Best of
Realistic-Fiction

2008

Identical


Ellen Hopkins - 2008
    As daughters of a district-court judge father and a politician mother, they are an all-American family—on the surface. Behind the facade each sister has her own dark secret, and that's where their differences begin.For Kaeleigh, she's the misplaced focus of Daddy's love, intended for a mother whose presence on the campaign trail means absence at home. All that Raeanne sees is Daddy playing a game of favorites—and she is losing. If she has to lose, she will do it on her own terms, so she chooses drugs, alcohol, and sex.Secrets like the ones the twins are harboring are not meant to be kept—from each other or anyone else. Pretty soon it's obvious that neither sister can handle it alone, and one sister must step up to save the other, but the question is—who?

Stolen Children


Peg Kehret - 2008
    Armed with misinformation and a weapon, the men take Amy and little Kendra to a remote cabin in the woods. There they make videos of the girls and mail them to Kendra’s wealthy parents in an effort to get ransom money. After several of her escape attempts fail, Amy is forced to make one last, desperate move. Award winner Peg Kehret crafts a suspenseful thriller with a spunky heroine who uses her wits to save herself and the toddler.

Chasing Romeo


A.J. Byrd - 2008
    Growing up together in an Atlanta housing project, the girls have always been there for each other. But high school is a whole new world, and the drama is just beginning….Anjenai, Kierra and Tyler believe their bond is strong enough to survive anything. Anything—except maybe Romeo Blackwell, the finest guy and a star athlete in their new high school. What starts out as a small fan club soon becomes a huge competition. And to win, Anjenai, Kierra and Tyler will have to be down for whatever.Things start to get seriously crazy. And with all the drama, can the girls' friendship survive when Romeo finally makes his choice?

Trading Faces


Julia DeVillers - 2008
    What ensues is a hilarious yet poignant romp from middle school to the mall as the twins learn what it means to be true to yourself, even when the rest of the world isn’t making it easy.

Hot Girl


Dream Jordan - 2008
    Not only is she tired of her raggedy, tomboy image, but she's also missing her best friend, Felicia, who's away for the summer. Lonely and not exactly getting along with her new foster mother, Lynn, Kate so badly wants to be out and about, twirling pretty, and partying---and maybe catching the attention of her longtime crush, Charles. Opportunity knocks one hot summer day when fly-girl Naleejah struts her stuff straight up to Kate and takes a seat. Full of smiles, Naleejah tells Kate that she remembers her from school, but Kate can't remember ever having such a fabulous chick trying to befriend her. Kate's suspicion turns to trust once Naleejah gives her a much-needed makeover. Now a brand-new Kate suddenly has the attention of her dream boy. But is Naleejah checking for him, too? Against Kate's better judgment, she ignores the warning signs, and continues to let Naleejah lead her down a treacherous path. Soon, what seems like a fun and exciting summer ends up being a harsh reality check. Now Kate must decide how to get back on the right track . . . or is it already too late?

Ways to Live Forever


Sally Nicholls - 2008
    I am eleven years old. I collect stories and fantastic facts. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead." Sam loves facts. He wants to know about UFOs and horror movies and airships and ghosts and scientists, and how it feels to kiss a girl. And because he has leukaemia he wants to know the facts about dying. Sam needs answers to the questions nobody will answer. "Ways To Live Forever" is the first novel from an extraordinarily talented young writer. Funny and honest, it is one of the most powerful and uplifting books you will ever read.

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are


Maria Dismondy - 2008
    Lucy's defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make a good choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and be proud of themselves, even when they are faced with sticky situation.

My Name Is Not Isabella


Jennifer Fosberry - 2008
    From breakfast to bedtime, a young girl imagines being different women who made history, and ends the day empowered to be herself.

Every Soul a Star


Wendy Mass - 2008
    It's also where three lives are about to be changed forever:Ally likes the simple things in life--labyrinths, star-gazing, and comet-hunting. Her home, the Moon Shadow campground, is a part of who she is, and she refuses to imagine it any other way.Popular and gorgeous (everybody says so), Bree is a future homecoming queen for sure. Bree wears her beauty like a suit of armor. But what is she trying to hide?Overweight and awkward, Jack is used to spending a lot of time alone. But when opportunity knocks, he finds himself in situations he never would have imagined and making friends in the most unexpected situations.Told from three distinct voices and perspectives, Wendy Mass weaves an intricate and compelling story about strangers coming together, unlikely friendships, and finding one's place in the universe.

The Big Field


Mike Lupica - 2008
    It's where his father once played professionally, before injuries relegated him to watching games on TV instead of playing them. And it's where Hutch himself has always played and starred. Until now. The arrival of Darryl 'D-Will' Williams, the top shortstop prospect from Florida since A-Rod, means Hutch is displaced, in more ways than one. Second base feels like second fiddle, and when he sees his father giving fielding tips to D-Will (the same father who can't be bothered to show up to watch his son play) Hutch feels betrayed. With the summer league championship on the line, just how far is Hutch willing to bend to be a good teammate? Mike Lupica returns to the big field for the first time since his #1 New York Times bestseller Heat and delivers a feel-good home run, showing how love of the game is a language fathers and sons speak from the heart.

Accidentally Fabulous


Lisa Papademetriou - 2008
    Being the new girl at super-exclusive Allington Academy doesn’t break her stride! Meet the League: They rule the school, and their queen is oh-so-mean Fiona, who doesn’t exactly appreciate Amy’s individuality. Amy is doing her best to fit in at her new school, but Fiona and the rest of the League aren’t making it easy for her. If she can pass their tests, she’ll be part of the in crowd—but what will she have to give up to fit in?

Bird


Zetta Elliott - 2008
    With drawings, he can erase the things that don't turn out right. In real life, problems aren't so easily fixed.As Bird struggles to understand the death of his beloved grandfather and his older brother's drug addiction, he escapes into his art. Drawing is an outlet for Bird's emotions and imagination, and provides a path to making sense of his world. In time, with the help of his grandfather's friend, Bird finds his own special something and wings to fly.Told with spare grace, Bird is a touching look at a young boy coping with real-life troubles. Readers will be heartened by Bird's quiet resilience, and moved by the healing power of putting pencil to paper.Bird, the recipient of Lee & Low's New Voices Award Honor, is the first picture book of both Zetta Elliot and Shadra Strickland.

