Speaking From Among the Bones by Alan Bradley

SYNOPSIS:  There is another dead body found in Bishop's Lacey, and there is little surprise that Flavia de Luce is on hand to help with the investigation.  No doubt she will discover who is to blame for the newest murder, all while keeping her family members on their toes.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Naturally, I loved this book, as I love all of the Flavia De Luce novels.  My only regret is that this book ended with an uncharacteristic cliff hanger, which is unfortunate, since it is the newest in the series.  I would definitely recommend it to any lovers of mystery novels.

AUDIENCE:  Adults

RATING:  PG with some Violence and Graphic Imagery

STARS:  5

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  I am Half-Sick of Shadows, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

Sapphire Blue

SYNOPSIS:  Gwen continues to try to solve the mystery behind the Circle, of whom she is now a member.  Her time-traveling partner Gideon does little to help her, sending her mixed signals, and keeping secrets of his own.  As the danger increases, Gwen isn't sure who she can really trust.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  As often happens in a series, this book had more content issues than the first of the series. Although I did enjoy the adventure and romance, as well as the witty, comical heroine, there was more sensuality, language, and maturation references in this book.  I would recommend it only for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Sensuality, Sexual and Maturation References, Language, and Violence

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Agency, A Great and Terrible Beauty

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

SYNOPSIS:  This book follows the true story of Corrie Ten Boom, who was put in a concentration camp after her efforts to protect Jews living in WWII Holland.  Somehow, she miraculously pulls through with her optimistic attitude in tact.  Her story is one of hope and sacrifice.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although the subject matter in this book is depressing and negative, it is told with a shining optimism that changes the way we view the world.  This book is a wonderful story of how a good attitude can change everything.  It has a very strong Christian message, however, which may not appeal to some readers.

AUDIENCE:  Adult and Young Adult

RATING:  PG for mature subject matter and some adult references

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Book Thief, The Vow

Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata

SYNOPSIS:  Sumiko has always stood out from her classmates.  As a Japanese-American girl living in the midst of WWII, her life is turned upside down.  Her family is sent to Japanese Internment camp, where she spends her day fighting the Ultimate Boredom.  In the end, she must decide who she wants to be in a country that doesn't celebrate her heritage.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I thought this was a great portrayal of life as a Japanese-American girl in the WWII era.  The character was strong, smart, and believable.  I would recommend this book to preteen and teen readers.

AUDIENCE:  Preteen, Teens

RATING: PG

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, Holes

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

SYNOPSIS:  Katsa is Graced.  She has two different colored eyes, and a special talent.  When those around her conclude that her grace is for killing, however, they grow suspicious, and feel uncomfortable in her presence.  She becomes her uncle's hired thug, obeying his commands, even when she disagrees with them.  However, she begins to wish for something more, as she sees the unfairness of her uncle's ruler-ship.  When an opportunity arises for her to help right an injustice, she leaves her uncle to try another life.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although the story had merit, this book was a little bit too far on the fantasy side for me.  Also, there was quite a bit of sensuality in the book, as well as plenty of violence.  I would only recommend it for older readers, if any.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Sensuality and Violence

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Alanna Series, Eon

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

SYNOPSIS:  Calpurnia isn't an ordinary girl living in at the turn of the century.  Unlike her friends, who are eagerly learning how to sew, knit, and cook, Calpurnia thirsts for knowledge.  Scientific knowledge, to be exact. She wants to know all about the world around her, and her grandfather, with his love of Darwinian theory is the perfect person to teach her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This is a good book for young girls who love science.  Calpurnia is a hapless cook, but a budding scientist.  Her adventures are fun and comical.  There is some brief allusion to the theory of evolution, however, which some readers may not enjoy.

AUDIENCE:  Children, Pre-teens

RATING:  PG

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Little House Series, Anne of Green Gables

A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin

SYNOPSIS:  Hattie Owen lives a predictable life.  Every summer, her one and only best friend leaves, and Hattie is left to entertain herself.  As long as she avoids her high-society grandmother, she feels she will be fine.  But when her mentally ill uncle comes to visit, things are thrown into complete unpredictability.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although there was some sensuality in this book, as well as some mature subject matter, I think it is a good telling of living with mental illness.  I would recommend it for older readers who are prepared for the adult topics addressed.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult and Adult

RATING:  PG13 for some sensuality and violence

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Cardturner, Wonderstruck

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

SYNOPSIS:  Karana has never known anything but her island.  She loves the animals, and her life with her family.  But when foreigners come to the island, everything changes.  In the end, Karana is dependent on her skills and knowledge to survive, alone.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I had never read this book, and knowing it was a classic, I decided to try it out.  I'll be honest and say it wasn't really my style, but I think that is mostly personal preference.  The main character is definitely a strong protagonist, and the storytelling and description are great, as well.  I would recommend it for teen and pre-teen readers who enjoy stories of strength and survival.

