City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments Book Six)

by Cassandra Clare
Lexile: 770
Genre:  Fantasy

Clary, Jace, Simon, Isabelle, and Alec have one last chance to defeat Sebastian and his evil empire. Are they up for the challenge?  Sebastian has taken hostages and delivered ultimatums.  Sebastian is demanding the Clave give up Jace and Clary in exchange for the hostages.  Before the Clave can make a decision, Jace and Clary decide to head underground and fight Sebastian on his own turf. Only one team is going to survive...will the Shadowhunters survive or will life as they know it change forever?  This is the final book in The Mortal Instruments Series.

Just Another Hero

by Sharon Draper
Lexile:  660
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

This is the third book in the Battle of Jericho series so the adventures of Arielle, November, and Jericho continue.  Douglass high school is still recovering from the tragedy that occurred form the hazing incidents during the Warriors of Distinction pledging week.  November is trying to move on as she rebuilds her life with her daughter, Jericho still misses his cousin, and Arielle is happy that her former circle of friends are willing to give her another chance.  But strange things are happening at school.  The fire alarms are being pulled, someone is stealing items out of people's backpacks, and one student is being severely bullied.  Arielle, November, and Jericho will have to step up and help get their school back on track.

November Blues

by Sharon Draper
Lexile:  770
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Jericho and November are two teenagers struggling with grief after the death of their cousin and boyfriend, Josh.  Jericho used to love the trumpet, but can no longer play so instead turns to football as a way to work out his anger.  November has learned that in addition to the loss of Josh, her life is going to change forever, as she is pregnant and has to face the fact that she will be raising her child alone, without Josh.  Jericho has promised to be there for her in every way he can.  But will he be ready for this challenge?

The Infinite Sea (Book Two in the 5th Wave series)

by Rick Yancey
Lexile: ???
Genre:  Science Fiction/Dystopian

Cassie has lived through the destruction that eliminated most of the world's population.  She and a few of the survivors have a decision to make.  Do they find a location to curl up in and try to survive the winter, or do they venture out to find other groups of survivors?  The group has mixed feelings on what they should do.  Cassie wants to wait it out in hopes that Evan will find them.  Ben thinks that there is little to no chance that he survived the destruction of Camp Haven and wants to move.  The one thing that is certain is that their lives as humans will never be the same.

I am Malala

by:  Malala Yousafzai
Lexile:  810
Genre:  Memoir

I am Malala tells the story of how one girl decided to take a stand and speak up for the right of all girls to have an education.  Malala was growing up in Pakistan and attended her father's school until the Taliban took over and declared that all girls over the age of 10 would no longer be allowed to go to school.  Malala spoke out against this injustice to anyone who would listen and soon began to be recognized as an international spokesperson on peace and educational rights.  This attention brought awareness to the plight of many young people in Pakistan, but it also drew the attention of the Taliban who were willing to go to great lengths to silence Malala's message.

Unbroken

by Laura Hillenbrand
Lexile:  850
Genre:  Biography

As a boy, Louis Zamperini was known as a troublemaker, but as a teenager he was able to channel his energy into running which gave him the chance to compete in the Berlin Olympics.  But then the war came and in May of 1943, Louis Zamperini’s plan crashed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  He is left stranded in the ocean in enemy territory with only a life raft and his desire to survive.  This is the incredible true story of how Louis was pushed to the brink of death and yet somehow managed to remain unbroken.

The 5th Wave

by Rick Yancey
Lexile:  690
Genre:  Science Fiction

Cassie and Sam are living happily with their parents.  And then the world ends and 7 billion people are dead.  Cassie thinks it is quite possible that she is the last human being on Earth.  She has survived the first four waves...but has no idea what the 5th wave will be and when it will happen.  All she knows is that she made a promise to her little brother that she would come and get him just as soon as she could.  Is Sam still alive?  And if so, can she find him before the 5th wave comes?

