|
 Bruiser
by Neal Schusterman, c2011
Tennyson is convinced, like the rest of his classmates, that Brewster (or
“The Bruiser” as he is known at school) is trouble---with a capital T. When
his younger sister Brontë starts dating Bruiser, convinced that there is
something unique and even gentle behind his rough exterior, Tennyson makes
it his mission to learn the truth behind Bruiser’s reputation. The closer
Tennyson and Brontë come to really knowing Bruiser the more questions they
have. Why is he so determined to be alone? And where do the injuries come
from that he is always trying to hide? What they find will change forever
how they see themselves, their families, their friends---and even their
enemies.
Hard to categorize, this beautifully written and thought-provoking book
reads like realistic fiction but has a fantastical element, as Bruiser
literally takes on the physical and emotional hurts of those he cares about.
It’s a fascinating and heartbreaking read for both girls and guys.
Leviathan
by Scott Westerfeld, c2010
Two brilliant young people and two ideologies collide in this alternative
history of World War I. Aleksandr is the son of the murdered Archduke
Ferdinand and as such is a devoted Clanker. He is fleeing for his life when
his path crosses with Deryn aboard the Leviathan, a British whale airship.
Deryn Sharp is training with the British Air Services to become an airman
and is desperately trying to keep the crew from discovering she is a girl.
Alek and Deryn soon find themselves on the front lines of World War I caught
between two sides---the Austro-Hungarian Clankers and their steam-powered
mechanical beasts and the British Darwinists whose technology is based on
genetically altered creatures. Can their growing friendship survive their
opposing loyalties?
The first in a trilogy, Leviathan is a great pick for steampunk fans who
enjoy lots of action coupled with great characters.
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The Madman’s Daughter
by Megan Shepherd, c2013
Juliet is only sixteen and her life is crumbling around her. Rumors
abound in London about the vile experiments her scientist father has
been doing on animals---and humans. Determined to find out the
truth, Juliet travels to the remote tropical island where he is
apparently living and working. Along with her father’s young and
handsome assistant, Montgomery---and the beguiling castaway,
Edward---Juliet faces unforeseen horrors as she learns the extent of
her father’s meddling with nature. Can she and the two men she can’t
help care for escape her father’s madness? And can Juliet control
her growing fascination with her father’s work?
This book, first in a suspenseful trilogy and inspired by H.G.
Well’s The Island of Dr. Moreau, is a perfect choice for those who
like their mysteries with a side of horror.
Matched
by Ally Condie, c2011
Cassia has never before questioned her place. She has always
believed the Society knows best. She has followed their plan for her
education and career and is ready for them to choose her husband, as
well. At the Match Banquet her best friend Xander’s face appears on
the screen, obviously the perfect choice for her---but then the
screen flashes Ky Markham’s face, before reverting back to Xander’s.
The Society tries to explain it away as a rare computer glitch.
After all, Ky has been classified as an Aberration. But suddenly
Cassia starts asking questions she’s never asked before. If the
Society can make one mistake, can it make others? And if Xander is
supposed to be her perfect match---why can’t she stop thinking about
Ky?
Lovers of The Hunger Games, Divergent and The Giver will fall hard
for this dystopian trilogy that explores the themes of choice and
consequence, freedom and sacrifice.
----- To check out these books or
to get recommendations for other great reads on the Lincoln
Community High School Reading List, please come see us at the
Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin Street.
[By
MELISSA OXBORROW,
Lincoln Public Library District] |
