The Forge- Laurie Halse Anderson

Anderson, L. (2010). Forge. New York: Antheneum.
Summary
Fifteen year old Curzon Smith, freed from slavery during the Revolutionary War by stubborn Miss Isabel Finch, is stuck in another ordeal when he ends up saving the life of a young Patriot in 1777 after battling the British and won. Because of this he is made a member of the 16th regiment of the Continental Army and spends the winter with them. Readers are given first hand accounts of the grueling winter of 1777-1778 and the lack of food, supplies, and hope among the soldiers. Then, if by fate or by very bad luck, both Curzon and Isabel are captured and must devise a plan of escape.
Review
Readers of Speak or Wintergirls will be pleasantly surprised at Anderson's second historical fiction book. Forge is a great account of one's search for freedom, both for their fellow man and for themselves. This book can either be read after Chains, or it can be read as a stand alone novel.
Genre
Historical Fiction
Readers Age/Interest Level
13-18 years/Tween-Teen
Similar Books
(PREQUEL) Chains- Laurie Halse Anderson
Moon Over Manifest- Clare Vanderpool
Woods Runner- Gary Paulsen
Awards

• Junior Library Guild Selection
• Kirkus Best Book for Teens: Historical Novels 2010
• The Horn Book Fanfare List Best Book of 2010
• YALSA 2011 Best Books for Young Adults
• Readers Annotation
• Just as Curzan escapes his physical prison, he is forced into another as he has to keep is true identity a secret in order to survive. 

The Ring of Five by Eoin Mcnamee

McNamee, E. (2010). Ring of Five. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. 

Plot

Danny Caulfield thought his odd features such as elvish shaped ears, sharp chin, and triangular face were the result of a botched operation. Just when his life couldn't get any worse, his parents have decided to send him to Heston Oaks boarding school. Before he even has a chance to voice his concern, a black taxi pulls up to his house and the mysterious drive takes him on a journey that will forever change his perception on real life. Danny is thrown into a world of magic, devious arts, and spy kits and fellow students who have gold tipped wings and other amazing special powers. As he is trying to fit in, he is shocked to find out that he has the marks of everyones worst enemy, the Cherbs, and Danny is the final piece to their taking over of the Upper World. 

Review

I am a sucker for Harry Potter like books. Give me an orphan who turns his terrible life and becomes the absolute force for saving humanity, I am hooked! I was a little nervous as to whether this book would be a sad take on the Potter or Lightening Thief series but I was blown away by the mass differences and dark nature to Danny. He has been destined to be bad and he must now battle (literally) with himself in order to save mankind. This is a fantastic book to hook reluctant readers and I can see this being another bestselling series. 

Genre

Fantasy

Reading Level/Interest Level

5th-8th grade/Tweens

Similar Books

Harry Potter series- J.K Rowling

Percy Jackson series- Rick Riordan

Children on the Read King series- Jenny Nimmo

Readers Annotation

When Danny is given another chance at life, he would never have imagined that this would mean he would have to forgo everything good that he has ever believed in. As part of the Ring of Five he is destined to take over the Upper World and destroy everything in their way. Will Danny have the strength and be able to fight against his own destiny and save humanity and himself?