8th Grade

Classics

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The four March sisters experience joy and pain as they grow up in 1860s Massachusetts. Read the book before the new movie comes out in December.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (1984)
The story of Esperanza, a young Latina growing up in Chicago.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The tragic story of the wealthy Jay Gatsby and his attempt to win back the love of Daisy Buchanan.

The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition by Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s experiences in hiding from the Nazis, with previously omitted entries. Visit The Secret Annex Online to experience Anne's hiding place in 3D.

Johnny Tremain by Esther Hoskins Forbes
Fourteen-year old Johnny Tremain, an apprentice silversmith with a bright future ahead of him, injures his hand in a tragic accident, forcing him to look for other work. In his new job as a horse-boy, riding for the patriotic newspaper, the Boston Observer, and as a messenger for the Sons of Liberty, he encounters John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Dr. Joseph Warren. Soon Johnny is involved in the pivotal events shaping the American Revolution from the Boston Tea Party to the first shots fired at Lexington. [Amazon]. 1944 Newbery Medal winner.

You Come Too: Favorite Poems for All Ages by Robert Frost
The best of Robert Frost.

Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451: The Authorized Adaptation
A graphic novel created by Tim Hamilton
~ Student review ~ Instead of saving houses from fires, firemen burn books. The last thing that this government wants its citizens to have is knowledge. You are going to love this classic! Read the book - watch the movie!

The House of Dies Drear by Virginia Hamilton (1968)
Thomas Small and his family have just moved into a house that was once part of the Underground Railroad. Strange things are happening. It is ghosts or something more sinister?

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The epic battle between man and nature. It is the story of an old Cuban fisherman, down on his luck, and his supreme ordeal -- a relentless, agonizing battle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream.

Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Diary entries tell the story of Charlie, who undergoes an experimental operation to raise his low IQ. Will his results mirror those of the lab mouse, Algernon?

A Separate Peace by John Knowles
Senior year at the Devon School begins peacefully enough but tragedy soon follows.

Call of the Wild by Jack London (1903)
The story follows a dog named Buck, a 140 pound Saint Bernard and Scotch Shepherd mix. Buck is abducted from a comfortable life as a pet and tossed into the chaos of the Klondike Gold Rush and the brutal realities of frontier life. Buck changes hands a number of times before landing in the kindly hands of John Thornton.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (1943)
A coming of age story set in Brooklyn in the early 1900s.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
~ Student review ~ George and Lennie are best friends but polar opposites. This is the story of true friendship. Although it is an old book, the story is timeless.

The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Mexican diver Kino discovers a magnificent pearl from the Gulf beds and dreams of a better life for his impoverished family but his greed and suspicions leads to tragedy.

Dracula by Bram Stoker
For all you Twilight fans – read the original vampire tale!

The Sword and the Circle by Rosemary Sutcliff
Discover all the drama and action of the Arthurian legend.

The Hobbit, or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien
It all begins here: an impossible quest, trickery, and finally - the Ring. Immerse yourself in Middle-Earth and meet Gandalf, Gollum, and our unlikely hero, Bilbo Baggins. Prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy (also recommended).

The Once and Future King by T.H. White
A classic retelling of the legend of King Arthur.

Fantasy

The Rose & The Dagger by Renee Ahdieh (2016)
The conclusion to the sumptuous and sweeping love story begun in The Wrath and the Dawn. Shazi uses all her power to be reunited with Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden (2017)
Immerse yourself in the frozen Russian landscape, a place of ancient earthen magic, where Vasya and her family are caught between the old ways of worship and modern religion. As fewer villagers leave gifts for the many house and forest spirits, evil creeps in, and the brutal killings begin. Can Vasya defend herself against the whispers of “witch!” and save her village from a powerful and unseen enemy? Sequel: The Girl in the Tower

Poison Tree by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Alysia, a skilled fighter, hopes to stay safe by going to SingleEarth, but is embroiled in a violent battle as soon as she arrives. Alliances and feuds among vampires, shape- shifters, witches, and humans keep you guessing!

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (2018)
Jude, seventeen and mortal, gets tangled in palace intrigues while trying to win a place in the treacherous High Court of Faerie, where she and her sisters have lived for a decade. First book in the Folk of the Air trilogy.

Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3) by Kristin Cashore
Bitterblue, queen of Monsea, is desperate to help her country recover from the cruelty of their former ruler, her uncle. As she starts to uncover the truth, she encounters thieves, ciphers, love – and treachery. Other series titles: Graceling, Fire.

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare
Clary’s having fun at a great party when she witnesses a murder – and the body disappears in front of her eyes. She’s a Shadowhunter and has a destiny to fulfill. Read the whole incredible series.

Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell (2015)
In this twist on the Cinderella tale, Nicolette is an inventor who just might not get a fairy tale ending.

The Hunt for Dark Infinity (13th Reality #1) by James Dashner
~ Student review ~ “Tick” Higginbottom is a teenage boy who as been chosen to be a Realitant by Master George. Will he stop the villainous Reginald Chu? If you enjoy Harry Potter, you will read this book in a day. Other series titles: The Hunt for Dark Infinity, The Blade of Shattered Hope, The Void of Mist and Thunder.

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Set in a bizarre civilization, Incarceron is a vast prison that contains an entire world. Finn is on the inside and wants out, while Claudia is desperate to find a way in. Sequel: Sapphique.

The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell (2015)
This reimagined fairy tale weaves together Snow White and Sleeping Beauty into a story of dark magic. Accompanied by intricate black and white illustrations. Watch the book trailer below.

