Great Trilogy Finale by @EricRWalters

Will To Survive (Rule of Three #3)
Eric Walters
Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR)

I really enjoyed how Eric Walters kept my interest in this trilogy.  I was excited when the book became available at my library. I wanted to keep reading to find out how Adam and his family and friends navigate through the many twists and turns of the novel.  I loved the way Eric tied up the loose ends without providing a perfect ending for all of the characters.  This book gave me hope that many people would be able to work together if we had a disaster in real life.  I think that many students would also find this third novel appealing as there is a lot of action and a little romance to keep all readers in intermediate classrooms engaged.

Review of @ericRwalters novel Rule of 3 @PenguinCanada

The Rule of Three

Eric Walters

Penguin Canada


Not another dystopia book I first thought to myself but I really enjoyed Eric Walters' version of the dystopian genre because it really felt like realistic fiction.  The author's fast pace and his attention to details captured my interest in the first chapter.  I quickly finished the book and cannot wait for the sequel! I loved that the setting is really describing parts of Toronto and that the older neighbour is the mastermind behind their survival plans.  There is enough mystery to keep the reader guessing and the characters are so likeable that I want them to survive this national wide or possibly world wide disaster that has fallen upon them.  I feel that I should build a survival kit after reading this novel because the situation seems so plausible.  I have already recommended this to adults and teens and those who have read it all come back hoping that I have the sequel -but alas I do not. This would certainly appeal and engage readers who enjoy realistic or adventure genres.

review of The Giver by @LoisLowryWriter @randomhouseCA

The Giver
Lois Lowry

Random House

Well I hate to admit it, but I had never read The Giver before even though I was sure it was a great story. I was spurred on to read it this week because of my Battle of the Books students' praise and because of the upcoming movie release;) It did not disappoint!
I really enjoyed how much thought Lois Lowry took to create all of the fine details in her dystopic world.  She created an engaging world for Jonah which at first appears as idyllic. Then the reader begins to see the cracks in the veneer of this highly structured society.  As the end of the novel unfolds I appreciated the complex ending that Lowry created as there could be no satisfying simple resolution. Although this story was written in 1993, it has a timeless plot and message and I feel it is still relevant
to today's readers.  I think my students in grade 6+ would really enjoy this novel and I will
suggest it as a read aloud to my grade 6+ teachers as it will generate great topics for discussion!

Allegiant by Roth review

Allegiant
Veronica Roth
Harper Collins

Once again I am impressed with the way Veronica Roth tells the story of Tris! I enjoyed the final book in the Divergent series for many reasons.  The chapters are written in the alternating perspectives of Tobias and Tris which helped me understand the characters' feelings while the plot unfolded at a fast pace.  I also think that Veronica Roth managed to tie up the loose ends very well.  Most of my questions were answered about why things had happened in the last two novels. I know some of my students will not enjoy the ending but I think that the author created a satisfying conclusion to her trilogy.

Deviants the Dust Chronicles book 1
Maureen McGowan
Amazon

If you loved The Hunger Games you will like this book.  Yes, another dystopia but I still enjoyed the adventure and the bit of romance in the book. I liked the way Glory, the protagonist, is willing to risk everything for her family.  Students in Grade 7 and 8 will enjoy this novel as it is fast paced and the author creates good visualizations with her description to keep the reader interested.

Ashes Ashes
Jo Treggiari
Scholastic

Here is another dystopia for YA readers.  It is set in the decrepit New York City after a viral pandemic.  I enjoyed the visualization of New York in the aftermath and found myself wondering if I could survive this kind of disaster. There's a strong female protagonist and those who liked Westerfeld's Uglies series will like this book.