2011+November

Kelsey is in the states again after leaving Ren in India. But everyone is miserable until he shows up. They know the quest lies ahead to break the curse and inevitably help all of India. The romance in this one is hot and heavy though not fulfilled. The conflict with the spirit world is intense. Lots and lots of asian philosophy and stories. YA for serious romance. **The Candymakers** by Wendy Mass This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites! This is a longer story about four kids in a candy making contest. They get to spend three days at the LifeIsSweet candy factory where they will create their innovative candy entry. The tour is pretty educational actually (unlike Willa Wonka) since it's based on reality. The mystery is why these four, and how are they connected. The themes are great. I can't begin to describe the plot without giving away some of the surprises. Nice conclusion too. 4th+ **The Princess Diaries** by Meg Cabot Classic. First in a long series. I read it to check for YA status and yes there is quite a bit of sex talk including her mother's boyfriend (and her Algebra teacher) being at the breakfast table in his boxer shorts and what that means. YA for mature discussions. Nicely written though. Great internal dialog. **Crossed** by Ally Condie Sequel to Matched. Cassia is risking life and limb to find Ky who is in the Outer Province somewhere. Alternating chapters follow them on their path that will intersect while being attacked by the Enemy, the Society, and possibly the Rising. This is less romance and more conflict. Lots of war gore and unnecessary death. And this wraps up a little too neatly for me. YA for violence. **Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever** by Jeff Kinney Ahh, the unique period between thanksgiving and Christmas. Combined with a giant snowstorm. This had typical middle school humor. Individual situations were pretty funny. **13 Gifts** by Wendy Mass Not as good as I thought it would be. Tara is sent suddenly to stay in Willow Falls with her aunt and uncle. A mysterious woman in a mysterious antique shop sets up a treasure hunt of sorts. Tara learns about real friendship and her past. 4th + **Body of Evidence** by Patricia Cornwell Wow an adult novel! I just picked it up and it was a pretty quick read. Kay Scarpetta seeks to find what happened to Beryl Madison, reclusive author and protégé of Cary Harper, and even more reclusive author. Romance complicates everything. This was good and yes, for adults. **Fish** by Gregory Mone Sent off to help support his family of farmers, Fish loses the package he is supposed to deliver and subsequently falls in with a crew of pirates. Lots of intrigue and difficult decisions, including the fact that Fish doesn't want to fight, ever. A Bit violent but OK for 5th+. The best part is the strength of his character.
 * Tiger's Quest** by Colleen Houck

In 1893 New York, thirteen-year-old Maks, a newsboy, teams up with Willa, a homeless girl, to clear his older sister, Emma, from charges that she stole from the brand new Waldorf Hotel, where she works. Good mystery and theme of importance of family. 4th+
 * City of Orphans** by Avi