Project Human by Pen Avey

 

Genre: Middle Grade, Science Fiction
Source: I won a copy. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I am so thankful I won a copy of this book from the author through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.  I read this book in under three hours. I had to take a break for breakfast. The major theme of this book is, What does it mean to be human?  This story about a girl named Eva and her father, and the android sister they created for her, caught my eye from the very beginning.  Eva and her sister Ann are home schooled. The reason? Ann is and android, called a simulant. Eva calls her a Humant. One day their father tells them he has to try to find a different job. He will need to have them stay with his sister. The problem is he hasn't exactly asked his sister Jo to keep them. He makes Eva promise not to tell anyone about Ann. For the first time in their life they will be going to a public school. The new neighbors below her aunt have a son named Rokas. He and Eva hit it off. When a day trip to a science museum leads to Ann's disappearance, Eva and Rokas set off to find Ann.  What happens next will keep you on the edge of your seat, reading. It brings into question what love will make you do for someone else. The major plot twist that happens about three-quarters of the way through was one I suspected. Every part of this book was a pleasure to read. I don't think five stars is enough. That is how much I loved this book.

Edge of the Woods by A.J. Rivers

 

Genre: Adult, Young Adult, Mystery
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I loved this book. It had an element that many people hate or find confusing. In this story, a group of girls is spending their last year at camp. They have just graduated from high school. After camp, they will be moving on with their lives. In the middle of their camping, Bethany walks out of their cabin and never returns. The story has flashbacks through text messages and memories.

Now move to the present time. Annie is awakened with another nightmare. Every June for fifteen the nightmares return. Annie finds it difficult to function.  Then she and two other girls receive a call from someone who wants to make a movie about what happened at camp that summer. Annie finally agrees so that it is told from the right perspective.  But what happens when things start happening at  camp again.  Will it destroy or help Annie?

There was everything to love about this book. The mystery, the characters, all of it.  I definitely recommend it.

The Abandoned Theater by dana Robertson

 

Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery, Fantasy

Source: I received a copy from the author to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

What an amazing  and wonderful middle grade book.  We have a mysterious theater, said to have swallowed up people in the past, a young girl and two friends who have chosen to figure out the mystery.  Then there is the whole portal to another world. What story like this would be complete without someone who wants to take over all worlds?  The mystery genre has been my favorite since I was in elementary school. Throw in a fantasy world and I have the best of both genres.

If you have ever been in an old theater, especially at night you know the eerie feeling you get. It is a bit creepy. That feeling is definitely in the this theater.  The author has done an excellent job of creating twists and turns at just the right place.

I received a copy from the author to facilitate my review. Since I teach middle school and I am always looking for great books for my classroom shelves, I am glad Dana reached out.  I can’t wait to do my first book tasting and book talk. This will be the first book I recommend to my students.  I am looking forward to the second book in this series.