Dracula

By: Bram Stoker

Genre: Classic LiteraturePages: 488

Published: 1897

Told In: First Person

 “Movie” Rating: PG

(Leaning toward the PG-13 side)

Compare to:

Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde

Frankenstein, Mary Shelley

In a nutshell:

The story, told through journals and letters, of how a group of people learned of the existence of vampires, and hunt down the one who started it all---Dracula.

What you may enjoy:

Classic story that makes all other vampire stories look silly in comparison. There is more dialogue and redeemable characters than “Frankenstein” and more details and story than Jekyll and Hyde. Since the story is told through multiple people, readers get many great perspectives.

What you may NOT enjoy:

Sometimes the language of the book is hard to follow for people unaccustomed to older English. Van Helsing talks far too much and all the men are overly dramatic. Some people have trouble their suspension of disbelief when it comes to the blood transfusions.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Wolves eat woman; vampire kills baby; man kills and eats birds raw; old man found dead; dead body found tied onto a ship; woman dies of heart attack; girl dies from blood loss; vampire bites child’s neck; vampire staked through the heart (slightly graphic); man lying in a pool of blood; vampire drinks from woman’s neck; vampire breaks man’s back, man dies; woman forced to drink vampire’s blood; man’s throat ripped out; vampire’s head cut off and heart stabbed through; man dies from knife wound.

Sex and Nudity:

Women kisses man; man kisses woman

Language and Profanity:

God (30 times); damn (2 times); hell

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The Wednesday Letters

By: Jason F. Wright

Genre: Romance

Pages: 280

Published: 2007

Told In: Third Person

 “Movie” Rating: PG

Compare to:

The Wedding, Nickolas Sparks

Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom

A Child Called It, Dave Pelzer

In a nutshell:

After their parents die, the 3 adult Cooper children gather for the funeral and are surprised to find boxes full of letters their father wrote each week to their mother. Even more surprising are the secrets the letters hold.

What you may enjoy:

If you’re a fan of Hallmark channel movies, this is one for you! An uplifting and clean romance. It’s a fast read with a great message. The romance is sweet and satisfying with elements of mystery and drama.

What you may NOT enjoy:

This book is heavy on the cheese factor, with a tendency to overdramatize. The characters are a little too cookie cutter. Although not generally categorized as a Christian novel, it certainly pushes Christian values.   

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Woman has a heart attack; man and woman found dead; man beaten and ribs broken; man’s tooth punched out; woman raped.

Sex and Nudity:

Man tries to tear woman’s shirt off

Language and Profanity:

God

Drugs and Alcohol

Alcoholic character, man high on drugs 

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Red Planet

By: Robert A. Heinlein

Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi

Pages: 256

Published: 1949

Told In: Third Person

“Movie” Rating: G

Compare to:

A Wrinkle in Time; Madeleine L’Engle

The Stars, Like Dust; Isaac Asimov

Ender’s Game; Orson Scott Card

In a nutshell:

When Jim’s alien friend, Willis, overhears and records a plot that threatens all of the colonists on Mars, they embark on an adventure to save everyone they care about.

What you may enjoy:

Heinlein makes life on Mars fun and thought out. The Martians keep the book puzzling and intriguing. The main characters in the story are engaging and endearing.   

What you may NOT enjoy:

The story contains some gaps and the conflict itself is weak, like its “bad guys.” There is also a good amount of sexism and some racism within the book.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Man and woman shot and killed; man shot and killed; man shot and wounded; men disappear.

Sex and Nudity:

None

Language and Profanity:

damning

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The Rent Collector

By: Camron Wright

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 304

Published: 2012

Told In: First Person

“Movie” Rating: PG

Compare to:

Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini

Letters in the Jade Dragon Box, Gale Sears

The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

In a nutshell:

Sang Ly lives in a Cambodian dump with her husband and ailing child. In a last desperate hope to help her family, Sang Ly learns to read from their bitter rent collector.

What you may enjoy:

This is a book of hope and happiness in difficult circumstances. It teaches literature and the importance of an education. If you are looking for an inspirational, moving book this just might be for you.

What you may NOT enjoy:

The attitude and mannerisms of the characters in the book seem out of place, as if they have been Americanized. The voice of the main character feels unauthentic, and the ending is weak.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Boy run over by a truck; man beaten by a gang; woman slaps girl; boy beaten; boy stabbed, laying in a pool of blood with broken limbs; people shot and killed; man and woman shot and killed; baby shot and killed.

