The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Josh and Emma have been best friends and neighbors for their entire lives. Yet, when Josh develops romantic feelings for Emma, things change a bit, but life changes even more when Emma receives her first computer, logs on to the Internet, and finds herself on Facebook. While this may not seem odd right now, the story takes place in 1996 and Facebook did not yet exist. Emma does not know where to turn, so she asks Josh to view the website with her. Both teens navigate through Facebook and learn about what the future holds for them, as they view pictures and read posts from their future lives. They soon discover that decisions they make each day change their futures as shown on Facebook. Will Josh and Emma learn to trust the future, or will they try to change it?

The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander

Mac is a 6th grader who has quite a business in solving problems. His business office is in the "fourth stall" of the boys' bathroom, and Mac helps kids with academic and social issues. Mac's business thrives, and he has even earned enough money to buy tickets to a World Series game. However, the game changes a bit when Mac takes on a job to protect a third grader from bullies, and he must confront one of the town thugs. Will Mac and his business make it? If you enjoy comedy, suspense, and interesting characters, you'll love The Fourth Stall. It's even on the Lone Star Reading List 2012!

A Monster Call: a Novel by Patrick Ness

As the Lone Star Reading List for 2012 arrived, I could hardly wait to read some of the selections. I recently finished A Monster Calls: a Novel by Patrick Ness, Inspired by an idea by Siobhan Dowd. Wow! The story and the sketches are powerful and beautiful! The story begins as Conor shares some of the details of his recurring nightmare and details of his mother's battle with cancer. His life at school isn't much better, as he must deal with constant bullying by classmates. When things couldn't get worse, Conor is visited one night by a real monster in the form of a yew tree. The tree monster shares three stories with Conor and makes Conor promise that he will share his own story at the end of the three tales. To find out the truth about Conor and his mother, check out A Monster Calls: a Novel. You'll be hooked!

Dragonfly by Julia Golding

As the story opens in this fantasy novel, readers discover that a marriage is being arranged between Ramil Lagan ac Burinholt and Taoshira, Fourth Crown Princess of the Blue Crescent Islands. However, the arranged couple cannot stand the sight of each other. Just as they find a way to get away from each other, they are both kidnapped, and a marvelous journey begins. The journey includes battles, dangerous situations, and a little bit of romance. Will Ramil and Taoshira be able to work together to save themselves, or will they cause more problems? Check out this fantasy novel!

Divergent by Veronica Roth

In a futuristic society, people are divided into five factions: Erudite, Abnegation, Dauntless, Candor, and Amity. At the age of sixteen, students may choose to live with their families in their current factions or choose to move to another faction that better suits their lives. Beatrice has a tough decision to make. Will she remain her family or move to another group? How will her decision change her future?

Personal Thoughts: Wow! Fantastic books! Beatrice is a strong character, and the story is fascinating. Make plans to read this new Lone Star 2012 book!

Author Visit

Jordan Sonnenblick, author of Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie, After Ever After, Zen and the Art of Faking It, and Notes from the Midnight Driver, visits the PHMS Library on Monday, January 23rd. For more details, visit the PHMS Library!