The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. 2008.
I know I'm way behind to just be reading this one. Wow! A fantastic and compelling read that you can't wait to get to the ending of but hate for it to be over. I'm impressed by how different it is from her Gregor books. The point at which the books ends surprised me--I expected a painful cliffhanger--but it is still intriguing enough to propel you into book 2.

The True Meaning of Smekday

The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex. 2007.

Audience: ??? This is my question...who is this book for? The main character is 12, but very smart-talking and mature. There is plenty of swearing and semi-swearing. It weighs in at over 400 pages and overall is pretty sophisticated, sarcastic, and mature IMHO.

We have this title in Juvenile. Plano has it in YA. Dallas has it in Juvenile. SLJ says grades 4-8...4th grade? Really? Publisher's Weekly says ages 8 and up...8? Really?

I really enjoyed this book, but am a bit baffled by where it really belongs and who is the best audience for this one. Please weigh in if you have input!