June 2004

Compiled by Marie A. Baker, School Library/Media Specialist

Based on the American Library Association’s Best Books of 2004

Brooks, Geraldine. Year of Wonders. Set in 17^th century England with the plague ravaging the countryside, this novel tells the story of a village struggling to survive a great catastrophe.

Draper, Sharon M. The Battle of Jericho . The Warriors of Distinction has been the school's most exclusive club for 50 years, so when Jericho is asked to join, he's excited--and flattered. When pledging turns from intimidating to dangerous he finds it’s too late to back out.

Flinn, Alex. Nothing To Lose. A woman is accused of murdering her husband. Now her son, who ran away from home to avoid living with a violent step-father, must decide whether or not to get involved. Flinn was the MHS visiting author in 2004.

Going, K.L. Fat Kid Rules The World. An overweight teen on the verge of suicide makes a friend who changes his life. First novel by a local author (Beacon).

Herbert, Frank. The Dune Series. This classic science fiction epic depicts an empire of thousands of worlds, features scores of memorable characters and describes countless plots and struggles to possess the spice called “mélange”, a substance used to extend the senses and read the future. Originally hailed as a bible of ecological awareness, the overriding theme of this series is the necessity of knowing the consequences of one’s actions. (Suggested by Mr. G. Meyer, Science Department Coordinator)

Hoffman, Alice. The Probable Future. Written in Hoffman’s signature style of “magical realism”, this novel tells the story of Stella, who foresees the crime her father is later accused of committing.

Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. A winning combination –an eye-opening account of a country's political turmoil--in this case, Afghanistan—peopled with characters whose heartbreaking struggles and emotional triumphs resonate long after the last page has been turned.

Johnson, Angela. The First Part Last. Brief, poetic and absolutely riveting – the story of a teen father raising his infant daughter.

Katz, John. Geeks. Jesse and Eric were geeks: suspicious of authority figures, proud of their status as outsiders, fervent in their belief in the power of technology. High school had been an unbearable experience, so they lived only for their computers and the online world. How did they go from being misfits to heroes of their own story?

Packer, Z.Z. Drinking Coffee Elsewhere. An impressive collection of short stories combining tenderness, humor and unexpected detail.

Picoult, Jodi. My Sister’s Keeper. Kate Fitzgerald has a rare form of leukemia. Her sister, Anna, was conceived to provide a donor match for procedures that become increasingly invasive. At 13, Anna says “No more!” and launches a legal battle with stunning repercussions.

Roach, Mary. Stiff. Informative, respectful, irreverent and witty – everything you ever wanted to know about cadavers!

Shoup, Barbara. Vermeer’s Daughter. Fans of Girl With a Pearl Earring will love this tale of Carolina, the independent and creative daughter of the famous painter, who discovers her own talent.

Simon, Rachel. Riding the Bus With My Sister. The author writes from personal experience of life with a mentally retarded sibling.

Strasser, Todd. Can’t Get There From Here. Runaway teens band together for survival on the streets of New York as they face hunger, drug abuse and prostitution. Disturbingly realistic.

Trueman, Terry. Inside Out. Have you ever been in the wrong place at the wrong time? Jack’s schizophrenia is pretty much under control as long as he takes his medicine. But when he is caught in the middle of a coffee shop holdup, the meds run out and the voices in his head return.

Wallace, Rich. Restless: A Ghost Story. Herbie tries not to let life unsettle him, handling family and school pressures with quiet persistence. Most people can’t understand what makes him tick, except his brother … and his brother is dead.

Wittlinger, Ellen. Heart On My Sleeve. Four teens share their innermost thoughts during the summer after high school graduation with postcards, letters, emails and instant messages.