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An asterisk (*) denotes titles that are available in the Library of Congress Talking Books service, which is available to people with visual, physical or learning disabilities from an organic cause. Eligible customers must be registered in the Library of Congress Talking Book program to receive books in recorded formats. An application form is available by calling Voice # 240-777-0960.

Ibbotson, Eva.  A Countess Below Stairs.  Romance. Anna Grazinsky, a Russian countess, leaves her home after the Russian Revolution. Penniless, Anna decides to work as a maid at Mersham, the home of the Westerholme family.She and Rupert, the Earl of Westerholme, soon fall in love. Standing in the way is Rupert’s beautiful, but mean fiancée. -- Harini, Potomac Library

*Jacques, Brian.  Outcast of Redwall.  Fantasy/Adventure. Veil is the son of Swartt Sixclaw, an evil warlord, and is abandoned as a babe. Found by the peaceful Redwallers, he is raised by Byrony, a kindhearted mousemaid who refuses to believe Veil is like the vermin that spawned him. But soon, Veil commits a crime that is unforgiveable and is exiled from the Abbey. Can Veil overcome the evil inside of himself? -- Jessica Tatum, Germantown Library

*Jacques, Brian.  Redwall.  Adventure. This is a story about mice, otters, rabbits, and other mammals saving Redwall, a healing castle. The enemy in this book is Cluny the Scourge. He is the stuff of legend. Can Matthias, a young mouse, defeat him? Or will Cluny take over Redwall and become King of Mossflower Wood? -- Daniel Saliunas, Little Falls Library

Jinks, Catherine.  The Reformed Vampire Support Group.  Fantasy/Adventure. The true nature of vampires is revealed. A group of sickly, unmotivated vampires is forced to attend a support group, but danger comes a little too close when a fellow vampire is murdered. Teenagers-for-life Nina and Dave and their human guide unwillingly set out to find the dilemma’s cause but discover far more. -- Peter Adler Asch, Silver Spring Library

Jordan, Dream.  Hot Girl.  Realistic Fiction. When Kate gets a makeover from Naleejah, she feels better about herself than she ever has. One of the things that makes her feel better, is the fact that her longtime friend that's a boy, is finally liking her in a different way. When it seems like things are going well between Charles and Kate, Naleejah and Charles start talking to each other and things get intimate between them. Does Charles cheat on Kate? -- Rahila, Quince Orchard Library

Kessler, Liz.  Philippa Fisher’s Fairy Godsister.  Fantasy. Fairies are everywhere - you just can’t see them unless you’re upset. After her best friend moves away, Philippa’s own human-hating godmother appears, and grants her three wishes, all of which backfire. -- Gelila Haile, Aspen Hill Library

*Keyes, Daniel.  Flowers for Algernon.  SF.  Charlie Gordon begins his journey as a mentally retarded adult with an IQ of 68; but he then undergoes the same surgery that a mouse, Algernon, has had before him, which temporarily allows him to become a genius. Will the operation take its toll on Charlie and transform a completely innocent and naïve man into a dark and cynical person who distrusts everyone? -- Michelle Gu, Rockville Library

*Khadra, Yasmina.  The Attack.  Adventure. Amin Jaafari is an esteemed doctor who has a great reputation at his job and in his community. An explosion erupts and Amin soon finds out that it was caused by his wife, a suicide bomber. Amin then travels to different cities to discover her motives. What he finds out leads him to question his life. -- Tiffany Wong, Germantown Library

Kibuishi, Kazu.  Amulet: The Stonekeeper.  Mystery/Graphic Novel. Two years after a terrible car crash killed her father, Emily, her mother and brother move to the lonely town of Lorien to escape their sadness. Emily finds an amulet there that warns her that her family is in danger. -- Julie Kwong, Aspen Hill Library

*Kidd, Sue Monk.  The Secret Life of Bees.  Realistic Fiction/Historical. Living on a peach farm with her horrible, harsh, terrifying father in South Carolina, Lily Owens has had enough. With the hazy memory of accidentally killing her mother when she was four, she turns her life around, running away with Rosaleen, their servant, to a town called Tiburon. Will Lily find more information about her mother? -- Denise Gaona-Cardozo, Rockville Library

