Olivetti

Allie Millington

Ernest is an introverted middle-schooler whose Mom runs away. With the help of a “talking” typewriter named Olivetti and a dumpster diving friend, Quinn, Ernest follows a series of clues to find his Mom and why she ran away. The chapters in Olivetti’s voice are especially entertaining.  
Ages 8-12

-Carole

When We Had Summer

Jennifer Castle

The self-named Summer Sisters, a group of four 9th graders whose families had been meeting at the shore
for as long as they can remember, always completed a bucket list of dares/activities each summer before
the start of school. Their leader and instigator was Carly. She came up with the list and took charge of
keeping it safe and monitoring the progress of its completion. The list and the closeness that the girls
shared each summer meant everything to them. But one day after they had all gone back to their
respective homes and schools, news came that Carly had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly --
shattering their world and sending each into a tunnel of grief. The remaining part of the story explores the following summer and how each Summer Sister deals with the ensuing feelings of loss, and how to carry on in the face of sadness and change, while still trying to find a fitting way to honor their late friend. This novel could probably be described as a 'coming of age' story as each character is changed and matures over the course of one very important summer.
Ages: Teens 13 and up
-Nancy

the house swap

Yvette Clark

Allie lives in a quaint English cottage out in sheep country with her raucous and eccentric family, while Sage, an only child who sees her parents slowly drifting apart, resides in a large swanky home in L.A. These girls’ lives seem worlds apart, so what happens when life throws a curve-ball and circumstances throw them into a situation where both families swap homes (and lifestyles) for a week? The phrase ”culture shock” comes to mind! Add in a twist of fate that enables both girls to actually spend enough time together to find out they have more in common than they thought. Add in a spying mission and a family mystery and you have a totally
enjoyable read filled with interesting characters and family dynamics. Aimed at readers aged 8-12, the story drives home the fact that not every situation is under your control, and sometimes you have to challenge yourself to be brave...and when you do, you’ll see things in a new and different light.
--Nancy

Simon Sort Of Says

Erin Bow

Simon has just moved to Grin and Bear It, Nebraska, a town with no internet, cell phones or TVs due to the radio astronomers there who are searching the skies for alien life. As scientists hope for a sign of extraterrestrial intelligence, Simon is desperate to fly under the radar due to a traumatic event that happened at his previous school. With the help of some science-y new friends, a dog, a microwave, and a whole menagerie of farm animals with big personalities, Simon will eventually find the courage to confront his past. I laughed, I cried, I learned many “disgusting facts.” You’ll have to read it to see what I mean!
Ages 8-12

-Valerie

dragged from under: the bull shark

Joseph Monninger

Sixth-grader Barn Whimbrell is an expert on fish, especially sharks. When a lethal shark attack occurs close to home he is compelled to investigate. Why are these dangerous bull sharks invading this quiet area? An exciting read, Barn and his friends are super smart and the adults are okay, too. Recommended for shark lovers.

-Carole

All Thirteen

Christina Soontornvat

The harrowing plight of the young boy's soccer team and their coach in Thailand, trapped in a cave with water rising caught the world's attention, and is detailed here with behind-the-scenes stories and the empathy of an author with Thai roots. 10,000 people who volunteered their time, risked their lives, and jeopardized their livelihoods accomplished a miracle. This amazing story will leave you with immense gratitude for the many good people in our world.

-Marcia

Other Words for Home

Jasmine Warga

Jude and her mother come to Ohio when her hometown in Syria becomes unsafe. Her beloved dad and brother remain behind. As Jude starts her new life in America, celebrating new customs and friends (some funny, some serious), she stays close in spirit to people back home. A life-affirming read.


-Marcia

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Ransom Riggs     

When 16-year old Jacob's grandfather dies under mysterious circumstances, he begins to discover occurrences without logical explanation. He finds a sign his grandfather left telling him to visit an old children's home, but no one has lived there for over 50 years. As Jacob unravels the mystery, he uncovers another mystical world he never knew existed, and how he must use his own extraordinary abilities to protect it.

-Ava

Skyward

Brandon Sanderson

Spensa Nightshade (Spin) is part of a shipwrecked colony of humans on a ruined world called Detrius, under constant attack from a mysterious alien race called the Krell. As a hopeful Defiant Defense Force pilot recruit, she must navigate social hierarchies, opposition from superiors, and an inexplicable legacy left by her father. Join Spin and her companions on a fantastic adventure through space to discover the identity of the Krell and the truth of their past. A wonderful read for a teen (or adult) science fiction fan.

-Oliver

harbor me

Jacqueline Woodson

Six middle schoolers spend one hour every Friday afternoon in a special room without adults. Over the course of a year these students open up to each other about personal and emotional issues.

