GIRLS IN PANTS: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares (Fiction)
Tibby, Carmen, Lena and Bridget are facing their last summer together before going to college in September --- four different colleges in four different cities, to be precise. This is the time when they need their cherished magical Pants the most. Reviewed by Amy Alessio and excerpted.
NINE DAYS A QUEEN: The Short Life and Reign of Lady Jane Grey by Ann Rinaldi (Historical Fiction)
Lady Jane Grey was crowned Queen of England against her wishes at the age of sixteen before being overthrown nine days later. This is a tragic tale that will be remembered by readers for a long time to come. Reviewed by Renee Kirchner and excerpted.
LAST SHOT: A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein (Mystery)
Eighth graders Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson have won the U.S. Basketball Writers Association's contest for aspiring journalists, and their grand prize is a trip to the Final Four in New Orleans. But when they overhear what sounds like a threat to throw the championship game, Stevie and Susan Carol have just 48 hours to figure out who is blackmailing one of MSU's star players --- and why. Reviewed by Kristi Olson.
I AM THE MESSENGER by Markus Zusak (Fiction)
Ed Kennedy says he has no real career, no respect, and has achieved nothing at nineteen. In this novel, which won the 2003 Children's Book Council of Australia's Book of the Year Award, he answers an unusual invitation that transforms his life from one of triviality to one of worthiness. Ed's journey is simultaneously hilarious, bizarre, mysterious and heartbreaking --- and it makes for a stunningly good read. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
CHINESE CINDERELLA AND THE SECRET DRAGON SOCIETY by Adeline Yen Mah (Historical Fiction)
Born into a family of wealth and privilege in 1940s Shanghai, Chinese Cinderella is sheltered from the harsh brutalities of the Japanese invasion in China. But after enduring abuse at the hands of her cruel stepmother, she seeks refuge at a martial-arts school and joins a secret dragon society. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.
24 GIRLS IN 7 DAYS by Alex Bradley (Fiction)
Percy and Natalie have assembled 24 different girls for their friend Jack to date in seven days. His task is to choose the one he'll take to the prom, in this funny book complete with mystery, romance, and much humorous ruminating. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
TRICK OF THE MIND by Judy Waite (Fiction)
Erin has a crush on Matt and breaks the cardinal rule of all magicians by teaching him magic tricks, not realizing that he in turn is using them to impress another girl. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood.
I CAN'T TELL YOU by Hillary Frank (Fiction)
In this unusual novel, a romance plays out in notes written in email and on calculators, on white boards, napkins, and even in toothpaste. Mature audiences will enjoy reading between the lines of this demanding but rewarding writing style. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
PAGAN'S SCRIBE by Catherine Jinks (Historical Fiction)
Pagan is now an archdeacon who must do all he can to save his town, and in the process he takes care of a lost young boy who above all else needs to be loved and accepted. Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber.
LIGHT YEARS by Tammar Stein (Fiction)
Maya leaves Israel to study astronomy at the University of Virginia, running from the violence, guilt and memories of her past. Amid the day-to-day pressures of classes, roommates and fraternity parties at the university, she attempts to reconcile her Israeli past with her American future. Reviewed by Ashley Hartlaub.
MATES, DATES, AND TEMPTING TROUBLE by Cathy Hopkins (Fiction)
Misunderstandings and miscommunications threaten friendships in this eighth book of the "Mates, Dates" series when Luke, a boy who Nesta has been dating, declares passionate love for T.J. Reviewed by Melissa A. Palmer.
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