When My Name was Keoko

by Linda Sue Park
Lexile:  610
Genre:  Historical Fiction

Sun-hee and her family are proud of their Korean heritage, but they are living under Japanese occupation during World War II so they are forced to learn to read and write in Japanese.  One day it is announced that all Koreans will have to change their names and are no longer be able to fly the Korean flag.  Suddenly Sun-hee becomes Keoko and then the real sacrifices begin.  Her uncle is working for the resistance and suddenly disappears.  Next, Keoko's brother volunteers to fight in the Japanese army in order to protect their uncle and get their family more food rations. Keoko wants there to be a happy ending for everyone...but every day that possibility seems farther and farther away.

Copper Sun

by Sharon Draper
Lexile:  820
Genre:  Historical Fiction

Amari's quiet life in Africa has ended.  Her parents and brother have been murdered and she is on a slave ship headed to the Carolinas.  Hope is the only thing that she has left and she doesn't know how long that will be able to sustain her.  Life on the ship is terrible and life at her new home on a rice plantation isn't any better.  Amari meets Polly, and indentured servant, Teenie, the kitchen slave, who help her learn English and learn how to survive.  Then a tragedy occurs that forces Polly and Amari to make a decision that will change the course of their lives.  Will hope for a better life become their reality?

A Northern Light

by Jennifer Donnelly
Lexile:  700
Genre:  Historical Fiction

Mattie wants to be a writer.  In order to realize that dream, she is going to need to move away from the small town of Eagle Bay which means leaving her family and friends.  The problem is that she made a promise to her mother before she died that she would stay and help her father raise her younger siblings.  Mattie could marry Royal and farm with him next door to her father, but that just isn't her dream.  Mattie convinces her father to let her work at the Glenmore Hotel for the summer.  While she is working there, she meets Grace Brown.  Even though it is a brief encounter, meeting Grace, gives Mattie the courage to take charge of her life and set out on a path that will help make her dreams come true.

Mexican WhiteBoy

by Matt de la Pena
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Danny is an amazing pitcher.  He can throw a fast ball faster than anyone around.  The problem is his accuracy.  He never knows where his pitches are going to end up.  His mom took him to a doctor and physically he is fine.  The issue seems to be in his head and he can't figure out how to fix it.  Until he spends the summer with his dad's family and learns the truth about why his parents are divorced. During the summer he has to confront some hard truths about his dad and with the help of an unlikely friend, will be able to get his baseball career, and his life, back on track.

Necessary Roughness

by Marie G. Lee
Lexile:  750
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Chan Kim and his twin sister Young are growing up in a strict Korean household.  The only problem is that they have to try to fit in with the students at an American high school.  Their parents don't understand things like staying after school for soccer practice or wanting to date people before they turn 18.  Chan and Young are successfully navigating their dual lives until their parents announce that they are moving the family from Los Angeles to a small town in northern Minnesota.  When Chan and Young arrive at their new school, all they see is blond hair.  Nobody plays soccer and there is no orchestra. Chan and Young will have to stick together if they hope to excel in their new environment.

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments Book Five)

by Cassandra Clare
Lexile:  740
Genre:  Fantasy

The problems for the Shadowhunters will just not end.  Just when they thought their troubles were at an end, Jace disappears and Clary fears that Sebastian is behind his disappearance.  Clary loves Jace and would do anything for him, but when she learns that Sebastian has bound himself to Jace, figuring out a way to separate the two will take her on a completely new adventure.  With the help of Simon, Luke, Isabelle, Alec, and Magnus, Clary might have a chance to save Jace.  But will she be able to figure out Sebastian's evil plot in time?

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments Book Four)

by Cassandra Clare
Lexile:  750
Genre:  Fantasy

The war is over and Clary is back to living in New York, but her life is far from returning to normal. She has decided to train as a Shadowhunter and learn more about the unique power she possess.  Life seems to be settling into a routine with Jace, Simon, and Isabelle and even Clary's mom seems to be happy as wedding plans are in the works for Jocelyn and Luke.  But then Jace starts acting strangely, and Clary can't figure out why.  He says he loves her, but his actions don't live up to his words.

