Unsolved Crimes

Title
Unsolved Crimes

Library Link

Unsolved
crimes / Michael Newton ; consulting editor, John L. French
Newton,
Michael, 1951-

10 Second Review
From Jack the Ripper to modern day art thefts, this book highlights some of the more intriguing unsolved cases in the Western world.

While fairly light reading, it does provide some insights into lesser known cases and should appeal to those interested in forensics.

Notes
Includes information about the Vidocq Society

Learning Curve
Low: Crimes might be too much for younger readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Marvel Zombies 4

Title
Marvel Zombies 4

Library Link

Marvel
zombies v. 4 / writer, Fred Van Lente ; artist, Kev Walker
Van
Lente, Fred.

10 Second Review
The zombie virus has spread to another universe and a team of monsters must try and stem the tide. They must also contend with the head of Deadpool.

This book includes some fairly obscure Marvel characters that even fans may not recognize. However, since they require introduction, this book is more accessible to new readers.

Notes
Man-Thing makes an appearance.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to Marvel may be confused.

Reading Order
Chronological

The dead & the gone

Title
The dead & the gone

Library Link

The
dead and the gone / Susan Beth Pfeffer
Pfeffer,
Susan Beth, 1948-

10 Second Review
An asteroid strikes the Moon and life on Earth changes dramatically for a 17-year-old boy and his two sisters.

While most apocalyptic books deal in high adventure this one focuses on the simple and challenging aspect of mere survival.

This book feels very authentic and should have wide appeal.

Notes
A bit depressing but includes an undercurrent of hope.

Learning CurveLow: Should be good for new readers

Books in Series
Life As We Knew It
The dead & the gone
This World We Live In

Marvel Zombies 3

Title
Marvel Zombies 3

Library Link

Marvel
zombies 3 / Fred Van Lente, writer ; Kev Walker, artist ; Jean-François
Beaulieu, colorist, VC's Rus Wooton, letterer
Van
Lente, Fred.

10 Second Review
More zombie fun in this alternative universe.
This book focuses more on the villain side of the issue.

Machine Man…er… Aaron is highlighted with his unique brand of humor.
This book has some creative surprises but the gore and tasteless humor may be too much for some readers.

Notes
Welcome to Robot Heaven!

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers will likely be confused.

Reading Order
Chronological

Nightlight

Title
Nightlight

Library Link

Nightlight
: a parody
Night light : a parodyNew York : Vintage Books, c2009.Year:
c2009

10 Second ReviewFrom the library summary:
"Complete with romance, danger, insufficient parental guardianship, creepy stalker-like behavior, and a vampire prom, Nightlight is the uproarious tale of a vampire-obsessed girl, looking for love in all the wrong places."

A book that essentially mocks Twilight.
Teens will likely enjoy this book although adults will probably tire of the slapstick humor.

NotesMore 'serious' fans may not appreciate material that pokes fun at their obsession.

Learning CurveModerate: Readers will need to be familiar with Twilight

Reading Order
N/a

Marvel Zombies 2

Title
Marvel Zombies 2

Library Link

Marvel
zombies 2 / writer, Robert Kirkman ; artist, Sean Phillips
Kirkman,
Robert.

10 Second Review
After a universal tour, the Marvel zombies return to Earth and find a small group of survivors.

The weakest of the four zombie books, this book is predictable and reads like old-school Marvel.
You can skip this book and not get lost.

Notes
Forge plays a major role in the book

Learning Curve
Low: If read in order

Reading Order
Chronological

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Title
The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Library LinkThe Forest of hands and teeth / Carrie Ryan
Ryan, Carrie.

10 Second Review
Mary lives in a small community where the local religious leaders arrange marriages. Mary is destined to marry Harry but she loves his brother Travis. Travis loves Mary but he won't betray his brother.

Oh, did I mention zombies?

Only a fence keeps the undead hordes from crushing all this teen angst.

Despite flat characters, the story will keep readers engaged with its strange twists and the ever-present zombie threat.

Notes
Twilight and Uglies fans will likely enjoy this book.

Learning CurveLow: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Marvel Zombies

Title
Marvel Zombies

Library Link

Marvel
zombies / writer, Robert Kirkman ; artist, Sean Phillips
Kirkman,
Robert.

10 Second Review

This is a bit tough to follow….

…Marvel Zombies takes place in an alternate universe in the Ultimate Fantastic Four universe (which in turn is an alternative to the traditional Marvel universe).

Regardless, planet Earth gets the zombie virus and all super-humans get a bad case of the brain munchies.

Absurd but fun this book gives the reader a very unique look at their favorite heroes.

Notes
Try to guess the last super-hero to survive.

Learning Curve
Moderate to High: New readers will find this hard to follow.

Reading Order
Chronological

Now what?

Title
Now what?

Library Link

Now
what? : the young person's guide to choosing the perfect career / Nicholas
Lore with Anthony Spadafore
Lore,
Nicholas.

10 Second Review
This book provides a guide to choosing a satisfying career by utilizing personality test and practical advice. The author makes a good point in stating that many students will spend a great deal of time and money getting a degree they can't or won't use.

While this book does provide some excellent information it is probably too dense to hold a teens attention for very long.
It is essentially a textbook with a hip cover.

Notes
Might be a good choice for parents or teachers looking to help a student.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Might be too much for younger readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Marvel Zombies: Dead Days

Title
Marvel Zombies: Dead Days

Library Link

Dead
days / writers, Robert Kirkman, Mark Millar, Reginald Hudlin ; artists, Sean
Phillips ... [et al.]
Kirkman,
Robert.

10 Second Review
This book 'fills in the blanks' for those who may want the back-story for the Marvel Zombie series. While most of the story is pulled for the Ultimate Fantastic Four there are some additional stories to fill out the tale.

The additions add to the story but they sometimes feel forced and awkward.
This book is worth reading just for the exceptional art of the Ultimate Fantastic Four.

Notes
It's a zombie book, so expect gore and violence.

Learning Curve
Low: This is a good place for new readers to start.

Reading Order
Start here, then go chronological.

Never Mind Success Go for Greatness!

Title
Never Mind Success Go for Greatness!

Library Link

Never
mind success -- go for greatness! : the best advice I've ever received /
Tavis Smiley
Smiley,
Tavis, 1964-

10 Second Review
Talk show host Tavis Smiley provides some of the advice his many guests have offered.

An easy read that can provide teens with some food for thought.

Examples:

Levar Burton "Don't take yourself so seriously."

Drew Carey "Find out whatever it is really, really good at and do it anyway, whether you make a living at it or not."

T-Boz "Respect yourself."

Danny Elfman "Never take anybody's advice."

Notes
Tavis Smiley has talk shows of both PBS and public radio.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a