"And Then I Found Out the Truth" by Jennifer Sturman

Delia's mom has been busy trying to save the environment down in Antarctica. But the big oil companies aren't fond of her attempts, and will stop at nothing to shut her up, including murder! Delia gets word that her mom is living underground in Argentina, where she's protected by a bodyguard, and safe...at least for the time being. Delia's been sent to New York City to live with her aunts, and is attending a very prestigious, private school. And there is a new boy around, Quinn, who turns out to be a romantic interest. Delia is ready to do some undercover work of her own to help her mom out, and put the criminals away. But things get complex, when she discovers Quinn's own step dad may be in on the plot to kill her mom. Going to Argentina seems like the only viable option to save her from danger...but will they be able to get there in time? This is the sequel to "And Then Everything Unraveled."

"From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konigsburg

Claudia is extremely bored with her normal routine. She wants to feel different and grown-up. She convinces her younger brother Jamie to run away with her. Claudia has the plan, and Jamie has the piggy bank, so together they should make a great team. They take the train from their small Connecticut town into New York City, where they take up residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Living at the museum is harder than you'd think. They have to hide from security guards, take baths in strange places, and they're on a fixed income. But they have plenty of time to admire and learn about art. Claudia becomes transfixed by one statue in particular, called Angel. Claudia suspects it was created by the famous artist Michelangelo, and she is determined to solve the mystery and find out the truth.

"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.

"Skulduggery Pleasant" by Derek Landy

Stephanie's was always fascinated by her Uncle Gordon. He wrote magical horror stories and lived in a strange mansion. After her uncle dies, Stephanie is shocked to find he left her his estate, complete with hidden passageways and dark secrets. It turns out her Uncle Gordon had access to another world, one where an ancient weapon holds all power and control. Stephanie is being hunted by an evil sorcerer who is searching for this weapon. Uncle Gordon kept weird company while he was alive. His old friend, Skulduggery Pleasant, shows up at his house, surprising Stephanie. Skulduggery is wise, clever and has awesome detective skills....the only problem? He's a skeleton! Let the crazy adventure begin. This is the first book in a new series by Derek Landy. His website has awesome trailers for the books, check it out at http://www.skulduggerypleasant.com/us/

"What I Saw and How I Lied" by Judy Blundell

World War II has just ended, and Evie and her parents are on vacation in Palm Beach, Florida. It's just what the family needs - palm trees, warm weather and time away from the hustle and bustle of Queens, New York. Peter Coleridge shows up at their resort, and Evie is immediately smitten with the handsome veteran. It turns out that Peter and her step-father Joe served together during the war. Evie's relationship with Peter takes a romantic turn, and her parents do not approve of the age difference between them. It's hurricane season in Florida, and one powerful storm will inflict tragedy upon Evie's family. Her adoration of her gorgeous mother and loving step-father are forever tarnished, and she must come to terms with the grave reality of her family's situation. High suspense and great historical fiction. This book won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature.

"What Happened to Cass McBride?" by Gail Giles

Cass McBride leads the perfect life. She's gorgeous, a straight A student and the most popular girl at her high school. Dating the football star, she is well on her way to becoming homecoming queen. David Kirby, on the other hand, is a notorious loser. What happened to Cass McBride? She has been kidnapped and buried alive by Kyle Kirby, who holds her personally responsible for his brother's untimely death. The next 48 hours are crucial for Cass. Her father has taught her well in the art of negotiations. But will her smooth talking skills be enough to be able to convince Kyle to let her go? You can read this thrilling book in one sitting. But I strongly advise you if you're at all claustrophobic, to read it an big, open space with all the lights on. Recommended for 8th grade and up.

"Time Stops For No Mouse - A Hermux Tantamoq Adventure" by Michael Hoeye

Hermux Tantamoq is an upstanding citizen and well respected watchmaker. He is your typical mouse, enjoying mellow evenings at home, reading, and playing with his pet ladybug. One day, Linka Perflinger, a daredevil aviator, brings a watch into Hermux's shop for repair. Hermux quickly falls for Linka, and is intrigued by her travels and adventures.

A shady rat attempts to pick up Linka's watch, and Hermux discovers that Linka has mysteriously disappeared. Loyal Hermux is intrigued and sets out to find out what happened. The quest is on to discover the formula for eternal youth, and Hermux finds himself entangled in a race against time. Some mice will murder for the fountain of youth!

If you liked "Stuart Little," Hermux is a great addition to literary mice. This is the first book in a mystery series, so make sure to check out "No Time Like Show Time," and "The Sands of Time."

Recommended for Middle School

We're reading this book for our book club meeting, Monday, December 17, 3-4 PM at the North Bend Library. Free Pizza!