Sex and Nudity:

Man takes off his wife’s clothes; girl to be sold as a prostitute

Language and Profanity:

Damn (3 times)

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Alanna: The First Adventure

By: Tamora Pierce

Genre: Young Adult/Teen Fantasy

Pages: 274

Published: 1983
Told In: Third Person

Series: Song of the Lioness, Book 1 of 4

“Movie” Rating: G

Compare to:

The Seer and the Sword, Victoria Hanley

Rowan Hood, Nancy Springer

The Blue Sword, Robin McKinley

In a nutshell:

Disguised as a boy, Alanna takes her twin brother’s place at the palace as a page learning to become a knight.

What you may enjoy:

Fantastic world with a strong female character. The story is packed with magic, mystery, and adventure. Alanna is a great role model for young girls. The plot line is light and fun.

What you may NOT enjoy:

Although unique for the time it was published, there are now many similar stories. Long YA books were rare, so Alanna packs in a lot of years and experiences into one book.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Girl held by a dark force; girl fights magical beings; boy beats girl; girl beats boy; boy dies

Sex and Nudity:

None. Note: starting with book 2 sex and a form of birth control are introduced

Language and Profanity:

Damned

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The Trouble with Poetry

By: Billy Collins

Genre: Poetry

Pages: 101

Published: 2007

“Movie” Rating: G

Compare to:

The Poetry of Robert Frost

The Collected Poems of Wallace Stevens

The Wild Iris, Louise Gluck

In a nutshell:

A collection of poems about everyday experiences and things.

What you may enjoy:

Collins voice is strong in his poetry. Each poem reads easily, almost like prose. The poems are simple, yet profound. You can read quickly for face value or slowly with deeper contemplation.

What you may NOT enjoy:

There isn’t much rhythm to this poetry. It doesn’t feel like poetry. And most of the poems have to do with Collin’s life and contemplations, making it mundane for some readers.

Warnings:

Sex and Nudity:

Husband and wife sleep together

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As You Wish

By: Jackson Pearce

Genre: Teen

Pages: 304

Published: 2009

Told In: First Person

Compare to:

The Siren, Kiera Cass

Mirrored, Alex Flinn

You Wish, Mandy Hubbard

In a nutshell:

Viola feels invisible and just wishes to belong, but she’s hesitant to vocalize what she wants when a rushed jinn appears to grant her 3 wishes. Together, they learn what it means to belong and to be happy with who you are.

What you may enjoy:

Viola’s character sits well with teens. She vocalizes what many of them feel. While an effortless read, it carries subtle messages about self-respect and identity. The story is captivating and unique.

What you may NOT enjoy:

The story is predictable and cliché. It has your standard expected teen book characters and endings. While it does contain deeper lessons, the ending kind of cancels out the moral of the story.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Man punched in the face

Sex and Nudity:

Boy and girl kiss passionately; Mentioned that a girl took off her shirt; Boy kisses girl; Boy and girl kiss (many different times, but never graphic)

Language and Profanity:

Hell, Damn (3 times), F*ck, Ass, God

Drinking and Drugs

Teen drinking several times, teen smoking

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Killer Cupcakes

By: Leighann Dobbs

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 146

Published: 2012

Told In: Third Person

Series: Lexy Baker Series, Book 1 of 12

Compare to:

Sunshine Hunter, Maddie Cochere

Pretty, Hip, and Dead, Madison Johns

Dying for Dinner Rolls, Lois Lavrisa

In a nutshell:

When Lexy’s ex is found dead, poisoned by her bakery’s cupcakes, she becomes number one on the suspect list. To prove her innocence, Lexy decides to solve the mystery herself.

What you may enjoy:

This is a fun short read. It’s not heavy on the mystery and adds some light romance. The writing is good for such a small, simple book.

What you may NOT enjoy:

There is not much depth to this book. The murder’s motive for framing Lexy is weak, and their character sporadic.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Man poisoned; girl hit over head; man attempts to strangle woman; man sprayed with pepper spray

Sex and Nudity:

Man and woman kiss

Language and Profanity:

Damn (3 times); Hell; God; Bitch

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Open Season

By: C.J. Box

Genre: Crime/Modern Western

Pages: 278

Published: 2001

Series: Joe Pickett Series, #1 of 17

Compare to:

The Poacher’s Son, Paul Doiron

The Eagle Catcher, Margaret Coel

Gator Aide, Jessica Speart

In a nutshell:

Joe is a game warden in Wyoming. When three men are murdered in the woods something about the investigation doesn’t seem right to him. As he conducts his own investigation, Joe learns that the murders affect his family far more than he expected.

