"Paper Covers Rock" by Jenny Hubbard

Thomas, Glenn and Alex went to the river to relax, and escape some of the stress of their elite boarding school. Someone had a bottle of vodka, and all of them were drinking more than they should Someone bet Thomas to jump off the big rock. Glenn and Alex jumped, but when Thomas did, he didn't have enough clearance. What was supposed to be an afternoon of leisure, turned into one of horror, as Glenn and Alex realize their implication in their friend's untimely death. And they make a pact to not mention alcohol to school officials, in order to cover their tracks. But Alex is not dealing with his grief well. He starts a secret diary, which he keeps hidden in the school library. And his English teacher, Miss Dovecott, suspects he may not be sharing all he knows about the accident. Glenn and Alex devise a plot to get Miss Dovecott fired, and out of their business.

"Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter" by Adeline Yen Mah

Wu Mei or Adeline (her English name) was the youngest of five siblings, born into a wealthy family in Communist China. Because her mother died giving birth to her, Adeline is considered "bad luck" by her family. Her father remarries a woman named Niang, and they have two children together, who are spoiled rotten. Adeline and her original siblings are often neglected and ignored. Niang controls the family dynamics and she's decided that Adeline is not worth much of anything. Adeline's great aunt and grandfather offer some love and support, but as they are financially dependent on Niang, they must be discreet in showing any affection. Adeline is sent away to boarding school for much of her childhood, and is completely cut off from her family emotionally. She years to be loved by her father and gain respect from Niang, but she feels invisible in their eyes. While not physically abused by her parents, their emotional neglect is heartbreaking to Adeline, and she immerses herself into her studies and books to forget the pain. This is a heartbreaking true "Cinderella" story. A good example of life in China in the 1940s during World War II.

"The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks" by E. Lockhart

Frankie didn't plan on becoming a criminal mastermind, it just sort of happened...She used to be part of the geek squad, complete with debate club, and awkward, nerdy friends. But something changes her sophomore year, and she finds herself dating gorgeous senior, Matthew Livingstone. Alabaster Preparatory Academy has a long standing tradition, a secret society called the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds. It's been around for decades and Frankie's own father was part of this good old boys club. This exclusive fraternity is known for throwing the best parties and masterminding the most elaborate pranks the school has ever seen. The only problem is that it's a brotherhood, which means no girls allowed. Frankie doesn't like to be excluded, and she's used to getting her way. Her feminine competitive nature comes out and Frankie's determined to get into this inner circle, even if it comes with the risk of getting suspended!!

"Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go" by Dale Basye

Marlo Fauster is a troublemaker and this time she's really done it. After a shoplifting spree at a local mall, Marlo and her brother Milton die in a horrific marshmallow explosion, and are sent to Heck - where the bad kids go. Heck is actually a reform school, filled with mischievous children. Milton is mortified, he's always followed the rules, he should not be held captive in this limbo. Life in heck is horrible and the creepy principal and teachers are determined to keep it that way. Evil bullies, cold liver and bathroom bile will gross you out and make you squirm. The dead biology teacher has students dissect her own body in class, ewwww! This is Mr. Basye's first book, 8 others are scheduled for the series, one for each level of heck!

"Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card

Ender Wiggin is an extraordinary game player. His brain is so sharp and brilliant that he's been chosen to attend a prestigious Battle School, where students are trained in military combat. It's the future, and planet Earth is preparing for an invasion against the buggers - alien lifeforms that are determined to destroy our planet. Using high tech computer games to simulate fights and battles proves to be intense and exhausting. Every move Ender makes must be perfect, the future of the universe depends on it! Great science fiction writing.