Saturday, June 20, 2009

Summer's End

By Audrey Couloumbis
Lexile: 720

It's summer time, Grace has turned 13, and it seems as if her whole world is changing. The Vietnam War is forcing the young men in her family to make serious decisions. Some of them are going to fight, while others, like Grace's older brother, Colin, are choosing to flee to Canada. Colin's decision impacts Grace and her family in ways that Grace struggles to understand.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Zoobreak

by Gordon Korman
Lexile: ???

If you've read Swindle, the team is back! This time they are out to steal back a monkey that was illegally sold to a floating zoo. In the process of stealing the monkey, the team realizes they can't leave the other animals behind. Where to hide 30 stolen animals? The team has to come up with several plans in this funny adventure.

Paralyzed

by Jeff Rud
Lexile: 670

Reggie Brown is a senior, hard-hitting, front linebacker making his way through a successful football season until one night when a player he hits is unable to get up and move off the field. When Reggie is held responsible for the accident, he is forced to deal with his guilt and decide whether or not he will continue to play the game he loves.

The Maze of Bones (39 Clues #1)

by Rick Riordan
Lexile: 610

Amy and Dan Cahill have recently discovered that their family is one of the most powerful in history. They are given the choice of taking their one million dollar inheritance or participating in a dangerous race to find 39 clues that will lead to one winner who will discover the secrets to their family. Accompanying this series of books are online games and prizes to be explored at www.the39clues.com.

Spellbound

by Janet McDonald
Lexile: 580

Raven's life is not turning out the way she planned. At age 16 she has a 3 month old son, has dropped out of school and is envious of the life her college graduate sister has created for herself. Raven decides to make some changes and with the help of her mother, sister, best friend, Aisha, and a spelling bee, she is able to create a future for herself and her son.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

The First Part Last

by Angela Johnson
Lexile: 790
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Bobby isn't ready to become a father at 16. He's still busy hanging out with his friends and enjoying his teenage years. But when he meets his baby daughter, Feather, and learns that he has to raise her on his own, he is forced to grow up quickly.

The Boy in the Basement

by Susan Shaw
Lexile: 470

Charlie's home has been the basement for a long time, abandoned there by his abusive father. When he mistakenly gets locked outside at night, he is rescued and begins a long journey as he discovers all the things in life he has missed out on during his time in the basement.