City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments Book Three)

by Cassandra Clarke
Lexile:  760
Genre:  Fantasy

Clary is called to save her mother's life and in order to do so she must leave familiar New York City and travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters.  Clary is unfamiliar with the ways of this city and is breaking the law even by entering.  Her desire to save her mother and do things for herself cause her to make decisions that could cost others their lives. Unbeknownst to Clary, Jace and Simon have also arrived in the City of Glass. When evil Valentine returns, they realize they will need to work together if they have any hope of winning the war against him to preserve their way of life.

Hush

by Jacqueline Woodson
Lexile:  640
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Toswiah Green doesn’t know who she is anymore.  Is she Evie Thomas?  Or is she a combination of the two?  When Toswiah’s father, a police officer, witnesses a murder and decides to testify about the truth of what he saw, she and her family must assume new identities and move on to an uncertain future.  Now she is Evie and has to live in a strange new city, make new friends, and watch her father fight the loss of a career that he loved second only to his family.  Toswiah misses her old life and can only hope that her family can figure out who they are in their new life.

Heart of Betrayal (Remnant Chronicles #2)

by Mary E. Pearson
Lexile:  780

Lia, Rafe and Kaden have reached the kingdom of Venda.  Lia is supposed to be dead, Rafe is a prisoner, and Kaden has to convince the Komizar that Lia is worth more alive than dead.  Each of them harbors a number of secrets that they are keeping from each other and the Komizar.  Lia wants nothing more than to escape the kingdom of Venda and wants Rafe to be by her side.  Each choice she

The Replaced (sequel to The Taking)

by Kimberly Derting
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Science Fiction

Kyra has lost 5 years of her life.  And now she has lost her dad and her boyfriend and doesn't know if she will ever see them again.  She teams up with other Returned to try to find them, but it looks as though the Daylighters may have gotten to them first.  The more that Kyra learns about herself and the others who are helping her survive, the more she realizes that her life will never again be the same.

The Heir (Book 4 in The Selection series)

by Kiera Cass
Lexile:  680
Genre:  Dystopian

20 years ago, Eadlyn's parents fell in love during the Selection process.  Much to her annoyance, they have decided that it is now her turn to find a husband.  And so begins her Selection adventure. Eadlyn only agrees to participate if after 3 months she is unable to find a suitable husband, the Selection will end and she will not be forced to marry.  The candidates arrive from all over the country, including one from within the palace, and the drama begins.

Rump - The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin

by Liesl Shurtliff
Lexile:  660
Genre:  Fantasy

Everyone in the kingdom thinks Rump's name is hilarious!  His mother died moments after he was born and before she could tell his grandmother his full name.  So Rump he became.  His grandmother won't tell him much about his mother.  One night, Rump finds her spinning wheel and begins to spin. Much to his surprise the straw he is spinning, turns to gold. Gold buys power and food...two things that Rump and his grandmother have very little of.  Could this be the answer to all of his family troubles?

One for the Murphy's

by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Lexile:  520
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Carley Connors has been through a lot.  She has grown up in Las Vegas with her mother where she has sometimes had to be the parent.  When her mother remarries and they move across the country, Carly's life changes in ways she never expects.  A terrible incident occurs and suddenly Carley finds herself in foster care living with the Murphy family.  They are a family that Carley has only ever dreamed of having.  Would she choose a life with a perfect family over life with her unpredictable mother?

Rain Reign

by Ann M. Martin
Lexile:  720
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Rose Howard loves homonyms and can't figure out why the rest of the world isn't as interested in them as she is. Even her name is a homonym!  Rose has trouble understanding the rules of the world - both at home and at school.  Rose's favorite thing in the world (next to homonyms) is her dog Rain (also a homonym!)  One night, a terrible storm passes through her town, and her dad lets Rain out and she doesn't return.  Now Rose must do everything she can to find her dog and bring her home safely.

