Hardwicke Academy: the school of choice for the children of the DC elite. It's exclusive, it's secure, and it's about to be completely rocked by its newest student. Tess Kendrick is the younger sister of infamous political fixer Ivy Kendrick. Caught in a messy affair? Need to make a story disappear? If you're lucky, and you can afford it, you'll hire Ivy to take care of all your needs and keep your secrets. Tess grew up on a farm with her grandfather, about as far away from political intrigue as you can get. But her sister's reputation has preceded her and it isn't long before Tess is fixing problems for students on campus. Their parents are power players, and their problems go beyond school drama. Soon, Tess has uncovered a major scandal that even her sister might not be able to fix. With her life on the line and her world turned upside, she needs to decide where her loyalties lie and what she's willing to risk.

The plot is relentless and full of betrayals, twists, and high stakes. Tess is a very sympathetic character as she's thrust into a world she's completely unprepared for and tries to do her best. A fantastic political thriller.

The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Erica's Pick
8th grade
Tags: Contemporary Fiction, Family Life, Fast-Paced, Romance, School Stories

This book, while non-fiction, reads like an adventure novel. The story of Minamoto Yoshitsune is larger than life and the bravery, betrayals, and brutal ending felt like the best kind of Hollywood epic. When Yoshitsune was just a baby, his father was killed by a rival clan. Raised in a monastery, Yoshitsune was determined to escape and learn the way of the Samurai. Despite a late start in training, he became one of the most famous samurai of all time known for his fearless leadership in battle and the fierce loyalty he inspired among his men. But not everyone loved Yoshitsune, and when he was finally betrayed his death by seppuku would solidify the practice in Samurai tradition. Don't miss this thrilling tale!



Samurai Rising by Pamela S. Turner, Illustrated by Gareth Hinds

Erica's Picks
6th & up
​Tags: Adventure, Biography, Fast-Paced, History, Nonfiction, People of Color

Hoodoo Hatcher was born into a family with a tradition of practicing folk magic: hoodoo; using potions and charms to evade evil and bring good luck. A mysterious Stranger comes to town bringing evil shadows and dark nightmares. He wants something from Hoodoo and threatens the entire town to get his ends.  Everybody says that the little heart shaped birthmark under Hoodoo's eye is a sign.  Can he find the courage, the magic and most of all the heart to save those he loves and himself?  Hoodoo learns that  "Having heart is being brave, even when everything looks dark as night....Having heart is believing in yourself, if you didn't know."




Tessa's Picks, 4th grade, Horror, 3rd&4th summer 2016, People of Color.

When World War III ravaged the world a small group managed to survive in the remote Alaskan wilderness.  Juneau is one of the children of these survivors and has learned how to live off the land and tap into the heart of nature to work magic. When her tribe is taken while she's out hunting she ventures out of the safe zone for the first time and what she discovers shakes her to the very core: a whole city, completely untouched.  Is everything she was ever told a lie?  But her tribe is still missing and she must find them.  Now she has to survive in an environment she is completely unprepared for in a world where she has no idea whom to trust.

This story is told in the alternating perspectives of Juneau and Miles, the son of a pharmaceutical exec who wants to find Juneau to unlock the secret of why the adults in her tribe never age.  The pacing is quick and fans of Katniss will enjoy the capable Juneau.  Fans of supernatural stories will enjoy Juneau’s nature-based magic and animal lovers will enjoy Juneau's pets (dogs and a bird.)  

After the End by Amy Plum


Erica's Picks
7th & 8th Grade
Tags: Fast Paced, People of Color, Supernatural, Survivor

 When Ben's mother dies all he wants is some time to be alone, but his father has other plans. One day he announces that he's sold their house and bought a sailboat and that the family is going to spend a year sailing around the Bahamas. Ben is so upset with his father he doesn't even want look at him, so living on a 30 foot long boat with him 24/7 seems like the worst fate imaginable--until the worst truly does happen. One morning Ben and his brother  wake up in the middle of the ocean to find their father gone, and a storm bigger than any they've ever seen brewing on the horizon.

The characters and their interactions are well portrayed, but the main force driving the plot is the unrelenting action as the boys struggle to survive. This book is perfect for those seeking a fast-paced adventure novel, especially for students who like survival stories or have an interest in sailing. 

The Great Wide Sea by M.H. Herlong

Erica's Picks
5th - 8th Grade
Tags: Adventure, Family Life, Fast-Paced, Survival

Balsa is a fighter and a bodyguard, but even she isn't prepared for the mess she finds herself in after rescuing the second prince from drowning one day. Balsa has no love of royalty, but before she knows it she's risking her life and fighting foes natural and supernatural to protect the boy. She soon realizes that much more is at stake than just one boy's life, but how can she defeat a foe that she can't see and knows nothing about? 

Moribito is a great, fast-paced fantasy adventure novel. The author is Japanese (it's translated into English), which makes it stand out among all the western fantasy stories.There are beautiful two-page illustrations at the beginning of each section.

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit by Nahoko Uehashi

Erica's Picks
6th - 8th Grade
Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Fast-Paced, People of Color