Fake Blood

Gardner, Whitney. Fake Blood. 2018. 332p. ISBN 9781481495561. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

AJ can't wait to grow up. Over the summer, his best friends Hunter and Ivy had amazing experiences and got taller, but AJ still looks the same and didn't do anything special. Another thing that hasn't changed is his crush for Nia. But he might as well not exist, as she barely notices him even though they're in many classes together at Spoons Middle School. Even if she did notice him, however, what could he offer her, a fan of vampires?

Fate intervenes when their new teacher, an elegant man from England, pairs them to work on a group project. They select Transylvania, which prompts AJ to come up with an amazing plan. He will pretend to be a vampire, so that Nia will find him attractive. Unfortunately for him, his plan works too well. Not only is Nia suddenly attracted to him, but it turns out she has ambitions to become a vampire slayer, and she begins hunting him.

But a real vampire is lurking in the shadows at Spoons Middle School. When his best friend Hunter goes missing, AJ must marshal his friends and the girl who wants to kill him to save Hunter from a gruesome death!

The illustrations are crisp, and the story is entertaining. Anyone who has ever tried to attract some unrequited love will relate to AJ's experience and will appreciate his efforts, even if they are misplaced. Fans of graphic novels will enjoy this middle school tale!

The Jump

Morris, Brittney. The Jump. 2023. 256p. ISBN 9781665903981.

Team Jericho is comprised of four exceptional teenagers. There's the puzzle-solving Jax. There's the agile Yas. There's the tech-savvy Spider. Finally there's the skilled cartographer Han, who is autistic and has trouble reading people. Team Jericho is the reigning champion of Seattle's scavenger hunts. However, their community faces imminent danger with the construction of an oil refinery threatening their livelihoods and homes. 

When a clandestine group known as The Order takes over the scavenger hunt forum, offering a prize of immense influence, Team Jericho sees an opportunity. By winning this perilous game, they hope to acquire the power to protect their families and save their city from the impending disaster. Unfortunately, a formidable team of rivals also seek this prize. This high-stakes competition will demand more than just their street smarts and resourcefulness.

Team Jericho navigates the treacherous challenges devised by The Order. Their journey is filled with exhilarating action, intricate puzzles, and nail-biting suspense. They must not only outmaneuver their opponents but also grapple with the ethical implications of their actions and the potential consequences of wielding the influence they seek. As the stakes rise and the danger escalates, Team Jericho must rely on their unique skills, unwavering teamwork, and a deep-seated love for their community to emerge victorious and secure a better future for themselves and their loved ones.

Hydrogen

Hulick, Kathryn. Hydrogen. Part of the Chemistry of Everyday Elements series. 2017. 64p. ISBN 9781422238424. Available at 546.2 HUL on the library shelves.

Hydrogen, the simplest and most abundant element in the universe, plays a pivotal role in powering our world. It's the fundamental building block of stars, fueling their immense energy output through nuclear fusion. On Earth, hydrogen is harnessed in various forms to generate electricity and heat. In fuel cells, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, emitting only water as a byproduct. Additionally, hydrogen is a key component of many renewable energy sources, such as solar cells and wind turbines, where it's used to store energy efficiently.

Beyond its energy applications, hydrogen is essential for numerous industrial processes. It's used in the production of fertilizers, plastics, and other chemicals. Moreover, hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. By transitioning to a hydrogen-based economy, we can significantly decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and move towards a more sustainable future.

This series includes:

• Silver
• Helium
• Gold
• Silicon
• Oxygen
• Hydrogen
• Aluminum