The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury (2016)
In this reimagining of the classic Aladdin tale, the awakened jinn is Zahra, summoned by Aladdin to avenge his parents’ murder. Zahra has secrets of her own, however, and a dangerous - and romantic - alliance forms.

Every Day by David Levithan (2013)
Every morning, A wakes in a different person's body, in a different person's life, learning over the years to never get too attached, until he wakes up in the body of Justin and falls in love with Justin's girlfriend, Rhiannon.

Shadowshaper by Daniel Jose Older (2015)
Sierra gets swept into an unreal world and discovers her destiny: helping spirits materialize through her art.

Fish Girl by Donna Jo Napoli (2017)
Richly illustrated by David Wiesner. Fish Girl is a young mermaid living in a seaside aquarium. When she meets Livia, an ordinary girl, she longs for her own freedom. Graphic novel format.

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult
Handsome prince Oliver only exists in a fairy tale, but Delilah has a massive crush on him. What if she could bring him to life? A light-hearted fantasy.

The Adventures of John Blake: Mystery of the Ghost Ship by Philip Pullman (2017)
John Blake and his ship are doomed to travel between centuries unless they can stop the powerful Dahlberg Corporation. Graphic novel format.

Midwinter Blood by Marcus Sedgwick
It's June of 2073 and Eric Seven has arrived on a remote Scandinavian island for work. Soon he's captivated by the beautiful and mysterious Merle, who whispers insistently, "I followed you." In each chapter that follows, a new story is told from an earlier time, revealing the island's secrets and its curses, as well as love and hatred that are braided together in and out of time. The 2014 Michael Printz Award winner.

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson (2015)
Lord Ballister Blackheart seeks to bring down the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics with the aid of his new shapeshifting sidekick Nimona.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Sean and “Puck” are pitted against each other in the Scorpio Races, held each year to drive away the deadly fairy horses. Who will survive? 2012 Michael Printz Honor.

The Ring of Solomon: A Bartimaeus Novel by Jonathan Stroud
Asmira, a proud member of Queen of Sheba’s royal guard, is on an impossible mission to kill the ruthless King Solomon. Bartimaeus, a powerful wise-cracking djinn, is stuck building a castle. When their paths collide, sparks fly and allegiances are tested. Bartimaeus Trilogy titles: The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem’s Eye, Ptolemy’s Gate.

Icebreaker by Liam Tanner (2015)
A ship with a secret rescues a stranded boy; little does the crew know that he is on an evil mission.

Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner (2017)
Gen is ingenious, arrogant, and a master at thieving. Can he win his freedom by stealing a powerful stone? Other series titles: The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia, A Conspiracy of Kings, The Thief.

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin
Phoebe and Mallory are unlikely best friends - Phoebe's rich but plain, and Mallory is gorgeous and a faerie who has been sent to settle an old score. When Mallory's resolve falters, her older brother arrives to seduce Phoebe and finish the job.

Leviathan trilogy by Scott Westerfeld
In an alternate 1914 Europe, it's the Darwinists and the Clankers who go to war with electrical weapons. Don’t miss this steampunk adventure. Titles: Leviathan, Behemoth, Goliath.

The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang (2014)
This graphic novel tells the story of how the classic comic book hero the Green Turtle gained his super powers through the help of one of the four spirits of Chinese mythology.

Historical Fiction

I Lived on Butterfly Hill: A Novel by Marjorie Agosín (2014)
The government in Chile has changed and Celeste’s parents have gone into hiding. Now, Celeste is forced to leave her friends and home in Chile and move to Maine. Will she learn to speak English? Will she ever see her parents again? 2014 Pura Belpré Medal winner.

Crossing Ebenezer Creek by Tonya Bolden (2017)
When Mariah and her young brother Zeke are suddenly freed from slavery, they join Sherman's march through Georgia. She is looking forward to a new future.

March Toward the Thunder by Joseph Bruchac
Louis leaves his life in Canada to join the Union army and quickly discovers the horrors of the Civil War.

Audacity by Melanie Crowder (2015)
Meet Clara, a determined young girl living on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in the early 20th century. Horrified at the working conditions in the sweatshop where she works, she defies her parents’ expectations and organizes the women workers despite the personal toll it takes.

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
While spending Christmas break in Paris, Andi discovers a diary written during the French Revolution. Who knew that the chaos of 1700s Paris could rival the drama in her own life?

Phantoms in the Snow by Katherine Duble
Noah, recently orphaned, has been sent to his uncle, who is training for a special mission during World War II. Should he join this corps of mountain fighters?

The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz (2016)
A tale of runaways, thieves, heroism, and miracles unfolds through the stories of visitors to a French country inn on a stormy night in 1242. 2017 Newbery Honor.

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
In 1899 Manhattan, the haves and the have-nots gossip, fall in love, and plot to keep (or lose) their reputations. Other series titles: Rumors, Envy, Splendor.

Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani (2018)
Set during the partition of India, Nisha writes in a diary to her Muslim mother, who died giving birth to her and her twin brother, Amil. Nisha and Amil must flee their home with their Hindu father, paternal grandmother, and the family's Muslim chef, Kazi.

In Darkness, Death by Dorothy Hoobler
Did a ninja murder Lord Inaba? Seikei and his Judge Ooka must solve the mystery with a bloodstained origami butterfly as the only clue.

The Unfortunate Son by Constance Leeds
~ Student review ~ Have you ever felt like you were the unluckiest person in the world? In the French Middle Ages, Luc is apprenticed to a fisherman and is humiliated, called a "freak" and thrown aside for only having one ear. He then is taken prisoner by pirates and sold into slavery in Northern Africa. Will he get home to his family and friends? This unique idea and interesting plot made me pick up this teen novel, but the twists and turns of the plot kept me from putting it down. The longer Luc was enslaved, the more I wanted him to return to his old life and home in France. The Unfortunate Son is a remarkable book. You'll love it if you like historical fiction and mysteries, interesting characters, and a fascinating plot.

