Book Title: Island of Fog

Author: Keith Robinson

Publish Date: 2009
Publisher: Unearthly Tales

Series: Island of Fog series book 1

Island of Fog by Keith Robinson

Suggested Grade: 5th, 6th

Suggested Format: Individual Reading

Book Format: Currently e-book only

Synopsis:

Hal lives on an island with 7 other 12 year olds and their families. He knows life is a bit different, because they have only ever seen the fog, and sometimes their parents mention what life used to be like. Hal and his friends have never questioned their life too much, but all of that changes quickly when the children begin to change into monsters! What is going on? Can they trust their parents? What about the mysterious Miss Simone who appears from somewhere else?

Hal and his friends have to find the truth, while avoiding the mysterious and violent Manticore who has appeared on the island and trying desperately not to become the monsters they fear.

A real page turner! It can be a bit confusing, because there are lots of unknown variables, but the overall premise is great. Written in a casual but meaningful way, students will find themselves truly living vicariously through Hal and his friends as they battle monsters, parents, and themselves. A great story, questions are finally answered, but the reader knows that the adventures for Hal and his friend are not finished! 

Teacher's Notes: 
I love this book for my 5th grade students. It is fun and exciting, but is not too complex or scary for any student in the class. It holds the attention of even my more reluctant students, and is perfect for students that do not enjoy the traditional classic middle grade books. I recommend this series for every 5th and 6th grade classroom library.

Overall: 10/10

How I Got the Book: Classroom e-book library

Suggested Interests: Mystery, Action, Fantasy, Fiction

Action Adventure Fantasy Fiction Mystery Post-Apocalyptic YA Book Reviews

8:19 AM

Book Title: The Owl Keeper

Author: Christine Brodien-Jones

Publish Date: 2010
Publisher: Scholastic

Series: 

The Owl Keeper by Christine Brodien-Jones

Suggested Grade: 6th and 7th grade, advanced 5th grade

Suggested Format: Independent reading

Synopsis: 
Maxwell Unger loves the night, mostly because he is allergic to sunlight. At night, the world seems right, unlike during the day, when everything seems strange and slightly off. He also loves owls, especially silver owls, because his grandmother used to tell him so many wonderful things about them. In this post-apocalyptic story, Max finds himself making an unusual friend, Rose, who is unlike anyone he has ever known. She causes him to begin to question who he really is, and what is going on around him. When they discover that the government has been working on a secret weapon, Max has to be brave to save both of his new friends -- Rose, and the silver owl that the government says is extinct. 

Teacher's Notes: 
As far as post-apocalyptic stories go, this one is not your run-of-the mill Zombie apocalypse. With the exception of Max and Rose, everyone is buying into the rhetoric that the government is preaching, and truly believe that the government is keeping them safe and providing a better life. This story is a fun read that leaves you guessing. I recommend it to my adult friends all the time, even though it's a YA read. Max learns courage, and also learns the importance of thinking for yourself and being unique.

Extra Activities: You can find an author-created discussion guide here.

Overall: 10/10

How I Got the Book: Purchased for my own collection

Suggested Interests: Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic, Fiction

Fantasy Fiction Post-Apocalyptic YA Book Reviews

7:00 AM