1: The Stonekeeper

Title: Amulet the Stone Keeper

Author: Kazu Kibuishi

Published: Jan 2008

ISBN: 9780439846806

Genre: fiction, graphic novel, fantasy

Other books in the series: The Stonekeeper's Curse, The Cloud Searchers, The Last Council, Prince of the Elves

Characters: Emily, Navin, Silas

Reading Level: 2nd grade

Interest Level: 4th-8th grade

Awards: Goodreads Best Graphic Novels for Children

Summary: Emily and Navin lost their father in a tragic car accident, two years later the family moves to a house that they inherited from their great grandfather. Apparently their great grandfather Silas was a puzzle maker and disappeared in the house. While exploring the house Emily finds an amulet which she decides to wear. It is the amulet the tells her in the middle of the night that her family is in danger. When she awakes she finds that her mother is being taken by a tentacle monster. Emily and Navin fight the monster but somehow are transported to another world. The amulet helps them escape but they aren't able to save their mom. Instead the Amulet leads them to Silas who is on his deathbed. After Silas dies Emily is left with the power of the Amulet. Her and Navin are determined to save their mom with the help of Silas's helpers.

Review: This series is engrossing, I couldn't put it down. In fact I went through all the current books in the series in just a few days. Kibuishi writes a fantasy that is full of great characters and action. I love his drawings, he has created a beautiful world that you can't help but fall in love with. I really enjoy the supporting characters, like Miskit the robot bunny. Kibuishi has such a great imagination with his various characters and the world the he creates.

Reader annotation: Emily is the owner of a powerful Amulet that she hopes will help her get her mother who was taken into another world by a tentacle monster.

Main themes: family, adventure, quest

Read alikes: Mouse Guard by David Petersen

Why for Tweens? This action packed graphic novel fantasy will bring tweens in with it's great plot and stunning drawings. Of course the main character, Emily is a tween herself. She is forced to be a hero and take on big responsibilities after her mother is taken. This is a series that is full of great characters and a well driven plot that will have tweens excited for the next book.

The Graveyard Book

Title: The Graveyard Book
Author: Neil Gaiman
Published: Oct 2008
ISBN: 9780060530921
Other books in the series: N/A
Characters: Nobody Owens, the man Jack, Silas, Mrs. Owens
Awards: Newbery Award
Genre: fiction, fantasy
Reading Level: 5th grade
Interest Level: 5th-9th grade
Summary: Nobody or Bod Owens was just a baby when his whole family was killed by the mysterious the man Jack. Bod had wandered out of his crib and somehow wandered into the nearby graveyard. The ghosts wanting to protect little Bod took him under the protection of the graveyard to prevent the man Jack from finishing his deadly task. Bod is adopted by ghosts and then taught and cared for by the mysterious Silas, Bod's guardian. Things are quite strange when your home is graveyard. Bod has many adventures both in and outside of the graveyard but he also has the threat of the man Jack finding him and finishing his job. But can a living boy really live his life inside a graveyard?
Review: This is another wonderfully dark, imaginative story by Gaiman. Yes, the book is a bit creepy since it takes place in a graveyard but the ghosts are humorous and fun. Silas is a mystery that when you finally figure out he's a vampire it's a fun surprise. The story introduces the reader to all sorts of creature of the underworld like hellhounds, ghosts and vampires. The story shows how family is about love and togetherness, even if your family is ghosts.
Reader's Annotation: In the middle of the night a man named Jack killed Nobody Owen's family. Now Nobody is being raised by a graveyard.
Main themes: family, cemeteries, ghosts,
Read alikes: Liesel & Po by Lauren Oliver
Why for tweens? Tweens will love this creepy ghost story with a new spin. Bod get's into lots of adventures that at times are a bit scary but their isn't anything in the story that is too terrifying for tweens. It's is full of great characters that tweens will love like vampires, ghosts, and werewolves.

Bunnicula

Title: Bunnicula
Author: Deborah and James Howe
Published: March 1979
ISBN: 9781416928171
Other books in the series: Howliday Inn, The Celery Stalks at Midnight, Nighty-Nightmare, Return to Howliday Inn, Bunnicula Meets Edgar Allen Crow, 
Characters: Harold the dog, Chester the cat and Bunnicula the bunny
Awards: ALA notable children's books
Genre: fiction, fantasy, mystery
Reading Level: 3rd grade
Interest Level: 3rd-5th grade
Summary: There is a new addition to the Monroe household and Harold the dog and Chester that cat are not too happy about it. The Monroe's have brought home a new rabbit. But something is strange about this rabbit. Chester is convinced that the bunny is a vampire and considering that strange things keep happening around the house, like celery being sucked dry, Harold thinks Chester might be right. But how can they convince the Monroes that their new pet is a vampire bunny?
Review: This story is part mystery, part scary story, part hilarious story. I like that the story is told from the dog's point of view, they make it seem that Harold has written the story. Chester and Harold are funny and the book is filled with great puns and plays on vampire lore. Tweens that are fans of vampires and animal tales with enjoy this combination.
Reader's Annotation: Bunnicula seems like an innocent rabbit but Chester and Harold are convinced he is a vampire. How else do you explain the vegetables being sucked dry?
Main themes: vampires, animal stories, mystery
Read alikes: The Buddy Files by Dori Butler
Why for tweens? Tweens love animal stories and they will enjoy this story and it's witty humor.