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.”

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!!!!”

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.”

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!”

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.”