Summary: It’s 1962. Franny is fighting with her best friend and struggling as a misunderstood middle child stuck between a saintly younger brother and a beautiful college-aged sister. But, these problems fade when the nation learns Russia has sent nuclear missiles to Cuba and the frightening threat of war hangs in the air. Thoughts: What a captivating historical novel! …
Summary: Muriel and Ollie Jorgensen and Emma and Frank Norman have lived across the river from each other on neighboring Michigan farms as long as any can remember. World War I hits and sends these four teens into a world of trouble and onto paths they never expected. Thoughts: Helen Frost’s free verse novels are truly remarkable. …
Summary: Griff Carver believes in order, justice, and safe hallways. Armed with a safety patrol badge and a keen ability for sniffing out tomfoolery, Griff is going to do whatever it takes to clean up Rampart Middle School. Thoughts: Hilarious! I loved the “hard-boiled detective” style of this mystery by first-time novelist Jim Krieg. It’s a witty, clever book with …
Summary: Cousins Missy and Claire have a striking family resemblance. When given an assignment to create a believable hoax, they pretend to be identical twins. But, what if the hoax is not a hoax? Thoughts: I really enjoyed this latest thriller from Caroline Cooney. The idea of identity, the power of the global-reaching Internet, and the bonds of family are interestingly …
Summary: It’s the Roaring Twenties; the time of flappers, bobbed hair, speakeasies, jazz music, and dancing the Charleston until dawn. Gloria, her goody-two-shoes cousin Clara, and her scheming best friend Lorraine are swept away by the glitz and glamour of the times and nothing is ever going to be the same. Thoughts: Gossip Girl meets the 1920s! What could …
Summary: When Elizabeth’s teacher suggests she take a job at the library, she is excited about the chance to earn some money. But, she quickly learns that the New York Circulating Material Repository is no ordinary library. Thoughts: Since I love anything about NYC and anything about libraries, I couldn’t wait to read this new novel! It’s …