Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Title: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, the final chapter in the Norse Mythology series by Rick Riordan, shares Magnus Chase's final quest to stop the beginning of Ragnarok. Even though I will read ANYTHING Rick Riordan writes, this book was most interesting because of my lack of knowledge of Norse Mythology. Having only seen Norse Gods in the Thor movies, I had little background until this series. What is so hard for me is when a series ends - but this book didn't disappoint. Not only was it action-packed from start to finish, but it incorporated so many strong characters who all brought their own strengths to every mission. Getting to know Halfborn, Mallory, and TJ better in this book was great because their backstories/death stories are fascinating and so connected to the historical times of the places they come from. For example. Mallory died trying to stop a bus bomb from killing children, even though her family supported the bombing in Ireland. TJ died on the battlefield of the Civil War working hard to end slavery and discrimination in the process. Each character has their flaws, but it is through those flaws that they are able to fight so well together to stop Loki and his desire to end the world as we know it. While this series and these characters have come to an end, and I am very sad because of it, I know that Mr. Riordan will find a way to weave them back into another series letting me revisit some of my favorite characters who now feel like friends.

Not If I Save You First

Title: Not If I Save You First
Author: Ally Carter
Genre: Adventure/Realistic Fiction

Not If I Save You First, a gripping new story by one of my favorite author's Ally Carter, tells the story of Maddie and her complicated life as the daughter of a Secret Service agent. Maddie, a driven and independent young girl, had her whole life turned upside down when at ten years old the wife of the President was almost kidnapped, and her dad took an almost life-ending bullet to save her. Because of this, she and her father move to remote Alaska where she is no longer worried about dresses but how to have enough food to eat. All Maddie wants is to figure out what happened to her strong friendship with the "First Son" Logan, who she left behind after that fateful night six years ago. Once she decides to cut him out of her life for good, a helicopter drops him into her small rural world completely turning her life upside down, even threatening it. Will Maddie be able to forgive Logan long enough to save his life? Or will she be the one to end it?

Mr. Lemoncello's Great Library Race

Title: Mr. Lemoncello's Great Library Race
Author: Chris Grabenstein
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Mr. Lemoncello's Great Library Race, the exciting third book in the series by Chris Grabenstein, continues the story of Kyle Keely and his friends and their adventures with books and the eccentric Mr. Lemoncello. Kyle discovers that yet again Mr. Lemoncello has created another game to be played. Because of his competitive nature, Kyle makes it his mission to qualify for this new game, even though he can't choose his partner. While in the middle of this exciting new race that sends it contestants all over the country, Mr. Lemoncello's good name comes under threat! Will Kyle give up the chance to win the game in order to save his hero from ruin?

I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916

Title: I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916

Author: Lauren Tarshis

Genre: Historical Fiction

The book, I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis, explains how Chet, a hardworking boy who just moved to Elm Hills, New Jersey, wants to make friends. But, the friends he wants to have play pranks on him, based on the recent shark attacks in New Jersey. So, Chet pranks them back; then, when he sees a real shark in the Matawan Creek, no one believes him. Will his friends believe him and get out of the terrifying jaws before the great white monster attacks?


Check out this cool website!
International Shark Attack File

A Night Divided

Title- A Night Divided
Author-Jennifer A. Nielsen
Genre-Historical Fiction


     A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen, captures the heart racing story of Gerta’s tunneling decision to escape her life in the East. Gerta, a very brave young girl, wanted to be free and get to the West side of Berlin because her father and brother were in the West. However, Gerta couldn’t get to the West because of the wall that was separating Berlin. Gerta decided to dig a tunnel to get to the West. Will Gerta complete her journey to the West, without getting caught by the Stasi or Grenzers? I recommend this book because it is a really good Historical Fiction book explaining some of history while wrapped up in a fictional story. I liked this book because every moment I wanted to read more and keep unfolding Gerta’s story.

Written by Carly McHale

Ghost

Title: Ghost

Author: Jason Reynolds

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Ghost by Jason Reynolds explains how running is changing Castle Cranshaw or Ghost as he calls himself. Castle Cranshaw a boy with a hard past, that has left him with a very harsh scar. Castle or Ghost wants to find something he can be great at and when he races Lou on the Defenders without asking the coaches realize talent. However, running on the track team has made Castle make some bad decisions. Including stealing shoes, skipping school, and punching Brandon, the bully at Ghost’s school. So,  Ghost’s track coach agrees to him being on the team and running for the Defenders.Will Ghost run away from himself or run to who he will be in the future?

Written by Carly McHale

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Title: Island of the Blue Dolphins
Author: Scott O'Dell
Genre: Traditional Literature


     Island of the Blue Dolphins, a Newberry Award Winning story by Scott O'Dell, describes the adventurous journey of Karana and her thirst for survival, no matter the perils or hardships that come her way. Karana, a strong Indian girl,  is left behind on her island after her tribe decides to leave. Once she is faced with a new existence alone, she must face many challenges merely to survive. No matter what comes her way, wild dogs, hunters, time, Karana must find her courage, strength, and knowledge of survival to find a new way of life that makes the best of her situation. Will Karana realize how strong she is? Will her tribe find their way back to her island?