Out of My Mind

Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. She also has Cerebral Palsy. She is the smartest kid in the school and full of determination, but her thoughts and feelings remain trapped inside her head and body. Most people (teachers and doctors included) think she is incapable of learning...until a persistent young teacher and a new technology give Melody the voice she has always longed for. But is the world ready to receive it? Sharon Draper writes with a poignantly authentic voice as she asks us to share Melody's journey and frustrations. This book will enlighten readers of any age.

Once

The horror of the Holocaust is told through a young boy's eyes. Felix's parents place him in a Catholic orphanage to keep him safe from the Nazis, but one day he decides to leave and look for them. His parents were owner of a bookstore. Felix thinks that the Nazis hate books and the people that have them... He himself writes stories in a notebook that he tells throughout his journey. On his travels to the city (ghettos) to find his parents, he comes across a young girl, Zelda, whose parents have been killed...he begins to discover the Nazis' unspeakable brutalities. This gripping novel leaves the reader wanting to know more about half million Jewish children that were caught in the Holocaust.

A Million Shades of Gray

Y'Tin is the youngest elephant handler in his village in South Vietnam. His elephant, Lady, and he have a very special relationship. Y'Tin and his family are in constant danger from the North Vietnamese people. At one point his village comes under attach and half of the village flee to the jungle, while the other half are captured. Was has started. What happens to Y'Tin and Lady? This story is packed with action.

The Mysterious Benedict Society

Last year several students checked out this book. When asked about their choice, most said that they just liked the plot!

Four unusual children, all with special traits, are selected by one Mr. Benedict to be groomed for The Mysterious Benedict Society. Their mission? Disguised as new students they must infiltrate an isolated learning institute where the director, Mr. Curtain has hatched an intricate plan to take over the world. Using mind manipulation, heinous schemes and a very nasty invention, he places the unlikely heroes in grave danger. Through clever thinking and daring plans the likable quartet must attempt to halt his sinister plans.
Very entertaining indeed!

Fever Crumb

Fever Crumb, a 14 year-old orphan has one blue and one brown eye, and shaved head. She lives with the rational, Order of Engineers in futuristic London where the population is backward, suspicious, and fearful of change. Their last ruler, a murderous and brutal Scriven, was ousted along with his Homo Superior clan. Now London is a dark place where archaeologists dig for ancient technology to sell, and a rebellious mob is on the move.

Sahwira: An African Friendship

The story of a conflicted friendship between two boys growing up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Both of their fathers are are ministers. The friendship is fraught with all of the drama, conflict, and potential betrayal that a bi-racial friendship would engender during a time of upheaval, revolution, and confusion. Connections are made between the conflict and upheaval in Rhodesia, and the civil rights movement in the United States.

alabama moon

Moon takes us into rural Alabama in this novel of survival and adventure. The book begins with the death of his father, who gave Moon the skills to live off the land, as well as a massive distrust of the US Government. Not knowing any truth other than his father's, Moon continues his isolated lifestyle, determined to begin a journey to Alaska...before he can even begin, he finds himself in the clutches of civilization - and of a sadistic cop. Then begins the 'chase' part of the story - Moon's adventures land him in jail...in reform school...and back out in the forest, with a couple of friends that he develops along the way. The characters are well-developed and the pace is good. A nice mix of adventure, friendship, and survival.

Eggs

David is a lonely boy, having recently lost his mother in a freak accident. Primrose is a lonely, quirky girl, who has defiantly moved into a trailer to separate herself from her child-like, fortune-telling mother. David and Primrose form a combative, yet necessary friendship that provides each with the strength to overcome their wounded past. Offbeat characters and wit keep this book going..

Faith, Hope, and Ivy June

Ivy June Mosley and Catherine Combs both live in Kentucky, but that is where their similarities end. Or is it? Ivy June lives in the back woods of Thunder Creek - filled with natural beauty but not with modern technology...Catherine's home is a modern home in Lexington. The two girls get chosen for a school exchange program. When tragedy strikes, the girls find support in each other, and learn that perhaps they are not as different as they first assumed.

AFTER EVER AFTER

A companion book to Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie - this story is told from Jeffrey's point of view. His brother Steven (the protagonist of DGDP) has left to 'find himself' in Africa and Jeffrey is struggling to find a balance in middle school. This book balances humor and heart with heavy issues and universal adolescent angst. A great read.