Review of Deep blue-Jennifer Donnelly

Published by Disney, this book begins like a cartoon by the company, with a mermaid princess obsessed with clothes and a possible love.  But during the ceremony to declare her the true heir to the kingdom, the proceedings erupt into chaos when her mother, the queen, is struck by an assassin's arrow. The princess, Sera, must escape to save her life.  While on the run, Sera turns into more of a warrior who must find five other warrior princesses to defeat a villain who is trying to release a terrible evil that can destroy the realm of the Mer.  As the princesses work together to discover secrets that will help them, friendships form and they each discover their strengths and weaknesses.  This world, all that is left after the destruction of Atlantis, is creative and magical as the author describes a life under water.  Sequels will follow, as the journey is only beginning.  3 Elves - Recommended for readers 7-12

Review of Cress-Marissa Meyer

The third book in the Lunar Chronicles is just as imaginative as its successors, Cinder & Scarlet.  Once again, the author blends sci-fi with fairy tales and as Cinder was a cyborg Cinderella and Scarlet was Little Red Riding Hood, Cress is a Rapunzel trapped by the evil Lunar queen in a satellite.  When Cress is rescued, she joins forces with Cinder and her allies to kidnap Emperor Kai before he is forced to marry the Lunar queen.  The novel is fast-paced and thrilling, with a touch of romance to lighten the action.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for middle grade and teen readers

Review of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian-Alexi

I have heard about this book for years but finally decided not to wait a minute longer to read this award-winner.  Junior Spirit is both hilarious and heart-breaking, damaged in body but definitely not in spirit. Reminding me of A Catcher in the Rye, this coming-of -age tale of a young man growing up on the reservation is accompanied by humorous and sometimes poignant cartoons.  Sherman Alexie is a master at capturing the believable dialogue of a fourteen-year-old wanting a better life and bravely going after it. 4 Elves - very highly recommended for teens