16 Isn't Always Sweet


Cassandra Carter - 2008
    So when she hears about an open casting call for the hottest rapper's new video, she has the confidence to go for it. She and her best friend, Adrienne, try out with hundreds of hopefuls, but only Jordan makes it. Adrienne seems fine with it. But when Jordan starts getting some serious attention, Adrienne turns into a hater. And after Jordan has an innocent in-the-hall conversation with Adrienne's ex-boyfriend—they dated for one week, like four years ago!—Adrienne plots to ruin Jordan's life by spreading rumors, writing stuff on the bathroom walls and telling Jordan she'd be better off dead. Suddenly Jordan's popularity is fading. Forget sweet sixteen. She soon discovers that what she needs most is to find the strength to be herself.

Mrs. Dole Is Out of Control!


Dan Gutman - 2008
    and the gang are graduating! But the out-of-control PTA president is turning the whole thing into a huge ceremony complete with fireworks, a petting zoo, and a flyover by the Blue Angels! Is moving up to third grade such a big deal? And what could possibly go wrong?

Kendra


Coe Booth - 2008
    Renee and her mom made a deal -- Renee could get an education, and Kendra would live with her grandmother. But now Renee's out of grad school and Kendra's in high school ... and getting into some trouble herself. Kendra's grandmother lays down the law: It's time for Renee to take care of her daughter. Kendra wants this badly -- even though Renee keeps disappointing her. Being a mother isn't easy, but being a daughter can be just as hard. Now it's up to Kendra and Renee to make it work.

Far from You


Lisa Schroeder - 2008
    Alice copes the best she can by writing her music, losing herself in her love for her boyfriend, and distancing herself from her father and his new wife.But when a deadly snowstorm traps Alice with her stepmother and newborn half sister, she'll face issues she's been avoiding for too long. As Alice looks to the heavens for guidance, she discovers something wonderful.Perhaps she's not so alone after all....

Waiting for Normal


Leslie Connor - 2008
    But Addie's mother has an all-or-nothing approach to life: a food fiesta or an empty pantry, her way or no way.Addie’s mother is bipolar, and she often neglects Addie. All-or-nothing never adds up to normal, and it can't bring Addie home, where she wants to be with her half-sisters and her stepfather. But Addie never stops hoping that one day, maybe, she'll find normal.

The Secret Story of Sonia Rodriguez


Alan Sitomer - 2008
    Sitomer, an acclaimed author as well as California's Teacher of the Year for 2007, delivers a poignant, funny coming-of-age story about a first-generation Hispanic teen torn between her dreams and her familia.

The Fourth Stall


Chris Rylander - 2008
    It's what he does—he and his best friend and business manager, Vince. Their methods might sometimes run afoul of the law, or at least the school code of conduct, but if you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can pay him, Mac is on your side. His office is located in the East Wing boys' bathroom, fourth stall from the high window. And business is booming.Or at least it was, until one particular Monday. It starts with a third grader in need of protection. And before this ordeal is over, it's going to involve a legendary high school crime boss named Staples, an intramural gambling ring, a graffiti ninja, the nine most dangerous bullies in school, and the first Chicago Cubs World Series game in almost seventy years. And that's just the beginning. Mac and Vince soon realize that the trouble with solving everyone else's problems is that there's no one left to solve yours.

My Most Excellent Year


Steve Kluger - 2008
    Your letter will be kept in our files and someone will get back to you if there is an opening. Thank you for thinking of me.Respectfully,Alejandra PerezP.S. It's not Allie. It's Ale. Meet T.C., who is valiantly attempting to get Alejandra to fall in love with him; Alejandra, who is playing hard to get and is busy trying to sashay out from under the responsibilities of being a diplomat's daughter; and T.C.'s brother Augie, who is gay and in love and everyone knows it but him.

Tea for Ruby


Sarah Ferguson - 2008
    You can't take Ruby anywhere! One sunny morning, the postman brings Ruby an amazing invitation to have tea with -- the Queen! Ruby had better polish her manners and quickly. Will Ruby really be ready in time?Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, illustrator of the "Fancy Nancy" series.

Keena Ford and the Second Grade Mix Up


Melissa Thomson - 2008
    Keena is super excited about starting second grade and she?s eager to impress her new teacher?but why does Ms. Hanson think Keena?s birthday is tomorrow? It was a small mistake, but now Keena can?t turn down her very own chocolate cake and sparkly crown, can she? No more than she can help sneaking into her best friend Eric?s classroom to see if it?s really as much fun as he claims. Too bad nothing turns out quite the way she plans . . .This laugh-out-loud book by first-time author Melissa Thomson has short chapters and lively illustrations, making it perfect for beginning readers.

Holly's Heart, Collection 3: Freshman Frenzy/Mystery Letters/Eight is Enough/It's a Girl Thing


Beverly Lewis - 2008
    But with the help of her friends and her faith in God, Holly is able to survive her first boyfriend and her first breakup, a crush on her student teacher, and a new baby sister "invading" her house. Volume Three features Freshman Frenzy, Mystery Letters, Eight is Enough, and It's a Girl Thing.

Four Truths and a Lie


Lauren Barnholdt - 2008
    We're talking seriously, utterly, completely, 100-percent boy crazy! So much so that her mother, in an effort to curb Scarlett's enthusiasm, ships her off to a prestigious all-girls charter school. Scarlett thinks her life is absolutely over. But what she doesn't know is that her life is about to get absolutely interesting, because on her desk in her dorm room she finds a letter. The letter says it contains four truths and a lie -- and Scarlett's reputation depends on determining which is which.... Maybe an all-girls school isn't so boring after all.

Lock and Key


Sarah Dessen - 2008
    For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return. That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future; it's a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give? Best-selling author Sarah Dessen explores the heart of a gutsy, complex girl dealing with unforeseen circumstances and learning to trust again.

The Gollywhopper Games


Jody Feldman - 2008
    If Gil wins, his dad has promised that the family can move away from all the gossip, false friends, and bad press that have plagued them ever since "The Incident". Inside the toy company's fantastic headquarters, Gil will have to master trivia, solve puzzles, and complete physical stunts—and he'll have to do better than all of the other kids competing.Oh, and did we mention that Gil's every step—and every mistake—will be broadcast on national television? Hold on tight, because the ride of his life is about to begin! Illustrations.

Dog Lost


Ingrid Lee - 2008
    From that moment, boy and dog share a love neither has ever known before. When Cash is kicked out by Mackenzie's father, she finds herself lost and alone in a cruel world. Will she ever find her boy again?

Fancy Nancy: Sees Stars


Jane O'Connor - 2008
    Nancy absolutely adores stars. She loves how they sparkle in the sky, and she can even name the constellations. When she finds out her class will visit the planetarium she is ecstatic—that's a fancy word for excited. But when it starts to rain Nancy is afraid she might not be able to see the stars. Will the rain keep Nancy from watching stars sparkle?Fancy Nancy Sees Stars is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it's perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. The back matter features a list of the rich vocabulary words that are used throughout the story along with their definition.