Shame the Stars by Guadalupe Garcia McCall (2016)
Joaquín and Dulceña are star-crossed lovers, hoping that the fighting in the Mexican Revolution and at home in Texas won’t tear them apart. When the violence hits close to home, they take matters into their own hands, in this twist on Romeo and Juliet.

The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (2018)
In 1350, a boy with a large hump on his back becomes the servant of a shadowy pilgrim on his way to Rome, who pulls the boy into a dangerous expedition across Europe to gather the seven precious relics of Saint Peter. 2019 Newbery Honor.

Half A Man by Michael Morpurgo (2014)
In this short but thoughtful novel, the narrator reflects back on his relationship with his grandfather who was disfigured during WWII. He learns to see the whole man.

Child of Dandelions by Shenaaz Nanji
~ Student review ~ Do you know what it’s like to feel alone? Sabine, a Ugandan girl in the Uganda-Tanzania war, does. She needs to be brave and protect her brother Minaz. Great for learning about another country’s culture and history.

The Smile by Donna Jo Napoli
Elisabetta, the daughter of a wealthy merchant in 1500s Florence, is in love with the handsome Gurliano de Medici, but will they find happiness? This is the story of Elisabetta's transformation into the Mona Lisa, the most famous painting in the world.

No Crystal Stair: A Documentary Novel of the Life and Work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Through documents, journal entries, photographs, and articles, the stories of the famous National Memorial African Bookstore and its owner are brought to life, illuminating the African-American experience for all. 2013 Coretta Scott King Honor.

Woods Runner by Greg Paulsen
Samuel's frontier existence is shattered after the battles of Lexington and Concord; can he rescue his parents? This is an action-packed, quick adventure.

The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney (2014)
Amira is finally old enough to go to school in Nyala -- her one true dream. But her life is turned upside-down when her small Sudanese village is attacked by rebels. She manages to reach a refugee camp where she is safe but alone. The gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind to new possibilities. Told in verse, this is a story of hope.

The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz (2015)
Joan Skraggs works day and night on her family farm and dreams of reading and writing. But, it’s 1911 and her father thinks education is a waste of time. Finally, she escapes to Baltimore and finds work as a hired girl to a warm, loving Jewish family where her world expands. Written in a diary format.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Lina has a comfortable life in Soviet Lithuania until her family is sent to Siberia, where they endure brutal conditions. Based on the author’s family history.

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys (2016)
Inspired by the real-life tragedy of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff during World War II, this is the story of Joana, Emilia, and Florian and their desperate attempt to reach freedom.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Read this compelling drama about household help in the 1960s South and then watch the Oscar-nominated movie.

The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein (2016)
A prequel to Code Name Verity, this is the story of Julie and a mystery on her grandfather's estate in Scotland. Other titles in series: Code Name Verity, Rose Under Fire, Black Dove White Raven.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
~ Student review ~ Have you ever stopped to think of how living in the middle of a war would be? In this book, you are taken back to World War II, and shown what life was like through the eyes of the one thing people in a war feared the most; Death. Death follows the main character, Liesel Meminger, throughout her journey in Nazi Germany. When Liesel first arrives in Germany, she has had little education, but is thirsty for knowledge and books, and that is how she gains her title, The Book Thief. The truth and the awe-inspiring bold tale made me want to read this young adult book, and wanting to know all of Liesel’s story, and what she does, kept me reading it. Liesel is bold, smart, and such a lovable character that you will find yourself thinking of her as a friend. The Book Thief is an amazing book. You’ll definitely want to read it if you like bold characters, a long and heart pumping story, and friendships that last forever, even after Death. 2007 Michael Printz Honor.

Humor

Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (2015)
By turns heartbreaking and laugh-out-loud funny, this is the story of Simon, a high school junior with a secret.

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol (2018)
All Vera wants to do is fit in―but that’s not easy for a Russian girl in the suburbs. Her friends live in fancy houses and their parents can afford to send them to the best summer camps. Vera’s single mother can’t afford that sort of luxury, but there's one summer camp in her price range―Russian summer camp. [Amazon]

The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya (2017)
Save the restaurant. Save the town. Get the girl. Make Abuela proud. Can thirteen-year-old Arturo Zamora do it all or is he in for a BIG, EPIC FAIL?

Bossy Pants by Tina Fey
In this memoir, Fey talks about her dreams, laughs, and adventures along the path to stardom.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Yes, you’ve probably seen the movie. Pick up the book and discover true love and high adventure with Westley, Buttercup, and Inigo Montoya. “As you wish.”

Skink: No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen (2014)
Skink is the eccentric, unpredictable ex-governor of Florida. But Richard knows that he is the one to help him find his run-away cousin, Malley. Their adventures lead them into the deep swamps complete with snakes, guns, and alligators.

Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman
Vince Luca doesn’t want any part of “the life” – his father’s crime racket – but once he falls for Kendra, he’s got a surprise coming, and it’s more than the body in the trunk of his car! Sequel: Hollywood Hustle.

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis
~Student review~ Timmy is a “detective” who helps people with their problems but who always gets into mischief trying to stop his rival. A light-hearted and humorous book you would enjoy if you liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

8th Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
Reggie, known as "Pukey" McKnight, needs to upgrade his image and social status at his Brooklyn middle school. When he gets involved at a local homeless shelter, two clients help him believe he is making a difference, which could help him in the world and at school.

Guys Read: Funny Business edited by Jon Scieszka
Hilarious short stories by authors like Jeff Kinney.

