The Mediator Series

The Mediator Series, by Meg Cabot [YA Fiction]

by Trisha, 7th grader

This thrilling series is about a girl named Suze who can see ghosts. She always comes across problems when the ghosts refuse to leave the real world and go into another dimension, where they belong. Some seek revenge. Others want to stay and haunt those who hurt them in their past life. It’s up to Suze to make sure that the ghosts don’t harm anyone. It’s really funny when Suze gets a high temper and ends up wrestling the ghosts.

Salamandastron

Salamandastron, by Brian Jacques [YA Fiction]

by Sage, 6th grader

Salamandastron is awesome because there is a Badger Lord and lots of hares that live in a mountain near the seaside. And there is a war with weasels and rats.

The Wonder Spot

The Wonder Spot, by Melissa Bank [adult fiction]

by Lisa, 8th grader

The Wonder Spot is about Sophie Applebaum surviving in a “real” life. The author is very compelling in this story. You can easily relate to it.

Twisted

Twisted, by Laurie Halse Anderson [YA Fiction]

by Shreya, 8th grader

Twisted, by Laurie Halse Anderson, was another original novel in the unique style of writing this author uses. Twisted reminds me a lot of Speak, by the same author, so if you liked Speak, then I’m sure you’ll like Twisted as well. Twisted is a great coming-of-age story and a lot of people can relate to the pressures of high school. I really enjoyed Twisted because, as the title suggests, the story is constantly twisted and gripping the reader. I was reading this book on the plane this summer, and I was disappointed because I finished it so fast! Also, this book isn’t just for teens. My mom rean out of books to read while on vacation and she loved it as well.

Rebecca

Rebecca, by Daphne DuMaurier [YA/adult fiction]

by Christine, 11th grader

This book is a murder mystery/romance that is extremely well-written. It is about the second Mrs. deWinter and how she comes to find out what happened to the first Mrs. deWinter, Rebecca. It kept me guessing and was very interesting. I highly recommend it.

The Great Blue Yonder

The Great Blue Yonder, by Michael Shearer [J Fiction]

by Lisa, 8th grader

The Great Blue Yonder by Michael Shearer, was, in my opinio, a wonderful book. It got me thinking about what it would be like if my last words to someone I loved were, I hate you. All siblings go through rough patches, but they don’t hate each other. So then the main character tries to go back to earth from heaven and apologize, while others discourage him. You’ll have to read the rest of the book to find out.

The Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexander Dumas [adult Fiction]

by Christine, 11th grader

This book is so full of mystery, intrigue, and romance that I’m not sure how to classify it. It’s a novel with a little bit — no, make that a lot — of everything. I have never had more fun trying to figure out the end of a story. The gist of the story is that a man named Edmond Dantes was unfairly imprisoned in an impregnable prison. The rest of the story is about how he gets revenge on the people responsible.

Side note: If you are looking for a quick read, this is not it. It’s about 1500 pages long.