The Thief Lord

by Cornelia Funke
Lexile:  640
Genre:  Fantasy

Prosper and Bo have trying to hide out in Venice to escape an evil aunt who wishes to adopt one of them and send the other into foster care.  They are befriended by the Thief Lord and his gang of street children who live in an abandoned movie theater and steal to make ends meet.  Then they meet the Conte who asks the Thief Lord to steal a magical wing that he has been searching for a long time.  Once the boys steal the wing, all of their lives will change and none of them will ever be the same again.

Rainy

by Sis Deans
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Rainy lives in a world that is all her own.  Her ADHD makes it hard for her to focus her thoughts and her actions and now she is being left at a summer camp without their support.  Rainy is used to having her mom, dad, sister, and dog to help her out, but now she has to get along with new people who don’t understand her.  When Rainy gets bad news from home, she sets off on a dangerous journey to help herself, but doesn’t think about how her decision will affect others.  The author does an excellent job of showing how differently the brain can work as the reader can get a sense of what it might be like to have ADHD as the book in many instances jumps from place to place as Rainy’s brain might actually have done in real life.  This would be a great book for anyone to read who is trying to cope with their own ADHD or trying to better understand what it’s like for someone who has this diagnosis.

How it Went Down

by Kekla Magoon
Lexile:  560
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

16 year old Tariq, who is black,  is dead, shot twice by Jack, who is white.  Several eyewitness accounts differ on how things went down.  Did Tariq have a gun?  Did Tariq not have a gun?  Did Jack act in self defense?  Did Jack read the situation incorrectly?  Day after day, the stories grow and change...but the one thing that won’t change is that Tariq isn’t coming back.  For those who knew him, this has left a gaping hole in their lives and in their plans for the future.  This story is told from multiple perspectives of people who were present at the shooting and from those who knew Tariq the best.

The Port Chicago 50

by Steve Sheinkin
Lexile:  950
Genre:  Informational

What occurred on July 17, 1944?  I had no idea that this was an important date in WWII history until I read this book.  July 17, 1944 is the date of the Port Chicago explosion that killed 320 serviceman and injured hundreds more.  The majority of those killed and injured were black sailors who had been ordered to load bombs and ammunition onto warships.  After the explosion, 50 of them decided that they were unable to continue to obey these orders.  The Navy responded by calling it mutiny and put them in prison.  This book is the remarkable story of the Port Chicago 50’s attempts to prevail against prejudice and injustice at a time when they were willingly risking their lives to help the war effort.

World's Scariest Prisons

by Emma Carlson Berne
Lexile:  1100
Genre:  Informational

What do you think it would be like to visit some of the world’s scariest prisons that have housed some of the world’s worst criminals?  Well, look no further than this book!  Emma Berne takes you on a scary journey from the Tower of London to Alcatraz and describes with chilling details what it was like to be a prisoner in these frightening places.  You might want to grab a flashlight if you’re planning to read this one after it is dark!

Claudette Colvin, Twice Toward Justice

by Phillip Hoose
Lexile:  1000
Genre:  Biography

March 2, 1955:  15 year old Claudette Colvin was on her way home from high school, riding on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama.  The bus filled up and the driver ordered Claudette to give up her seat, but she refused, citing her constitutional right to sit wherever she wanted to.  Claudette was arrested and taken to jail.  Does this story sound familiar to you?  Perhaps this reminds you of a story you’ve heard about Rosa Parks?  Claudette is someone you probably have never heard of, but she actually played an important role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.  This is the powerful biography of a young girl who decided to stand up for herself and demand justice for all.

