Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix

This book is sort of a mystery theme, as well as sci-fi. The main characters are in constant danger, making this action-packed story a very interesting read. There are currently four books in the Missing series. I recommend this book and its series of books to anyone who loves mystery and time travel and who is from 10 to 15 years old.

Kendrick, grade 8

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

A girl named Abby, who loves the outdoors and rock climbing, writes to a boy named Sadeed in Afghanistan for extra credit because she is falling very behind in school.

Lauren S., grade 7

The Lost Stories by John Flanagan

The ten-book series "Ranger's Apprentice" is about the adventures of Ranger Will and his mentor Halt. However, the lost stories explains what happened to those who traveled alongside Will and Halt. For curious readers that want to go more deep into the series.

Daniel C., grade 7

I Am the Great Horse by Katherine Roberts

This book talks about Alexander the Great's horse Bucephalas and their journey to conquer the world. But trouble comes and Bucephalas's groom, Chamides or Charm is kidnapped  Read this to solve this adventure. This book is better when you know who Alexander the Great is!

Subashni R., grade 7

The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch

This book is about an adventure between two kids, Max (Ernest) and Cassandra (Cass). They investigate the scene of the Death of Pietro Bergamo and the Midnight Sun Spa. This is a great book and its fun to read. I can't wait to finish the series containing five books.

Kate R., grade 6

Snail Tale by Avi

In this comedy genre book, Avon a snail, and Edward an ant like no other, have set out on an adventure of a lifetime. When it comes to adventure, Avon doesn't know much, but his friend Edward is sure to guide him through battles, castles, caterpillars and more. I recommend this light-hearted book to readers of all ages.

Simon S., grade 7

Chew on This by Eric Schlosser

This book is all about food and the companies behind them. It is filled with facts that will have you thinking before you buy another big mac. I strongly recommend this book for ages 12 and up!!

Simon S., grade 7

The White Giraffe by Lauren St. John

In the White Giraffe journey to South Africa with Martine, where her tale begins. There is a legend about a white giraffe, but nobody has really seen the animal. Martine's grandmother denies its existence, but one rainy night, Martine sees it! Why is everybody keeping the white giraffe a secret? Will Martine be able to find out and keep it from harms way?

Valeriya S., grade 7

Among the Free by Margaret Peterson Haddix

This book is a slow-paced story of a child in a country with a "population law", a law that limits the amount of children per family. There is a little action and lots of deceit and cruelty, making this book very interesting. I recommend this book to readers who like a dysfunctional government and cruelty. The age range is from 8 to 12 years old.

Kendrick, grade 8

Swear to Howdy by Wendelin Van Draanen

Rusty meets his new friend Joey and has lots of fun but when they're up to pranks, the story takes a twist.

Scott, grade 6

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

A boy named Evan is people smarts and his little sister Jessie is math smart. She gets moved up into Evan's grade. Evan and Jessie fight a lot and Evan and Jessie both make their own lemonade stand with a friend. They fight to see who could get the most money.

Lauren S., grade 7

No Talking by Andrew Clements

This book is about a competition between 5th grade boys and girls. They challenge each other to see who can go longer without talking. This book shows that communication comes in many different forms- like verbal, and nonverbal. I'd recommend this book for ages 9 and up, girls and boys. The black and white drawings add to the story.

Kate R., grade 6

Lily B on the Brink of Cool by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

This book is about a girl named Lily B. and how she loves her cousin that she met at her aunt Delia's wedding. Yet, something suspicious occurs when Lily's parents don't want their child with the LeBlancs company. Find out!

Subashni R., grade 7

Skeleton Man by Joseph Bruchac

Molly's parents have gone missing and now she's been taken in by her "so-called" uncle. But why does he hide his face and hands form her or lock her in her room at night? And what are her dreams of skeleton man trying to tell her? She'd better find some answers before it's too late. I recommend!

Meghana S., grade 6

Divergent by Veronica Roth

This book is about a teenage girl named Beatrice. Beatrice's community tests every child and gives them a choice of two factions, but Beatrice is given the choice of three! This book is very creative and the ending has a twist. This book is for 4th through 8th graders.

Jael, grade 6

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

When Abe Lincoln finds out that his mother's death was the doings of a vampire, he sets out on a path of vengeance that will lead him all the way to the White House. This story is amazing because it mixes fact and fantasy to make it very interesting. In some parts it is a little slow. I recommend this to people ages 13 or older to read this.

Cade O., grade 7

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Eight people were invited to the Indian Island by a mysterious couple called the Owens. As the evening sets in, a young gentleman is killed of strong acid in hes drink. Horror sets in as a mysterious voice states the guests' past crimes that are to be punished. Why were they invited to the Island? Who is the next victim that will suffer? Find out by reading the book!

Joseph O., grade 8

Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard by David Petersen

Legends of the Guard is a graphic novel filled with stories and legends such as Oleg the Wise, the Ballad of Nettledown, the Mousehawed Fox, and the Raven. The different art for every story or legend makes it a great mix. Recommended for ages 11 to 13.

Jared L., grade 7

Game Over (Daniel X series) by James Patterson

Daniel X: Game Over is the last book of the Daniel X series. Daniel X is about a boy who is an alien hunter. Daniel has a special list that tells him which aliens are super bad or not as much. Daniel has to fight two of the strangest aliens on the planet. I recommend this book for 10 to 13 year olds.

