Matt recommends "The Origins of the Urban Crisis: Race and Inequality in Postwar Detroit"

This book is thirteen years old, but remains an invaluable resource for students of metro-Detroit’s history. Thomas Sugrue traces in careful detail some of the various, complex social factors that led to the decline of Detroit and the rise of the suburbs. He pays particular attention to the devastating effects of discriminatory housing and employment practices, both official and grassroots, as well as deindustrialization and racial violence. The book is academic, but moves at a brisk pace and held my interest throughout. Readers will come away with a more nuanced understanding of a complicated, troubling time in recent history whose effects continue to shape our lives.

Jennifer recommends "Graceling"

In another land where people with different colored eyes a "graced" with a special talent, two of the most feared and respected come together and set out to save their world from corrupt kings. Readers will find themselves cheering for Katsa and Po to succeed. I have not read a book this excellent in a long time. I had a hard time putting this book down, not only because Katsa and Po are intriguing characters, but because the plot keeps you turning the pages. I loved this book and think it would be great for older teens or adults that love a good adventure with romance, struggle, a need to find out about yourself and some fantasy thrown in for good measure.

Deb recommends "Flygirl"

Ida Mae Jones faces more than the normal challenges of early women aviators, the prejudices of the South and the military to realize her dream. It’s 1941 and she wants to help the war effort not by collecting scrap metal and growing a victory garden but by becoming a pilot in the Women Airforce Service Program (WASP). Her daddy taught her to fly in his crop-dusting plane and she has the desire and determination that make her a good candidate. But the biggest hurdle is a personal one: she must pass for white. And with her light skin she just might be able to. In Flygirl Sherri Smith has crafted an exciting story about a little known part of our history during World War II. An afterword gives a brief history of the WASP. An excellent read for ages 12 and up; adults will enjoy it as well.

"The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel"

The Sorceress is the third book in the series of “The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel”.

Perenelle Flamel has been trapped on Alcatraz with a host of hibernating monsters. These monsters have been collected by “ The Elders” in an effort to retake the world from the humani.

Meanwhile Nicholas Flamel, Sophie and Josh, are trying to escape from England to rescue Perenelle. This book is as exciting and fast paced as the first two, The Alchemyst, and The Magcian. These are a little more edgy than Harry Potter.