Wild Bird by Wendelin Van Draanen

When Wren’s drug addiction and violent behavior become too much to handle, her family sends her to a rehabilitation camp in the middle of the Utah desert. She arrives at camp angry, bitter, and unwilling to change. However, a few weeks of life where survival is difficult and at times even questionable, helps Wren begin to change. This story follows Wren’s past struggles and her path to finding who she really wants to be.

Wild Bird has a harsh premise and deals with difficult issues, but it is a powerful coming of age story. Although Wren’s case is extreme, readers will relate to her struggle to feel accepted and her journey to self discovery. This is a hard, but hopeful story that could stimulate some great discussion.

Recommended ages--13 and up

The Quest to the Uncharted Lands by Jaleigh Johnson

When her parents are chosen to join the first expedition to the Uncharted Lands, Stella Glass is determined to join them. She is determined confront her fear of enclosed spaces and stowaway in the airship’s cargo hold. However, Stella isn’t the only stowaway on the ship. In the cargo bay, Stella meets another boy who is desperate to get to the Uncharted Lands.

Together, they try to avoid discovery, but it soon becomes clear that someone on the airship doesn’t want the mission to succeed. Can Stella and Cyrus save the airship and the expedition? The Quest to the Uncharted Lands is an adventure story set in a wonderful new world. Although the experiences are entirely new, readers will relate to Stella and Cyrus and their powerful friendship.

Recommended ages--9-14 years

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Who could resist a post-apocalyptic reimagining of Jane Austen’s Persuasion? I have to admit I was intrigued but skeptical when I started this book. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Peterfreund managed to take a Jane Austen classic and place it in a sci-fi world. She created a unique story while staying true to the characters and intent of Austen’s work. The main characters are younger than Austen’s, placing this book in the Young Adult category. This fun retelling puts a creative twist on an old story, but will also entertain sci-fi fans unfamiliar with Jane Austen.

Elliot North struggles to maintain her family estate and protect the workers in spite of her father’s foolish spending and high class pride. All the while, she mourns the loss of her best friend Kai who ran away from the estate four years earlier. When a group of free Post (wealthy lower class) shipbuilders propose renting the family shipyard for the summer, Elliot jumps at the added revenue. However, she isn’t prepared for the new way of life and old secrets the group brings to light.

Recommended ages--12 and up