Best of
Middle-Grade

2010

Out of My Mind


Sharon M. Draper - 2010
    She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom - the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she's determined to let everyone know it - somehow.

Because of Mr. Terupt


Rob Buyea - 2010
    There’s . . . Jessica, the new girl, smart and perceptive, who’s having a hard time fitting in; Alexia, a bully, your friend one second, your enemy the next; Peter, class prankster and troublemaker; Luke, the brain; Danielle, who never stands up for herself; shy Anna, whose home situation makes her an outcast; and Jeffrey, who hates school.Only Mr. Terupt, their new and energetic teacher, seems to know how to deal with them all. He makes the classroom a fun place, even if he doesn’t let them get away with much . . . until the snowy winter day when an accident changes everything—and everyone.--jacket description

The Candymakers


Wendy Mass - 2010
    Who will invent a candy more delicious than the Oozing Crunchorama or the Neon Lightning Chew? Logan, the Candymaker's son, who can detect the color of chocolate by touch alone?Miles, the boy who is allergic to merry-go-rounds and the color pink? Daisy, the cheerful girl who can lift a fifty-pound lump of taffy like it's a feather? Or Philip, the suit-and-tie wearing boy who's always scribbling in a secret notebook?This sweet, charming, and cleverly crafted story, told from each contestant's perspective, is filled with mystery, friendship, and juicy revelations.

A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story


Linda Sue Park - 2010
    The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours’ walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the "lost boys" of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay. Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way.

Big Nate: In a Class by Himself


Lincoln Peirce - 2010
    REALLY big things.But life doesn't always go your way just because you're awesome.Trouble always seems to find him, but Nate keeps his cool no matter what.He knows he's great. A fortune cookie told him so.For fans of the hilarious Diary of a Wimpy Kid series: Here comes BIG NATE, accidental mischief maker and definitely NOT the teacher's pet.

Mockingbird


Kathryn Erskine - 2010
    Things are good or bad. Anything in between is confusing. That’s the stuff Caitlin’s older brother, Devon, has always explained. But now Devon’s dead and Dad is no help at all. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an eleven-year-old girl with Asperger’s, she doesn’t know how. When she reads the definition of closure, she realizes that is what she needs. In her search for it, Caitlin discovers that not everything is black and white—the world is full of colors—messy and beautiful.Kathryn Erskine has written a must-read gem, one of the most moving novels of the year.

Belly Up


Stuart Gibbs - 2010
    Henry, the hippopatamus at the brand-new nationally known FunJungle, has gone belly up. Even though it's claimed he died of natural causes, Teddy smells something fishy and it sure ain't the polar bear's lunch. Dealing with the zoo's top brass proves to be nothing but a waste of time. They want to see any trace of Henry's death disappear like yesterday's paper. So Teddy sets out to find the truth. With the help of Summer McCraken, a fiesty girl with secrets of her own, the two narrow down their prime suspects. Is it Martin Del Gato, FunJungle's head of operations who dislikes kids and hates animals even more? Or J.J McCraken, the owner of FunJungle and Summer's father, who has more concern for the dough he's raking in than the animals in the zoo? As their investigation goes on, Teddy gets squeezed on all sides to quit asking questions-- or Henry won't be the only one to turn up dead. The deeper Teddy and Summer get, the more the danger mounts -- because when it comes to hippo homicide, the truth can't be kept in a cage!

The Accidental Hero


Matt Myklusch - 2010
    Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost, an orphanage that sinks further into the swampland of New Jersey with each passing year. His aptitude tests predict that he will spend a long, unhappy career as a toilet brush cleaner. His only chance at escape comes through the comic books donated years ago to the orphanage that he secretly reads in the dark corners of the library. Everything changes one icy gray morning when Jack receives two visitors that alter his life forever. The first is a deadly robot straight out of one of his comic books that tries its best to blow him up. The second is an emissary from a secret country called the Imagine Nation, an astonishing place where all the fantastic and unbelievable things in our world originate — including Jack. Jack soon discovers that he has an amazing ability — one that could make him the savior of the Imagine Nation and the world beyond, or the biggest threat they've ever faced.

Billionaire Boy


David Walliams - 2010
    About a billion of them, in fact. You see, Joe's rich. Really, really rich. Joe's got his own bowling alley, his own cinema, even his own butler who is also an orangutan. He's the wealthiest twelve-year-old in the land.But Joe isn't happy. Why not? Because he's got a billion pounds… and not a single friend. But then someone comes along, someone who likes Joe for Joe, not for his money. The problem is, Joe's about to learn that when money is involved, nothing is what it seems.The best things in life are free, they say – and if Joe's not careful, he's going to lose them all…

The Dead End


Mimi McCoy - 2010
    Bone-chilling. These books have bite! Casey Slater can't believe her bad luck. It's the summer before seventh grade, and instead of the perfect vacation she'd planned with her best friend, Casey is in a remote country town, where her parents are restoring an old, creaky, creepy house. Worst of all, everyone else in town thinks the old house is haunted. And soon Casey thinks so, too -- a vase explodes, a heavy china cabinet falls over on its own -- and it seems like the ghost doesn't want them there. Casey thought she'd be dying of boredom, but now she's scared to death!"

Half Upon a Time


James Riley - 2010
    After all, his father's been missing ever since that incident with the beanstalk and the giant, and his grandfather keeps pushing him to get out and find a princess to rescue. Who'd want to rescue a snobby, entitled princess anyway? Especially one that falls out of the sky wearing a shirt that says "Punk Princess," and still denies she's royalty. In fact, May doesn't even believe in magic. Yeah, what's that about? May does need help though--a huntsman is chasing her, her grandmother has been kidnapped, and Jack thinks it’s all because of the Wicked Queen . . . mostly because May’s grandmother might just be the long-lost Snow White. Jack and May's thrillingly hilarious adventure combines all the classic stories—fractured as a broken magic mirror—into the first of an epic new series of novels for the ages.

Winter of the Crystal Dances


Angela Dorsey - 2010
    Her secret “gift” certainly seems to get her in a lot of trouble. When some starving mustangs wander close to the wilderness cabin that she shares with her hermit mother she knows she must help them. Her act of kindness quickly snowballs into a series of events that forever changes her life and the life of a very special mustang filly.

