The Cabinent of Curiosities, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

This is 0ne of a series of books featuring "Special Agent Pendergast"of the FBI. As a popular fiction "crossover" (adult/young adult) book it is a good read. I am always looking for interdisciplinary connections. In this book I find connections to the study of historical New York City, biochemistry, genetics, and antiques. It is a book that would appeal to many high school students and some junior high. If you have students who are fans of the suspense or horror genre this is a book that is better written than many, could be "taught" in a classroom (it doesn't have too much sex or violence), and has some opportunities to engage students in additional reading and study.

I was in NYC this fall and have read many books set in New York including almost all of Edith Wharton. I enjoyed this--it takes me closer to Central Park and spans both contemporary and historical events. There is also some brief exploration of immigration and sweatshops. It is a minor component of the book, but is treated in enough detail to be helpful in a history class. (At least the beginning of the book which could then be offered as an out of class reading for those interested in finishing it.)

Avalon High, Meg Cabot (2006)

Cabot is the popular author of several series of books for female adolescents including the somewhat famous Princess Diaries series. This book, perhaps the first in a new series, takes the Arthurian legend to modern high school. It's actually a pretty good read and would make a great companion book to other Arthurian books. The main character mirrors Tennyson's The Lady of Shalott. In our area many students read The Green Knight as a required reading. I am personally a greater fan of Nancy Springer's series that looks at the main characters in the Arthurian group from fresh perspectives. These including I am Morgan le Fay: A Tale from Camelot and I am Mordred: A Tale from Calemot. Both a great books to help students explore voice and point of view. Avalon High would make another nice companion to this set of books but would contribute more to explorations of setting and mood although voice and point of view certainly could be included. FYI--Springer is also taking this series to "manga" (a cartoon style).