The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Title
The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Library Link
The invention of Hugo Cabret : a novel in words and pictures

Selznick, Brian.New York : Scholastic Press, c2007.Year: c2007Format: BOOK

10 Second ReviewFollows the adventures of a young orphan living in a train station. While taking care of the stations clocks, he has developed a knack for fixing toys. This is useful because he needs these skills to fix the strange automata he has found.

With almost 300 pages of illustrations, this book redefines the concept of a graphic novel. While there are no captions to the images, skipping the pictures will mean missing important story elements. A fascinating example of the true potential of the graphic novel format.

Don't dismiss this book because it's in the 'kids' section.

Notes
Caldecott Winner

Learning CurveLow: Good for new readers

Reading OrderN/a

Y: The Last Man

Title
Y: The Last Man - Unmanned

Library Link
Y : the last man : unmanned

Last man unmannedNew York, N.Y. : DC Comics, c2003.Year: c2003Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
An amorous helper monkey, an unemployed escape artist, a doctor giving birth to her own clone and a mysterious agent join forces to investigate why all the men on Earth have died.

Excellent story line and good art make this an enjoyable book.
A must for comic fans and a great introduction for those new to comics.

Notes
Earns its 'Mature Audiences' Label

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
Y The Last Man: Unmanned
Y The Last Man: Cycles
Y The Last Man: One Small Step
Y The Last Man: Safe word
Y The Last Man: Ring of Truth
Y The Last Man: Girl on Girl
Y The Last Man: Paper Dolls
Y The Last Man: Kimono Dragons
Y The Last Man: Mother Land
Y The Last Man: Why's and Wherefores

The Golden Compass

Title
The Golden Compass

Library Link
The golden compass
Pullman, Philip, 1946-New York : Alfred A. Knopf, c2006.Year: c2006Format: BOOK

10 Second ReviewIn this world, everyone has a familiar or animal companion that follows him or her everywhere. Magic is science and science magic. Secret plots and conspiracies challenge and surround a young girl entrusted with a powerful device.

While the first book is very good, the series quickly becomes abstract and confusing.

Some parents have expressed concern for the themes present in this series though they probably have little to worry about.

Few young readers will likely be able to maintain interest past this first book.

Notes
This book should appeal to Harry Potter fans.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Those new to fantasy might find this book confusing.

Reading OrderGolden Compass
The Subtle Knife
The Amber Spyglass

The Amazing Spider-man: Secret Invasion

Title
The Amazing Spider-man: Secret Invasion

Library Link
Secret invasion,

Amazing Spider-man TpbRead, Brian.[New York] : Marvel Enterprises, London :
Diamond [distributor], 2009.Year: 2009Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Follows the events of the Secret Invasion from the perspective of Spidey's world.

Good story and great art. Some might be disappointed that story focuses mainly on the new hero Jackpot.

Notes
Jackpot is not the only new face in this book

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: New fans might be confused but should be able to catch up.

Reading Order
Read after Infiltration series.

The Giver

Title
The Giver

Library Link
The giver

Lowry, Lois.Boston : Houghton Mifflin, 1993.Year: 1993Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
In a perfect community where everyone's needs are met, a young boy is assigned a new job that opens his eyes to the startling truth.

An excellent story that is much then more it appears.

This book succeeds in allowing readers to explore a strange and disturbing new world with some shocking revelations.

Notes
Newbury Medal winner

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
The Giver
Gathering Blue
Messenger

Inhumans: Secret Invasion

Title
Inhumans: Secret Invasion

Library Link
Secret Invasion,

Pokaksi, Joe.[New York] : Marvel Enterprises; London : Diamond {Distributor],
2009.Year: 2009Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
The Secret Invasion story line from the perspective of the Inhumans. The Inhumans are highly evolved and seek isolation from humanity. The leader, Blackbolt, has been kidnapped and the Inhuman family seeks to recover him and dispense some revenge.

Great story line which seems more developed and mature then most Secret Invasion stories. Worth reading as the Inhumans do not disappoint.

Notes
Includes a 1960's origin story.

Learning Curve
Moderate: New fans might be confused.

Reading Order
Read after Infiltration series.