The Black Book of Buried Secrets


Mallory Kass - 2010
    Their desperate hunt for the 39 Clues lies behind some of history’s biggest enigmas – the curse of the Hope diamond, the race to summit Mt. Everest, the wild life and death of Harry Houdini. And now – finally – the secrets are out. With an introduction by Rick Riordan, The 39 Clues: The Black Book of Buried Secrets reveals the shocking truth about history’s most notorious family.In full, lush color, The 39 Clues: The Black Book of Buried Secrets lays bare each hidden fact, concealed strategy, top agent, lost founder, secret base and hushed-up scandal of the Clue hunt. This complete guide to the Cahills contains information on all five branches, including the notoriously elusive Madrigals. The must-know information includes:-Full files on the enigmatic Man in Black.-The true purpose of the Madrigal branch.-The complete story of the fire that split the original Cahill family.-The truth about the night Hope and Arthur Cahill died.-Open access to the secrets of the Lucian, Ekaterina, Tomas and Janus branches.It’s never too late to join the hunt – especially with The 39 Clues: The Black Book of Buried Secrets to provide complete access to the Cahill’s most deeply-buried secrets.http://www.scholastic.com/kids/39clues/http://www.the39clues.com/

To Stand On My Own: The Polio Epidemic Diary of Noreen Robertson, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 1937


Barbara Haworth-Attard - 2010
    The Great Depression has brought great hardship, and young Noreen’s family must scrimp to make ends meet.In a horrible twist of fate, Noreen, like hundreds of other young Canadians, contracts polio and is placed in an isolation ward, unable to move her legs. After a few weeks she gains partial recovery, but her family makes the painful decision to send her to a hospital far away for further treatment. To Stand On My Own is Noreen’s diary account of her journey through recovery: her treatment; life in the ward; the other patients, some of them far worse off than her; adjustment to life in a wheelchair and on crutches; and ultimately, the emotional and physical hurdles she must face when she returns home. In this moving addition to the Dear Canada series, award-winning author Barbara Haworth-Attard recreates a desolate time in Canadian history, and one girl’s brave fight against a deadly disease.

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912


Lauren Tarshis - 2010
    The ship is full of exciting places to explore, but when George ventures into the first class storage cabin, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George's life changes forever.Lauren Tarshis brings history's most exciting and terrifying events to life in this new fictional series. Readers will be transported by stories of amazing kids and how they survived!

The Wide-Awake Princess


E.D. Baker - 2010
    When Gwennie pricks her finger and the whole castle falls asleep, only Annie is awake, and only Annie-blessed (or cursed?) with being impervious to magic-can venture out beyond the rose-covered hedge for help. She must find Gwen's true love to kiss her awake.But who is her true love? The irritating Digby? The happy-go-lucky Prince Andreas, who is holding a contest to find his bride? The conniving Clarence, whose sinister motives couldn't possibly spell true love? Joined by one of her father's guards, Liam, who happened to be out of the castle when the sleeping spell struck, Annie travels through a fairy tale land populated with characters both familiar and new as she tries to fix her sister and her family . . . and perhaps even find a true love of her own.

Smells Like Dog


Suzanne Selfors - 2010
    But when Uncle Drake mysteriously disappears, Homer inherits two things: a lazy, droopy dog with no sense of smell, and a mystery.Why would his uncle call this clumsy dog his "most treasured possession?" And why did he put a gold coin on the dog's collar?And who will continue Uncle Drake's quest-to find the most coveted pirate treasure in the world?Join Homer, his sister Gwendolyn, and Dog on an adventure that will test their wits and courage as they leave their peaceful farm and head into a world where ruthless treasure hunters hide around every corner. Where they discover that Dog has a hidden talent and that treasure might be closer than they ever imagined...

The Rose Cottage Tales


Emily Bearn - 2010
    But the holidays are upon them, and it seems to be the time of year when Arthur and Lucy, the disheveled human children of Rose Cottage, and bumbling veteran hero General Marchmouse are most likely to get into trouble. Tumtum and Nutmeg want to make things right, but first they'll have to outwit a wicked mouse named Purple Claw, face a crazed circus ringmaster, and even save Christmas!In three delightful new adventures, Tumtum and Nutmeg prove that big heroes come in tiny packages.

Stolen Girl


Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch - 2010
    Her memories of the war are messy, coming back to her in pieces and flashes she can't control. Though her adoptive mother says they are safe now, Nadia's flashbacks keep coming.Sometimes she remembers running, hunger, and isolation. But other times she remembers living with a German family, and attending big rallies where she was praised for her light hair and blue eyes. The puzzle pieces don't quite fit together, and Nadia is scared by what might be true. Could she have been raised by Nazis? Were they her real family? What part did she play in the war?What Nadia finally discovers about her own history will shock her. But only when she understands the past can she truly face her future.Inspired by startling true events, Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch delivers a gripping and poignant story of one girl's determination to uncover her truth.

Emily Windsnap: Four Sparkling Underwater Adventures


Liz Kessler - 2010
    Dive in!Half-mermaid, half-spunky girl, all magic — Emily Windsnap swept a generation of middle grade readers under her spell. Avid fans or those discovering Emily for the first time, kids will swimmingly to this beautiful collection of four Emily Windsnap episodes boasting fresh new paperback covers:The Tail of Emily WindsnapEmily Windsnap and the Monster from the DeepEmily Windsnap and the Castle in the MistEmily Windsnap and the Siren’s Secret

The Red Pyramid


Rick Riordan - 2010
    Julius Kane. But while Carter's been homeschooled, his younger sister, Sadie, has been living with their grandparents in London. Sadie has just what Carter wants—school friends and a chance at a "normal" life. But Carter has just what Sadie longs for—time with their father. After six years of living apart, the siblings have almost nothing in common. Until now.On Christmas Eve, Sadie and Carter are reunited when their father brings them to the British Museum, with a promise that he's going to "make things right." But all does not go according to plan: Carter and Sadie watch as Julius summons a mysterious figure, who quickly banishes their father and causes a fiery explosion.Soon Carter and Sadie discover that the gods of Ancient Egypt are waking, and the worst of them—Set—has a frightening scheme. To save their father, they must embark on a dangerous journey—a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family and its links to the House of Life, a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.

