The 39 Clues

SYNOPSIS:  Dan and Amy Cahill's lives are changed forever when their parents die.  Then their grandmother dies and sends them on a quest to find 39 clues that will change the world.  However, they are not the only ones on the quest, and their competitors are ruthless.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  We have only made it through book 9 of this series, but so far, my kids and I have enjoyed the series.  What kid wouldn't like to pretend they are on a hunt for massive power?  Another thing I loved is that each book takes them to another location where they learn about different cultures and historical figures.  Plus, it gets them interested in reading.  For me it's a win/win situation.  We have been listening to the audiobooks, but in paper format, they are a pretty easy read (I would say older grade schoolers should have no problems with it).  However, there is some espionage-type violence, so that is one thing to be aware of.  I think this would be a good series to get preteens and older children excited about reading.

RATING:  PG for some Violence

AUDIENCE:  Older Children and Pre-Teens

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Magic Tree House Series, Artemis Fowl

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

SYNOPSIS:  Lena lives in a time when the United States has done away with love.  It is dangerous and unproductive to love others.  Instead, boys and girls are kept separate all their lives until they can have a procedure done to alter their brains.  After the procedure, no one can be infected with the disease.  Lena has always believed this was for the best, until she meets someone who changes everything.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book has an interesting story idea, and a relatable character.  The storytelling style is fluid and easy-to-read.  Unfortunately, there is some very strong language in the book, as well as some sensuality.  I would reserve it only for adult readers, although I would advise caution, due to the content issues.

RATING:  PG13 for Strong Language and Sensuality

AUDIENCE:  Adult

RATING:  2 1/2 stars

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Wither, Matched

Prized by Caragh O'Brien

SYNOPSIS:  Gaia's adventures continue in this second book of the Birthmarked trilogy.  Gaia escapes the Enclave, only to find herself dying of thirst in the desert, watching her baby sister die as well.  When she is rescued and taken to a new village, she begins to question her beliefs and identity, as well as what matters most to her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I was losing patience with the series a little even with book one, and by book two, I feel like I lost it completely.  Quite a lot of the book is devoted to Gaia's beliefs, which most likely mirror those of the author's, and felt a little like propoganda.  I felt like I was being lectured on arguments regarding everything from abortion to government control, from capitalism to environmentalism.  I mostly read for entertainment, not to be persuaded, and got a little irritated by the end of the book.  Also, I felt the main character showed very little character strength.  Somehow, everyone admires and loves her in the book, but I felt she was just annoying and inconstant.  That being said, I think others may feel differently about the book and enjoy the different lifestyles and adventures Gaia has.  There are a few issues in the book that I think were too mature for younger readers, including violence, graphic childbirth scenes, adult topics, and sensuality.  I wouldn't recommend this book, especially to younger readers.

RATING:  PG13 for Graphic and Disturbing Imagery and Sensuality

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

STARS:  1

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Uglies, Divergent

Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke

SYNOPSIS:  Meg's storybook adventures continue in the final book in the Inkheart trilogy, as she and her family try to find a happy ending in the Inkworld.  However, it seems everyone is working against them, including the story itself.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Frankly, this book got quite dark and violent before the end, so I would definitely reserve it for older readers.  That being said, I felt like the second and third book in this series extended a story that had already come to a satisfying conclusion.  For me, the rest of the story just dragged on.  As soon as the characters would conquer one problem, another would rise up, and they were back at square one.  Also, I was a little annoyed at the impermanence of death in the book.  It got a little tiring believing a character was dead, only to have them pop up again.  In all honesty, I would recommend reading Inkheart, and then stopping there.

RATING:  PG13 for Violence and Gruesome, Frightening Imagery and Mild Sensuality

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Howl's Moving Castle, The Demon King