Forge

by Laurie Halse Anderson
Lexile: 820
Genre: Historical Fiction

This is the sequel to Laurie Halse Anderson's award winning book, Chains. Isabel and Curzon have escaped from Bridewell Prison and now they parted and gone their separate ways; Isabel to find her sister, Ruth, and Curzon ends up enlisting in the army and spending the winter at Valley Forge. Life is hard, but Curzon is surviving until his master, James Bellingham, shows up and forces him to return to his service. Curzon struggles to return to the life of a dutiful slave. His troubles are furthered when he finds out that Isabel has also been captured and is enslaved by Bellingham as a maid. Will they have the opportunity to escape and gain their freedom?

Zarafa, The Giraffe Who Walked to the King

by Judith St. George
Lexile: 670
Genre: Traditional Literature

Zarafa is a beautiful giraffe who is going to be a magnificent gift to the king of France. But how will she get from Africa to Paris? Her journey begins with a trek down the Nile followed by a 500 mile walk across France. Along the way, Zarafa charms many and becomes one of the king's most prized possessions.

Gifted Hands

by Ben Carson, M.D.
Lexile: 950
Genre: Autobiography

This book tells the remarkable story of pediatric neurosurgeon, Ben Carson. He tells the story of his tough childhood and his struggles in school and how he had to learn to control his anger. He reveals and explains the many obstacles he had to hurdle to achieve what he has today. The book also includes a number of his surgical success stories including the separation of Siamese twins. His message to all is that a good education and hard work always pays off. "Developing good reading habits is something like being a champion weightlifter. The champion didn't go into the gym one day and start lifting 500 pounds. He toned his muscles, beginning with lighter weights, always building up, preparing for more. It's the same thing with intellectual feats. We develop our minds by reading, by thinking, by figuring out things for ourselves."

Tuck Everlasting

by Natalie Babbitt
Lexile: 770
Genre: Fantasy

Winnie Foster is wondering in her woods one day when she sees some strangers drinking from a mysterious stream. The next thing she knows, she's been kidnapped and whisked away to the Tuck family's cabin where she becomes the first to learn their long kept family secret. During the 24 hours she spends with the Tucks, Winnie's life changes forever as she is offered a chance...a chance to live...forever.

Framed

by Gordon Korman
Lexile: 730
Genre: Mystery

Griffin Bing, the Man with a Plan, and is gang are back for adventure number 3. This time Griffin has to prove his innocence. A valuable Super Bowl ring has gone missing and all the evidence point to Griffin, even though he's never laid a finger on the ring. How is he going to come up with a plan to get himself out of this mess? He will soon find out the importance of having REALLY good friends.

Battle of the Labyrinth

by Rick Riordan
Lexile: 590
Genre: Fantasy

Percy Jackson is back in book 4 and is ready to start his freshman year in high school. How he longs to just be a "regular" freshman, but it doesn't take long before demon cheerleaders force him into another quest. This time he is forced underground to explore the secrets of the labyrinth. Will he ever see the light of day again?

Maus

by Art Spiegelman
Lexile: NP
Genre: Graphic Novel

This graphic novel tells the story of Vladek Speigelman, a Polish Jew, who lived during WWII and survived numerous hardships including time at the Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz. The story is told in comic form by Vladek's son as his father recounts the years of struggle faced by he and his wife, Anja. Art learns about his younger brother whom he never met and gains insight into why his father has struggled to forget the horrors of the past.

If The Shoe Fits

by Laura Whipple
Lexile: ???
Genre: Poetic Novel

This is the classic fairy tale story of Cinderella told through a series of 33 poems told from the perspective of all of the different characters, including the glass slipper. Read this collection of poems if you want to hear a new version of this classic fairy tale come to life.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth

by Jeff Kinney
Lexile: ???
Genre: Graphic Novel

Greg is back with diary number 5. It's the beginning of a new school year and Greg is still trying to figure out how to fit in. He and Rowley have still not patched things up and figuring out boy-girl relationships continues to be a struggle. Everyone, except Greg, seems to think he should be taking on additional responsibilities. Greg continues to do as little as possible to get by.

Sabotaged

by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Lexile: 730
Genre: Science Fiction

JB is back in contact with Jonah and Katherine because he needs their help again. This time they are transported back in time to the 15th century to the lost civilization on Roanoke Island. Traveling with them is their friend Andrea and a dog, named Dare. What secrets will they uncover? Will they be able to complete their rescue mission without altering time? Read on to find out what happens in The Missing: Book 3.

