"Grayson" by Lynne Cox

Lynne Cox is a long distance swimmer. She's swam both the English and Catalina Channels and wrote an fascinating account of cold water adventures in her book, "Swimming to Antarctica." When Lynne was 17, she was doing a training swim off the coast of Seal Beach, California. She was wrapping up her workout when she discovered she was accompanied by something large and dark swimming beneath her. Terrified by the thought of sharks, she immediately headed for shore. Moments later, she realized it wasn't a shark at all, but a baby gray whale, who had lost its mother and was floundering around lost. Lynne spent the morning with the baby whale, hoping to reunite him with its mother. This is a touching story about the relationship between humans and animals and a must read for all marine mammal fans.

"10th Grade" by Joseph Weisberg

Jeremy is in 10th grade and has a pretty normal life. But what's normal for your sophomore year in high school? He plays sports, hangs out with the smokers during lunch, and has a huge crush on the most popular girl in high school, Rene Shopmaker. Jeremy's vivid imagination has Rene falling madly in love with him, and his fellow students ooh-ing and aah-ing at his superior athletic ability and masculine charm. Follow Jeremy as he navigates the social hierarchy of high school and finds his identity as well as a date for prom. Strong language, adult situations, best for upper high school.

"Re-Gifters" by Mike Carey

Jen Dik Seong (her friends call her "Dixie") is getting ready to enter the biggest hapkido tournament in LA's Koreatown. Dixie is fiesty! Practicing this martial art gives her courage to cope with life in high school. She needs this strength to deal with her traditional parents, her crush, Adam, and some of the rough characters in her neighborhood. A surprise gift makes Dixie realize she is capable of independence and standing up for herself. Girl power!