New Teen Reads

Fans of Percy Jackson are lining up for the latest book by Rick Riordan. The Red Pyramid, Book one in the Kane Chronicles, hits book shelves this month and Percy fans will find that this latest tale seems right out of a parallel universe. Like his Last Olympians series, this new offering also takes place in New York. This time instead of Manhattan, Brooklyn is the scene for the fast paced action involving Egyptian gods and ensuing chaos.   Witty characters, short chapters, young people with special powers, it’s a formula that works for Riordan and has fans lining up for his latest book.



Those pining for Percy will pick right up with14 year old Carter Kane and his 12 year old sister Sadie when mysterious forces descend upon the city and the teens get caught up in the action right from page one. While the publisher suggests this series for ages 10 and older, the action transcends word count barriers and reluctant readers, and busy adults, will find this book a welcome addition to their summer reading list.

You’ve read his books and seen the movies, but now, popular author John Grisham breaks into the Young Adult market with the character of Theodore Bone, a 13-year old who knows every judge and every policeman in his small town, as well as a bit about the law.

Sure he dreams of being a great trial lawyer, someday, but Theodore finds himself in a courtroom sooner than expected. A cold blooded killer is about to go free and Theodore’s the only one standing in his way. The resulting courtroom drama will have Grisham fans on edge as the suspense builds. Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, available May 25, will keep you guessing until the final bang of the gavel. A must read for teens and anyone who enjoys a great courtroom saga.

Historical fiction just sounds like something thick and dusty but in the hands of author Michael P. Spradlin the age of kings comes alive in his series The Youngest Templar. The newest book in this series, Trail of Fate, follows the journey of Tristan, a young squire attending to the needs of the Knights Templar.  Together with Robard, the king's archer, and a young female assassin named Maryam, they travel across France, protecting the Holy Grail.  Adventure tinged with French history, and a bit of romance might have you thinking again about studying medieval history.  Think young Indiana Jones in the year 1192 and you're on the right track.  But start with book one in this series, Keeper of the Grail.