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Post 9/11 Ryan Smithson decided to join the Army. He’s seventeen-years-old and is quickly accepted into the Reserves. By nineteen he’s deployed to Iraq, leaving behind a brand new bride and loving family. Working as an Army engineer, Ryan and his platoon are responsible for helping to rebuild the country. They occasionally come into contact with the Iraqi people, many of whom are grateful and excited to see American soldiers, and occasionally find themselves in dangerous combat situations. Ryan is open about sharing his experiences as a soldier and his thoughts on serving his country. For the many people who have never served in the military or for the people who are interested in a military career, this is a great read. It’s honest, compelling, touching and sometimes humorous. Smithson allows readers to gain a better understanding and deeper respect for all our service men and women go through.

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I am a SEAL Team Six Warrior by Howard E. Wasdin
Rock n’ Roll Soldier by Dean Ellis Kohler
When I Was a Soldier by Valerie Zenatti

Lauren Oliver's Delirium series is soon to be a TV show! Click for more details...

Sophie is torn between two worlds—she lives with her father in the states, but goes to visit her mother in the Congo whenever possible. Completely dedicated to her life’s work, Sophie’s mother runs a sanctuary for bonobo apes in the middle of the jungle. The Congo is a dangerous place and Sophie knows better than to stop the driver taking her to the sanctuary. When she sees the pitiful baby bonobo trailing behind a trapper, she can’t resist. Her mother has told her never to buy any of these apes, but if Sophie didn’t, what would happen to the little guy? After all, isn’t this her mom’s ultimate goal? To save bonobos?
Sophie’s mother is furious when she discovers that Sophie has purchased an ape, it just encourages the trappers. The little ape may not even make it, he looks so sick. According to her mother, it’s Sophie’s responsibility to bring him back to health or deal with his demise. She names the little guy Otto and dedicates herself to his care.
Sophie’s mom leaves on a quick business-related trip, leaving her behind at the sanctuary. Civil war breaks out in the Congo and the country is quickly overrun by rebels with machetes and guns. When the rebels take over the sanctuary, Sophie traps herself and Otto in the adult bonobo enclosure behind an electric fence. She’ll have to figure out a way to survive off the land, survive the adult bonobos who aren’t used to much human contact, and the hungry rebels who are determined to find a way past the electrified fence.
If you’re up for a really exciting adventure set in the jungle—look no further!
Also try:
Cryptid Hunters by Roland Smith if you’re looking for another thriller in an exotic location
Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby if you love animals, apes especially

Chicago Tribune's got the scoop on Divergent, the movie!

Something is getting passed around at school. Something secret. Nobody will talk about it and the kids who have received it are showing up for class tired , listless and acting strangely. Nick Dunmore wants to know what’s going on, but no one will talk.

Nick finally gets his hands on it—it’s a disc, a game called Erebos, and it’s like no other game he’s ever played. It’s highly addictive and it knows things about him, about his personal life. If he says anything to anyone about the game, he’s out. Nick obeys the rules because he can’t get enough of the game and its many challenges. Things begin to get a bit more unusual when Erebos gives him challenges to carry out in the real world. Some of the challenges make him highly uncomfortable and Nick is forced to ask himself just how far he’ll go for a game.

Erebos is filled with game action, secrets and thrills. Don’t miss this international bestseller!

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Epic by Conor Kostick
Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde
Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser