Middle School Summer Reading List Francis W. Parker School

Middle School Summer Reading List
Francis W. Parker School
Books to Enjoy This Summer: 2009
A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Douglas Adams Don’t Panic! Meet Ford Prefect and Arthur Dent and read
about the end of the world and the days that follow...and why the Universe is a lot safer if you bring a towel.
Little Women Louisa May Alcott Fall in love with the March sisters. Talented Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful
Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other.
The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha Lloyd Alexander Lukas suddenly goes from watching a magician to
drowning in a distant sea. The people he meets ashore hail him as king of Abadan. That’s fine with Lukas; but why
are people trying to murder him! Have you read? The Book of Three or the Illyrian Adventure
Skellig David Almond Michael was looking forward to his new house, but now his baby sister is ill and his
parents are frantic. Then out in the crumbling garage he finds a mysterious stranger. Check out Almond’s
latest novel - Clay.
Fever 1793 – Laurie Halse Anderson It’s the summer of 1793; Mattie Cook lives above the family business with
her mother and grandfather. She avoids chores by daydreaming, but then the fever breaks out. Also – Speak
and Catalyst.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou The story of a brilliant and determined black girl growing up
in Arkansas and San Francisco.
A Spell for Chameleon Piers Anthony Welcome to the world of Xanth, where everyone had a special spell only he
could cast. Except for Bink. Both a fantasy and funny. The first in a series.
It’s Not About the Bike Lance Armstrong A book about life, death, illness, family, and triumphs, but not
especially about the bike. Armstrong inspires us -- a world class athlete struck down by cancer, only to recover
and win the Tour de France.
The Foundation Series Isaac Asimov When the Galactic Empire started dying, a great psychohistorian, Hari
Seldon, set up the foundation to preserve human culture. You might also enjoy I, Robot.
True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle Avi During the summer of 1832, aboard the Seahawk, as the only
passenger on the Atlantic crossing, Charlotte is caught between the ruthless captain and the mutinous crew.
This is her account of the voyage.
Forgotten Fire Adam Bagdasarian In 1915 Vahan is the son of an Armenian family in Turkey. His world is
shattered when family members disappear; others are murdered before his eyes. He loses his everything and is
forced to live a life he would never have dreamed.
Rules of the Road Joan Bauer Jenna is not much good in school, but boy, can she sell shoes! When crusty
Mrs. Gladstone, the company president, chooses Jenna as her driver on a business trip, she goes reluctantly.
Jenna gets a sequel! Best Foot Forward. Also by Bauer- Hope Was Here and Backwater.
On My Honor Marion Dane Bauer and Dolores Kozielski Joel’s best friend Tony drowns while they are
swimming in the forbidden, treacherous Vermilion River. Joel is terrified at having to tell of his disobedience
and overwhelmed by his feelings of guilt.
The Curse of the Blue Figurine John Bellairs A Johnny Dixon mystery: the adventure begins when Johnny
removes a blue figurine from church. Have you read Ghost in the Mirror?
Tangerine Edward Bloor Paul, the nearsighted brother of the high school football star, arrives as the new kid in
Tangerine, FL. Paul fights for the right to play soccer, to be true to himself, and to remember what really damaged
his eyesight Also: Crusader.
A String in the Harp Nancy Bond In Wales, the Morgan children find a magic harp-tuning key that takes them
back to the time of Taliesin, the legendary Chief Bard of Britain.
The Illustrated Man Ray Bradbury The stories in this book are linked; they are all seen as magical, living
stories springing from the tattooed body of the protagonist. Other Bradbury? R is for Rocket and Farenheit
451.
Martian Chronicles Ray Bradbury This Mars is a place of hopes and dreams, of crystal pillars and fossil seas where dust settles on the empty cities of a silently destroyed civilization. Earth men conquer Mars and then
are conquered by it.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Ann Brashares Lena, Tibby, Carmen, and Bridget have been friends since
birth, but this summer they each go on separate adventures. They keep in touch with a special pair of jeans.
Sequels: The Second Summer of the Sisterhood; Girls in Pants; and Forever in Blue.
A Great and Terrible Beauty Libba Bray Living in India at 16, Gemma fights with her mother, runs away, has
a dreadful vision, and witnesses her mother’s death. Two months later, Gemma is at England’s Spence School,
where the magic of her vision awaits her. Next: Rebel Angels.
