THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass



Romance. Identity. Decision-Making. Book one in a trilogy: The Selection; The One; The Elite

Notes: "Sixteen-year-old America Singer is living in the caste-divided nation of Illea, which formed after the war that destroyed the United States. America is chosen to compete in the Selection--a contest to see which girl can win the heart of Illea's prince--but all she really wants is a chance for a future with her secret love, Aspen, who is a caste below her"--Provided by publisher.

From the Publisher: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. (Follett's Titlewave)

Grade 7 book club choice. Loved it! Reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games.  Good middle school recommendation.

THE RANGER'S APPRENTICE: THE RUINS OF GORLAN by John Flanagan

Fantasy. "The international bestselling series with over 5 million copies sold in the U.S. alone!
They have always scared him in the past—the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. What he doesn't yet realize is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom. This time, he will not be denied. . . .

Perfect for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, T.H. White's The Sword in the Stone, and Christopher Paolini's Eragon series

 

 

Matt D's recommendation from grade 8 book club....and he is a reader beyond compare! I agree that it has a great plot and portrays admirable qualities of a true Ranger. Highly recommend for elementary and middle school readers. Good choice also for reluctant readers.

A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA by Ursula Le Guin

  Fantasy. "Ged was the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea, but once he was called       Sparrowhawk, a reckless youth, hungry for power and knowledge, who tampered  with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tale  of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death's threshold to restore the balance." (from the publisher).

I enjoyed rediscovering this classic fantasy. My grade 8 students did not share my enthusiasm and felt that it is geared towards a younger audience. I thought this opinon interesting because I believe that there are some very advanced concepts. I read them the following quote from the ending:

 

"...Ged had neither lost nor won but, naming the shadow of his death with his own name, had made himself whole; a man: who, knowing his whole true self, cannot be used or possessed by any power tother than himself, and whose life therefore is lived for life's sake and never in the service of ruin, or pain, or hatred, or the dark. In the Creation of Ea, which is the oldest song, it is said, "Only in silence, only in dark the light, only in dying life: bright the hawk's flight on the empty sky."

 

So, I loved this book and Le Guin's beautiful writing, but will take into account my grade 8 book club's opinion when recommending this to others.