Books read over the summer
Murder by the Way
The Big Red Bike
Black Ice
A Window to the World
Making Waves
Poaching Daisies
A Great Catch
The Ride of Her Life
Framed
Miss Grimsley’s Oxford Career
The Eric Weddle Story: No Excuses, No Regrets
Beyond the White River
Olivia
Daisy
Paige
Athena
Table for Two
To Have or To Hold
The Guardian by Richard Sparks
Summer Campaign
The Shaken Earth
Beyond the Horizon8/22
By Judy C. Olsen272 pages
This book tells the story of the Madigan family. It tells the story of the oldest male child for seven generations. It was interesting to see how belonging to a certain family shaped your choices and your future. Each story was different, and I enjoyed reading about this family.
Vietnam: Sharpshooter8/25
By Chris Lynch187 pages
Ivan has grown up knowing he will join the Army. He has wanted it his whole life, and now that he has graduated, he can taste it. However, his three best friends don’t want him to join the Army because he might die in Vietnam. What will Ivan do?
Paperboy8/28
By Vince Vawter221 pages
Vince is thirteen years old, and he has a speech problem. He stutters, and no matter what he does, the problem won’t go away. While his friend Rat is on vacation, Vince takes care of Rat’s paper route, but when it comes time to collect, he gets super nervous. He is going to have to talk to people. Will Vince overcome his problem?
Conspiracy 365: Revenge8/30
By Gabrielle Lord193 pages
Cal thought the hunt for him was over, but boy was he wrong. Someone is out for revenge. When Cal goes missing, his friends, Boges and Winter, go searching for him. Will they find him in time?
The Grimm Legacy9/2
By Polly Shulman325 pages
Elizabeth gets a job working at the New-York Circulating Material Repository; she thinks she is working at a library. She quickly learns that she is working at a place far different. Yes, people come and borrow objects, but these aren’t just any old objects; they are magical. Elizabeth and the other pages soon learn something strange is going on. Objects are losing their magic. Can they figure out what is going on before it is too late?
Vietnam: I Pledge Allegiance9/4
By Chris Lynch183 pages
Morris is terrified of the Vietnam War. He has a recurring dream in which all of his friends die at war. When Rudi is drafted, Morris and the others join up. Morris enlists in the Navy and goes to protect his friends. Will he survive?
Fire Storm9/9
By Andrew Lane339 pages
Sherlock Holmes finds himself in the middle of another mystery. However, this one surrounds his mentor. Amyus Crowe has gone missing, and Sherlock finds a clue. He goes after Amyus, but someone is following Sherlock. Can he find his friend before it is too late?
Cloak and Dagger9/14
By G. Avetis409 pages
Ruby disguises herself and runs away from her controlling father. She has grown up in Inevia (a country in the Middle East), but she wants to find freedom in the US. When she arrives in the US, she is injured in a taxi accident. A vampire rescues her and takes her home. The vampire family won’t let her leave. Has she left one controlling master for another?
The Lions of Little Rock9/23
By Kristin Levine291 pages
Marlee is super shy; she rarely talks to anyone including her family. All of that changes when Liz moves in. Liz and Marlee become fast friends; however, Liz abruptly leaves school. Marlee soon finds out that it is because Liz is black (she has light skin). Will their school integrate? Will they be allowed to see each other? How will the people of Little Rock deal with segregation? This is a fantastic book about the Civil Rights Movement and how it affects teens.
Throne of Glass9/29
By Sarah J. Maas404 pages
Celaena is a world famous assassin. She has spent the last year in prison, but she has now been summoned to the castle. She will compete to become the King’s Champion. She will compete against other criminals, and they will fight to the death. Add in the dark magic and you get a very interesting mix of events that is very reminiscent of the Hunger Games.
Snake Bite10/3
By Andrew Lane304 pages
Sherlock Holmes finds himself on a ship bound for China; however, he doesn’t know how he got there or why he is on it. There is also a mysterious passenger who has silver skin. After being attacked by pirates, Sherlock realizes that something is going on. Will he be able to figure out the problem and solve it before it is too late?
The Guardian10/10
By Gerald Lund550 pages
Carruthers is a feisty girl with a hot temper. On her 13th birthday, her grandfather gives her a gift called Le Gardien, a pouch. It is a family heirloom that provides protection to the person who possesses it. Carruthers feels like it is a Nanny, and she doesn’t like the pouch. When she turns 16, Carruthers is taken hostage, and she realizes the pouch really can help and protect her.
Blackmoore10/12
By Julianne Donaldson275 pages
Kate has always wanted to go to Blackmoore. Her two best friends, Sylvia and Henry, visited the moor every summer, and Kate was always jealous. Now as an adult, she has the chance to visit Blackmoore. Will her hopes and dreams be fulfilled or will it be a trip full of pain and sorrow?
A World Away10/20
By Nancy Grossman394 pages
Eliza is Amish, but she has always wanted to experience the “English” world. When she has the opportunity to be a nanny for a woman in Chicago, Eliza jumps at the chance. Once in Chicago, she meets Josh. Her whole world changes in that moment. Will she remain in the “English” world or return to her Amish roots?
