Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson

To everyone around him, Alex Van Helsing is a troublemaker who gets in fights. After being transferred to a boarding school in Switzerland, Alex discovers that he is a descendent of great vampire-hunters. From this discovery, everything changes for Alex. He becomes involved in a vampire-tracking organization and must work to save his friends.

Personal Thoughts: What a fantastic read! It was fun following Alex through his adventures, and without a doubt, the book is action packed. I cannot wait for the sequel - Voice of the Undead.

Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

Brewster "Bruiser" Rawlins doesn't have many friends, until Bronte and Tennyson befriend him. The twins begin to notice that Bruiser is different, and they worry about him. He lives with an abusive uncle and always seems to have cuts and scrapes. Bronte and Tennyson, however, feel better when he is around. Why does Bruiser feel so much pain when they don't?

Personal Thoughts: I am a huge fan of Neal Shusterman's works, but I believe this might be my favorite! This powerful story is told from three different points of view, Bruiser, Bronte, and Tennyson, and explores the idea of true sacrifice through pain. Like most of Shusterman's works, you will think about the message long after you put down the book.

Forgive My Finds by Tera Lynn Childs

Lily is the new girl in high school, and she hides quite a secret: she is a mermaid princess living on land. Before she is allowed to take the throne in the ocean kingdom of Thalassinia, she must find a a mate. In fact, one kiss will seal her to her love, but the kiss comes from her annoying neighbor Quince. Lily and Quince swim to meet her father and have the bond removed, but she finally realizes that Quince truly loves her. But, how does she feel about him?

Personal Thoughts: I loved swimming through Lily's adventure! She is a strong character, possessing lots of intellect, humor, and under-the-water wit.

Invisible Girl by Mary Hanlon Stone

Fourteen-year-old Stephanie feels invisible, especially since her father doesn't really notice her and her mother only worries about her next drink. Eventually, Stephanie moves to California to live with family friends, but the transition proves difficult. Stephanie must find her own inner strength.

Personal Thoughts: Although Stephanie's situation is difficult, I enjoyed watching her develop into an independent young woman. She had to realize her own identity, not take it from the words and physical actions of her parents.

The Ranger's Apprentice Series by John Flanagan

In The Emperor of Nihon-Ja, the final book in John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice series, Horace, takes center stage, as he attempts to keep the Emperor of Nihon-Ja from being killed by others who want to take control. As soon as Will, Halt, Alyss, and Evanlyn learn that Horace needs help, they immediately leave to help. The battle to help the emperor proves to be one that relies upon courage, humor, strategy, and friendship.

Personal Thoughts: What a fantastic final adventure! Although Horace matures and proves himself in this novel, Will, Halt, Alyss, and Evanlyn are right next to him. As usual, Flanagan's novel did not disappoint. I'm only sad that the adventurous journey is over.

Countdown by Deborah Wiles

Growing up in 1962, eleven-year-old Franny Chapman has quite a lot to worry about. Personally, she must work through a betrayal by her best friend, her uncle's embarrassing actions, and her sister's secrets. On another note, Franny must also begin to understand the bigger picture, as President Kennedy announces that Russian missiles are in Cuba.

Personal Thoughts: While reading the book, Franny became a good friend. I loved being beside her throughout her coming-of-age journeys. In the novel, Wiles' included historical quotes, newspaper articles, and pictures, so I was immediately transported back in time. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this book!

Rapunzel's Revenge

Hale, Shannon, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale. Rapunzel's Revenge. New York, New York: Bloomsbury, 2008.

Rapunzel’s Revenge, a graphic novel by Shannon and Dean Hale, along with the artwork of Nathan Hale, puts a new spin on the fairy tale of Rapunzel. Rapunzel, one of the fairy tales collected and retold by the Brothers Grimm, tells the story of a young girl taken away from her parents and imprisoned in a tower by Mother Gothel. Rapunzel’s Revenge takes the background story from the original fairy tale and adds several new twists, including a setting that resembles those found in Western stories.

As the story begins, Rapunzel lives under the watchful eye of her mother, Mother Gothel. The illustrations paint the beautiful villa and gardens. However, Rapunzel grows lonely and wants to know what is on the other side of the large wall that surrounds the villa. When finally looking over the wall, Rapunzel discovers a desolate land that craves plants and water and life, and after speaking with a lady in line for water, Rapunzel begins to realize that she is not the daughter of Mother Gothel. In fact, she believes she was stolen from her parents when she was a baby and forced to live with Mother Gothel. From this point, Rapunzel's adventures take off.

Personal Thoughts: I loved this graphic novel. Rapunzel is a strong character, and I really identified with her sarcasm. Although she finds herself in a horrible situation, she makes the most of her skills, talent, and intellect. I can't wait to read Calamity Jack!

Source Information: "Cover image for Rapunzel's revenge." TITLEWAVE Follett Library Resources. http://www.titlewave.com/cover?FLR=05894Y1&SID=3000e3694149d144133ec5a913a25369&type=cover (accessed November 13, 2010).

Hale, Shannon, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale. Rapunzel's Revenge . New York, N.Y.: Bloomsbury, 2008.