Recommended if you are looking for a book that addresses diversity and important timely topics.

-Carole

the bridge home

Padma Venkatraman

Four homeless kids struggle to survive on the streets in India. These young people are resourceful and watch out for each other as families do. You’ll feel a roller coaster of emotions reading this. A great choice if you want something outside your own experiences.

-Carole

the trail

Meika Hashimoto

Twelve year old Toby is determined to hike a 400 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail to fulfill a promise to his best friend. He is faced with unexpected and dangerous situations, which force him to take charge when he is used to being “the quiet one.” He makes interesting new friends along the way, both human and canine.

Recommended for lovers of adventure and survival stories.

-Carole

the miscalculations of lightning girl

Stacy McAunulty

Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning when she was 8 years old. It turned her into a math genius with unusual tendencies that keep her from wanting to be around peers. She has been homeschooled by her grandma. Now, at the age of 12, she is ready for college but her grandma says she first has to do the following: go to middle school for 1 year, read 1 book that is not a math text, make 1 friend and join 1 activity. And the story begins. This is a nice story about friendship and quirks and trying to fit in.

Grades 4-6

-Ann

nevermoor

Jessica Townsend

Morrigan Crow is a cursed child, doomed to die on her eleventh birthday. A mysterious stranger, Jupiter North, rescues her in a daring manner and takes her to the secret, magical land of Nevermoor. Here she has to compete with hundreds of others in a series of four trials for a place in the prestigious Wunder Society. All the other candidates have a talent or gift, but what is Morrigan’s? A coming-of-age story in a fantasy world. Harry Potter fans will like this book.

-Carole

antipodes

Michele Bacon

What a refreshing story for young adults and adults as well. Erin is sent to New Zealand to study abroad by her helicopter mother as another item on her Ivy League College Application. She is also trying to escape from recent video at a party. What Erin finds couldn’t be further from her mother’s wishes as she slowly remembers who she was before becoming everything her mother wants her to be.  

-Ann

you'll miss me when i'm gone

Rachel Lynn Solomon

What an incredible story! Twin Jewish teens are torn apart after having genetic testing done. Their mother suffers from Huntington's, which is a rare and debilitating disease. The girls get tested as they turn 18. The results push the once close twins apart and bring out the worst in each as they wrestle with guilt and resentment. Their behaviors are both deplorable and inexcusable – but it is hard to imagine how any of us would deal with these results. Can their once close bond ever be restored? (Ages 14 and up)

-Ann

goodbye days

Jeff Zetner

This is the story of Carver Briggs, a teenager who sent a text to his three best friends as they were driving home. They crashed into a parked semi and were killed. Carver is eaten up with guilt and there is plenty of blame from the bereaved families to make it worse. 

I like the writing in this book, it's modern and fresh. The teens feel real in the way they speak and act. It's an emotional read and a page turner. If you liked John Green's books I think you'll enjoy this. 

-Carole

A land of permanent goodbyes

Atia Abawi

This is the story of Tareq and his family as they flee Syria after a bomb destroys their house. We all know about the Syrian crisis from the media, but this book brings it up close and personal. We follow Tareq on his horrendous journey over land and sea and experience the refugee camps through his eyes. The volunteers are also a big part of the story with their kindness to the refugees from Syria and Afghanistan. "Destiny" is the narrator, similar to the technique used in The Book Thief. The book is emotional and dark, but not without hope. There's a wonderful quote used from Mr. Rogers which refers to disasters: "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."

If you like The Kite Runner, you'll like this. Recommended for teens. 

-Carole

EVERY FALLING STAR

Sungju Lee

 A fast-paced action-packed story that reads like a dystopian novel but is in fact a memoir of a young North Korean boy. When Sungju is twelve his upper class family is banished from the capital to the north and is forced to live in hardship. Sungju’s parents both leave to find food, promising to return but do not. Left to fend for himself, Sungju forms a gang and becomes a thief to survive. The boys face death every day by starvation, rival gangs, torture and even execution. The reader learns much about the difficulties of life in North Korea Sometimes it’s hard to believe this story is true.

-Carole

THE SECRETS OF BLUEBERRIES, BROTHERS, MOOSE & ME

Sara Nickerson

Twelve-year-old Missy and her older brother get a summer job picking blueberries at a local farm. Missy is looking for a distraction because her two best friends are away at camp and her father is getting married. She is not a fan of change and wants life back like it used to be. There are many surprises in store for Missy and soon she learns some very special things about life and herself. You will definitely want a bowl of blueberries to nibble on as you read the wonderful descriptions of the blueberry fields.

