"Alchemy and Meggy Swan" by Karen Cushman

Karen Cushman has done it again! The year is 1573 and Meggy Swan is sent to live with her father in London. He turns out to be a cruel and mean man, ignoring his daughter's arrival. He works as an alchemist, which is the science of turning metal into gold. Poor Meggy struggles with her legs, which have been disabled since birth and make walking a challenge. She endures taunting and teasing from the neighbors and school-children about her crutches and walking limp. Things go from bad to worse. Her father forgets to feed her, and Meggy is forced to give up her pet goose, as her dad doesn't think it's a suitable pet. Then Meggy discovers the unthinkable, her father is up to no good, and it's up to Meggy to make some tough choices. This is a wonderful historical fiction for 5th-8th grade, set in Elizabethan London. Wonderful language and an feisty and independent female lead.

"Boom!" by Mark Haddon

Jimbo and Charlie are bored. Their families are normal, their siblings annoying, and their parents are predictable. When they overhear two of their teachers talking in a secret language, they set off to investigate the mystery. At the time, it seemed like a good idea to break into their history teacher's house. But what they find in her attic proves their teachers are really up to no good, and may be conspiring to take over the planet! Mark Haddon is the author of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." This is another clever, well constructed, who-dunnit geared for a younger audience, I'd say 3rd - 7th grade. British humor and hilarious plays on words. I laughed out loud.

"Before I Die" by Jenny Downham

16 year old Tessa gets the news that she's terminally ill and only has 6 months left to live. She creates a mental list of everything she wants to do before she dies. Number one is having sex. Tessa's friend Zoey is her accomplice, and Tessa's supportive family tries to understand her persistance for finishing the list. This is a beautifully written book about what it means to be alive, and ultimately facing the reality of death. Recommended for high school.