In Honor

by Jessi Kirby
Lexile:  850
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Honor has just lost her brother, but has a letter from him that he sent to her before his death in Iraq. Honor reads the letter after his funeral and discovers that her brother has sent her tickets to a concert in California.  Honor is supposed to be reporting to college for freshman orientation week, but instead decides to drive her brother's car to California to see the concert that he wanted her to.  Her brother's best friend decides to tag along on the journey.  Honor has no idea what she will find along the way, let alone whether or not she will actually reach her destination.

Peanut

by Ayun Halliday
Lexile:  470
Genre:  Realistic Fiction (Graphic Novel)

Sadie is starting over at a new high school.  She decides this is the perfect time to reinvent herself and decides to do that by pretending that she has a peanut allergy.  What she doesn't think about is how hard it is going to be to keep all of her lies straight as she gets to know more people at her new school.  Will her new friends stick with her when the truth comes out?

Between the Lines

by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer
Lexile:  770
Genre: Fantasy

Deliah loves fairy tales despite the fact that she is really too old to be reading them.  It's not really all fairy tales, just one in particular.  It's the story of Prince Oliver and a happy ending that intrigues Deliah.  She reads the book over and over and suddenly, one day, Prince Oliver talks to her and she can hear them.  The two of them forge a most unusual relationship...one that no one in either of their separate worlds could possibly understand.

Surrounded by Sharks

by Michael Northrop
Lexile:  660
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Davey is on vacation with his family.  He is anxious to see the ocean for the first time.  He decides to sneak out of his family's hotel room and start exploring the island they are vacationing on.  Davey finds a quiet beach where he decides to wade in just a little bit.  Before he knows it, he has been swept farther away from the beach to an area where the current is stronger than his swimming ability. Will his family notice that he has gone missing before any ocean animals notice that he is floating alone in their ocean?

The Revenge of Seven

by Pittacus Lore
Lexile:  840
Genre:  Science Fiction

This is book five in the I am Number Four series.  John (number 4) has been tricked by Number 5. Number 8 is dead so Six, Seven and Nine are continuing the fight.  Setrakas Ra is getting impatient. He has his plans in place and is ready to invade Earth and take over the planet.  4, 6, 7, 9 and a variety of friends are going to do everything in their power to make sure that doesn't happen.  Are they powerful enough to save Earth from Setrakas Ra?

Sisters

by Raina Telgemeier
Lexile:  320
Genre:  Realistic Fiction (Graphic Novel)

Raina has always wanted a sister, but once Amara arrives, life is not as perfect as she had imagined. And things really change when three years later, brother Will joins the mix!  The story of Raina's childhood unfolds as the family embarks on a cross country car trip to attend a family reunion. Raina's mother thinks this trip will be a great time for some good old fashioned family bonding time. But as you might expect, things don't necessarily go as planned.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul

by Jeff Kinney
Lexile:  1000
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Greg's mom thought it would be a great idea to load the whole Heffley family into the minivan and take a road trip, but as you might expect, the road trip does not go as planned.  There is car trouble, sibling trouble, pig trouble, and all kinds of other trouble.  If you've ever had to spend an extended period of time squashed into a car with your family, you will be able to relate to Greg's experiences!

Brown Girl Dreaming

by Jacqueline Woodson
Lexile:  990
Genre:  Memoir/Novel in Verse

Jacqueline Woodson shares her story of growing up in the '60s and '70s in both the North and the South.  The story of her childhood emerges through a collection of poems that details the struggles her family faced.  Jacqueline knew from an early age that she wanted to be a writer, but school was difficult for her and not everyone believed she could achieve.  But with the strong support of her family, she can to believe that anything is possible.

Atlantia

by Ally Condie
Lexile:  680
Genre:  Science Fiction/Fantasy

Rio and Bay have grown up together in the world Below.  Now the time has come when they must make a choice:  do they go explore the unknown world Above or remain Below forever?  Rio has always known that when the time came, she would want to go Above, but now their mother has died and Bay has made her sister promise that they will remain Below together.  When the moment of decision comes, Rio announces her intention to stay Below, but Bay unexpectedly chooses a life Above.  Rio is left trying to figure out why her sister made the choice she did and how to make a life for herself alone.

