A Sea of Monsters

Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: New York: Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for Children 2006
ISBN- 978-0-786856-862
pages: 279
Author's website

Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Myth Fantasy
Media Type: Book

Grade level: 6-Adult

Reader's annotation: Percy’s second adventure takes Annabeth and him through some of Odysseus and Jason’s trials while picking up some new mythical characters as they search for the golden fleece in order to save Camp Half-Blood.

Summary: The second book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is even better than the first, with several new characters including a cyclops and the appearance of Hermes and his sidekick snakes, who were hilarious. Here Percy starts to discover what it means to be the son of Poseidon as he uses the ocean to his benefit. The book opens on the last day of Percy’s 7th grade school year when monsters come searching for him at his school and he makes a speedy retreat to Camp Half-Blood with his new friend Tyson. There, things are not going well because the magical border is getting weak due to the poison that Luke has put into Thalia’s tree. The only thing that can save them is to find and bring back the Golden Fleece. This time the quest is given to Clarisse to complete who is thrilled to get the chance to prove herself. However, Grover, who has gone off in search of Pan is sending messages to Percy through his dreams, showing him caught by a cyclops, ready to marry him as he is disguised as a cyclops bride. Annabeth and Percy set off to save him and end up with Clarisse after all. Readers will find new takes on several familiar Greek myths which adds to the enjoyment of the story.

Evaluation: I laughed out loud often while reading this one. The quests are fun and the deepening of the story adds to the excitement and adventure. Having a familiar character turn toward the evil side and the addition of some new characters and some familiar gods keep the reader engaged and ready for more.

Series: book 2 Percy Jackson and the Olympians

The Comet’s Curse: A Galahad Book

Author: Dom Testa

Publisher: New York: Tor Teen 2009
ISBN- 978-0765321077
pages: 240
Author's website

Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Science Fiction
Media Type: Book

Grade level:8-adult

Reader's annotation: As the adults on earth slowly die out, a bold plan to send 251 teens to find a new planet to live on and save the human race takes shape. Now they are off in space but is there a stow-away on board?

Summary: When Bukhtul’s Comet just barely missed colliding with earth everyone thought they were safe, until people started dying. When it was determined that the comet left behind deadly particles in the air that only affected adults a desperate plan was put into place to try to save the human race. 251 teenagers would travel for 5 years on a huge spaceship to a faraway planet in another galaxy that looks like it has the right conditions to support human life. The story alternates between the teens as they take off and their first few weeks in space, and the scientists as they plan and organize the flight. We see how and why the people who are part of the mission were picked and hear about the opposition to the plan as well. Everything seems to be going fine until they discover evidence of a stowaway. And this stowaway means to harm them all. Can they stop him in time to save the mission?

Evaluation: This book has a great premise that will really hook teens in. It has enough technical jargon and description to fit the sci fi label but is really about the people and the problem(s). Great sci fi choice for girls as the teen leader is a girl and the personalities are important.

Series: Book 1 in a 6-part series
Book 2 - The Web of Titan
Fan club for the series

Dom Testa's writing tips and resources

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension

Author: Earl MacRauch
Director: W.D. Richter
Actors: Peter Weller, Ellen Barkin, John Lithgow, Jeff Goldblum, Christopher Lloyd

Publisher: Santa Monica, CA: MGM Home Entertainment 1984
ISBN-978-0792848981

Classification: PG
Genre: Fantasy, adventure, romance
Media Type: movie

Grade level: 6-Adult

Reader's annotation: World-renowned scientist, rock musician, surgeon, and adventurer has developed the Overthruster which takes him to the 8th dimension and back again. Once aliens steal it Buckaroo and his band of men (with a couple women along for the ride) have to reclaim before they destroy earth.

Summary: This movie has more costume changes and identity changes than any other I can think of. Opening with Buckaroo finishing up in the operating room, he goes off to his test drive of the Overthruster which takes him through a mountain and out the other side by rearranging the molecules to let him pass through. Then he and his band of followers are off to a press conference where his Overthruster is stolen by John Lithgow who plays an alien. One of the zaniest movies you will ever see, that is just the beginning.

