"The Gardener" by S.A. Bodeen

Mason visits his mom at the nursing home where she works. While he's there, he notices some teenagers are "living" there, which is weird, given nursing homes are normally for old people. The teens are comatose, except for one gorgeous girl who wakes up. She's able to talk to Mason, and he quickly realizes that these special patients may be in trouble. Before he can realize what's happening, Mason is helping the girl escape.

It turns out the hospital is not your typical place for medicine and health. In a special greenhouse, a man called the Gardener is conducting unique experiments. Scientists who work for the Gardener are concerned that the planet will soon run out of food, due to overpopulation and climate change. They are working to develop human autotrophs - humans that don't need to eat, but who can produce and consume their own energy, just like plants!

But, something about this project doesn't seem right, and hospital authorities are soon chasing after Mason and the mysterious girl from the hospital. Is she connected to the Gardener? Something about her isn't quite right, but Mason is determined to protect her at all costs.

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

Why are the sequels never as good as the first installment?

Katniss should be happy and content. As a victor in the Hunger Games, she and Peeta have been guaranteed immunity and safety for their families. But the Capitol is a cruel place, and the districts are becoming unsettled. Being a hero proves to be more than Katniss bargained for and she is forced to the front of a fight she's not sure she can win. But in the meantime, both Peeta and Gale fight for her affections, and the love triangle continues....but what does the future hold for Panem, and what is really going on in district 13?

"Boom!" by Mark Haddon

Jimbo and Charlie are bored. Their families are normal, their siblings annoying, and their parents are predictable. When they overhear two of their teachers talking in a secret language, they set off to investigate the mystery. At the time, it seemed like a good idea to break into their history teacher's house. But what they find in her attic proves their teachers are really up to no good, and may be conspiring to take over the planet! Mark Haddon is the author of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." This is another clever, well constructed, who-dunnit geared for a younger audience, I'd say 3rd - 7th grade. British humor and hilarious plays on words. I laughed out loud.

"The Line" by Terri Hall

The Line is a government created boundary that separates the United States from a place known as Away. Rachel and her mom live on The Property, where her mom works as a housekeeper for Ms. Moore. No one is allowed to cross The Line, as it's meant to prevent The Others from coming into the United States. No one really knows much about The Others, supposedly they were trapped after a large-scale war, and the government wants to keep them separate. Rachel's mom has always been a skeptic of the government and encourages her daughter to think independently and do what's right and fair. But when someone or something makes contact from the other side of the Line, Rachel has to decide who's telling the truth. If you liked "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, you will love "The Line"!

"The Maze Runner" by James Dashner

Thomas is hit with amnesia, when he wakes up in an elevator that delivers him to the Glade. The Glade is home to about 60 teenage boys, a contained environment, cut off from the outside world. They've been there about 2 years, but none of them have any recollection of how they got there, and they can't seem to find a way out.

The Glade is attached to a giant maze, whose gates open every morning and close every night. The maze is home to the terrifying Grievers, giant balls of metal and flesh, ready to eat anything, including boys who enter the maze.

The maze seems like a viable exit, yet attempts to navigate the labyrinth prove unsuccessful. It's hard to chart a map when your terrain keeps changing shape!

Supplies are mysteriously delivered to the Glade, and the boys are determined to survive.

Wierd things start to happen, including a girl arriving to the Glade, with a note explaining that everything is about to change. How did they get there? Who's in charge of this reality? Will they be able to find a way home?

If you liked The Hunger Games, you will LOVE The Maze Runner!

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Twelve districts surround the powerful Capitol in the futuristic society of the Panem. Every year, each district sacrifices two of its youth, chosen by lottery, to play in the Hunger Games. In these games, the chosen participants, or tributes, must fight to the death in a staged arena to claim victory for their district. Much like a reality television show, the spectators place bets on the winners and support their local tributes. When the lottery draws Prim’s name from District 12, her older sister Katniss immediately volunteers to protect her and take her place. Katniss is paired up with Peeta, her classmate from childhood, and together they must fight against the other 22 tributes for their lives.

Katniss is known to be a survivor. Ever since her father’s untimely death, she has worked to support her family, using her hunting and gathering skills to feed her family. But can she outsmart her competitors and bring valor and honor to her district?

I loved all the twists and turns in this story. The drama of reality television keeps the suspense level high and the gladiator fight scenes escalated my heart rate. The survival mechanisms Katniss and Peeta used will surprise you, and the hidden love story will enthrall you.

The Hunger Games is the first book in a new series by Suzanne Collins, the same author who brought us Gregor the Overlander and the Underland Chronicles.

"The Compound" by S.A. Bodeen

Being rich doesn't protect you from a nuclear attack! Eli and his family have been living in an bunker that his billionaire father built to protect his family. For 6 long years the family has been living underground in a plush mansion, but tensions are wearing thin. Grief plagues the family, as Eli's twin brother, Eddy, and their grandmother didn't make it into the compound in time and died outside the steel doors. Eli becomes suspicious of his father's weird behavior, and discovers the food supply may be contaminated. Things aren't what they seem and his worst fears are confirmed when he makes contact with the outside world...is things are o.k. outside, why are they still living under lock and key? And why is his father the only one who knows the code to get out?? Eli discovers his own father may be a madman, and it's up to him to help his family survive.

"Little Brother" by Cory Doctorow

This book has it all - computers, video games, hacking. I'm not into any of these, but I still LOVED this book! San Francisco - terrorists blow up the Bay Bridge. People are scared, and the government starts using high-tech surveillance to "protect" its citizens. Marcus and his friends discover this new system isn't foolproof and innocent people are being interrogated and held prisoner. There is excellent discussion on security versus civil liberties, as well as romance, raving and gadgets galore. Scott Westerfield described it best - “A rousing tale of techno-geek rebellion.” One of the best books I've read this year, and I don't even like science-fiction!

"Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card

Ender Wiggin is an extraordinary game player. His brain is so sharp and brilliant that he's been chosen to attend a prestigious Battle School, where students are trained in military combat. It's the future, and planet Earth is preparing for an invasion against the buggers - alien lifeforms that are determined to destroy our planet. Using high tech computer games to simulate fights and battles proves to be intense and exhausting. Every move Ender makes must be perfect, the future of the universe depends on it! Great science fiction writing.

"Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld

Imagine a world where everyone is born an Ugly. Then, when you turn 16, you undergo a radical operation to turn you into a Pretty. No flaws, perfect body, easy life....or so it seems. Tally meets a new friend Shay, who is determined not to have this surgery and encourages Tally to run away with her. The authorities catch up with them and force Tally to make a difficult decision - keeping her best friend or being an Ugly forever. Scott Westerfeld says he was inspired by reading "Liking What You See: A Documentary" by Ted Chiang. King County Library System has this story in a collection called Stories of Your Life and Others.