Book picks similar to
Dangerous Ground by Gloria Skurzynski


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Middle School Millionaires


Roderick J. Robison - 2013
    But when the other schools and town facil-ities ask for recycling barrels too, their businesstakes off. They earn much more than pocket change.And the funny thing is, nobody but the janitors knowthe recycling barrels are owned by the two young en-trepreneurs. The money rolls in…but trouble follows.The principal suspects they’re up to something. Theeighth grade bully tries to capitalize on their new-found wealth. And the competition, the town’s largestrecycling contractor—tries to put them out of business.Their real trouble begins though, when the principal,superintendent of schools, and mayor learn the recyclingbarrels are owned by two middle school students. Theythink they’ve been misled; a suspension hearing ensues.Everything Kirk and Tommy have worked so hard for isin jeopardy. They’re on the brink of loosing it all—but ifthey can survive the ordeal, they just might become…Middle School Millionaires.

Wild Pitch


Cal Ripken Jr. - 2013
    But what good is all that heat when he can't seem to find the plate? With Robbie struggling, the Orioles are suffering through a nightmare season, still looking for their first win. Robbie's teammates are whispering that the only reason he's even pitching is because he's the coach's kid. They've even given him a new nickname: Ball Four. What the other Orioles don't know is that Robbie is still haunted by a fastball that got away from him and injured a batter in last year's All-Star Game. Now, with the pressure mounting, he's willing to try anything to get his control back, including listening to a mysterious boy who just might hold the key to helping Robbie and the Orioles save their season. This third action-packed book in Cal Ripken Jr.'s All-Star series will have readers on the edge of their seats as they root for Robbie's comeback.

Why Me?


Deborah Kent - 1992
    In this timely, sensitive novel, thirteen-year-old Rachel discovers she has kidney disease and is forced to find her biological mother for a kidney transplant.

Coldfall


Dirk Patton - 2017
    The FBI claims the men were part of an anti-government militia group, but Joseph and Tanya know that wasn't the case. They join forces to find the truth as a cabal of the wealthy and political elite work to create a false crisis in order to justify the suspension of the US constitution. Finding evidence that proves their fathers’ innocence and exposes the lie told to the American people, they are forced to flee a team of the Cabal's hired mercenaries. Now, they must stay alive as a group of former special forces soldiers races to save them and reveal the truth to the world.

The iAmerican (Michael Bennit, #4)


Mikael Carlson - 2014
     "We came here to make Congress effective again, and that is bigger than any one man." Some people see a conspiracy behind everything, only this time there was one. While coming to grips with the discovery of who tried to have him assassinated, Michael Bennit must make the decision that will define his character - make a deal with the devil to save his political career or risk losing everything he has worked for.As party allegiances crumble in Washington, the new president is desperate to advance his own agenda with or without the help of Congress. Heeding the calls of a disgruntled public, he plans to act unilaterally and fundamentally change the face of the American government. Now the former soldier and teacher and his staff must race to do the impossible and unite the Legislative Branch against an egomaniacal president.With enemies mobilizing against him, the media no longer on his side, and most of his former students no longer able to help, the stakes have never been higher for Michael Bennit - he must succeed in his quest to bring change to Washington or watch as the center of national political power permanently shifts to the White House forever.The fourth book in The Michael Bennit Series, The iAmerican follows the plight of four people caught in the crucible of the greatest power struggle the nation has ever witnessed. Friendships will be tested and careers destroyed, but can the integrity of one man be strong enough to save the government from itself and restore the confidence of the American people? The Michael Bennit Series (in order): 1. The iCandidate2. The iCongressman3. The iSpeaker4. The iAmerican ˃˃˃ More Than Just a Plain Vanilla Political Novels The Michael Bennit Series books are more than just another political novels. Although the books are set against the backdrop of a politics, the themes they explore the about social media and society, education in America, and how we react to a pervasive media culture are important to learn about and discuss. ˃˃˃ A Glimpse Into the Future!Social media is everywhere today! It is a powerful tool, but are we too trusting of it? This must read series of books examines that question in a fun and entertaining way. Read the first three books in the series first, then purchase a copy today!

