Wake Up Missing

Wake Up Missing

  by Kate Messner

Cat has sustained a serious concussion and has severe symptoms.  Standard treatments have been ineffective, so Cat is sent to a head injury clinic located in the middle of a Florida swamp.

When she meets Dr. Ames he seems friendly and approachable.  She dares to hope that she can be cured.  A handful of other kids are at the clinic and their treatment seems to be working at first.  But Trent, one of the other patients, hasn’t been seen for a while, and Kaylee never comes out of her room.  What’s going on?

As the children begin to ask questions, they discover that they are the subjects of a secret science experiment. Dr. Ames can indeed cure concussion symptoms, but he is also interested in manipulating the kids’ DNA.  His computer files show that he has access to the DNA codes of famous long dead scientists.  What is he really up to?

Fear and suspicion grow amongst the patients as the doctors announce they will be moved to another location.  Unable to contact their parents for help, they are relying on Sawgrass Molly, the airboat driver who brought them to the clinic.  But can they really count on her?  Or will they have to rely on themselves?  As they embark on their adventure to be rescued they encounter drug runners, a possible connection to a U.S. senator and even a murder.

The author describes this book as a “science thriller”.  Indeed, science, adventure and government conspiracy combine to make this novel a real page turner.  There is some mature subject matter in the book.  Recommended for ages 10 and up.

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

By James Paterson

James Paterson has partnered up with Adam Sadler to bring us the Daniel X series. The Dangerous Days of Daniel X is the first in the series. This is a fast paced read with James Paterson’s traditional short chapters helping the story fly by. Daniel X is the son of Alien hunters from the planet Alpar Nok. They are living on earth and helping to protect the universe from the "Outer Ones." At the age of 3 Daniel X’s parents are killed by the Prayer and Daniel X narrowly avoids the same fate. Daniel X is now 15 years old and has taken on his parents mission to protect the human race from evil aliens. Critics have said that Daniel X would be a wonderful addition to the M.I.B. and I have to agree.

The Grand Plan to Fix Everything

The Grand Plan to Fix Everything

by Krishnaswami, Uma
Dini and Maddie have a lot in common and are the best of friends.  Dini introduces Maddie to Bollywood movies and they both are great fans of the beautiful singer/actress Dolly Singh. Dini views her life as though she is a director with a script in-hand. Suddenly Dini's mother announces that the family is moving to India for two years because of her new dream job. At first the two friends are devastated, but then they start to hope that Dini may get to meet Dolly in person while in India. What a plot turn that would be! Dini writes Dolly a letter, even though she does not have Dolly's address, hoping that it will reach her regardless with a little luck and a few extra stamps. In a series of coincidences worthy of any Bollywood movie, Dini manages not only to meet Dolly, but also to help her favourite star out. This book is a fun girly read, with humor and bubbly characters that shed youthful insights on friendship, moving, Bollywood and Indian culture.  Recommended Reading: Ages 9-12

Real Mermaids don't wear heals

By Helene Boudreau

I am a big fan of mermaids; from my love of T.V series H2O to my collection of mermaid figurines these creatures of the deep facinate me. This is the reason that I first started reading the "Real Mermaids" series. This is the third book in the series and follows Jade as she tries to stop The Mermish Council from making all land dwelling mer-people go back to the ocean. She just happens to not be a huge fan of the ocean. She's a freshman and really doesn't want to miss her first dance, even though she's a bit uncoordinated.
I love the fact that Jade seems just like every other young woman; struggleing with her looks, friends, parents and boys. But she also has to deal with being a mermaid.
This is a fun series and I recommend it to all the mermaid lovers out there. Check out Real Mermaids don't wear heels or any of the Real Mermaids series.
If you haven't watched H2O before check it out on Hoopla, it is free with your library card.

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up

by Kate DiCamillo

If you liked Mercy Watson, read on!  First in a new series called Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Leroy Ninker Saddles Up tells the story of would-be cowboy Leroy Ninker.  He’s ready for cowboy life and already has his boots, lasso and hat.  He’s only missing one thing – a horse. When Leroy Ninker meets Maybelline, he knows she is the “horse of his heart”.  Yippie-i-oh!

Maybelline likes to have sweet nothings whispered in her ear, and she loves to eat.  But she doesn’t fit very well into Leroy’s apartment, and when he leaves her alone outside, he lives “to rue and regret the day.”  He ends up having to rescue his precious Maybelline.  But what is cowboy life without a little adventure, right?  With some help from his friends on Deckawoo Drive – including Mrs. Watson and Mercy – Leroy saves the day!

Heartwarming and laugh out loud funny, Leroy Ninker is a wonderful early chapter book.  Preschoolers and Kindergarteners will enjoy listening to the story, and kids in grades 1-3 will want to read it themselves.

September 17

September 17

by Amanda West Lewis

This story took a while to get going but once disaster struck, it was well worth reading.  During World War II, nightly bombing attacks on England are sending everyone, young and old, into bomb shelters.  Homes are being lost and many are dying.  

The British government has decided to evacuate children to Canada.  Ken, Bess and others are among the children traveling on the City of Benares, a luxury liner transporting them across the ocean.  After leaving difficult lives where food is strictly rationed, the children revel in the food and treats provided on board the ship.  But the merriment doesn’t last long as the boat is torpedoed by a German U-boat and the children must escape into lifeboats.  

Fighting starvation, storms, dehydration and hypothermia, Ken, Bess and their traveling companions must fight their way back to land.  Some end up in lifeboats, others cling to anything they can.  Their rescue is by no means guaranteed and many do not make it.

This is a fictionalized account of a real historical event.  Kids will identify with the children of various ages in the story.  These kids, although young, must gather their strength and resolve to survive an amazing and terrifying ordeal.

Grades 4 -7.

Half-Minute Horrors

Edited By Susan Rich

Half-Minute Horrors is a fun collection of short stories, poems and even graphic illustrated tales. If you enjoy a spine chilling thriller and you like short reads then this is the book for you. Authors like Lemony Snicket, James Patterson and Margaret Atwood have all contributed to this book. From adaptations of old ghost stories to urban legends; this is the quintessential book for any horror loving reader. My personal favorite is a poem entitled "Horrorku," a Haiku poem about creepy clowns.