For the Love of Autumn


Patricia Polacco - 2008
     Miss Parks just loves her new home, her new teaching job, and all her new students. But most of all, she loves Autumn, her perfect little kitten. Then one night, during a terrible storm, Autumn runs away. Miss Parks' students band together to search for Autumn - with no luck. Hope is lost until Autumn turns up at Miss Parks' front door with a brand new collar and a bandage on her tail. Someone has been taking care of Autumn! With the help of her students, Miss Parks unravels the mystery of Autumn's disappearance and finds true love along the way, Polacco style.

A Summer to Remember


Lauren Brooke - 2008
    She is whisked off to the Hamptons to meet Alfredo Escobar, whose Argentinean family is renowned for their involvement in exclusive polo circuits. The Escobars expect nothing but the best - from both their ponies and their riders. But Alfredo's pony, Impala, has been giving him problems. If Alfredo can't learn to work with her they may both be in for trouble. It's up to Amy to find the key to mending this relationship and to help Alfredo meet his family's tremendous expectations.

Never Glue Your Friends to Chairs


Katherine Applegate - 2008
    Fortunately Roscoe has a plan to save her a super, mega, gonzo plan! What could go wrong?"

Go Long!


Tiki Barber - 2008
    The eighth-grade season is here, and the boys have come together as a team. Now key starters, Tiki and Ronde are ready for a great season, and with hard work and determination, maybe they will even go all the way to the State Championship! But when Coach Spangler announces that he has been asked to move up to the high school team, and Mr. Wheeler, the science teacher, is tapped for the head coaching job, the season seems over before it begins. Sure, Coach Wheeler played college football until he was benched by an injury, but it just isn't the same. Tiki wants to give Coach Wheeler a chance, yet the team's loyalties are divided. What does a science teacher know about the game of football? Can the team work together, get behind their new coach, and play smart? Inspired by the childhood of NFL superstars Tiki and Ronde Barber, Go Long! is a story of teamwork, perseverance, and what it takes to be a champion.

Diamond Willow


Helen Frost - 2008
    But she still wants to be seen for who she is. She wants her parents to notice that she is growing up. She wants her best friend to like her better than she likes a certain boy. She wants, more than anything, to mush the dogs out to her grandparents' house, by herself, with Roxy in the lead. But sometimes when it's just you, one mistake can have frightening consequences . . . And when Willow stumbles, it takes a surprising group of friends to help her make things right again.Using diamond-shaped poems inspired by forms found in polished diamond willow sticks, Helen Frost tells the moving story of Willow and her family. Hidden messages within each diamond carry the reader further, into feelings Willow doesn't reveal even to herself.Diamond Willow is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Freeze Frame


Heidi Ayarbe - 2008
    He tries it in the style of Hitchcock, Tarantino, Eastwood, all of his favorite directors—but regardless of the style, he can't remember what happened that day in the shed. The day Jason died. And until he can, there is one question that keeps haunting Kyle: Did he kill his best friend on purpose? Debut novelist Heidi Ayarbe delves into the depths of the human psyche as Kyle wrestles with inner demons that make him wonder whether the world will ever be okay again—or if the best thing to do is find a way to join Jason.

Down to the Bone


Mayra Lazara Dole - 2008
    What if you don't follow the rules and it radically alters the course of your life?What if you get kicked out of the house and lose all your friends and everyone you love? Will you turn the corner into a world filled with unusual friends and create a new kind of family or self-destruct?BOOKLIST *STARRED* REVIEW

The Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story


Hena Khan - 2008
    With lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, this beautiful story offers a window into modern Muslim culture—and into the ancient roots from within its traditions have grown.

Word Nerd


Susin Nielsen - 2008
    A self-described “friendless nerd,” he moves from place to place every couple of years with his overprotective mother, Irene. When some bullies at his new school almost kill him by slipping a peanut into his sandwich — even though they know he has a deathly allergy — Ambrose is philosophical. Irene, however, is not and decides that Ambrose will be home-schooled.Alone in the evenings when Irene goes to work, Ambrose pesters Cosmo, the twenty-five-year-old son of the Greek landlords who live upstairs. Cosmo has just been released from jail for breaking and entering to support a drug habit. Quite by accident, Ambrose discovers that they share a love of Scrabble and coerces Cosmo into taking him to the West Side Scrabble Club, where Cosmo falls for Amanda, the club director. Posing as Ambrose’s Big Brother to impress her, Cosmo is motivated to take Ambrose to the weekly meetings and to give him lessons in self-defense. Cosmo, Amanda, and Ambrose soon form an unlikely alliance and, for the first time in his life, Ambrose blossoms. The characters at the Scrabble Club come to embrace Ambrose for who he is and for their shared love of words. There’s only one problem: Irene has no idea what Ambrose is up to.In this brilliantly observed novel, author Susin Nielsen transports the reader to the world of competitive Scrabble as seen from the honest yet funny viewpoint of a boy who’s searching for acceptance and for a place to call home.

Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome


Clarabelle van Niekerk - 2008
    This firsthand view of the life of an undiagnosed child presents behaviors and characteristics that are common among children with this disorder. Sam doesn't like his pancakes to touch, his sister is annoyed with his repetitive song, and his new coat hurts his skin, but once he is diagnosed, teamwork-based support helps Sam's life become a little easier. With endearing illustrations, the book includes 10 helpful tips geared toward children, showing them how to respect and accept differences as well as to interact with a classmate or friend with Asperger Syndrome.

Dirty Jersey


Phillip Thomas Duck - 2008
    Unfortunately, Eric is seriously uncool;unlike his popular sister, Kenya, who sings like an angel. But forget the choir; Kenya wants the fabulous life;bad boys and fly girls.A chance encounter with Fiasco, one of the hottest rappers around, gives Eric intro into the world of the "Dirty Jersey" crew, where he's introduced to everyone and everything. Suddenly, Eric is cool and has access to anything he's ever wanted. Never mind that Fiasco isn't exactly a good guy; so what? But so what has a price. And Fiasco has just named it: Kenya.

Swindle


Gordon Korman - 2008
    with 11-year-olds, in a super stand-alone heist caper from Gordon Korman!After a mean collector named Swindle cons him out of his most valuable baseball card, Griffin Bing must put together a band of misfits to break into Swindle's compound and recapture the card. There are many things standing in their way -- a menacing guard dog, a high-tech security system, a very secret hiding place, and their general inability to drive -- but Griffin and his team are going to get back what's rightfully his . . . even if hijinks ensue. This is Gordon Korman at his crowd-pleasing best, perfect for readers who like to hoot, howl, and heist.