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick
Drum-playing Steven knew 8th grade would be tough – but he didn’t imagine his younger brother would be diagnosed with leukemia. The author calls this a “funny cancer novel” – and he’s right.

Mystery/Adventure

Red Blazer Girls: The Ring of Rocomadour by Michael Beil
~ Student review ~ Sophie and her friends leap at the opportunity to help Miss Harriman solve a 20-year-old puzzle. With each of the girls’ special skills, they are unstoppable! Extremely entertaining! Other titles in the series include The Vanishing Violin, The Mistaken Masterpiece, and The Secret Cellar.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (2017)
Life has thrown Aven a curveball - her family is moving to Arizona to manage an Old West theme show. But Aven was born without arms and is used to challenges. She is determined to make new friends and manages to solve a mystery along the way.

Shift by Jennifer Bradbury
Chris and Win's cross-country bike trip was supposed to be the highlight of their summer. When Win disappears, the FBI suspects foul play, and Chris is at the top of their list.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley (2009)
This young British sleuth has a passion for chemistry experiments, torturing her sisters - and murder! With each novel, pieces of her parents’ mysterious pasts are revealed as she hones her investigative skills in her small village and beyond. This is the first of ten books in the series.

Wired by Sigmund Brouwer
~ Student review ~ While speeding down a mountain on a timed ski run, Keegan spots a wire stretched between two trees and ducks to avoid death. Can he pull a daring escape? I recommend this book to people who like easy reads.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
A brutal murder, a desperate clue, a high-speed chase through Europe - if Robert Langdon and the beautiful Sophie Neveu can put together the clues, they may just solve the crime, and discover an alternate history of Christianity.

The Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter
Cammie and her friends at the Gallagher Academy are spies-in-training with amazing adventures, but also want to have normal teen fun. Titles: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You, Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy, Don't Judge a Girl by her Cover, Only the Good Spy Young, Out of Sight, Out of Time.

The Case for Jamie by Brittany Cavallaro (2018)
In the third brilliant, action-packed book in the Charlotte Holmes trilogy, Jamie Watson and Charlotte Holmes have not seen each other for a year but a new case brings them back together. Titles: A Study in Charlotte, The Last of August.

Shelter by Harlan Coben
Mickey Bolitar's year can't get much worse. After witnessing his father's death and sending his mom to rehab, he's forced to live with his estranged uncle Myron and switch high schools. Fortunately, he's met a great girl, Ashley, and it seems like things might finally be improving. But then Ashley vanishes. Mickey follows Ashley's trail into a seedy underworld that reveals that Ashley isn't who she claimed to be. And neither was Mickey's father. Soon Mickey learns about a conspiracy so shocking that it leaves him questioning everything about the life he thought he knew. [Amazon review] Don't miss the sequel: Seconds Away.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
The one and only Mr. Holmes solves mysteries both macabre and mundane with the help of his trusted friend, Dr. Watson. On video: a 21-century Holmes on PBS!

Run For Your Life by Silvana Gandolfi (2018)
Set in Italy, this is the intertwined stories of two boys, Santino who lives Sicily and is involved with the Mafia and Lucio who is from Livorno and is trying to protect his sister and find his missing mother. 

Dead Girls Don’t Write Letters by Gail Giles
~ Student review ~ Could a dead girl actually write a letter? The Reynolds family has a chance to get their beloved Jazz back…do they want her? Full of suspense!

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson (2018)
Candice Miller is spending the summer in Lambert, South Carolina. When she discovers a letter that sent her grandmother on a treasure hunt, she and her friend get caught up in the mystery. Can they solve find the treasure and clear her grandmother's name?

Scarlett Undercover by Jennifer Latham (2015)
Meet Scarlett, a smart, sarcastic teenager who runs her own detective agency. When she agrees to investigate a local boy's death, she finds herself confronted by jinns and ancient relics from the past. How does her Muslim heritage fit into the mystery?

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith
Immerse yourself in a sunbaked town in Botswana, where Mma. Ramotswe solves mysteries large and small. On video: Experience this gorgeous setting in the HBO series.

The Boxer and the Spy by Robert B. Parker
~ Student review ~ A corpse is found washed up from the ocean. As Terry and his friend Abby dig into the story, there is more to the case. My favorite book this year!

Ripper by Stefan Petrucha
Has the notorious murderer Jack the Ripper come to New York City? Carver, a detective-in-training with the Pinkerton Agency, wants answers.

Dodger by Terry Pratchett
One fateful night, Dodger rescues a young lady from London thugs, only to be caught up in international intrigue, murder, and the likes of Charles Dickens himself. 2013 Michael Printz Honor.

The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
Sally Lockhart is on the trail of a missing gem. Don't miss this and others in the series, Shadow in the North, and The Tiger in the Well.

Tokyo Heist by Diana Renn
Violet's search for a missing van Gogh takes her from the Seattle Art Museum, to the streets of Tokyo, to a secluded inn in Kyoto. As the mystery thickens, Violet's not sure whom she can trust. But she knows one thing: she has to solve the mystery--before it's too late.

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard
Sutton is Emma's long-lost sister, murdered before Emma can meet her. Can Emma, posing as Sutton, put together the clues that will lead to her killer?

 

Batgirl at Super Hero High by Lisa Yee (2016)
Recruited to Super Hero High by Supergirl, intelligent Barbara Gordon trains for her new role as Batgirl alongside some of the most powerful teenagers in the galaxy. Graphic novel format.

 

Non-Fiction

#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women (2017)
A collection of poems and essays that explore the experiences of Native American women.

Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad by M.T. Anderson (2015)
Music is a powerful tool. During the bombardment of Leningrad in WWII, Dmitri Shostakovich composed a symphony whose performance generated worldwide sympathy for Russia's plight.

Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science by Marc Aronson
Who knew that one simple ingredient could have such a complicated social and scientific history?

Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion by Chris Barton (2017)
Learn about British ships during World War I that were designed to confuse German U-boats in this handsomely illustrated text.

Emancipation Proclamation: Lincoln and the Dawn of Liberty by Tonya Bolden (2013)
Looks at the complicated historical events surrounding the Emancipation Proclamation.

Twelve Days in May: Freedom Ride 1961 by Larry Dane Brimner
The story of 13 activists and their bus ride from Washington, DC to New Orleans in an effort to end segregation. Contains many powerful vintage photographs. 2018 Sibert Medal Winner

The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation) by Daniel James Brown
The story of the University of Washington rowing team that competed in the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany.

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming (2014)
Follow the dramatic decline and fall of the House of Romanov, the last imperial family in Russia. 2015 Robert Sibert Informational Book Honor.

Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman (2017)
Explore the friendship of these famous brothers. 2018 Printz Honor.

Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston (1973)
Memoir of the author's experiences as a Japanese-American child in an internment camp during WWII.

Alexander Hamilton: The Making of America by Teri Kanefield (2017)
Learn the true story of Hamilton's life in this biography.

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin (2014)
"Six teens tell what it is like for them to be members of the transgender community"--Dust jacket. 2015 Stonewall Honor.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver
Read the fascinating account of one family's commitment to "eat local" for a year.

Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett Krosoczka (2018)
In this graphic memoir, author Krosoczka recounts his youth growing up in a family grappling with addiction, and finding the art that helps you survive.

Eyes and Spies: How You’re Tracked and Why You Should Know by Tanya Kyi (2017)
This eye-opening look at global surveillance examines the balance between privacy, freedom, and safety.

March: Book 3 by John Lewis (2016)
The final installment of Congressman Lewis’ memoir details struggles large and small in the period between the bombing of the Birmingham Baptist Church and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Told in graphic novel format. 2017 Coretta Scott King, Michael Printz, Robert Sibert Informational Book Awards.

 

A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor (2011)
This book examines objects from around the world and how they made history. Based on an exhibit at the British Museum and the accompanying BBC radio series. Listen to the podcasts here.

Discovering Wes Moore by Wes Moore
Wes Moore-two different people from the same area with the same name. One graduated with honors from military school and was the first African American graduate of Johns Hopkins to become a Rhodes Scholar. The other Wes Moore landed in prison; he is serving a life sentence for murder. Both men were children of single mothers who worked hard to keep their sons out of trouble and keep food on the table. Why and where did their paths diverge?

We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson
~ Student review ~ This book is about the amazing, skilled baseball players and determined owners who fought in the early 1900s against racism that prevented blacks and Hispanics from playing in the big leagues. Highly recommended. 2009 Coretta Scott King, Robert Sibert Informational Book Awards.

Voices in the Air: Poems for Listeners by Naomi Shibab Nye (2018)
A collection of poems by an award-winning Palestinian American poet and novelist.

In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
~ Student review ~ This retelling of the tragedy of the whaleship Essex records what may have happened before and after the ship was rammed and sunk by a huge sperm whale. It is a tale filled with emotion, providing detailed accounts of multiple survivors and how they felt as they suffered dehydration and starvation, and more importantly how the survivors managed to keep the discipline and hope that kept them alive in the darkest of times. I would recommend this book to anyone seventh grade or older who enjoys non-fiction, historical fiction, stories of the sea, or has read and liked the classic book Moby-Dick, the fictional story based on the Essex disaster.

Rhythm Ride: A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound by Andrea Davis Pinkney (2015)
This is the story of the music that defined a generation and a movement that changed the world.

Queer, There and Everywhere: 23 People Who Changed the World by Sarah Prager (2017)
Meet people across cultures, time periods, and fields of accomplishment who were true to themselves, despite how they were defined by society.

Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir by Liz Prince (2014)
In this graphic novel memoir, Liz Prince details the challenges of growing up wanting to be a boy.

Bomb: The Race to Build and Steal the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
~ Student review ~ When a scientist discovers fission, the key is unlocked to making the first atomic bomb. Robert Oppenheimer finds himself in a battle against the clock and the world to make the first successful atomic bomb. I couldn’t put the book down! 2013 Newbery Honor, Robert Sibert Informational Book Award.

The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin (2014)
After an explosion in Port Chicago killed 320 people, a group of fifty black sailors refused to work in unsafe and unfair conditions. Read how their actions influenced civil rights.

The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater (2017)
One teenager in a skirt. One teenager with a lighter. One moment that changes both of their lives forever. If it weren’t for the 57 bus, Sasha and Richard never would have met. 2018 Stonewall Book Award.

Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson
~ Student review ~ How did John Wilkes Booth kill President Lincoln that fateful night? What was he thinking when he was on the run? When reading Chasing Lincoln's Killer, you will uncover all of these answers and come to know that this assassination was part of a much bigger plan. Chasing Lincoln's Killer is an unforgettable favorite and has taught me, in an interesting way, more than my parents know on the subject!

Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune by Pamela S. Turner (2016)
Immerse yourself in the battlegrounds of 12th century Japan and discover the exploits of the larger-than-life samurai Minamoto Yoshitsune.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (2014)
"The author shares her childhood memories and reveals the first sparks that ignited her writing career in free-verse poems about growing up in the North and South"--Provided by publisher. 2015 Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King, Robert Sibert Informational Book Awards.