For Horse-Crazy Girls Only: Everything You Want to Know About Horses


Christina Wilsdon - 2010
    You'll learn everything from the different breeds of horses, to how a horse's body works, to the quirky little things that make the horse the BEST animal ever. Author Christina Wilsdon even shares ideas for horse-themed parties, and suggestions for the best horse movies to watch with your friends. And that's just the beginning.

The Familiars


Adam Jay Epstein - 2010
    Moments later Jack, a young wizard in training, comes in to choose a magical animal to be his familiar. Jack thinks his birthday pet is magical, and Aldwyn plays along.He just has to convince the other familiars -- know-it-all blue jay Skylar and unsure tree frog Gilbert that he's as powerful as he claims. Then the unthinkable happens. Jack and two other young wizards are captured by the evil queen of Vastia. The familiars face dangerous foes, unearth a shocking centuries-old secret, and discover a destiny that will change Vastia forever.

The Popularity Papers


Amy Ignatow - 2010
    Lydia’s the bold one: aspiring theater star, stick-fighting enthusiast, human guinea pig. Julie’s the shy one: observer and artist, accidental field hockey star, faithful recorder. In this notebook they write down their observations and carry out experiments to try to determine what makes the popular girls tick. But somehow, when Lydia and Julie try to imitate the popular girls, their efforts don’t translate into instant popularity. Lydia ends up with a bald spot, their parents won’t stop yelling, and Julie finds herself the number-one crush of Roland Asbjørnsen. Worse, they seem to be drifting farther and farther from their goal—and each other.Amy Ignatow’s hilarious debut novel introduces the intrepid fifth-graders Julie and Lydia, whose quest to understand popularity may not succeed in the ways they want, but will succeed in keeping readers in stitches. From Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: Lydia and Julie, BFFs since birth, are now preparing to enter junior high, and they're on a mission to become popular. First, however, they have to determine exactly how popularity is achieved, so they decide to approach the matter as any good scientist would: observe those creatures already at the height of popularity and apply said observations to themselves, in the hopes of cracking into that mysterious world of junior-high stardom. The two record their observations and the often spectacularly unsuccessful outcomes of their various social experiments in a scrapbook-like journal, complete with notes passed at school, lists of projected popularity goals, and credibly goofy and kidlike drawings. The story here is fairly familiar: the girls fail miserably at their first attempts at the A-list (Lydia's hair falls out after a botched dye job, among other disasters) but eventually find acceptance in the upper echelon, only to learn the valuable lesson that it's the people you're most comfortable around who make the best friends. The diary format, however, adds an extra dimension of funny, and as in Jeff Kinney's Wimpy Kid series about Greg Heffley, it allows Julie and Lydia to come alive through their witty dialogue, their perceptive commentary, and even their characteristic handwriting. Secondary characters shine as well, particularly Julie's embarrassing but ultimately charming two dads, along with Lydia's goth-punk sister, a font of random quips and junior high wisdom. The popular kids end up being far from perfect and each has issues of her own to contend with, making the actual friendships that form among the girls all the more endearing. Those waiting for the next installment of Greg Heffley's adventures will be well served by this amusing experiment in sixth-grade celebrity. KQG

The Healing Spell


Kimberley Griffiths Little - 2010
    She knows she is responsible for her mother's coma, but she can't tell anyone. It's up to her to find a way to wake her momma up. Stuck in the middle of three sisters, hiding a forbidden pet alligator, and afraid to disappoint her daddy, whom she loves more than anyone else, Livie struggles to find her place within her own family as she learns about the powers of faith and redemption. Livie's powerful, emotional, and sometimes humorous story will stay with readers long after the last line is read.

Athena the Brain


Joan Holub - 2010
    She has never quite fit in at Triton Junior High, but who would've guessed that Athena is actually a goddess? Principal Zeus's daughter, to be exact.When she's summoned to Mount Olympus Academy, Athena thinks she might actually fit in for the first time in her life. But in some ways, school on Mount Olympus is not that different from down on Earth, and Athena is going to have to deal with the baddest mean girl in history: Medusa!

What Momma Left Me


Renée Watson - 2010
    Despite the difficulties of a new school, a new church, and a new neighborhood, Serenity gains strength from the family around her, the new friends she finds, and her own careful optimism. Debut author Renée Watson's talent shines in this powerful and ultimately uplifting novel.

Sugar and Ice


Kate Messner - 2010
    But all that changes when Russian skating coach Andrei Grosheva offers Claire a scholarship to train with the elite in Lake Placid. Tossed into a world of mean girls on ice, where competition is everything, Claire realizes that her sweet dream come true has sharper edges than she could have imagined. Can she find the strength to stand up to the people who want to see her fail and the courage to decide which dream she wants to follow?

The Lost Children


Carolyn Cohagan - 2010
    She's given a new pair every week by her father, a sullen man known best for his insistence that the citizens in town wear gloves at all times. A world away, the children of Gulm have been taken. No one knows where they might be, except the mysterious and terrifying leader of the land: The Master. He rules with an iron fist, using two grotesque creatures to enforce his terrible reign. When a peculiar boy named Fargus shows up on Josephine's property and then disappears soon afterward, she follows him without a second thought and finds herself magically transported to Gulm. After Fargus introduces her to his tough-as-nails friend Ida, the three of them set off on an adventure that will test everything Josephine has ever thought about the rules of the universe, leading to a revelation about the truth of the land of Gulm, and of Josephine's own life back home.

A Tale Dark & Grimm


Adam Gidwitz - 2010
    As readers follow the siblings through a forest brimming with menacing foes, they learn the true story behind (and beyond) the bread crumbs, edible houses, and outwitted witches. Fairy tales have never been more irreverent or subversive as Hansel and Gretel learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after.

