Lexicon by Max Barry

As unlikely as it seems, this is a geeky word-nerd action-adventure novel with guns. Seriously!

A secret organization has discovered how to control people simply with language: using the right combination of sounds, and they can instantly hotwire your brain to believe anything or do anything they tell you. They call it "compromising" a person, and the expert practitioners of this art are called poets.

This is a fast-moving, hard to put down book. The story shifts around in time a bit, so you're often uncertain if the events are now, later, or before - which adds to the suspense. What students we meet will eventually become the poets? What on earth did they unleash in Australia? Seriously, a WORD could do that?!?

It's very good, and moves along quickly. Once I finally picked it up, I read it in just 2 days.

The Wonder Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Kids and adults in love with grammar, punctuation, puns, and poetry will get a giggle out of this silly collection.

Rosenthal compiled anagrams, wrote punny little pieces and amused herself with various silliness - then illustrator Paul Schmid ran wild to add simple yet detailed black and white doodles.

Better for slightly older kids who'll get the joke, but most fun to share and enjoy together!

"It All Changed In An Instant" - More Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous & Obscure

The premise is simple: six words. Tell a story, summarize your life, or make a statement - in no more than six words.

Word geeks and those with lively imaginations will enjoy any of the books in this series (this is the third collection). Some of the pieces are heartbreaking, some funny, a few are cryptic. All in just six words.

I guarantee, it will get you thinking. Teachers have begun to use the form to instruct on storytelling and brevity. What will yours say?