Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

Joey Pigza has ADHD and his condition causes him a lot of trouble at home and at school.  With the help of his mom and some caring teachers, Joey tries to get control of his life.  But, is he too late?

This is a remarkable book written from the perspective of a boy who is powerless over his impulses.  Very disturbing at times, this book is also full of hope.  Appropriate for all tweens.

Granni Torrelli Makes Soup

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech

I love, love, love this book!  Rosie is a passionate girl with strong emotions.  Whether she is trying to help, like by training a guide dog for her best friend, or she is holding a grudge, because he won't do what she wants, Rosie feels and does everything to the extreme!  Thank goodness for the calm and reassuring lessons of her Granny Torrelli!  A lovely book full of humor and family and the warmth of good Italian cooking.  Must-Read!

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg
by Rodman Philbrick

Trying to rescue his older brother from the Civil War, Homer P. Figg goes on a whopping adventure joining a traveling circus; riding in a train, a boat, and a hot-air balloon; making a number of friends; and narrowly escaping some very dangerous situations.  This is a funny book with an endearing protagonist who tells a dubious tale of courage and love with a realistic voice.  A must-read! 

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Title:   Rules
Author:  Cynthia Lord
Publication Date: 2006

Told from the perspective of a young girl named Catherine, this is a touching story of courage, acceptance, and friendship.  Catherine's younger brother is Autistic and she feels embarrased of him because of the way people stare when they are together.  Her fear of being judged causes her to deny her friendship with a boy who sits in a wheelchair.  Interestng discussions.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Title: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Author: Grace Lin
Publication Date: 2009

Another must-read book!  Minli is a poor farmer's daughter who dreams of changing her family's fortune by meeting the fabled Old Man of the Moon!  The likelihood that she'll succeed on her mission is slim, unless you believe in magic, and faith, and courage, and thankfulness!  I certainly am thankful that I came across this Newbery Honor book!

Among the Hidden

Title: Among the Hidden
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Publication Date: 1998

One of the best books I've read in a long time!  After a period of mass famine where hundred starved to death, the Government imposes major controls on the people of the United States.  One of these, is limiting all families to two children under the threat of death.  When Luke, a third "illegal" child discovers another shadow child in his neighborhood, his whole life changes.  I was in suspense the entire time I read this book.  It was gripping and very thought provoking!

A classic: Bridge to Terabithia

Title:  A Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson
Publication Date: 1977

An oldie, but a goodie!  I'd never read A Bridge to Terabithia before, but when I finally did, I loved it!  I always thought it was about a magical place, but it was really about love and loss, family and friendship, boys and girls.  Newbery Award Medal.

Title:  A Monster Calls
Author:  Patrick Ness
Publication Date: 2011

13-year-old Conor's mother has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.  Now,  he must contend with his confusing emotions about his mom, his seemingly cold-hearted grandmother, and his absent father, in addition to dealing with the pity and alienation he feels at school.  All of this strain causes nightmares that Conor can hardly believe.  His nightmares scare him.  They turn him into a violent and uncontrollable child.  They haunt him.  And, eventually, his nightmares save his life.  In a gripping and moving work, A Monster Calls is a must-read for anyone going through any major life-change!

The Wizard of Dark Street--an Oona Crate Mystery

Title:  The Wizard of Dark Street--an Oona Crate Mystery
Author:  Shawn Thomas Odyssey
Publication Date:  2011

I loved The Wizard of Dark Street!  It is funny, and smart, and mysterious.  Oona Crate is The Wizard's apprentice.  She lives in a magical town called Dark Street that lies in between the magical realm and the real world, and she is a natural magician.  Even though she doesn't have to study magic like everyone else, she wants nothing to do with it.  Instead, she wants to be a detective.  Just as she is about to disavow her magical upbringing, her uncle The Wizard disappears in a shroud of intrigue.  To bring him back and save Dark Street, Oona must rely on her dectective skills and her magical abilities.  Does Oona have what it takes?   To find out, read the book!