The Kite Runner

Title
The Kite Runner

Library Link
The kite runner

Hosseini, Khaled.New York : Riverhead Books, c2003.Year: c2003Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Set in Afghanistan, this story follows the son of a wealthy businessman as they witness their world collapse. To avoid the turmoil they flee to the U.S. while leaving loved ones behind.

This is an excellent story that explores loss and friendship.

Because this story involves the friendship of two young boys, it is often labeled as Young Adult material. Readers should know this book contains many violent, adult themes and may not be appropriate for younger readers.

Notes
Also available on DVD

Learning CurveLow: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Fantastic Four: Worlds Greatest

Title
Fantastic Four: Worlds Greatest

Library Link
http://www.lakewoodpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/

Available at Lakewood Public Library

Fantastic Four: World's Greatest
written by Mark Millarillustrated by Bryan Hitch
Published by Marvel Comics

10 Second Review
Reed's old fling builds a robot to protect her new planet and it gets out of control.

Later Dr. Doom comes begging for help.

Excellent art and a gripping storyline with genuine surprises.
Fans will enjoy this book!

Notes
Who's the one person that can outsmart Reed Richards?

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to Fantastic Four might be confused

Reading Order
N/a

A Wrinkle in Time

Title
A Wrinkle in Time

Library Linkwrinkle in time

L'Engle, Madeleine.New York : Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, c1962 (1990
printing)Year: c1962Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
This classic tale from the early 1960's follows the adventures of three children who travel through time and space to save the universe. This book is a Newbery Medal winner.

However…this is a strange book that may not be well received by young readers. Highly regarded and groundbreaking when new, this book shows it's age.

The writing and timing can feel inconsistent. It may not be as good as you remember.

Notes
One of the ALA top 100 Most Banned/Challenged Books

Learning Curve
Moderate: Good for most new readers but includes some unusual concepts.

Reading Order
N/a

The Ultimates Vol 1: Super-Human

Title
The Ultimates Vol 1: Super-Human

Library Link
http://www.lakewoodpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/

Available at Lakewood Public Library
2002, Marvel
Story: Mark Millar
Pencils: Bryan Hitch
Inks: Andrew
Currie
Colours: Paul Mounts

10 Second Review
The Marvel Ultimate series restarts their most popular titles with a more modern perspective. Most comics in the Ultimate series have names like Ultimate Spider Man or Ultimate Fantastic Four but the Avengers simply became The Ultimates.

Here the U.S. gathers together some of the worlds mightiest heroes and forms a team to fight super crime.

Good writing and easy to follow. Great for those new to comics.

Notes
Fans of the traditional Marvel story line may not care for Ultimate changes.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
None

The Chocolate War

Title
The Chocolate War

Library LinkThe chocolate war : a novel

Cormier, Robert.New York : Pantheon Books, c1974.Year: c1974Format: BOOK

10 Second ReviewA young boy finds himself in a school that is run by bullies.
He must decide whether to give in to peer pressure or try and take a more dangerous course.

This is a classic book that manages to feel relevant.
Readers will quickly identify with this book's characters and feel emotionally invested.

Notes
One of the ALA top 100 Most Banned/Challenged Books

Learning CurveLow: Good for new readers.

Reading OrderThe Chocolate War
Beyond the Chocolate War

The Mighty Avengers: Secret Invasion Book 2

Title
The Mighty Avengers: Secret Invasion Book 2

Library Link
The Mighty Avengers.

Secret invasionBendis, Brian Michael.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond
[distributor], 2009.Year: 2009Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Follows Electra, Nick Fury's new group and Hank Pym's (Yellowjacket) role in Secret Invasion.

Not a great deal of story here but does contain some important elements.

Notes
Secret invasion is great story line but some may find it hard to follow.

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers might be confused.

Reading Order
Occurs after Infiltration series

The House of the Scorpion

Title
The House of the Scorpion

Library LinkThe house of the scorpion

Farmer, Nancy, 1941-New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2002.Year:
2002Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
"Drug lords take over the border area between Mexico and the United States." Sound likes recent news headlines but it is the topic of this book.

A young boy finds himself despised by most of his community but treated kindly by the community leader. Everyone knows his secret but him.

This is a good book that will keep readers guessing until the end. While it is science fiction, it has a current and believable feel.

