A SURPRESENT FOR ANY READER

Delaware Pattinson, who goes by Delly, is always getting in trouble for one thing or another. She doesn't MEAN to get in trouble, but it seems to always find her. So when the principal and her parents threaten to send her off to reform school, she has to learn to straighten up - AND QUICK! TRUE (...SORT OF) by Katherine Hannigan is a dellylicious story about a girl coming to terms with being responsible, meeting new friends, learning patience, and feeling loved. The characters each have their own issues to deal with, and the author does a fantastic job of letting each one take the spotlight in some way. For grades 4 and up.

A CIVIL WAR GOTHIC

Jennie's fiance died under suspicious circumstances in the war, however, she believes that his spirit is angry and is trying to tell her something. Only her fiance's twin brother made it back alive, and is showing her kindness unlike before the war. Is it possible that can she love both brothers? Jennie isn't certain about anything, anymore. Was her fiance the wonderful person she remembers or in reality a criminal? She must find out what truly happened that day her beloved Will died.

Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown is told mostly through letters and photographs (illustrations). This Civil War gothic romance takes you through twists and turns and comes to a satisfying end. For mature middle school - high school readers in 7th-12th grade.

THE CASE OF THE MISSING CHICKS

J.J. is an old retired rescue dog who can find anyone, even missing chicks. When Moosh's chicks begin to disappear from the farm, J.J., for a well done cheeseburger, reluctantly takes the case where the scent leads to the house dog, Vince the Funnel.

The Trouble With Chickens: A J.J. Tully Mystery by Doreen Cronin is a fun and quirky beginning chapter book for readers in 3rd-4th told from two dogs' points of view.

GHETTO COWBOY

Cole is twelve years old. Having been raised only by his mother, Cole is getting in trouble again at school for the last months. He’s bored in classes and between not attending school for the last four weeks and staying out late wandering around the streets with his friends, he’s at risk of getting kicked out of the school. Cole is pushing his mother too far; therefore she is driving Cole to Philadelphia where she intends to leave him in his father’s care, Harper, whom he never met before. Cole finds himself abandoned and rejected by his mother in the ghetto and left with a stranger whom he is told to be is his father. This is the last place Cole would expect to find a horse. He does not like horses cause he finds them large and intimidating. It is also hard for him to accept the fact that someone can be a black cowboy in the middle of the ghetto. Harper his father, is one of the Philadelphia’s urban cowboy, building stables and rescuing old racehorses to bring into the neighborhood where he lives. There, the cowboys care for horses, teaching the neighborhood kids to ride and care for the horses as well. Even the gang members respect the area not bringing guns and fights to the area.
In one occasion, a storm causes great damage to the stables, and the city’s authorities moves in and claims neglecting of the horses. When some horses are taken away, including Boo, the horse that Cole was slowly growing attached to, the young boy decides it’s time to act.
Written by G. Neri, illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. Real life scenario. Recommended for 6th graders and up.

NO ROOM OF HER OWN

Lucy Wu thought that with her older sister going off to college she would get a room all to herself. NOPE! Her beloved grandmother's long lost sister has been invited to come to visit, all the way from China and of course Lucy will be expected to share her room. Her great aunt doesn't speak English and Lucy's Chinese is... well,you'll see.

Things as you know, in books and in life, never turn out the way you plan them. The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang is a journey of family, love and understanding. A beautiful well written book for readers 5th - 8th.

ROBIN HOOD!

I am pretty sure that you are already familiar with the story of Robin Hood. However, if you want to read it in a different format, than here is a great title for you! OUTLAW- THE LEGEND OF ROBIN HOOD: A GRAPHIC NOVEL by TONY LEE. The young Robin Hood witnesses the shooting of his father’s friend by non other than his own father… Shocked and confused, he asks his father why he did the unimaginable…The answer to that question confuses and shocks him even more. Hence, begins his adventures and his countless victories, including taking money from the rich and giving it to the very poor! The story is well written and the graphics have a very realistic look to them.

For grades 4th and up!

A HOB IN THE ABBEY

After finding a hob (hobgoblin) trapped and injured in the woods, Will, take it back to Crowfield Abbey to heal. And so begins the strange events and visitors to the Abbey. It all harkens back to something that happens many many years ago waiting to be unearthed.

The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh is an fantasy suspense thriller set during the end of the Middle Ages when people had their faith, believing in the good, the evil and the fantastical. For readers in 6th-8th grade.