Note: This book contains some mature content (PG-13 language).
Heroes, Robert Cormier: Francis Cassavant, the main character, is 18 years old and has just returned home from fighting in the Vietnam War. He was discharged from the Army and given a medal of honor when he jumped on a grenade, saving the members of his platoon, but seriously disfiguring himself. In fact, his face is so disfigured that no one is hometown recognizes him, which is just the way he wants it. He has no family left in his hometown, and no reason to return, except for his quest for revenge. He is there looking for Larry LaSalle, a man he used to respect and admire, but now he fully intends to kill him when he finds him.
Note: This book jumps back and forth from the present to past as the story reveals what has led up to Francis’s hatred of Larry, and many of the chapters are told completely through flashbacks. This book contains some mature content (references to violence).
Running Out of Time, Margaret Peterson Haddix: Jessie
is a teenager living in the 1840's...or so she thinks. Jessie has begun
to realize that a few things in her community seem a little askew, but
she can't quite put her finger on what it is. It almost seems like the
adults are all keeping some kind of secret. When there is an outbreak
of diphtheria among the children in the community, Jessie's mother
reveals a surprise. The year is actually 1996 and the community they
live in is a tourist site. Since the "town" began, however, the creator
has begun to instill harsh rules against any modern conveniences,
including medicine, and has forbidden anyone from leaving. Jessie's
mother has decided to send her on a dangerous mission to the "outside"
world so that she can stop the outbreak and save the children of the
town.
Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson: One of only two non-fiction choices on the list, this book tells the story of Greg Mortenson's quest to build schools throughout Pakistan. The book begins with Mortenson's unsuccessful attempt to climb K2, the world's second-tallest summit. When he becomes ill after the climb, he finds himself in a small Pakinstani village where local residents help nurse him back to health. He promises to build them a school when he leaves, not realizing the challenges and dangers he will need to overcome to accomplish that goal. Mortenson begins to see that the key to overcoming the Taliban and fighting terrorism lies in education, and has made it life's work to help build schools throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan. Part inspiration, part adventure, this book documents his journey.