Evaluation: A timeless crazy adventure that almost all teens will find some part of that they can relate to, whether it is the adventure, the musicians, the romance, the aliens or the fast cars. Somehow the story holds together even though it jumps from one wild adventure to the next. This is the type of movie that you want to watch again every year or so.

Mirror's Edge

Creator: Electronic Arts
Publisher: Redwood City, CA: Electronic Arts 2008
ASIN- B00149PCAO
Rating: Teen

Classification: Young Adult Game
Genre: Sci Fi or Futuristic
Media Type: XBOX 360 Game

Grade level: 8-12

Reader's annotation: A rebel group in a future city leads your character on an epic chase to rescue your sister from the enemies.

Summary: In this first person action-adventure game, you are a runner (an agent that is trained to escape any situation by running and using their gymnastic skills to maneuver over and around objects and buildings as fast as possible) in a rebel agency against the government. You're trying to save your sister who was kidnapped and you are chased through the city, as well as chasing others in search of your sister. Sticking to the rooftops, you run through this futuristic city, getting into gunfights and chases, jumping to helicopters from rooftops and swinging down cranes.

Evaluation: As a fast paced action thriller, there’s a surprise around every corner. Lots of colors and action bring this game to life and it’s hard to look away with everything that's going on. The camera action makes you really feel like you are there.

The Graveyard Book

Author: Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Dave McKean
Publisher: Harper Collins, New York
Year: 2008
ISBN- 978-0060530921
pages: 312
Author's website

Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Topics: paranormal, family
Media Type: Book

Grade level: 6-adult

Reader's annotation: A normal boy is raised by ghosts in a graveyard protected from the man from who murdered his family.

Summary: After his parents are coldly murdered in the night, the toddler wanders outside, up the road, and into the graveyard. There he is protected by the dead who are buried there and looked after by Silas - someone who lives both in the world of the dead and the living. Bod, short for Nobody, Owens is a sweet innocent boy who is open and caring. He makes a friend when he is 5, a girl named Scarlett whose parents think he is an imaginary friend. At this point the reader realizes that Bod has abilities that are a little out of the ordinary. When Silas has to go away for a while Miss Lupescu comes and takes care of him. Bod doesn’t appreciate what she is teaching him until he makes the mistake of trusting the wrong characters who visit the graveyard. However, Miss Lupescu comes to the rescue and Bod learns his lesson. There are several interesting characters in Bod’s life to keep him occupied but the knowledge that a man is out there who wants to kill him weighs on Bod’s mind. When Scarlett returns as a 15-year-old she brings danger as well as a chance for retribution.
After I read the book I listened to the audio version which is read by Neil Gaiman and it was even more engaging the second time around. The CD has great music at the beginning and end of each CD by Bela Fleck.

Evaluation: Winner of the 2008 Newbery Award this book definitely deserves it. Story is engaging and charming with memorable characters. Although the story is built on some creepy events it doesn't feel like a horror story.

The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Publisher: New York: Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for Children 2005
ISBN- 978-1415662987
pages: 377
Author's website

Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Myth Fantasy
Media Type: Book

Grade level: 6-adult

Reader's annotation: Percy was always told he was different, special, but not until he had to fight a minotaur did he realize quite what they meant.

Summary: Percy Jackson was on a field trip to the museum with his boarding school class when things started getting a little weird. After this classmates and teacher had no idea who Mrs. Dodd was, the teacher who just transformed herself into some mythic creature that Percy slayed with a pen turned sword, Percy knew something was wrong. When he was told he would not be returning to this school again in the fall he was disappointed but not surprised. Now he has to start all over again at a new place in the fall. When he gets home he is thrilled to discover that his mother has a weekend trip to the beach on Long Island all planned out. Unfortunately, they aren’t there long when something comes after them and his mother reveals that she knows that he is being pursued by unknown evils. As she tried to get him to a safe zone - a summer camp called Camp Half-Blood, they were attacked by a Minotaur and Percy barely made it alive onto the property. There he discovers people he knew are really satyrs and centaurs and his father was one of the Greek Gods. This marks the beginning of a new era for Percy where he discovers his differences are not necessarily bad.

