"Stuck in Neutral" by Terry Trueman

Imagine having no control over your body. You can't move your legs, your arms, your head, or anything. All of your life you've been confined to a wheelchair. You can't communicate, and you're dependent on those around you to feed you, bathe you, and take care of your every need. That is what life has always been like for Shawn. Shawn has had cerebral palsy his entire life. At 14, Shawn is used to being called a vegetable, a retard, and plenty of other names. No one thinks Shawn is capable of understanding anything, let alone having feelings. His family loves him, but even they have a problem making a connection. This is a book written from Shawn's perspective. Not only can Shawn process information and have deep thoughts, he's confident his life may be in danger. Shawn suspects his own father may be plotting to kill him, to put him out of his misery. But Shawn's not miserable! How do you tell someone your life is in danger when you can't communicate?

"Kit's Wilderness" by David Almond

Kit Carlson and his family move to Stoneygate so his parents can help take care of his aging grandfather. Kit meets John Askew at school and is lured into a creepy game of Death. After school, a group of kids climb into an old mining pit. John Askew spins a knife, whoever it points at, they must die. The dead must remain in the pit, while the others wait outside for the dead to come back. This game becomes too real for Kit Carlson. Ghosts from mining disasters start to haunt Kit, in his dreams and while he's awake. This book spooked me out - big time. If you liked this book, you might also like "Skellig," written by the same author, David Almond.

"Monster" by Walter Dean Myers

Steve Harmon is in big trouble, BIG. He's awaiting trial in prison, charged as an accomplice to murder. Steve tells his story as a play, where he's the lead role. Life in prison is rough and brutal, and this novel is the same. Recommended for high school. Winner of the Printz Award.

"American Born Chinese" by Gene Luen Yang

This is a great story, well, actually 3 stories in 1. Jin Wang is the only Chinese American at his school and he hates it. Then there’s the monkey king, who hates being a monkey and wants people to think of him as god. And finally there’s Chin-Kee, who is Danny’s cousin and embarrassing Danny to death at school. Great kung-fu fight scenes. This book won the Printz award!