Last Dog on Earth by Daniel Ehrenhaft

You'll quickly recognize the realistic characters in this boy-and-his-dog story.  The protagonist is an angry teenage boy (once you meet his step-father you'll understand why he's angry) who is ordered to get a dog to teach him some responsibility.  The task of raising a puppy isn't enough to keep the boy out of reform school, but it's the first hook into the major plot in the book: a sci-fi, medical mystery surrounding a dangerous and deadly disease popping up in dogs across the state.

There are several key relationship in this book: the boy Logan learns about love and friendship from his dog Jack, Logan learns forgiveness from his step-father Robert, and he learns about trust from his real father, a genius veterinarian researcher.

While this book is a great choice for boys, I think all dog-lovers will enjoy this fast-paced realistic fiction/sci-fi/mystery.  Keep reading, everyone!

-stenson

Ender's Game

According to Nancy Keane, a reading pro, this book shouldn't be missed. I'm adding it to my FBL!

It seems to be Harry Potter meets Space Warfare. Ender Wiggins is chosen by the world government to help save the earth. He is sent to Battle School for military training in the form of computer war games. He proves to be a genius and is looked to as a future military leader. But the fate of the human race on your shoulders is a scary prospect! Simulated war games are one thing, but what will happen in real combat?

If you read it, let me know. Or if you've read it, share your opinion. Keep reading, everyone!

-stenson

Life As We Knew It by Susan Pfeffer

Miranda is excited at first because everyone is buzzing about the asteroid. What will happen? Will it look like fireworks? The whole neighborhood is out on the streets waiting for the asteroid to hit the moon. And when it does, look out. It's not a terrible sight, but it's clear right away that it's not a good thing either.

So begins the story of a normal 16 year old girl slow journey into an apocalyptic world. The coasts are flooded with tsunamis, volcanoes around the world start erupting, and the climate begins to change for the worse. Schools start to close, gas is rationed, and food is being stockpiled. While they don't have guarantees they are going to make it, Miranda and her family fight to survive. Readers have to keep reading to find out if this family is going to make it.
picture from amazon.com

What I like most about the book is Miranda. Even though her circumstances get worse and worse and worse, she handles them like a champ. Taking each day as it comes, dealing with the challenges presented, and still living a life like every other teenager. Will she get to keep skating? Will she ever go to the prom? Why did her dad chose his new wife over their family? Will her mom always be annoying, nosy, and bossy?

This is my second time reading this book. I knew the book was essentially about hope, but I couldn't remember exactly how it ended. It didn't disappoint the second time. I loved it. Hope you do too!

By the way, I have this book on the iPods if anyone is interested.

Keep reading, everyone.
-stenson