"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.

"Un Lun Dun" by China Mieville

This is a great fantasy story for all ages. Two girls find themselves in an alternate reality, a backwards mirror image of London. Zanna discovers she is the "Shwazzy" or chosen one to save this mysterious city from being overtaken by an evil smog. Magical characters are everywhere including an evil umbrella and a pet milk carton. If you liked "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman, or "Alice in Wonderland," by Lewis Carroll, this book is for you! Recommended for 5th grade and up - your mom or dad might like it too!