Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen

http://www.acgaughen.com/scarlet/

Scarlet has escaped her past in London, but it continues to haunt her.  Her scar is a constant reminder of what she left behind.  As tensions with the Sheriff of Nottingham and Guy of Gisbourne increase, the villagers are finding it more and more difficult just to survive.  In disguise as Will Scarlet, she helps Robin Hood steal from the rich to give to the poor.

I am a sucker for a good Robin Hood tale.  Always have been.  From the singing rooster in the Disney cartoon, to Kevin Costner and his thieves...I love them all.  Even wrote my Gr. 13 English ISU on Robin Hood as a hero.

So, when I saw that Scarlet was one of the Teens' Top Ten nominees, I was pretty excited.  Also a little skeptical - how could you retell the story of Robin Hood yet again?

Quite well, as it turns out!!  In fact, I'd give it 5/5 on the Rez Recommends list.  There's action, adventure, plot twists...enough to keep readers of either gender engaged.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

www.betweenshadesofgray.com

Many World War II stories take place in Europe.  Between Shades of Gray sheds light on the little-known annihilation of the Lithuanian (and Latvian and Estonian) people by Stalin at the beginning of the war.  People were murdered or sent to work camps in Siberia, where the conditions were nothing short of horrific.  The Baltic states lost one third of their populations during this time. 

In Between Shades of Gray, Lina, her mother and her little brother Jonas are taken from their homes in the middle of the night, with only moments to gather a few belongings.  They are herded onto cattle cars with hundreds of other people - scholars, lawyers, teachers, and other "anti-Soviet" people - who were considered dangerous to the Kremlin.  As they attempt to survive through unbearable situations, Lina writes down their story - in the hopes of sending messages to get help.

I couldn't put this book down. Between Shades of Gray is such a beautiful, powerful book.  It's one of the Teens' Top Ten nominees - and I will be surprised if it doesn't make it into the top ten.  I personally give it a 5/5 on the Rez Recommends scale.

Life Less Ordinary ~ books about teens who stand out from the crowd

• An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
  Poor Colin hasn’t had much luck with dating. He’s been dumped 19 times...all by girls named Katherine! Nothing like a road trip with your best friend to try and heal your broken heart...and figure out why you keep getting dumped! John Green is hands down one of the best Young Adult authors out there! This book earned multiple starred reviews and a Printz Honor award.
• Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
  This book is a perfect example of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” This high-flying novel has everything a great adventure should...daring rescues, thrilling escapes, pirates, and a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure. Winner of a Governor General's award. Also look for the follow-up books, Skybreaker and Starclimber.
• The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, vol. 1: The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson
  Octavian is a African slave sent to American to receive, as an experiment, a classical education usually reserved for the “elite”. As the Revolutionary War unfolds, Octavian runs away to join the army and experiences the horrors of what it means to be a slave in 18th century America. This brilliantly written novel also provides insightful commentary on today’s society and our notion of history. Also try volume 2, Kingdom on the Waves. Both are multi-award winners.
• Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
  When 15-year old Lizzie is killed, she travels to the afterlife, called Elsewhere, and tries to figure out how to “live” in her new surroundings. A powerful story about life, and life after death. Winner of multiple starred reviews...and one of my all-time favourites!
• Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
  Earth is about to be invaded by a hostile alien race. The defense plan? Train an army of children! Ender Wiggen is the unlikely candidate recruited to join the troops. Even if you don’t normally like science fiction, I DARE you not to love this book!
• Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  Kat’s little sister is ordered to compete in the Hunger Games...a reality TV series kind of like Survivor, but instead of getting voted off, you die! Kat volunteers to take her place and, with TV cameras following her every move, fights to stay alive.
• I Am the Messenger by Marcus Zusack
  Ed Kennedy’s life isn’t exactly exciting...he spends all his time hanging out with his dog, driving his taxi and playing cards with his friends. When mysterious, coded messages show up in his mailbox, he is sent on a series of tasks that will change his life. Winner of a Printz Honor award.
• I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
  Cammie goes to a prestigious all-girls private school...but it’s not just any private school. It’s a secret school for spies! All of the girls are spies in training, which makes leading a “normal” life a little difficult. It’s a fun, light-hearted adventure...if you were to mix James Bond with Harry Potter with the girls from Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, this is the novel you’d get!
• Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
  When the moon is hit by a meteor and bumped out of its normal orbit, life on Earth is horrifyingly altered. Worldwide tsunamis, volcanoes, earthquakes, ice storms… chaos. Miranda describes in her diary how she and her family struggle to survive. Also check out the sequel, “The Dead and the Gone” that tells the same story, but from the perspective of a boy in New York City.
• Magic or Madness by Justine Larbalestier
  Australian teen, Reason, must go live with her “wicked” grandmother, Esmeralda, in Sydney after her mother has a mental breakdown. While trying to escape from Esmeralda, Reason runs through a door...only to find herself in New York City. This magical adventure is the award-winning first book of a trilogy (followed by Magic Lessons and Magic’s Child).
• Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins
  A “fallen angel” (demon) named Kiriel is bored with Hell and decides to take over the body and life of a slacker teen who has just been hit by a cement truck. Even though he’s breaking all the rules, Kiriel is determined to experience life as a human teen and have a positive impact on the people around him. Winner of a Printz Honor award.
• Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman
  Imagine high school and dating...when your dad is a mafia leader! Life is certainly “interesting” for Vince Luca. Oh, and did I mention that the girl he’s fallen for is the daughter of an FBI agent?! Funny man Gordon Korman at his best! Also check out the sequel, Hollywood Hustle for more adventures as Vince heads off to college.

Don’t forget to fill out your own reviews of these books for a chance to win some great prizes!

The Luxe ~ Anna Godbersen

This novel felt like Pride and Prejudice meets Gossip Girls. It had all of the detail, description, and mannerisms of a classic historical novel, transporting you to end-0f-the-nineteenth-century New York City. But, layered on top of this was the added intrigue of gossip, hidden romances, back-stabbing, and deception.

I was slightly disappointed with The Luxe, however. It seemed like the entire 430+ page novel was merely setting up the sequel. And for the first 200 pages, I wasn't sure I'd even want to read it! There was something about the characters that didn't sit well with me…I was supposed to feel sympathetic to the heroine, but I didn't really like her (until near the end of the novel). And the characters I did like, were in love with people that I found annoying.

However, the more I read, the more I enjoyed it. And I'm hoping the sequel, Rumors, will develop the story, and characters, further.