*King, Stephen.  Carrie.  Horror. Carrie has always been picked on. She has always been the target. But now she is discovering a power she had never known she had. When the kids pull one prank too many she seeks revenge. They’ll pay. They’ll all pay. -- Adele Spinder, Poolesville Library

Kirkman, Robert.  Invincible: Family Matters.  Graphic Novel. Mark Grayson has a normal life: normal friends, normal school, and a normal dad who is actually the most powerful superhero on Earth. Everything’s normal . . . until Mark begins to develop his own superpowers. From evil aliens, human bombs, and robots to math homework and high school, Mark’s life will never be the same again. -- William Damanka, Jr., Gaithersburg Library

*Knowles, John.  A Separate Peace.  Realistic Fiction. Gene visits his old high school and recalls his memories with a highly talented boy named Phineas. Starting out as friends, he quickly becomes jealous of Phineas’ talents and makes an irrevocable decision that cripples his best friend for life. Journey through his memories as he recalls his adventures with Phineas during World War II. -- Nancy Cao, Rockville Library

Koja, Kathe.  The Blue Mirror.  Romance/Mystery. Blue lips, charismatic, and a girl on each arm, Cole is a mysterious character living his life carefree on the streets. Maggy is a loner, the kind of girl that Cole targets, and she spends her time caring for her alcoholic mother and sketching for hours at The Blue Mirror. But when Cole says he loves her, is Maggy looking at a super-cool runaway, or a monster feeding on girls? -- Amy Zhao, Olney Library

*Korman, Gordon.  Schooled.  Realistic Fiction. Capricorn Anderson is one of the only eighth graders known to drive a school bus, do tai chi on the front lawn, and be the most hated (and loved!) kid at Claverage (aka C-Average) Middle School. But the unexpected happens to this weird hippie kid: he becomes popular. Will Cap ever get his life turned back to normal?  -- Sonja Neve, Kensington Park Library

Kubo, Tite.  Bleach, Vol. 16.  Graphic Novel. Rukia Kuchiki, who defeated the Hollows who eat human souls, is being held hostage and expects to be executed soon. Her friends, Ichigo, Orihime, and Chad, are coming to her rescue. However, her execution is scheduled for the next day. Will they make it in time? -- Nicole Nguyen, Marilyn J. Praisner Library

*Lee, Harper.  To Kill a Mockingbird.  Realistic Fiction. In segregated Alabama, a white lawyer offers to defend an African American man accused of a crime. The daughter of the lawyer learns not to conform to her racist society. -- Anton, Rockville Library

L’Engle, Madeleine.  A Live Coal in the Sea.  Realistic Fiction. This sequel to Camilla follows Camilla’s life in a series of flashbacks brought on by the appearance of her granddaughter, a young woman troubled by her father’s resentment of the past. The story details the troubles and tribulations that plague Camilla’s family and anyone closely intertwined with them. It is well-written and hard to put down. -- Elizabeth Shagnea, Wheaton Library

Levine, Gail Carson.  Ever.  Fantasy/Adventure/Romance/Suspense. Kezi, the daughter of a merchant, finds herself tied up with a promise she can’t break. It may also cost her life. Along the way, she falls in love with a young man named Olus – who turns out to be a god. Will Kezi be able to keep her promise with Olus’ help…or die trying? -- Aliyah Rouse, Olney Library

*Levine, Gail Carson.  Fairest.  Fantasy/Romance. Aza has a beautiful voice, but she is, as she says, ugly. But then she becomes the lady-in-waiting to the new queen. Aza learns that beauty isn’t skin deep, and even the prettiest people can have an ugly side. --  Kimberly Lartz, Poolesville Library

*Levitin, Sonia.  Journey to America.  Historical Fiction. Lisa Platt lives in Germany as Hitler rises in power. Lisa is Jewish and suffers from many restrictions. Her parents see war in Germany’s future and terrible times for their family. Her dad goes to America to earn money and to get his family to freedom. Lisa’s mother has to get the family to Switzerland, a safer place. As Lisa travels, she realizes that every day is a step closer to going to America. -- Annie Sharkey, Little Falls Library