Every Family Has One (All Things D #2)


Joanna Warrington - 2015
    The attacker, unimaginably, is her trusted parish priest. Terrified, Kathleen never tells her pious Catholic mother, and when she discovers she is pregnant, she pays a terrible price for her silence. Her mother believes Kathleen to be a fallen child and sends her to have her ill-begotten baby in Ireland. Kathleen toils in a notorious Magdalene Laundry, where heartless nuns dole out merciless penance on shamed girls. Kathleen never recovers from her trauma, and years later she’s become the overprotective, paranoid mother of a second child. Meanwhile, Faye, a widowed mother of three worries about her teenage son, Tim. He’s increasingly withdrawn, but when several parcels are mysteriously delivered the shocking truth about what is going on in his life is slowly revealed. She turns to an old flame believing he is at the root of Tim’s problems and as the couple rekindles their love, Tim’s troubles deepen. Faye pours out her sorrows in letters to a friend, and slowly, shocking family secrets and interwoven relationships reveal themselves. As it turns out, Kathleen isn’t the only fallen one in this story of love, forgiveness, and powerful family ties. Every Family Has One is the anticipated sequel to The Catholic Woman’s Dying Wish. It can be read as a stand-alone sequel.

Water Balloon Wars


Marcus Emerson - 2012
    After several hours of fighting, he's found himself cornered in a tree fort with only a handful of teammates remaining. At four in the morning, with no sleep or ammo, Joshua will have to act fast if he expects to win this war before the sun comes up.Water Balloon Wars is a 6900 word funny adventure that's entertaining for children, middle school students, and adults (who secretly never grew up)! Written by Marcus Emerson and Noah Child with art by David Lee.

Amazing Gracie


Ann Edwards Cannon - 1991
    Practical Gracie has been the one to manage their lives. Then Mom remarries, suddenly, and they move to Salt Lake City, where Gracie has to share a room with her six-year-old stepbrother, Sinjian. But in some ways the move is good for Gracie. She meets Tiimo, her first boyfriend, explores the city, and even begins to enjoy Sinjian's company. But for Mom, it's a disaster. When her mother attempts suicide, it's up to Gracie to hold her new family together.

When the Circus Came to Town


Polly Horvath - 1996
    Then came Elmira Degoochy the snake lady. Then the Flying Gambinis -- all seven of them and their mother. And Mrs. Harrison the fortune-teller, and Mr. Wydel the strongman . . .These are the new residents of Springfield, the formerly peaceful Midwestern town where up to now young Ivy's life had been pretty uneventful. Ivy becomes fast friends with Alfred Halibut, who is an aspiring writer like herself and the son of a circus publicity manager. She also befriends the other circus people who have moved into town. But many of her neighbors are not feeling kindly about this invasion of strange characters. Tensions somersault into a climactic tangle at the Springfield bake-off. In the midst of hurtling pies, one voice alone can bring peace and tolerance back to the community. When the Circus Came to Town is Polly Horvath's funniest novel to date, packed with vivid exaggeration and slapstick scenarios.

The Steeplechase Secret


Jeanette Lane - 2018
    She's ready to take it easy and enjoy some downtime with her family, her best friends, and her horse, Raven. But then, Zoe, Becky, and Jade notice some strange things happening at the new steeplechase race track that has the whole town abuzz with excitement. Zoe promised her mom she'd stay out of trouble for once . . . but a little investigating couldn't hurt, right?Includes an 8-page insert packed with photos from the TV show!