What you may enjoy:

This book feels real and plausible. The characters are well developed and realistic. Watching the Pickett family grow closer together is tender. The writing is excellent and consistent throughout.

What you may NOT enjoy:

There is a fairly large amount of language. Some of the comments about the women’s bodies in the book can be slightly graphic. A man’s pedophile-like comments can be slightly disturbing.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Dead man covered in blood; two dead bodies lay, chewed on by a wild animal; man shot in the face; man shot down; boy steps on glass; boy dies in a drunken car crash; woman shot and bleeding; man’s arm shot off; man’s knees shot out; man shot in the hip.

Sex and Nudity:

Man’s erection discussed; naked woman walks by; woman’s genitalia described graphically; man and woman talk about sex; man talks about women’s bodies non-graphically; men’s affairs mentioned; husband and wife discuss whether or not they will have sex; mentions pictures of a man’s genitals; man touches young girl’s bottom; mentioned that husband and wife have sex (two times); naked woman’s breasts described.

Language and Profanity:

Forms of the F-word (19 times)

Forms of Sh*t (13 times)

H*ll (23 times)

B*tch (3 times)

Forms of G*dd*mn (12 times)

G*d (7 times)

Forms of J*s*s Chr*st (7 times)

Forms of D*mn (10 times)

*ss (2 times)

Pr*ck (3 times)

B*st*rds

D*ck

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Cyrano de Begerac

By: Edmond Rostand

Translation: Lowell Bair

Genre: French Play/Classic Literature

Pages: 240

Published: 1897

Compare to:

The Princess Bride, William Goldman

Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare

The Three Musketeers, Alexandre Dumas

In a nutshell:

Witty and brave Cyrano is in love with Roxane, but feels unworthy of her because of his “grotesque” nose. Roxane’s love for the dim witted Christian grows as Cyrano secretly tells Christian what to say.  

What you may enjoy:

This book is a unique classic! It contains humor, romance, history, and action. Cyrano is a timeless, endearing character. The story is fun and reads quick and light.

What you may NOT enjoy:

Written in play format, making it difficult for some readers to follow or imagine. Some of the characters that seem important at the beginning never appear again.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Man slapped; man kicked in the groin; man falls dead; man shot and killed; men wounded and killed in battle; man hit over the head with a wooden plank

Sex and Nudity:

Man and woman kiss

Language and Profanity:

G*d (13 times)

@ss

D*mn

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Wander

By: Lewis Bright Rees

Genre: Dystopian/Horror

Pages: 535

Published: 2017

Told in: First Person

Compare to:

World War Z, Max Brooks

The Immortal Rules, Julie Kagawa

I Am Legend, Richard Matheson

In a nutshell:

In a destroyed world, after a plague left behind “Feelers”, people of heightened emotion that torture and kill for pleasure, Wander has been alone for years, just surviving. But everything changes when she decides to help Dagger and together they work towards one of the last remaining civilizations.

What you may enjoy:

Good writing with an exciting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is not a dull moment in the book. Equal parts thrilling and horrifying.  

What you may NOT enjoy:

There is an unnecessarily large amount of language throughout the book. Some of the violence is disgustingly graphic. Littered with typos.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Men kick a naked boy; girl’s limbs cut off and fed to her; people eat human flesh; people mutilate their bodies (graphic); woman shot in the head; people’s mutilated bodies described (graphic); man shot in the head, spraying blood; woman shot in the back; man shot in the leg; man stabbed in the leg; man shot in the chest; man shot in between the eyes; woman kicked in the face; woman shot in the face; man beats boy; man shot in the stomach; man’s head shot off (graphic); man shot in the head; bullet goes through man’s skull (graphic); man stabbed in the armpit; people eating from a human corpse; scalpel cuts through boy’s mouth (graphic); girl hit in the face; boy slices up girl’s hand; girl’s fingers cut off (graphic); people killed with a meat cleaver; man stabbed in throat with a scalpel; girl kicked and beaten; boy’s gaping cheek stapled together; man beaten to death; woman shot; man’s throat slit with a hatchet; woman falls, breaking bones; rotting corpse of a woman described; girl shoots man in stomach and head; woman shot in the throat; man shot in the head; woman’s head slammed against a wall; girl shoots woman’s hand; woman shot in the head; people shot with a crossbow; man shot in the head; woman shot in the head; corpses hanging by their entrails; corpses crucified with barbed wire; mutilated bodies strewn about.