Linker, Julie.  Disenchanted Princess.  Realistic Fiction. West is the daughter of a highly successful Hollywood agent and lives in an LA mansion. When her dad gets sent to jail for embezzlement (which he didn’t do!), she gets sent to Possum Grape, Arkansas, to live with her aunt. West desperately wants to get back to LA, Starbucks, and an upcoming event. -- Kavya Rallabhandi, Bethesda Library

*Lupica, Mike.  Heat.  Sports Fiction. What if you were the best Little Leaguer in New York City, and right before the playoffs you are banned from baseball because your late father left your birth certificate in Cuba? Due to Castro’s government, you weren’t able to get it back. Follow Michael and his brother, Carlos Arroyo, as they try to get Michael playing baseball once again. -- Adam Schwager, Kensington Park Library

McKay, Hilary.  Indigo’s Star.  Realistic Fiction. Indigo, 12 and living in England, is often made fun of and bullied by the “red-headed” boy’s gang. When Rose and Saffy show the gang not to mess with their brother, the bullies shift their attention to Tom, a new kid from America and possibly Indigo’s new friend. -- Binta Coulibaly, Silver Spring Library

*Maguire, Gregory.  Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister.  Fantasy. Cinderella from a new point of view, this book tells the story of Iris, whose family has just been run out of England. Iris, her dull sister Ruth, and harsh mother Margarethe get swept into a wealthy family with a beautiful daughter, Clara. This classic story of a fairy godmother and grand ball unfolds in a whole new light. -- Cassie Moomau, Kensington Park Library

Marsh, Katherine.  The Twilight Prisoner.  Fantasy/Adventure. In this riveting sequel to The Night Tourist, eccentric and lovestruck Manhattan high school student Jack accidentally journeys into the New York underworld once again, but this time he takes his potential girlfriend with him! The odd rules and intriguing ghosts are revealed as Jack and Cora, along with young and mysterious ghost Euri, discover more about themselves as they try to find a way out. -- Peter Adler Asch, Silver Spring Library

Meyer, L.A.  Bloody Jack.  Adventure. The clever, witty, charming heroine of this story was raised in Cheapside, London, where she lived under the Blackfriars Bridge with her gang of fellow street kids. All is well until the leader of the gang is murdered, leading Mary to run away. To survive, she becomes “Jacky,” a ship’s boy, and embarks on a long adventure, meeting enemies and murder all the while. -- Anika Schneider, Damascus Library

*Meyer, Stephenie.  Breaking Dawn.  Fantasy/Romance. Bella has dreamed of becoming a Cullen ever since she met the gorgeous vampire Edward Cullen. She’s sure once she’s immortal nothing will stand in the way of their love. But Bella doesn’t factor in a pregnancy, a pack of angry werewolves, or a band of vampires intent on destroying the Cullens and anyone who stands with them. Will everything Bella cares about be destroyed? -- Ruthie Gopin, Wheaton Library

*Meyer, Stephenie.  New Moon.  Fantasy/Romance. When Edward leaves Bella, she is heartbroken. She finds herself leaning towards Jacob Black, who becomes her best friend. But one fun night to the movies with Jacob and Mike quickly has Bella worried and desperate. What’s wrong with Jacob and why won’t he speak to her after that night out? -- Natalie, Silver Spring Library

*Meyer, Stephenie.  Twilight.  Fantasy/Romance. A girl from Phoenix, Bella, moves in with her father in the state of Washington. She thinks she has found the perfect boyfriend; however, upon further review, she discovers his fondness for the night and his thirst for blood. -- Cara Funke, Davis Library

Mitchinson, John.  The Book of Animal Ignorance.  Non-fiction. As the cover proudly proclaims, “Everything you think you know is wrong.” This is a must-read for any animal lover. For instance, jellyfish are animals, yet have no heart, eyes, or blood!  -- Rachel Ibers, Damascus Library

Moriarty, Jaclyn.  The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie.  Realistic Fiction. Bindy is a know-it-all who tries to help classmates but only makes enemies of them. When the normally overachieving Bindy fails a test and doesn’t even care, those around her begin to suspect murder. -- Nicole Brimmer, Chevy Chase Library