-Ann

ELeANOR & PARK

Rainbow Rowell

Two misfits who sit together on the bus become friends through comic books and music. Over the course of a year they also experience first love. He comes from a loving family and hers is terribly dysfunctional. It is a well-written story about love, trust, and loss. There is some strong language so it is more suitable for mature readers.

-Ann

Dark Energy

Robinson Wells

Aliens have crash-landed in Minnesota! Seventeen-year-old Alice’s father is a NASA director assigned to investigate. Alice is forced to relocate from Florida and enroll at Minnetonka Boarding School for the Gifted and Talented. This book doesn’t trivialize the tragic event and the fact that there are aliens to deal with. But it manages to keep a light tone through Alice, the narrator. She’s a rich kid but she has her heart and a sassy sense of humor. Two human-like aliens are assigned to the school to help interrogate the refugees. Alice and her new academically brilliant friends are welcoming to the two. All goes well until a second fleet arrives.

-Carole

Hour of the bees

Lindsay Edgar

Twelve-year-old Carolina has never embraced her Mexican heritage but that begins to change when she meets her grandfather for the first time. The family is preparing to move him from his sheep ranch to a home for people with dementia. Interspersed with the action is a magical story of a lake, a tree, immortality, and, of course, bees. The line between fantasy and fiction becomes enchantingly blurred. Great for fans of Tuck Everlasting and Esperanza Rising.

-Carole

All rise for the honorable perry t. cook

Leslie Connor

Perry Cook is  11-years-old and has lived his entire life at the Blue River Correctional Facility in Surprise, Nebraska where his Mom is an inmate. Warden Daugherty is responsible for allowing Perry and his Mom to be together. Everything changes when the District Attorney Mr. Van Leer finds out about it. Perry is forced to move in with the Van Leer family until his Mom’s parole. Perry is an extremely likeable character who looks for the good in everyone and ends each day by making note of the positive things that happened - his “wins.” There’s no doom and gloom here or harsh lessons to be learned. This is a story filled with optimism and hope, the importance of family and what home really means. 
   Ages 8-12

-Carole

MY NAME IS NOT FRIDAY

John Walter

Samuel is a good boy living with his younger brother in an orphanage during the Civil War. He is captured, renamed Friday and sold as a slave to a Mississippi cotton plantation owner. Friday discovers that the slaves are forbidden to read and write so he sets about teaching them. Although he cares deeply for his new friends he never forgets his brother and when he sees a chance to escape he takes it. This novel is filled with great characters, and is a good introduction to the Civil War and Slavery. There are scenes of violence but also many uplifting ones. I was reminded of Twelve Years a Slave but this book is targeted to a younger audience. 
     Ages 12 -16

-Carole

SIX OF CROWS

Leigh Bardugo

 A spin-off from the Grisha Trilogy, but it’s not necessary to read those first. The novel opens in the bustling harbor city of Ketterdam, populated with wealthy merchants, gang bosses, and thieves. Trade is a thriving business, legitimate or otherwise with rival gangs vying for the most profitable deals. This is a heist story. The main character, Kaz is hired to break into the most secure prison in the world to free a magician/scientist who has a secret formula for a magical super-drug. He can’t do it alone so recruits five other gang members each with their own unique skill. All the characters are fully fleshed-out and have interesting back-stories. The plot is told from the point of view of each one. Many things do not go according to plan along the way. This is no light-hearted romp but is dangerously exciting. You’ll be holding your breath and rooting for the team to succeed.
     Ages 12 & up

-Carole

THE GREAT GOOD SUMMER

Liz Garton Scanlon

Twelve-year-old Ivy Green’s summer is off to a very bad start when her mother runs off to the Great Good Bible Church of Panhandle, Florida with a preacher named Hallelujah Dave. Ivy’s friend Paul Dobbs is not enjoying his summer break either. The Space Shuttle Program has been closed down and his lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut has been crushed. The two of them come up with a plan to find Ivy’s mama and make a detour to Cape Canaveral to say good-bye to the shuttle. Ivy is a no-nonsense kind of girl who says exactly what she thinks and Paul is practical and scientific in his ways. Their journey has mishaps and dangers and you will laugh and cry along the way. 
     If you liked Winn-Dixie you’ll love this one. 
     Ages 8-12

-Carole

FISH IN A TREE

Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Ally covers up her inability to read by acting up and getting sent to the principal’s office regularly. She has been able to fool her various teachers over the years because her family moves often due to her father being in the military. In walks Mr. Daniels, her new teacher, who picks up on her intelligence as well as her inability to read. This books deals with how difficult it is to not fit in, as well as how three friends who are bullied bond and form a strong friendship. I love the quote in the front jacket: “Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.” I highly recommend this book. 
     Ages 10 and up 

