Adverbs by Dan Handler

This book is FUN to read. Handler is best known for his Lemony Snicket series, but this book of interrelated love stories uses adverbs as chapter titles. The composition, as a whole, is more like a work of jazz - variations and repetitions of words and phrases. It is a playground for a reader looking for a romp.

Girly by Elizabeth Merrick

This book took me a while to get through, but I'm glad that a read it. Racinda Hart, the main character, is an adolescent girl trying to find her own voice through first encounters with cultlike religion, sexuality, drugs and alcohol and generations of dysfuctional family life. Merrick is someone to watch. You can learn more about her mission as a writer from her website www.elizabethmerrick.com. Check it out.

The Warrior Heir by Cinda Chima

This is a great book for young adults and even adults looking for a page turner of the "Harry Potter" variety. My praise for this fantasy novel is particularly high because the author, Cinda Chima, is the parent of two great boys who have been AP English students of mine. Cinda came in to talk to my students this month about the process of writing a novel, finding a publisher and even finding the right cover art. This book is set in a fictional town modeled on Oberlin Ohio and she showed slides of some of the location that were inspirational to her. The greatest thing I can say about this book is that the sequel is on the way next fall. You will want to read more of this talented author's work!