SECRET, SILENT SCREAMS by Joan Lowery Nixon

Mystery. "A high school senior is convinced her friend Barry did not commit suicide but was a murder victim, and she endangers her own life to prove it." titlewave.com

Jean Lowery Nixon is a great bet for middle school mysteries. She moves the plot along at a fast clip and keeps the story a manageable length. The culprit was easily guessed, but I was pulled in enough to want to 'scream' at Marti that she was the next target. A fun scary read.

LISTENING FOR LIONS by Gloria Whelan

Grades 5-8 "When her parents die of the influenza ravaging British East Africa, Rachel fears that she will have to enter an orphanage. Here the plot departs from the expected, and Rachel's life becomes very complicated. Through her sympathetic narrator, Whelan gives readers a glimpse of life in post-WWI colonial Africa. Melodramatic plot twists and a complex main character add up to a satisfying, old-fashioned tale." (Hornbook Starred 2006)

Great plot and lots of Girl Power. Rachel is a positive, inspiring role model. Gloria Whelan's Website

KINGDOM KEEPERS by Ridley Pearson

"Five young teens hired as models for theme park guides find themselves pitted against Disney villains and witches that threaten both the future of Walt Disney World and the stability of the world as a whole." titlewave.com

A little magic, mystery and science fiction all rolled into one. Just scary enough. Perfect for those readers who love Disney, reluctant readers, or anyone looking for a fast-paced adventure. A lot of fun. I was a little bothered by some gender stereo-typing, but can forgive it in the overall picture of a great story. Enjoy this one!