Alice-Miranda at School


Jacqueline Harvey - 2010
    When she arrives at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies, the adventure begins . . . only not quite as Alice-Miranda expects. The minute she sets foot on the school's manicured grounds, she senses that something is wrong: Miss Grimm, the headmistress, is nowhere to be seen, the gardens have no flowers, and a mysterious stranger seems to be hiding out on the premises. But that's not all. Some girls are mean and spoiled, like Alethea Goldsworthy. Can Alice-Miranda defeat Alethea in one of three difficult tests she must pass to remain at school? Will she discover Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale's big secret--and make things right? Well, if anyone can, it's spunky Alice-Miranda!

Missile Mouse #1 The Star Crusher


Jake Parker - 2010
    Then RIP, the Rogue Imperium of Planets, kidnaps a scientist who knows about the Star Crusher, a doomsday machine capable of destroying the entire universe. Time to let loose the mouse!

Fatty Legs: A True Story


Christy Jordan-Fenton - 2010
    Faced with unceasing pressure, her father finally agrees to let her make the five-day journey to attend school, but he warns Margaret of the terrors of residential schools.At school Margaret soon encounters the Raven, a black-cloaked nun with a hooked nose and bony fingers that resemble claws. She immediately dislikes the strong-willed young Margaret. Intending to humiliate her, the heartless Raven gives gray stockings to all the girls -- all except Margaret, who gets red ones. In an instant Margaret is the laughingstock of the entire school.In the face of such cruelty, Margaret refuses to be intimidated and bravely gets rid of the stockings. Although a sympathetic nun stands up for Margaret, in the end it is this brave young girl who gives the Raven a lesson in the power of human dignity.Complemented by archival photos from Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's collection and striking artwork from Liz Amini-Holmes, this inspiring first-person account of a plucky girl's determination to confront her tormentor will linger with young readers.

Ghost Dog Secrets


Peg Kehret - 2010
    When he realizes that the dog's been injured, Rusty and his friend Andrew unchain the dog and take it. Are they stealing, or are they rescuing a dog in need? With the dog living in their secret hideout, the boys face multiple challenges, including a mysterious ghost dog that tries to lead them to a startling secret, Andrew's snoopy sister, and the escalating threats of the dog's abusive owner. The fast-paced suspense builds to a surprising conclusion, which will leave young readers cheering for Rusty's compassion and determination.

Nightshade City


Hilary Wagner - 2010
    The once peaceful and democratic colony has become a harsh dictatorship ruled by the High Minister Kildeer and his henchman, Billycan, who runs the Kill Army and collects weekly Stipend from the terrified subjects. The two of them rule with iron fists. With most of the adult rats wiped out in Killdeer's Bloody Coup and the subsequent great flood, orphaned young male rats are forced into the army and the females into servitude or worse. But change is coming. . . .Two orphan brothers, Vincent and Victor Nightshade, sons of a hero killed in the Bloody Coup, manage to escape from the Kill Army and meet up with Juniper Belancourt, leader of a rebel group seeking to overthrow their oppressors and restore peace and democracy in a new city. The brothers are quickly caught up in Juniper's cause: "We survive by cover of night. We live in the shadows, waiting for our redemption! Our name must symbolize our burning spirit. . . . Tonight and forever, we are Nightshade City!"Juniper's plans are complicated by many factors. His lovely young niece Clover has been picked by Killdeer to be his next Chosen One, so the rebels and their allies the Earthworms must work fast to save her. Can the rebels locate their enemies' War Room? Can Juniper's former love, now holding a position in Killdeer's Ministry, be trusted? Will the rebels be able to execute their plans without the aid of a young Topsider (human)? And how will Vincent and Victor fare in battle will they honor their father's legacy of courage?NIGHTSHADE CITY is rich with memorable characters: Vincent, who comes of age in this time of change; his worshipful younger brother, Victor; beautiful, intelligent Clover; Mother Gallo, a canny survivor who discovers her lost love only to risk losing him again; the charismatic Juniper, a kind and courageous leader whose vision carries the rebels into great danger; Killdeer, a decadent narcissist with surprising depth; and Billycan, a truly demented former lab rat, brilliant, vicious, and Juniper's sworn enemy.This enthralling animal fantasy, in the classic tradition of Redwall and Watership Down, encompasses timeless themes of honor and loyalty, family ties and lost love, alliances and betrayals. Readers will respond enthusiastically to this surefire page-turner, set in a brilliantly imagined world filled with easy-to-root-for heroes and villains they'll love to hate.

It's Raining Cupcakes


Lisa Schroeder - 2010
    But when Isabel’s mother decides to open up a cupcake shop across town, Isabel is once again stuck in Willow for the summer…until she learns of a baking contest where the finalists get an all-expenses paid trip to New York City to compete in the final bake-off. But Sophie is also entering the contest, and Isabel’s mother has reservations. Can Isabel finally realize her dreams of leaving Willow without hurting two of the most important people in her life?

Girl's Best Friend


Leslie Margolis - 2010
    After all, she has a semi-secret after-school gig as a professional (ok, amateur) dog-walker. Maggie hates to see a pup in trouble, so she's even willing to help her ex-best friend Ivy recover her rescue-dog, Kermit. Kermit's being held for ransom, and Maggie has noticed some suspicious behavior lately. But she never suspected her crush Milo could be involved . . .Leslie Margolis's pitch-perfect voice and rich characters have endeared her to tweens, and her fans will flock to this hip new series featuring a clever and lovable new heroine, Maggie Brooklyn.

Firestorm!


Joan Hiatt Harlow - 2010
    Poppy plans to change her thieving ways, but when Justin loses money at his father’s jewelry store and Poppy is accused of stealing it, she flees back onto the streets. Justin insists on searching for her—just as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 breaks out. Alternately narrated by Poppy and Justin, this is a gripping story of right and wrong, trust and forgiveness, and finding hope in the ashes of destruction.

Camp Club Girls & the Mystery at Discovery Lake


Renae Brumbaugh - 2010
    Where are the strange noises coming from? And what’s the “DanGer” warning all about? “Camp Discovery” indeed! The mysteries seem as thick as the woods surrounding the cabins!

