Hot Pick from TAB - The Host

By Stephenie Meyer
(F Meye)
619 pages. 2008 Science Fiction

I liked this book because it is unique within its genre. It is like no other book and hooks you from the at-first-not-understandable prologue. I would normally not read science fiction, but this is a book to recommend to everyone. The character who is telling the story is not from Earth and must get used to being known as a "parasite" to her host. Wanderer, or Wanda as she is sometimes known, has lived on 8 other worlds within the universe and has always been a parasite on different kinds of hosts, not being able to survive otherwise. However, she has never known resistance and gets frightened when her host on Earth starts fighting back. Despite the subject and content, this book is not scary, gory, or in any way destined for nightmares if read in a dark room. This book was very gripping and I absolutely could not put it down. A definite finish-under-the-covers-I've-only-got-a-few-chapters-left book. Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. (Grades 9 & Up).

reviewed by TAB member Colleen K.

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Thirteen Reasons Why

By Jay Asher
(YA F Ashe)
288 pages. 2007 Mystery

Two weeks after Hannah’s death, a mysterious package arrives addressed to Clay. Inside is a series of cassette tapes, each one numbered with blue nail polish. When Clay begins to listen, he discovers they’re from Hannah, who painstakingly details all the reasons behind her death, and the fact that if you’re listening to the tapes, you were one of them. This book contains mature themes. (Grades 9 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Shelly P.

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The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites

By Heather Brew

(YA F Brew)

182 pages. 2007 Horror

Vladimir Tod is your normal, everyday eighth-grade boy, if you take out the fact that he is half vampire. With both of his parents gone, he must learn to suppress his blood cravings and enlarged fangs all on his own. Just when things couldn’t get any worse, a vampire hunter begins to make Vlad his prey. Can Vlad survive eighth grade, bullies, a crush, and a serial vampire killer? (Grades 6 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Meghann M.

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Dragons from the Sea

By Judson Roberts

(YA F Robe)

346 pages. 2007 Historical Fiction

In this second book of the Strongbow Saga, fifteen-year-old Halfdan, a former slave, joins the crew of a Viking longship. Because of his extraordinary skill with a bow, he earns the grudging respect of the seasoned warriors of the ship. When his crew invades France, his honor and skill are sorely tested. But when his jarl sends him on a dangerous mission, it will take all his courage and cleverness just to stay alive. (Grades 9 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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The Perfect Shot

By Elaine Alphin

(YA F Alph)

360 pages. 2005 Sports/Mystery

High school senior Brian zones out when he shoots hoops in his driveway, so he’s unaware of what is happening across the street with his girlfriend’s family. He is gripped with guilt for not coming to their rescue and also must face family pressures. Brian’s story unfolds in flashbacks, pulling in the reader to question if the book is about basketball, the gunshot, or both. (Grades 9 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elaine D.

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