Mull, Brandon.  Fablehaven.  Fantasy. Kendra and her brother Seth go to stay with their grandfather for part of the summer. He has an attic full of toys, a beautiful garden, and a pool. What could be better? Except, where is grandma? And who’s the ugly old woman in the forest chewing on knots? J Fiction. Jadie Stillwell, Little Falls Library

Myers, Walter Dean.  The Outside Shot.  Sports Fiction. Lonnie loves basketball and goes to play in Indiana. Basketball was fun when he played in New York City. However, after being recruited to play in the Hoosier state, he finds he has to cope with the pressure of temptations and responsibilities. This story has a strong moral underpinning. -- Annie Strong, Davis Library

Myracle, Lauren.  Kissing Kate.  Realistic Fiction. Lissa goes through a rough year at school until she meets Kate. They start as gym partners at school and go to being total best friends! One night they go to a party, get crazy and drunk, and they accidently kiss! Now they are both worried. -- Shufaa Missana, Gaithersburg Library

Myracle, Lauren.  L8r, g8r.  Realistic Fiction. Angela, Maddie, and Zoe are the best of best friends. It’s their high school senior year, and they’re worried about college. Zoe says she and her boyfriend may be going to different colleges, but that their love will always be. Angela says she will break up with her boyfriend because she doesn’t love him. Maddie gets back with her ex-boyfriend, not worried about college. The end of the year comes, and so does a mess. -- Astrid Flores, Gaithersburg Library

*Oppel, Kenneth.  Airborn.  SF/Fantasy. Matt Cruse, a cabin boy on the luxury airship Aurora, finds his leisurely life aboard the ship is turned upside-down when he meets a dying balloonist who speaks of fantastic flying creatures who live in the sky. The pursuit by Matt and the balloonist’s granddaughter to find these creatures soon turns to a fight for survival. -- Jonathan Ibers, Damascus Library

Oppel, Kenneth.  Starclimber.  SF/Fantasy. Matt Cruse and Kate DeVries are traveling on the outer space vehicle, the Starclimber. During the trip, they discover unknown life forms and run into danger. Also, Matt likes Kate and the question through most of the book is: Will Matt win Kate’s heart? -- Malek Brown, Twinbrook Library

*Picoult, Jodi.  My Sister’s Keeper.  Realistic Fiction. Anna’s sister has cancer and she’s been donating blood and stuff to save her sister’s life. Anna gets tired of being in the hospital all the time and draws the line when her parents just assume she will donate her kidney to her sister. She sues her parents, risking her sister’s life. -- Emily Grubb, Poolesville Library

*Pierce, Tamora.  Young Warriors: Stories of Strength.  Adventure. In this anthology both female and male warriors of all sorts must face and overcome the obstacles set before them. Not all warriors fit the basic definition of "warrior." It is an amazing book filled with 15 different perspectives of the world, each of a different time period. -- Justine, Quince Orchard Library

*Plath, Sylvia.  The Bell Jar.  Realistic Fiction. Esther Greenwood, a young woman in college with many opportunities ahead of her, is smart, creative, and talented. However, after an episode where she feels that she has failed, she becomes depressed. This novel is exciting and genuinely believable as Esther is easy to relate to. -- Jennifer, Rockville Library

*Reeve, Philip.  Mortal Engines.  SF. Set in an imaginative post-apocalyptic world where tiered mobile cities chase down and eat each other, this is the first installment in the Hungry City Chronicles. When Tom tries to stop an assassination, he is pushed off London into the muddy out-country with the assassin. Can he ever get back to his city? And, is London building a terrible new weapon hidden in the dome of a cathedral? YA Fiction. Bernadette Cannon, Damascus Library

*Rowling, J.K.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  Fantasy. All the mysteries that have been left unanswered in the past six books are finally revealed. Harry and Ron and Hermione travel across the wizarding world in order to destroy the Horcruxes that keep the Dark Lord, Voldemort, alive. Along the way, they encounter many mental and physical obstacles that keep them from their goal, but that also keep their desire to succeed burning bright. -- Anna Sebastian, Germantown Library

Schreiber, Ellen.  Vampire Kisses.  Realistic Fiction. Raven has always been an outcast in “Dullsville.” She has also always wanted to be a vampire. When the Sterling family moves into the old house on the hill, people claim they are vampires. Raven has to find out the truth. -- Roxanne Leal, Kensington Park Library

