Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Through his five-book series, Riordan brings ancient Greece loosely back to life. More than just a story, Riordan also teaches about the Greek gods and demigods. Taking place in present day, Percy Jackson and his fellow campers and demigods must save the world from the rising Titan, Kronos. Each year brings new challenges and a new piece of the prophecy thought to concern Percy. With all of the bad going on, Percy sees to find the good in life and remember what he is fighting for.

I really enjoyed this series. There are many positive attributes displayed by the characters: loyalty, courage, trying to do what is right, searching for truth, and respect for parents and teachers. Percy has personal struggles that he has to overcome and he does his best without giving up. Being easy to read, this book would be good for middle school students.

The Hangman's Curse by Frank Peretti

The Veritas Project was designed to discover truth in situations where traditional law enforcement and investigating methods were not or had not been effective. In a school in Washington State, several students were having symptoms of paranoia, babbling, loss of reason, and trouble controlling their muscles. The Veritas Project group arrived to assess the situation and started working undercover: the teens (Elijah and Elisha) as students, the mom (Sarah) as a researcher, and the dad (Nate) as a janitor. They found the students made a connection with a legend about the school with the students that were ill. While the rumors and “seen” evidence pointed to witchcraft, the family was not going to assume that’s the solution until they had all the facts. But time was running out when the next two victims’ illness progressed so quickly that they died before they were found.

This book is another call of attention to the necessity to treat one’s peers and surrounding people with respect. While bullying has always been a problem of mankind, the reactions of those hazed has been growing with alarming intensity. The author reminds us of how one can prevent bullying in schools and other areas without going to a lot of trouble. I would recommend this book. It does have some suspenseful parts and the cause of the illness my play on the fears of some people. Easy to read and understand, this book could be read by middle school students.

Far and Beyon' by Unity Dow

In Botswana, traditional customs of ancestors and educated, scientific ideas are in constant contradiction. While education means a better life for their children, parents are fearful of what the new ideas will do to their culture and impact their families in the long run. With AIDs spreading quickly, the new science provides ways to protect against infection but many of these ways are conflicting or questioned by tradition. The schools are overrun with rape and sexual harassment but tradition prevents speaking about or taking action against the assailants. To adequately paint a full picture of this struggling culture, Dow writes of Mara and her family; a family who all of these problems have become daily life. Through the strength they share with each other, they find their way in their changing world.

I enjoyed this book. Many different issues addressed in the book are present in our society but they are not legal and are to be reported. This view of the world different than my own is good to look at so that I can put my own life in perspective. This book would be appropriate for those in high school to read.