The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells

The concepts explored in The Island of Dr. Moreau push all of the necessary boundaries to be a great and memorable novel. The novel explores pain and human nature as any great novel should, but it does have some fairly gruesome descriptions of the experiments conducted by Dr. Moreau while on the island. Overall, the novel is insanely captivating and refreshingly creative.

Age Recommendation: Anyone above age 12

Carl Hiaasen

Carl Hiaasen writes about issues such as those facing the environment in the form of beautiful novels. Hiaasen's young adult novels have great story lines full of interesting adventures that mainly explore issues facing the environment today.

Good Books: Hoot, Flush, Chomp, and Skink No Surrender

Lois Lowry

One of the best children's books authors I know! The style of writing that Lowry has, combined with her great story lines makes her books some of the best reads you will ever encounter.

Good Books: The Giver, Gathering Blue, Messenger, Son, Number The Stars, The Silent Boy, and Gossamer

The Riverman by Aaron Starmer

I had to stop reading about 2/3 through The Riverman. One thing that I found interesting about my reasons for stopping without finishing the book was that I didn't dislike the content. The content of the book would have made a great novel, if only it had been better presented. The Riverman's content makes it limited to people older than 9 years old, as it is complicated and somewhat violent. On the other hand, the story is told in a way that one would tell a story to a 5 year old. It is also extremely badly paced. The most interesting parts of the story are separated by pages of endless uninteresting detail and narrative. Overall, this doesn't make The Riverman a very attractive thing to read. 

Age Recommendation: 9-13 

A Million Times Goodnight by Kristina McBride

This novel was definitely a brave attempt by the author. McBride's novel, which is coming out this July depicts two alternate story lines. This seemed like it would make A Million Times Goodnight a great novel and extremely exiting to read. Sadly, McBride paced the story poorly and was unable to really write in a way that made it seem like the thoughts in the novel were those of a high school girl.

Age Recommendation: 12-16

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jaqueline Kelly

This book definitely deserved the Newbery! The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate perfectly captures the essence of what it is like to grow up as a young girl in a world with so many natural wonders. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction as well as realistic fiction. 

Age Recommendation: 9-16

Lord of The Flies by William Golding

Lord of The Flies is, in my opinion one of the greatest classics. In this novel, Golding explores some of the deeper aspects of human nature and civilization in a brilliant and interesting way. The setting for the novel is described using beautiful metaphors that paint a gracious painting of a setting that is difficult to describe. The characters in this novel are alluring and extremely realistic in terms if what one would expect in the circumstances of the book.

Age Recommendation: 11 and above