Realistic Fiction

The Lines We Cross by Randa Abdel-Fattah (2017)
Michael, a boy with anti-immigration views, falls for Mina, a Muslim refugee from Afghanistan who has just enrolled in his prep school.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander (2014)
Twins Josh and Jordan are the stars of their high school basketball team. Together they must deal with girls, jealousy and their father’s health. Written in verse. 2015 Newbery Medal winner.

Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali (2017)
As Janna navigates the different worlds of her Muslim mosque and her high school, she finds her own voice and the courage to speak up.

Posted by John David Anderson (2017)
Cell phones have become such an issue at Frost’s school that they are banned. Not a big deal for Frost since he doesn’t have one anyway, but soon everyone is physically “posting” sticky note comments on each other’s lockers. How will this craziness end?

Nothing But the Truth by Avi
~ Student review ~ What would you do if you couldn’t do the thing you loved most? Philip blames his English teacher, telling his family and friends that he got in trouble for singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Little does he know that he will become known all over the country. Kept me turning the pages! 1992 Newbery Honor.

Best Foot Forward by Joan Bauer
With her trademark wit, Jenna fights against a corporate takeover of Gladstone Shoes. Sequel to Rules of the Road.

Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth (2014)
Jarrett likes the young foster children his mother takes in. But when he is forced to share his room with a twelve-year-old foster boy, Jarrett is not happy.

Jasmine Skies by Sita Brahmachari (2014)
Fourteen-year-old Mira Levenson is on a journey from London to meet her extended family in Kolkata. What is the secret that has kept the families apart?

Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos
Nadira and her older sister are on their own; their father has been detained at the Canadian border and has sent them back home to New York. How can they pretend that nothing’s wrong when they might be deported any minute?

The Pants Project by Cat Clarke (2017)
Liv knows he was always meant to be a boy, but with his new school's terrible dress code, he can't even wear pants. Only skirts. Operation: Pants Project begins! The only way for Liv to get what he wants is to go after it himself. But to Liv, this isn't just a mission to change the policy―it's a mission to change his life. And that's a pretty big deal. [from publisher)

Call Me Maria by Judith Ortiz Cofer
A story in poetry and prose, in which fifteen-year-old Maria leaves her mother and their Puerto Rican home to live in the barrio of New York with her father, feeling torn between the two cultures in which she has been raised.

November Blues by Sharon Draper
November is still reeling from the death of her boyfriend Jericho when she receives unexpected, emotional news. What will she do next? Sequel to The Battle of Jericho.

Boys Don't Knit (In Public) by T.S. Easton (2015)
After Ben Fletcher gets in trouble with the law, he's required to learn a hobby. He winds up in a knitting class and, to his surprise, learns that he is good at it!

Braced by Alyson Gerber (2017)
Rachel Brooks is looking forward to the new school year until she learns her scoliosis has worsened and she has to wear a back brace twenty-three hours a day. Written by a Pike alum.

Refugee by Alan Grate (2017)
Three interrelated stories about surviving. Josef and his family leave Nazi-controlled Germany only to be turned away from Cuba and returned to Europe. Isabel and her family live in Cuba and escape on a makeshift raft in 1994. Mahmoud, a Syrian boy, and his family seek refuge from the violence in Aleppo and cross the Aegean sea from Turkey to Greece in a small boat.

The Juliet Club Suzanne Harper
Kate has sworn off love, but her summer trip to Verona, Italy, home of the tragic Romeo and Juliet, holds plenty of drama and surprises.

The Other Boy by M.G. Hennesey (2017)
Shane Woods just wants to be a regular boy but he is keeping a secret that could bring his whole world crashing down. How will his friends react when they learn he was born a girl?

Half a World Away by Cynthia Kadohata (2014)
Jaden is glad he doesn’t have to share his adoptive parents with anyone. Now they want to adopt a second child. On the trip to the orphanage in Kazakhstan, Jaden feels a connection to a small, weak toddler with special needs.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Entering her sophomore year at Alabaster Prep, Frankie snags her first boyfriend, but is excluded from his all-male secret society. This smart girl will not take “no” for an answer and embarks on some crazy high jinks! 2009 Michael Printz Honor.

Somebody Please Tell Me Who I Am by Harry Mazer
Ben, a popular high school senior, enlists in the army to fight terrorism. After a horrible accident, he needs all his will to fight for his memory. A short novel with a powerful punch. 2013 Schneider Family Award.

Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle
Carly's not really jealous of her younger, newly-hot sister - but when they start high school together, she has a hard time keeping Anna under control.

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (2014)
Twins Jude and her brother, Noah, are very different, yet incredibly close. Jude is outgoing and boy crazy while Noah is quiet and in love with the boy next door. When tragedy strikes their family, they are torn apart. Each sets off to redefine themselves. It is only through their art that they rediscover who they really are. 2014 Printz Award winner.

A Step From Heaven by An Na
~ Student review ~ After arriving in California from Korea, Young Ju and her family struggle in their new environment, weighed down by learning English and trying to support themselves. A touching coming of age story. 2002 Michael Printz Award.

You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins (2017)
Sonia and Tara Das, newly arrived to New York City, grow up between two cultures in this absorbing story that spans several generations.

Noteworthy by Riley Redgate (2017)
Jordan’s voice is too deep and she is too tall to fit in with the musical theater crowd so she disguises herself as a boy to join an elite all-male a cappella group at her prep school.

Rendez-Vous in Phoenix by Tony Sandoval (2016)
Tony was born and raised in Mexico, but his love is in the United States. What is he willing to risk to be reunited? This graphic novel is based on the author's personal experiences.

