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Coda

Ted Staunton

Coda is one of the seven books part of the Seven Sequels to Seven, The Series. Read the seven books in any order you like and join a different grandson in each of the stories. In the sequels, while the grandsons are heading up to their grandfather’s cottage, they find shocking evidence that suggests that their beloved grandfather could have been a spy, or worse, a traitor. With multiple fake passports, cash and a gun found in a secret compartment each of the grandsons set off on their own journey. Spencer’s world is turned upside when his brother is kidnapped. In order to find him, Spencer and his friend AmberLea and an annoying accomplice, Toby, must join together before something happens to his brother, Bunny. Together they face savage crocodiles, a murder mystery involving his grandfather, and kidnappers trying to capture them. Through all this, Spencer finds out shocking truths about his grandfather’s actions in the past and that his grandfather might have been the reason that Bunny was kidnapped. Who was David McLean really? Spy or Traitor?

Action, drama, love, emotions, suspense and adventure, this book is a complete package. The chapters of this book are filled with amazing ideas and an intriguing plot line. If you enjoy mystery books, then this is a book that is perfect for you. Ted Staunton does a fantastic job bringing his story to life in the eyes of the reader. This book defines the true meaning of family and being there for one another, always. Join Spencer and the other grandsons as they try to uncover the past by risking their own future.

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Between Heaven and Earth

Eric Walters

Between Heaven and Earth is a book part of Seven, The Series. These are the stories of seven grandsons and their quests, which have been given to them by their lawyer after their grandfather’s death. They each must complete their challenge and must not reveal it to anyone else but their fellow cousins. In Eric Walters’s Between Heaven and Earth, we join 18-year-old DJ in climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and scattering his grandfather’s ashes at the top. DJ has always been perfect at sports, a true leader and on top of his game, so he thinks that a small hike up a mountain is easy. But what really bugs him is that he gets stuck with an inexperienced porter and an old lady in his climbing group. He thinks that at this rate he’ll never reach the top. And what’s worse is that his stuff was stolen. Fast-paced DJ must learn that sometimes you have to go “pole pole” (slowly slowly).

This is a beautiful coming of age book in which we can really see the characters develop. DJ is shaped by the lessons he learns, the people he meets, and the challenges he has to face. Learn important lessons along with DJ while he tries to climb a mountain that his grandfather did himself. This book has action, adventure, drama, and a sense of family. It is a perfect book for teens as it teaches them to slow down once in a while and not to judge people by their appearances. Eric Walter does an amazing job of conveying his story and leaves us searching for answers. Will DJ reach the top? -Ananya M.

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The Caged Queen

Kristen Ciccarelli

Once there were two sisters born with a bond so strong that it forged them together forever. When they were angry, mirrors shattered, and when they were happy, flowers bloomed. It was a magic they cherished—until the day a terrible accident took Essie’s life and trapped her soul in this world.

Dax—the heir to Firgaard’s throne—was responsible for the accident. Roa swore to hate him forever. But eight years later he returned, begging for her help. He was determined to dethrone his cruel father, under whose oppressive reign Roa’s people had suffered. Roa made him a deal: she’d give him the army he needed if he made her queen.

Together with Dax and his sister, Asha, Roa and her people waged war and deposed a tyrant. But now Asha is on the run, hiding from the price on her head. And Roa is an outlander queen, far from home and married to her enemy. Worst of all: Dax’s promises go unfulfilled. Roa’s people continue to suffer.

Then a chance to right every wrong arises—an opportunity for Roa to rid herself of this enemy king and rescue her beloved sister. During the Reliquishing, when the spirits of the dead are said to return, Roa can reclaim her sister for good.

All she has to do is kill the king.

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Bridge of Clay

Markus Zusak

The breathtaking story of five brothers who bring each other up in a world run by their own rules. As the Dunbar boys love and fight and learn to reckon with the adult world, they discover the moving secret behind their father’s disappearance.

At the center of the Dunbar family is Clay, a boy who will build a bridge—for his family, for his past, for greatness, for his sins, for a miracle.

The question is, how far is Clay willing to go? And how much can he overcome?

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The Kite Runner

Khalid Hosseini

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a novel that explores various themes such as family, redemption and perseverance. The classic novel is about an Afghan boy, Amir, who desperately strives towards redemption after betraying his very loyal servant, Hassan. As Amir grows up and finally begins a family in America, he gets an unexpected call from his father’s friend who convinces Hassan to return to Afghanistan, which is now controlled by the Taliban, to potentially make amends with Hassan and save Hassan’s son from the evil grasps of the Taliban. During his journey to gain redemption, Amir understands the pain of regret, how the human mind can drive one to a point where success is the only option.

This novel is written in a way that never gives away how it will unfold. As I was reading this novel for the first time, the plot twists changed my perception of the story each time, giving me a sensation of suspense and amazement after each page. The novel talks about religious and other sensitive issues. There are many reoccurring symbols in the book that have a significant meaning to the story such as kites, eyes, smiles and dreams. I highly recommend keeping track of these symbols to improve your understanding of the book further as well as to understand the class of writing Khaled Hosseini showcases. This book is best for readers above grade 9 considering the sensitivity of some topics and the length of the book. -Eesa K.