The Book of Think (Or How to Solve a Problem Twice Your Size) Marilyn Burns This book is about what to
do when you are puzzled, or perplexed, or stumped. It is about using your noggin. It is about being smart even
when you feel dumb. (P.S. If you never have a problem, then don’t read this book.)
All American Girl Meg Cabot Samantha is an average teen; she loves music, can really draw, and enjoys being
the opposite of her annoying ultra-social sister. When she ditches art class one day, she isn’t expecting to stop a
presidential assassin. Also, the Princess Diaries and Avalon High.
Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States edited by Lori M. Carlson with an
introduction by Oscar Hijuelos.
Summerland Michael Chabon Ethan Feld, the worst baseball player in the history of the game, finds himself
recruited by a 100 year old scout to help a band of faeries triumph over an ancient enemy.
Ten Little Indians Agatha Christie An ingenious whodunit. Island guests are murdered, one by one, in ways
foretold by a child’s chant.
The Goats Brock Cole A boy and the girl are stripped and marooned on a small island for the night. They are
the “goats.” The kids at camp think it is a joke, an old tradition. No harm is intended, but the goats don’t see it
that way. They want to disappear. And do.
Artemis Fowl Eoin Colfer Artemis Fowl is a one of the greatest criminal minds in the world. Heir to the Fowl
family empire—a centuries old clan of underworld figures and con artists, he is the most cunning Fowl of all. He is
also twelve years old. The first in a series.
Gregor the Overlander Suzanne Collins Gregor’s quest takes place in an underground land of giant
cockroaches, rideable bats, and violet-eyed humans. When sister Boots tumbles into an air duct in his building’s
laundry room, Gregor goes after her. The first of five novels. The latest? Gregor and the Code of Claw.
The Road to Coorain Jill Ker Conway The true story of girl’s journey from a sheep farm in Australia to
becoming the president of Smith College.
Over Sea, Under Stone Susan Cooper The three Drew children find an ancient map in the attic of their
vacation home. They’re sure it’s special, but it’s more; it’s the key to a great magical power. Prequel to The
Dark is Rising series.
Whale Talk Chris Crutcher TJ (the Tao) Jones is black, Japanese, and white; TJ dares to start a swim team in
a school that doesn’t have a pool and that values the letter jacket as a sign of social status. Also by Crutcher:
Stotan, The Crazy Horse Electric Game, and Running Loose.
Bud, Not Buddy Christopher Paul Curtis An orphaned runaway, Bud copes in the world with his “Rules and
Things.” Treasures from his life with “Momma” are kept in an old suitcase; one, a flyer for a musical group, leads
him on a fantasy journey to an amazing reality.
Boy and Going Solo Roald Dahl Two autobiographical works: Boy is about Dahl’s early life and education, and
Going Solo is the story of his life as a pilot during the war.
Enchantress From the Stars Sylvia Engdahl Georyn must pit his faith in the magic of his Enchantress from
the Stars against foes who have come from a world beyond his comprehension.
A Barrel of Laughs, A Vale of Tears Jules Feiffer Prince Roger sets out eagerly on a quest and finds a few
adventures, a lot of friends, a damsel or two in distress (not!) and himself, in the end.
Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery John Fienstein Two eighth grade sportswriters try to uncover a blackmail
scheme at the NCAA Final Four.
Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science John Fleischman Gage had a hole in his head.
In 1848 he was blasting rock when an iron rod was shot through his brain. He survived another 11 years - an
amazing case in brain science.
Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman Richard Feynman Quirky, hilarious, and fascinating memoir from one of
the greatest physicists covers everything from his early life to his work on the atomic bomb. More? What Do
You Care What People Think? Further Adventures of a Curious Character
Inkheart Cornelia Funke Meggie’s father, Mo, has an amazing ability. When he reads aloud from books, he brings
the characters to life--literally. He has read some nasty characters out, and he accidentally read Meggie’s mother in.
Also The Thief Lord and Dragonrider
Coraline Neil Gaiman Coraline wonders what is behind the locked door. First it’s a brick wall, but when she
opens it again, a passageway appears that leads to a flat like her own, but also different and inhabited by her
other parents.