Notes
Good for reluctant readers

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Xmen Legacy: Divided He Stands

Title
Xmen Legacy: Divided He Stands

Library Link

http://www.lakewoodpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/

Available at Lakewood Public Library
X-Men Legacy Vol. 1: Divided He Stands by Mike
Carey
Publisher: Marvel Comics

10 Second Review
Professor X is accidentally shot by Bishop then Exodus helps rebuild Charles Xavier physically and mentally. A conflict leads to a psychic duel.

And then some other stuff happens. This book reads like there are some pages missing.
A lot of pages.

Notes
Might appeal to X-men fans.

Learning Curve
High: Even fans might be confused.

Reading Order
None but occurs after M-Day

Truesight

Title
Truesight

Library LinkTruesight

Stahler, David.New York : Eos, c2004.Year: c2004Format: BOOK

10 Second ReviewFollows the story of a young boy living in a town where all the citizens are blind. The citizens believe this allows them to live a more moral and fair existence. However, this young boy has a secret that may challenge this belief.

A fascinating book that allows the reader to feel immersed in a new environment.

Notes
A good choice for reluctant readers and those looking for something different.

Learning CurveLow: Good for new readers

Reading Order
Truesight
The Seer
Outerspace

Ultimate Iron Man II

Title
Ultimate Iron Man II

Library Link
Ultimate Iron Man

Card, Orson Scott.New York : Marvel Pub., 2006-Year: 2006-Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
The Marvel Ultimate series restarts their most popular titles with a more modern perspective. The plots and schemes of Iron Man, the government, Obadiah and Dolores collide with interesting results.

Written by Orson Scott Card (Ender's Game) this is an excellence book with a lighter tone then the first volume but still carries a Parental Advisory. Purist Marvel fans may not like this radically different version of Iron Man

Notes
Listed in online catalog incorrectly as Ultimate Iron Man I

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
Occurs after Ultimate Iron Man I but can be read out of order.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

Title
The Adoration of Jenna Fox

Library Link
The adoration of Jenna Fox

Pearson, Mary (Mary E.)New York : Henry Holt, c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second ReviewA story set in the near future about a teenager who wakes up with no memory of her life. As she learns more about herself, she begins to suspect that things are not as they seem.

The book is written from the main characters perspective and as she learns, the reader learns. Raises some interesting questions about the morality of technology and fun to read.

Notes
Might surprise even experienced readers

Learning Curve
Low

Reading Order
N/a

Speed Racer & Racer X: The Origins Collection

Title
Speed Racer & Racer X: The Origins Collection

Library Link
Speed Racer & Racer X : the origins collection

Origins collectionYune, Tommy.San Diego, Calif. : IDW Publishing, 2008.Year:
2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Tells the story of an auto racing family dynasty: The Racers. Includes background information about the various characters and the cars they drive.

Good story and a great example of how dynamic manga can be. Images really pop off the page although some story elements get lost in the mix.

Notes
Racer X identity revealed!

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Those new to Speed Racer might find this slightly confusing.

Reading Order
N/a

The Last Unicorn

Title
The Last Unicorn

Library LinkThe last unicorn

Beagle, Peter S.New York, N.Y., U.S.A. : Penguin Books, c1968 (1991
printing)Year: 1991Format: BOOK

10 Second ReviewA very popular book about a lone unicorn on a quest to find her lost people along with the aid of a clumsy magician and a grouchy cook. Often compared to the Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and other fantasy classics.

While the story is an intriguing tale the reader will have to stumble through awkward and inconsistent writing. A strange case of a story that seems too big for the author's talent. Still, the book is worth reading and will stay with the reader for a long time.

Notes
Made into an animated feature film.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading OrderN/a

X-men Divided We Stand

Title
X-men Divided We Stand

Library Link
Divided we stand

New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor], c2008.Year: c2008Format:
BOOK

10 Second Review
Several short stories following the impact of the X-men break up due to 'House of M' events that drastically reduced the world's mutant population.

Stories are not interconnected and range from good to predictable.
Worth reading for some insights into lesser seen mutants.

Notes
Last half of book contains a mini X-men encyclopedia.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to X-men might be confused.

Reading Order
Occurs after House of M