Threatened by Eliot Schrefer

Threatened by Eliot Schrefer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for this gripping jungle adventure! Luc is a juvenile who lives in Gabon, Africa. His mother and sister died of AIDS and Luc is working off his debt to Monsieur Tatagani, a sleazy moneylender. He keeps track of all the orphans in his debt, through fear. Luc sees an opportunity to escape when an Arab, Professor Abdul Mohammed (Prof), arriving with a metal case and a monkey, asks Luc to accompany him into the lush jungle, known as Inside, to study chimpanzees for National Geographic. Prof pays off Luc’s debt, thereby freeing him from Tatagani’s ruthless servitude. Despite Luc’s young age, he is a character who is wise beyond his years and will continue to question and worry why Prof chose him for this chimpanzee mission. As Luc and Prof begin their research, Luc learns much from Prof and uses his school knowledge and his mother’s herbal remedies to survive the chaotic life that is the Inside and chimpanzee behavior. Schrefer’s story is compelling and like his first novel, Endangered, the threat to the jungle animals’ existence makes for heart-stopping reading. The reader will grow with Luc as they witness human predators, like Monsieur Tatagani, who kill, trap, and destroy chimpanzee babies, mothers and males. The reader will root for Luc as he forges a relationship with Drummer, the chimpanzee he frees from a trap and as he nurtures Mango, a baby chimpanzee who lost her mother. Will Luc remain Inside and call the chimpanzee community his family? This book will definitely be enjoyed by middle school and high school readers and I highly recommend this book to adults as well as animal lovers . Equally important is the Author’s Note at the end which has so much information and further reading on chimpanzees, Gabon, Jane Goodall, and the AIDS crisis in Africa.


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The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First let me say, I LOVE LAURIE HALSE ANDERSON!!! This book stopped my heart many times- the title was so key to Hayley and her father and their memories. Hayley and her Dad, Andy, have decided to settle down in his grandmother's house and try for a more normal life. Before this time, Hayley lived with her father's Post Traumatic Stress demons from many tours in Iraq. She has heard his screams in his dreams, listened to his horrible, horrible memories of Iraq and watched him over the years drink and drug himself, which has resulted in a dad she loves and hates. She is now almost eighteen, attending high school (for the first time) and she doesn't know any of the rules and social norms, since she has traveled in her father's truck and been homeschooled for much of her life. When she reacquaints herself with Gracie, her kindergarten classmate, she also becomes part of her group and with this association, comes Finn. Finn (according to Gracie is an awesome swimmer, hottie, and ubersmart) is a really nice guy who Hayley asks for a ride one day so she can rescue her father once again. As Finn and Hayley get to know one another, Hayley dares to hope that she can have a normal life that is not fraught with the agonizing drama that is her father. As Hayley is pulled once again into the horrors, she begins to remember and with these memories, she battles who she is (did she really want to through herself off the quarry ledge?)and asks herself, who does she really want to be and want for her future? A compelling story, I couldn't put it down, I loved Hayley and Finn and so will teens. This book will be enjoyed by boys and girls, librarians and teachers will be recommending this thrilling, hopeful read.

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Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

Better off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for this great romance. Levi moves from California to Wisconsin in 7th grade. The principal asks Macallan to take Levi to his classes that first day. At lunch, when Levi sits alone, MaCallan and her friends ask him to join them and so begins the friendship of Macallan and Levi, which quickly grows into best friends. As they grow older and enter a new school year, each has their own boyfriend or girlfriend. Can Macallan and Levi continue to be best friends and nothing more? I liked the way each chapter is presented from Macallan or Levi’s point of view. Levi’s family becomes a part of Macallan’s family. They have weekly dinners, many of which Macallan cooks. Macallan is passionate, cool, and totally focused on being a good friend. Levi is on the football team and the track team, and enjoys his guy friends. At some point, Levi begins to feel more than friendship for Macallan and when he expresses his feelings to Macallan, she goes to Ireland for the summer. What will happen to Macallan and Levi? Elizabeth Eulberg’s characters are believable teens and for those who like friendships, high school drama, and the tension and warmth of romance, this book will not disappoint!

The Shadow Throne by Jennifer Nielsen

The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

NetGalley, thank you for this wonderful book! At long last, the third installment in the Ascendance Trilogy! Jennifer Neilsen keeps the pages turning with Jaron’s kingdom, Carthya waging war against Avenia. As a very young king, Jaron must keep his wits about him, protect his kingdom, and win a war where they are outnumbered in every possible way. Jaron uses his bravado and coupled with wit and determination; he is able to pull off many impossibilities. Roden heads the military and Tobias helps the injured soldiers . King Vargan of Avenia is hateful and will stop at nothing to wipe out Carthya. There is drama in the Imogen and Amarinda love triangle, but you will just have to read this rip roaring good book to find out. Who will survive this war? Like the other two books, hold on for nonstop action and adventure. Highly recommended.

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