Philip, an adolescent white boy who is blinded in a torpedo attack at sea during World War II, acquires a new type of vision, courage, and love when he is stranded on a tiny Caribbean island with Timothy, a kind, elderly black man.

Liz says:

“This is one of the best survival stories and one of the best historical fiction books for young readers. This is an unforgettable read – a classic!”

Presents an historical fiction written in first-person format that follows Emma, the slave of Pierce Butler, through a series of events in her life as her master hosts the largest slave auction in American history in Savannah, Georgia in 1859 in order to pay off his mounting gambling debts.

Liz says:

“Master storyteller, Julius Lester, takes a real moment in history and brings it to life in this compelling book told through dialogue and reflections (interludes). Prepare to cry!”

In alternating chapters, two teenagers describe how their feelings about themselves, each other, and their families have changed over the years.

Liz says:

“What seems like a very simple story at first ends up being an amazingly insightful book. Below the surface there are several side stories that uncover deep feelings and emotions. In addition to Bryce and Julie learning about their feelings for each other, the reader is shown what is really going on in their lives. There are some heartbreaking scenes (with Julie’s uncle) and some hilarious scenes (with chickens and more…).”

Rachel, having chosen to be mute following the sudden death of a classmate, shares responsibility with the other sixth-graders who decide not to report that the substitute teacher failed to show up.

Liz says:

“As this 6th grade class goes through their day without a teacher, they uncover and discover much about themselves as individuals and as a class.”

Given his lifetime assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas becomes the receiver of memories shared by only one other in his community and discovers the terrible truth about the society in which he lives.

Liz says:

“This is a masterfully written book about a dystopian society; it is absolutely a classic. (There are 2 companion books: Gathering Blue and Messenger. They are less compelling but for fans of The Giver you will find answers to all of the questions you are sure to be left with.) I think this is best read from 6th grade up but many 5th graders do read it. Parents will want to read this as well!”

Seventeen-year-old Josh, a loner-philosopher who wants to make a difference in the world, tries to maintain his secret identity as the author of a web site that is receiving national attention.

Liz says:

“This is a perfect book for 7th grade. The premise is so believable that you have to remind yourself that it’s fiction. Josh is a very interesting character with an amazing message to the world. He feels that as a society we are too caught up in material goods and are entirely too commercial. His vehicle for spreading his message is through sermons that he publishes on the Internet under his assumed name, Larry. As the site gains phenomenal attention, someone wants to figure out and expose who the real “Larry” is. This will prove very problematic for Josh/Larry. The format of the book is quite unique – it’s a journal with footnotes. Kids absolutely love this book!!!!”

As further evidence of his family’s bad fortune which they attribute to a curse on a distant relative, Stanley Yelnats is sent to a hellish correctional camp in the Texas desert where he finds his first real friend, a treasure, and a new sense of himself.

Liz says:

“This very popular book (which was made into a movie) is universally loved. It’s a must read!”

In a future where humans despise clones, Matt enjoys special status as the young clone of El Patron, the one hundred forty-two-year-old leader of a corrupt drug empire nestled between Mexico and the United States.

Liz says:

“While younger kids may read this book, I think it is best read late in the 6th grade year or in 7th grade. Understanding the concept of cloning is crucial to really understanding the book. This is an incredibly well-written and intelligent book. It is also amazingly entertaining and suspenseful. There are very few books that have received 3 major awards. (Monster by Walter Dean Myers would be another example). The awards are well deserved.”

When twelve-year-old Hugo, an orphan living and repairing clocks within the walls of a Paris train station in 1931, meets a mysterious toy seller and his goddaughter, his undercover life and his biggest secret are jeopardized.

Liz says:

“This just might be the most unique book I’ve ever read. Told alternately with text and pictures, this story unfolds like an old-fashioned black and white movie. Hugo takes the reader on an adventure and shows how he survives as an orphan living in a Paris train station and solves a mystery that is connected to his father, a seemingly strange toy-seller, and film making.”

While living with her uncle in a house haunted by the ghost of a young woman, recently orphaned Judith Sparrow wonders if her one small transgression causes mysterious happenings.

Liz says:

“When I first started to read this, I never imagined that I would actually get scared, but I did! You have been warned.”