SECRETS IN THE SNOW by Michaela MacColl

Historical Fiction (French Revolution & Britain 1700's),
Mystery, Romance, Jane Austen

264 pages; Grades 6-10

Junior Library Guild Selection

"Jane Austen's family is eager to secure her future by marrying her off. But Jane is much more interested in writing her novels, and finds every suitor lacking--until the mysterious Mr. Lefroy arrives. Could he be the one? Before Jane can find out, she must solve a murder, clear her family's name, and face a decision that might cost her true love." -The Publisher

Entertaining murder mystery with some romance that may tempt readers to discover the real Jane Austen. Writing reflects formality of the time period (the late 1700's), but is an appropriate reading level for students.

THE SUMMER I SAVED THE WORLD ....IN 65 DAYS by Michele Hurwitz

Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Families, Helping People,  Romance

265 pages; grades 5-8

Horn Book Guide (Fall 2014)
"The summer before ninth grade, Nina is adrift: she's growing apart from her best friend, and her family hardly speaks to one another. Then she decides to do one small, anonymous kind act each day, hoping to bring some good to her neighborhood. Nina is a thoughtful, inspiring hero who proves that one person really can make a difference."

Love, love this book! You have suspense, the difficulties that sometimes come with friendship, loneliness, happiness, triumph, and a lot of great characters in one small neighborhood.

Put this on your recommended list for middle school.

I AM A GENIUS OF UNSPEAKABLE EVIL AND I WANT TO BE YOUR CLASS PRESIDENT by Josh Lieb

Humor, School, Genius

302 pages; YA

"Twelve-year-old evil genius, Oliver, uses his great brain to become the third richest person in the world, and finds that overthrowing foreign dictators is easier than getting the kids in his middle school to vote him class president."
-Publisher's description

This kid is so evil. Forget role models! I couldn't stop reading it. It was grabbed up immediately by one of my students before I could finish it. He had just told me that he doesn't like to read, so if this book gets him reading, well then I love it!

OUT OF MY MIND by Sharon Draper

white Realistic Fiction, Overcoming Adversity, Assistive Technology, Friendship, Family, Courage

295 pages Grades 5-8

Starred reviews

Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2010)
"Narrator Melody is a fifth grader with cerebral palsy. She's brilliant, but few people realize just how brilliant until she receives "Elvira," her Medi-Talker computer. Draper paints the picture of a real girl--with tantrums and attitude, problems with mean girls and oafish adults. This is an eye-opening book with an unforgettable protagonist and a rich cast of fully realized, complicated characters."

An unforgettable description of the frustration and heartache experienced by people who must cope with disabilities that cause others to stereotype and exclude them. A powerful book for class discussion or independent reading. Pair with Wonder by Palacio.