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.”

Thirteen-year-old Kit goes to live with his grandfather in the decaying coal mining town of Stoneygate, England, and finds both the old man and the town haunted by ghosts of the past.

Liz says:

“Three stories are woven together so beautifully and seamlessly that when you finish reading this book, you will feel like you’ve been through a very strange and awesome experience. Kit’s world is filled with harsh realities, mystical stories and ghosts. This is a complicated book and is a bit dark. I would recommend this book to strong readers who don’t mind eerie stories. I loved it and think David Almond is one of the best writers for young adults.”

Percy, expelled from six schools for being unable to control his temper, learns the truth from his mother that his father is the Greek god Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half Blood where he is befriended by a satyr and the demigod daughter of Athena who join him in a journey to the Underworld to retrieve Zeus’s lightning bolt and prevent a catastrophic war.

Liz says:

“Wow! What a great story. This is the first in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series and it’s a winner. (This is a five book series, three more of which are already published: Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse and The Battle of the Labyrinth.) There’s lots of adventure, lovable characters and tons of Greek Mythology. Absolutely everyone is loving this series. BTW- there is a movie coming out!”

In 1911, Turner Buckminster hates his new home of Phippsburg, Maine, but things improve when he meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a girl from a poor, nearby island community founded by former slaves that the town fathers–and Turner’s–want to change into a tourist spot.

Liz says:

“This is one of those examples of a book that adults love but is a harder sell for kids. Kids who enjoy historical fiction with lots of descriptive language will love it. The story is based on a real incident that Schmidt portrays with tremendous accuracy and compassion.”

Born and raised in isolation in a wealthy, eccentric family, Sandy is shocked when he, his parents, and their servants become victims of a vicious plot by his greedy uncles to incapacitate them and take their money.

Liz says:

“Told like a slapstick comedy, this story is funny, nonsensical and amazing. Kids love this book. It’s perfect for 5th and 6th graders. I always tell kids that this is the most ridiculous book I’ve ever read, but I LOVE it! Right from the start you will see how silly the book is when you are told the main character’s name, Horatio Alger Huntington Ackerman – whose initials spell HAHA. This is pure enjoyment.”

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.”

A ninth-grader’s suspension for singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” during homeroom becomes a national news story. Written in documentary style.

Liz says:

“Told in documentary format through such things as letters, memos and radio transcripts, this story is both entertaining and poignant. The main character, Philip, is quite possibly the most dislikable “protagonist” I’ve ever encountered. I think this is a very important story about honesty and has the best last line I’ve ever read. Even though kids read this book in earlier grades, I feel it is best read from 7th grade and up so that the irony of the last line is fully understood and appreciated.”

Milo finds a cure for his boredom and discovers the importance of words and numbers on a journey through a fantastical land.

Liz says:

“The play on words, crazy lands and nutty characters make this fantasy adventure an all time favorite. Do not miss this one!”

With nowhere else to turn, a field mouse asks the clever escaped lab rats living under the rosebush to help save her son, who lies in the path of the farmer’s tractor, too ill to be moved.

Liz says:

“This classic scifi/fantasy book is incredibly enjoyable and memorable. Even for readers who don’t typically like this genre, they may in fact love this book. Make sure to ask your kids what Nimh means!”

A Brooklyn eighth-grader nicknamed Antsy befriends the Schwa, an “invisible-ish” boy who is tired of blending into his surroundings and going unnoticed by nearly everyone.

Liz says:

“A schwa is actually a grammatical term that refers to a sound that is virtually unnoticeable. This is exactly how The Schwa is in this story – virtually unnoticeable. Through his friendship with Antsy and their connection with a disagreeable, somewhat shady, restaurant owner and his niece, The Schwa learns much about himself. There are lots of funny scenes and practical jokes which make this story fun and extremely entertaining.”