Sex and Nudity:

Man kisses woman; two boys kiss

Language and Profanity:

Sh*t (25 times)

H*ll (51 times)

Bullsh*t (3 times)

Forms of d*mn (15 times)

Forms of F*ck (20 times)

J*sus (6 times)

G*dd*mmit (13 times)

Forms of b*tch (2 times)

G*d (7 times)

*sshole (3 times)

Chr*st (3 times)

Sh*tty (6 times)

*ss (5 times)

B*st*rd

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The Paper Magician

By: Charlie N. Holmberg

Genre: YA Fiction/Fantasy

Pages: 224

Published: 2014

Told in: Third Person

Series: The Paper Magician Trilogy, #1

Compare to:

Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Laini Taylor

A Great and Terrible Beauty, Libba Bray

Rithmatist, Brandon Sanderson

In a nutshell:

Ceony is disappointed when she is assigned to apprentice as a paper magician, instead of metal. But, everything changes when her teacher’s heart is stolen by a dark magician. Ceony learns how powerful paper magic can be as she fights for her teacher’s life.

What you may enjoy:

The magic system is interesting and unique. Holmberg has created some fascinating magic all through the use of folded paper. The characters are engaging and fun, with depth and allure. This book is great in its uniqueness. You won’t find others out there like it.

What you may NOT enjoy:

Things get a little strange as Ceony ENTERS a heart. There are moments when your mind starts to wander as the plot becomes uninteresting. The book states the location as England in the early 1900s, but the details and dialogue don’t fit the scene.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Girl thrown back by an explosion; blood on girl; man held up in a choking grip; heart pulled from man’s chest; woman shot in the chest; woman screaming through giving birth; girl wades through a river of blood; severed animated hands reach to grab girl; hand chokes girl; dead, slaughtered bodies of men, women, and children lay rotting; woman cuts open her hand; woman throws blood at girl; man throws girl against a wall; man throws girl across a room; man pulls girl’s hair; girl cuts open arms and bleeds to death; girl slashes woman’s face; woman slaps girl.

Sex and Nudity:

Man grabs girl’s leg under her skirt; boy and girl kiss; man and woman kiss

Language and Profanity:

Damn (2 times); God (2 times)

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The Shack

By: William Paul Young

Genre: Fiction (Christian)

Pages: 252

Published: 2007

Told in: Third Person

Compare to:

Walking With God, John Eldredge

So You Don’t Want to Go to Church Anymore, Jake Colsen

He Loves Me, Wayne Jacobsen

In a nutshell:

After evidence is found in a shack that Mack’s kidnapped daughter was murdered, he falls into a deep sorrow. Years later Mack receives an invitation from God to visit him at the shack. When Mack goes, he learns things about God and religion that he never expected.

What you may enjoy:

This is a pondering book, mostly filled with theological conversations between a man and God. If you want a book that makes you think and ponder on your religious beliefs, this may be a book for you. The relationships in the book are profound and tender.

What you may NOT enjoy:

The depiction of God as a women and how casually God is depicted is uncomfortable, bordering on blasphemy. Some of the religious theology is strange. The book feels a preachy and insincere.

Note: You will either love or hate this book. There is not much in between.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Girl jumps from a cliff; boy tied to a tree and beaten; man falls, gashing his head; boy nearly drowns; girl kidnapped; torn girl’s dress soaked in blood

Sex and Nudity:

Man kisses his father on the lips; Jesus kisses God on the lips

Language and Profanity:

Damn (3 times); hell; oh my God; bitch

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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

By: Kate DiCamillo

Illustrations: Bagram Ibatoulline

Genre: Young Reader Fiction

Pages: 200

Published: 2006

Told in: Third Person

Compare to:

Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White

The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Beverly Cleary

Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Paterson

In a nutshell:

Edward is a porcelain rabbit who is vain and proud. When his owner loses him at sea he goes on a journey, meeting people who will teach him about love and hope.

What you may enjoy:

A beautiful story, both touching and heartbreaking. You grow attached to each character just as Edward does. The plot keeps you spellbound all the way to the end of the book. And the artwork is stunning!

