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Ashes by Kathryn Lasky
In 1932 Berlin, thirteen-year-old Gaby Schramm witnesses the beginning of Hitler's rise to power, as soldiers become ubiquitous, her beloved literature teacher starts wearing a jewelled swastika pin, and the family's dear friend, Albert Einstein, leave the country while Gaby's parents secretly bury his books and papers in their small yard.
My Thoughts - I tend to enjoy historical fiction set in this time period. I imagine that Gaby's feelings and reactions to what was happening around her were typical of young people at that time. I liked this story, especially the twist with Albert Einstein and another twist with Gaby's sister.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
Sixteen-year-old Clary conintues trying to make sense of the swiftly changing events and relationships in her life as she becomes further involved with the Shadowhunters and their pursuit of demons and discovers some terrifying truths about her parents, her brother Jace, and her boyfriend Simon.
My Thoughs: This was a fast-paced page turner! I'm ready for City of Glass, the last book in The Mortal Instruments trilogy! I can't wait to find out what happens with Clary and Jace! I can't say more because I don't want to spoil any of the story for you.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Four Perfect Pebbles: A Holocaust Story by Lila Perl and Marion Blumenthal Lazan
The author tells the story of her family's experience as Jews in Hitler's Germany, tracing their horrifying journey from their home country to Holland and back again, living in refugee, transit and prison camps, including Bergen-Belson.
My Thoughts - This is another powerful story narrated by a mother and daughter as they tell their story of survival.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Suddenly able to see demons and the Shadowhunters who are dedicated to returning them to their own dimension, fifteen-year-old Clary Fray is drawn into this bizarre world when her mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a monster.
My Thoughts - Get ready for a fantastic ride through this story that twists and turns and leaves you hanging and running for the next book in the series!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Cold Hands, Warm Heart
After sixteen-year-old Tyler convinces his parents to donate the organs of his fourteen-year-old sister, who died during a gymnastis meet, he writes letters to the recipients, including Dani, who finally has a chance at normalcy after living fifteen years wiht a congenital heart defect.
My Thoughts: An interesting story from two points of view: Tyler's and Dani's.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth
Told in their separate voices, Eagan, who has died in a figure-skating accident, becomes a heart donor for Amelia, who then begins taking on some aspects of Eagan's personality.
My Thoughts: I stayed up late into the night to finish this captivating story! It makes me wonder if it is possible, which the author addressed in an end note saying that there are reports from patients that this can happen but nothing has been scientifically proven. I felt sad for Eagan and her mom. I felt happy for Amelia and the new opportunity for life that this brings to her.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Slob by Ellen Potter
Picked on, overweight genius Owen tries to invent a television that can see the past to find out what happened the day his parents were killed.
My Thoughts: I liked this story that shows what middle school is really like from the point of view of the person who is bullied. It has lots of sadly funny situations that made me keep reading!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
