48. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr, narrated by Alyssa Bresnahan (audio download, HarperAudio, 2008)

AUDIO BOOK: FANTASY, ROMANCE (ages 13-17)

Brief Description: The Summer King - Keenan - has lost his power; his mother, The Winter Queen has overtaken the summer court and the fey and the earth's mortals face danger and death as her cold overspreads all of nature. When Keenan meets Aislann, he feels he has met the Summer Queen - the only one who can combat the power of the evil of the Winter Queen and get Keenan back his powers. Here's the problem, though, she has had "the sight" (being able to see faeries) her whole life and detests the fey - she surely doesn't want to become one of them. This story surrounds Keenan's pursuit of Aislinn as she falls in love with Seth, her mortal best friend. Will she take the Hawthorn staff and accept her role as queen?

Awards: Best Original Voices Award, 2007

Personal Opinion: I was engrossed in this romantic tale of the world of faery in spite of its shortcomings. Marr nicely precedes each chapter with a quote tied to the content of the chapter, and, apparently from real books from the mortal world! The characters were believable, the plot tense and worrisome, and even the most powerful in the story are given flaws. I am not one to read sequels unless I am truly drawn into the story, and I'm eager to see what happens next in the series. Also, this book is truly for ages 13+ as there are a few scenes and some language for more sophisticated readers. As with a few other titles in this assignment, I began with the audio, which was quite good, but had to actually read the book to get to the content faster. As for the shortcomings, it seemed that there was much repetition and often confusing situations that I didn't think were described clearly enough. Even with these issues, the book was wonderful. I'm eager to recommend it at the library.

Curriculum/Programming: Create a royal crest for each of the courts - both winter and summer - and include symbolism pertinent to each of the courts. OR Compare this faery story to another story and list all the "rules" referenced in each book. OR Read one or more of the books mentioned at the beginning of each chapter and report findings.

37. We the Children: Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School by Andrew Clements, Narrated by Keith Nobbs (Simon and Schuster Audio, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: REALISTIC FICTION (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: Ben's feeling a bit out of sorts; his parents are separated and he's worried. When the janitor at his school dies after giving him a mysterious coin, and entrusts the care of the school to him, he teams up with Jill to ward off developers intent on destroying the school to build an amusement park in its place.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I had thought after reading No Talking by Clements, that reading one of his books was as good as reading another. Keepers of the School was different. I enjoyed the audio book for the narrator's wonderful expression as well as the compelling story. Clements creates atmosphere in this seaside town and Ben's interest in sailing adds to the overall setting. While the story was reminiscent of books like Scat and Hoot (kids against big business) and reminded me of the film "The Goonies," it had enough mystery and suspense to keep me engaged. Of course, this is a first in the series, so the ending was rather frustrating. I'll probably listen to the next installment if the same reader is used.

Curriculum/Programming: Paired with Scat and Hoot, this would make a nice addition to a literature unit on kids vs. adults in the real world.

36. Emily's Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Narrated by Lee Adams (Random House, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: HISTORICAL FICTION (ages 7-10)

Brief Description: Set in rugged, early America, Emily Wiggins is suddenly orphaned and all alone in the world except for the advice of her neighbors, Mrs. Ready, Mrs. Aim, and Mrs. Fire. She befriends a young boy named Jackson as she makes her journey to Redbud to live with her Aunt Hilda. When she learns through a newspaper story that she has inherited millions of dollars, all sorts of trouble begins for her, especially since her dastardly Uncle Victor is looking to get some of that loot. Armed with only her imagined advice from the three sisters, Emily attempts to make her way in a rough world.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: This was a goofy sort of villainous wild west tale that will keep the young reader moving forward in the story; at each chapter's end, a wacky question is posed - such as "Now, what in the hokie smokies could that mean?" or "What in the hunky monkey do you suppose he was thinking?" and this serves effectively to move the story forward. The audio was well done, read by Lee Adams with just the right amount of wild west accent. This would definitely qualify as a material for the younger end of our age range, however. I came to like Emily and Jackson's characters, but would have enjoyed more interaction with Mrs. Ready, Mrs. Aim, and Mrs. Fire who only figured into the story in the first few chapters.

Curriculum/Programming: This book would be a good accompaniment to a study of the California Gold Rush, as this seems to be the time in which it was set. It would also make an excellent read-aloud in a classroom or after school program at the library.