Striking Out


Will Weaver - 1900
    Never been to a movie. Never played baseball with a real team. Never got over feeling guilty for the loss of his brother. But change is in the air. Billy discovers he has a natural talent for baseball, especially as a pitcher. Maybe, just maybe, there's more in store for him than life on the farm. But can Billy convince his father of that? Or is he destined to spend the rest of his life pitching nothing but hay?Teenager Billy Baggs is desperately needed on his family's struggling dairy farm, but he's also an extraordinarily gifted natural baseball player. How he struggles to reconcile his father's desire to keep him on the farm with his coach's interest in getting him on the field is at the heart of this ‘meaty story.… The complex characters grow and change in profoundly real ways.''K. ‘[With] flashes of humor, a wealth of lovingly recounted details evokes the difficult daily life on a small dairy farm.''Publishers Weekly. 1994 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)1994 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library)1993 "Pick of the Lists" (ABA)

Heroic Tales of Medieval Romance: 4 Full-Length Medieval Romance Novels


Laurel O'Donnell - 2015
     Heroic Tales of Medieval Romance contains these four medieval romance novels: My Noble Knight Layne Fletcher, the only girl in a family of three boys, has grown up learning to use a sword and joust, but she is not a knight. She and her brothers have been traveling from tourney to tourney to make enough coin to buy their own farm to shelter their ailing father. When her brother is found unconscious before an important tournament, Layne takes his place on the jousting field against... Griffin Wolfe, the undefeated jousting champion. When he is unhorsed by a slip of a woman who is not a knight, he demands retribution. His honor will not allow him to let a woman be thrown in the dungeon and he has no choice but to pay her fine, ordering her to travel with him until her brothers can repay him. Griffin attempts to educate Layne in the art of being a woman, but finds he is attracted to her exciting personality and uncommon beauty despite her less than lady like ways. But someone is trying to sabotage Griffin as he competes in the tournaments. Can Layne and Griffin discover who the culprit is while keeping their families safe and their growing attraction secret? Midnight Shadow Lady Bria Delaney Raised on the adventurous stories of the Midnight Shadow, Bria Delaney longs to wield a sword and fight against tyranny. When the unjust rules of a neighboring lord terrorize her friends, she dons the mask and cloak of her childhood hero to right the wrongs and save them from oppression. After encountering Lord Knowles, she is stunned to find her fierce attraction to the very enemy she has secretly promised to destroy. Lord Terran Knowles Accustomed to victory at tournament, Terran Knowles lives a life of luxury and ease. When he returns home and finds his coin has dwindled, he must turn to an old betrothal and its dowry to keep his coffers full. Adding to his financial woes, a thief known as the Midnight Shadow strikes his land at night, stealing his coin. His intended betrothed is a headstrong, beautiful woman who immediately intrigues him. Torn between the woman he longs to trust and the outlaw he has vowed to hang, Terran vows to find the truth. The Lady and the Falconer Lady Solace Farindale With her father at war and her stepmother ruling the castle with disinterest, Solace protects her people the best she can. When a neighboring lord lays siege to the castle, a threat on the lady’s life is discovered. She turns to a man she can’t resist, and puts her trust in a stranger who has captured her heart. Will she discover the secret this man holds before it is too late? Logan Grey Tormented by guilt and a tragic past, Logan Grey has gained access to the castle disguised as a falconer. With only revenge on his mind, he has no time for the feisty beauty who has caught his eye. In a twist of fate, and a deadly betrayal, Logan must risk his life for the lady who ignited a passion more perilous than war. A Knight of Honor Taylor Sullivan is a raven-haired hellion fleeing the tragic flames that destroyed her family. She arms herself with a quick sword and a sharp tongue, hiring herself out as a mercenary, willing to do whatever it takes to survive.

Diary of a Minecraft Bat: (an unofficial Minecraft autobiography)


Dr. Block - 2015
     Most of Jasper’s friends are wimpy bats who just want to eat insects and play games. Luckily, Jasper is best friends with Arnold, another brave and adventurous bat, and his exploration companion. In this diary, Jasper tells of his adventures with Arnold, how they discovered something thought to have gone extinct, and how they faced the “fearsome creature” of the Nether.

Sherlock Holmes: A Scandalous Affair


Christopher D. Abbott - 2020
    Possibly to the Crown Herself. Who is Sir Henry Wilburton? What is his connection to the late Professor Moriarty? Holmes must weave a dangerous path if he is to reach a successful conclusion. But with war a possible outcome of failure, the stakes are as high as they can get.

Basketball Blues


Thalia Kalkipsakis - 2005
    But can cheerleading make Angie happy, or is basketball her real love?   It's lucky Angie is more than just a pretty face!