Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick

The novel Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick is brilliant. Told from two intertwining perspectives, one of a deaf boy named Ben and the other told by a blind girl named Rose. This beautifully crafted novel is told in part by words and pictures. Separated by fifty years Ben and Rose are so different, yet so similar. They both deep down yearn for something that they’ve never had, and together, separated by history go looking for it. This is a great read. If you enjoy double perspectives, interesting plot twists and fantastic characters this is a novel for you.

Jolie, 15

the Unwanteds, by Lisa McMann

In the thrilling and imaginative novel The Unwanteds, Lisa McMann tells the story of thirteen year old Alex Stowe. Set in a society called Quill where the stiff minded and intellectual are treasured and the creative are sentenced to death, lives Alex and his twin brother, Aaron. Since a young age Alex knew he would be unwanted. He found pleasure in drawing pictures in the mud, which was the extent of art in a vast, desolate, and slowly rotting Quill. Aaron on the other hand was the embodiment of what Quill strived to be, strong, intelligent, and not at all influenced by his emotions, or so he would like to think. This exciting, fast paced novel is like a mash up of The Hunger Games and Harry Potter, with its dark theme and magical touches it truly is a great read.

Jolie, 15

Witches: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem by Rosalyn Schanzer

Published by National Geographic Children's Books
Published on September 13, 2011
Source: from publisher at BEA


Witches: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem, by Rosalyn Schanzer, is an historical account of the infamous witch trials during the 16th and 17th centuries. The book manages to be exciting while being informing as well. It traces its origins to a mysterious illness that was afflicting the population of the colonies. The author leans toward the theory that two girls took advantage of the strange sickness and used it to get their revenge upon enemies of their family, unwittingly discrediting or murdering dozens. Setting the scene perfectly, the book begins with a passage explaining the Puritans' ideals, strict social mores, and fears of the "spirit world."

Overall, this 144 page book explains the Salem Witch Trials, in its entirety, in an interesting and thoughtful way. I would recommend it to readers aged 10 to 14.

~Cassidy, Grade 10

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

Published by Amulet Books
Published on August 1, 2011


Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier follows its titular hero, Peter Nimble, as he quests to help a kingdom in need. Born an orphan and a victim of an accident that left him blind, Peter's life has been one hardship after another. Forced into thievery by his unfortunate situation, he is constantly trying to make peace with himself, all while imagining a life where he's actually happy. When he meets the mysterious, magical Haberdasher, a traveling salesman, Peter's dismal existence is transformed. Peter steals the Haberdasher's box, which is filled with Fantastic Eyes and pops a pair in his own eye sockets one day. He's magically transported to another land where he meets a cast of interesting characters and is sent on an endeavor to save a kingdom that vanished into thin air. This new life he's been plunged into reveals to Peter that he's so much more than a common thief.

This 381 page novel is filled with adventure and excitement. I'd recommend it to readers ages 10 to 12.

~Cassidy, Grade 10