Pawn by Aimee Carter

This book intrigued me when I first read the description on the back cover. It has a strong female character, Kitty Doe, who I instantly loved on the first page of reading. Before I go any further, you have to understand that this is another , yes, another dystopian novel.  It has a similar theme to Divergent in that everyone in society is ranked after taking a test at age seventeen. They are branded on their necks with a number from I-VII to show their level in society. Kitty can't read and unfairly is ranked a III. She looks a lot like Lila Hart, the daughter of the Prime Minister (This story takes place in Washington D.C.---no President??). She's given the opportunity to live in misery as a III forced to leave the people she loves or join the most powerful family in the country as a VII taking the place of Lila Hart, who has died under mysterious circumstances. Of course Kitty agrees, but then finds out there is a catch. Lila secretly fostered a rebellion and Kitty agrees with it. If she doesn't play her part, her boyfriend, Benjy, will be killed. She's also slated to marry Knox, "Lila's" fiance in six months. He's a very likeable guy. Kitty, as Lila, becomes a pawn in the political intrigues of the Hart family. There are so many twists and turns in this story. The characters are great and Lila as Kitty is constantly faced with decisions of what is the right choice. Will the pawn, the weakest piece that takes the brunt of the attack, move forward against impossible odds, and become the most powerful piece in the game? Read and find out.

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

The Running Dream is a fantastic book, I loved it! Being a runner myself it seemed like a book that I would enjoy and I was right. This is a story about a girl, Jessica, who loves running and is a track star at her school. On the way home from a track meet she ends up losing her leg below the knee in a terrible bus accident. The author makes you feel like you are right there with Jessica when she wakes up in the hospital and begins her “new life” as an amputee. She also deals with what it is like being a teen with a handicap and wondering if guys will still like you. Jessica is a really lucky girl because she has a great family, friends, coach and teammates that support her. The most unlikely girl at school, Rosa, who has CP, and someone who is overlooked by Jessica and her classmates becomes an unexpected friend. This book is about overcoming obstacles. No matter what’s thrown at you in life you have to take it step by step and eventually you’ll get there. The dream lives on!
 -Iron Librarian