Midnight at the Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson

It is 2065 and Adri has been awarded one of the coveted spots as a colonist on Mars. While preparing for departure, Adri goes to Kansas to stay with her only living relative. In the farmhouse, Adri discovers the journal of Catherine, a young woman living on the farm during the Dustbowl of 1934. Adri becomes captivated by Catherine’s story and longs to solve the mystery of how her story ends. Tied to Catherine’s story, is the story of Lenore, a girl living in post World War I England, who longs to come to America. Although separated by generations, Adri feels compelled to learn about these young women and how their stories tie into her own life and future.

Midnight at the Electric is an interesting coming of age story that combines historical fiction and futuristic science fiction through careful storytelling and character development. The book has elements that will appeal to a variety of audiences, and the writing and mystery building is excellent. It was an excellent vacation read with more depth than expected.

Recommended ages--13 and up

Dustborn by Erin Bowman

Life in the Wastes is a struggle filled with dust storms, solar flares, and geomagnetic storms. In this bleak existence, Delta of Deep River carries a secret branded on her back that others would kill for. Her back holds a map to the Verdant, a fabled paradise said to be filled with lush, green land. But no one knows how to read the map--not even Delta. When Delta’s family is kidnapped by raiders, she joins forces with her childhood friend Asher. Together they plan to find the Verdant and use that knowledge to free Delta’s family. However, the truth they find in their journey might be more trouble than either of them is ready to handle.

Dustborn is a unique mix of mystery, dystopia, and adventure with a Wild West feel. Delta’s story will appeal to a variety of audiences and the character and world building is well crafted.

Recommended ages--13 and up

Past Perfect Life by Elizabeth Eulberg

Ally Smith enjoys her simple, small town life in Wisconsin. She and her Dad don’t have much, but they enjoy their traditions and time together. Ally also loves her friends who have taken her in like a second family. However, when she begins applying for college, Ally learns her whole life has been a lie. She is not Ally Smith. Her name is Amanda and she has been missing for 15 years.

This thought provoking novel is an interesting story that touches on many different themes. Ally’s experience shows that perspective is limited, but can have a profound effect on how we respond to situations. Also, family is very important, but can sometimes be different than the family we are born into. This is a good one for great characters, but also for looking at life in a different way.