Once: Before Midnight; Golden; Wild Orchid

Once: Before Midnight; Golden; Wild Orchid

Cameron Dokey

Quick Stats:

Page Count: 640

Age Range: 12 and up

Year: 2012

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

These are the epic and legendary stories of three magnificent girls, Rapunzel, Mulan and Cinderella. Each takes place in a land far far away in a augmented universe. These famous fables are re-spun to amuse the creative and open minded. Those who appreciate immersing into these legendary tales will enjoy the modern twist.

All who enjoys fairy tales, especially those who likes Disney movies, will enjoy this retelling of Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Mulan.

Ms. Nancy

 

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

JK Rowling

Quick Stats:

Page Count: 652

Age Range: 12 and up

Year: 2005

Genre: 2005

Book 6 of 7

In this book, Harry is facing off against Malfoy. Harry believes that Malfoy is on a plot to kill Dumbledore and that he is getting support from his least favorite professor, Snape. The book is also devoted to Harry understanding that Lord Voldemort has created horcruxes, which are valued objects that contain parts of his soul. This will allow Voldemort to stay alive and never die. Harry’s worst fears with Malfoy and Snape are realized when they successfully kill Dumbledore.

I would recommend this book, but once again, it would be over most of my students heads. I have spoke to them about reading the series, but they currently aren’t up to level yet.

Mr. David

Wonderstruck

Wonderstruck
Brian Selznick

Read it.

Quick Stats:

Page Count: 608 (but most of the length is pictures!)
Age Range: 8 and up
Year: 2011
Genre: Realistic, Graphic Novel

Told alternately in beautiful prose and even more beautiful narrative images, Wonderstruck is the story of two children separately looking for a family. Ben’s journey starts in Minnesota and takes him to New York City, where he meets a museum and a potential friend, and confronts his nightmares. Ben’s story is interwoven with that of Rose, whose life has many parallels to his own.

This is a gorgeous book. It has action, adventure, a bit of mystery, some pulse-pounding, lots of quirky details, and real emotional resonance. The narrative images make it a more intense read, and also a quick one.

-Miss Barter