Evaluation: There is a certain urban edginess to Percy that draws teens to his character. He’s not perfect and gets in trouble which is appealing to kids. The mix of myth and modern day life is a great combination, it’s a promising start to a series.

Series: Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Author: J.K. Rowlings
Illustrator: Mary GrandPre

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books - Scholastic 2007
ISBN-978-0545010221
pages: 784
Author's website

Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Media Type: Book

Grade level: 5-adult

Reader's annotation: Hermione and Ron stay by Harry’s side as they work out the final puzzle. Can Harry defeat Voldmort once and for all?

Summary:
This book departs from the usual structure of life at Hogwarts as the majority of the story takes place while Harry and his friends hide out in a magical tent while they try to work out the final puzzle in collecting the all of the horcruxes to defeat Voldmort once and for all. While there is lots of sorcery and battles against magic forces throughout the tale, Harry has to make some difficult decisions. This book ties together many of the lessons he and his friends have learned throughout the earlier books in terms of emotional growth and maturity that really bring this story to its end.

Evaluation: The last book in the series comes to a very satisfying end. This series has been so influential to young adult literature and this book keeps the bar high. Not in the least bit predictable, it keeps one attention throughout all 759 pages of the story.

Series: book 7(last one) of Harry Potter series

Abarat

Author: Clive Barker

Publisher: Joanna Cotler Books 2002
ISBN- 9780060280925
pages: 388

Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Media Type: Book

Grade level: 6th +

Reader's annotation: Candy Quackenbush runs away from school and Chickentown MN and into another world full of fantastical creatures and islands to mark each hour.

Summary: Candy is having a bad day in her small Minnesota town whose main industry is chickens. She walks away from school and just keeps on going, right out of town into the empty fields where she meets John Mischief, a man with seven extra heads - his brothers! And if that isn’t strange enough who is the creature coming after them? Candy follows John’s directions to get the ball back in the bowl at the top of the crumbling lighthouse which triggers the sea to fill up the fields and take them all away. Candy is rescued by a boat as she is carried away in the sea and brought to the first of the islands of Arabat. She discovers all sorts of creatures and strange beings and visits several of the islands, each one with its own time. She makes a friend, Malingo, and they fight off all sorts of things that are after them that have been sent by evil Christopher Carrion. But she belongs and feels like she has been there before, she isn’t shocked by what she sees. At the end of the book is an appendix which describes several of the islands of time with the 25th hour added in.

Evaluation: If you like fantastical worlds this story has things you could never imagine. Illustrated by the author, one is given additional help to visualize this amazing world. It is a great escape with something exciting escapes though not much more.

Series: Abarat - book 2: Days of Magic, Nights of War

Martin the Warrior: A Tale from Redwall

Author: Brian Jacques
Illustrator: Brian Chalk
Publisher: New York: Philomel Books. 1994
ISBN-978-0399226700
pages: 376
Author's website

Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Media Type: Book

Grade level: 7th - 12th

Reader's annotation: Young mouse slave Martin transforms into a warrior to release himself and other enslaved animals as they fight their way free from the tyrannical corsair stoat Badrang.

Summary: The story opens with Martin a prisoner slave in the fortress of Badrang, a greedy tyrant who has visions of ruling an empire of woodland animal creatures. Martin manages to escape with a small group who immediately get separated from each other. Martin teams up with Rose and her friends and family who gather together an army. Badrang is having his own problems when he is attacked by another evil character Captain Clogg. There is much sword fighting and swashbuckling in some very tense scenes that make for exciting reading. One that was particularly intense involved river otters, rats and mice. Other animals featured are weasels, foxes and ferrets (bad) and badgers, hedgehogs, and squirrels (good). Each of the animals has distinct character traits which make this fantasy so engaging. As the stories weave their way through triumphs and setbacks the characters gather together for a final climactic battle.