My Side of the Mountain Jean Craighead George Tired of city life, Sam Gribley runs away to the Catskill
Mountains to make a life of his own. He spends a year living alone in the mountains, where he struggles to
survive and to realize what is important to him.
The Princess Bride William Goldman. A tale of adventure and daring that is both a classic story and a spoof.
Beware the ROUS, the Cliffs of Insanity, and the man with six fingers!
The Cartoon Guide to Physics Larry Gonick and Art Huffman. Velocity, explosions, electricity and even
relativity theory are explained through simple, clear, and funny illustrations. Also The Cartoon Guide to
Genetics by Gonick and Mark Wheelis.
The Thin Man Dashiell Hammett Nick and Nora Charles are a rich, glamorous couple who solve homicides in
between wisecracks and martinis. Both smart and romantic, this is a murder mystery that doubles as a
sophisticated comedy of manners.
The Trouble with Lemons Daniel Hayes When Tyler and a friend go swimming at the forbidden quarry, Tyler
finds a dead body. Now, who killed the man, and why are they after Tyler?
Quest for a Maid Frances Mary Hendry Adventure, derring-do, and magic keep the plot of this historical novel
rolling along at the brisk pace set by the opening sentence--``When I was nine years old, I hid under a table and
heard my sister kill a king.’’
All Creatures Great and Small James Herriot Stories, both hilarious and poignant, about a veterinarian in
England.
Hoot Carl Hiaasen Roy, new to Florida, has noticed a barefoot boy running faster than anything. Roy follows
him and winds up on a mission to save a parliament of owls from a bulldozer. Another great Hiaasen: Flush
Seabiscuit Laura Hillenbrand Seabiscuit was an unlikely champion: an undersized horse with a sad little tail
and knees that wouldn’t straighten all the way. Thanks to three men, he became one of the most spectacular
performers in sports history.
Slake’s Limbo Felice Holman A 13-year-old boy escapes to New York City’s subways, which he learns to call
his home.
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town Kimberly Willis Holt Summer is not going well for Toby, but when “The
World’s Fattest Boy,” comes to Antler, Texas, Toby sees that there might just be those who have it worse. Also
My Louisiana Sky.
Across Five Aprils Irene Hunt Jethro Crieghton grows up in southern Illinois across the five Aprils of the Civil
War. Set close to home, you might also enjoy Richard Peck’s The River Between Us.
Redwall Brian Jacques The first in a series of fantasies told through the eyes of Medieval mice. Magic,
adventure and ancient tales. Also by Jacques: Castaways of the Flying Dutchman (yeah, that Flying Dutchman.)
The Eye of the World Robert Jordan Loved Tolkein? Meet Rand, a sheep-herder stalked by evil he does not
understand; Egwene, with her own special gift; Moraine, the beautiful but possibly dangerous sorceress; and
Lan, her fearless guardian.
Little Little M.E. Kerr Little Little La Belle is the daughter of the wealthiest businessman in town. She is
everything an heiress should be — beautiful, independent, and perfect in every way. Except for one thing: she is
only three feet, three inches tall.
Flowers for Algernon Daniel Keyes The journal of Charlie Gordon, a mentally disabled adult who becomes a
genius after a brain operation. It shows us his experiences before and after the operation: an man who longs to
be as smart as those around him, lives with the memories of childhood rejection, and worries about the future.
The Road From Home: The Story of an Armenian Girl David Kherdian. About the author’s mother. The story
of her hardships as a youth and her arrival in America as a mail-order bride.
Into Thin Air Jon Krakauer. A journalist recounts the story of his own ascent of Mount Everest in the
deadliest season ever, 1996, one that claimed the lives of a dozen people.
Heck, Superhero Martine Leavitt Heck’s mother telephones him at his friend Spence’s house to tell him they
have been evicted from their apartment, to stay with Spence, and she will call soon. Not wanting anyone to
know about her depression, Heck begins a search for her. Is he the superhero who can to rescue his mom?
Rumors of Peace Ella Leffland The narrator of the story is Suse Hansen. In the four years from the bombing of
Pearl Harbor until the bombing of Hiroshima, we watch Suse evolve from a tomboy to a young person whose
perceptions of the war have astute clarity.
A Wrinkle in Time Madeleine L’Engle Charles Wallace and Meg make a difficult and dangerous journey to find
their father and free him from the hateful force that holds him captive. Sequels: The Wind in the Door and The
Swiftly Tilting Planet.