Sincerely, Sophie; Sincerely, Katie


Courtney Sheinmel - 2010
    When Sophie's best friend, Jessie, suddenly rejects her for a faster crowd and the Turner family begins to break down, Sophie's only source of comfort is the distant voice of her school-assigned pen pal, Katie. Sincerely, Katie Eleven year old Katie Franklin lives in California, and she thinks life is perfect. When she and her best friend, Jake, spearhead a charity project for earthquake victims in Mexico, Katie couldn't be happier. But when Jake starts paying attention to another girl, Katie get jealous, and does some things she isn't proud of at all. No one at home understands her, but she does have one friend she can open up to--her pen pal, Sophie. Two realistic, gentle novels in one about dealing with transitions and divorce, friendship and jealousy, Sincerely looks at the enduring power of friendship--even from miles away.

The Puzzle of the Paper Daughter: A Julie Mystery


Kathryn Reiss - 2010
    She brings it to her friend Ivy to translate, and learns that the note once belonged to Ivy's grandmother, from long ago when she was a girl immigrating from China to San Francisco. The note promises great treasure, but it doesn't quite make sense--it's almost as if the writer was sending a secret message in code. Soon after the discovery of the note, Julie's and Ivy's beloved dolls are stolen. Who would do such a thing, and why? Seeking clues, Julie and Ivy search all over Chinatown and even visit the immigration station on Angel Island. Gradually, Julie realizes that in order to find the doll thief, she must figure out the real message hidden in the Chinese note.

Roald Dahl Magical Gift Set (4 Books)


Roald Dahl - 2010
    Fox, and even James and his giant peach are available in this beautifully packaged gift set. All of the books are charmingly illustrated by Quentin Blake. This Roald Dahl gift set is the perfect gift for longtime fans and newcomers alike!

Portia's Incredible Journey


Emma L. Price - 2010
    “I don’t want to stay here! Don’t leave me here. I won’t stay.”Walking out of the restroom, I thought that this must be her first time staying away from home. I’ll say something to try to help calm her down. When I looked up, our eyes locked. She stopped yelling. It was the bully from my school, Liz Madison.Oh, no! Of all the kids at camp, why was she assigned to my cabin? “Elizabeth, do you know this young lady?” Liz’s mom asked. “Are you two friends?” Liz rolled her eyes. “She goes to my school and is such a wimp!” Liz’s mom shook her head. “That’s not nice. Apologize now, Elizabeth.”“Sorry.” “That’s okay,” I said, determined to try again. “When you finish unpacking, do you want to go -” “No!” Liz cut in. “I’m not gonna stay here. I don’t wanna be here with a bunch of babies!”“Elizabeth needs time to get used to the place.” Her mom smiled at me apologetically. “Go with your friends. She’ll be here when you get back.” Liz spun around, opened her duffel bag, and threw all of her clothes on the floor.I ran out the door, my feet barely touching the ground. Liz has diabetes. I couldn’t believe it. No way. I wondered if that was why she had been in the nurse’s office last year. She had to test her blood sugar and get shots just like the rest of us.Will my dream of an exciting week turn out to be a nightmare?

Girl Vs. Superstar


Robin Palmer - 2010
    Parker, but it gets so much worse when her mom announces that she's going to marry Laurel Moses's dad. Yes, that Laurel Moses - the TV-movie-music star who makes Hannah Montana look like some random kid from the sticks. Suddenly, Lucy's life is turned upside down and sideways. All Lucy wants to do is get through the day without totally embarrassing herself too much, but that's hard to do when you're the less-pretty, less-talented not-quite sister of a mega superstar.

Beswitched


Kate Saunders - 2010
    On the journey Flora has a strange dream. She wakes up without her laptop or her phone, wearing a hideous uniform with ridiculous bloomers underneath. Slowly, she realizes she has gone back in time! But why?

Seeker


Dian Layton - 2010
    The Seeker stories are not pretend and they aren't make-believe…they are adventures! This version is the compilation of all seven books. Please note: the illustrated storybooks will be re-released in 2018. (And hey - check out Dian Layton's Seeker music on iTunes.)

The Gorgon in the Gully


Melina Marchetta - 2010
    Danny Griggs has heard stories about a creature that lives down there. So why does he volunteer to face the Gorgon when he's been petrified of everything all his life?A gentle story about overcoming fear and looking at things from all angles, from best-selling author Melina Marchetta.

Running Back Dreams (Team Jake Maddox Sports Stories)


Jake Maddox - 2010
    But when another player is injured, Coach puts Noah in. And soon, the outcome of the game rests on his shoulders.

Neil Flambé and the Marco Polo Murders


Kevin Sylvester - 2010
    What many of Neil's patrons don't know, however, is that he's also a budding detective, code-named "The Nose." It all started when he used his knowledge of cooking and his incredible sense of smell to acquit his mother's client of murder. Now, however, some of the best chefs in town are turning up dead, the cops are stumped, and the crime scenes aren't helping. The only real clues are a mysterious smell and some equally mysterious notes -- in Italian! -- that have something to do with the great explorer Marco Polo. As more and more chefs fall prey to the killer, and more and more notes turn up, Neil finds himself working not only to solve the murders, but to eliminate himself as the prime suspect!

The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle


Deva Fagan - 2010
    Unfortunately, her curses tend to do more good than harm. When her mixed-up magic allows a sneaky thief to escape her grandmother's garden, Prunella is cast out until she can prove herself.It's hard enough being exiled to the unmagical Uplands, but traveling with the smug young thief Barnaby is even worse. He's determined to gain fame and fortune by recovering the missing Mirable Chalice. And to get what she wants, Prunella must help him, like it or not.

Front Page Face-Off


Jo Whittemore - 2010
    But when an international rival named Ava invades her newsroom and takes over her crush, Delilah finds an unlikely ally in the Debutantes - a.k.a. the Little Debbies.

No Tildes on Tuesday


Cherrye S. Vasquez - 2010
    But when her parents announce that they are moving the family to a predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood, Isabella becomes desperately afraid that she won't be able to fit in and grudgingly agrees to start Spanish lessons with her abuela. But the lessons aren't as easy as she thought they would be. Abuela is a strict teacher and the words are a lot more difficult to memorize than Isabella thought they would be, so at the goading of her best friend she decides to put a stop to them. Through a runaway adventure, a visit to her father in the hospital, and an introduction to a new kind of friend, Isabella comes to realize that Spanish may not be as bad as she thought, and that being able to communicate with people who share her heritage could be invaluable. Follow Isabella and author Cherrye Vasquez on a challenging journey of culture, family, and communication that just might change your mind about having No Tildes on Tuesday.

