The Dark Endeavor (298 Pages)

Kenneth Oppel has written this prequel to Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. It is subtitled "The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein". I was so interested to read about the wealth of the Frankenstein family as well as the relationships of family members and the unusual, somewhat progressive thinking of the parents. Also, I needed to keep reminding myself that medical treatment in the 19th century, was not what it is today. We take so much for granted in terms of medicine where as they were still using leeches to bleed patients of sicknesses!  The book is filled with exciting escapades as Victor, Cousin Elizabeth, and friend Henry attempt to find a cure for Victor's twin brother, Konrad. It is an exciting read ending with Victor's statement, "I promised that I would see my brother again- even if it meant unlocking every secret law of this earth, to bring him back." The book is called Book I, which promises a future read.

The Other Story (307 Pages)

Some of you may have read Tatiana De Rosnay's first novel, Sarah's Key. This is her fourth book, and it is a wonderful read. It is NOT a YA book, but is very interesting. I mention it, because I want to reiterate that I believe schools today need to reach beyond Anne Frank's Diary. Not to negate the importance of that book,  it seems important for educators to look at the many new books that have been written to address the importance of remembering World War II and the Holocaust. I've mentioned several in my posts, and feel it is even more important for teachers to consider as I heard on the news last night that an appalling number of people under the age of 30 have NO knowledge of the war and/or the Holocaust. I am not talking about jerks, such as the former president of Iran. I'm talking about Americans! The Other Story is not about World War II, it just gave me an opportunity to get on a soap box and expound my feelings.

The Maze (374 Pages)

I'm sure I'm the last person to read book one of this James Dashner series....and I must say, it's a little weird. Thomas finds himself in a large, black box being mechanically raised. He is frightened because he can't remember how he got in the box. As a matter of fact, he can't remember anything except his name. When the box stops moving, he finds himself in a peculiar compound inhabited only by boys. He soon is introduced to several of these boys including Alby (the leader of the group), Newt (Alby's second in command),  and several other boys. He discovers that there are specific rules of behavior here, and the boys are known as Gladers. Thomas has a feeling he has been here before, and that he needs to be a Runner. Runners go into the maze every day, trying to find a way out. The walls of the compound move electronically every night,  and it is important for the runners to be back inside the compound before the walls are sealed shut for the night.  If they aren't back in time, they risk being killed by the Grievers. These are mechanical monsters that are programmed to kill the boys. The story continues with Thomas finding out more and more about the mystery of the maze. It is an exciting, fast moving plot that readers will find difficult to put down.