What you may NOT enjoy:

The book uses some large vocabulary and deep concepts that may be difficult for younger children (depending on he child). It portrays characters as either good or bad, but not much of in between.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Boy dies (mentioned); drunken man hit boy; girl dies.

Sex and Nudity:

None

Language and Profanity:

None

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A Night Divided

By: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Genre: Juvenile Historical Fiction

Pages: 317

Published: 2015

Told in: First Person

Compare to:

I Pledge Allegiance, Chris Lynch

Stones in Water, Donna Jo Napoli

Number the Stars, Lois Lowry

In a nutshell:

When the Berlin wall goes up Gerta’s family is separated. Four years later she sees her father on the west side of the wall telling her to dig her way out. But will Gerta and her brother be able to dig to safety without being caught?

What you may enjoy:

This is a great look for kids at how the Berlin Wall affected people. The story is moving, especially the relationships in the family. It’s a pleasant read that will also expand your basic understanding of the Berlin Wall.

What you may NOT enjoy:

This book only touches on the history of the time, not fully expanding on the fear that was felt. Descriptions were often vague, making the story difficult to visualize. The end drags on a little more than necessary.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Woman jumps from a window and dies; boy shot in the back; boy tortured (mentioned); people killed for trying to escape; man hurt, bleeding from head; girl held forcibly; man lays dead; boy shot in the leg; man shot in the chest and killed (pool of blood mentioned).

Sex and Nudity:

None

Language and Profanity:

None

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Once Upon a Marigold

By: Jean Ferris

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Pages: 271

Published: 2002

Told in: Third Person

Series: Marigold Series, 1^st of 3

Compare to:

Goose Chase, Patrice Kindl

Princess Tales Books, Gail Carson Levine

Dragon Slippers, Jessica Day George

In a nutshell:

Christian has grown up in a cave, with a troll as his foster father. Marigold is the lonely princess across the river who Christian takes up a correspondence with. When Christian decides to take his place in the world, he finds there is trouble brewing while serving in the princess’s palace.

What you may enjoy:

A cute and funny story, which is “part comedy, part love story, part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink.” It’s sweet, it’s fun, it will make you giggle. You can’t help but love the characters and cheer for them.

What you may NOT enjoy:

This book is predictable and full of clichés. Although it’s meant for young readers, it’s a little too juvenile. The humor is often a little too ridiculous and becomes tiresome.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Boy is threatened; boy is shot with an arrow; dog bites man’s foot.

Sex and Nudity:

Girl kisses boy; boy kisses girl

Language and Profanity:

None

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Dragon Slippers

By: Jessica Day George

Genre: Young Reader Fantasy

Pages: 324

Published: 2007

Told in: First Person

Series: Dragon Slippers, #1

Compare to:

Dealing with Dragons, Patricia Wrede

A Tale of Two Castles, Gail Carson Levine

Once Upon a Marigold, Jean Ferris

In a nutshell:

After Creel is given to a dragon to help make her family rich, she strikes a bargain and ends up with a pair of shoes instead of gold. Creel makes her way to the capital city to start her own dress shop, eventually learning that her shoes are anything but normal and could even be the downfall of the entire kingdom.

What you may enjoy:

If you like Patricia Wrede’s classic Enchanted Forest series, then odds are that you’ll enjoy this book as well. As Goodreads reviewer, Small Review, stated, it’s “like cotton candy…light, sweet, and happy.” It’s a wonderfully fun read for older children to pre-teen.

What you may NOT enjoy:

This is not a groundbreaking story. It is similar to many other young reader dragon books, using common tropes and ideas. The characterizations are a little forced with the villain being too unforgiving and the heroine being too perfect.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Men tackle girl; window smashes man; girl gets slapped (3 times); girl’s hair is pulled; people die from dragon flame (mentioned); girl gets punched (2 times); girl gets kicked in the face; two girls wrestle; man’s arm is cut; dragon dies.

Sex and Nudity:

Girl kisses a boy

Language and Profanity:

Damned

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Austenland

By: Shannon Hale

Genre: Romance (20-somethings)

Pages: 197

Published: 2007

Told in: Third Person

Compare to:

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, Laurie Viera Rigler

Bridget Jones’s Diary, Helen Fielding

Twenties Girl, Sophie Kinsella  

In a nutshell:

Jane has never had much luck with relationships, which is why she resorts to fantasies about her own “Mr. Darcy.” But when she inherits a trip for a full 1819 immersion experience in England she decides to get her Austen obsession out of her system. But as Jane encounters new romances, she begins to question what is real and what is just pretend.

