Code Orange by Caroline B. Cooney

Mitty Blake is a laid back teenager who loves living in New York City. He lives a carefree lifestyle that has him making friends with almost everyone he meets. Mitty is not a person who would ever want to harm a single sole. However, in Code Orange he finds himself trying to escape from the center of a terrorist scheme. He has something that terrorists would do almost anything to possess. Read Code Orange to find out if Middy is able to save himself and New York City.

I enjoyed reading Code Orange because of the twists and turns it provides. Mitty is an interesting character, and I think students will enjoy reading about his tenacity and vigilance when his life in on the line. I would encourage any student who enjoys a fast paced action thriller to check out Code Orange.

Mr. Holmlund rating: 8 out of 10 stars

Raygor Readability Estimate: 6th grade

Dale-Chall Readability Estimate:

If I Die in a Combat Zone by Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien's If I Die in a Combat Zone is a powerful account of a tour of duty in Vietnam. O'Brien utilizes his own background in Vietnam to create this semi-fictional story. It begins with O'Brien, who is the main character, being drafted from his small Minnesotan hometown, and follows him through his gruesum experiences in Vietnam. Throughout the story O'Brien is struggling with his beliefs on if he should be fighting in the war. It is a powerful story that provides the reader with a window into life as a soldier in Vietnam. This book is for the mature reader who can handle a true account of the Vietnam War.

Controversial topics include: Explicit language, graphic violence

Mr. Holmlund rating: 8 out of 10 stars

Raygor Readabilty Estimate: 9th grade
Dale-Chall Readability Estimate: 7th-8th grade

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Like most teenagers, Caitlin is trying to figure out where she fits in. She has lived in her older sister's shadow her entire life. Her big sister, Cass, is the perfect daughter. She earns good grades, is an outstanding athlete, and is involved in the student government. Caitlin, on the other hand, is none of these things. She's your typical "average girl". However, the time has come for Cass to move on to college, and Caitlin can truly find out who she is with out her sister around. Dreamland takes the reader with Caitlin as she attempts to be apart of the school culture as a cheerleader, dates a dangerous boyfriend, and figures out who her real friends are. I've had multiple students tell me this is their favorite book, and the highly acclaimed Sarah Dessen is noted amongst teachers as a terrific author for girls. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has tried to figure out where they fit in (everyone). It must be noted that there are several controversial topics addressed in this book. This book should only be read by readers who are mature enough to handle the topics listed below.

Controversial topics include: Drugs, Sex, Violence

Mr. Holmlund rating: 10 out of 10 stars

Raygor Readability Estimate: 7th grade

Dale-Chall Readability Estimate: 7th-8th grade

Peak by Roland Smith

If you're looking for a story that will take you on an adventure then Peak is the book for you. Climbing is in 14 year old Peak Marcello's blood. His mother used to be a successful climber, but had to give up her passion for one very important reason. His father still is a successful climber, and he even owns a company that helps ambitious climbers make it to the top of the world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest. The thing is, Peak's parents are divorced and he lives in Manhattan with his mom. Peak's dad lives in Tibet at the foot of Mount Everest. As much as he loves his mom and younger twin sisters Peak can't help wishing he had more of a relationship with his dad. Peak is ordered to leave the country when he pulls a risky stunt in downtown New York City, and this leaves him with the perfect opportunity to spend time with his dad in Tibet. His dad has big plans for him, and they include Peak becoming the youngest person to climb Mount Everest. Peak encounters an eclectic group of people and faces difficult decisions on his climb to the top.

I personally couldn't put this book down. This book is so appealing because it has so many interesting characters. Readers will enjoy the comedy provided by a reporter named Holly. Despite the fact that Holly has zero climbing experience, she plans on following Peak to the top for a story she's writing. Zopa, a former climbing guide, will keep readers on their toes. He has been assigned to help Peak get to the top, but it is clear he has ulterior motives.

Will Peak make it to the top? Will he form a relationship with his dad? Will anything be able to get between him and the summit? Read Roland Smith's Peak to find out!

Mr. Holmlund rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Raygor Readability Estimate: 7th grade

Dale-Chall Readabilty Estimate: 7th-8th grade

Football Hero by Tim Green

Football Hero by Tim Green is a book for the football fan who loves an underdog. Middle school student Ty is truly an underdog in FH. Ty is sent to live his Uncle Gus after the tragic death of his parents. Unfortunately for Ty, Uncle Gus treats him more like an employee than a nephew. Ty's life isn't all bad though. His older brother, Thane "Tiger" Lewis, is an NFL star. There are two things Ty loves most in life: spending time with Thane and playing football. Regrettably, Uncle Gus, and his mob connections, don't always let him spend his time the way he wants. Even when Ty is allowed to play football he has to deal with his personal bully Calvin. Ty must find a way to get Uncle Gus to let him play football, and not only that but show Calvin he won't be picked on anymore.

This book will really appeal to football fans because it was written by Tim Green. Green is a former NFL defensive end, and he uses his NFL experience to provide the reader with an authentic football experience. Ever wonder what happens in an NFL training room or how the mob tries to fix football games? The answers are in Football Hero.

Mr. Holmlund rating: 7 out of 10 stars

Raygor Readability Estimate: 7th grade

Dale-Chall Readabilty Estimate: 7th-8th grade