26. Storm Runners by Roland Smith, Narrated by Ramon de Ocampo (Scholastic, 2011)

AUDIO BOOK: ACTION/ADVENTURE (ages 11-15)

Brief Description: Chase and his dad are on their own after the deaths of his mother and sister. When Chase's dad is struck by lightning picking up power tools that Chase left in the yard, and he survives, their lives change forever...again. A contractor, John Masters decides to become a "storm runner" - the guys head to wherever a natural disaster is imminent and "help" folks shore up against the impending storm; when the storm's over, John helps the owners rebuild, and that's not for free. So the guys are heading into Category 5 Hurricane Emily in Florida. Chase has been trained to survive in a myriad of situations and to trust his instincts, but against his better judgment, he boards a school bus when he knows the storm will hit the small town of Palm Breeze, Florida. His prediction is spot on when Emily bears down on his little town while his Dad is further south. This doomed bus ride lands Chase and two classmates in some serious trouble when Emily finally makes landfall.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I'm a weather nut, so this book was engaging and action-packed; tween guys will like the fast pace and excitement that the story offers. What I didn't realize is that the reader has to read The Surge, the next in the series to be released in September, to find out what happens next as Mr. Smith leaves the reader hanging on a thread at the book's end. I liked these two characters, and the secondary characters, for that matter - they were convincing, quirky, and evoked sympathy. The pacing is perfect, keeping the reader completely engrossed in the story. With carefully planted foreshadowing, we learn that the farm where Chase is staying could see serious trouble if electricity is lost; the farm is the winter home of a circus of animals. At the book's end, freed circus animals up the ante in this hurricane of danger.

Curriculum/Programming: Storm Runners would be great as a supplement to a science class dealing with meteorology. Also, the book illustrates survival skills and thus would be excellent as a program focusing on utilizing boy scout skills in serious and life-threatening situations.

25. The Westing Game, Narrated by Jeff Woodman (Recorded Books, 1998)

AUDIO BOOK: MYSTERY (ages 9-12)

Brief Description: Ellen Raskin has woven an intricately plotted mystery with a cast of characters that won't soon be forgotten. An excellent narration by Jeff Woodman enhances the story significantly. A motley cast has been invited to live in Sunset Towers; the will of wealthy Sam Westing is read naming them all heirs, and each receives $10,000 with the promise of over two million if a puzzle is solved. As the characters work in pairs to solve the clues they receive, much is revealed of their characters and "who did it" is surprisingly elusive. Readers will be delighted by the satisfying ending.

Awards: Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence, 1978; Newbery Medal, 1979

Personal Opinion: This conundrum of a book was one of the most exciting reads of the 50 for this assignment. I thought Raskin's characters were particularly well drawn, the plot steady, increasing in suspense, and even the setting beautifully conveyed. I was completely fooled by the mystery and didn't expect the ending, but hoped for one of the characters to be the victor, and I was not disappointed. I kept expecting, as the judge expressed, a very harsh ending like the one in Ten Little Indians by Christie, but was most pleasantly surprised and satisfied by Raskin's clever wrap up to this story.

Jeff Woodman's audio was superb; perhaps the best narration I've heard to date (and I listen to MANY books on audio). His accents, inflections, and voices, brought the characters to vivid life. I found myself frustrated as I wanted to read faster than the audio due to the intrigue, but went right back to the narration because of Woodman's depiction of the characters I had grown to love. Story, characters, setting, narration - all combine to make The Westing Game absolutely PERFECT!

Curriculum/Programming: There are many applications possible with this book and narration, but I would use the book to explore the genre of mystery with my students. In fact, I'd use it with my 8th grade class before I began reading Christie or Doyle as it is the perfect introduction, especially to Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie.

14. Virals by Kathy Reichs, Narrated by Kristin Milioti (Penguin Audio, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: SCIENCE FICTION (ages 11-16)

Brief Description: Prepare for an exhilarating ride on a science fiction roller coaster with snarky, brilliant, teenager Tory Brennan. Tory has lost her mom, and is sent to live with her cerebral professor father who knows nothing about her existence. Their strained relationship permits Tory a certain independence allowing her to get involved in much mischief, in the name of what's right. When a beloved wolf/dog puppy she names Cooper goes missing from the island on which her father's lab is located, and when strange Veteran's dog tags are found in a clearing, the mysteries in this story are ramped up to high volume. With her three nerdy science buddies, Hi, Shelton and Ben, this unlikely group seeks to uncover not only the dog tags' owner or the disappearance of "Coop," but a 40-year-old murder as well. Their own lives are threatened as they get a little too snoopy - but who is chasing them?

Awards: None...YET!

Personal Opinion: Notice the listing of both audio book and regular book above. While narrator Krising Mirioti conveys the perfect teen voice of Tory, I simply couldn't "listen" quickly enough and resorted to reading in order to reach the exciting and unexpected climax sooner! Truly, though, Mirioti does a great job with expression in this audio book; it must be listened to if the listener can remain patient! I could not put down this incredibly fast-paced novel of mystery, intrigue, humor, excitement, and suspense.

Programming/Curriculum: This book would work well a part of a study of viruses, and in particular, the parvovirus and how it reacts in dogs.

