The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Told through the eyes of nine year old Bruno in 1942 during the Holocaust, readers learn the horrors of this time.  Bruno’s father, an officer for “The Fury”, gets transferred to a new post in Poland called “Out-With”.  Not happy with the move and no one to play with, Bruno decides to explore this fenced-in camp behind his home.  Bruno has watched its inhabitants from his bedroom window, wondering why they all have shaved heads and wear striped pajamas.  Exploring one day, Bruno meets a boy his age named Shmuel and they soon become friends.  Every day, Bruno and Shmuel meet at the fence to talk, but Bruno eventually decides to enter Shmuel’s world inside the fence.

Because this book is told with such innocence, the book’s ending will shock the reader. Mrs. Donahue  

Feather Boy by Nicky Singer 

Have you ever been put up to a challenge that makes you think twice that makes you think twice before consenting to it? Robert has. As a school project, Robert travels to the Mayfield Rest Home, where he meets an elderly lady named Edith Sorrel. Together they are supposed to create a work of art, but Edith has another task in mind. She sends Robert to investigate the mystery of derelict Chance House. As he faces his fears of entering the creepy, abandoned house, he discovers a feather. Not just any feather, but a pigeon feather that Edith treasures. From this feather, a masterpiece evolves. Robert’s life is flipped upside down. Ms. Leone

La Línea by Ann Jaramillo

This is a story full of action, adventure, and suspense. Miguel’s plan to leave his poor little village and make his way, illegally, to the US is thwarted by his younger sister, Elena. They must survive riding a freight train, avoiding robbers and hunger as they journey north to their parents in California. A fast read, the story of the siblings will have you spellbound, wondering if Miguel and Elena reunite with their parents and make their dreams come true. Mrs. Mazza

The Trial: A Novel by Jen Bryant

Katie Leigh Flynn, age 12, has the oportunity of a life time: to take notes for a newspaper account of the Lindberg baby kidnapping trial. Her story is told through poems that show the suspense, excitement and facts of one of the most famous events of the 20th century. The outcome of the trial is still being debated today. Read the book and decide: was Bruno Hauptmann quilty or not? Mrs. Mazza

Hattie Big Sky by Larson Kirby

Newbery Honor Book 2007

In Hattie Big Sky readers meet a heroic 16-year-old who braves frontier life, prejudice against her friends, bullies, debt and more as she forges a future for herself by homesteading in Montana in 1917. Hattie Inez Brooks, whose parents died when she was very young, is tired of being shuffled around from one relative to another. So when a letter arrives from a late uncle she has never met, inviting her to “prove up” his homesteading claim in Montana, she jumps at the chance. Never mind that she doesn't know how to build fences and will be living in a tiny shack that lacks all the conveniences of modern life. She finally will have a home that she can call her own. When she arrives in Montana, she is met by Perilee and Karl Muller, her German neighbors. Soon she overcomes the weather and learns to farm, quilt, help neighbors and more. As the war presses on she finds that people begin to shun Karl for being German, though he is fully American now. The handsome wealthy son of a prominent family tries to court Hattie, but she is not interested and there will be trouble to pay. Several hardships and even a tragedy strike Hattie, but she begins to realize that she doesn't need the land itself. It is friends who help her through the tough times and give her hope. Mrs. Sherburne

Knights of the Hill Country by Tim Tharp

Teen 

There are places in Oklahoma where high school football is as  important as family, God and country. Hamp Green, a star player for Kennisaw High,  rules the team with his best friend Blaine. Girls, parties, popularity: you’d think he had it all. But when Hamp starts to question what he always thought was important, his friendship with Blaine and his very way of life change. With lots of realistic football action, this is a story of  “sportsmanship, loyalty, and legend.” Mrs. Mazza 

A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt

Teen

This is a  beautifully written story about the meaning of family, love and faith. Although Simone knows she is adopted, she has never considered what that truly means as to who she is. Normal teen issues including an attraction to a cute boy who works at the local coffee shop further complicate Simone's life. Her journey to understanding is more than just " a brief chapter." Mrs. Mazza

Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonneblick 

Teen

 A decapitated gnome and the wrecked carcas of his mom’s car are just the beginning of Alex’s problems. Community service, his parent’s divorce, a hulking threat of a bully and a gal pal who suddenly interests him in a new way, are more issues confronting  Alex.  This is a humourous account of Alex’s journey to understanding and maturity  by the author of Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie. Mrs. Mazza

The Road to Paris by Nikki Grimes

Paris Richmond and her brother Malcolm have been in and out of the foster-care system for most of their young lives. When they are separated, Paris is devastated. As a bi-racial child, she has many challenges in the all white neighborhood of her new family. But through the love and attention of the Lincolns, Paris learns to trust in others and herself. At times humorous, the story is told with much compassion and reality. A Coretta Scott King honor book. Mrs. Mazza

The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

Newbery Award Winner 2007

When Lucky's mother dies, Lucky's absentee father calls his ex-wife, Brigitte, to fly over from France to take care of the child. Two years later, the 10-year-old worries that Brigitte is tired of being her guardian and of their life in Hard Pan (pop. 42) in the middle of the California desert. While Lucky's best friend ties intricate knots and the little boy down the road cries for attention, she tries to get some control over her life by restocking her survival kit backpack and searching for her "Higher Power."  Lucky runs away in a dust storm, hoping to cause worry, sadness and a change of Brigitte's heart. Kirkus/SLJ

Miracle on 49^th Street by Mike Lupica

Everyone knows Josh Cameron – he’s the best player in the NBA, the MVP of the Boston Celtics.  He’s also Molly  Parker’s father. The only problem is that he doesn’t know it. Molly’s mother has passed away, but before she did, she told Molly about her real father. Now, with the letters her mom had written her and a few creative plans, Molly sets out to tell Josh that she is his daughter. Another problem – Josh Cameron doesn’t believe Molly or really have a place for her in his life. However, Molly is persistent and manages to spend some time with him, but the more time she spends with Josh, the less she wants to know him. The ball is in Molly’s court – will she try and make things work with her and Josh or will she come to realize that some things just aren’t meant to be. Mrs. Donahue

Wait for Me by An Na

Teen

Mina works in her family’s dry-cleaning business, takes care of her little sister who is deaf, and is living a lie. Her mother thinks she is an honor student who is Harvard bound. In truth, Mina forges her report cards and steals money from the register.  How Mina comes to terms with what she wants from life and what her domineering mother wants her to do, is at the core of the story. Love with someone outside her culture changes Mina but not until she betrays her beliefs and those she loves. A quick, thought provoking read. Mrs. Mazza