reviews | kids and teens

Across the Universe

Beth Revis (Razorbill, 398 pages,

$10.99)

Two-hundred-and-fifty years in the future the spaceship Godspeed is heading toward a new earth. Amy, her parents and other scientists have been frozen for the journey. When Amy is awoken 50 years too early, she seeks help from a young leader named Elder. Together they reveal deceit and mass manipulation through drugs, and the fact that they may never live to see the new world. For mature science fiction fans ages 14 to 18, this story is uniquely entertaining.

I am Number Four series Pittacus Lore (Harper Collins, 440 pages, $10.99)

The first book, I am Number Four, was my favourite. Armed with super powers nine aliens from Lorien are sent to Earth to stop the Mogadorians from conquering it as they did with their planet. Endowed with unbelievable legacies, each book follows the nine as they live and fight and die. I found the second book, The Power of Six, and third book, The Rise of the Nine, a little over the top but not enough to stop me from reading to the very end. For ages 14 to adult.

The Search for Wondla Tony DiTerlizzi (Simon and Schuster, 486 pages, $9.99)

When a horrible creature invades 12-year-old Eva’s underground Sanctuary, she is forced to flee into the unknown world above. In search of other humans she fights evil with the help of her robotic mother and some unlikely aliens. This fantastic adventure is filled with amazing drawings and lovable characters. Even reluctant readers will be anxious for the second book, A Hero for Wondla. For boys and girls ages 10 and up who love to visit magical worlds.