 The Giver Series
Lois Lowry
Dystopian / “Soft” Sci-Fi
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩
Danielle Cooke
The Giver Quartet is a series of four books by Lois Lowry that has won numerous awards: the Newbery Medal, the Regina medal, and the William Allen White Award, all in 1994. It is also an ALA Notable Children’s Book and has made American Library Association listings for “Best Book for Young Adults.” This book has pretty sophisticated themes, but anyone fourth grade and up would enjoy it.
The Giver is set in a dystopian society where everything is “perfect.” No one feels pain, but they don’t feel love, either. Everything is chosen for them; what they eat, what they wear, even what job they have. Everyone is happy, because they don’t know what they are missing.
This book is full of meaningful themes and lessons, and is one of the most thought-provoking books that I have ever read. Although it is very deep, it is not incredibly heavy. Making it perfect for upper elementary through eighth grade.
 I Am Number Four
Pittacus Lore
Science Fiction
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩
Danielle Cooke
I Am Number Four is the first book in the Lorien Legacies series, written by Pittacus Lore (a pen-name for James Frey). The book spent seven straight weeks at #1 on the children's section of The New York Times Bestseller list, and has also been made into a film. I would recommend this book for anyone in middle school and up.
The Mogadorians have destroyed Lorien. Ten Loric children have left their destroyed planet to go to Earth, hoping to one day return to their home. They can only be killed in order. One and Two were killed; then came number Three. This book is about fifteen year-old Number Four, who’s constantly moving from small town to small town, where it would be impossible for Mogadorians to go unnoticed. But what happens when he starts a life in one, and doesn’t want to leave?
I Am Number Four is terrifying in the best and most exciting way, but humor and romance keeps it light and pleasant to read. Even though it is science fiction, this book contains real-life messages, with strong environmental and coming-of-age themes that will make it more than just a fun read.
 Ender’s Game (The Ender’s Game Series)
Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Danielle Cooke
The Ender’s Game series, often called the Ender Saga, is one of Orson Scott Card’s most acclaimed works, and the first book, Ender’s Game, has won the 1985 Nebula and 1986 Hugo Awards for best novel. The series is intense, and is best for grades six and up.
Like most science fiction, Ender’s Game takes place in the future. It begins by introducing six-year-old Andrew “Ender” Wiggin, who is chosen to help fight in the “Bugger War,” a seemingly impossible battle against a violent species of aliens. The second book, Speaker for the Dead, follows the life of Andrew as he grows older, and introduces many wonderful new characters.
This series is incredibly thought-provoking and will cause you to question many of today’s social norms. This book is for anyone who loves science fiction or adventure, and is perfect to read as part of a club or with someone else; you’ll always want to talk about what you’ve read!
 Divergent
Veronica Roth
Dystopian / Sci-Fi
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩
Danielle Cooke - March 1, 2013
Divergent is the debut novel by Veronica Roth and the first book in the Divergent Trilogy. It is great for anyone in middle school, sixth grade and up. However, advanced upper elementary school students may enjoy it as well.
Set in a dystopian Chicago, Divergent is about a world where everybody is sorted into 5 “factions:” Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. Life is perfect, and everyone has a place. But what happens if you have more than one? This story follows the adventures of Beatrice, or Tris, as she struggles to survive.
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys books that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Brimming with page-turning suspense, this book is impossible to put down. Full of excitement, adventure, and a little bit of romance, Divergent will appeal to a wide range of readers.
 Fahrenheit 451
Ray Bradbury
Dystopian / Sci-Fi
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩
Danielle Cooke - March 1, 2013
Ray Bradbury is the author of over 100 short stories and nearly fifty books, as well as multiple screenplays. One of his most famous books is Fahrenheit 451. This book is great for more advanced readers, probably sixth or seventh grade and beyond.
It takes place in a futuristic society, where books are feared, and infact, illegal. Because of the knowledge that they hold, the government has completely banned all literature. This, and the fact that they thought books make the people who read them “antisocial.” The protagonist, Guy Montag, dreams of a time when firemen put out fires instead of starting them, and the title refers to the [fictional] temperature at which books burn. This novel is so well-loved that it is often referred to as a “modern classic” and has been made into a movie starring Oskar Werner and Julie Christie.
If you're looking for a book with thrilling suspense and a beautiful message, choose Fahrenheit 451. It will make you appreciate any book you read for the rest of your life - guaranteed.
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