Tandem by Anna Jarzab

SYNOPSIS:  Sasha's life was forever changed the day her parents were killed in an accident.  By the time she is in high school, however, she has moved on and learned to live without them.  When she is kidnapped and taken to parallel universe, however, her world is changed once again.  She must decide whether to go along with her kidnappers, and return to her home, or fight against them, and say goodbye to the world she loves forever.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I didn't expect to like this book much, since I wasn't interested in the parallel-universe/theoretical physics discussion.  However, I was pleasantly surprised.  The novel focused more on Sasha's story, and kept the science fiction to a minimum.  I really enjoyed this book.  As far as content goes, there was some language and violence, so I would recommend the book to older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG with Adult Language

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Selection, Dark Star

Rules by Cynthia Lord

SYNOPSIS:  Catherine has always wished her autistic brother was different.  Especially when a new girl moves in next door, who Catherine would like to impress.  When she meets Jason, who can't walk or speak, her views change completely.  She learns things about her brother and others like him that she will never forget.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book was poetic and thought-provoking.  I think it would make an touching and eye-opening read for pre-teens and teens.

AUDIENCE:  Children, Pre-Teens, and Teens

RATING:  G

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Mighty Miss Malone, A Corner of the Universe

Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter

SYNOPSIS:  Cammie left her school, on a quest to stop endangering the lives of those she loved, and to get more answers.  Months later, that is the last thing she remembers.  She wakes up in a monastery, not sure what has happened to her, or if it is even worth remembering.  As she retraces her steps, she will be put in the path of even more danger.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book kept with the series' trend of getting more and more mature with each book.  It was both more complex and interesting, and also more violent and dark.  I would recommend it for mature readers, since there is more violence and frightening imagery.  However, it is an exciting continuation of the series, and I think older teens would still enjoy it.

AUDIENCE:  Teens (older) and Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence

STARS:  2 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Agency, Cahills vs. Vespers