The Dream Thieves (Book II of the Raven Cycle)

by Maggie Stiefvater
Lexile:  690
Genre:  Fantasy

The Raven Boys are continuing their search for a dead king known as Glendower, who they think is hidden somewhere close to their school in Henrietta.  Gansey is the leader of the group and his followers include Ronan, a boy who can bring things out of dreams, Adam, a boy who made a huge sacrifice and has yet to understand those repercussions, and Blue, the daughter of a psychic.  As the group investigates the mysterious Glendower, things begin to change and no one really knows what will happen next.

Unfriended

by Rachel Vail
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Realistic Ficiton

8th grader Truly is best friends with Hazel until one day when Natasha invites her to sit at the Popular Table in the lunchroom.  Truly quickly accepts the invitation and leaves Hazel behind.  And then the drama begins - both in school and out of school through online chats, posts, and pictures.  Someone is out to get Natasha...or so it seems.

The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die

by April Henry
Lexile:  690
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

She doesn't know who she is or where she is or what has happened to her family.  All she knows is that she is going to have to stay one step ahead of the men who want to kill her.  She doesn't know who to trust or where to turn...only that she must keep moving.

The Raven Boys (Book 1 of the Raven Cycle)

by Maggie Stiefvater
Lexile:  760
Genre:  Fantasy

Blue is growing up in a house full of psychics, and from a young age she has been told that she can never fall in love because her first kiss will result in the death of the person who kisses her.  Blue tries to ignore the strange predictions and lifestyles of those around her, but then Gansey, Adam, Ronan, and Noah (the Raven boys) enter her life.  Gansey comes for a reading and is obsessed with learning about the supernatural powers that the town of Henrietta supposedly possesses.  None of them realizes how uncovering secrets from the past will change their futures forever.

Zane and the Hurricane

by Rodman Philbrick
Lexile:  860
Genre:  Historical Fiction

Zane's father died before he was born and his mother was never able to track down any of his father's relative.  Until one day, out of the blue, Zane learns that he has a grandmother who is alive and living in New Orleans.  His mother arranges for Zane, and his dog Bandit, to spend the last week of summer vacation with his newly found grandmother.  As Zane travels to New Orleans, a tropical storm is brewing.  He has no idea that he is about to run straight into one of the most destructive hurricanes of all time.  Hurricane Katrina is on her way, and when she meets Zane, his life will change forever.

The Books of Elsewhere: The Shadows

by Jacqueline West
Lexile:  770
Genre:  Fantasy

Olive Dunwoody and her family have moved into a strange new house, recently vacated by the old lady McMartin.  It's a big, creepy, old house and Olive is scared to go into the basement.  But things get really spooky when Olive notices that the eyes on the paintings are following her...and strange things are moving in the shadows...and not to mention the fact that there is a talking cat in the basement.  Olive senses that something strange is going on in the shadows...

Masterpiece

by Elise Broach
Lexile:  700
Genre:  Mystery

Marvin, the beetle, lives under the kitchen sink in the Pompadays' apartment.  The Pompaday's son, James, lives a rather uninteresting, ordinary life with his mom, step-dad and baby brother.  When James turns 11, his father gives him a pen and ink set.  James really isn't interested in it, until Marvin discovers that he is a talented artist.  Marvin secretly creates an elaborate drawing that everyone thinks James has made.  Marvin the beetle, and James the ordinary boy, develop an unusual friendship that ends up stopping a cunning art thief.

The Unfortunate Son

by Constance Leeds
Lexile:  690
Genre:  Historical Fiction

Luc doesn't think he's very lucky.  He was born with one ear and abandoned by his father, but he has somehow managed to survive the wrath of his stepfamily.  His luck turns when he becomes the apprentice of a kind fisherman and gets to live with his sister and the beautiful, Beatrice.  Life is great for 6 months until Luc is kidnapped by villains and is sold into slavery in North Africa.  Luc is determined to get back to his home, and to Beatrice, no matter what.