Iris and the Dragonflies


Rosemary Danielis - 2010
    School is nothing but a joyless prison and uninterested in her classmates she spends each day gazing out the window, waiting for the dismissal bell to ring. Her only friends are the dragonflies who flit through the shoulder high bulrushes growing along the creek's banks. Iris discovers the dragonflies are more than they appear to be and that she is the key to resolving an age-old battle between light and dark, good and evil. She has the ability to unleash the power of the Earth to restore the balance that has been lost. This however is not what the Solaris have in mind. They are the world's most powerful Evil and Iris is the only one who can stop them! Will Iris and her friends be able to win this battle? Iris and the Dragonflies is empowering, and a must read for all girls.

Love Puppies and Corner Kicks


Bob Krech - 2010
    But then she finds an amazing girls? soccer league and a cute boy named Stewart. Will Andrea?s new tough soccer girls accept that she is crushing on a boy from a rival team and not totally devoted to winning a championship? Perfect for fans of Lauren Myracle.

Moon Over Manifest


Clare Vanderpool - 2010
    I closed my eyes to the dusty countryside and imagined the sign I’d seen only in Gideon’s stories: Manifest—A Town with a rich past and a bright future.Abilene Tucker feels abandoned. Her father has put her on a train, sending her off to live with an old friend for the summer while he works a railroad job. Armed only with a few possessions and her list of universals, Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kansas, aiming to learn about the boy her father once was.Having heard stories about Manifest, Abilene is disappointed to find that it’s just a dried-up, worn-out old town. But her disappointment quickly turns to excitement when she discovers a hidden cigar box full of mementos, including some old letters that mention a spy known as the Rattler. These mysterious letters send Abilene and her new friends, Lettie and Ruthanne, on an honest-to-goodness spy hunt, even though they are warned to “Leave Well Enough Alone.”Abilene throws all caution aside when she heads down the mysterious Path to Perdition to pay a debt to the reclusive Miss Sadie, a diviner who only tells stories from the past. It seems that Manifest’s history is full of colorful and shadowy characters—and long-held secrets. The more Abilene hears, the more determined she is to learn just what role her father played in that history. And as Manifest’s secrets are laid bare one by one, Abilene begins to weave her own story into the fabric of the town.

Horse Mad Forever


Kathy Helidoniotis - 2010
    When Claire Carlson, her impossible room-mate, reveals an amazing artistic talent, the two girls connect for the first time. Meanwhile, Ash is introduced to endurance riding and falls head over tail in love with the sport, competing for Linley with her beloved mare Honey. Emily is finally allowed to take formal riding lessons at Linley and she, Ash and Ricki take on India and her posse at the end-of-term funkhana. Back in Shady Creek, Becky has lost the fight to save the Riding Club, and she and Ash are heartbroken as they stand by and watch as Gary's office is bulldozed. But the club is miraculously saved by Mrs Mac, who offers them a new home at Shady Trails. Shady Creek Riding Club will live forever. Ash comes to realise that changes, while sometimes unexpected and unwelcome, can often help us to grow. Ages 8-12

Casson Family Story Collection Hilary McKay 5 Books Set (Caddy Ever After, Indigo's Star, Saffy's Angel, Permanent Rose, Forever Rose)


Hilary McKay - 2010
    Winner of the Whitbread Children's Book Award Casson Family Story Collection Hilary McKay 5 Books Set RRP: £ 23.97 Brand New Titles in This Set Caddy Ever After Indigo's Star Saffy's Angel Permanent Rose Forever Rose

River Odyssey


Philip Roy - 2010
    Lawrence River. With Hollie and Seaweed, his dog and seagull crew, Alfred follows the route of Jacques Cartier, nearly five hundred years before them, as they sail down the Strait of Belle Isle into the largest river mouth in the world. But the St. Lawrence is a treacherous river, concealing many dangers beneath its surface, not least of all the cursed and ghostly Empress of Ireland, a sunken ocean-liner that has claimed the lives of over a thousand people and that reaches up to entangle the sub as they pass. Alfred must sail to Montreal to confront the man who abandoned him at birth -- his father. Only then will he escape the unfinished business that haunts him. But is the quest worth the danger? And why is Alfred plagued with bad luck? Is someone, or something, trying to turn him back?

World Cup


Matt Christopher - 2010
    No other sport in the world captivates a bigger audience -- and no other competition electrifies its fans like the World Cup. Now, just in time for the next World Cup competition, comes a book just for kids, jam-packed with information about each and every World Cup ever played. Want to know who was behind the biggest surprise defeat of the 1950 tournament? It's in here. Curious about what happened to the Jules Rimet trophy when it was in England? Turn to the chapter on World Cup 1966. Wondering what the term Total Football means? You'll find the answer here -- along with much, much more, including a bonus chapter on the Women's World Cup and lists of winners, runners-up, and scores of past Cups. And because it all comes from Matt Christopher, young readers know they're getting the best sports writing on the shelf.

The Traitor Within


Mike Tucker - 2010
    But when all seems lost, she is finally discovered. Uther is overjoyed but quickly becomes plagued by dark visions.As the king grows weaker, Gaius discovers that he has been enchanted by someone within the castle. Camelot stands on the brink as Merlin embarks on his most dangerous task yet. He must uncover the traitor within.

Brigitta of the White Forest


Danika Dinsmore - 2010
    She's confused, moody, and anxious about going through "The Change" as she doesn't see how destiny markings on her wings should determine her life's path. A few days before the annual Festival of the Elements, Brigitta is flying an errand with Himalette, her tag-a-long sister, when a mysterious curse turns everyone in the White Forest to stone -- except for the two of them. The sisters have no idea why they were not cursed, but they do know if they don't turn everyone back in time for the festival rituals, the Hourglass of Protection will run out and so will its protective field around the forest.A book for those who enjoy fantasy adventure, Brigitta of the White Forest offers a new twist on the faerie tales so loved by young readers.

