The Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark

Pearson, R. (2005). The kingdom keepers: Disney after dark.  New York:  Disney Hyperion.

Have you ever wondered what happens at Disney World after the park closes? Well, I have. And apparently I'm not alone. Ridley Pearson has created an entire young adult series around the concept. The first book, Disney after Dark, follows the Kingdom Keepers--a group of five middle schoolers who have holograms created in their likenesses--as they try to save the Magic Kingdom from the Overtakers.

Thirteen Reasons Why

Asher, J. (2007). Thirteen reasons why. New York:  Penguin.

I love when my students will read on their own. I love when we can discuss books that aren't required reading. I love when they recommend books. And once in a while, I'll actually get a chance to read them.

The Hunger Games

Collins, S. (2008). The hunger games.  New York:  Scholastic.

The Hunger Games has become a worldwide phenomena with the recent release of the movie in March of this year.  After reading the book, it is easy to see why so many young adults (and adults) really enjoy the book series and why the novel has won so many awards.  Suzanne Collins creates a strong character in her narrator, Katniss through the use of  indirect characterization.  Collins creates other strong characters as well, each with his or her own personality.  So readers can connect with at least one character.