Unwind

by Neal Shusterman
Lexile:  740
Genre:  Science Fiction

The society that Connor, Risa and Lev are growing up in has changed drastically from the society we know today.  When children reach the age of thirteen, their parents have the option of signing an unwind order, which means their children are sent to harvest camps where their organs are harvested and sold to the highest bidder.  If unwinds can escape and survive until their eighteenth birthday, they can no longer be unwound.  So Connor, Risa, and Lev are on the run...but will they be able to survive?

Code Name Verity

by Elizabeth Wein
Lexile:  1020
Genre:  Historical Fiction

"Verity" is living a double life.  To her friends she is an adventurous free spirit doing her part to fight in the war against the Germans. But in her other life she is a spy, attempting to learn secrets from the Nazis.  When "Verity" is captured she has to figure out how to stay alive and continue to feed secret information to her friends so that there final mission can be completed.

Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities

by Mike Jung
Lexile:  790
Genre:  Fantasy

Vincent, Max, and George are founders and lifelong die hard members of the Captain Stupendous Fan Club.  They know EVERYTHING about the superhero.  So they are shocked when Captain Stupendous is injured in an encounter with Professor Mayhem and even more shocked when they learn the true identity of the Captain.  Captain Stupendous is going to need their help if he is going to continue to keep the city and its citizens from evil!

Seraphina

by Rachel Hartman
Lexile:  760
Genre:  Fantasy

Humans and dragons have tried to coexist peacefully in the kingdom of Goredd for many years. Seraphina has good reason to hope that this can continue as she has a secret that no one but her father and uncle know.  She is half dragon and half human.  Can she successfully navigate the two words and build a bridge between them that will allow everyone to live happily ever after?

My Life as a Book

by Janet Tashjian
Lexile:  880
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Summer cannot get here fast enough for Derek Fallon.  He and his friend Matt have all kinds of plans - none of which include the summer reading list they were sent home with.  And if that weren't bad enough, Matt's family decides to take a vacation to the East coast and Derek's parents have decided to send him to Learning Camp.  Suddenly, summer doesn't look like much fun.

The Bar Code Tattoo

by Suzanne Weyn
Lexile:  720
Genre:  Science Fiction

Everybody is getting a bar code tattoo.  It makes your life so much easier.  But Kayla isn't so sure.  She has watched her friends and family change after getting the tattoo.  The more she learns, the more she is sure she doesn't want one.  However, the country is changing and soon the law will require the tattoo. If Kayla decides to refuse it, she has to be prepared to suffer the consequences.

Lies (Gone Series #3)

by Michael Grant
Lexile:  550
Genre:  Science Fiction

Things are changing on Perdido Beach and not for the better.  People who were dead, are coming back to life. The town council is at odds with each other.  Zil and his human crew are growing more powerful.  And Orsay claims that she has been communicating with people on the the other side of the barrier.  Fear begins to reign and the kids are going to be forced to make desperate choices.

The Unbearable Book Club for Unsinkable Girls

by Julie Schumacher
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

CeeCee, Adrienne, Wallis, and Jill are not friends.  But their mothers come up with the fabulous idea of starting a summer book club and they will all be participating, whether they like it or not.  The girls and their mothers draft a list of books that will meet the requirements for their summer reading and writing assignments for AP English 11.  Adrienne would rather be at camp with her friend Liz, but an injured knee has prevented her from going.  CeeCee crashed her car so her parents cancelled her trip to Paris. Jill's mother wants her to socialize more.  And Wallis?  She is a true mystery. Will this unlikely foursome survive the summer?

Words in the Dust

by Trent Reedy
Lexile:  670
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Zulaikha wants to learn to read and write.  But her family needs her help running the household.  She is growing up in post-Taliban Afghanistan and times are changing everyone - both inside of her home and out.  Zulaikha was born with a cleft lip and the Americans think they might be able to help her get the surgery she needs to correct it.  Her sister is getting married and going to leave their home for good. Her father and brother have gotten a new work contract.  And there is going to be a new baby.  Will Zulaikha get a chance to pursue her dreams?