I Am Apache


Tanya Landman - 2008
    Though some men, like envious Keste, wish to see Siki fail, she passes test after test, and her skills grow under the guidance of her tribe's greatest warrior, Golahka. But Keste begins to whisper about Siki's father's dishonorable death, and even as Siki earns her place among the warriors, she senses a dark secret in her past — one that will throw into doubt everything she knows. Taking readers on a sweeping and suspenseful journey through the nineteenth-century American Southwest, Tanya Landman draws on historical accounts to imagine the Black Mountain Apache as a tribe in a fight for survival against the devastating progress of nations.

She Said, She Said


Celeste O. Norfleet - 2008
    She can barely handle one minute with her controlling, critical mom. But when they arrive, her life gets even worse! Her mother is suddenly acting like she's trying out for Moms Gone Wild, partying with her old high school crowd. Now Tamika's the responsible one: taking care of business and stuck on a nice guy instead of a player. She wouldn't mind a little bit of her old mom back. Wait a minute, did she really say that?

Quarterback Sneak


Jake Maddox - 2008
    Instead of working with the team, Malik is just showing off. Anton has to fix the problem fast, before the quarterback ruins everything!"

In Ecstasy


Kate McCaffrey - 2008
    Sophie and Mia have been best friends for most of their 15 years. Sophie is popular, so when she suggests they try ecstasy Mia figures it can't hurt her own chances with the in crowd. Mia is elated when the drug lives up to its name and amazed when Lewis, the hottest guy in school, kisses her goodnight. Soon Lewis is Mia's boyfriend, and she and Soph are running with his fast, rich friends, until Sophie is sexually assaulted by Lewis's drug-dealing buddy. Reluctant to say what happened, Sophie grows distant, leaving Mia to conclude she's jealous of her popular boyfriend. But to keep Lewis's attention, Mia grows increasingly dependent on the confidence that only E seems to give her. When things worsen, it is the girls' strained but solid friendship that finally helps bring Mia back from the brink. Powerfully told from the alternating points of view of each girl, In Ecstasy is a brutally frank and utterly convincing portrait of the challenges facing contemporary teens.

The Mike Lupica Collection


Mike Lupica - 2008
    Three of New York Times bestseller Mike Lupica’s wildly popular sports stories gathered together in one box! Baseball and basketball fans will rejoice, for all of their favorite novels are available in one gorgeous package!

How I Survived Middle School: Books #1-6


Nancy E. Krulik - 2008
    I Really Like You.

Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad


James Rumford - 2008
    When bombs begin to fall on his city, Ali turns to his pen, writing sweeping and gliding words to the silent music that drowns out the war all around him. Gorgeously illustrated with collage, pencil and charcoal drawings and, of course, exquisite calligraphy, this timely and yet universal story celebrates art and history but also offers young children a way to understand all they see and hear on the news. Silent Music is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

My Travelin' Eye


Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw - 2008
    Her right eye looks in one direction, while her left eye sometimes wanders. Jenny Sue has a travelin’, lazy eye. Although it makes her different, it also helps her see the world in a special way.Here is a charming story about one very inspiring little girl who overcomes her disability and offers inspiration to others.My Travelin' Eye is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Camp Rock The Junior Novel


Lucy Ruggles - 2008
    Camp Rock will premiere in June 2008 as a Disney Channel Original Movie.https://openlibrary.org/books/OL24202...

Marcelo in the Real World


Francisco X. Stork - 2008
    But the summer after his junior year, his father demands that Marcelo work in his law firm's mailroom in order to experience "the real world." There Marcelo meets Jasmine, his beautiful and surprising coworker, and Wendell, the son of another partner in the firm.He learns about competition and jealousy, anger and desire. But it's a picture he finds in a file -- a picture of a girl with half a face -- that truly connects him with the real world: its suffering, its injustice, and what he can do to fight.Reminiscent of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" in the intensity and purity of its voice, this extraordinary novel is a love story, a legal drama, and a celebration of the music each of us hears inside.

Paisley Hanover Acts Out


Cameron Tuttle - 2008
    Out of her element but only momentarily out of ideas, Paisley takes action—and an unexpected liking to her drama buddies. The result? An undercover crusade that could bring down the popularity pecking order, and Paisley along with it. This is the story of how Paisley Hanover gets wise, gets bold, and gets into a hilarious mess of trouble. With a package as fresh and clever as Paisley herself— including a cool slipcase, a fabulous novel, and Paisley’s notebook of embarrassingly funny ideas and doodles—it’s the start of a series that embraces the “Un” in UnUsual.

No Cream Puffs


Karen Day - 2008
    She doesn’t use lipgloss, but she loves to play sports, and joins baseball for the summer—the first girl in Southern Michigan to play on a boys’ team. The press call her a star and a trailblazer, but Madison just wants to play ball. Who knew it would be so much pressure? Crowds flock to the games. Her team will win the championship—if she can keep up her pitching streak. Meanwhile, she’s got a crush on a fellow player, her best friend abandons her for the popular girls, the “O” on her Hinton’s uniform forms a bulls-eye over her left breast, and the boy she punched on the last day of school plans to bean her in the championship game.

Chrissa


Mary Casanova - 2008
    On the advice of her grandmother, Chrissa tries first to be nice, and then to ignore the mean girls. But they just won't quit, and when the teasing turns into serious bullying, Chrissa must find the courage to stand strong and speak out.

Bringing the Boy Home


N.A. Nelson - 2008
    It'll eat you alive."Tirio was cast out of the Takunami tribe at a very young age because of his disabled foot. But an American woman named Sara adopted him, and his life has only gotten better since. Now, as his thirteenth birthday approaches, things are nearly perfect. So why is he having visions and hearing voices calling him back to the Amazon?Luka has spent his whole life preparing for his soche seche tente, a sixth-sense test all Takunami boys must endure just before their thirteenth birthday. His family's future depends on whether or not he passes this perilous test. His mother has dedicated herself to making sure that no aspect of his training is overlooked . . . but fate has a way of disturbing even the most carefully laid plans.Two young boys. An unforgiving jungle. One shared destiny.

Ghost Medicine


Andrew Smith - 2008
    Troy and his father barely speak, communicating instead by writing notes on a legal pad by the phone. Troy spends most of his time with his closest friends: Tom Buller, brash and fearless, the son of a drunk; Gabe Benavidez, smart enough to know he’ll never take over the family ranch; and Gabe’s sister, Luz, whose family overprotects her, and who Troy has loved since they were children.           Troy and his friends don’t want trouble. They want this to be the summer of what Troy calls “ghost medicine,” when time seems to stop, so they won’t have to face the past or the future. But before the summer is over, their paths will cross in dangerous and fateful ways with people who will change their lives: Rose, a damaged derelict who lives with a flock of wild horses and goats; and Chase Rutledge, the arrogant sheriff’s son.           Troy and his friends want to disappear. Instead, they will become what they least expect —brothers, lovers, heroes, and ghosts.

