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The Iron Trial
by Holly Black
Warned away from magic all of his life, Callum endeavors to fail the trials that would admit him to the Magisterium only to be drawn into its ranks against his will and forced to confront dark elements from his past.
Why We Chose it: This series is perfect for readers who enjoyed the magical school aspect of Harry Potter and wanted a similar experience but with darker tones. This is the first book the Magisterium series.
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Magyk
by Angie Sage
After his son is kidnapped by the midwife, Septimus Heap stumbles upon an abandoned newborn in the snow and takes her home to raise her as his own daughter, but the mysteries surrounding his adopted child and missing son soon overwhelm him and lead him on a search for the truth with the help of magic characters and their spells, charms, and potions.
Why We Chose it: This is an action packed book that will keep you turning the pages, full of well thought out characters, an interesting world, and of course magic. You will want to have the second book handy when finished. This is the first book in the Septimus Heap series.
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Posted
by John David Anderson
When cell phones are banned at their school, Frost and his friends start communicating through sticky notes left all over the school before other kids start following their example, triggering a wave of bullying activities in the wake of a new girl's arrival.
Why We Chose It: Since you enjoyed Finding Orion, the author’s other books may interest you. This is a book with a large focus on the characters and the issues they face. (You may also enjoy Ms. Bixby’s Last Day which is also by this author).
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The Bad Beginning
by Lemony Snicket
After the sudden death of their parents, the three Baudelaire children must depend on each other and their wits when it turns out that their guardian is determined to use any means necessary to get their fortune
Why We Chose It: Fans of mysteries with a cast of interesting characters will love this series. Follow the misfortune of these orphans as they try to escape the clutches of evil vying after their family’s fortune. This is the first book in the A Series of Unfortunate Events books.
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"Who Could That Be At This Hour?"
by Lemony Snicket
A first entry in a planned four-part series by the creator of A Series of Unfortunate Events books recounts his suspenseful experiences in a fading town where an apprenticeship with a shadowy organization is rendered dangerous by his investigations into local mysteries. Illustrated by the award-winning artist of Palookaville.
Why We Chose It: Fans of quirky characters and offbeat humor will enjoy this book with more and more questions than answers are unearthed in this series. This is the first book in the All The Wrong Questions series.
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The Mysterious Benedict Society
by Trenton Lee Stewart
As the only four children to pass the series of tests provided, Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance are asked to go on a secret mission as undercover agents at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened and quickly realize they will have to use their collective wit to get their important task complete.
Why We Chose It: Fans of action, mystery, and clever characters will enjoy this book of espionage.
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Because of Mr. Terupt
by Rob Buyea
Seven fifth-graders at Snow Hill School in Connecticut relate how their lives are changed for the better by "rookie teacher" Mr. Terupt.
Why We Chose It: Readers of Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus will enjoy reading this book that also features characters overcoming difficulties.
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Inkheart
by Cornelia Caroline Funke
Twelve-year-old Meggie learns that her father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can "read" fictional characters to life when one of those characters abducts them and tries to force him into service. An ALA Notable Book.
Why We Chose It: This fantasy will appeal to your love of action packed adventure stories. It’s the first in a trilogy - if you like this, you will have more to read!
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Woof : A Bowser and Birdie Novel
by Spencer Quinn
Teaming up with 11-year-old Birdie to solve mysteries on the Louisiana coast, dog detective Bowser investigates the theft of a prize stuffed marlin in which Birdie's Grammy may have hidden a treasure map. By the best-selling author of the Chet and Bernie mysteries.
Why We Chose It: This book is told from the dog’s perspective. It may appeal to your enjoyment of mysteries with interesting characters.
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