Wolf Brother

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver
Reading level: grades 5-8

Wolf Brother starts off with action immediately and keeps the pace going to the end. Set about 6,000 years ago, Torak is orphaned after his father is killed by a bear possessed by an evil spirit. On his deathbed, Torak’s father makes him promise to journey to the Mountain of the World Spirit. Soon after, Torak adopts an orphaned wolf cub and discovers he can speak with wolves. His quest to reach the Mountain of the World Spirit is filled with adventure and danger when he is captured by another clan. Soon he learns he is to play a part in a dangerous prophecy. Will Torak make it to the Mountain to fulfill his destiny? Readers will follow Torak’s adventures with suspense and look forward to the other books in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness.

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Reading level: Grade 6 and up


“Run, Percy!” she told me.
“Mom!”
She caught my eyes, managed to choke out one last word: “Go!”
Then, with an angry roar, the monster closed his fists around my mother’s neck, and she dissolved before my eyes, melting into light, a shimmering golden form, as if she were a holographic projection. A blinding flash, and she was simply...gone.”

Twelve year old Percy is alone to fend for himself and figure out the confusion surrounding him. One of his friends is a satyr, another the daughter of Diana, and he discovers he is a demigod. He is given a quest to try and find Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt. Is he the lightning thief? He also hopes to be able to find and save his mother.

Ideal for mythology buffs, this is an exciting, fast paced thriller that makes you wonder what will happen next and could things possibly get worse. If you’ve ever thought you were having a bad day and everyone was out to get you, step into Percy’s world.

A Rebecca Caudill and Lincoln Award 2009 nominee

Other books in the Percy Jackson series:
The Sea of Monsters; The Titan's Curse; The Battle of the Labyrinth

Skulduggery Pleasant

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

Reading level: Grade 5 and up

When Stephanie's beloved uncle passes away she is surprised to learn she will inherit his estate. But she is more surprised when she meets her uncle's friend, Skulduggery Pleasant, a living skeleton who rescues her when she is attacked in her uncle's house. Very soon, she discovers her uncle had been in possession of a magical sceptor and dangerous people are willing to do anything to get it back!

This is a very readable book that keeps you turning the pages! The action is plenty and the banter between Stephanie and Skulduggery is snappy. A sequel would be most welcomed.

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos
by R.L. LaFevers
Reading level: Grades 4-7

11 year-old Theodosia Throckmorton can feel and see dark magic, a handy talent since her parents parents run London's Museum of Legends and Antiquities. Her father is oblivious to the curses on the ancient Egyptian artifacts that her mother, an archaeologist, sends back from her trips. As a result, Theodosia has done extensive research into how to remove dark spells and curses. When a new shipment of artifacts arrive containing a sacred amulet with a curse so powerful it could destroy the British Empire, Theodosia is thrown into dangerous plot of mystery and intrigue. With the help of allies, including a secret organization, she must return the amulet to its rightful place. Filled with adventure, mystery and the supernatural, this is a fun and exciting read!