"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.

"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.

"Wake" by Lisa McMann

Dreaming can be pretty amazing. What do they mean? Where they come from? How do you interpret them? 17 year-old Janie is ready to dream on her own. Ever since she was a little girl, she gets sucked into other people's dreams when they fall asleep around her. Watching other peoples' fantasies and nightmares can be both exhilarating and terrifying. Janie knows her special power is unique, and she's forced to keep this secret to herself. That is, until people in their dreams start reaching out to her to save them. Janie can tell her friend Cabel is in need of serious help, but does she want to get involved? This is a first novel for Lisa McMann, but the 2nd installment in the series, Fade, is already set for publication on February 10, 2009.

Best of all, Lisa McMann is hosting a special essay contest for teens aged 14-18 to help them fund their dreams. The grand prize is $1,000! Check out Lisa's website for details: http://lisamcmann.com/

"The Missing Girl" By Norma Fox Mazer

There are five girls in the Herbert family, and they depend on one another when their parents fail to do so. Beauty, Mim, Stevie, Fancy and Autumn. This story is told in alternating chapters, with each girl giving her perspective on their lives and daily activities. What the girls don't realize is that a local man has been following them, and is obsessed. His daily life begins to revolve around them and their activities. What starts as an innocent story about schoolgirls quickly turns into a psychological thriller, as the stalker does the unthinkable and changes the lives of the girls forever.

"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!

"What Happened to Cass McBride?" by Gail Giles

Cass McBride leads the perfect life. She's gorgeous, a straight A student and the most popular girl at her high school. Dating the football star, she is well on her way to becoming homecoming queen. David Kirby, on the other hand, is a notorious loser. What happened to Cass McBride? She has been kidnapped and buried alive by Kyle Kirby, who holds her personally responsible for his brother's untimely death. The next 48 hours are crucial for Cass. Her father has taught her well in the art of negotiations. But will her smooth talking skills be enough to be able to convince Kyle to let her go? You can read this thrilling book in one sitting. But I strongly advise you if you're at all claustrophobic, to read it an big, open space with all the lights on. Recommended for 8th grade and up.