T4: A Novel in Verse

by Ann Clare LeZotte
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Historical Fiction, Novel in Verse

This is a haunting story told in verse that takes place during World War II.  Paula Becker is growing up in Germany with her loving family.  They are patient with her as she learns how to communicate with them as she is deaf.  Her family does everything they can to make her life easier.  But then Hitler comes to power and life in Germany changes. Suddenly, Paula’s deafness could mean the end of her life because of the Nazi regime’s strict orders to kill anyone with a mental or physical disability.  Paula’s family realizes that in order to protect her, they must send her away with a trusted family priest.  Paula’s fight for survival is an amazing story of courage and perseverance in the face of many obstacles.

Plague (Gone Series #4)

by Michael Grant
Lexile:  570
Genre: Fantasy, Dystopian

Imagine if one day you were going about your normal everyday life when suddenly, there was a “POOF” and everyone over the age of 15 disappeared.  What would you do?  At first the kids think it’s kind of neat - no grownups means no rules!  But as time passes and no adults return and some kids start developing strange powers, it becomes clear that if they are going to survive someone is going to have to become a leader and take charge.  Plague is the fourth book in the Gone series.  This time a terrible flu is taking over Perdido Beach and Lana, the Healer is unable to stop it.  The town is almost out of water so Albert sends Sam and a few others off on a secret mission to find a new source.  Caine and Diana are living the life of luxury on the island that Sanjit and his brothers escaped from.  Astrid is trying to keep Little Pete alive.  So everyone has their job and everything is in order until Drake/Brittney returns from the dead...bringing forth a message from The Darkness.  Old enemies will have to stand together if anyone is to survive.

The One (Book 3 in The Selection series)

by Kiera Cass
Lexile:  670
Genre:  Dystopian

America Singer is still among the remaining contenders in The Selection, which will ultimately force Prince Maxon to declare his love for one of the 6 Elite.  As the end of the competition grows, so does America's confusion.  Is what she feels for Maxon really love?  Could she really see herself as a princess, living in the palace away from her family forever.  Could she really be The One?

The Crossover

by Kwame Alexander
Lexile:  750
Genre:  Realistic Fiction, Novel in Verse

Josh and Jordan Bell are twin brothers and the sons of the famous Chuck "Da Man" Bell, former basketball star.  Josh and Jordan are well on their way to becoming basketball stars as well and their dad is a huge part of their success.  But their dad has a secret.  He doesn't like doctors or hospitals and refuses to go for a check up.  His father died of heart disease at age 45 so he is at an increased risk. Josh and Jordan are best of friends until Josh gets a girlfriend and suddenly he doesn't seem to need Jordan like he used to.  Jordan feels left out without Josh and is worried about his father's health.  It's a good thing he has basketball to keep him going, but then he makes a stupid decision that costs him his spot on the team and his brother's friendship.

The Elite (Book 2 in the The Selection series)

by Kiera Cass
Lexile:  680
Genre:  Dystopian

Prince Maxon has eliminated the 35 contenders for his bride to 6 and America Singer is one of them. Still torn between whether or not she can see a future with Maxon, she agrees to stay and give their relationship more time to develop.  Just as she is beginning to feel secure in what they have together, her friend Marlee is caught in a situation that violates the Selection rules.  Maxon expects America to stand by as she is punished, but America refuses to do so.  She has know jeopardized her relationship with Maxon and her actions have made her an enemy of Maxon's influential father, the king.  Are her days at the palace numbered?

He Forgot to Say Goodbye

by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Lexile:  480
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Ramiro Lopez and Jake Upthegrove live very different lives.  Ramiro  lives with his mom and brother in a working class Mexican-American neighborhood and attends the local high school.  Jake lives with his mom and stepfather in a rich, exclusive neighborhood and attends a magnet school for students planning to enter the medical profession.  The one thing they do have in common is the absence of their fathers in the their lives.  Ram and Jake both have different ways of dealing with this and it has shaped who they are as young men.  When their paths cross, they realize that despite their differences, they are going to need each other in order to face the future.