Evaluation: An action-packed book and series that really appeals to teen-age boys, both avid and reluctant readers. When I asked the high school boys what their favorite fun reading was I wasn’t surprised to hear the Redwall series as a top choice. It is a bit like an animal version of Lord of the Rings without the magic.

Series: Redwall. This is how the story all begins, though this book was published 6th in the series. There are currently 20 books in the series with The Sable Queen scheduled for release in January of 2010. The series has spawned an animated TV series and graphic novel rendition of the first book Redwall. Only four of the books have not been made into audiobooks.

Redwall, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. retrieved May 1, 2009 from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redwall

Lord of Rings - the movie

Author: J.R. R. Tolkein

Director - Peter Jackson
Distributor: New Line Home Entertainment 2004
ISBN- 978-07880647404
Rating PG-13

Classification:Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Media Type: Movie

Grade level: 6-adult

Reader's annotation: The epic story of Frodo Baggins and his quest to destroy the ring is brought to life in all its colorful grand imagery on the screen.

Summary: The three books in the series - The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King make up a larger than life epic tale that is well known to most people at this point. A classic in the fantasy genre, Middle Earth has elves, dwarfs, orcs, both good and evil rulers, sorcery and magic. Large battle scenes are interspersed with traveling through magical lands. Basically the powerful ring needs to be destroyed and Frodo leads a band of assorted people across Middle Earth to throw it in to the Cracks of Doom. There are many adventures and side trips along the way with many characters some who remain strong and others who fall to the evil forces. Though when the books were written they were considered for adults, this seems to be a classic high school reading selection.

Evaluation: When surveying teens and their favorite movies Lord of the Rings won hands down. The combination of a great epic story that closely follows the book, which most of them have read, coupled with a great cast and beautiful cinematography in the fabulous setting of New Zealand makes this series a winner all around.

The Golden Compass

Author: Philip Pullman

Publisher: New York: Knopf/Random House 1996
ISBN-978-0679879244
pages: 399
Author's website

Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Media Type: Book

Grade level: 7-Adult

Reader's annotation: Young Lyra and her daemon Pan leave Oxford in search of the kidnapped children that are rumored to have been taken to the Far North and stories of gruesome experiments chill to the bone.

Summary: When Lord Asriel comes to Oxford to tell the scholars about his discoveries and ask for money, Lyra eavesdrops on her uncle and is fascinated with his stories. Seduced by the lady Mrs. Coulter, Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon (shape-shifting animals that are invisibly connected to their counterpart human and part of their soul) go to London thinking they will enjoy a different life. Lyra was given the mysterious Golden Compass just before she leaves and told to guard it well. Later when her best friend Roger disappears, Lyra fears the worst - that the Gobblers have taken him to the north to do horrible things. Lyra and Pan take off to save Roger and the adventure grows. They travel with the Gyptians and meet friendly witches, armoured bears, a Texan balloonist on their travels. Lyra learns to use the golden compass to determine what the future holds and what she should do next. What is really happening to the children is too terrible to even think about, but Lyra’s spunk and courage lead the others forward to do what’s right.

Evaluation: Excellent fantasy world that is well thought out and very believable despite the improbabilities. The daemons are like having your soul or personality and intuition take form and sit on the outside of your physical body. Of course with an ending like this one, you will want to start on the next book in the series immediately. It is a very popular and involved series.

Series: His Dark Materials - book 1

The Subtle Knife

Author: Philip Pullman

Publisher: New York: Knopf/Random House 1997
ISBN-978-0679879251
pages: 326
Author's website

Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Topic: parallel worlds
Media Type: Book

Grade level: 7-Adult

Reader's annotation: Will Parry, from the Oxford we know and Lyra from an alternate Oxford, meet in another parallel world and help each other. Will is looking for his father and Lyra is searching for the meaning of “dust” but they find so much more.

