The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass

Hardcover, 323 pages

Published May 6th 2014 by HarperTeen

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

When this book came out, I had three of my students at my door the next morning asking, "DID YOU GET IT?" I was (admittedly) confused because I didn't know what they were talking about. Again, I was late getting to this amazing novel (sorry again), so I didn't have it with me. They were not happy. One went and bought it that afternoon, read it, and then shared it with the others. I had let them down. :( They forgave me though as long as I promised to read this series first in my summer reads and I did!!
 
As many recommendations as I give to my students, they give me just as many good ones!!

The ending of this series could not have had more drama, nail biting action, and eyebrow raising moments I don't think. Just when I thought I knew how it was all going to go down, it was all turned upside down and rolled around. When a novel can keep you on the edge of your seat, you know it is a great one. This amazing conclusion did just that. I loved this series from start to finish and hate to see it end. I will gladly have this series displayed on my shelves first thing next year and already have some kiddos in mind who I know will love it! 

Make sure to check out Kiera Cass on her website to find out more about her and her books. 

Happy reading!

The Guard (The Selection #2.5) by Kiera Cass

ebook, 64 pages

Published February 4th 2014 by HarperCollins

Before America Singer met Prince Maxon . . .
Before she entered the Selection . . .
She was in love with a boy named Aspen Leger.

Don't miss this digital original novella set in the captivating world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection trilogy. This brand new 64-page story begins just after the group of Selected girls is narrowed down to the Elite and is told from Aspen's point of view. The Guard also features a teaser to The One, the thrilling conclusion to The Selection trilogy. 

As a teacher, I love teaching about how point of view and perspective can make or break a story. Someone who you view as an enemy could become a hero once you find out what was going on with them during that crucial scene. Getting to know Aspen through this little treasure has definitely opened my eyes to him as a character and given me more to think of. I do think I know who I want America to choose, but maybe now I have changed my mind... or maybe not!

Happy reading!

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published April 23rd 2013 by HarperTeen

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

I am so glad that I didn't have to wait on this one to be published because it would have KILLED me! I love how this series captivates what many teenage girls have to deal with- maybe not on the level of becoming a princess, but the whole idea of making choices that will impact the rest of your life. Sometimes teenagers forget that the little things that they do have lasting impressions, but America knows that her decision on where her heart really lies is going to have a major impact- and not just on her. 

I love that this book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was rooting for America, scared at the possibilities of what was to come, and now I am ready to see what happens in the conclusion of the series (maybe... I really don't want it to end). This novel had the right amount of action, love, suspense, and drama and the subtle cliffy... superb! 

The next one in the series is the novella The Guard, so I am headed that way!

Happy reading!!

The Prince (The Seleciton 0.5) by Kiera Cass

ebook, 64 pages

Published March 5th 2013 by HarperTeen

Before thirty-five girls were chosen to compete in the Selection...

Before Aspen broke America's heart...

There was another girl in Prince Maxon's life...

This little gem is just what I love to read. I loved getting to see Prince Maxon's point of view of The Selection. Getting a little insight into how he views what is going on and getting a little back story is great. It will definitely give insight to what is going on and help you see how he will be as a leader!!

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published April 24th 2012 by HarperTeen 

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

I have a dedicated group of girls who have been after me to read this series, and I don't know why I have been putting it off.  There is no good excuse. First of all, this is from the mind of a local gal and I love supporting my local authors. Secondly, I have no secondly.... I am just sorry I waited this long to start them. But at the same time, if it was during school I wouldn't have been able to read them so fast. 

America Singer is a girl that most can relate to. She is happy where she is even though she knows that life could be much better if she was in a different situation. She loves Aspen and is happy to be where she is despite the negative things that seem to get in her way. Her seemingly content life totally changes though with the announcement of The Selection. Now she faces a whole new struggle that isn't so private because she is on camera fighting for Prince Maxon's affection- if she really wants it or not is another issue. 

This book is the start to an amazing series. I was hooked from the beginning and didn't stop for the next two days... seriously.... I read the whole series in two days!! To say that I liked it would be an understatement. One good thing about not reading them when they came out is that I didn't have to wait until the next book came out. I just had to either run to my shelf (because I had them in my classroom library.. I know, shameful) or hit "download" from Amazon... which I totally did! This is another great series to add to my list of recommendations!