Scott, Michael.  The Sorceress, Book 3 (Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series).  Fantasy. In the previous two books, the twins Sophie and Josh Newman are introduced to the world of magic, and not by choice. Nicholas Flamel is trying to help them survive and learn everything because they are thought to be the twins of a famous legend. Meanwhile, the Dark Elders are trying to capture them and rule the world once more. -- Sage, Rockville Library

Serros, Michelle.  Honey Blonde Chica.  Realistic Fiction. As little girls, Dee Dee, Evie, and Raquel had been best friends.  When Dee Dee moved away, Evie and Raquel became closer than ever, but now Dee Dee’s back (she calls herself Dela) and Evie really wants to regain her old friend Dee Dee. However, Dela has made friends with a different clique. -- Samantha Liming, Silver Spring Library

Shan, Darren.  Cirque du Freak: Sons of Destiny.  Fantasy. This last entry in Darren Shan’s saga depicts the final events leading to the showdown between Steve and Darren. Their purpose and destiny are shown and a better understanding of the series’ universe is created. -- Esme Moge, Olney Library

Shulman, Polly.  Enthusiasm.  Realistic Fiction. Julie’s best friend Ashleigh is an enthusiast with obsessions. Their latest craze is Julie’s favorite novel, Pride and Prejudice. The two girls speak in Austen-esque English, wear long gowns, and sneak into a boys’ private school to find their own Darcy and Bingley. -- Saachi Nangia, Potomac Library

*Smith, Ronald.  Peak.  Adventure. When Peak, 14, is caught climbing on a building, the jury banishes him to Tokyo with his dad for three years. Peak and his dad plan to climb Mt. Everest and now he is in a race with time to become the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest. -- Alan Dang, Quince Orchard Library

*Sparks, Nicholas.  A Walk to Remember.  Romance. Landon Carter, a senior in high school, is a bad boy who really does not care about anything other than his friends and family. He especially tries to avoid Jamie Sullivan, a good church girl whose father is a minister. But is it possible that Jamie is actually closer to him than he thinks? -- Asena Acar, Aspen Hill Library

Spelman, Lucy H. and Ted Y. Mashima.  The Rhino with Glue-on Shoes.  Non-fiction. Zookeepers and animal helpers each offer a story about special animals that stand out to them. There is a rhino with glue-on shoes, a deer with an ear-piercing, a frog on anesthesia, pink dolphins, and more! -- Eva Sandri, Silver Spring Library
 
*Spinelli, Jerry.  Smiles to Go.  Realistic Fiction. Will’s younger sister, called Tabby, always annoys him. Meanwhile, he starts liking one of his best friends, Mi-su. Will she be his girlfriend? When Will goes to his chess tournament and his parents leave Tabby with his aunt instead of taking her like they usually do, Tabby is furious. She tries skateboarding down Dead Man’s Hill and is badly hurt. Will Tabby be ok? -- Natasha Brennan, Little Falls Library

Springer, Nancy.  Dussie.  Fantasy. Medusa (Dussie) Gorgon wakes up one day with the worst bed head ever imagined – her hair has been replaced by snakes! She decides they need to go. Her mother explains that Dussie’s aunt (and namesake) is Medusa! Dussie hates her snakes and doesn’t want to go to school. But over time, she learns to love and deal with her snakes. Will Dussie choose to keep her snakes or set them free? -- Kate Gannon, Little Falls Library

*Staples, Suzanne Fisher.  Shiva’s Fire.  Fantasy. Pravati lives with her widowed mother, two brothers, uncle and jealous aunt in a small village in India. She is known for her special dancing talent that keeps her isolated from the rest of the villagers. When a famous guru invites her to study with him, she leaves everything behind to be what she dreamt to be. A whirlwind of adventure, romance, secrets and a prince makes this book an exhilarating read. -- Bethesda Library

*Steinbeck, John.  The Pearl.  Realistic Fiction. This book represents what money, power and fame can do to the mind. It is the story of Keno, a poor Latin American man, who needs money to care for his young child who is badly injured. He finds the pearl that will pay for a doctor but not necessarily save his child. -- Assia Lomme, Bethesda Library