Summary: The book opens with Will and his concern over his mother’s safety as they try to avoid the men who are after them. Then Will discovers some information about his missing father and while running away from his pursuers manages to walk through a “window” into another world. It is here in Cittagazze where Will meets Lyra and in an unintentional fight where Will is merely defending himself, he acquires the Subtle Knife. Or should I saw the Subtle Knife acquires Will. This knife is very powerful and has the property of allowing the owner to cut windows into other worlds. The two continue on their searches, now in several different worlds with a large cast of characters including all of the characters from The Golden Compass.

Evaluation: The second installment of this series is just as good as the first and the cliffhanger ending will have you eagerly finding book 3 to read. There are now parallel worlds that the characters are moving through, increasing the complexity of the story while retaining the charm of the characters and the believability of it all. One almost believes that if you had the right knife... you could do that too.

Series: His Dark Materials - book 2

The Amber Spyglass

Author: Philip Pullman

Publisher: New York: Knopf/Random House 2000
ISBN-978-0679879268
pages: 518
Author's website

Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Topics: parallel worlds, romance
Media Type: Books

Grade level: 7-Adult

Reader's annotation: Will and Lyra have been separated but they find each other and defeat the evil powers that threaten the existence of any life form at all.

Summary: This book picks up right where we left our characters at the end of The Subtle Knife. Will and Lyra are separated for quite a while each focusing on their own tasks. Will is joined by two angels that will help him to complete his mission. Lyra is being held by her mother in a cave, now trying desperately to protect her as her motherly instincts finally kick in. Convinced that Lyra will be killed if she doesn’t keep watch over her, Mrs. Coulter keeps her drugged and hidden. But as it is in Will's destiny to help Lyra, he does manage to rescue her and together find the courage and direction to do what needs to be done. They are joined by some tiny people who fly that protect them by attacking unseen. There is also an extensive side story with the scientist from Oxford who is in a world of very strange creatures. Here she actually finds the “dust” and figures out, through the use of an amber spyglass, what exactly is going on with dust. The final showdown is expected but the resolution is not what I expected.

Evaluation: The epic conclusion to the series, bringing all the previous series's characters as well as quite a few new ones together for the final power struggle that will determine the fate of all the universes. If you haven’t read The Subtle Knife you will be lost in this book. Pullman continues to paint a rich picture of his world that completely absorbs the reader.

Series: His Dark Materials - book 3

Ender's Game

Author: Orson Scott Card

Publisher: New York: T. Doherty Assoc. 1985
ISBN-978-0312932084
pages: 357
Author's website

Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Science Fiction
Media Type: Book

Grade level: 9-Adult

Reader's annotation: Chosen by the government to go to The special school, Ender leaves home at the age of six. Will he be the savior of the human race?

Summary: After feeling very unappreciated in school and as the youngest child in his family, Ender is chosen by the government after all to attend the special training program at the age of six. Now Ender can excel at what he is good at, computer gaming. He still has to deal with personality issues and competitiveness, something that he would rather put aside. But the training is rigorous and exciting, especially the descriptions of the games in the weightless room. Ender though has strong internal conflicts when he is forced to be brutal in order to survive.

Evaluation: Full of retribution and space age action this book is a real hit with teen boys. Some of the ethical and moral questions are good for teens to think about, especially those related to the value of life. The story is told as if it was happening at the moment which brings an excitement and urgency to it.

Series: Ender Wiggin - book 1

Time travelers wife

Author: Audrey Niffenegger

Publisher: San Francisco CA: MacAdam/Cage Publisher 2002
ISBN-978-1931561464
pages: 560
Author's website

Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Romance
Topics: Time travel
Media Type: Book

Grade level: 10-adult

Reader's annotation: What would it be like if your life was lived out of sequence, that is the fate of Henry as he uncontrollably travels back and forth through time. Sometimes he is an adult visiting his future wife when she is a child, sometimes he is in the future, powerless to change what will be.