Russian Roulette10/27
By Anthony Horowitz372 pages
This is the story of YassenGregorovich, the paid assassin who goes after Alex Rider. This book really doesn’t have anything to do with Alex, rather it tells the story of Yassen and how he became a paid killer. I really enjoyed this story. I thought it would be boring as it is a back story connected to Stormbreaker. However, I really liked reading it.
The Runaway King10/31
By Jennifer Nielsen331 pages
Jaron has taken his place as king of Carthya, but his regents think he is too young and impulsive to lead the kingdom. When an unexpected threat puts his kingdom in danger, Jaron takes matters into his own hands. He changes back into Sage and attempts to save his kingdom. This was an awesome book!
Deep Cover11/5
By Traci Hunter Abramson262 pages
Kelsey works for the CIA. She has been deep undercover in the Middle East. As Taja, she is a tutor for the daughters of a known terrorist. When she is injured, she must find a way to survive without revealing her true identity. The evil men will hurt her family if they figure out who she really is. Will she be able to do it?
Longing for Home11/10
By Sarah M Eden382 pages
Katie left her Irish home to travel to America. She needs to make enough money to buy back her family farm. She ends up working in a small Wyoming town where the citizens are not fond of the Irish. She doesn’t give up and becomes the so called banner for the rest of the Irish in her community. They stand up for the hatred, but will she survive?
Knife Edge11/17
By Andrew Lane345 pages
Sherlock finds himself embroiled in yet another mystery. This time, he is trying to expose a fraud and also figure out what the Dark Beast is. I found this book rather dull which is super sad. I normally love Sherlock Holmes!
False Pretenses11/27
By Carole Thayne336 pages
Upon her parents’ deaths, Kellie puts on a great act. She shows that she is fine and wasn’t at all affected. However, she feels great guilt. She thinks she is to blame for her parents’ deaths. Seeking solace, she gets sucked into a cult. All of her possessions are taken to improve the cult. She doesn’t want to marry “the Prophet,” so comes up with a plan to run away. The Prophet doesn’t want to lose her, so he hunts her down. Will she gain her freedom?
Shadows of Valor12/6
By Elsie Park247 pages
Lord Shaufton does a great job caring for his kingdom. The poor are looked after and crime has always been low until recently. Smugglers have been stealing wool. The Lord wants this stopped, so he asks the Shadow to come and help him figure out the mystery. Set amidst castles and tournaments, this story is one of mystery and romance. Overall, it was a pretty good read.
Christmas Collection12/20
By Carla KellyKindle Version
This is a collection of four Christmas Romance stories. Each main character falls in love just in time to have a magical Christmas.
An Amish Christmas12/30
By Wiseman, et al.507 pages
This is a collection of Amish Christmas Stories. Each one tells about a character that has a life changing experience during the holiday season. They were very heart-warming.
Unexpected1/1
By Karen Tuft245 pages
Natalie has been married twice – both husbands were less than she had hoped for. Now, to support her three children, she must clean houses since she has no college education. She loves cleaning for Mr. McConnell because he is never home; she never has to see him or talk to him. She is practicing for her tap dancing final in Mr. M’s kitchen when he unexpectedly walks in and threatens to call the police. This is the beginning of a whirlwind for both. Their lives change drastically as a result of knowing each other.
Edenbrooke1/3
By Julianne Donaldson225 pages
Marianne is more than happy to accept the invitation to visit Edenbrooke. She has been living with her grandmother since her mother’s death in a horse-riding accident. She finds her life very rewarding, but her grandmother wants to turn her into a “lady,” thus, securing her a husband. Her adventures at Edenbrooke are full of romance. This book was fantastic! I couldn’t put it down!
The Heirs of Southbridge1/6
By Jennie Hansen198 pages
When Clayton’s mother dies, his grandfather makes him, his father, and his brother leave. They live a very nomadic life following the trail. They hire on as help during the cattle herding season. As an adult, Clayton becomes heir to Southbridge. Will he get to claim it before a fraud does?
Steelheart1/11
By Brandon Sanderson384 pages
When Calamity occurred, Newcago was invaded by Epics (Super Villains). Steelheart came to power and created a place where he ruled. Steelheart killed David’s father, so David has spent the past ten years researching the Epics; he wants to get revenge. David finds the Reckoners, those who want to get rid of the Epics, and joins them in their fight. Will David get his revenge or be killed trying?
The Longest Ride1/15
By Nicholas Sparks398 pages
Due to a car accident, Ira is stuck in his car on the side of a mountain with no hope for help. He dreams of his dead wife, Ruth, and his memories keep him alive. Meanwhile, Sophia is a student at Wake Forest. One weekend, she meets Luke at a rodeo. Luke rescues Sophia from her angry boyfriend, and she and Luke end up becoming friends. The rest of the book tells the story of these characters and how they finally converge in a beautiful ending!
Espionage1/20
By A.L. Sowards240 pages
Peter is a spy in France during WW II. No one thought he would survive his first mission, but when he does, they send him on a special assignment. He must investigate three contacts to see if they are playing both sides. Peter finds himself in some very sticky situations as he tries to elude the Gestapo!
