Josh, Children's Book Connoisseur

     Due to teaching with Albuquerque Public Schools for almost eight years, Joshua reads a great deal of young adult and teen fiction. He's always on the look out for new dystopian novels he can build into his curriculum. When he does venture into the realm of adult fiction, he prefers historical fantasy novels and any new novel by John Saul. When not reading, you can find him at any local karaoke dive.
 

Sidekicks by Jack Ferraiolo

     Everyone loves superheroes, but what about their sidekicks? They have to do all the work and get to share in little of the glory. Finally, a story devoted just to the true masterminds of the superhero profession! Best sidekick rule: "Wear your costume (even if it makes you look like a tool)."

Touching Spirit by Marilyn Johnson

     A poignant young adult novel about changing one's circumstances by healing one's spirit. By spending a year alone on an isolated island in Alaska, Cole learns how to control his anger, ask for forgiveness, and become part of something bigger than himself.

Manhattan Hunt Club by John Saul

     My favorite work by my favorite horror author. Ever wonder what happens in the abandoned subway tunnels underneath New York City. Saul proposes a deadly game of cat and mouse played by the social elite and the outcasts of the criminal justice system. Creepy factor is way amped up due to the fact that it could really happen.

 Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

      Literally three of the best books I've read in my entire life. Action, intrigue, social injustice, and revolution all written into one dystopian young adult trilogy. Very rare that a teen series gets better as it goes, but Collins manages to do it. I challenge you to read Hunger Games without progressing on to Catching Fire and Mockingjay!

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire

     Anyone who has read Wicked understands how Maguire uses the concept of fairy tales and fantasy to frame political satire. But in this retelling of Cinderella set in 17th century Holland, Maguire shows that mice don't turn into horses; it's far more common for people to turn into moral-less monsters.

Ophelia Joined the Group Maidens Who Don't Float by Sarah Schmelling

     In the middle of social networking craze we find ourselves in these days, Schmelling offers her take of what various characters from classical literature would do with Facebook, Twitter, and the like. If you're a lover of the classics and understand tech-speak, you will be rolling on the floor for hours.