AUDIENCE:  Pre-teens and Teens

RATING:  PG for Violence and Graphic Imagery

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Hatchet, Little House Series

Of Poseidon Series by Anna Banks

SYNOPSIS:  While vacationing in Florida, Emma meets Galen, who turns out to be one of the Syrena, merpeople who live in the ocean.  Things only get stranger when Galen turns up at her school, and tries to convince her that she, too is Syrena.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although I'll admit the plot of this book is fun, and the writing is comical and entertaining, it wasn't long before I realized it was very similar to Twilight.  Same handsome, (creepy) love interest, same klutzy, everyday girl, and a bit of sensuality and teen lust.  Also, the point of view changed from the first person, present tense to third person, present tense, which was confusing.  All in all, the book was entertaining, but not too original or substantial.  Also, I would warn that, especially in the last book, there is some strong sensuality, violence and language, so I would reserve it for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Sensuality and Graphic Imagery

STARS:  2 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Twilight, Shiver

Airhead Trilogy by Meg Cabot

SYNOPSIS:  Emerson Watts is a "real" girl.  She doesn't care much about her appearance, and is much more interested in video games than fashion.  But when she chaperons her little sister's visit to a CD signing, she has the unique opportunity to see what it is like to be a gorgeous, thin model.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Like some of Meg Cabot's other novels, this one had some sensuality and language content.  There wasn't too much substance to the story, either.  Honestly, I think I'd skip this series.

AUDIENCE:  Teens and Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Language and Sexual References

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Princess Diaries, Anna and the French Kiss

Cahills vs. Vespers

SYNOPSIS:  The Cahills have the 39 clues, but there is more adventure to be had as the evil Vespers take their loved ones for ransom and force them to steal priceless artifacts for them.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although I thought The 39 Clues was a fun, educational read, I thought this newer installment was a little too mature for younger kids.  I don't want to spoil the story for anyone, but there is definitely some violence and death in this series.  In the end, I didn't feel the plot was too rewarding, either.  I don't think I'd recommend this series, especially for younger readers.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG and PG13 for Violence and some Language

STARS:  1

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer, A Series of Unfortunate Events

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

SYNOPSIS:  Clay is confused to find a set of cassette tapes on his porch one day.  When he listens to the tapes, he is horrified to discover that they are a suicide "note" from Hannah Baker.  Each of the tapes is about a person who contributed to her suicide.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  When I started the book, I was interested, thinking it had a good message for how our treatment of others affects them.  However, as the book went on, the actions of the characters got more graphic and horrifying.  I'll admit I skipped some portions.  Because of the graphic description of very mature subject matter (including sexual assault), I would be reluctant to recommend this book.  I would definitely reserve it for older readers only.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult, Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Sensuality, Language, and Adult Subject Matter

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Speak, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

SYNOPSIS:  Melinda hasn't spoken much since the night of the party.  She is somewhat of an outcast after calling the police and ending the party, getting some of her fellow students into trouble.  However, Melinda knows the side of the story no one else does.  As she struggles to come to peace with what happened, she tries to find her voice.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This is definitely not a book for younger readers.  Its subject matter is very mature in nature.  It includes sensuality and sexual reference, as well as violence and some language.  However, that being said, for adult or young adult readers, it can be an eye-opening read about the after-effects of sexual abuse.  I would only recommend it for the most mature readers who understand the adult topic.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult, Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Violence, Sensuality, and Adult Material

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  13 Reasons Why, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

SYNOPSIS:  Anna is sent to a Paris boarding school by her parents, and she's not happy about it.  She misses her best friend, her little brother, and the chance to see what might come of her new relationship with a co-worker.  However, as time passes, she makes new friends, and realizes what she gains is worth more than what she has lost.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I'll admit, I'm slightly embarrassed to have read this one.  I feel like I should have seen it for what it was:  a sappy teen romance novel.  There is some strong sensuality in the book, as well as some language and adult issues, such as underage drinking.  I wouldn't recommend this one, especially for younger readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Sensuality, Language, and Alcohol Use

STARS:  1

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Along for the Ride, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Eve by Anna Carey

SYNOPSIS:  After the plague, many children are orphaned.  One of these orphans, Eve, is ready to graduate from her all-girls school.  She excels in all her studies, and is eager to show the world what she knows.  That is, until she learns that her future is not to change the world, but to help repopulate the human species.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although this story had potential, I don't think it quite lived up to it.  The heroine was weak, letting those around her make the sacrifices for her.  I prefer stronger, more independent heroines.  As far as content goes, there was some graphic imagery and violence, as well as some sensuality.  Although I'm sure others would disagree with me, I wouldn't recommend this book.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Violence and Graphic Imagery, and Sexual Reference

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Birthmarked, Wither