Ellyn

This is one of the best cupcake cookbooks I have ever used. I have made the yellow cupcakes with chocolate butter cream and the black and white cupcakes. They were light, moist, and delicious! I am excited to try more recipes, especially the butter cream variations. ~ Ellyn

The Hunger Games series is absolutely amazing! In a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to enter the Hunger Games held by the Capitol every year, an event in which 24 children are forced to fight each other to death for entertainment. Katniss is an independent, intelligent and savvy young woman who fights the oppressive government with the help of her peer, Peeta. Be sure to read this book before you see the movie in March! Ages 12-17 ~ Ellyn

In a dystopian society where all 16-year-olds are forced to choose a faction based on their personality traits, Tris is slightly different from her peers. As a divergent, Tris was matched to more than one faction. This novel explores her transition to a new faction and readers watch as she develops into a strong-willed, confident, and brave leader. I liked this book because of the exciting plot, thrilling twists and its incredible main character. If you liked Matched or the Hunger Games series, you will love Divergent! Ages 14-17 ~ Ellyn

Another dystopian favorite, Matched centers around Cassia, a young girl who lives in a society where all teenagers are paired with their perfect match at age 17. Cassia is accidentally paired with two different matches: Xander, her childhood best friend, and Ky Markham. She goes on a mission to find out why she received two matches and discovers a world of secrets, lies, and government oppression. I liked this book because it was intriguing and exciting. Ally Condie is a magnificent writer with a skill for writing suspense and creating strong, interesting characters. Ages 12-17 ~ Ellyn

This book is so amazing! I love the illustrations because they remind me of Peter Brown’s book Chowder. The story is fun and interactive, perfect for engaging young readers. I can see it being a big hit at a preschool or day care! Ages 4-7 ~ Ellyn

I love this entire series!

Across the Universe is a dystopian sci-fi thriller that revolves around a group of individuals chosen to be cryogenically frozen to wake up 300 years later on another planet. Unfortunately, before they reach their destination, someone begins to wake up the passengers. This book has one of the most exciting opening sequences I have ever read. A Million Suns, the sequel to Across the Universe, finds main characters Amy and Elder working together to unravel Eldest’s lies and control the chaos that has erupted among their fellow passengers. I loved both books and cannot wait for the conclusion of the trilogy! Ages 12 & up. ~ Ellyn

When thirteen-year-old Oz Keiller finds a dead body in his family’s restaurant’s freezer, he frantically tries to solve the murder and clear the name of his brother, the prime suspect. While searching for clues, Oz discovers information about his dead father and the nuclear conspiracy that caused his murder thirteen years before. This is an exciting murder mystery for middle readers and teens. Ages 8-12 ~ Ellyn

I first began to experiment with making homemade junk food with a Cheez-its recipe I found on Pinterest. This cookbook has a great collection of sweet and savory recipes for snacks you loved as a kid, but are hesitant to eat as an adult. I would definitely recommend trying the chocolate snack cakes and cheddar crackers. They are delicious! ~ Ellyn

Set in a dystopian town named Uglyville where twelve- through thirteen-year-olds live before their operation to become Pretty, this novel features Tally, who meets another young ugly called Shay, whose disappearance leads to trouble. In a race to find Shay before the date of her Pretty operation, Tally tackles wild terrain, uncivilized savages, and learns the secret behind being a Pretty. This is a very interesting and exciting take on the dystopian thriller genre. I particularly loved this series because it focuses more on the effects of tyrannical leadership in society, and less on the romantic relationship of the main character. This is a fantastic series for teens and adults! Ages 12-17 ~ Ellyn