Troll Hunters: Skyfall by Michael Dahl

ANOTHER book about cryptids (mysterious creatures that may or may not exist)!! This series is about Trolls.  Trolls used to rule the earth and raised humans like cattle.  They were driven out but are now trying to retake control.  Zak and his friends can't believe that these monsters really exist and look to Dr. Hoo to help them stop them.  They know that this first fight with the trolls is just the beginning of the war for earth so keep reading as the story continues with books 2-4!

The Cryptid Files #1: The Loch Ness Monster

I like reading about all things "Nessie."  This story is about Vanessa who dreams about hunting cryptids (mysterious creatures that may or may not exist).  A trip to Scotland gives her the chance to explore the secrets of Loch Ness.  OH MY GOSH.  This was a totally new take on the Loch Ness Monster story and I just LOVED it!

The Boys of Fire and Ash by Meaghan McIsaac

The boys of the Ikkuma pit were abandoned there by their mothers.  As new infants are left, the older boys take them as their little brothers to guide and teach them what they need to know to survive.  This is Urgle's story.  He feels pretty useless around the pit since he is not a good hunter.  He tries his best to take care of his little brother Cubby but is often annoyed by him.  But Cubby is taken by some creatures and Urgle and his friends leave the safety of the pit to get him back.  I liked this book.  I felt for Urgle. At times I had a little struggle with the "world specific" language (made up words for things in their world), but I liked the adventure and action.

Husky by Justin Sayre

If you want to read about pre-teen angst, this is the book for you.  It's the summer before high school and Davis is really worried about what his "adjective" will be.  He is convinced that everyone will be reduced to one adjective and his will be "husky." He is struggling with his changing relationship with his friends and his family.  My favorite part of the book was his loud Irish grandma.  She reminded me so much of my Loud English Grandma who lived in a row house in Philadelphia much like Davis's brownstone in Brooklyn.  She is such a well written character that imparts some pretty wise words to help Davis realize the world doesn't always revolve around him.

The Murk by Robert Lettrick

I loved this book.  It was nonstop action.  When Piper goes into the swamp to find a rare (or possibly mythical) flower to cure her sister, her and her friends run into a vicious predator even more deadly than the alligators in the swamp.  Not only was this nonstop action...I learned a lot about plants in this book also.  Really enjoyable read.