Ella Enchanted Gail Carson Levine In this novel, based on the story of Cinderella, Ella struggles against the
childhood curse that forces her to obey any order given to her.
The Call of the Wild Jack London In Alaska, Buck goes from his life as a pet to being a fighting dog and from
there to being the leader of a wolf pack.
Spring Moon: A Novel of China Bette Bao Lord Spanning five generations of a Chinese family, the book tells
of social and political upheavals of late 19th and 20th century China. It focuses on Spring Moon, daughter of
the powerful house of Chang.
Gathering Blue, The Giver, and Messenger Lois Lowry Jonas, Kira, and Matty: gifted young people who have the
vision to transform their cultures. Three stories that find their connection in Messenger.
Letters From A Slave Girl Mary Lyons Based on Harriet Jacobs’s own autobiography, these so-called letters,
written to lost relatives and friends, provide a microscopic look at what slavery meant for a young black female
in the mid 1800s.
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game Michael Lewis The Oakland Athletics have reached the playoffs
three years in a row, though they spend just one dollar for every three that the New York Yankees spend. Their
secret? Their general manager Billy Beane.
Pendragon: Merchant of Death D.J. MacHale Bobby Pendragon is a normal 14-year-old boy. He has a family, a
home, and a dog. But Bobby is special: he’s going to save the world, and not just Earth. Life in the cosmos isn’t quite
what Bobby thought it was! The first in a series.
Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister Gregory Maguire We’ve heard the story of Cinderella, the beautiful child
cast out to slave among the ashes. But what of her stepsisters, the homely pair exiled into shame by the fame of
their lovely sibling? By the author of Wicked.
Life of Pi Yann Martel En route with his family from India to Canada, Pi finds himself adrift in a lifeboat -- alone,
except for a few surviving animals, some which Pi’s zookeeper father said would tear him to pieces. The journey is
about man and beast and the nature of truth.
Kaffir Boy Mark Mathabane The incredible account of Mathabane’s experiences growing up as a black man
under the apartheid system in South Africa.
The Last Mission Harry Mazer Fifteen-year-old Jack Raab lies his way into the Air Force during World War II,
finding that war is not what he dreamed. A book with a similar theme set in the Revolutionary War? Try Avi’s
The Fighting Ground.
The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother James McBride James writes of being a black
child of a white mother and of the love and faith with which she surrounded the family. A portrait of growing up and a
meditation on race and identity.
The Harper Hall trilogy – Anne McCaffrey Dragonsong is the tale of how Menolly of Half Circle Hold became
Pern’s first female Harper, and rediscovered the fire lizards who helped to save her world. The story continues
in Dragonsinger and Dragonsong.
The Kite Rider Geraldine McCaughrean On a beautiful kite, Haoyou is sent into the sky to entertain the
crowds below as part of the Jade Circus. He earns freedom, money, and unexpected fame, but there are dangers
in his new life as well.
Dreamsnake Vonda McIntyre In this spellbinding fantasy a woman uses snakes to help heal others in her
world.
Beauty Robin McKinley This is a wonderful retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story told from
Beauty’s point of view, which gives a whole new twist to the story. In Rose Daughter, the author takes another
look at the same story.
The Blue Sword Robin McKinley Harry Crewe, kidnapped by the king of the mysterious Free Hillfolk, learns of
her magic powers and her destiny to follow in the footsteps of a legendary female warrior. The Hero and the
Crown is a prequel.
Anne of Green Gables L.M. Montgomery Anne, a lively, independent orphan comes to stay with an elderly
brother and sister. Her adventures, dreams, and intelligence bring life to Green Gables.
Zel Donna Jo Napoli The story of Rapunzel, Zel grows into a joyful, creative child, devoted to the only mother
she knows, until she meets Konrad.
The Squire’s Tale Gerald Morris Terence, an orphan raised by a magical hermit, becomes squire to young
Gawain. Sir Gawain and his companions behave in the usual fashion of Arthurian knights, but also have feelings
and can be goofy. More in The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady, and The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf.
The Agony of Alice Phyllis Reynolds Naylor In her very first book, Alice, a sixth grader, is at the beginning of
being a teenager and is more and more worried about growing up in a household with no other females. Alice’s
story continues in many sequels.
