When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, by Kimberly Willis Holt, ISBN # 0-8050-6116-9

Thirteen-year-old Toby Wilson is having a bad summer, his mother left his family and the girl he likes won't give him the time of day. Then Zachary Beaver, the heaviest boy in the world comes to town in a trailer, and people pay two dollars to peak in the trailer to see him. As Toby struggles with his problems as well as helping his new friend Zachary, he learns he is starting to fit in an imperfect world. Kimberly Willis Holt tells this story is beautifully with great sensitivity.

Hurricane, a Novel, by Terry Trueman, ISBN # 978-0-06-000010-6

This novel is set in Honduras during and after Hurricane Mitch in 1968. With his Father, older sister and older brother away, thirteen-year-old protagonist Jose Cruz must be the head of his family and muster up the courage to do what he can after the worst storm to hit Honduras in 200 years.The reader of this book will really have a true feeling of what such devastation can do to a community.

Bone, Out of Boneville, by Jeff Smith, ISBN # 978-0-439-70623-0

This is one book of a nine volume series about the Bone cousins getting kicked out of Boneville. They get lost and the journey begins. Lost, each Bone gets caught in a strange valley with strange happenings. Fast paced, great art, quite a journey.

Letters from Rifka, by Karen Hesse, ISBN# 0-590-51587-X

This book, told in a series of letters from Rifka, who is separated from her family while immigrating to the United States from Russia due to the Bolshevik Revolution. Rifka goes through many trials and tribulations before being reunited with her family. This book gives a powerful insight into the immigrant experience.

Stand Tall, by Joan Bauer ISBN # 0-399-23473-X

Tree is six foot three seventh grader and really stands out. Besides this his parents are just divorced. With the help of his grandfather, a new girl in school, and a flood, Tree finds purpose in his life and takes pride in his size. Bauer's humorous and wonderful characters help make this book a must read.

Kira-Kira, byCynthia Kadohata, ISBN # 0-439-79941-4

In Japanese, kira-kira means glittering. In this book, the Takeshima family use the term kira-kira to describe all the subtle wonders of being alive. Fourteen-year-old daughter Lynn's life is kira-kira until she is struck down with lymphoma. This tragedy affects the family in unexpected ways. This is a sensitive and beautiful story.

The Giver, by Lois Lowry, ISBN # 0-440-21907-8

The protagonist, Jonas, lives in a completely controlled culture in the future. No one in the society has any knowledge of the past. Jonas is chosen to be trained by The Giver to be the only person to hold the memories of pain and pleasure of life. The responsibility is huge and Jonas makes a big decision. This book is Lois Lowry at her best. I couldn't put it down.