The Subtle Knife

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman is the second book in His Dark Materials trilogy. In this book, the characters can move between worlds including the world that we, the readers, live in. A great battle is about to be waged, and Lyra's journey has taken a turn. She has met Will Parry, a boy from our world, and together they must travel towards their destiny that could quite possibly be linked beyond their understanding. Read this book if you read the first, if you enjoy mystery and intrigue, or if you like to read a book that you can't put down. I give it a 9 out of 10.

The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman is the first book in Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. The story takes place in a world very similar to ours but also very different. Lyra, a young girl growing up at Oxford under the care of scholars, is taken onto a strange and curious adventure when she must leave Oxford in the care of a beautiful, mysterious woman. Her adventure will take her far north to a land of fighting bears, clans of witches, and scientific experiments. Lyra doesn't know it yet, but her destiny is somehow wrapped up in her journey to the north, but she must discover that destiny by herself. The fast-paced action creates a story that you can't put down because you really, really want to know what's next...in fact, I already have the next book to pick up and read. Read this book if you love fantasty, if you're looking forward to the film and want to read the book first, or if you've heard the controversy but want to learn the facts straight from the source. I give it an 8.5 out of 10.

When the Emperor Was Divine

When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka is a beautiful story of a Japanese family deeply impacted by the Pearl Harbor bombing during World War II. Written from the perspective of the different members of the family, the book describes their life being placed into an Internment Camp. It remembers a time in our country's history that is often dismissed or brushed over. What makes the book so beautiful is it's poetic language. The sentences are short and sweet, but all together they create a story that will touch any reader. Read this book if you want to learn more about this time in our country's history, if you're interested in family stories, or if you like books that can say so much with so few words. I give it a 9 out of 10.

I Am the Messenger

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak is the story of Ed Kennedy, a twenty year old Australian who lives out his days driving a cab, hanging out with his stinky dog, and playing cards with his three best friends. His life suddenly changes when he stops a bank robber and begins to receive mysterious messages in the mail that require him to deliver his own messages to anonymous individuals. Ed's role as the messenger takes his life in an odd and inspiring direction. The message, ultimately, is the book. You have to read it to find out what that message is. Read this book if you like mysteries, if you are interested in the idea of random acts of kindness, or if you like to read young adult fiction. I give it a 9 out of 10.