Mystery of the Burmese Bandicoot by Judy Cox

Two rat brothers, Frederick and Ishbu, formerly classroom pets, escape their cage and are commanded to steal a valuable statue by the evil Big Cheese, who wants to inflict his revenge on humans. The brothers escape only to find themselves thrown into an adventure including sinking ships, balloon rides, and an Indian temple dedicated to rats as they rush to save mankind by thwarting the plans of the Big Cheese.

A sweet story about two rats who become unlikely heroes, this tale is packed with action and adventure. Frederick is brave and athletic and wanting to pursue adventure, while the smart, intuitive Ishbu wants only to return to his cage where he can live a quiet, comfortable life. Though both brothers are very different, they are extremely loyal to each other and to the humans they care about. The author has added factual notes about rats and the various events they encounter during their journeys. This story is sure to appeal to adventure readers.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Uglies is about a girl named Tally in a town called "Uglyville". She soon meets this girl named Shay, and that's when the trouble begins. You see, when you turn 16 you get an operation turning you into a pretty. Shay doesn't want to do that and runs away. On Tally's 16th birthday, she is faced with a decision. Find and turn Shay in, or never be pretty. The decision she makes may change her life. What does she choose? Read the book and find out.

This book is really good because it takes place in the future and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I recommend it with 2 thumbs up. There are 3 more in the series. Pretties, Specials and Extras. If I were you, I would seriously consider reading the next 3. They are all great. If you like Science fiction novels, make sure to read this. You wouldn't want to miss it.

How the Hangman Lost his Heart by K.M. Grant

When her Uncle Frank is executed for treason and his head mounted on a pike, Alice determines to reunite his head with his body so that he can rest in peace. While trying to retrieve his head, however, she runs afoul of the law herself and sets off on an adventure to complete her mission with the help of the executioner and a soldier, both of who have fallen in love with the feisty Alice.

This historical romp by the author of The De Granville Trilogy is based on a tale from her own family history. The determined Alice retrieves her uncle’s head from the pike on which it has been displayed as a warning to other traitors and carries it across the land first in a wig bag, then in a hat box as she flees from a cruel officer with the help of her uncle’s executioner, Dan Skinslicer. The two find themselves in one pickle after another as they try to reach Alice’s family home and along the way, Dan falls in love with Alice, despite the differences in their social standing. A young soldier also falls for Alice, and he, too, risks his life to help her achieve her goal. Melodramatic and filled with gallows humor, readers will enjoy the fast-paced action.