-Ann

We Were Liars

E. Lockhart 

I read this one in an afternoon. I kept thinking I would only read one more chapter but the chapters were short and I couldn’t put it down. The books is written from the voice of Cadence and what went horribly wrong that wonderful summer. When you finish reading this book, you will keep thinking about the clues you missed. The book touches on prejudice, power, greed, and the truth that family dysfunction and drama does not exclude the wealthy and privileged. 
     Grades 9 and up

–Ann 

THE MOUSE WITH THE QUESTION MARK TAIL

Richard Peck

Award-winning author Richard Peck brings us a charming tale about Mouse Minor. As a mouse of questionable descent, he scraps constantly with "mice of merit and rodents of rank." On the eve of Queen Victoria's 60-year Jubilee we learn about the nobility and their twin mice, who are forever only a whisker away. The story ends, of course, with a question mark. This is a new chapter book that will delight any reader, but especially those in the 8-12 year old group. 

-Sandy

ONE AND ONLY IVAN

Katherine Applegate

Ivan is a gorilla at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade and rarely misses or even remembers life before there. He is friends with Stella (elephant) and Bob (stray dog). To increase dwindling profits, the owner buys Ruby – a young elephant. Ruby becomes attached to Stella and the others but misses her birth family. Stella asks Ivan to promise her something and Ivan agrees. He worries however, that he will not be able to keep his promise to Stella until he gets an idea while painting and seeing the world through Ruby’s eye. . .This is a truly heartwarming story for any animal lover. 
       Ages 8 & up

-Ann

THE LEMONADE WAR

Jacqueline Davier

Fourth-grade Evan is good with people but not so much with academics. Second-grade Jessie (his sister) is good with math but struggles with understanding people. They get along until a letter arrives in the mail. Now begins the lemonade war! Each competes with the other to make the most profit in the remaining days before school. Filled with many great business tips and even math problems, this book will keep you turning pages to see what happens next.
     Ages 9 & up

-Ann

LIAR & SPY

Rebecca Stead

Seventh-grader Georges’s life seems to be heading downhill fast. His architect father has lost his job due to the economic crash, his parents have had to sell the family house and move to an apartment building, and to make matters worse, Georges has become the target of two bullies at his middle school. One day, a mysterious note on a door in the building’s basement announces a meeting of the “Spy Club.” This turns out to be the ticket to a grand adventure filled with quirky characters and a good-sized dose of mystery. As things progress, Georges will find that sometimes there can be a thin line between deception and truth. Throw in a few surprises at the end, and you have a very satisfying read!
     Grade level: 4th & up

-Nancy

THE FALSE PRINCE

Jennifer Nielsen

Can a book be mysterious, riveting and fun all at the same time? This is all those things and more! Sage is a street-smart orphan who is suddenly plucked from his familiar life of hand-to-mouth existence by a passing nobleman who has ulterior motives for wanting a boy who can be trained to impersonate the kingdom’s murdered prince. Three boys are found who resemble the prince, but only one will successfully make it through the training to be presented at court as the real heir to the throne. . . the other two boys will die. The farther the training progresses, the more apparent it becomes that deceit and treachery are just the tip of the iceberg, and Sage is caught in a trap far more urgent and important than anyone could imagine. An absolute page-turner, with a second installment coming in March of 2013. The story continues!
     Grade level: 7th & up

-Nancy

SHELTER

Harlan Coben

Mickey Bolitar’s dad has died in a car crash and his mom is in rehab.  And if dealing with a new school and living with his Uncle Myron isn’t enough, his new girlfriend Ashley disappears.  He sets out to discover a maze of secrets, deceit and shocking events that will make him question what is real – both about Ashley and his own father. This is a scary. twisting and turning mystery that I couldn’t put down! Thank goodness there is a sequel. Mature Themes. 
     Ages 15 & up

-Judi

13 GIFTS

Wendy Mass

Wendy Mass does it again! The third in the series that includes 11 Birthdays and 12. Finally, this new one features a girl who is stuck with her cousin’s family for the summer. Little does she realize that she is in for a wild time that includes new friends, a baffling mystery, and a lesson that she won’t soon forget. Add a good dash of humor and you will not want to put this one down. 

-Judi

THE CABINET OF EARTHS

Anne Nesbet

Maya and little brother James have arrived in Paris with their parents. Right away Maya begins to sense that there is something strange going on, and she is right in the middle of it. Her investigations reveal a beautiful cabinet, a very old man, an enchanted house and a sinister underground, which enhances some people’s lives and sucks the life out of unfortunate victims. Can she stop the madness or will she become imprisoned by it?