Dewey: The True Story of a World Famous Library Cat


Vicki Myron - 2010
    A heart-warming story about the library cat who inspired the lives of those around him as well as people across the world.At only a few weeks old, on the coldest night of the year, Dewey was stuffed into the returned book slot at the Spencer Public Library. The next morning librarian, Vicki Myron, finds him and nurses him back to health, deciding then and there that he would become the library's official pet! Dewey soon learns to love his new home, spending each day spreading his own special brand of love to those that enter the library and winning the hearts of everyone around him.

Magnus Fin and the Ocean Quest


Janis Mackay - 2010
    On his eleventh birthday Magnus throws a message in a bottle out to sea, wishing for a best friend and to become more courageous and he gets a lot more than he bargained for. Magnus discovers that he is half selkie part seal, part human and his selkie family urgently need his help. The false king, a hideous evil monster, has sent Neptune to sleep and the oceans are dying. Magnus must wake Neptune in order to save the oceans and his selkie family. Can Magnus find the courage he seeks and save his new-found family from the evil force threatening all the ocean s creatures? And will he find the friend he has always dreamed of?

The Wonder of Charlie Anne


Kimberly Newton Fusco - 2010
    She and her siblings are left with their rigid cousin, Mirabel, and a farm full of chores. The only solace Charlie Anne finds is by the river, where the memory of her mother is strongest. Then her neighbor Old Mr. Jolly brings home a new wife, Rosalyn, who shows up in pants--pants!--the color of red peppers. With her arrives Phoebe, a young African American girl who has also lost her mother. Phoebe is smart and fun and the perfect antidote to Charlie Anne's lonely days. The girls soon forge a friendship and learn from each other in amazing ways. But when hatred turns their town ugly, it's almost more than they can bear. Now it's up to Charlie Anne and Phoebe to prove that our hearts are always able to expand.

Dangerous Quests


Jacqueline Rayner - 2010
    After a hunting trip in the forest, Arthur is fatally attacked by a savage beast. As the Crown Prince lies dying, Gauis knows that dark magic is at work and Merlin is the only one who can save him.

Rocky Road


Rose Kent - 2010
    Whenever things get tough, they break out the special heart-shaped bowls and make sundaes. The road has been especially rocky lately for Tess and her deaf little brother, Jordan. Their plucky Texan mother talks big, but her get-rich-quick business schemes have only landed them in serious financial hot water.Ma's newest idea is drastic. She abruptly moves the family to snowy Schenectady, New York, where she will use the last of their savings to open her dream business: an ice cream shop. (Too bad the only place she could find an apartment is in a senior citizens' complex.) Tess wants to be excited about this plan, but life in Schenectady is full of new worries. Who will buy ice cream in their shop's run-down neighborhood? What will happen when their money runs out? Worst of all is Ma herself-she's famous for her boundless energy and grandiose ideas, but only Tess and Jordan know about the dark days when she crashes and can't get out of bed. And Tess can't seem to find the right words to talk to Ma about it.This moving story of family, community, and ice cream proves that with a little help from the people around us, life really can be sweet-and a little nutty-just like Rocky Road.

Gymnastics (Olympic Sports)


Clive Gifford - 2010
    Also explains rules, records, and famous Olympic gymnasts"--Provided by publisher.

A'va: The Journey from Tianya


E.R. Michaels - 2010
    It is a captivating tale of what happens in the world of A’va, when wingless fairies are born in Nadisia. Fear breaks out, and a frightened Queen is forced to banish these wingless fairies, called feeties, to the outer forests. In just such a forest stood Tianya, the home of a seemingly wingless thirteen year old fairy named Ricka. She struggles with the shame of only having one wing and of feeling different. After the gyblics burn down her forest she is swept into an adventure with her sister, Sora, a warrior named Lumas, and their friends, Vin and Roak. The group journeys their way to the city of fairies, where Ricka’s identity and secret wing once revealed will bring hope to all who live on A’va. A’va: The Journey from Tianya is the first book in this trilogy. The second book, A’va: The Quest for Finny, will be made available late 2012. To follow the progress of this next book, visit us at Project: A’va on Facebook, or join us at the book’s official Facebook page, A’va: The Journey from Tianya. Although this book was primarily written for ages 9-14, it makes a good read for all ages, and is sure to become a beloved classic.Show More Show Less

A True Princess


Diane Zahler - 2010
    In fact, she's terrible! She daydreams, she breaks dishes, and her cooking is awful. Still, she hardly deserves to be sold off to the mean-spirited miller and his family. Refusing to accept that dreadful fate, she decides to flee. With her best friend, Kai, and his sister, Karina, beside her, Lilia heads north to find the family she's never known. But danger awaits. . . .As their quest leads the threesome through the mysterious and sinister Bitra Forest, they suddenly realize they are lost in the elves' domain. To Lilia's horror, Kai falls under an enchantment cast by the Elf King's beautiful daughter. The only way for Lilia to break the spell and save Kai is to find a jewel of ancient power that lies somewhere in the North Kingdoms. Yet the jewel will not be easy to find. The castle where it is hidden has been overrun with princess hopefuls trying to pass a magical test that will determine the prince's new bride. Lilia has only a few days to search every inch of the castle and find the jewel—or Kai will be lost to her forever.

Elizabeth I and Her Terrible Temper


Margaret Simpson - 2010
    But in this book readers can discover all the fascinating facts they didn't know.

Words That Start With B


Vikki VanSickle - 2010
    Best-ever. That was how grade seven was supposed to be, but so far things aren't turning out as well as Clarissa Delaney had planned. It's hard enough being the unexceptional daughter of a bona-fide beauty queen, but lately her best friend Benji can't seem to stand up for himself, Michael Greenblat keeps giving her strange gifts and Mattie Cohen, world-class goody-two-shoes, seems to think they are friends. Things can't possibly get any worse ... or can they?In this year of surprises, you'll laugh as Clarissa takes on boys, bullies, and the one B word she can't bring herself to say.

