"True...Sort of" by Katherine Hannigan

Delly Pattison is constantly in trouble. Whether it's getting into fights, talking back, or acting out, people always tell her she's bad. And she's begining to believe it. Delly doesn't have many friends, so when Ferris Boyd turns up at school, Delly is determined to make nice. Ferris doesn't talk, but they form a strong bond over exploring nature and marshmallow fluff. Ferris is a basketball hot-shot and likes to play with another classmate, Brud. Together, Delly and Ferris make an exceptional team, focused on fun and adventure. But when Brud and Delly suspect Ferris may be in trouble at home, Delly decides it's time to do good, and help her friend out. This is a great read for 3-5th grades.

"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie

14 year old Arnold Spirit, aka Junior, is a total dork living on the Spokane indian reservation. He is encouraged by a teacher to leave his community plagued by alcoholism and attend a pretigious white school. now he's teased by bullies at his new school and resented by his old friends for leaving them. Joining the basketball team seems to help his social status, but junior must come to terms with his family's issues, and what options he has as a native american living in poverty. This is a wonderful book, lots of quirky illustrations drawn by junior, and is also nominated for LOTS of book awards. 5 STARS! There is swearing and "mature" situations, be warned. Recommended for high school readers.