Heart of a Samurai

by Margi Preus
Lexile:  760
Genre:  Historical Fiction

Manjiro and his four friends don't know if they are going to survive.  They have been stranded on a desert island after a storm destroyed their fishing boat.  They are near death when they are rescued by some American sailors from a whaling boat.  Manjiro has heard terrible stories about these barbarians, but not everything he has heard is true.  An unlikely friendship grows between Manjiro and the captain that causes Manjiro think long and hard about what his hopes and dreams are for the future.

Icefall

by Matthew J. Kirby
Lexile:  670
Genre:  Fantasy

Solveig, Asa, and Harald have been sent away by their father, the king, to protect them from harm while their kingdom is at war.  He thought they would be safe in the hidden ice fortress he sent them to, but what he didn't know was that there was a traitor or two in the midst.  At first, Solveig wants nothing more than to just survive, but her life changes as she begins to suspect that those who have vowed to protect her, might very well be her enemies.

Same Sun Here

by Silas House and Neela Vaswani
Lexile:  890
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Meena lives in New York and River lives in Kentucky.  They are best friends even though they have never met.  They were assigned to each other as penpals during a school project and throughout the letters they have written back and forth to each other, an unlikely friendship has developed.  They find that while they come from very different backgrounds, they actually have a lot in common. For one thing, the same sun shines where both of them live.

Jump into the Sky

by Shelley Pearsall
Lexile:  940
Genre:  Historical Fiction

Levi battle is used to being left behind.  His mother left him when he was a baby and then three years ago, his father left him in the care of his aunt when he went of to join the U.S. Army.  After 3 years, Aunt Odella has decided that it is time for Levi to rejoin his father.  She puts him on a train to North Carolina with one suitcase and says nothing about how different life is going to be for him in the South. Levi's father doesn't know he's coming and Levi's not sure he'll be as welcoming as his aunt had led him to believe.  Life is about to get very interesting.

The Lions of Little Rock

by Kristin Levine
Lexile:  630
Genre:  Historical Fiction

Marlee feels like everything in her life is changing.  Her brother has left for college, her sister moved out of her room, and now it's time to start middle school.  Marlee doesn't like to talk at school so most people tend to think she doesn't have anything to say or any ideas to contribute.  But then Marlee meets Liz, a new student, who is outgoing and confident...everything that Marlee wishes she could be.  Liz has a secret.  A secret that in 1958 could cost her everything.  When Liz's secret is discovered, Marlee's perspective on life suddenly changes.  She will need the courage to find her voice if she is going to stand up for her friend.

Liar and Spy

by Rebecca Stead
Lexile:  670
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Georges has experienced a lot of change in his life recently:  a move to a new apartment, meeting new friends, missing his mom who is working doubles all the time.  But one thing that hasn't changed is 7th grade.  Georges is still bullied and teased about his name, what he eats, and who he hangs out with. His new friend, Safer, whom he meets in his new apartment building, is odd, but kind of in a good way. Safer is a the leader of the spy club and Georges is his new recruit.  Will they solve the mystery of Mr. X?

Breathing Room

by Marsha Hayles
Lexile:  800
Genre:  Historical Fiction

Evvy is 13 years old when she arrives at the Loon Lake Sanatorium.  She has a contagious disease called tuberculosis (TB) and has been sent there by her family to get well.  She meets some new friends who help her to adjust to the hard realities of life in a sanatorium.  Some of her friends will not survive. Will Evvy be able to remain strong enough to fight her disease and get back to the family she loves?