What you may enjoy:

You don’t need to know or love Jane Austen books/movies to enjoy this. It is a fun, quirky romance that mixes past with present in a unique twist. The main character is relatable for women who were ever single in their twenties. It’s a cute story that will make you giggle.

What you may NOT enjoy:

This is not an Austen novel, it is not hot and steamy, and the main character is not very witty or snarky. If you are expecting these things, do not read this book. It reads like watching a romantic comedy. It is predictable and sometimes cheesy, with characters who think too much on love.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Two men fist fight

Sex and Nudity:

Woman mentions her past affairs; man has an affair; boy kisses a girl 7 times; mentions breasts (at least 9 times throughout the book); man and woman kiss passionately, mildly graphic (twice); man kisses woman’s neck (twice); boy talks about kissing; boy puts hand up a girl’s skirt; woman wraps her legs around a man; man asks to have sex; man tries to force himself on a woman; man kisses woman (at least 4 times throughout the book); man attempts to unhook a woman’s bra; man kisses a woman’s hand (twice).

Language and Profanity:

Dammit (twice), damn, jackass

Drugs and Alcohol Abuse:

Drunk man corners a woman 

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Terrier

By: Tamora Pierce

Genre: YA Fantasy/Mystery

Pages: 584

Published: 2006

Told in: First Person

Series: Beka Cooper, #1 (A Tortall Legend)

Compare to:

The Seer and the Sword, Victoria Hanely

Graceling, Kristin Cashore

The Blue Sword, Robin McKinnley

In a nutshell:

Beka is training in the city’s law-enforcement, known as “the Provost’s Dogs.” She works in the roughest part of town, the Lower City. Life in the slums is worse than ever as children and workers are going missing and only Beka can solve the mystery because she has a secret of her own―she can hear the voices of the dead.

What you may enjoy:

This book features a strong female lead. It skips Pierces usual “training” books and jumps right into the action and mystery. It contains a small romantic interest without being a romance. The world and magic system of Tortall are unique and consistent, while the characters are engaging.  

What you may NOT enjoy:

This is not a happy book. There is a lot of death in this, much of it focused around small children. There is little moral fiber since the area is run by thieves and thugs. Beka’s “tragic flaw” is weak and inconsistent. And while the book is meant to be a journal, it does not read like one.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Woman hangs herself, mentioned; dead baby found (several times), mentioned; man beats woman; 18 people murdered; woman clubbed in the face; men brawl; woman cuts a man’s face; people beaten with batons (throughout the book); arms broken; hands broken; jaw broken; arm cut; face elbowed; brawls; children drowned; children murdered; children strangled; woman murdered; woman held forcibly; man knocked unconscious (2 times); woman bites man’s hand; girl kicks a man between the legs; two dead bodies covered with a sheet; people poisoned; man’s throat cut; woman held at knife point; man hit in the stomach; cat attacks woman; woman poisons herself; man’s skull broken; man’s legs hit; two people lay bleeding; men drowned; man kicked in the stomach; man found dead; man stabs himself in the throat; girl punched; dead bodies unburied.

Sex and Nudity:

Breasts referred to as “peaches”; sex mentioned several times; male prostitutes; female prostitutes; man in a loin cloth flexes; man pulls pants on after implied sex; naked man hides under covers; man walks around shirtless; woman walks around in her underwear; man and woman kiss.

Language and Profanity:

Bitch (3 times), ass

Drugs and Alcohol Abuse:

Drunk woman threatens family; women get drunk; people get drunk and riot. 

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Mystery Math: A First Book of Algebra

By: David A. Adler

Illustrator: Edward Miller

Genre: Children’s, educational

Pages: 32

Published: 2011

In a nutshell:

This book uses a haunted Halloween theme to teach basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Compare to:

Math Curse, Jon Scieszka

Eat Your Science Homework, Ann McCallum

How Full is Your Bucket? Tom Rath

What you may enjoy:

This is very simplified math that is illustrated and charted. It also gives examples of both word problems and equations. There is even a suggested object lesson at the end of the book.

What you may NOT enjoy:

The problems and answers are on the same page, which doesn’t give children a chance to solve it for themselves. The questions are too simple for children with any bit of algebraic knowledge.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Comic illustrations of skeletons

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