10. Saving Zasha by Randi Barrow, Narrated by Roger Mueller (Oasis Audio, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: HISTORICAL FICTION (ages 9-13)

Brief Description: Mikhail encounters a wounded man and his dog Zasha in the woods on his property. WWII is over, but much hatred of Germany and all things German exists in Russia. Dogs are no exception. He knows immediately that he must keep this secret; he brings them home where his kind mother, sister and brother care for the man and the dog. When the man dies overnight, they must bring him to the police. Through a series of encounters with dog thieves and Russian soldiers returning home from war, Zasha's life is threatened. Ultimately, however, the family prevails, and Mikhail's soldier father finally returns home after four years at war. Everyone wins in this heart-warming story of a boy and the dog he comes to love.

Awards: Nominated for the New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award; Parent's Choice Award Winner, Spring, 2011.

Personal Opinion: I absolutely loved this exciting story about Zasha! The author clearly understands dog behavior and carefully crafts Zasha's personality; dog lovers will be enchanted by her tenderness, intelligence, and beauty...and her singing! I hadn't realized that dogs were nearly exterminated in Russia following WWII, particularly German dogs. While the story is fictional, the end note indicates that the Russian Government did, in fact, strive to create a "super" Russian dog, and the Black Russian Terrier was bred and was finally recognized by the AKC in 2004 in the working group class. I admit that the story was fairly predictable, but in this case, it is comforting. Great pacing, narrator does a nice job with Russian accents, and fair character development earn this audio book 5 out of 5 stars.

Programming/Curriculum Ideas: This book is perfect to accompany a unit on WWII, or a study of the Black Russian Terrier.

9. Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner, Narrated by Claudia Black (Listening Library, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: FANTASY (ages 9-14)

Brief Description: Welcome to the horrifying city of Jewel. Here, the Blessed Guardians rule over the city with an iron fist, claiming to protect the citizens, but is there a more evil intent behind their "goodness?" Meet Goldie Roth, who is tethered by a silver guardchain to her parents until her separation day arrives on her 16th birthday - all kids are tethered in this manner for their "protection." But something goes wrong on her separation day, and she finds herself running away when a bomb has frightened the citizens of Jewel, and Goldie would lose her privilege of separating. She ends up in the Museum of Thieves, a strange place full of secrets that could destroy the city of Jewel; it is here that Goldie meets the four guardians and is trained by them to hone her thieving skills. These five characters must work together to combat the powers of the Blessed Guardians as they strive for their own, and ultimately their world's, survival.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: What a strangely compelling tale! I found myself somewhat confused about this world, but that could be because of the stop and start audio experience. The museum is alive and moving, and it's at once terrible and comforting for Goldie. The characters were interesting as they were eccentric and clever. Underlying the charming story of Goldie's interaction with the Museum's guardians is a current of fear. The Blessed Guardians were quite a frightening lot, and I was reminded often of nuns and priests ruling with iron fists, adhering to the letter of the law in all circumstances. Goldie's transition, though, was wonderful. From being overprotected at the story's beginning to gaining her own independence, Goldie shows a remarkable courage to fight the powers of evil. The narrator was quite exceptional, but the screeching and yelling and shouting was just annoying. Still, she distinguished character's voices clearly and included wonderful sound effects to bring the story to life.

Programming: Kids imagine themselves as the maker of the guardchains in the City of Jewel and report on the merits of the position in a written format answering the questions: How do you see your job in the city? What do you think about the rules of tethering? What do you think of the city's rulers?

1. The River by Gary Paulsen, Narrated by Peter Coyote (Listening Library, 2005)

AUDIO BOOK: SURVIVAL (ages 12+)

Brief Description: Fans of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet will enjoy revisiting Brian Robeson as he reluctantly accepts a challenge to assist government wilderness trainers to show them the skills he learned when stranded one year earlier. After discussion with his mother, he accepts the invitation by Derek, and the two set off on their adventure. Brian is initially disgusted by the ease of the campsite setting, claiming that it is not a real "danger" situation. When a storm strikes and Derek is badly injured along with their only communication with the outside world, Brian must attempt a rescue, using the river as transportation for him and his comatose companion.

Awards: Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002 ; California Department of Education; California

Personal Opinion: I enjoyed this audio narrated by Peter Coyote - who utilized outstanding expression and intensity in his voice. There was an element of predictability, but it added to the enjoyment of the story. It was fun revisiting Brian as he faced another man vs. nature situation, and I wondered if Paulsen would be able to pull off a way to put Brian back into trouble, but he does so surprisingly well. The audio included suspenseful music and sounds of the river to enhance the listening experience. This survival story makes for fast-paced listening action.

Programming Idea: Have a “survival skill” expert present simple ways to keep yourself alive if ever found in the wilderness without supplies. Display nonfiction titles on this topic, and feature Paulsen’s books Hatchet, Brian’s Winter, Brian’s Hunt, and Brian’s Return. Also, a book club for boys could feature these novels over the summer months.