Locomotion

by Jacqueline Woodson
Lexile: ???
Genre: Poetic Novel

Lonnie's life changed forever when he was 7. He's now 11 and a student in Ms. Marcus' class. She teaches him to discover the power of words and suddenly all the thoughts he's had tumbling around in his head have tumbled out onto paper. Writing helps him cope with the problems he faces dealing with his new foster mom and not being able to live with his sister.

Ramona the Brave

by Beverly Cleary
Lexile: 820
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Ramona is growing up! Now that she's in first grade and has a room of her own, life should be good. Until she realizes that sleeping alone in the dark is sort of scary and having a teacher that doesn't understand you can be a real problem. For Ramona, first grade is filled with unexpected adventures that will make you laugh at loud.

Edward's Eyes

by Patricia MacLachlan
Lexile: 470
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Jake is in the middle of a great childhood. He's growing up in a loving family, places baseball and above all has the greatest younger brother in the world. Jake's world is shattered when an accident takes the life of his brother. How will he go on in a world without Edward?

The Missing: Book 2 Sent

by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Lexile: 730
Genre: Science Fiction

Jonah, Chip and Katherine are traveling back in time to the fifteenth century where Chip has learned that his true identity is Edward V, the king of England. If Jonah and Katherine can "fix" time, then they will be allowed to return. If not, will they have to remain in the fifteenth century forever? The story of the missing children from history continues in this second book of The Missing trilogy.

The Titan's Curse

by Rick Riordan
Lexile: 630
Genre: Fantasy

Percy Jackson is back for his third heroic quest. Grover sends him an urgent message letting him know that he has found two new half-bloods who need their protection. And so begins an adventure into a series of traps set by the Titan lord, Kronos. Will Percy survive yet another brush with evil?

Breathless

by Lurlene McDaniel
Lexile: 560
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Travis is a champion diver ready to win a scholarship to the college of his choice. Then he learns that he has a serious form of bone cancer and the doctors decide they must amputate his leg to try to save his life. Suddenly, Travis must find new meaning in a life he doesn't want. He has a support system in his best friend, girlfriend and sister until he asks them to something that they know is very, very wrong.

I Survived: The Shark Attacks of 1916

by Lauren Tarshis
Lexile: 610
Genre: Historical Fiction

Chet Roscow is spending his summer living with his uncle on Matawan Creek. But his peaceful summer is interrupted by the shocking news that swimmers along the Jersey shore have been attacked by a great white shark. When Chet sees something suspicious lurking in the creek where he and his friends swim, he's sure it's his imagination playing tricks on him. Or is it....

Into the Gauntlet (39 Clues #10)

by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Genre: Mystery
Lexile: 660

The final book in the 39 Clues series has arrived and within it you will find the solution to the 39 clues. But who will be the winner? Are Amy and Dan leading the pack in the clue hunt or will they have to team up with someone who has betrayed them in the past. This book takes you on an adventure to England where Amy and Dan learn about some other famous relatives. Read this book if you want to find out how the great clue hunt ends!

Storm Warning (39 Clues #9)

by Linda Sue Park
Lexile: 630
Genre: Mystery

"Bahamas."
"Jamaica."
"Bahamas."
"Jamaica."
And so begins book 9 of the the hunt for 39 clues. Amy and Dan are at a crossroads as to where they should go next. En route to their destination, they learn that their trusted au pair, Nellie, really can't be trusted and has in fact been deceiving them for a very long time. But they also find another clue and learn more about their past...will it be enough to win the race?

Skeleton Creek - The Crossbones (Book 3)

by Patrick Carman
Lexile: 830
Genre: Mystery

Ryan and Sarah are back...not satisfied with solving the mystery of the dredge, they are now investigating a mysterious skull puzzle that Ryan found that last night at the dredge. This time the mystery will take Sarah across the US to visit some of the spookiest places in the country. Will they solve the puzzle? Will unearthing old crossbones secrets bring them trouble or more fortune?

Comeback of the Home Run Kid

by Matt Christopher
Lexile: 650
Genre: Fantasy

Sylvester Coddmyer is back in book 3 of the Home Run Kid series. He's looking forward to a fun summer playing baseball when he sprains his ankle in an accident. He is soon visited by another famous baseball player from the past who teaches him to bat left handed and ultimately win over his team yet again.