Box Out


John Coy - 2008
    With the girls' team heading to State, the boys' team is under even greater scrutiny than usual in Liam's small midwestern town. When the team's coach starts counting on the power of prayer---and enforcing teamwide participation---Liam finds himself in a spotlight that's more nerve-racking than any trip to the free-throw line. In trying to stand up for what's right, Liam is forced to stand up for himself---against his teammates, his fellow students, and even his parents.

Brand New School, Brave New Ruby


Derrick Barnes - 2008
    When Ruby isn't hanging with her friend, Theresa Petticoat, she's finding out what kind of mischief her brothers are getting into. She's sweet and sassy and every bit as tough as her older siblings. She sings like nobody's business; she has a pet iguana named Lady Love; her favorite color is grape-jelly purple; and when she grows up, she's going to be the most famous woman animal doctor on the planet. She's the fabulous, oh-so-spectacular Ruby Marigold Booker!

Sommerfield County Omnibus


Kim Vogel Sawyer - 2008
    Amidst a quiet Kansas Mennonite community three women seek a place to belong. Marie is returning to reunite with her family. Beth is seeking her place among new-found family. Trina is choosing between two cherished dreams. Will each woman find a home within community and a faith on which to depend?

Legend of the Lure


Jake Maddox - 2008
    But when his grandfather passes away, all that Daniel has left are stories of Big Larry, the monster fish Grandpa spent his life chasing. Daniel decides to try to catch Big Larry in honor of his grandpa. But can he land the biggest catch of his life, or will he let Big Larry get away?"

Backup Goalie (Jake Maddox Sports Stories)


Jake Maddox - 2008
    But when the goalie is injured, Jamie has to step in to play the unfamiliar position. With the state championship at stake, can Jamie help his team skate to victory or are they all on thin ice?

What They Always Tell Us


Martin Wilson - 2008
    But at home, there is Henry, the precocious 10-year-old across the street, who eagerly befriends them both. And when Alex takes up running, there is James's friend Nathen, who unites the brothers in moving and unexpected ways.

All Mixed Up!


Kim Wayans - 2008
    On Amy's first day, she gets teased not only because she is new, but also because she looks different. Amy is part Asian, Caucasian, and African American. Eventually, Amy meets a group of nice kids and one of them even affectionately gives her the nickname "Amy Hodgepodge" since she's a mix of so many races. But when their teacher announces that the annual talent show is coming up, Amy wonders if her new friends will want to include her, too.

The Hunter's Code (Jake Maddox Sports Stories)


Jake Maddox - 2008
    His dad has always promised to bring Ethan along when he's old enough, and finally, this year is the year! But on their hunt, Ethan discovers some dead deer left in the woods. A poacher is killing the animals for fun. Ethan knows that's against the Hunter's Code, after all, he broke that rule himself.

He Forgot to Say Goodbye


Benjamin Alire Sáenz - 2008
    I have a father. It's just that I don't know who he is or where he is. But I have one." Ramiro Lopez and Jake Upthegrove don't appear to have much in common. Ram lives in the Mexican-American working-class barrio of El Paso called "Dizzy Land." His brother is sinking into a world of drugs, wreaking havoc in their household. Jake is a rich West Side white boy who has developed a problem managing his anger. An only child, he is a misfit in his mother's shallow and materialistic world. But Ram and Jake do have one thing in common: They are lost boys who have never met their fathers. This sad fact has left both of them undeniably scarred and obsessed with the men who abandoned them. As Jake and Ram overcome their suspicions of each other, they begin to move away from their loner existences and realize that they are capable of reaching out beyond their wounds and the neighborhoods that they grew up in. Their friendship becomes a healing in a world of hurt. San Antonio Express-News wrote, "Benjamin Alire Sáenz exquisitely captures the mood and voice of a community, a culture, and a generation"; that is proven again in this beautifully crafted novel.

Undone


Brooke Taylor - 2008
    As their friendship solidifies and their lives entwine, Serena tries to become more like the fearless, outspoken, and ambitious Kori. Soon Serena doesn't know where she begins and Kori ends. But when a twist of fate yanks Kori away from Serena, she will need to find a way to complete her best friend's life left undone.Undone is a striking debut novel about friendship, family, and the secrets we keep from the people to whom we are closest.

Lacrosse Attack (Jake Maddox Sports Stories)


Jake Maddox - 2008
    In fact, the coach thinks he's one of the best on the team. But Hurley Johnson, the team's captain, doesn't want Peter to take his spot. He'll stop at nothing to make Peter quit. Will Peter give up?

Fact of Life #31


Denise Vega - 2008
    Fact of Life #129: Some people put you where they want you to be, not where you actually are.16-year-old Kat Flynn believes in going with the flow. She practices yoga, works with her mom at Abra’s Midwifery, and watches the Perfect Couple in the hall at school. But when she finds herself in the middle of the Perfect Couple’s drama and some drama of her own (including an unexpected romance), Kat has to decide whether going with the flow is really the best way to come back to herself.

Youth In Revolt (Trilogy Compilation): Youth In Revolt, Youth In Bondage, And Youth In Exile


C.D. Payne - 2008
    Youth in Revolt is the three-volume journal of Nick Twisp, California's most precocious diarist, whose ongoing struggles to make sense out of high school, deal with his divorced parents, and lose his virginity result in his transformation from an unassuming fourteen-year-old to a modern youth in open revolt. Youth in RevoltAs his family splinters, worlds collide, and the police block all routes out of town, Nick must cope with economic deprivation, homelessness, the gulag of the public schools, a competitive Type-A father, murderous canines (in triplicate), and an inconvenient hair trigger on his erectile response--all while vying ardently for the affections of the beauteous Sheeni Saunders, teenage goddess and ultimate intellectual goad. Youth in BondageNick Twisp is living in a wasteland with his stingy father while the female object of his fantasies is away at school. But when the FBI picks up his trail, Nick must rely on his tough alter ego, Francois Dillinger. Youth in ExileHe didn't intend to burn half of Berkeley to the ground or create a media frenzy or enroll in high school dressed as a woman. However, he did, and it was just part of Nick Twisp's quest for sex and independence. He's smart, he's horny, he's resourceful, and he's on the loose.

