Reading is very important for the child’s education as it increases their vocabulary and keeps the brain active. Children that read regularly do better in school, are more alert, and feel a sense of accomplishment when they finish reading their favorite book.

 Daughter of Smoke and Bone:

The author Laini Taylor introduces the main character, Karou, a young art student from Prague. Karou is a smart kid who speaks multiple languages and likes to draw monsters. She is on a quest to learn who she is, and in this book, she will find out what she is! After all, she has bright blue hair. This book mixes romance, fantasy and a mystery as the character searches for she while meeting some nice and some not so nice characters along her journey.

Delirium:

Enter a world where Love is considered a disease! 43 years ago, scientists came up with a cure for this “disease” and 17 year old Lena, the main character, is getting ready to undergo the prevention treatment. This is an emotional book as Lena struggles with her fears and anxiety as she watches the heartless actions of the world around her. If you can’t picture a world without love, you should read this book by author Lauren Oliver.

Exposed:

Just because this book is written in Verse, don’t let that scare you away! Author Kimberly Marcus introduces characters Liz and Kate who are best friends that get into a big fight. This book is about the struggle of friendships and communication. Can things work themselves out or is it inevitable that someone will get hurt in the end? A beautifully written story in well-versed language, you will not be able to put this book down!

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children:

Author Ransom Riggs mixes photography and words in this book that you won’t want to put down! The story takes place on a remote island off the coast of Whales where Jacob is sent after a horrible family tragedy. Once on the island, Jacob explores an old abandoned children’s orphanage (where the book gets it’s name) and finds photos and evidence that haunt him. Apparently, the children sent here may have been a little bit dangerous…But the real question is: Are they really gone? This is a chilling tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat! A must read for those who like mystery and suspense!

Between Shades of Grey:

This book written by Ruta Sepetys is about 15 year old Lina from Lithuania. The book takes place in 1941. Lina is your average girl-that is until the Soviet Soldiers enter her life-and take her away with other members of her family and force them to perform hard labor in a Siberian Work Camp under Stalin’s orders. Every day is a struggle as people are trying to survive while being forced into agricultural labor. As with any hero, Lina finds peace and solace in her art work, which she records of everyday life, in hopes that it will reach her father who is in another prison camp. This book just might make you shed a tear as you follow the character through her toughest life challenges that span over the course of several years.

The Running Dream:

This is a book written by author Wendelin Van Draanen and won the 2012 Schneider Family Book Award. Jessica is severely depressed after loosing her leg in a car accident. Her life’s dream was to be a runner! Follow Jessica through her trials and tribulations during her physical and emotional recovery. Seeing people’s reactions and the way they treat her, she evaluates her own past behavior towards another girl who has Cerebral Palsy. Here’s the catch: since Jessica has missed a lot of school she needs a math tutor. Guess who it is! Yes, it is Rosa, the girl she was unkind to before. Join these two young ladies as they embark on a friendship and help each other in many ways. As she progresses, Jessica realizes that she may be able to fulfill her dream and start running again with the help of a prostheses. You can bet she won’t be alone in this race!

 Divergent:

Written by Veronica Roth, this book is difficult to explain! You will have to read it through to understand it’s futuristic fiction! Basically, society is broken into 5 different human traits:

Abnegation (the selfless)

Candor (the honest)

Dauntless (the brave)

Amity (the peaceful)

Erudite (the intelligent)

Each person must choose to join one of these social groups at the age of 16 in order to create a perfect society. Once you choose, you own it for life! Oh, did we mention that there are dangerous initiation rituals? What Beatrice Prior does on her day of choosing surprises her whole family. She changed her name and chose a different group then the one they wanted her to choose. She falls in love with a hunk and this book just has a lot of twists and turns! You won’t be able to put this one down!

The Scorpio Races:

Maggie Stiefvater writes this heartwarming book about the life and death of water horse racers. Every November, riders gather to see who can hold onto their horses until the finish line. Some will never make it…19 year old Sean Kendrick is the quiet returning champion who keeps his problems and fears to himself. That is, until he meets Puck Connolly, the first girl to ever enter the races (and by a twisted case of fate no doubt!). Will they be friends or enemies? Puck is definitely not ready for the big races…how will she become prepared?

You against Me:

Author Jenny Downham (Before I Die) writes this book that is all about love! Mikey’s sister claims that she was assaulted by a guy. Mikey has honor and wants to seek revenge on the perpetrator. Ellie’s brother is charged with the crime. When Mikey and Ellie meet, everything changes as two worlds collide. This book is about making life choices and loyalty as well as the consequences from the decisions we make in life. This is another book that might bring tears to your eyes!

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25:

Author Richard Paul Evans pens this book about a 14 year old student named Michael Vey who suffers from Tourette’s syndrome. That’s not all Michael has. He has Special Powers. Electric Powers! It’s not long before he finds Taylor, a cheerleader who also happens to have special powers. Add their friend Ostin to the mix; add a secret powerful group that is trying to control the world by controlling the Electric Children, now you have a great story! They will need to use their special powers to survive. Will they make it?