Mockingjay

by Suzanne Collins
Lexile: 800
Genre: Science Fiction

The final book of the Hunger Games trilogy is here! Katniss' home in District 12 has been destroyed, so District 13 has become her new home. Now she must decide whether to trust the rebels and become the Mockingjay and fight to over throw the Capitol once and for all. Will Katniss accept this new challenge and fight to the end?

Catching Fire

by Suzanne Collins
Lexile: 820
Genre: Science Fiction

Katniss and Peeta survived the Hunger Games and are now at home in District 12 where they should be living happily ever after. But they're not...there seems to be feelings of rebellion against the Capitol and Katniss seems to have emerged as the symbol of this rebellion. The Capitol is not pleased and is going to great lengths to make her life miserable. However, she never anticipated just how far they would take things...

Sea of Monsters

by Rick Riordan
Lexile: 740
Genre: Fantasy

Percy has had an uneventful year as a 7th grader until the last day of school. An innocent end of the year game turns into a death match, which Percy barely survives when he is helped by a friend, who turns out to be a Cyclops. They are rushed to Camp Half-Blood only to find out that the Camp is in danger. Thalia's tree has been poisoned and the borders have been compromised. Percy and Annabeth will need to take on another quest if the camp is to be saved.

The Curse of the Campfire Weenies

by David Lubar
Lexile: ???
Genre: Science Fiction

This is Dave Lubar's third collections of very strange and sometimes scary and creepy stories that have sprung from his imagination. Ever wondered why pigeons are always pooping in the park? Or heard about the wood chipper that comes to life? Or giant grasshoppers who squash little kids? Read these stories and more; if you dare!

The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak
Genre: Historical Fiction
Lexile: 730

Lisel Meminger's life changes forever when she steals her first book while her brother is being buried. She loses him on her way to start a new life with a foster family in Molching, Germany. WWII is about to begin and Liesel is living during a dangerous time. She is determined to learn to read and is determined to keep her family's secret. Neither of which will be easy for a young girl who should just be able to enjoy her childhood.

Kickoff

by Donna King
Lexile: 640
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Sports

Tyra has just moved halfway around the world. She's most upset about having to leave behind her best friend and her state champion soccer team. Now she's in England, fighting for a place on a soccer team who didn't win a single game last summer. The girls don't seem very welcoming so Tyra realizes that she will have to work even harder to prove that she deserves a spot on the team.

Remembering Mrs. Rossi

by Amy Hest
Lexile: 670
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Mothers aren't supposed to get sick and die. Teachers aren't supposed to get sick and die. But Mrs. Rossi did and know her daughter, Annie, and her 6th grade class are left wondering how they can go on. Mrs. Rossi's class decides to make a book for Annie and her dad which they come to see as a real treasure for them in helping them hang on to the person they loved. They read the book over and over as they search for ways to help them cope with their grief.

Radio Fifth Grade

by Gordon Korman
Lexile: 690
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Benjy Driver loves being on the radio. He is one of 3 co-producers of his school's radio show. The problem is that nobody listens to it. Until...an uncooperative parrot, the school bully, and the quiz show become regular features on an otherwise rather dull radio hour. Benjy is frustrated - things are not going like he had planned. Will the out of control chaos lead to a better show or will it be the end of Kidsview Radio Hour forever?

The Toilet Paper Tigers

by Gordon Korman
Lexile: 650
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Sports

Corey loves baseball and is looking forward to the new season until he learns that he will be playing on the Feather Soft Tigers and coached by a professor who knows nothing about baseball! Things get worse when the professor's bossy niece, Kristy, shows up. She has decided to make the Toilet Paper Tigers her special summer project. Corey is miserable stuck out in left field. All he wants to do is get rid of Kristy and get back on the pitcher's mound where he belongs.

Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls

by Lynne Jonell
Lexile: 770
Genre: Fantasy

Emmy and her rats are back in this fun sequel to Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat. It's been four weeks since the evil Miss Barmy has disappeared, any Emmy doesn't have to wonder long about when she will reappear. Miss Barmy is still a rat, so one one, except Emmy, believes that she will really be able to cause any trouble. Part of Emmy wishes she could just forget the rat world and get on to making new friends and doing regular things like sleepovers and pool parties. But somehow, she keeps getting dragged back into rodent business. She knows she should help, but does she really want to hang out with rats all the time?