The Summer of Cotton Candy


Debbie Viguié - 2008
    Surviving all the surprises The Zone has in store won’t be easy … but it may be worth it if it means getting to know her attractive and mysterious coworker.  When her father forces sixteen-year-old Candace to apply for a summer job, a position as a cotton candy operator at The Zone is all she can find. With a nametag that says “Candy” and no time to hang out with her best friend, Tamara, Candace can feel the next three months slipping away. The only positive is that her cart is often positioned near Kurt, one of the mascots in the History Zone of the park. But while their flirtation is giving Candace a reason to head to work, her fellow cotton candy girl just happens to be Kurt’s ex. And she’s the kind to hold grudges.As the summer progresses, the job gets easier, Candace finds a new friend in Josh, and she and Kurt become closer … but Candace’s other relationships both at the park and with Tamara just keep getting worse. And once Kurt’s ex is assigned to her team-building scavenger hunt group, Candace’s life becomes as sticky as the pink fluff she serves all day.The Summer of Cotton Candy:is a YA contemporary novel with a fun, rom-com feelis written by New York Times bestselling author Debbie Viguiéexplores first love and the ups and downs that come with, with a humorous angleis a clean read for young adult fans of any age

Breaking Dawn


Donna Shelton - 2008
    somebody you can share secrets with, somebody you can trust. Like Dawn's best friend Perry. But what happens when that trust is broken, and secrets become public knowledge? Sometimes the consequences just become too much to bear.

Secret Keeper


Mitali Perkins - 2008
    Uncle is welcoming, but in a country steeped in tradition, the three women must abide by his decisions. Asha knows this is temporary—just until Baba sends for them. But with scant savings and time passing, the tension builds: Ma, prone to spells of sadness, finds it hard to submit to her mother- and sister-in-law; Reet’s beauty attracts unwanted marriage proposals; and Asha's promise to take care of Ma and Reet leads to impulsive behavior. What follows is a firestorm of rebuke—and secrets revealed! Asha’s only solace is her rooftop hideaway, where she pours her heart out in her diary, and where she begins a clandestine friendship with Jay Sen, the boy next door. Asha can hardly believe that she, and not Reet, is the object of Jay’s attention. Then news arrives about Baba . . . and Asha must make a choice that will change their lives forever.

The Nine Lives of Travis Keating


Jill MacLean - 2008
    But the discovery of a colony of feral cats gives Travis a chance to put aside his own grief and anger to care for them, a decision that results in more satisfaction and more danger, than he could have ever imagined.

Girls in Pants/Forever in Blue


Ann Brashares - 2008
    

Night of the Spadefoot Toads


Bill Harley - 2008
    "Harley's appealing story shows readers that adults and children can connect in meaningful friendships, and reminds them that conservation can begin in their own backyards." ―Kirkus ReviewsWhen his father takes a new job in Massachusetts, Ben Moroney must leave behind his best friend Tony, a western banded gecko named Lenny, and worst of all, the Arizona desert home he has loved and explored.Ben's adjustment to his new environment is not going well until he unexpectedly finds a kindred spirit in his eccentric fifth-grade science teacher, Mrs. Tibbets. She introduces him to the rare and elusive Eastern spadefoot toads that make their home on her rural property. When Ben discovers that Mrs. Tibbets's land may be sold to developers, he knows he has to do something.As Ben's obsession with saving the spadefoot toads' habitat grows, his schoolwork and his relationships with his family and new friends suffer. But just when it seems things can't get any worse, Ben finds a way to meet his responsibilities to the people around him and demonstrates the importance of even the smallest efforts to save the earth's rapidly disappearing habitats.A beloved exploration of important environmental themes, this appealing middle grade novel comes from renowned storyteller and two-time Grammy Award winner Bill Harley.Green Earth Book Award (Children's Fiction) - Newton Marasco FoundationTeacher's Guide available!

Mom Says I Can


Judy Cooley - 2008
    He begins as a pirate with a treasure map. On another page hes a spaceman. Along his journey, whether hes a cowboy or the king of the jungle or a knight in shining armor,

Paralyzed


Jeff Rud - 2008
    When he is persecuted by angry fans for being a dirty player, Reggie is forced to confront his own guilt and decide whether he can continue to play his senior season and beyond.

We Are Quiet, We Are Loud: The Best Young Writers and Artists In America


David LevithanAi Yasufuku - 2008
    Some show us the world with quiet force. Others yell. There is anger in these pages, as well as love. There is clarity, as well as confusion. And there is hope. Hope that things can sometimes be fixed. Hope that eventually high school will end, Hope that a new generation of writers can use their quiet and their noise to make an undeniable mark. Listen to what they have to say -- and see what they can do.

My So-Called Family


Courtney Sheinmel - 2008
    But Leah has a secret: She doesn't have a father; she has a donor. Before Leah was born, her mother went to Lyon's Reproductive Services and picked Donor 730. Now Leah has a stepfather and a little brother, and her mom thinks that they should be all the family Leah needs. Despite her attempts to fit in and be normal, Leah can't help but feel like something is missing. When she finds the link to the Lyon's Sibling Registry, Leah has to see if she has any half siblings. And when she discovers that one of the other kids from Donor 730 is a girl her age, Leah will do anything to meet her -- even if she has to hide it from everybody else. Debut author Courtney Sheinmel puts a contemporary spin on a timeless question in this heartfelt novel about what makes a family.

Game


Walter Dean Myers - 2008
    Thought-provoking and packed with court action, Game is a winner.Drew Lawson knows basketball is taking him places. It has to, because his grades certainly aren't. But lately his plan has run squarely into a pick. Coach has handed the ball to another player—Tomas, a new guy from Europe—and Drew won't let anyone disrespect his game. Just as his team makes the playoffs, Drew must come up with something big to save his fading college prospects. It's all up to Drew to find out just how deep his game really is."There’s plenty of basketball here, but, as in any good sports novel, more is going on than the sport; life is the game, and this is a sensitive portrait of a likable young man, his family, city and dreams." (Kirkus starred review)"In this story of a teen who dreams of making it big in the NBA, Myers returns to the theme that has dominated much of his serious fiction: How can young black urban males negotiate the often-harsh landscape of their lives to establish a sense of identity and self-worth? As always, Myers eschews easy answers." (School Library Journal)Walter Dean Myers was a New York Times bestselling author, Printz Award winner, five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award, two-time Newbery Honor recipient, and the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Maria Russo, writing in the New York Times, called Myers "one of the greats and a champion of diversity in children’s books well before the cause got mainstream attention."

