Ash and Bramble by Sarah Prineas

Ash and Bramble is a twisted fairy tale that will make readers question all they believe about ‘happily ever after.’ The story begins in the fortress of the Godmother where the characters live in cruel captivity. In harsh conditions they create magical dresses, glass slippers and other fairy tale items. Anyone who dares defy the Godmother meets flogging and even death. Like all fairy tale heroes, Pin and Shoe face unbeatable odds in an attempt to overcome evil. However, in this tale the worst evil might be the story itself. This book started slowly for me, but by the end I was captivated. I love how Prineas included many fairy tale conventions while completely changing my view on all the traditional stories. This is a good read for fairy tale lovers who are open to a new idea of ‘happily ever after.’ Recommended ages 12 and up

Journey's End by Rachel Hawkins

Nolie Stanhope loves ghost stories and spooky legends, but Bel McKissick is purely practical. In spite of their differences, the two girls become fast friends when Nolie comes to visits Bel’s Scottish town of Journey’s End. Nolie is fascinated by the Boundary, a thick fog off the coast that never dissipates and is rumored to swallow any ships or people that enter it. For Bel, the Boundary is just how her family makes a living--giving tourists boat trips to the edge and selling souvenirs. However, when the Boundary starts moving toward the coast and people start to disappear, Nolie and Bel are determined to save Journey’s End. Journey’s End is Rachel Hawkins first middle grade book and she writes just as adeptly for this audience as she does for teens. Nolie and Bel are delightful characters and the village of Journey’s End is intriguing. The story manages to be slightly spooky without getting too frightening or dark for a young audience. This is a great book for young readers who enjoy magic, mystery, and stories about friendship. Recommended Ages--9-13 years old

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

While daydreaming in Chemistry class, Lily jots down the lyrics to one of her favorite songs from an obscure band. She is surprised the next day to see the lyrics continued with a note accompanying them. This begins a long series of notes exchanged between Lily and an anonymous friend who seems to understand her so well. They share their struggles as well as their hopes, but will sharing their true identities ruin the friendship they have? I’m not a huge fan of the current trend of teen romance. I don’t like reinforcing the idea in young girls that romance and a love triangle are the be all and end all of life. However, with all the focus on attraction and sex, when a teen romance comes along that doesn’t focus on those things I have to give it attention. I appreciate Lily’s story because, although rather predictable, it focuses on building a relationship by talking and sharing common interests--sex and attraction aren’t even part of the equation. As a result, this is a light hearted romance good for older tween and younger teen audiences. Recommended ages--11 and up