Wolf Hollow

by Lauren Wolk

 

Annabelle lives a steady life with her parents, grandparents, two younger brothers plus aunt in a small Pennsylvania farming town. The arrival of the new girl Betty shakes things up and not in a good way. Annabelle quickly learns the new girl is a relentless bully who threatens not only Annabelle but her family and friends as well. Annabelle must find the courage to face Betty on her way to school with her brothers and in class. Her school is a one classroom building with one teacher to instruct all the grades. Usually Betty's antics in school go unnoticed but once they cross paths outside Betty demands things from Annabelle. If Annabelle refuses, Betty will hurt one of her younger brothers. When Betty's actions become dangerous, Annabelle knows it's time to confide in an adult. The surprise comes when Betty disappears and suspicion falls on Toby, a recluse that lives and wanders around town.  Toby has never posed a threat to Annabelle or the townsfolk which leads Annabelle to believe he's not involved. The frantic search for Betty and Toby reveal the town's prejudice against an innocent man and the lengths a young girl will go to do what is right.



The Last Thirteen: 13

The Last Thirteen: 13

  By James Phelan

Sam, Eva and Alex are average teenagers, but their dreams are intense and sometimes frightening.  Sam has been sent to a psychiatrist to deal with his dreams and the aftermath of a traumatic event.  

But when Sam’s school is raided by “national security agents” and he is whisked away in a helicopter, life gets really crazy.  Eva and Alex suffer the same fate and together they must figure out what is happening to them.

It turns out Sam, and possibly Eva and Alex are among “the last thirteen”, those who dream the future and can help save humanity from a terrible, evil future.  The Academy has taken them from their families and will teach them how to control and use their gifts.

Although they have been taken to a mountaintop school with every amenity and technological advantage, the three teens miss their homes and really just want to be regular teenagers.  How will they make the transition to secret agents who save the world?

This book is the first in a series of very readable, extremely fast-paced action.  Each subsequent book counts down from 13 with the final book in the series being 1.  This series is suitable for grades 5 and up. 

The Wild Robot

The Wild Robot

By Peter Brown

Can a robot survive in the wilderness?  Robot Roz must do exactly that when she discovers that she has washed up on the shore of a remote island.  Although Roz has been programmed to know many things, she does not know how to survive in the outdoors.  But Roz, being an adaptable robot, can learn.  She watches the animals and learns their language.  She becomes adept at making friends and asking for help.  And although the animals initially call her “monster”, she is able to win them over.

Most amazing of all, Roz adopts an orphan goose and calls him Brightbill.  Roz does not feel emotions the way humans do, but she becomes protective of Brightbill as she nurtures him and helps him survive.  Even the other animals on the island acknowledge that Roz, against all odds, has become a mother.

But robots were not made to be mothers to geese.  They were made to work for humans.  Eventually, her makers come looking for her, creating a frenzy on the quiet island.  Will Roz be able to stay with the family and friends she has come to treasure?

The Wild Robot addresses our world’s changing technology in a very touching way.  Both animal lovers and techie types will enjoy it.  Grades 2-5.