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The Bad Beginning

Lemony Snicket

The life of the Baudelaire children goes entirely downhill after their parents were killed in a tragic house fire, leaving behind a vast fortune. The series focuses on the lives of Violet Baudelaire, a fourteen-year-old inventor, Klaus Baudelaire, a 12-year-old literature enthusiast with a photographic memory, and Sunny Baudelaire, 2-year-old with joy for biting things. In the Bad Beginning, these gifted children are sent to live with a distant relative who goes by the name of Count Olaf, a man with distinctive physical characteristics such a slender body, and his notorious eye tattoo on his ankle. Count Olaf, later seen as the antagonist of the series, gives his best attempt to steal their fortune; his efforts include framing others, lying, and even trying to murder the children. As the title states, the unlucky children face a series of moments which can be summed up with despair, pain and agony. The Baudelaire children come together and work as a family to escape from Count Olaf, protecting their parent’s fortune, and learn the truth about trusting others.

This book along with the remaining books of the series allows readers to follow and grow with the characters and potentially relate with certain individuals that shape the plot of the book. Fans of the mystery genre will definitely adore this novel, and will continuously wonder how the story will unfold next. This book teaches and encourages readers to utilize their skills to the fullest, to believe in their abilities, and work as a family to overcome any obstacle, no matter how severe the issue. The story is well-written, suspenseful and I definitely recommend this novel to readers above grade 7. – Eesa K.

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My Life Next Door

Huntley Fitzpatrick

Samantha Reed had a perfectly well-crafted life, but then one night while she was sitting outside on her window ledge she meets Jase Garret. Over the years, her mother had told her to stay away from the Garrets because they would only be trouble, but Samantha didn’t see that in Jase. He was easy to talk to, and after watching how his family interacts she wished that she was part of it. Her mother was always on top of her, making sure that her life stayed the way she wanted it and Sam’s idea of how it should be. The Garrets were far from perfect, and that is what Samantha needed.

A heart-warming romance that every girl will envy, it is wonderful, uplifting and a summer romance with depth. While reading this story, it feels as if you are in it because you want to be them. Are they willing to risk everything to be together? Which family will save her? Or will she save herself?  –Ali M.

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Diamonds In The Rough

Eric Walters

After the sudden death of Sky’s mother, Sky wants nothing more than to keep her and her three younger sisters together. The solution may lie with a newly discovered uncle. But Cole’s criminal history and his constant struggle to escape his past are not exactly the stable parental qualities that the authorities are looking for. When Sky and Cole strike a mutually beneficial deal to create an acceptable image, they both get more than they bargained for.

I pulled out the picture Cole had given us . . . my gaze fell on the boy, my uncle. I thought about the sadness in his eyes and what he’d been through at such a young age. And I was shocked to see a bit of me, staring back.

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Slider

Pete Hautman

Slider is a witty story of a teen who loves to eat and he’s good at it too. 14-year-old David checks stats on all his favourite food competitors and their competitions. He finds out a half-eaten hot dog, eaten by one of his idols, is being sold online but he needs a credit card to purchase it. Through “borrowing” a credit card and setting up an automated bidding system he ends up the not so proud owner of a preserved old hot dog.

He has many bouts of bad luck throughout the plot and slowly gets into debt with his friends. He begins to train in eating and attempts competitions himself with slider burgers, pizza, and many other foods. David struggles to make plans to get the money back, some more realistic than others. All the same, no matter the quality of his plan he vows to earn the money back or his life will be ruined by spending so much. Food competitions aren’t always as they seem: there are rule changes, sabotage and sometimes the prize isn’t what you had expected. Making friends in some of his competitions at some points help him to up his ante and find new and gross food eating techniques.

David is also assigned to take care of his brother Mal who has autism and only speaks one word, “okay”. Mal doesn’t talk much or eat a variety but his feats in learning help push David for his brother’s sake. Things may not always be right but are sometimes the right things to do; this is a lesson David learns through experience and later presents closer to the end of the story.

Overall, Slider is a hilarious read that will make you laugh out loud and maybe look at burgers a little differently. It is a must-read for those who love comedy and are looking for a fun light read. – Zoe P.

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The Infinite Moment of Us

Lauren Myracle

A true love story of being broken and finding yourself. Even when you try to run away from your life, you are always brought back to reality. The Infinite Moment of Us tells the story from alternating perspectives of Wren, who has never made decisions for herself, and Charlie, who has lived a tough past. They find each other when they are both lost, and though they may lose each other along the way, they will but always know where home is.

The story is about love, and home, with wonderful writing. It is a coming of age novel of innocence and taking a leap of faith to find yourself even if everything might not go as once planned. The two grew up in different ways with different types of parents — some overprotective and others not caring at all. The characters have morals and things they do on instinct; romance laced with jealousy and the fact of feeling broken. Also, when Wren starts to make decisions for herself and rebels against any rules, her parents are distraught.

One part I disliked was that a bunch of the book was graphical in the its descriptions, so it is for older mature teen audiences. I would recommend for those who like the genre. If you overlook that, the story plot was better than most romance novels, which focus mostly on the drama factor. The setting and places this book tells about are unknown to the reader as the author never describes it and when she does it is very vague. A fast read, however, it is an intense love story and not a book for everyone. Overall a good book, and I wish it had a sequel or something to continue the story. – Zoe P.

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