Boys Without Names by Kashmira Sheth
Gopal and his family are desperate for money. When he is offered a job, he jumps at the chance, but finds himself enslaved in a sweatshop with no hope of escape.

Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork
The summer before Marcelo's senior year in high school, he's given a deal by his high-powered lawyer dad: work at the law firm and then he can choose between returning to his beloved special ed school, or mainstreaming at "regular" school. 2010 Schneider Family Award.

The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan (2016)
For the past two years, Amadou has been counting: the number of days he’s been away from his home in Mali, the number of cacao pods he’s gathered that day, the number of scars on his little brother’s back. With the arrival of a feisty girl at the work camp, he finally dares to dream of escape, but how can they get past the cruel bosses?

 

A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman (2014)
Told in free verse, this is the story of Veda who loves the grace and beauty of bharatanatyam dance. When she loses a leg in an accident, she refuses to give up her dream.

Hold Tight, Don't Let Go: A Novel of Haiti by Laura Rose Wagner (2014)
Nadine and Magdalie have grown up together in Haiti but their lives are turned upside down after the devastating 2010 earthquake. Nadine moves to Miami to live with her father while Magdalie is left alone in Port-au-Prince. What does the future hold for them?

Heart on My Sleeve by Ellen Wittlinger
~ Student review ~ Have you ever fallen in love with two different people at once? Well, Chloe has. Will she stay with Eli or become a friend? I was impressed with how the author made everything into letters, email, notes, and postcards.

Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson (2017)
“Here I am, trying to pick out something to wear that doesn’t look like I’m trying too hard to impress or that I don’t care about how I look.” Jade has just received a scholarship to a prestigious private school. Will she ever feel like she belongs?

If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson (1998)
After meeting at their private school in New York, fifteen-year-old Jeremiah, who is black and whose parents are separated, and Ellie, who is white and whose mother has twice abandoned her, fall in love and then try to cope with people's reactions.

Level Up by Gene Luen Yang (2016)
Dennis Ouyang dreams of playing video games but his dad has other ideas. Graphic novel format.

 

The Kidney Hypothetical: Or How to Ruin Your Life in Seven Days by Lisa Yee (2015)
Higgs Boson Bing is poised to graduate from high school and is life is perfect . . . until his girlfriend asks him a hypothetical question. Watch how quickly his life unravels and reveals his true self.

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (2015)
Maddy hasn't been outside in nearly 18 years, but the arrival of Olly, the intriguing boy next door, makes her risk everything. For John Green fans.

Science Fiction

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series by Douglas Adams
The wickedly funny multi-volume adventures of Arthur Dent begin in this title as he explores the universe and meets wacky characters.

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
Nailer has a meager existence as part of a scavenging crew, stripping scrap metal from oilrigs and ships off the American coast. His world is turned upside down when he finds a shipwreck with a beautiful, wealthy survivor. Can he keep these treasures to himself, or will the ruthless bosses kill them both? 2001 Michael L. Printz Award winner.

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury (1950)
The tranquillity of Mars is disrupted by the earthmen who have come to conquer space, colonize the planet, and escape a doomed Earth.

iBoy by Kevin Brooks
Information is power, right? Well, Tom has plenty of both, thanks to fragments of an iPhone imbedded in his brain during a vicious attack. Can he bring the gang who’s responsible to justice? Will his friend Lucy ever recover from her trauma?

Honor Among Thieves by Rachel Caine & Ann Aguirre (2018)
Zara escapes life on Earth when she is chosen to be part of the Honor program, an elite team of humans selected by the Leviathan—a race of sentient alien ships—to explore the outer reaches of the universe as their passengers.

Lowriders in Space by Cathy Camper (2014)
In this graphic novel, Lupe, Flapjack, and Elirio are determined to win the Universal Car Competition. Their customized low rider is out of this world. Sequel: Low Riders to the Center of the Earth (2017)

Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy (2019)
A retelling of the Arthurian legend in outer space, with King Arthur reincarnated as seventeen-year-old Ari, a female king whose quest is to stop a tyrannical corporate government, aided by a teenaged Merlin.

172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad
It’s 2019, and three teens have a chance to join a NASA mission to the moon. Terror awaits them when a lunar base malfunctions.

Ashfall by Mike Mullin
Wouldn’t you like to spend the weekend home alone? Alex thinks so, until a supervolcano explodes and his world disappears into a bleak, brutal, ash-covered haze. Sequel: Ashen Winter.

Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor (2017)
Sunny’s magical powers are put to the test in this sequel to Akata Witch.

1984 by George Orwell (1949)
Big Brother is watching and the Thought Police are everywhere. Read this classic dystopian novel.

Railhead by Phillip Reeve (2015)
Imagine a future where intergalactic travel in the blink of an eye is possible. Just hop aboard the train and travel through the K-Gate. Zen Starling spends his days riding the rails until someone offers him a deal he can't resist. Further adventures await in the sequel, Black Light Express (2017).

Scythe by Neal Shusterman (2016)
A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control. Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own. (from publisher). 2017 Printz Honor.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman
In this disturbing dystopian America, teens can be marked for “unwinding” and their organs given to others. Follow Connor’s desperate attempt to escape his fate. Other titles in the series include UnWholly, UnSouled, Undivided.

The Martian: A Novel by Andy Weir (2014)
Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now he's about to die.

All These Things I’ve Done (Birthright, #1) by Gabrielle Zevin
In 2083 New York, chocolate and caffeine are illegal, but Anya Balanchine’s family runs a lucrative “import” business. When she meets the son of an ambitious DA, chocolate’s not the only thing that will melt!

Sports

The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life by Kwame Alexander (2017)
A dynamic, sports-infused guide to life!