The Brothers Torres


Coert Voorhees - 2008
    Steve is a popular senior who always gets what he wants: girls, a soccer scholarship, and--lately--street cred. Frankie, on the other hand, spends his time shooting off fireworks with his best friend Zach, working at his parents' restaurant, and obsessing about his longtime crush, Rebecca Sanchez. Frankie has reservations about Steve's crusade to win the respect of the local cholos. He doesn't think about them, though, until he gets into a fist fight John Dalton the richest, preppiest kid in his New Mexican high school, and longtime nemesis of Steve. After the fight, Steve takes Frankie under his wing and Frankie's social currency begins to rise. The cholos who used to ignore him start to recognize him; he even lands a date to Homecoming with Rebecca. The situation with Dalton continues to simmer, and after another incident Steve is bent on retaliating. Frankie starts to think that his brother is taking this respect thing too far. He may have to choose between respecting his brother and respecting himself.In an honest and humorous debut novel, Coert Voorhees uses a coming of age story to look at where loyalty ends and the self begins.

Elvis & Olive


Stephanie Watson - 2008
    What begins as a game turns serious when their findings are revealed to the neighborhood, and when the girls discover unexpected things about each other. While the girls learn that it's sometimes helpful to reveal secrets, they also learn a lesson about the importance of privacy.

Artichoke's Heart


Suzanne Supplee - 2008
     Rosemary Goode is smart and funny and loyal and the best eyebrow waxer in Spring Hill, Tennessee. But only one thing seems to matter to anyone, including Rosemary: her weight. And when your mom runs the most successful (and gossipy) beauty shop in town, it can be hard to keep a low profile. Rosemary resolves to lose the weight, but her journey turns out to be about everything but the scale. Her life-changing, waist-shrinking year is captured with brutal honesty and humor, topped with an extralarge helping of Southern charm. A truly uncommon novel about an increasingly common problem.

Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning


Danette Haworth - 2008
    She loves going to the fish fry with her best friend Lottie, and collecting Brain Freeze cups with her good friend Eddie. She loves squeezing into the open trunk of the old cypress tree, looking for alligators in the river, and witnessing lightning storms on a warm summer day. But when Melissa moves to town from big city Detroit, all of a sudden Violet's supposed to want to wear makeup, and talk about boys, and play Truth or Dare. Violet's not interested in any of those things . . . but with the help of her friends, her mama, a few run-ins with lightning, and maybe even Melissa, Violet finds that growing up doesn't have to mean changing who you are. Violet's story is a classic tale of best friends, budding romance, and bad storms, and her authentic, pitch-perfect voice is sure to stay with readers long after the very last page.

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief


James Montgomery - 2008
    Beautiful art work by Sarah Merkley that goes along with the song by James Montgomery, A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.

Joseph


Shelia P. Moses - 2008
    Tough because of Mama's addiction to drugs and alcohol. Tough because Daddy is away with the army fighting in Iraq. Tough because it looks like there's no way out once you're living in a homeless shelter in a North Carolina ghetto neighborhood. And tough because Joseph is enrolled in yet another new school where he doesn't know anyone and has to keep what's going on in his life a secret. Joseph struggles to keep Mama clean and to hold their broken family together while trying to make new friends and join the school tennis team. Can a boy who's only fifteen years old win his daily battle to survive? Joseph is a powerful and moving story from the author of National Book Award finalist The Legend of Buddy Bush that looks at what it really takes for a boy to begin to become a man.

Pranked


Katy Grant - 2008
    While my best friend was sunbathing on the beach in Hawaii, I was stuck with outdoor showers, a rickety cabin, and only one friend—quiet, boring Melissa. Then the "Evil Twins" showed up. It turned out they're totally cool and they wanted to be my friend! They're not really evil—well, not to me, at least. They AREN'T too nice to Melissa. We started playing a few pranks and it's kind of gotten out of control... I know I should put a stop to things, but I don't want to lose my only friends here. I just hope that I don't do anything I regret.Love,Kelly

Diving Off the Edge (Jake Maddox Sports Stories)


Jake Maddox - 2008
    That all ends when Blake finds a new group of friends. Riley joins the swim team, and soon finds he doesn't need Blake's friendship to get by. But when Blake tries a crazy stunt and dangerous at the lake one day, can Riley put the past aside and save his former friend?

My Parent's Bedroom (A Story from Say You're One of Them)


Uwem Akpan - 2008
    The eight-year-old narrator of "An Ex-Mas Feast" needs only enough money to buy books and pay fees in order to attend school. Even when his twelve-year-old sister takes to the streets to raise these meager funds, his dream can't be granted. Food comes first. His family lives in a street shanty in Nairobi, Kenya, but their way of both loving and taking advantage of each other strikes a universal chord. In the second of his stories published in a New Yorker special fiction issue, Akpan takes us far beyond what we thought we knew about the tribal conflict in Rwanda. The story is told by a young girl, who, with her little brother, witnesses the worst possible scenario between parents. They are asked to do the previously unimaginable in order to protect their children. This singular collection will also take the reader inside Nigeria, Benin, and Ethiopia, revealing in beautiful prose the harsh consequences for children of life in Africa.Akpan's voice is a literary miracle, rendering lives of almost unimaginable deprivation and terror into stories that are nothing short of transcendent.

The Death of Jayson Porter


Jaime Adoff - 2008
    But the harsh realities of his life never seem to change. Living in the inland-Florida projects with his abusive mother, he tries unsuccessfully to fit in at his predominately white school, while struggling to maintain even a thread of a relationship with his drug-addicted father. As the pressure mounts, there's only one thing Jayson feels he has control over the choice of whether to live or die.In this powerful, gripping novel, Coretta Scott King Award winning author Jaime Adoff explores the harsh reality of a teenager's life, giving hope even in the bleakest of hours.

The Teacher from the Black Lagoon and Other Back to School Stories


Mike Thaler - 2008
    The teacher from the black lagoon / written by Mike Thaler --The mysterious tadpole / written by Steven Kellogg --Will I have a friend? / written by Miriam Cohen --The day Jimmy's boa ate the wash / written by Trinka Hakes Noble --Miss Nelson is back / written by Harry Allard.

Good Enough


Paula Yoo - 2008
    Get a perfect score on the SATs.2. Get into HarvardYalePrinceton.3. Don't talk to boys.*Patti's parents expect nothing less than the best from their Korean-American daughter. Everything she does affects her chances of getting into an Ivy League school. So winning assistant concertmaster in her All-State violin competition and earning less than 2300 on her SATs is simply not good enough.But Patti's discovering that there's more to life than the Ivy League. To start with, there's Cute Trumpet Guy. He's funny, he's talented, and he looks exactly like the lead singer of Patti's favorite band. Then, of course, there's her love of the violin. Not to mention cool rock concerts. And anyway, what if Patti doesn't want to go to HarvardYalePrinceton after all?Paula Yoo scores big in her hilarious debut novel about an overachiever who longs to fit in and strives to stand out. The pressure is on!*Boys will distract you from your studies.

