The Good Neighbors; Book One: Kin by Holly Black

Illustrator: Ted Naifeh

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN (library bind): 9780439855624

Price: 16.99 #pages: 117 Call number: 741.5 BLA FICTION

16 year old Rue’s mother has disappeared and her father has stopped going to work. Since her mother’s disappearance, things in Rue’s town have started changing and she has started to see strange things that make her think she’s crazy. In The Good Neighbors, Holly Black and Ted Naifeh introduce a world of magic parallel to our own. In Book One of their new series, Rue discovers that she actually belongs to the immortal world and not to the mortal one in which she has grown up. We are left wondering how Rue will adjust to her new life while solving the mystery of her purpose between the mortal and immortal worlds.



Recommended grade levels: 9-12

Chiggers (graphic novel) by Hope Larson

Abby heads off to her usual summer camp, but this year nothing is the same. Her friend, Rose, is now a cabin assistant and doesn't have much time for Abby. Beth has gotten new piercings, is starting a band, and is a little too cool. Only Shasta, the new girl, really seems to want to hang out with Abby. Unfortunately, the other girls don't like Shasta. A mysterious illness prevents her from participating in camp activities, she claims to have a boyfriend who's a senior, and she tells crazy stories about her life that nobody believes. The only good thing happening to Abby this summer is meeting a new boy who actually might like her.

Abby is a likeable character that adolescent girls will relate well to. This is a quick, easy graphic novel that will appeal to many girls, especially those new to the genre.

Recommended grade levels 7-10.

Twisted Journeys #5 Nightmare on Zombie Island

Remember the Choose Your Own Adventure books? Well the Twisted Journey series lets the reader chose their own adventure in a graphic novel format. In this particular book of the series, you arrive on a deserted island from a charter ship. The ships crewman tells you the island is cursed and anyone who searches for the hidden treasure left from pirates of yesterday will be killed. How the story will end will be decided on by you and the decisions you make.

Bone: Treasure Hunters

Bone:Volume 8 Treasure Hunters
By Jeff Smith
Publisher:Graphix
ISBN: 978-0439-706308
$19.99 #Pages: 136
Call #: YA Graphic Novel Smith

Reminiscent of the Star Wars, Harry Potter and Indiana Jones characters and settings, Treasure Hunters is a playful and inviting continuing saga of the Bone cousins and the royal family. The Bone cousins are still searching for the gold treasure.

The graphics and, especially, colors are incredible in setting the tone and action for each panel. The story successfully incorporates knowledge of past episodes so as to create a stand alone volume. Suitable for all ages.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

This book is a must have for all middle schoolers. Greh Heffley is a 6th grader who wants to make his mark in the school. In his attempts of making his mark his has tried weightlifting, creating the ultimate haunted house, trying for class treasurer, and trying to bet the World Record for the biggest snowman. However his attempts never work because he is always caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Middle school readers can relate to the typical teenage problems. The author is clever is using cartoons to play up the humor of the book.

Originally posted on Best Books by Ms. Monroe at 12:11 PM on Jan 2, 2008

The Re-gifters by Mike Carey

The Re-Gifters by Mike Carey is an engaging graphic novel that will surely delight young middle school students. A Korean American teenager Dixie plans to attend a martial arts tournament coming up in their neighborhood. Unfortunately, Dixie uses her entry-fee money to buy an expensive gift for her crush Adam. Soon after that gift is regifted and regifted with surprising plot twists. This graphic novel is a great addition to any middle school library. Students will be able to learn from Dixie's mistakes and realize money won't buy you happiness.

Originally posted on Best Books by Jackie G. at 9:39 AM on Jan 24, 2008