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.

Leaping at Shadows by Megan Atwood-ADVISABLE

Atwood, Megan, Leaping at Shadows. Pgs. 100. Darbycreek, 2013. $23.95. Content: Language: G, Mature Content: G, Violence: PG

Madeline is a new scholarship student at the Dario Quincy Academy of Dance. She is a late admission, so she stuck out, but she’s determined to make her mom proud by fitting in and doing well. When her necklace gets stolen, she assumes the mean, popular girls at school took until other items of other students start going missing. So, she starts trying to figure out what is really going on. Who are her allies and who are her enemies? What is really going on beneath the school?

A fast-paced, engaging mystery ideal for reluctant reader girls. The characters are likable and realistic. The plot is well-developed and intriguing. Readers who like mysteries and school-related stories will enjoy reading this book. MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Triangle Choke by Patrick Jones-ADVISABLE

Jones, Patrick, Triangle Choke. Pgs. 125. Darbycreek, 2013. $23.95. Content: Language: G, Mature Content: PG, Violence: PG

Hector’s father used to be a boxing champion and he taught Hector how to fight. His mom, however, doesn’t want him to fight. Dad’s not really around and is an alcoholic. Wanting to train for his first amateur fight, he goes against mom’s wishes and seeks out a dojo to help himself further his skill. Will Hector succeed or will his desires ruin his relationship with his mom?

Reluctant reader boys will connect with the realistic characters and well-written plot. Great for fans of fighting, family problems, and realistic fiction. MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.