Age Group:
Young Adult

Genre:
Fantasy, Adventure, Coming-of-age, Fairytale, Fiction, Suspense

Summary:
Meghan Chase is hiding a secret. One she never could have imagined. When life starts getting weird – a mysterious stranger’s lurking around and her prankster friend is becoming oddly protective – Meghan knows something is up. Suddenly her brother disappears and she is forced into a mysterious world of fairies, gnomes and dangerous new enemies. Meghan’s life is changed forever when she discovers she is fairy royalty. And she’s about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime to save herself and the ones she loves.

My Thoughts:
The Iron King is a fantasy novel with plenty of twists and turns, making it a very fast paced read. Meghan is a relatable character who sticks to her guns. The book also isn’t too fluffy in the romance department, making it an accessible read for both guys and girls. Readers looking for a unique concept with plenty of adventure and action will find The Iron King irresistible.

Borrow The Iron King from your local Vaughan Library today!

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Canadian Literature, Classic, Horror, Survivalism, Suspense, Thriller

Awards:
Man Booker Prize (2002), Exclusive Books Boeke Prize (2003), Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction (Canada) (2001), Governor General’s Literary Awards / Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général Nominee for Fiction (2001)

Summary:
On a voyage to Canada with his family, 16-year-old Indian boy Pi Patel finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with a menagerie of wild animals aboard. Alone, terrified and desperate, Pi must find his sea legs quick.

He soon discovers that getting food and water is going to be a challenge with a menacing 500 pound Bengal tiger lurking around. Pi must become inventive quick, using all of his skill and intellect to hatch a plan for survival – for both him and his dangerous ship mate.

My Thoughts:
Intense. This one word sums up Life of Pi. Although it had a slow start, Life of Pi is well worth your patience. The novel tackles many provocative themes, especially regarding religion and faith. It left me with lots to think about and I am still stunned by the ending. The fine line between truth and fiction is blurred in this fascinating story of survival. I can’t wait for the movie adaptation to come out in 2012!

Find out why Life of Pi is the winner of so many awards. Borrow Life of Pi from your local Vaughan library today!

Full Title:
Dinosaurs to Dodos: An Encyclopedia of Extinct Animals

Age Group:
Children

Genre:
Non-Fiction, Science, Historical, Animals

Summary:
A richly detailed account of life’s earliest inhabitants, from trilobites to prehistoric mammals like the fierce sabre-toothed tiger and formidable mammoth. Lessem showcases some of the most intriguing extinct species in picture galleries at the end of each era, providing the reader with a sense of the size and characteristics of the creatures. Filled with an amazing variety of species and accompanied by fascinating illustrations from Jan Sovak, Dinosaurs to Dodos brings children back in time, opening their imaginations to other worlds.

My Thoughts:
This book will help children see beyond just dinosaurs to explore a wild, untamed history of animal life bursting from the depths of the oceans to the skies above. The fantastic illustrations showcase scenes of life as they may have actually occurred.

The end of the book contains a short yet ominous reflection on the current levels of extinction. These rates are rising at frightening speeds because of human interference. For kids, this would be a great launching point for reflection on the deterimental impact of human behaviour on the environment.

A fascinating book on a fascinating topic! Borrow Dinosaurs to Dodos: An Encyclopedia of Extinct Animals from your local Vaughan library!