Through journal entries sixteen-year-old Miranda describes her family’s struggle to survive after a meteor hits the moon, causing worldwide tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

When sixteen-year-old Jason Bock and his friends create their own religion to worship the town’s water tower, what started out as a joke begins to take on a power of its own.

Liz says:

“This is a thought-provoking read for teens interested in the role of religion in their lives and others. This is an exceptionally well-written and intelligent book.”

The story of how Vahan Kenderian survived the Turkish massacre of the Armenians in 1915.

Liz says:

“This is a gripping, brutal look at the Armenian Genocide that is not for the feint of heart. Vahan, who is based on the author’s uncle, is an amazing character who endures the deepest levels of deprivation but survives both physically and mentally. Ultimately, this is a story of survival.”

In England in 1995, fifteen-year-old Tamar, grief-stricken by the death of her grandfather, slowly begins to uncover the secrets of his life in the Dutch resistance and the climactic events that forever cast a shadow on his life and that of his family.

Liz says:

“Tamar is a story of espionage, betrayal, and love. Even when the action is somewhat predictable the results are not. This is a tremendous example of historical fiction, mystery and intrigue. The novel is told from 2 perspectives and switches between 1944 and 1995. This is not for someone who wants a fast, easy read. If you’re willing to give it the time it deserves, you will be justly rewarded by this exceptional book.”

Bobby’s carefree teenage life changes forever when he becomes a father and must care for his adored baby daughter.

Liz says:

“This is a little gem of a book. It’s a quick read – short & poignant.”

After being sold to a cruel couple in New York City, a slave named Isabel spies for the rebels during the Revolutionary War.

Liz says:

“This thoughtful and thought provoking novel sheds new light on both slavery in New York and the conflict between Loyalists and Patriots during the American Revolution. Anderson’s story is filled with unforgettable characters and amazing attention to historical detail.”

Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel–a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.

Liz says:

“This is a must read for high school students and adults. Savvy eighth graders could handle this masterpiece. This compelling, unique look at World War II, narrated by death, is layered with symbolism and harsh reality. Prepare for a life altering experience.”

Stuck working in the lost and found department of the Toronto Transit Authority for the summer, seventeen-year-old Duncan finds the diary of a serial killer and sets out to stop him.

Liz says:

“This is a great, edge of your seat suspense story. Prepare to be scared and to question whether there is justice in the end.”

Unlucky in love, teenager Jack Grammar cannot get a date to the prom until his friends play a practical joke and place a personal ad in the school online newspaper on his behalf.

Liz says:

“This is a funny and ultimately heartwarming story.”