"The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer

Though I first read this addicting, suspenseful sci-fi six years ago, it has withstood all other challengers to keep it's title as my all-time favorite. It is a great introduction into the fantasy/sci-fi genre and is a book that you will remember long after you've read it. Matt, the main character, is seen by most other characters in the novel as a beast, not the boy that he is. The book follows him through his childhood, as he begins to become aware of exactly how he came to exist and why.

As the book deals with cloning, drug lords and some very creepy people, it is more appropriate for teens and up. I was introduced to The House of the Scorpion as part of a book group, and it was definitely easy to discuss. With new technology constantly advancing, it's just realistic enough to freak you out (in a good way!).

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Kerry gives it five out of five carrots!

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

I have been waiting almost a full year for this sequel to The Hunger Games and I was not disappointed. In fact, I was so engrossed I could barely put the book down long enough to eat dinner! The story picks up after Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with Peeta Mellark. There are rumors of rebellion among the districts, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. Readers are kept guessing until the end with twists and turns in every chapter. This series is excellent for those who liked The Giver and The Silenced. Now we'll just have to wait for the third and final book in the trilogy. I'm sure, like Catching Fire, it will be well worth the wait!

Grace gives it five out of five carrots!

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