Box Out

by John Coy
Lexile: 530
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Liam Bergstrom has just realized a dream. He will be starting in a varsity basketball game as a sophomore. He vows to do everything he can to fit in with the team and show that he can be an asset to their game. Before the night of the first big game, Coach Klass gathers the team around to say a prayer. Liam is uncomfortable with this, but joins in as everyone else does. The more he thinks about it though, the more he thinks it's wrong. He knows that standing up for what he believes in will most likely cost him his spot on the team. Should he challenge the coach and stand up for what he knows is right, or is keeping his spot on the team the most important thing?

Belly Up

by Stuart Gibbs
Lexile: 820
Genre: Mystery

Teddy lives with his parents at FunJungle, the world's largest zoo. One day Henry the Hippo is found belly up in his home at Hippo River. What caused the mascot to go die? Henry takes it upon himself to attend the autopsy and learns that Doc, FunJungle's crabby veterinarian, thinks that Henry was murdered. Teddy begins his quest to find out the real story behind Henry's death.

Wild Girl

by Patricia Reilly Giff
Lexile: 640
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Lidie has spent her whole life in Brazil. First living with her family, then with her aunt and uncle after her mother dies and her father and brother move to the America. After 5 years of waiting, at last they are ready for Lidie to join them in New York. Her father has a good job training horses and Lidie is anxious to join them. But when they reunite, she realizes that her father and brother are expecting a 7 year old who likes pink and Snow White. Lidie struggles with adapting to her new life, but when the new horse Wild Girl arrives, Lidie finds a soul mate and a reason to try to make her new life work.

Night of the Howling Dogs

by Graham Salisbury
Lexile: 530
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Dylan and his Boy Scout troop from Hilo, Hawaii are on a camping trip. What is supposed to be a fun weekend in the wilderness turns into a disaster when a 7.2 earthquake hits. The boys are camped along the ocean and narrowly escape disaster when a tsunami resulting from the earthquake strikes. As they gather together and come up with a plan to get the injuried to safety, Dylan realizes that many lives depend on whether or not he can find help fast enough.

The Chocolate War

by Robert Cormier
Lexile: 820
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Trinity School is known for its fundraising and this year the stakes are higher than ever. Each student needs to sell 50 boxes, but one freshman, Jerry, is told by the Vigils, the self proclaimed rulers of the school, to refuse to sell any for 10 days. The 10 days pass and Jerry decides to continue to refuse. Now he's got the headmaster of the school and the Vigils gang after him. Will he stand up to the bullies or cave in like they want him to?

How Angel Peterson Got His Name

by Gary Paulson
Lexile: 1180
Genre: Memoir

Gary Paulson dedicated this book to "all boys in their thirteenth year; the miracle is that we live through it." This book shares several memories of Gary Paulson's adventures as a teenager growing up in small town Minnesota. You'll read several tales of outrageous extreme sports stunts and come a way feeling amazed that these boys lived to tell the tales!

Out of My Mind

by Sharon Draper
Lexile: 700
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Melody has always loved words and has remembered every word that she's ever heard. But at age 11, she has yet to speak on her own. Melody has a severe form of cerebral palsy which makes her feel as if she is stuck in her own head. With the help of her parents, a family friend and finally a good teacher, they are able to make the school realize Melody's true potential. Melody gets a Medi-Talker and is finally able to communicate with the world. Despite the fact that people are beginning to recognize her intelligence, Melody still feels left out and wants desperately to fit in.

Word Nerd

by Susin Nielsen
Lexile: 800
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Ambrose has moved around a lot in his 12 years and each time has a harder and harder time fitting in and being accepted. His dad died before he was born so his mother is super protective of him and won't let him do anything! Ambrose and his mom have a long standing tradition of playing Scrabble. Ambrose finds out about a Scrabble Club and decides to join. The only problem is that his mom is working nights and he has no way to get there. He decides to ask his landlord's son, an ex-convict, named Carlos to drive him which naturally goes against his mother's wishes. But Ambrose, is tired of being safe and is looking for some adventure. He gets that and much more than he bargained for.

Saturday Night Dirt

by Will Weaver
Lexile: 780
Genre: Realistic Fiction

It's racing night at Headwaters Speedway and the rain is threatening to cancel the races. The story that unfolds is told by multiple characters as they get the speedway and their cars ready to race. Will they get the races in on time to help keep the track financially afloat or is disaster looming at every turn?

The Kid Who Only Hit Homers

by Matt Christopher
Lexile: 650
Genre: Fantasy

Sylvester loves baseball, but he's terrible at it! He can't hit, he can't catch and doesn't think there's anyway he can make his school's baseball team. Until...one day, the mysterious Mr. Baruth shows up and begins to help Sylvester with his game. Suddenly Syl can make amazing catches and everytime he's up to bat, he hits a home run! The strange thing is though...nobody else can see or hear Mr. Baruth. Just who is Mr. Baruth anyway...