-Judi

AND BOTH WERE YOUNG

Madeline L'engle

Philipa Hunter, or Flip, has been whisked away to a boarding school in Switzerland. Feeling abandoned and out of place, she adjusts poorly until she meets Paul. He becomes her friend and confidante, and eventually her struggles lessen. But Paul has a dark secret, and in an effort to help him, Flip puts herself in a dangerous situation. Self-awareness, intrigue and first love combine to make a satisfying read. 

-Judi

THE MAZE RUNNER

James Dashner

Thomas wakes up to discover his memory is gone and he is among a group of teenage boys in The Maze, a terrifying, controlled environment with mile-high walls and evil creatures that lurk in darkness. It’s a race against time as they desperately try to solve the mystery of the maze in the hope to escape with their lives. 

-Hannah

THE SCORCH TRIALS

James Dashner

The Maze was only the beginning. . . and the survivors now find themselves in a more desperate world than ever! Thomas and his friends are at the mercy of WICKED, a mysterious organization of scientists bent on testing them to their limits. A great book 2 in The Maze Runner Trilogy. 

-Hannah

THEODORE BOONE: KID LAWYER (SERIES)

John Gresham

Thirteen-year-old Theo has everything going for him. His parents allow him a closet office in the back of their law firm where he counsels his friends through a range of legal issues, from divorcing parents, custody, and even illegal immigration. Suddenly, he finds himself in the middle of a murder trial holding crucial information. Full of intrigue and suspense, the surprise ending leads us to believe that we have not heard the last from Theo!

-Sandy

THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA

Tom Angleberger

Dwight is the school weirdo. When he comes into school with a talking, advice-giving origami Yoda on his finger, Dwight becomes an instant celebrity! This story is unique. Read this, you must. Laugh you will!

-Judi

A NORTHERN LIGHT

Jennifer Donnelly

A riveting based-on-a-true-story mystery is mixed with an engaging coming-of-age tale, with a little romance thrown in. Mattie Gokey is 16 when she finds herself motherless, poor, working at the Glenmore Hotel, and in the center of a grim murder plot. Ages 14 & up.

-Judi

PEAK

Roland Smith

In this high-altitude adventure, 14-year-old Peak Marcello's passion for climbing is clearly in the genes, but when he is arrested for scaling tall buildings, his mom and stepdad ship him to his father in the Himalayas where he has the chance to become the youngest person to ever scale Mount Everest. A well-crafted plot and exotic setting give the novel great appeal to survival adventure fans.

-Lynn

11 BIRTHDAYS

Wendy Mass

Amanda isn’t looking forward to her 11th birthday, especially since her ex-life-long-friend Leo is having the very cool party that same day. Oh well, it’ll be over soon, right? NOT! Repeating a really good day might be great, but repeating this crummy birthday 11 times??  What’s going on?! This turns out to be a weird, funny and heart-warming wild ride!!

-Judi

THE WHITE GIRAFFE

Lauren St. John

When Martine loses her parents in a tragic accident, she is shipped off to Africa to live with her grandmother on a wildlife preserve. She learns about the mythical & secretive White Giraffe. Join Martine on her exciting but dangerous mission to uncover the truth. A lovely, fanciful tale for ages 8 & up. 

-Judi

DOLPHIN SONG

Lauren St. John

In this sequel to St. John’s White Giraffe, Martine’s class takes a field trip off the coast of Africa. There Martine falls in love with the gentle spirit and beautiful ways of the dolphins. When a storm ravages their boat, Martine and her classmates become castaways on a supposedly desert island. Now they face a sinister plot while fighting for their own survival. This book celebrates loyalty, resourcefulness, and the wondrous relationship between humans and animals. 

-Judi

THE LAST LEOPARD

Lauren St. John

Martine discovers more of her destiny in this wonderful third book in the White Giraffe series. On her summer vacation, Martine finds herself in Zimbabwe on a desperate mission to save a rare leopard believed to be the key to finding an ancient treasure. Pitted against unscrupulous treasure seekers and poachers, she and her best friend Ben must rely on their bush skills as well as their friendship to save the day.

-Judi

NOBODY'S PRINCESS

Esther Friesner

Although she is destined to become Queen of Sparta, Helen is not your typical Princess. She prefers sword-play to embroidery, and longs for the kind of adventures that boys are allowed to do. How can she escape the confines of palace walls to follow her heart? This historical fiction explores the life of the young Helen of Troy. Ages 12 & up

-Judi