Christmas at Evergreen Lodge1/22
By Wendy WeightKindle Ed.
This is a really cheesy Christmas romance. The characters and story were both lacking in depth. If you like a cute, fluffy story, this book is for you.
Sworn Enemy1/27
By A.L. Sowards276 pages
Peter is sent away on a secret mission that ends up disastrous. Meanwhile, Genevieve is recruited to be a spy and finds herself on the brink of death. Will the war end before one of them dies? Will they ever be together?
I’ll Be There2/1
By Holly Goldberg Sloan392 pages
Sam and his brother, Riddle, have had a hard life – to say the least. Their father kidnapped them and took them on a journey filled with crime. In their latest town, they meet Emily. Emily changes their lives. This is an amazing book to read!
The President Has Been Shot2/5
By James L. Swanson223 pages
This was a fascinating book! I didn’t know very much about the death of JFK, and this book explained all of the details very well. It has amazing photos and diagrams to support the story. I loved it!
Dear John2/12
By Nicholas Sparks335 pages
John meets Savannah. They fall in love, but John is a military man. Can their relationship endure the test of separation? This book was a typical Sparks romance, but it was not my favorite.
Al Capone Does My Homework2/20
By GenniferCholdenko204 pages
Moose is babysitting Natalie, when a fire breaks out in their apartment. Everyone blames Natalie, but Moose and his friends are out to prove it is the prisoners who are behind the fire. Natalie also finds a way to be more independent which I loved! This book isn’t as good as the first in the series, but it was still a fun read.
Counting By 7s2/22
By Holly Goldberg Sloan378 pages
Willow is a very bright child. In fact, she is so bright that all of her teachers think she cheats. She is sent for counseling because they don’t know what else to do. While she is at counseling, her parents are killed in a car accident. She has no family and no where to go. Who will care for Willow? This was an amazing book about courage and friendship!
The Shadow Throne 2/24
By Jennifer Nielsen317 pages
Sage must save his kingdom as war breaks out. Three other countries are invading his, and he doesn’t have nearly enough troops. Will they be able to save their homes? Will Sage lose all of those people he loves? This was a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy!
The One and Only Ivan2/25
By Katherine Applegate304 pages
Ivan is a gorilla that lives in his domain at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall. He performs every night, and he draws pictures to sell in a gift shop. His friends are Stella, the elephant, and Bob, a homeless dog. When Stella dies, Ruby, a baby elephant, replaces her. Ivan comes up with a plan to save Ruby from the life he has lived. Will his plan succeed?
Out of My Mind2/27
By Sharon M. Draper295 pages
Melody was born with Cerebral Palsy and has a severely disabled body, but she has a photographic memory. No one knows how smart she is because she can’t speak. When Melody gets her Medi-talker, she can communicate with the people around her. They realize that she is more than meets the eye. This is a wonderful and inspiring book!
Catch a Falling Star3/2
By Kim Culbertson297 pages
Carter Moon loves her little town, but when Hollywood comes to film, her whole life changes. She becomes the fake girlfriend of the famous Adam. The relationship becomes all too real, but for whom? Will everything work out for Carter? Will her town change forever?
Threatened3/5
By Eliot Shrefer267 pages
Luc is a homeless boy in Gabon, Africa. When a Professor comes along, Luc’s life changes. He goes on a journey with Prof into the jungle, so they can study the Chimpanzees. Luc’s journey takes many turns. It was interesting to learn about the chimps and their behaviors.
My Orange Duffel Bag3/6
By Sam Bracken200 pages
Sam grows up under horrible circumstances. He is abused and learns how to use drugs and alcohol at a very young age. At 13, he chooses to change his life. He sets a goal to go to college and be a pro football player. This is the story of his journey through a very troubled childhood. It is very eye-opening and teaches an amazing lesson – you are the one who makes the changes.
Swindle3/7
By Gordon Korman252 pages
Griffin finds a baseball card in an old building that is about to be demolished. He takes the Babe Ruth card and sells it. He then finds out that the card is worth a million dollars. He hatches a plan to steal the card back. Will he succeed?
Zoobreak3/8
By Gordon Korman230 pages
Griffin and his band of friends have a plan. They are going to rescue Savannah’s monkey, Cleo, from the All Aboard Animals Zoo. They decide to rescue all of the animals instead. What will they do with all of them until new homes can be found?
Framed3/10
By Gordon Korman234 pages
Griffin gets blamed for a missing Super Bowl ring, but he didn’t take it. He tried to clear his name and ends up in Jail for Kids – at the alternative school. Griffin doesn’t know what to do. He becomes friends with Shank, and he is a master at capturing nuisance animals. Will they be able to clear Griffin’s name in time?
Showoff3/10
By Gordon Korman248 pages
Luthor is taken to the pound after he attacks Electra at the mall. Griffin wants to save Luthor, but he doesn’t know how. Griffin comes up with a plan; he will get Luthor from the pound, find a world famous dog trainer, and turn Luthor into a show dog. Can Luthor change his ways – guard dog into show dog?