"The Agony and the Ecstasy of Being Thirteen"

Thirteen: A Short Story Collection

Edited by James Howe

In this collection, there are a variety of perspectives about what it means to be thirteen. The uncertainty, the embarassment. Discovering who you are and deciding who you want to be. Navigating the desire to fit in with the strength to be true to yourself. These themes will resonate with readers.  

For Meg Cabot’s character, babysitting turns into a growth experience about real friendship. In James Howes’ story, a boy teaches people that it is okay to be different at his bar mitzvah. In Alex Sanchez’s story, a boy walks the fine line between friendship and love.

Song to Read by: Smells like Teen Spirit by Nirvana: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWKbfoikeg 

Mysterious and Myth-erious

The Shadow Thieves
By Anne Ursu

Review: Can't get enough of the Percy Jackson series and Rick Riordan's books? But you've already read them all? Have no fear, you can move on to The Shadow Thieves, the first book in the Cronus Chronicles trilogy by Anne Ursu. This book has relatable characters: misfit Charlotte who tries not to appear to be trying to get others to like her and golden boy Zee, her cousin, who everyone likes. Zee loves football/soccer but leaves England to live with Charlotte when weird things start happening at home. Trouble follows him to America.


Suspenseful questions: Is the Underworld accessible through the mall? Who is Philonecron and why does he want to take over Hades?


Song to Read By: Pink Panther theme song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhHwnrlZRus