"It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die." It's time for the annual Scorpio Races where riders race on horses that came from the sea and long to return there. Some horses may be overcome with this desire and run back to the surf, drowning their riders in the process. Some may simply eat or trample their riders, making the sea red with blood. The races may kill several people, but they all ride anyway because no matter how likely it is that some will die at least one person is guaranteed to win. So they race for all that they're worth--for fortune, for fame, for glory, and for their lives. 

The story alternates between two characters and each have a distinct voice and background. Both are orphans, but on an island plagued by carnivorous horses that isn't rare. The island is full of interesting characters and the tension remains high throughout as they train for the races that may give them their heart's desire or kill them.   I’d give this to readers looking for a gritty story with supernatural creatures or an unconventional romance.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Erica's Picks
7th-8th Grade
Tags: Animals, Character Driven, Romance, Supernatural

Every house on Henrietta's street is identical: each one newly made of vinyl and glue with flat roofs sitting behind plastic lawns in their own soundproof and airtight cocoon. Every house, except Henrietta's. Henrietta's house is made of wood, with a sloping roof and an old-fashioned attic. Henrietta's mother thinks that it must be some contaminant in their old house that is causing Henrietta's blinding headaches. But Henrietta knows it isn't the house at all. It's the Wikkeling. Most people can't see the Wikkeling and Henrietta knows that if she tries to explain it she'll only sound crazy. Luckily she's found some allies who can see it as well, but will the neighbor boy, a kindergartener, and a Wild Housecat be enough to defeat the mysterious creature or will they all end up Finished?

I read this book at the end of long day, but from the very start Arntson made me forget all my troubles and took me away to a frightening and thought-provoking dystopia that nevertheless left me feeling far better than when I picked up the novel. First off it started with a poem about a cat, which instantly wins it points in my book. Secondly it established the atmosphere and setting with wonderfully creative details. Thirdly it introduces us to the main character Henrietta who, the narrator warns us, "will not find out that she's actually a princess, and she won't become happy forever when a prince marries her. Those books are out there, and your school librarian can help you find one. This isn't it." The novel is at times a dystopian commentary on society, at times a horror novel, at times a coming of age novel, and there's plenty of humor infused throughout.

The Wikkeling by Steven Arntson

Erica's Picks
4th-8th Grade
Tags: Dystopian, Horror, Humor, Science Fiction, Supernatural

On St. Mark's Eve the spirits of those who will die in the next year march along Corpse Road. Of course Blue had never been able to see them. Her gift is only to increase the psychic abilities of others. Which is why she was once again by the old church on St. Mark's Eve helping someone else record the names of unfortunate souls she could not see. That is, until she saw him. That night everything changed. There are only two reasons why a non-seer like her would see a spirt on St. Mark's Eve: she's either his true love...or his killer.

I love the characters in this novel from Blue: the sensible one in a house full of psychics to the group of Raven Boys, so called because of their private school's mascot. The four Raven Boys have a special bond and it's this group dynamic that kept me reading more than anything else. The boys clearly care about each other, but they're so different that they seem to be constantly on the verge of breaking apart. I’d give this to anyone looking for a story about friendship, boarding schools, or the supernatural.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater


Erica's Picks
7th-8th Grade
Tags: Character Driven, Friendship, School Stories, Supernatural

Every day A wakes up in a new body. One day A may be a drop-dead gorgeous woman who is always surrounded by people. The next day A may be an overweight boy whom everyone teases and ignores. A doesn't have any friends or family. No one knows A's secret, and that's how things must remain. Despite the strange circumstances, A has fallen into a routine and tries to go unnoticed by the people whose lives he borrows. Until A meets a girl who changes everything. How could anyone love someone who is a different person every day? A is willing to risk everything to find out.

The premise of the novel requires a heaping helping of suspension of disbelief, but it allows Levithan the opportunity to explore issues in a unique way. Everyone has heard of the expression about walking a mile in someone else's shoes. Well, A lives every day in someone else's body. Levithan choses each body A occupies carefully and there's many wonderful characters. I'd give this to anyone looking for an unconventional romance or those who enjoy novels that explore contemporary issues.

Every Day by David Levithan

Erica's Picks
7th-8th Grade
Tags: Character Driven, Emotional, Issues Fiction, LGBTQ, Romance, Supernatural