Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. Recommended for ages 13 and up. The story of Fat Charlie, who loses the father he was never very close to. Fat Charlie's dad always seemed to have a way of making things work out, something Charlie never inherited. However, when Charlie meets his long lost brother and discovers that their father was the trickster God Anansi, he learns what exactly he is able to do. The writing style is great for this story and I would recommend it for most teenage boys.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. A beautifully done story recommended for ages 12 and up, this writer found many old and mysterious photographs and interwove them in a story about an orphanages that calls to children with peculiar talents. Jacob discovers this home after his father passes away and he attempts to track down the orphanage that housed him after the war, to figure out the story behind the mysterious letters his grandfather kept hidden. This book will keep the reader guessing about the monsters and the truth behind the fiction that Jacob experiences. A great story for both boys and girls 12 and up.
Gossamer by Lois Lowry. Recommended for ages 9 and up. Late at night dream givers sneak in and give us good dreams after collecting memories. Littlest One is learning the art of "bestowing" and is practicing her skills on an elderly woman and her foster son John who has been rescued from an abusive family. A sweet and touching story that will help children expand the way they view the world around them.
Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs. Recommended for ages 13 and up. The story of Lily, who though she is half mermaid princess, has chosen to live on land with her aunt Rachel. She encounters life as a normal teenage girl-except for her frequent need for saltwater baths. She must deal with school, love, and friends while pretending that she doesn't have a father waiting for her to return home-under the sea. I would recommend this book for younger female readers, because it is a series and may help them to become more interested in the fantasy genre.
Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson. Recommended for ages 14 and up. 16 year old Alison has done the unforgivable. She murdered her near-perfect classmate Tori after an argument in detention. However, Alison's memory seems a bit hazy-she swears Tori disintegrated. Alison winds up in a mental hospital to treat her violent outbursts and she discovers something amazing about herself and the colors she can both hear-and taste. An amazing read for anyone, with a great twist that will keep any reader guessing.
Scumble by Ingrid Law. Recommended for ages 9 and up. The story of Ledger Kale, who is experiencing similar issues as his cousin Mibs in the previous tale Savvy. Ledger has just had his 13th birthday and been given a gift he must learn to control while spending the summer camping on his uncle's farm. With the help of his cousin Rocket-who can control electricity-and a young girl named Sarah Jane who is intent on discovering what it is about Ledger that is so special, Ledge learns that he is in control of his own destiny, and no one can take that away from him. I would recommend this book to young boys who may be able to identify with some of what Ledger is going through.
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer. Recommended for ages 14 and up. Matteo, aka Matt, was not born a human boy. He was cloned from one of the most powerful drug lords the world has ever seen. El Patron chooses to keep him well educated and happy, despite the fact that the rest of the family view him as something less than human and treat him as such. Matt encounters many difficulties based on his clone status, and begins to learn his true purpose in this world. An amazing story that readers will fly through, simply to discover what will happen to Matt at the end.
Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetriou. Recommended for ages 13 and up. A somewhat confusing story that attempts to teach readers about the mythical Siren, and how they have affected Will and Gretchen. Best friends since they were children, Will and Gretchen are now facing challenges based around the mysterious disappearance of Will's older brother and the presence of a strange girl named Asia. This was not one of the better fantasy novels I have read, and I would hesitate before recommending it to any teen.
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