The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau-ESSENTIAL

Charbonneau, Joelle, The Testing. Pgs. 344. Houghton Mifflin, 2013. $17.99. Content: Language: PG (5 swears, no “f”s), Mature Content: PG-13, Violence: PG-23

Cia Vlae has one goal in life to be one of the few selected to attend university. When she is selected, her father tells his residual nightmares from the testing and givers her one warning: don’t trust anyone. Cia soon finds out that testing for the university is a matter of survival. Can she trust Tomas? Does she choose love? Readers will be clawing for the next installment. MS, HS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Malcom at MIdnight by W.H. Beck-ESSENTIAL

Beck, W.H., ill. By Brian Lies. Malcolm at Midnight. pgs. 265. Houghton Mifflin, 2012. $16.99. Content: Language: G, Mature Content: G, Violence: G

Malcolm is a rat, but has been mistaken as a mouse by the teacher and kids in the class he lives in. He has a knack for reading, so one night he sneaks off to the library and is almost eaten by a fish. He also discovers that the other class pets have a secret society called the Midnight Academy. The academy tries to help the school, but they don’t like rats, so Malcolm has to pretend to still be a mouse. When Aggy the Iguana goes missing, Malcolm becomes the main suspect. Determined to save Aggy, Malcolm sets out to see what happened to her and clear his name, thus proving not all rats are bad.

The animals are cute and easy to identify with. The plot is completely unbelievable, but is cute and hare to put down. The pencil animal sketches are detailed and adorable. Kids who enjoy books about talking animals, mystery, humor, and adventure will enjoy this page-turning book. EL. ESSENTIAl. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodes - - ESSENTIAL

Rhodes, Jewell Parker Sugar, 272 pgs. 2013. Hachette Book Group, $16.99.  Language: G; (No swears) Violence: PG; Mature Content: G.  

10-year-old Sugar works on a cane plantation in post Civil War Louisiana.  Freed by the Emancipation, but orphaned as her mother has died and her father was sold years ago, Sugar must work as hard as the grown ups.  But will Sugar’s friendship with the plantation owner’s son cause trouble that will get her and the Beales who take care of her kicked out, and what about the Chinese men who Mr. Wills has brought to work on the harvest?  

This historical fiction tells the story of the introduction of Chinese workers to the south.  It’s a great story about making friends and becoming a family.  Although Sugar is only ten, the story and historical setting will also interest middle school readers.  EL MS ESSENTIAL Lisa Librarian

Heart of Glass by Sasha Gould-ESSENTIAL

Gould, Sasha, Heart of Glass. Pgs. 336. Random House, 2013. $17.99. Content: Language: G, Mature Content: PG-13, Violence: PG-13

Three months ago, Laura Della Scala solved her sister’s murder and joined the Segreta, a powerful society of women who trade protection for secrets. Engaged to her true love, Roberto, she’s never been happier until Roberto is found with a body in his room. The body turns out to be the sister of Halim, a visiting Turkish prince and the prince is determined to have Roberto executed. Can Laura clear her fiance’s name or is Roberto really guilty?

This book has an intriguing plot and characters. The main character is tough stuff and will easily draw in modern girls despite her story taking place in 1585 Venice. Readers who like modernized historical fiction, mystery, and intrigue will devour this book and eagerly await more. MS, HS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.