*Swarup, Vikras.  Q & A (Also known as Slumdog Millionaire).   Realistic Fiction. Ram Mohammad Thomas, 18, has been accused of cheating on the show “Who Will Win a Billion?” He tells his lawyer stories of what has happened to him to explain how he answered all the questions on the show. -- Nursena Acar, Aspen Hill Library

Takahashi, Rumiko.  Inu Yasha, Vol. 35.  Graphic Novel. While the crew - Inu Yasha (a half demon), Kagome (a skilled arrow woman), Koga (leader of the Wolf Clan who has a crush on Kagome), Shippo (a demon who can change his form), Sango (a demon exterminator), and Miroku (a monk with a special power) - are traveling, they are attacked by demons made out of scraps. Will the crew survive? -- Nicole Nguyen, Marilyn J. Praisner Library

*Tolkien, J.R.R.  The Hobbit. Fantasy/Adventure. Bilbo Baggins, a shy, quiet Hobbit who hates adventure, is pulled into one involving 13 dwarves, a greedy dragon’s treasure and a magical ring, by the clever wizard Gandalf. -- Nursena Acar, Aspen Hill Library

*Tolkien, J.R.R.  The Return of the King.  Fantasy. In this thrilling and suspenseful conclusion to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Dark Lord Sauron has unleashed a powerful army against the warriors of the great city of Minas Tirith. The defenders’ last hope may be a pair of hobbits who have set out to destroy the One Ring - a powerful object that will spell doom for the world if it falls into the Dark Lord’s hands. -- Dhruv Shankar, Germantown Library

*Vande Velde, Vivian.  Heir Apparent.  SF. Giannine receives a $50 gift card for the Rasmussem Gaming Center from her dad for her 14th birthday. She gets into a game called Heir Apparent that has as many ways to win as there are ways to die, and she is stuck in this game because of the damaged equipment. She has to win the game to get out as fast as she can or damage herself too. -- Xinran Zheng, Twinbrook Library

*Verne, Jules. A Journey to the Center of the Earth.  Adventure. Join Professor Hardwigg as he makes shocking discoveries that lead him to the center of the Earth! Hardwigg, his cousin Harry, and an island guide journey into Earth’s center. But once they are in, there is no way out – so it seems. In this heart-pounding book they find out what it takes to survive thousands of feet below the surface. -- Erik de Weber, Olney Library

*Vizzini, Ned.  It’s Kind of a Funny Story.  Realistic Fiction. Craig Gilner needs to get into a good high school and get good grades so he can get into a good college so he can get a good job and have a good life. When Craig does get accepted into a good high school he finds that he’s merely average. He sinks into depression and checks himself into the adult psychiatric ward where he learns what a good life really is. -- Niki Maheshwari, Gaithersburg Library

*Wiesel, Elie.  Night.  Historical/Realistic Fiction. Eliezer, a 15-year-old Jewish teenager, relates what happened to him during the Holocaust. His story, almost exactly what the author experienced himself, accounts for his journey from his hometown of Sighet to Auschwitz-Birkenau and then Auschwitz-Monowitz (Buna). There, Eliezer sees the worst of mankind and begins to lose hope in himself, his survival, and God. -- Tiffany Sun, Rockville Library

Yang, Gene Luen.  American Born Chinese.  Graphic Novel. Three tales weave together to become one. In the first, the monkey king learns about the 12 disciplines of kung fu but creates chaos around him. His creator stops him by burying him in rocks. In the second, an old lady tells a lonely student named Jin that he can turn into anything he wants, so he becomes Danny. The final story is about Danny’s cousin, Chin-Kee, who attends the same school as Danny. -- Ryan, Rockville Library

*Zusak, Markus.  The Book Thief.  Historical Fiction/Fantasy. The narrator of this unusual WWII story is Death, depicted as world-weary and disturbed by humanity. Liesel and her little brother are on a train to their foster family living near Munich. Her brother dies and she steals a copy of “The Gravedigger’s Handbook,” which begins her interest in reading. Her foster parents hide a Jewish man in their cellar and he and Liesel become good friends. Liesel’s love of reading has an important impact on her life and survival. -- Astrid Lundberg, Bethesda Library