Rebel Angels

Libba Bray
Rebel Angels
2008 Iowa High School Award Nominee

In the second book of the Gemma Doyle Trilogy, we travel to Victorian London. Gemma must bind the magic of the Realms. However, Gemma and her friends must find the rightful place within the Realms to do this. Unable to trust anyone, Gemma tries to determine who she can trust-her friend Pippa, forever stuck in the Realms, other creatures from the Realms, a patient in Bedlam Hospital, a former teacher, or Kartik from the Rakshana as the girls travel back and forth between the two worlds. In addition, Gemma and her friends are swept into the social whirl of the Christmas season in London, where the girls experience first love.

This gothic novel is filled with intrigue and plot twists. Readers of A Great and Terrible Beauty will want to continue this series. Gemma is much like Harry Potter in that she must also save the world from evil.

Marley & Me

John Grogan
Marley & Me
2008-09 Iowa High School Book Award Nominee

Newspaper columnist John Grogan tells the story of the "world's worst dog." Marley, a Labrador retriever, has all the worst traits imaginable. Despite the difficulties that he causes, Marley is truly loved. The story takes us through the lives of the Grogan family and how their lives are affected by this difficult but lovable dog.

Filled with humor, this book is a good read for dog lovers as well as those who are not so fond of dogs. Many people will recognize bits and pieces of their own lives in this true story.