The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

Dillard Early is an outcast. Living in a small, southern town, he is trapped by both his father and grandfather’s history. No one can forget he is the son of a Pentecostal preacher who is now in prison. Dill’s only relief is his friendship with fellow outcasts, Lydia and Travis. However, as his friends prepare for college and other changes, Dill feels more and more trapped by his inevitable, stifling future. Will Dill be brave enough to escape his past and create a better future?

Zentner’s excellent writing brings both his setting and characters to life. Dill and his friends have unique situations, but they will speak to teen readers everywhere. This powerful story provides an equally painful but hopeful look at the coming of age process and the power of friendship. It isn’t a light read, but it is important and eye opening.

Recommended ages--14 and up

An Assassin’s Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker

Katherine enjoys a life of privilege in Elizabethan England until her father, Sir Richard Arundell, is killed for practicing Catholicism illegally. Fleeing for her life, Katherine cuts her hair, dresses as a boy, and heads to London. There she joins a rebel group intent on killing the queen. Toby Ellis is a young spy for Queen Elizabeth. He plots to use Shakespeare and his famous plays to lure and trap rebel groups. Soon Kit and Toby are thrown together in circumstances of mistaken identity and intrigue both on the stage and off.

Told from alternating points of view, An Assassin’s Guide to Love and Treason is an interesting glimpse into Shakespeare’s England. Kit and Toby are engaging characters and their story is filled with both adventure and history. A good read for Shakespeare lovers as well as those who crave adventure and intrigue.

Recommended ages--12 and up

The List by Patricia Forde

Letta is content with her life as apprentice to the wordsmith in the city of Ark. In the last safe place on Earth, Letta is one of the few entrusted with all words. Other residents are required to speak List, limited to 500 essential words. When her master disappears and Letta meets a strange boy wounded by the city officers, she begins to question life as she know it. She longs for others to know words like hope and freedom. However, these desires might threaten her safety in the city of Ark.

With a clever storyline and powerful characters, Patricia Forde creates a new type of dystopia. Readers will question along with Letta and recognize the power and importance of language as well as individual thought. This is a good book for those who enjoy an end of the world story without the violence of some of the popular series. It makes this a good book for both tweens and teens.

Recommended ages--11 and up