Sabriel Garth Nix Sabriel is an apprentice necromancer who must enter the realm of dead to save her father and
defeat the evil spirit who entrapped him. Sabriel must leave modern Ancelstierre to journey into the Old Kingdom
that is being overtaken by the walking dead. The story completes with Lirael and Abhorsen.
19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East Naomi Shihab Nye This collection evokes the sights, sounds,
smells, and tastes of the Middle East, especially Jerusalem, as experienced by a Palestinian American. Fiction
by Nye: Habibi
Americanos: Latino Life in the United States Preface by Edward James Olmos, introduction by Carlos Fuentes
Photo-documentary with written excerpts about Latino life.
Animal Farm George Orwell Animals become human in this satire on totalitarian society.
Bridge to Terabithia Katherine Paterson A touching story about the friendship of a wonderfully imaginative
girl and a shy boy and the imaginary kingdom they create. Lyddie is a historical novel by the same author.
Park’s Quest Katherine Paterson A boy searches for information about his father who died in Vietnam. He
soon uncovers more than he bargained for.
East Edith Patou A Parker alumna’s retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Rose is different, from her
purple eyes to her passion for weaving. Her mother tries to protect her from a dire prophecy, but she meets a
white bear with an irresistible offer.
Harris and Me: A Summer Remembered Gary Paulsen The 11-year-old narrator tells the story of the summer
spent on the farm with his cousin Harris, who devised one incredible adventure after the next. One of Paulsen’s
funniest books.
My Life In Dog Years Gary Paulsen A memoir framed around the dogs that have been a part of Paulsen’s life.
These stories are funny, moving, and memorable. Also Caught By the Sea.
Soldier’s Heart Gary Paulsen Based on a true story, this short novel brings to life the horror of the Civil War
through the experience of a 15-year-old Union soldier.
A Long Way From Chicago and A Year Down Yonder Richard Peck The stories of brother and sister, sent each
summer to visit their remarkable grandmother in downstate Illinois to avoid the violence of Prohibition in
Chicago.
The Ghost Belonged to Me Richard Peck
mystery. Also Ghosts I Have Been.
A 13-year-old boy’s classmates and neighbors involve him in a
Alanna: The First Adventure Tamora Pierce Alanna knows she isn’t meant to become a lady; she wants to be
a warrior maiden: a female knight. Alanna finds a way to train as a knight in a land where it is not allowed.
Two other series set in Tortal: Wild Magic & The Immortals. Also The Circle of Magic.
The Body of Christopher Creed Carol Plum-Ucci After Chris Creed, the class freak, vanished, the weirdness
that had surrounded him began to spread and tore the town apart. 16-year-old Torey tries to understand why
we have to blame others for tragedy.
The Ruby in the Smoke Phillip Pullman Innocent questions about her father’s death lead 16-year-old Sally to a
world of stolen rubies and the opium trade. Suspense and mystery, the first of a series.
Where the Red Fern Grows Wilson Rawls One of the most popular boy-and-dog stories ever written, and one of
the best. Full of warmth, love, challenge and adventure.
The Stars H.A. Rey Yes, the Curious George Guy! A guide to stars for beginners. Makes spotting stars easy with
strategies, diagrams and the author’s great humor.
Wolf By the Ears Ann Rinaldi Harriet Hemmings, one of Thomas Jefferson’s servants, has lived at Monticello
all her life. She is called a slave, but the rumor is that Harriet and her brothers are Thomas Jefferson’s
children. Also by Rinaldi, A Break With Charity and An Acquaintance With Darkness.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone J.K. Rowling Harry Potter, an orphan, learns he is also a wizard in
this story for all ages. Book seven and the last in this series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, will be
published this July.
Holes Louis Sachar
funny.
A tale of crime, punishment, fate and redemption which manages to be both serious and
Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal Eric Schlosser Schlosser believes that fast food has
been serving up more than cheap hamburgers and greasy fries; he traces connections to problems of obesity, classism,
global imperialism, and environmental devastation.
We Were Not Like Other People Ephraim Sevela A series of Russian stories about a young Jewish boy’s
struggle for survival amid the destruction of World War II.
Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare Darren Shan Darren is a boy who enjoys hanging out with his three best
friends. Then one day they find as invitation to visit the Cirque du Freak, a mysterious freak show. Only two
tickets are available, so they draw straws. Darren’s story continues in many sequels.
