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The Story of Owen by E. K. Johnston

1/23/2017

This book takes place in current-day Canada in a world much like our own except that Michigan doesn't exist anymore because it was destroyed by dragons -- and, oh yeah, there are DRAGONS.
Sixteen-year-old Owen Thorskard comes from a long line of dragon-slayers, and when he, his father, and his world-famous aunt move to the small town of Trondheim, people have high expectations of the young slayer-in-training.
When Owen meets the musically talented Siobhan McQuaid on the first day of school, he and his family try to recruit her to be Owen's bard and to join them in the adventurous and dangerous world of dragon slaying. Battles with dragons ensue.

This book proves that you don't have to read fantasy to enjoy a story with dragons, because other than the dragons, this book depicts the life of a fairly ordinary modern high school student -- one who just happens to have a very special talent.

Grades 7-12
Book 1 of the Story of Owen Series

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All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

1/19/2017

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Violet Markey and Theodore Finch meet on the ledge of their school's bell tower where they are both thinking about committing suicide.
Although Finch helps Violet down, he lets the school think she's the one who saved him -- it's the more believable story since Finch is goofy, unpredictable, and occasionally violent while Violet, until recently, was a popular cheerleader.
Finch and Violet partner up for a "Wander the State" school project, and as they travel around, not only do they discover the hidden corners of Indiana, but they also uncover the demons and memories that haunt each of them (and they try to help each other move past them).

Violet and Finch are characters who will stay with you long after you finish the book. If you like realistic stories that don't shy away from the dark and hard parts of life (such as Eleanor & Park or The Fault in Our Stars), then you should check this one out.

Grades 9-12

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The Story of Owen by E. K. Johnston

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Ms. Wheaton

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