The Case of the Missing Mountain


Kim Jones - 2010
    An action-packed mystery that provides explosive fun and stimulating activities! Filled with secret codes to solve, mazes to wander through, crossword puzzles to decipher, and much more, a child becomes a detective in search of answers.

Over 1000 Fantastic Facts (1000 Facts)


Belinda Gallagher - 2010
    Hundreds of illustrations, photos and cartoons. Includes quizzes, puzzles and activities.

Service Dog Heroes


Linda Bozzo - 2010
    Kazi is a service dog. He helps his owner around her house and while she is at work. Readers will learn about the history, training, what being on the job is like for a service dog, and what happens when the dog retires. Service dogs truly are heroes.

The Strange New Dog (An Allen Family Mystery #1)


James D. Witmer - 2010
    But why are dangerous men after him? He’s not telling, and the other pets must find out before someone in the family gets hurt: Why is Henry angry about being adopted? Can a dachshund actually concentrate for more than two minutes? What do Henry’s stalkers really want? Can a cat’s natural stubbornness foil a dastardly scheme of kidnapping and robbery?

Abby Wize: Awa


Lisa Bradley - 2010
    Riding is her only adolescent escape from an overbearing mother. She doesn't realize she's been learning unsafe horse-handling until a runaway horse catapults her into a tree...and into a future of special people and animals she never could've imagined. It quickly feels more like home than the world she came from, and she begins trading her insecurity and discontent for confidence and faith.

Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery


Michele Corriel - 2010
    Not only that but he also has funny headlines running through his brain 24/7. If he can convince the principal at Fairview Middle School he has what it takes, maybe, just maybe, he'll be able to make his dream of a school newspaper come true. But first he has to figure out why all the cats in Fairview are vanishing!

The Trouble with Being a Horse


Emily Edwards - 2010
    Olivia’s story quickly takes a turn from the ordinary when her favourite horse mysteriously grants her innocent wish to become a horse. As a girl in a horse’s body, Olivia must put her knowledge of horses to the test as she navigates this new and bizarre world.

The Magic Crystal


L.T. Suzuki - 2010
    Made to embark on a perilous and unorthodox quest, they set off to break a dreaded curse. Along the way, a series of trials await them in strange lands far from home. From a powerful Wizard and an evil, shape-shifting Sprite to the flamboyant Elves and an army of mimes, they encounter an array of unforgettable friends and foes as they set off to recover a silver locket to destroy the curse. In a race against time, pursued by a Sorcerer on the hunt for this same locket, an epic journey becomes a trying, humorous adventure of self-discovery and a test of true loyalty and friendship for this unlikely trio as they fight to survive this quest and ultimately, each other.

Fever Crumb Booked Up Edition


Reeve Philip - 2010
    Used Book in good condition. No missing/ torn pages. No stains. Note: The above used product classification has been solely undertaken by the seller. Amazon shall neither be liable nor responsible for any used product classification undertaken by the seller. A-to-Z Guarantee not applicable on used products.

Island Kids


Tara Saracuse - 2010
    Composed of twenty-two stories, Island Kids is a snapshot of a period and place in time. The topics range from quintessentially coastal experiences, like a day at the beach, to stories that deal with serious issues, such as BC’s history of residential schools, but they all remain true to the experience of the children telling the story. At the end of each chapter is a section called “What do we know for sure?” that gives the reader greater depth and context. The stories are written in a dynamic and authentic voice and are aimed at readers aged eight to twelve.Unlike history that has either been fictionalized or told from an adult’s perspective, the Courageous Kids series brings history to kids in their own words. Truly original, Kidmonton, Rocky Mountain Kids, and Island Kids strive to communicate the events and emotions of kids.Please visit www.courageouskids.ca for more information on the whole Courageous Kids series.

Guide Dog Heroes


Linda Bozzo - 2010
    Panzy is a guide dog. She helps her blind owner get from place to place. Readers will learn about the history, training, what being on the job is like for a guide dog, and what happens when the dog retires. Guide dogs truly are heroes.

Fight Like A Patriot (Maddie's Magic Markers #5)


David Mark Lopez - 2010
    Natalie uses the yellow marker and lands right in the middle of Boston at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. She meets Paul Revere and John and Abigail Adams, and ultimately joins the Continental Army to fight with General Washington against the Redcoats. Later she's joined by a surprise traveler and they must find a way to get back to the future. This book was chosen by the St. Lucie County (Florida) Literacy Council as the "One Book One Read" for 2010-2011.

Wild Spirits


Rosa Jordan - 2010
    But when a bank holdup upsets Wendy so much that she can hardly stand to be around people, she leaves her job as a teller, retreats to a farm, and surrounds herself with injured and orphaned wildlife. Danny, neglected at home and considered weird in a town where other boys are into hunting, finds peace on the farm, too, plus excitement, as he and Wendy adopt ever more exotic animals such as llamas, bobcats, a serval, an ocelot, and a blind lynx.Over time the two friends develop a bond that goes beyond care of the animals to caring for each other. As it turns out, Wendy rescues not just wildlife but Danny, as well. What's more, the bank robbers are still at large and still a threat, and Danny, now 14, must act to save Wendy's life.

Playing Forward (Team Jake Maddox Sports Stories)


Jake Maddox - 2010
    His dream is to be the highest-scoring forward ever. The problem is that Isaac is short. Coach Turnbull thinks he'd be a better point guard than a forward, since he's fast and small. Will Isaac be able to change his dream and play for the team, or will he give up on the sport he loves?

Babe Ruth: Legendary Slugger


David Fischer - 2010
    More than 70 years after he swung his bat for the final time, “the Sultan of Swat” remains baseball’s greatest player.  Find out about: - His troubled childhood—including a period in reform school - How he got his legendary nickname - How he always tried to be an inspiration to children - His record-breaking plays - The curse of the Babe that haunted the Boston Red Sox for so many years   This biography really hits one home!

Our Canadian Girl Penelope


Sharon E. McKay - 2010
    Their mother died a year ago, and Penny's father is having a hard time taking care of the girls. Penny, as the oldest, must take on a lot of household responsibility, and sometimes she feels more like a mother than a sister. But still, having too much to do is better than being sent off to live with her grandmother in Montreal—which is what her father intends.