Beautiful Darkness

by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Lexile:  660
Genre:  Fantasy

Beautiful Darkness is the sequel to Beautiful Creatures and continues the story of Ethan and Lena, two young teenagers who have fallen in love.  However, Lena is a Caster and Ethan is a Mortal which means that there will never be a happily ever after for their story.  However, Ethan is determined to try. Diving head first into the strange Caster world, leaves him with more questions than answers, especially surrounding his mother's involvement and her untimely death.

The Great Brain Does it Again

by John D. Fitzgerald
Lexile:  810
Genre:  Historical Fiction

The Great Brain a.k.a. Tom Fitzgerald is back to his old tricks!  Sometimes he uses his brain for the good, but most often it's to make money or pull a fast one over somebody.  In this book, Tom solves a mystery, writes a letter to the President of the United States and creates a carnival ride in his back yard. One thing is for sure - life with Tom is never dull!

How They Croaked

by Georgia Bragg
Lexile:  960
Genre:  Informational

Ever wonder how some of the world's most famous people died?  Well look no further than this book to get your questions answered.  But be forewarned - this book is not for the faint of heart.  If you don't want to read about messy, disgusting, and alarming medical care, then this is not the book for you.  Get ready to learn some of the grossest facts in history!

Snail Girl Brings Water

retold by Geri Keams
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Traditional Literature

This story is a retelling of the Navajo creation myth.  The People have discovered that there is no fresh water in their new world and someone must go back to retrieve it.  First, beaver and otter return.  Then, Frog and Turtle.  Finally, Snail Girl is able to find success on the journey.  In this story we learn why beavers and otters are surrounded by trees and vines, why turtles have shells and frogs have bulgy eyes, and why snails carry shells on their back.

The Crystal Heart

retold by Aaron Shepard
Lexile:  400
Genre:  Traditional Literature

This Vietnamese legend tells the story of Mi Nuong.  One day she hears a lovely song that floats up form a boat on the Red River.  She wonders who the singer is and waits day after day for the song to come again.  When someone comes to the door to confess that he has been singing to her, she sees that he is nothing but a poor fisherman and she laughs in his face.  He leaves broken hearted.  Will either one ever be happy again?

The Faithful Friend

by Robert D. San Souci
Lexile:  850
Genre:  Traditional Literature

This story of friendship is based on a story from the island of Martinique.  Clement and Hippolyte have been friends since birth and have now grown into young men.  Clement has fallen in love with a beautiful woman named Pauline and Hippolyte has agreed to go on a journey with him to find her.  The two meet and fall in love, but Pauline's uncle casts a spell on them.  It will be up to Hippolyte to save them if he can.

How the Guinea Fowl Got Her Spots

retold by Barbara Knutson
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Traditional Literature

In this Swahili tale of friendship, Nganga and Cow are best friends and have to be on the look out for Lion who would like to eat one or both for his dinner.  Nganga saves Cow's life and is return Cow gives Nganga her spots which turns out to be a life saving gesture as well.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

by Ransom Riggs
Lexile:  890
Genre:  Fantasy

Jacob has always known that he was different, but he had no idea just how different he really was.  His grandfather told him crazy stories as he was growing up.  Jacob thought that they were just fairy tales.  But then Jacob's grandfather is killed and Jacob knows he saw something in the woods that night.  His quest to find the answers to his past, take him to a remote island off the coast of Wales.  What he learns, will change his life forever.