The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

Theodora’s father, Richard Fox, is an American historian and treasure hunter. His travels take him around the world to exciting destinations where Theodora has to wait for him alone in hotels. Until one day, Huck Gallagher, shows up at Theodora’s hotel in Istanbul. He has been working with her father as an assistant, but now Richard Fox has gone missing. Huck has Richard’s journal and instructions to keep Theodora safe, but evil men have followed him.

Soon Huck and Theodora are racing through Romania trying to solve the mysteries from Richard’s journal, but also struggling to stay alive. The Lady Rogue reads a lot like an Indiana Jones movie--ancient treasure, evil forces, a mystery to solve--just the main characters are two teens in 1930s Europe. This book is a good one for adventure lovers as well as those that like a good puzzle to solve and even a little of the supernatural. The adventure stays exciting while remaining age appropriate and makes for a good escape read.

Recommended ages--12 and up

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney

Tom Ward is the seventh son of a seventh son, which makes him a natural candidate to be the Spook’s apprentice. Together, they face the dark magic that the rest of the world would like to ignore. Most apprentices start with boggart slaying, but circumstances don’t allow an easy start for Tom. Some vengeful witches are on the move, and Tom is caught in the middle. Will he have the strength and wits to deal with them, or will he end up like the last apprentice?

The Last Apprentice is a good series for fans of the Ranger’s Apprentice or The False Prince. It has a medieval feel with dark magic and a strong male lead character. This is also great for readers who like a long series. There are twelve books in all if you get hooked on this story.

Recommended ages--12 and up

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Miranda is living the life of a typical high school Sophomore. She worries about school assignments, friends, and boys. Until an asteroid hits the moon and knocks it out of orbit. Soon her worries become much more basic. Will they have electricity? Will there be enough food? Will there be a way to heat their house during the winter months? As tides shift and the world changes, Miranda and her family just focus on survival.

Life As We Knew It is an interesting look at what happens when drastic changes cause a shift in priorities. Miranda’s experience will make tween and teen readers think and evaluate what really matters. It is a good story as well as a valuable thought experiment.

Recommended ages--11 and up