Burying the Sun by Gloria Whelan

In Leningrad in 1941, when Russia and Germany are at war, fourteen-year-old Georgi vows to help his family and his city during the terrible siege.

Wonderful… one of the best historical fiction books I've read. A hauntingly realistic portrayal of life during the seige. A must read for fans of historical fiction.

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Soon after Peter, an orphan, sets sail from England on the ship Never Land, he befriends and assists Molly, a young Starcatcher, whose mission is to guard a trunk of magical stardust from a greedy pirate and the native inhabitants of a remote island.

What a great story, I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, the adventure and suspense. The illustrations are great, followed the story well. Even though it looks long, the book reads quickly.

Pirates! by Celia Rees (Audio)

In 1722, after arriving with her brother at the family's Jamaican plantation where she is to be married off, sixteen-year-old Nancy Kington escapes with her slave friend, Minerva Sharpe, and together they become pirates traveling the world in search of treasure.

The audio version disappointed me. I absolutely loved this book, the drama and adventure was great. Jennifer Wiltsie, who narrates the story, does not have the voice that I pictured for Nancy. Also, Jennifer's voice made Nancy seem much older to me than was supposed to be. Definately a great story though, full of action, adventure, and suspense. Will have you singing yo, ho, yo ho a pirate's life for me!

Cruise Control by Terry Trueman

Paul McDaniel is a straight-A, high school senior who stars on the football, basketball, and baseball teams. While Paul stands out in so many ways, his brother Shawn suffers from cerebral palsy, and is (as Paul says) "a veg, a full-fledged, drooling, fourteen-year-old idiot." Paul feels guilty not only because he excels at so much while Shawn does not, but also because he is embarrased by Shawn, even though he truly loves him. Paul is deeply angry with his father, who left the family years ago and makes his career out talking about Shawn. Paul's anger and guilt is frequently taken out in fights with others, leaving them beaten to a pulp.

While this is a companion novel (NOT a sequel) to Stuck in Neutral, it is a title that clearly stands on its own. For those who have read Shawn's narration, this story adds another dimension and further depth. The stories work best when read together though because they work together to paint a complex portrait of a family dealing with severe disability. Cruise Control is powerfully moving, and touching. Dark and intense, the book is a page turner that draws you in.

All's Fair in Love, War, and High School by Janette Rallison

When head cheerleader Samantha Taylor bombs the SAT, she determines that the only way she will get into college is to win the student body election. Samantha's razor wit and sharp tongue, however, are more likely to alienate her classmates. When she accepts her eight-grade boyfriend Logan's challenges her to go two weeks without insulting anyone, Samantha fears she may have bitten off more than she can chew- especially when her current boyfriend dumps her three weeks before the prom.

This was cute, humorous and quick read. Nothing earth-shattering or ground breaking, but a good light-hearted read. I enjoyed Samantha's character- especially her attitude and confidence.

Bras and Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski

Rachel Weinstein, 14, wants many things - she'd love to remain best buds with her newly popular friend Jewel, get a date to the Spring Fling, and stop her dad from marrying her "Soon To Be Step-Monster." When her younger sister, Miri, discovers that she is a witch, Rachel just knows that her dreams are within her grasp. Though the girls' mother warns them that magic can lead to unexpectedly harsh consequences, the sisters secretly come up with plan after plan to stop their father's wedding and help Rachel find popularity.

Cute. Quick, enjoyable read. Funny, fresh, and realistic voice. Looking forward to the sequel.

Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer

After their last encounter with the fairies, Artemis and Butler have had their winds wiped of all his knowledge and memories of the world below ground. Unfortunately, all goodness he has learned was wiped away as well and Artemis has returned to his criminal lifestyle. Meanwhile, Opal Koboi has escaped from captivity and is determined to seek revenge against her previous enemies.

Disappointing. I was so looking forward to this book, since I just loved the previous installments. This one is much much darker, involves the death of a major character, and religates other major characters to the background. I found the story much harder to get in to than the previous ones as well. Artemis also seemed to lack some of the characteristics that made him so enjoyable in the past. That being said, the story was full of action and suspense, which helped make the story enjoyable and was what drew me into the story in the end.