Summary: Henry has a problem. He suddenly, without warning or preparation, finds himself, naked, in another time and place. He often finds himself in a field behind his future wife’s home when she is a child. Sometimes he vanishes from his job as a librarian, leaving an empty pile of clothes in the stacks. Somehow, he manages to function in the places he arrives at and covers his actions up from where he left. Throughout it all he manages to have a somewhat normal life that involves falling in love and getting married and having a job. This book is as much about the people and relationships as it is about time travel and the complications of that.

Evaluation: One of the more unusual, interesting and powerful books that I’ve read in a while. One feels their confusion, resignation and love strongly throughout the book. Readers are very invested in the outcome. Teens will enjoy the fantasy, time travel part and will get some insight into a mature relationship.

Lirael, Daughter of the Clayr

Author: Garth Nix

Publisher: New York: Harper Collins 2001
ISBN-978-0060278236
pages: 487
Author's website - check out some of the links that are on this page.


Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Media Type: Book

Grade level: 7-Adult

Reader's annotation: Lirael, the Clayr without the Sight, discovers her life is destined for something much greater. Prince Sameth discovers that his Kingdom is in real danger. Their stories will keep you spellbound with anticipation.

Summary: Lirael hopes and prays that this birthday will bring her the Sight. She is one of the oldest apprentices and thinks that ending her life might be a better solution then going another year without the Sight. However, she is given a job in the library and discovers that she contains very strong magical powers including the ability to conjure up The Disreputable Dog who becomes her best friend and companion. There she learns many things about how to handle magical beings and picks up some tools that will aid her in her future. When the Clayr’s show her the “vision” they have of her in the future she leave her home to follow her destiny. Off in another part of the Old Kingdom, Prince Sameth is trying to get home from school when he and his classmates are attacked by The Dead. Although Sameth makes it home alive he has serious doubts about his ability to follow in his mother’s footsteps as Abhorsen. Struggling to find the strength to do what is expected of him he sets off the help his friend who seems to be headed for trouble. Lirael and Sameth’s paths cross and together they support each other with encouragement and commit to helping each other defeat the coming evil.

Evaluation: Although this is the second book in a trilogy, it picks up many years after the first book and is easy to follow and enjoy without having read the first one. This book won several awards including YALSA’s Best Books for Young Adults. This story is full a exciting magical events and a compelling story with a cliffhanger that inspires one to start the next book immediately.

Series: Old Kingdom Trilogy, book 2

Abhorsen

Author: Garth Nix

Publisher: New York: Harper Collins 2003
ISBN-978-0060278250
pages: 304
Author's website - check out some of the links that are on this page.

Classification: Young Adult Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Media Type: book

Grade level: 7-Adult

Reader's annotation: Lirael and Sameth set off with their companions, the Disreputable Dog and Mogget, the magical cat to defeat the takeover of death and restore power of the Old Kingdom to Sameth’s parents. They must not let the ancient spirit of the Destroyer become whole again or life will be over for all.

Summary: Now that Lirael has discovered she is actually the Abhorsen-in-Waiting and Sameth is off the hook they form a partnership and prepare for their journey to rescue Sam’s unsuspecting friend Nick. Taken over by the powerful necromancer Hedge, Nick has lost control of his free will and is blindly acting as a bridge between the living world and the dead world. As Sam and Lirael work their way through all the obstacles the encounter they gain confidence and courage for the final showdown.

Evaluation: This book picks up right where we left off at the end of Lirael and concludes the trilogy with a hard traveled journey to defeat evil and death, and restore the world to the living. An exciting gripping conclusion with all the right components of suspense and magic with a strong leading woman.

Series: Old Kingdom Trilogy, book 3