The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins

For plot synopsis, go to
http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/

Overall rating: Four out of Five stars

Morality: No sexuality. Examines themes such as media, technology, and the fact that anyone, anywhere always has the freedom to choose their actions.

Language: Don't remember.

Violence: It has a fair amount of violence, but is not overly graphic.

Age appropriate: 14 and up

The Chronicles of Narnia

by C.S. Lewis

I give this series a five out of five stars. I doubt that anyone is not familiar with this book series, so I will just say all the books are great and I really enjoy reading them.

Overall: 5 out of 5

Language: Not an issue

Violence: Wars and rumors of wars, but nothing graphic. The last book has a little more explicit violence.

Morality: Not an issue

Age appropriate: 8 and up

Dark is Rising Series

By Susan Cooper
The series includes (in order) Over sea, Under stone, The Dark is Rising, Greenwitch, The Grey King, and Silver on the Tree.

This is a first rate series about the fight between good and evil. Very good books. The story is of children who help the "light" to fight back the "dark" as it comes rising. The children go on quests to find "things of power" to help repel the "dark". The book deftly points out how some people can serve the "dark " without knowing it by being racist, angry or selfish. It deals with some of Arthurian fantasy, king Aurthur being a great King of the "light." I really enjoyed this book series.

Overall: 5 0ut 0f 5 stars

Language: Maybe two instances of taking the lords name in vain.

Violence: Some Children are put in situations of peril, but nothing too intense.

Morality:One character refers to another character saying "anyone could see she was anyone's girl" Which wasn't true of the character but could imply immorality and lead children to ask for clarification.

Age appropriate from between 10-13

The Messenger

By Lois Lowry

Last of "the Giver" series we find out what happened to Jonas from "the Giver". This book is much darker that the two books that go before. There is ominous impending doom hanging over the whole book. People begin to change and become mean and dark. Meant for an older audience.

Overall: 4 out of 5

Violence: Some violence and anger in this book. As well as some death and brutality.

Morality: No issues with morality

Language: Not an issue

Ages 12 and up

Gathering Blue

By Lois Lowry

This book is somewhat of a sequel to "The Giver" It takes place in a very similar time but ina different part of the world. This world is not as controlled or technologically advanced as Jonas's community was. It is the story of a girl with a gift. She fights hard to survive in a brutal and archaic society. This book instills a lack of trust in authority very similar to "The Giver".

Overall: 4 out of 5

Violence: More violence and anger in this book. As well as some death and brutality. one character has his eyes clawed and is left for dead.

Morality: No issues with morality

Language: not an issue

Ages 10 and up

The Giver

By Lois Lowry

This book is a good book that makes you think. This is a story about a boy who grows up on a society where there is no ability to choose. It might deal with issues that are not appropriate for the age group that it is meant for. It deals with freedom of choice is a controlled world. This book also deals a lot with the idea of pain.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5

Morality: The main character has sexual "stirrings" in the form of a dream. The dream is not graphic.

Language: Some inappropriate use of the word 'Lord'

Violence: There is death by injection, and some scenes of bloody warfare.

Age appropriate: 10 and up

The City of Ember Series

By Jeanne DuPrau

Series Includes (in order): The City of Ember, The People of Sparks, The prophet of Yonwood, and The Diamond of Darkhold

The plot revolves around an underground city that was built to save the human race from total destruction in the last great world war. The main characters are eleven years old. I think this book is great for children, it does deal with end of the world themes, and wars with total destruction, but contains no graphic violence. Children do get in perilous situations, but not too intense for children. This book series deals with the issues of controlling anger, how to know right from wrong, and how to resolve conflict.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Morality: Teaches good morals such as how to get along with others and resolve conflict, No sexuality.

Language: Some inappropriate use of the word 'Lord'

Violence: Talk of wars, some fights and brawls but no graphic violence.

Age appropriate: 10 and up