Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson (Delacorte) $21
Steelheart is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic Chicago now known as Newcago.
The world has completely changed in the 10 years since a burst in the sky gave some people extraordinary powers. The hero, a teenage boy named David, plans his revenge on the Epic figure who killed his dad a decade before.
David finally makes contact with a shadowy group of rebels called the Reckoners who have had some success in stalking and killing the Epics whose reign of terror has subjugated the entire world. With his help, the group plans some major guerilla campaigns which succeed beyond their expectations.
The ending indicates that a sequel is likely in the works - I can't wait! This book should have major appeal to teen boys with its interesting technology and fast and furious action.
The Hypnotists by Gordon Korman (Scholastic) $18.99
Younger boys will enjoy The Hypnotists, the latest effort from prolific author Gordon Korman. Jackson Opus is sent to the Sentia Institute because of his amazing ability to use his colour-changing eyes to make people do anything he wants. Jax soon gets drawn into a conspiracy and realizes that he must act quickly if he is to save his family, friends and even the entire United States. Great for ages eight to 12.
Scare Scape by Sam Fisher (Scholastic) $18.99
Scare Scape by Sam Fisher features an enticing variety of truly unappetizing monsters. Morton Clay moves with his family into a new but creepy house and discovers that the creatures in his favourite comic book have come to life and must be vanquished.
With the help of his sister, Morton deals with the Toxic Vapor Worm, the horrible Gristle Grunt and the Wargle Snarf among others. Any one of the above is capable of doing great harm to humans.
An illustrated chapter in the middle of the book gives a synopsis of the comic book beasts. Funny and fast-paced action for kids ages eight to 12.
Tommysaurus Rex by Doug TenNapel (Graphix) $11.99
Graphic novels are fun to read and approachable for kids who find reading a bit of a chore.
Tommysaurus Rex by Doug TenNapel has a sad beginning which leads to a satisfying conclusion. Ely goes to his grandpa's farm for the summer to try to get over the death of his dog and makes a momentous discovery in a nearby cave - a friendly dinosaur.
Their friendship helps Ely deal with his loss and there are some hilarious scenes which reveal just how difficult it is to have a pet of gigantic proportions.
The Silver Six by A.J. Lieberman and Darren Rawlings (Graphix) $11.99
The Silver Six, another graphic novel, is a science fiction adventure with a feisty heroine who helps a group of kids escape from their orphanage to an uninhabited moon. However, the corporate villain who killed their parents is trying to track them down and will go to any lengths to catch them.
A riveting adventure. Both graphic novels are suitable for kids ages nine to 12.
Star Wars: Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown (Scholastic) $13.99
Star Wars fans in the middle grades will love Jeffrey Brown's very funny title, Star Wars: Jedi Academy which describes Roan's year at school with aliens, robots and other extraterrestrial oddballs. Told through comics, drawings, diagrams and journal pages.
Give this to fans of the Wimpy Kid series.
Lawless by Jeffrey Salane (Scholastic) $18.99
Jeffrey Salane's first novel, Lawless, has a rather unusual protagonist. M Freeman has been homeschooled all her life but not in the subjects one might expect. She is an expert at escape tactics and safe-cracking and can spot a forgery a mile away.
Her skills get her into the mysterious Lawless School where she attracts the attention of a secretive clique called the Masters.
Lots of plot twists and turns and the good news for readers is that this is the first in a proposed trilogy. For middle grade readers.
The above titles are guaranteed to appeal to that hard-to-please young reader in your family.
Fran Ashdown was the head of the children's department of the Capilano branch of the North Vancouver District Public Library. She feels her education is sadly lacking as she did not study picking pockets and safe-cracking.
