In this complex story, it's not always easy to tell the difference between good and evil. 12 year old Makenna's mother is a hedgewitch, and when the Hierarch announces that witchcraft is evil, her friends and neighbours murder her. Consumed with fear and a desire for revenge, Makenna flees the village and befriends a tribe of goblins. The goblins are feared and hunted, for they are magical by nature; Makenna uses her wits and growing witchcraft to lead them as they fight for their survival. A thought provoking read, and an exciting adventure for fantasy readers.
Australian 11th-grader Amal is smart, funny, outspoken, a good student, and a loyal friend. She is also a devout Muslim who decides to wear the hijab, or head covering, full-time. The story tells of her emotional and spiritual journey as she copes with a mad crush on a boy, befriends an elderly Greek neighbor, and tries to help a friend who aspires to be a lawyer but whose well-intentioned mother is trying to force her to leave school and get married. 
Guy Gavriel Kay is a master of fantasy, and fans won't be disappointed with his newest novel, Ysabel. Ned Marriner is 16, and he should be elated to be on location with his famous photographer father. After all, he could be home in the States writing exams! Instead, Ned finds himself caught up in a series of increasingly bizarre events, starting with a weird encounter in the ancient cathedral at Aix-en-Provence, France. In the shadowy interior of the church, a very old story is beginning again. Ned and his new friend Kate are drawn into a conflict from long ago, where centuries-dead Roman legions and Celtic tribes cross the boundary from death back into life. The best part of this book is how the author weaves modern technology into the well researched and complex history of Roman times. 
Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer, is the best book I have read in a long time. I read its entire 500 plus pages in one (long) night, and when I was done, I couldn't wait to read its sequel, New Moon. Here's why.
Twilight is a vampire romance/thriller that tells the story of Isabella Swan. Bella moves from sunny Phoenix, Arizona to live with her father in the perpetually rainy town of Forks, Washington. She's pretty nervous about starting at her new high school, but nothing could prepare her for the strangely compelling Cullen family. Bella is immediately drawn to the mysterious and unreasonably gorgeous Edward, and she ignores him when he tells her that he is dangerous to her. Pretty soon, Bella has fallen hopelessly in love with Edward, he he with her.
But Edward is a vampire, and Bella finds out that he was serious when he said he and his family were dangerous. Although Edward swears he would never hurt Bella, there are other vampires who don't feel the same way. Somewhere in the middle of this book, the story changes from a heartbreakingly beautiful romance into a chilling tale of pursuit and terror. Bella is in mortal peril as the Tracker vows to hunt her down, and Edward is the only thing keeping her alive.
A highly recommended book, and the sequel, New Moon, is just as good! Watch for a third book, Eclipse, coming in August.
Fiction
Grade 10-12
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From the author of Ella Enchanted and The Princess Diaries comes another fairytale fantasy about 15 year old Aza, who helps her family run their inn in the countryside.
Jordan Sonnenblick has written another winner in this novel about thirteen year old Stephen. Stephen is just a regular kid who plays drums in the All-Star band, has a crush on the hottest girl in school, and is constantly annoyed by his five year old brother, Jeffrey.
But when Jeffrey gets sick, Stephen's life is turned upside down overnight. Suddenly, he has to deal with overdue homework, his nonexistent girlfriend, his family falling apart, and, oh yes, Dangerous Pie.
This book is such a great read. It's horribly sad, hilariously funny, and extremely sweet all at the same time. And yes, you will have to read the book to find out what Dangerous Pie is.
Novel
Grades 7 and up
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John Flanagan's novel is the first in a fantasy series about Will, Ranger's Apprentice. In this first book, Will finds out that although he has always wanted to go to Battleschool and become a hero, his apprenticeship will be to the mysterious Rangers.
Nana is Japan's most popular Shojo manga serial, and no wonder! Volumes 1-4 are now available in English, and they tell the story of two girls named Nana, who couldn't be more different.
Nana Komatsu is a flaky young woman who has just finished a star crossed affair with an older man. She decides to follow her friend Junko's advice, and just be friends with Shoji, a nice (and cute!) art student. When Nana's friends move to Tokyo to attend art school, Nana stays behind to work for a year. She wants to prove she can support herself, even though her friends think she's a silly flirt!
Meanwhile, high school dropout Nana Osaki is rocking onstage with her punk band, and offstage with Ren, her drummer and boyfriend. When Ren moves to Tokyo to take a recording contract, Nana O decides to stay in her small town and make it on her own. In book two, both Nanas decide it's time to make the move to Tokyo.
These books have amazing art. At first, the story sounds like a soap opera; as you keep reading, you will find yourself being drawn into the lives of these complicated and cool friends. I loved these books!
Graphic Novel
Grades 8 and up
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