Colin Fischer

by Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz
Lexile: 870
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Colin Fischer has Asbergers which means starting his freshman year in high school is even more challenging than usual.  Colin struggles with reading people's emotions and takes whatever people say quite literally.  He has a notebook that he carries with him wherever he goes so that he can record notes about the things that are happening around him.  This helps him figure out what people really mean when they talk to him.  But when a gun is found at his school and a student is suspended, Colin's attention to detail will help him solve the mystery of who the gun belonged to and help clear the name of an innocent victim.

Ripper

by Stefan Petrucha
Lexile:  710
Genre:  Mystery, Historical Fiction

Carver Young wants two things in life:  he wants to find out who his father is, and he wants to be a detective.  Growing up in an orphanage, Carver doesn't have many clues regarding who his father is or where he might be.  So when a mysterious letter arrives, Carver is ready to find out more.  The mysterious Mr. Hawking arrives and says he would like to become his mentor.  He escorts Carver out of the orphanage and into the mysterious and secret life of the Pinkerton Detective Agency.  Mr. Hawking has promised to help him find his father and teach him how to become a world famous detective.  Can his promises be too good to be true?

Every Day

by David Levithan
Lexile:  650
Genre: Fantasy

Every day, A wakes up in a new body.  He spends the day accessing his host's memories so that he can carry on their lives for 24 hours.  He is careful not to do things that would mess up their lives, but recognizes that he has the power to do so if he chose.  A doesn't really question his unusual existence, until he meets Rhiannon.  Spending a day with her, as her boyfriend Justin, changes his life forever. Will Rhiannon believe him if he tells the truth?  How can he possibly make her understand his unusual life?

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments Book One)

by Cassandra Clare
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Fantasy

Clary thinks she's an ordinary teenage until one night at the Pandemonium Club where she witnesses a murder.  This is the first time Clary learns about the Shadowhunters which begins a major change in her life.  Her mom disappears, and the Shadowhunters are trying to tell her that she is one of them.  Clary is beginning to question all that she has been told.  Is she a Shadowhunter or just an ordinary human?

A Child Called It

by Dave Pelzer
Lexile:  850
Genre:  Memoir

Dave Pelzer recalls the terrifying moments of his childhood when he lived with an abusive mother and a father who stood by and watched it happen.  At first it was just little things, like being excluded from family activities, but over time, the abuse increased and became life threatening.  Dave's story is one of courage and survival that you will never forget.

Ghost Dog Secrets

by Peg Kehret
Lexile:  760
Genre:  Realistic Fiction/Fantasy

Rusty is on his way to school one day when he sees a German Shepard tied to a tree.  The dog looks miserable.  Rusty sets up watch and realizes that the dog is being mistreated.  The other strange thing is that whenever Rusty goes near the dog, he sees a ghost of a white collie.  What is the ghost trying to tell him?  Rusty senses that something is not right; he's just not sure what to do about it.

Wild Life

by Cynthia DeFelice
Lexile:  860
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Erik is so excited to have passed his test that will enable he and his best friend Patrick to go pheasant hunting.  The trip is all planned, but when Erik arrives home, his parents have some surprising news. They are both being deployed to Iraq and Erik is being sent to North Dakota to live with grandparents he barely knows.  Erik is very upset and even more so when he arrives in North Dakota and realizes his grandfather doesn't want him there.  Erik befriends a lost dog and finally finds something to like about North Dakota.

NERDS

by Michael Buckley
Lexile:  760
Genre:  Adventure/Humor

This is a top secret case file that only a few privileged readers will be able to access.  IF you are allowed in, you will learn about a secret undercover group of spies who also happen to be 5th graders. Gluestick, Pufferfish, Choppers, Flinch, and Wheezer have been a team of five for awhile.  But now Braceface has come along.  They want nothing to do with him.  Can Braceface convince them to let him become part of their team?  They may need him if the world is going to be saved from the evil Dr. Jigsaw.

Blindsided

by Priscilla Cummings
Lexile:  710
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Natalie is a typical 14 year old looking forward to starting high school.  She's a great student, has lots of friends, loving parents, and a cute boy who might possibly be interested in her.  But Natalie is keeping a secret from almost everyone in her life.  Since age 8, her eye sight has been deteriorating and at her last eye doctor appointment, her doctor told her that it was only a matter of time before she would be completely blind.  Natalie is devastated and must make a tough decision.  Her parents think she should go to a school for the blind where she can learn the skills she'll need to be able to live independently. This would mean leaving her home and everything she has ever known.