Wanton Winter


Cheyenne McCray - 2008
    What she doesn't expect is to find him in her suite. Naked. Greg Ellington wished he'd made a move on that gorgeous blonde he'd seen in the lounge of the hotel. After enjoying a hot shower, he steps out to find that very same blonde in his suite - wearing nothing but a red thong and bra. When the power goes out, they find themselves in one another's arms, and Alyson makes the decision of her life - to enjoy this stranger to the hilt. Forever, Blue Eyes by Daisy Dexter Dobbs: Betsy knew better than to get mixed up with a serviceman during wartime. But she lost all rational thought when she met Johnny and the charming Army private turned her world upside down. The few precious days they shared before he shipped out on Christmas Eve were infused with more passion than most couples experience in a lifetime. One final night of sizzling hot sex bound their hearts together forever. Johnny promised Betsy he'd come back to her and he will keep that vow...somehow...in some way. Pictures of You by Shelby Reed: Still picking up the pieces of a broken heart, the last thing Keira Hanson wants to do is fall in lust again, especially with Thad Warner, the gorgeous - and frequently nude - figure model for her drawing class. But Keir is a woman in her prime, and Thad is warm, funny and beguiling. Their friendship and subtle flirtations slide under her defenses, awakening sultry fantasies she'd thought safely tucked away. Soon their provocative give-and-take is no longer just the stuff of fantasies, but filled with erotic promise...and all Keir has to do is say the word. Will she turn aside the chance for sheer ecstasy to protect her fragile heart, or let down her guard and see what awaits her in Thad Warner's arms? Naughty & Spice by Titania Ladley: Ginger Blair now follows the cookbook by the rules. Hide behind closed doors, mail chocolate-dipped vibrators to customers and never - repeat, never - get involved with another cop. Well, except to bribe him into not arresting her. Burly policeman and former nerd Stuart Nixon's got his own formula. Pretend to arrest the woman he's been infatuated with forever, let her seduce him and put all those iron bars and handcuffs to good use. Now that's the recipe for true love. Nutcracker Prince by Katherine Cross: It's Christmas Eve and Claire Jacobs has come to see the annual performance of The Nutcracker. Lulled by the familiar music and choreography, she has no idea that she will soon be swept out of her world and into one like nothing she has ever known...and into the arms of two very different men. Erik and Adam have been members of the Company for decades. As immortal muses, it is their job to inspire others through magic and dance. One look at Claire, however, and they are inspired themselves - to put aside their long feud and convince her to join them forever. They have one evening to seduce Claire body and soul through tender touches and hard commands. But Claire has a few ideas of her own and plans to get all three of them on equal footing...both in bed and out.

Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers & Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express


Megan McDonald - 2008
    Before long, he’s engrossed in toilet water, corpse flowers, and all things smelly, and he and Sophie of the Elves are set to go toe-to-toe in a stinky sneaker contest! Will Stink’s sneakers be foul enough to win the Golden Clothespin Award?Stink and the Great Guinea Pig ExpressWhen three guinea pigs from the local pet shop make a great escape, Stink Moody and his friends Webster and Sophie fly into action. The Fantastic Three round up the loose fur balls and bring them safely back to Mrs. Birdwistle’s shop, where they discover – ooh-la-la! – guinea pig pandemonium! But the rescuing is far from over, so Stink and company hit the road in a crazy quest to find good homes for 101 squealing, whistling, chirping, wiggly piggies. Let the Great Guinea Pig Giveaway begin!

Raymond and Graham Rule the School


Mike Knudson - 2008
    But things don?t go quite as planned when Raymond gets stuck with the most embarrassing line in the class play! Can he find a way out of it, or will he be humiliated in front of everyone? Filled with memorable characters, side-splitting moments, and goofy black-andwhite illustrations, this series is sure to tickle kids? funny bones!

Transported


Tim Jones - 2008
    Jones has written a refreshing collection of short stories using a lively mix of genres. He takes readers on flights of fancy, transports of delight, and occasional trips of nostalgia. Some of the stories are unique ways of looking at the everyday and ordinary, others take us out of this world.

My Brother is Autistic


Jennifer Moore-Mallinos - 2008
    Medical experts are just beginning to understand varying degrees of autism and its impact on both the autistic child and his family. This book describes an autistic child from his brother's point of view. It talks about ways autistic kids can be helped and how they can better relate to their family and surroundings.The sensitively written Let's Talk About It! books encourage preschool-age and early-grade children to explore their feelings, deal with problems that trouble them, and understand others who have problems of their own. Each title speaks to a particular concern that children might encounter in the course of growing up. All books in this series have appealing color illustrations on every page. A short section at the back of each book offers related advice to parents.

Riding High


Donna King - 2008
    But suddenly, Billie loses interest in the sport and avoids training with her beloved horse. While her rivals say that she's lost her nerve, the truth is that Billie witnessed a terrible accident during her last cross-country event, in which the horse broke its leg, and she's terrified that the same fate could befall Valentine's Kiss. A new trainer makes Billie face her demons and trust in her horse's exceptional ability.

One for Sorrow: Tales from Cook's Cove


Mary C. Sheppard - 2008
    Saddled with a mean and bedridden mother; an older, increasingly bitter schoolmarm of a sister; and a lovely but mainly absent father, Issy dreams of leaving her miserable life behind for a life on the mainland, maybe even in a big city such as Toronto.What reason is there for her to stay? But there's one thing holding her back: Issy is illiterate. She can't read at all and never could. How far can she really go?

Be Confident in Who You Are


Annie Fox - 2008
    We go to Milldale Middle School. We’re very different in lots of ways, but we’re all good friends. A couple months ago, we were just hanging out when these kids came over . . .”So begins the journey of Jack, Jen, Chris, Abby, Mateo, and Michelle—six students just trying to figure it all out in middle school. Be Confident in Who You Are, the first book in the new Middle School Confidential series, follows these characters as they work to meet new challenges and survive the social scene—without losing sight of who they are. The book offers insider information on common middle school concerns and practical advice for being healthy, feeling good about who you are, and staying in control of your feelings and actions—even when the pressure is on. Filled with character narratives, quizzes, quotes from real kids, tips, tools, and resources, this book is a timely and engaging survival guide for the middle school years.

The Truth About Horses, Friends, & My Life as a Coward


Sarah P. Gibson - 2008
    But she found out that horses are a heap of trouble. Her trials began at five years old when her mom brought home Really (a.k.a. Really Mean), the nastiest pony in Maine. Two horses later, Sophie is still learning to deal with these crafty creatures, while trying to find friends who will like her for who she is—not for her horses. Filled with hilarious horse capers and the real truth about life as a weenie, this laugh-out-loud story shows why a horse isn’t always a girl’s best friend.