Warriors by Joseph Bruchac
~ Student review ~ Have you ever thought people don't care about a certain thing the same way you do? In Washington, D.C, people don't value lacrosse like people in the Iroquois. The main character, Jake, must find a way to show his new peers why the game of lacrosse means so much to him and other Indians. . . if you're interested in the sport lacrosse, this book would be a great choice. Overall, this is a fun-filled, action-packed book that will keep you reading until the very end.

The Girl Who Threw Butterflies by Mick Cochrane
Devastated after her father’s death, Molly decides to try out for the baseball team. Is her knuckleball enough to earn her a spot? Will the coach take a girl?

Gutless by Carl Deuker (2016)
"With both good speed and good hands, wide receiver Brock Ripley should be a natural for the varsity team, but he shies from physical contact. When his issues get him cut from varsity, he also loses his friendship with star quarterback Hunter Gates. Now a target for bullying, Brock struggles to overcome his fears and discover that, in his own way, he is brave enough"--Provided by publisher.

The Sixth Man by John Feinstein (2015)
It’s basketball season. And for once, triple threat Alex Myers is not the one in the spotlight. There’s a new new guy in town who promises to turn the Lions’ losing streak around and lead the team to a conference title. Alex is worried.

Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win by Rachel Ignotofsky (2017)
Profiles of 50 women athletes from the well-known to the lesser known.

Kickoff by Donna King
~ Student review ~ Tyra has a hard time leaving her old life behind and starting a new one in England. She proves the popular girls wrong and gives the team everything she’s got, but will that be enough? A great story.

True Legend by Mike Lupica
~ Student review ~ Drew “True” Robinson has been treated like a star since he's stepped onto the basketball court. When he spots a talented, older player on his neighborhood court late one night, Drew thinks he's seen a ghost. What he's met is a cautionary tale: The man, who tells Drew to call him Donald, is a former basketball legend who lost everything when he became too invested in the hype surrounding him. When Drew too begins to make mistakes on the court, he seeks out Donald, haunted by the man's story.

Waiting for Teddy Williams by Howard Frank Mosher
~ Student review ~ Have you ever wanted to do something so much that nothing could stop you from getting there? E.A. Allen is an eight-year-old boy who lives in a rural town in Vermont that is caught up in the past. The thing that separates his town from the rest is their love of baseball. E.A., a home-schooled child without a dad, loves the game like nothing else. Read this book and see where E.A., his heart, and love for the game can take him.

Born to Play: My Life in the Game by Dustin Pedroia
See what PD has to say about his incredible drive to succeed on the field.

Sunny (Track) by Jason Reynolds (2018)
Sunny tries to shine despite his troubled past in this third novel in the critically acclaimed Track series from National Book Award finalist Jason Reynolds. Companion novels: Ghost, Patina, Lu

Guys Read: The Sports Pages by Jon Scieszka
Ten stories by a group of well-known authors. The stories will put you in the ring, under the basket, and right behind home plate.

Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team by Steve Sheinkin (2017)
The story of Jim Thorpe and Pop Warner. Together they invented football as we know it.

Supernatural

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol (2011)
Anya desperately wants a friend but the one she finds has a plan of her own. Graphic novel.

Seriously Wicked by Tina Connolly (2015)
Camellia's adopted mother wants Cam to grow up to be just like her. Problem is, Mom's a seriously wicked witch.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neal Gaiman
Forty years ago, our narrator, who was then a seven-year-old boy, unwittingly discovered a neighboring family’s supernatural secret. What happens next is an imaginative romp through otherwordly adventure that could only come from Gaiman's magical mind. Childhood innocence is tested and transcended as we see what getting between ancient, mystic forces can cost, as well as what can be gained from the power of true friendship. The result is a captivating tale that is equal parts sweet, sad, and spooky. [Amazon review]

One for Sorrow: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn (2017)
Annie, a new girl at school, is claimed as best friend by Elsie, a classmate who is a tattletale, a liar, and a thief. Soon Annie makes other friends and finds herself joining them in teasing and tormenting Elsie. When Elsie dies during the 1918 influenza epidemic, she returns to reclaim Annie's friendship and to seek revenge on all the girls who bullied her.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (1959)
The classic story of four people and a haunted mansion.

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James (1898)
A classic ghost story from the past.

Summer of the Mariposas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
When Odilia and her sisters discover a dead man in their Texas swimming pool, they resolve to return him to his family in Mexico. Little do they know the adventures that await them, including attacks by witches and evil sorceresses.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Conor is watching his mom battle cancer when a demanding monster pounds on his window. What does the creature want? (And can he possibly help Conor’s mom?)

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds (2017)
There are three rules in the neighborhood: Don't cry ; Don't snitch ; Get revenge. Will takes his dead brother Shawn's gun, and gets in the elevator on the 7th floor. As the elevator stops on each floor, someone connected to Shawn gets on. Someone already dead. Dead by teenage gun violence. And each has something to share with Will. Not your typical ghost story. A 2017 Printz Honor Book, Newbery Honor Book, and Coretta Scott King Honor Book.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (2011)
Jacob travels to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Is the building haunted?

The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
It's 1943, and Max and his family have gone to the seaside to escape the brutality of World War II, only to uncover fresh horrors in their garden.

The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith
~ Student review ~ Katie is normal, except for her ability to talk to ghosts. She and Law have to unravel secrets of the past to save her sanity. Compelling and exciting!

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Grace has always been drawn to the wolves around her house, especially the one with yellow eyes. What is the connection between them? Don't miss this incredible romance! Other series titles: Linger, Forever.

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
The town of Gentry is prosperous, thanks to a terrible bargain made long ago: every seven years, a child is taken and replaced with a changeling. Who will be next?