In England in 1995, fifteen-year-old Tamar, grief-stricken by the death of her grandfather, slowly begins to uncover the secrets of his life in the Dutch resistance and the climactic events that forever cast a shadow on his life and that of his family.

Liz says:

“Tamar is a story of espionage, betrayal, and love. Even when the action is somewhat predictable the results are not. This is a tremendous example of historical fiction, mystery and intrigue. The novel is told from 2 perspectives and switches between 1944 and 1995. This is not for someone who wants a fast, easy read. If you’re willing to give it the time it deserves, you will be justly rewarded by this exceptional book.”

Fourteen-year-old John creates alternative realities in his mind as he tries to deal with his mother’s abusive boyfriend, his crush on a beautiful, but shallow classmate and other problems at school.

Liz says:

“Right from the start, John catches the reader off guard as he directs his thoughts toward his mother. It’s almost as if this is told from a 4th person narration. This is a gripping story of mental and physical abuse and there are some harrowing scenes. It’s an amazing story with an amazing ending.”

Seventeen-year-old Vince’s life is constantly complicated by the fact that he is the son of a powerful Mafia boss, a relationship that threatens to destroy his romance with the daughter of an FBI agent.

Liz says:

“This hilariously funny book is a modern day version of Romeo & Juliet without the tough language and the horrific tragedy! You will be laughing from the first scene.” (Sequel – Son of the Mob: Hollywood Hustle)

After being assigned to perform community service at a nursing home, sixteen-year-old Alex befriends a cantankerous old man who has some lessons to impart about jazz guitar playing, love, and forgiveness.

Liz says:

“Sonnenblick’s ability to capture believable voices and to deliver a meaningful story is amazing. There’s some tough stuff in this book but its well worth it.”

Martyn Pig’s life goes from bad to worse when he accidentally kills his father, and he must choose whether to tell the police the truth about what happened and be suspected of murder, or he can get rid of the body and pretend nothing ever happened.

Liz says:

“ “This book is a great example of dark humor. It’s very entertaining and has a real twist. Kevin Brooks is an amazing author!”

Aging, reclusive author Vida Winter, having given out multiple versions of her life story over the years, decides to finally set the record straight and engages Margaret Lea, a London bookseller’s daughter, to write her biography, drawing the young woman into a tale of a governess, a ghost, a willful woman, feral twins, and a gothic mansion.

Liz says:

“This is a modern day gothic novel reminiscent of Jane Eyre. It’s told as a story within a story. It’s enjoyable but it’s not one of my favorites.”

While on trial as an accomplice to a murder, sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon records his experiences in prison and in the courtroom in the form of a film script as he tries to come to terms with the course his life has taken.

Liz says:

“Walter Dean Myers is one of the best authors for young adults. This is a masterpiece (note the 3 awards.) Myers used to be a journalist and interviewed a lot of criminals. In telling this story, Myers narrates the book in 2 totally distinct formats. We are shown Steve’s journal that he keeps in prison, allowing us to hear his voice and his inner thoughts. Then, we are shown a film transcript of the trial as recorded by Steve. Myers says that when he used to interview criminals they spoke of their crimes in the 3rd person and that is how he came up with the concept for this book. This, along with photographs by Myer’s son Christopher, makes for a poignant story of stereotypes and justice. This is a must read and I recommend it for 7th grade and up.”

Bobby’s carefree teenage life changes forever when he becomes a father and must care for his adored baby daughter.

Liz says:

“This is a little gem of a book. It’s a quick read – short & poignant.”

After being sold to a cruel couple in New York City, a slave named Isabel spies for the rebels during the Revolutionary War.

Liz says:

“This thoughtful and thought provoking novel sheds new light on both slavery in New York and the conflict between Loyalists and Patriots during the American Revolution. Anderson’s story is filled with unforgettable characters and amazing attention to historical detail.”

Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel–a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.

Liz says:

“This is a must read for high school students and adults. Savvy eighth graders could handle this masterpiece. This compelling, unique look at World War II, narrated by death, is layered with symbolism and harsh reality. Prepare for a life altering experience.”