Interstellar Pig William Sleator Barney’s boring seaside vacation suddenly becomes more interesting when
the cottage next door is occupied by (alien) neighbors who are addicted to a board game. The story continues in
Parasite Pig.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Betty Smith The Nolans lived in the slums of Brooklyn. Though Francie and her
brother Neely are poor, she is resourceful and her growing up and beginnings of wisdom are the heart of this
story.
Stargirl Jerry Spinelli “Home schooling gone amok.” “Alien.” “Her parents were circus acrobats.” These are a
few of the theories to explain Stargirl Caraway, who enjoys life in her own way. Other great Spinelli - Maniac
Magee, Loser, and Crash.
Learning to Live in the World William Stafford An anthology of writings about the earth by the late William
Stafford, poet and teacher of writing.
Shiva’s Fire Suzanne Fisher Staples Parvati is considered dangerously different; she grows up lonely, trying to
hide her connections to animals, music, and fire. When a master of dance recognizes her “bad” talents as good
ones, Parvati knows that her purpose on earth is to dance. Also: Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind.
A Child’s Garden of Verses Robert Louis Stevenson Poems by the author of Treasure Island and Kidnapped.
Kidnapped Robert Louis Stevenson Kidnapped by his uncle, 16-year-old David Balfour escapes and becomes
involved in the struggle of Scottish highlanders against English rule.
The Amulet of Samarkand Jonathan Stroud Bartimaeus Trilogy, Vol. 1. Nathaniel is a magician’s apprentice.
When a hotshot wizard humiliates him, Nathaniel decides to get revenge. He masters one of the toughest spells
of all: summoning the all-powerful djinni, Bartimaeus, to steal the Amulet of Samarkand. The trilogy completes
with The Golem’s Eye and Ptolemy’s Gate
Here is My Kingdom: Hispanic-American Literature and Art for Young People Charles Sullivan, editor
The Hobbit J.R.R. Tolkein The story of Bilbo Baggins who sets out from Bag End without so much as a pocket
handkerchief to fulfill his destiny as a burglar. Meet Gloin, father of Gimli, Gandalf the Grey, and Elrond of Rivendell.
See it on the movie screen in your head before Miramax forever changes the landscape.
Thief Megan Whalen Turner Gen is a young thief let out of prison to go on a quest with the king’s scholar to
find a mythical stone that’s supposed to protect its owner from death and guarantees the right to rule. The story
continues in The Queen of Attolia.
Heir Apparent Vivian Vande Velde Giannine can testify to how many ways there are to die in the virtual
reality game Heir Apparent. Now all she has to do is get the magic ring, find the treasure, answer the dwarf’s
riddles, outmaneuver her half brothers, and defeat the dragon. If she can do all of that, she just might save her
own life!
Dicey’s Song Cynthia Voigt Homeless Dicey and her younger siblings arrive at her grandmother’s home.
Sequel to Homecoming. Solitary Blue tells the same story from a different viewpoint.
Farewell to Manzanar Jeanne Wakatsuki An American girl grew up behind barbed wire in her own country
during World War II and watched as her family held onto courage and dignity.
Blitzcat Robert Westall A cat roams the countryside during World War II looking for his master. Wandering
into peoples’ lives, he spreads hope in a world of war.
Uglies Scott Westerfeld In Tally’s world, your 16th birthday brings an operation that turns you into a
stunningly attractive Pretty and catapults you into a paradise where your only job is to have fun. Tally will soon
be 16! But her friend Shay isn’t sure she wants to be pretty; she’d rather risk life on the outside. The story
completes with Pretties and Specials. Like vampires? Read Westerfeld’s Peeps.
Mozart Season Virginia Euwer Wolff Allegra goes from 7th-grade softball to summer when she can concentrate
on her violin. As she prepares for a competition for young musicians, several themes weave in and out of her
life and find their way into her music. Also by Wolff: Make Lemonade and Bat 6.
The Case of the Goblin Pearls Laurence Yep Part comic detective story, part historical novel about San
Francisco’s Chinese American community, told by 12-year-old Lily Lew who finds her cultural roots as she
solves the mystery.
The Pigman Paul Zindel Lorraine and John take turns telling the story of their friendship with a lonely man.
What starts out as a game turns into something important for each of them.