How They Choked

by Georgia Bragg
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Informational

If you liked the book How They Croaked, then you will for sure want to check out How They Choked! This book is all about the ways that famous people failed, flopped, and how they were full of flaws. You will read all about these 14 famous achievers...but not about what they are famous for.  If you want to learn the back story behind how these 14 people became famous, you will want to check this book out.  Learning from mistakes is something we can all appreciate!

The Shadow Throne

by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Lexile:  810
Genre:  Fantasy

War is coming to Carthya and there is nothing Jaron can do to stop it, but he knows it's up to him to save his kingdom from disaster.  Who can he trust?  If he is going to survive this, he will have to surround himself with loyal friends and former enemies.  This is the thrilling conclusion to the Ascendance Trilogy.  If you enjoyed The False Prince and The Runaway King, this is one book you will not want to miss!

The London Eye Mystery

by Siobhan Dowd
Genre:  Mystery
Lexile:  640

Ted and Kat are sort of looking forward to a visit from their cousin Salim, whom they haven't seen in many years.  When Salim arrives, he wants to visit the London Eye, a ferris wheel type ride, that takes people sky high.  Ted and Kat agree to go, but when they are waiting in line, a mysterious man approaches Salim and offers him a free ticket.  Salim takes it, gets on the ride, and disappears.  Ted, Kat, their parents, Salim's parents and the police are all baffled.  It will be up to Ted and Kat to figure out the mystery.

The Boy on Cinnamon Street

by Phoebe Stone
Lexile:  720
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Louise has a secret admirer and it is up to her and her friend Reni to figure out the mystery.  Is it the adorable pizza delivery guy?  Reni is convinced it is, and Lousie is happy to believe her.  Life for Louise has been rough.  Her mom is gone, her dad has started a new family, and Louise is living with her grandparents and has quit the one thing she loved the most:  gymnastics.  Will her secret admirer help her confront things from her past in order for her to move on to a future?

How to Survive Middle School

by Donna Gephart
Lexile:  660
Genre:  Realistic Fiction

David Greenberg is starting middle school - ready or not.  His goal in life is to become a famous talk show host so he and his friend Elliot make lots of videos of their version of a daily talk show.  But when Elliot and David get in a fight, David is left alone - starting a new school is hard enough.  Starting a new school without your best friend is even worse!

Hunger (Gone Series #2)

by Michael Grant
Lexile:  570
Genre:  Science Fiction

The adults are all gone and the children are in charge.  But now, food and other resources are running low and the teenagers who are trying to keep things running, are in disagreement about the next steps so they are now starting to turn on each other.  Caine and his allies are hunkered down at the old Coates Academy, while Sam, Astrid, Quinn and Edilio try to keep things running calmly on the beach.  The two factions still view themselves as enemies, but now an even bigger threat appears.  The Darkness is talking and no one knows who or what the Darkness is or wants...

Cress (Lunar Chronicles Book 3)

by Marissa Meyer
Lexile:  840
Genre:  Science Fiction

Cinder and Captain Thorne are still on the run.  Wolf and Scarlet have joined them.  But if they are going to overthrow Queen Levana and stop her wedding to Emporer Kai, they are going to need some help.  Their best help will be Cress, a girl who has been imprisoned for seven years on a satellite, but a rescue will not be easy.  Will they be able to get to Cress in time to stop the wedding?

A Tale Dark and Grimm

by Adam Gidwitz
Lexile:  690
Genre:  Traditional Literature

Do you know the story of Hansel and Gretel?  The real version?  Or just the one where two little children get lost in the woods and almost eaten by a witch?  If that's all you know, then reading this book will teach you a lot.  The true story of Hansel and Gretel - from start to finish.  This book is NOT for little kids!