Teens @ Pewaukee Public Library discussion

This year our theme for the Summer Reading Program is "Spark a Reaction." This theme is all about the science, science fiction, and steampunk genres.

Let's get a discussion started about this theme. What books have you read that you would recommend to other teens that fall into these categories? Tell us the title, the author, and a little bit about what makes the book a good read.

I have some suggestions:

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. It's the first book in the Infernal Devices trilogy (It's also a prequel trilogy to the Mortal Instruments series) It takes place in Victorian England, and there's boys with deep secrets, a girl with even deeper secrets and a lot of fun gadgets, and of course automatons.

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel. I would highly recommend this book, especially if Shelley's Frankenstein isn't really your thing (It's not mine, that's for sure), there's some romance and the time period is fantastic. There's also a lot of alchemy and science-y things that make the entire concept of Frankenstein and his creature even more eerie.

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 01 by Hiromu Arakawa. If you want to give manga a try, I highly recommend this one, there's a little bit of romance, a lot of action, and substantial world building. I have no idea where this story takes place and it's most likely fictional, but I don't care because everything is very developed as well as the culture. The most fascinating part about this series, to me, is the alchemy. You learn a lot about the studies of alchemy and the basic principles, and it touches on religion a little bit and makes you wonder if the world really is run on science, or if it ever could be. It's not all that heavy though, there's always some form of comedic relief.

Fantastic suggestions, Ashley! Lots of great steampunk reads, and from a wide range of sub-genres too. Love it!

Everyone, keep the books coming. Don't forget that reading something from the sci-fi and steampunk genres are two of the challenges listed in your Extra Challenge booklet, so watch this space for more ideas.

I have a few suggestions too!
First thing, The Percy Jackson series are so full of adventure! Percy Jackson is a funny kid, yet a great hero. Rick Riordan is a great author!

Also, Goodbye Rebel Blue is a great book.

Another suggestion is My Sister lives on the Mantelpiece. This sad story has a great meaning to it.

Try these books, they are great!