The Selection

by Kiera Cass
Lexile:  680
Genre:  Dystopian

America Singer has the change of a lifetime.  She has been selected as one of the lucky 35 ladies in the kingdom to meet the handsome Prince Maxon and compete for his heart.  The prince must choose one of the 35 to be his bride and some of the girls will stop at nothing to gain his attention.  America isn't sure how she feels.  Participating in the selection is something she thought she was doing to help her family.  America is certain that she is in love with Aspen and sees herself spending the rest of her life with him.  And then she meets Maxon...

The Secret of the Old Clock

by Carolyn Keene
Lexile:  760
Genre:  Mystery

If you have a mystery to solve, Nancy Drew, girl detective, is the person to call.  This is Nancy's first solo investigation.  It involves a missing will, furniture thieves and some greedy relatives.  Nancy's dad, the famous Carson Drew, is the best lawyer in River Heights and she has learned many of her great sleuthing tricks from watching him solve his cases over the years.  Nancy befriends some relatives of the late Josiah Crowley who would directly benefit if his last will could be found.  As an added bonus, if she is able to solve this case, her enemies, the rude and spoiled Topham sisters, won't get the share of the estate that they think they deserve.  It's all up to Nancy to save the day!

The Giver

by Lois Lowry
Lexile:  760
Genre:  Science Fiction

Jonas lives in a perfect world where everything is carefully controlled. He is about to turn twelve which means that he will be entering adulthood and will be given an assigned role in the Community. The Elders plan very carefully for the Ceremony of the Twelves as each role given must be an exact fit.  Jonas is nervous...he is not sure that he’s ready to become an adult and isn’t sure exactly what role in the Community he wants.  When his moment at the ceremony comes, he is skipped.  No one knows what that means, until the very end when Jonas learns that he has been selected for the most important role in the Community.  Ready or not, Jonas’ life is about to change forever.

Numbers

by Rachel Ward
Lexile:  650
Genre:  Science Fiction

Ever since her mother died, Jem has realized that she has a strange gift.  When she locks eyes with them, she sees a number.  That number represents their death.  At first Jem doesn't let it bother her as she has refused to get close to anyone since her other died.  But now she has met Spider...even though she knows that he has only a few months left to live, she decides to take a chance on building a friendship.  She has no idea how much befriending Spider will change her life.

We Were Liars

by E. Lockhart

Lexile:  600

Genre:  Realistic Fiction

The Sinclairs are a powerful family.  They all come together every summer on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts.  Johnny, Mirren, Cady, and Gat are a close knit group who spend each summer roaming about the island while the adults fight and argue about who is to get what as they watch their parents age.  The summer of 15 is the one that changes their lives forever...will life ever be the same again?

Mr. Terupt Falls Again

by Rob Buyea
Lexile:  680
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Mr. Terupt's class gets to spend one more year together.  Given the trauma of their 5th grade year, their principal has decided to let them continue on to 6th grade as a group.  Mr. Terupt is back and ready to challenge his students with exciting new projects that will bring them even closer.  Each student will experience personal struggles, but if they can work together, it's possible that everyone can have a happy ending.

Monsters (Ashes Trilogy Book #3)

by Iisa J. Bick
Lexile:  770
Genre:  Science Fiction

Alex, Tom, and Ellie found each other right after the world fell apart.  Now they have been frantically trying to stay alive and find a way to get back to each other.  The strange new world is continuing to evolve - the Changed are becoming more plentiful and more dangerous.  None of them know who they can really trust or how they will be able to survive, but they all have one thing in common - they refuse to give up.

Shadows (The Ashes Trilogy Book #2)

by Ilsa Bick
Lexile:  730
Genre:  Science Fiction

The Changed are continuing to grow and take over the world.  Alex is fighting for her life - against adults, the survivors, and the Changed.  She doesn't know who to trust.  All she wants to do is find out whether or not Tom is still alive.  If she can find Tom, she might be able to survive.