Paint the Wind

by Pam Munoz Ryan
Lexile: 780
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Maya lives like a captive with her controlling grandmother. Her parents have died and her grandmother wants Maya to forget they ever existed. Maya is lonely living with just grandmother and a series of housekeepers who never seem to be able to meet her grandmother's exacting standards. But then one day, her grandmother has a stroke and Maya's life changes completely. She is sent to live with her mother's family in Wyoming where she must confront many truths about who she is and the person her parents would have wanted her to become.

A Million Shades of Gray

by Cynthia Kadohata
Lexile:
Genre: Historical Fiction

Tin and his family live a simple, quiet life in the jungle of Vietnam. Tin wants nothing more than to live at peace in his village and become an elephant trainer. His favorite is Lady, a quiet and gently beast who seems to understand and respect him. The American soldiers that Tin knew most of his life are gone, but the war is not over. Rumors begin to reach the village, that their village may not be safe. Tin and his family make plans to flee to the jungle if needed. Tin wonders what will become of his simple life with the elephants, his family, and the village he loves.

POP

by Gordon Korman
Lexile: 740
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Marcus was the star of his high school football team, but now he's moved to a new town and is going to have to prove that he deserves a spot on a championship team. He meets Charlie in the park one day as he's practicing and Charlie offers to help. Marcus realizes that Charlie knows football, but other than that is kind of a strange guy...things don't always seem to make sense when Charlie is around. Marcus finds out that Charlie is Troy Popovich's dad; another football player who has had it in for Marcus since day one. Then Marcus learns Charlie's secret. Should he try to help or stay as far away from the Popovich family as he can?

Turtle in Paradise

by Jennifer L. Holm
Lexile: 610
Genre: Historical Fiction

It's 1935 and Turtle's mother has just landed a new housekeeping job. The problem is that children are not welcome in the home. Turtle's mom decides to send her to live with her sister in Key West, Florida. However, Turtle arrives before the letter explaining that she's coming does, so Turtle gets off to a rocky start with her aunt and 3 boy cousins. Gradually they accept her and Turtle finds that life in Key West is not nearly as dull as she thought it might be.

Black Duck

by Janet Taylor Lisle
Lexile: 790
Genre: Historical Fiction

The boyhood stories of Ruben and Jeddy emerge during a series of interviews by aspiring high school journalist, David. As David listens to Ruben relive the memories of the Prohibition era, he learns about the mysterious Black Duck, a rum running ship who was notorious for not being caught. Ruben is at first reluctant to part with any information, but the more he talks to and confides in David, a ery interesting story begins to emerge.

You Don't Know Me

by David Klass
Lexile: 970
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Does anyone know John? Does his mother really know? Do his classmates at school now? Do his teachers know? John has created a world of his own to help him cope with the unpleasant reality of a cruel man who is making his life more miserable by the day. Will anyone ever really know who the real John is?

Found

by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Lexile: 750
Genre: Science Fiction

Imagine getting a letter in the mail with the words "You are one of the missing." Would you think it was a prank? Someone just trying to mess with your mind? Meet 13 year old Jonah, who has always known he was adopted, but now someone is sending him strange messages that is causing him to wonder about his past. When he learns that his new best friend Chip is also adopted and is receiving the same messgaes, they dive into the mystery along with Jonah's sister, not sure what they are going to find out.

Linger

by Maggie Stiefvater
Lexile: 800
Genre: Fantasy

This novel is the sequel to Shiver and continues the love story between Sam and Grace, both of whom are human now. Sam has to struggle with the fact that his life as a werewolf is now over and has to come to terms with the fact that he has a future to prepare for: in his new, permanent human form. Grace is so happy to have Sam human and is starting to think about their future together. Her parents don't like him so she's got that to deal with, but there's something else going on as well, that just doesn't feel quite right.

Al Capone Shines My Shoes

by Gennifer Choldenko
Lexile: 620
Genre: Historical Fiction

This is the sequel to Al Capone Does My Shirts and is set once again on the island of Alcatraz where Moose is still growing up. His sister Natalie has finally been accepted to attend a special school, but there's one problem: the famous Al Capone had something to do with her being accepted. And now he wants Moose to return the favor. Moose realizes that growing up in the presence of notorious criminals on Alcatraz is not going to be easy!