No Dawn Without Darkness (Book #3 in the Safety in Numbers Trilogy)

by Dayna Lorentz
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Shay, Marco, Lexi, Ryan, and Ginger have been living in a quarantined mall for two weeks. Conditions are rapidly deteriorating and people are getting desperate.  Lexi's mom is desperately trying to hold things together, but is having less and less success in contacting the outside world. And then the power goes out and the mall is plunged into darkness.  Security is over taken and now gangs of teenagers have taken over.  Is this the end or is there still a way out?

No Easy Way Out (Book #2 in the Safety In Numbers Trilogy)

by Dayna Lorentz
Lexile:  710
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

It has been 7 days since thousands of shoppers have been trapped in the mall with no real access to the outside world.  No one understands what is happening...only that people are dying rapidly from a mysterious flu.  The government has left, leaving Lexi's mom, the senator, in charge of trying to enforce law and order.  Supplies are dwindling and people are getting impatient.  No one is sure who they can trust.  Lexi, Ryan, Marco, and Shay, all teenagers, begin to emerge as leaders in the uncertainty.  But even they are unsure of what is going to happen next.

Sunrise (Book #3 in the Ashfall Trilogy)

by Mike Mullin
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Science Fiction

Alex and Darla's struggle to survive in the third book in the Ashfall trilogy.  With dwindling resources and food supplies, Alex and Darla decide to found a town of their own where they will be in charge of how to protect and govern themselves.  So Speranta is born...a strange mix of refugees from all over Illinois.  Somehow they must all learn to work together if any of them are to survive.

Ashen Winter (Book #2 in the Ashfall Trilogy)

by Mike Mullin
Lexile:  730
Genre:  Science Fiction

Alex and Darla are trying to make sense of the world in which they now find themselves living. The volcanic eruption at Yellowstone National Park has changed the midwest into a dark and cold battlefield.  They seem to be in the midst of an eternal winter and people are willing to do anything to survive.  Alex and Darla promise that they will stay together no matter what.

Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles: Levana's Story)

by Marissa Meyer
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Science Fiction

"Mirror, Mirror, on the wall.  Who is the Fairest of them all?"  Fairest tells Levana's story - the story of the ruler of Luna who's main goal in life is to conquer Earth.  Badly scarred in many ways from her childhood, she use glamour and manipulation to get what she wants.  Learn about Levana's life before she mets Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress.

Ashfall (Book #1 in the Ashfall Trilogy)

by Mike Mullin
Lexile:  750
Genre:  Science Fiction

Alex is playing video games in his room one minute, and the next minute he is fighting for his life. An explosion rocked his house and then it caught fire.  As he runs out into the neighborhood to get help, he realizes that something strange has happened.  There is no electricity, no phone service, no radio broadcasts...and then the ash begins to fall.  Will Alex's life ever be the same?

The Contract

by Derek Jeter
Lexile:  770
Genre:  Memoir

As a third grader, Derek Jeter had a dream.  His dream was to wear #2 and play shortstop for the New York Yankees.  Many people laughed at him, but his parents taught him that if you want to realize your dreams you are going to have to work hard.  They developed a contract for him to follow.  This contract focused on setting goals, finding role models, striving to always do your best, learning form mistakes and knowing and expecting that every day will be a challenge.  By following this contract, Derek was able to build the life skills to take him all the way to the top.

Ashes (Book #1 of the Ashes Trilogy)

by Ilsa Bick
Lexile:  730
Genre:  Science Fiction

Alex has a brain tumor and her doctor has told her that she has months to live.  She sets off to Michigan on a hiking trip to enjoy the little time that she has left.  While there something crazy happens and life as we know it ceases to exist.  Everyone between the ages of 21-60 has died. Teenagers have become zombies.  Senior citizens who had Alzheimer's have reawakened.  Alex has no idea what to make of what her life has now become.