Jaden M., grade 6

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Thirteen-year-old Salamanca was traveling from Ohio to Idaho with her grandparents because her mother left but did not return. During the trip, she told her grandparents a story about her friend "Phoebe's" mother" missing and the "lunatic" she met. During the trip to Idaho wither her grandparents, Salamanca felt an urgency to make it to Idaho on time for her mother's birthday. This superb novel has a wonderful plot with mysterious  sad, and hilarious scenes.

Jean L., grade 6

Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride series) by James Patterson

Six extraordinary kids who can fly are out to save the world. They are the only people who can stop having the world eliminated by half the population. Fight for man-kind and stop having half the world die.

Connor L., grade 6

Noodle Pie by Ruth Stark

Andy, a Vietnamese immigrant's son is going on a trip to Vietnam. Je discovers shocking secrets, his dad has been keeping from him. He also notices their family's "popular" restaurant isn't like what he expected. On his trip to Vietnam, he learns many interesting things about their culture and lifestyle. He knows his family in Vietnam isn't doing so well, so he has a plan. With the right cousins, his plan just might work. People who like reading about different people's cultures and lifestyles would love this book.

Sarah S., grade 6

The Alchemyst: the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott

This story is about two kids, Josh and Sophie Newman, and the immortal Nicholas Flamel. Dr. John Dee is trying to steal an ancient book which holds the secret to immortality. It is up to Josh and Sophie Newman to save the world. I recommend this book to people who have enjoyed the Harry Potter stories.

Jacob W., grade 6

H.I.V.E. by Mark Walden

H.I.V.E. (a school for young villains) kidnaps kids that have committed remarkable crimes. Otto wakes up one day in the school and with the help of his new friends, hopes to escape. Will they be able to manage it? The chances are unlikely even though Otto is a genius, Laura is an extraordinary hacker, Wing knows Karate and Shelby is the best thief in the world. I would recommend this book to 6th through 8th graders.

Ava, grade 7

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

I could honestly say that this book is one of the best I have ever read. New technology has made up something horrible, the Iron Fey. It is destroying Nevernever, the homeland to the faeries. Only Meghan Chase  half human daughter of the Summer King, can stop them. I recommend this book to 6th graders plus. It's a must read book. :)

Susan Y., grade 7

The Roar by Emma Clayton

The Roar is about a boy and his twin sister who live behind a wall eating mold to be safe from the animal plague or that's what they've been told. After his sister goes missing and the government trains kids to fly fighter jets, he starts to look for his sister and what really is the truth.

Hwan K., grade 7

No Passengers Beyond This Point by Gennifer Choldenko

One day when three kids (India, Mouse and Finn Thompkins) have a normal life until their mom, who has to do everything because of the death of their dad, goes bankrupt and Mrs. Thompkins now has to leave her kids at their uncles while she has to finish a semester and all of the sudden the kids now are in for an adventure when they turn up somewhere else.

Heejun K., grade 7

Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordian

The Sea of Monsters is about a half-blooded kid named Percy Jackson who is going on an adventure to find the missing items of gods and goddesses. Percy and his half blood friend, Annabeth, go looking for the Golden Fleece. They need the fleece to save a camp for half bloods. While on this adventure he has to kill monsters that are trying to kill him.

Hannah, grade 6

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor

This book is a truly poignant book that depicts racism, injustice yet at the same time, pride, strength, and honesty through the life of a particular African-American family. Through a series of events, the members of this family are looked down upon, and treated with pure malice.

Grace K., grade 8

Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes

A boy named Jerry earns a dollar by dusting pews. He uses the dollar to get a puppy. One day, the puppy disappears. Jerry looks everywhere to find Ginger Pye, the puppy. About 5 months later, Ginger was found but Jerry didn't find him, his 2 year old uncle, Bennie finds him. How? Read the book to find out. I like how the author puts in a mystery to the adventure to get a really good story. I recommend this book to 10 to 11 year-old kids and if you like adventure with mystery. :)

Ben K., grade 6

Guantanamo Boy by Anna Perera

This book is about a boy whose name is Khalid. For Easter break,  Khalid goes to Karachi to spend time at his aunt's house. While he is there, he gets kidnapped and is sent to a prison camp in Afghanistan.  Khalid is kept there and then is moved to Guantanamo Bay, the largest prison camp in the world. The theme is you are only innocent until proven guilty. I think people who like action books should read this.

Julian K., grade 6

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

This book is about a boy that was alone in the woods of Canada for 8 weeks surviving off of berries and hunting skills. This book makes the story real and is vivid in details. As a fan of Gary Paulsen, I recommend this book to any adventure lovers. However for young readers (1st through 3rd grade) this might scare you a little bit.

Jason K., grade 8

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Along for the Ride is a book about a teenage girl named Auden. Auden spends her high school years missing out on the experience of being a teen. When she gets the opportunity to go visit her dad, step-mom, and her new baby sister Thisbe, Auden packs her bags right away. She goes looking for a fun summer but ends up spending half of her time taking care of Thisbe. When her dad and step-mom start fighting, the only person there to help her is her new friend, Eli.

Uma H., grade 6

Odysseus and the Serpent Maze by Jane Yolen and Robert Harris

Odysseus, prince of Ithaca, has always been very bored. The age of heroes has passed. All the monsters have been killed. Are there any adventures left for a boy who wants to be a hero? His time comes when he, his best friend, and two girls are captured by pirates. It leads them to an island where he must face the secrets of the Labyrinth. Will Odysseus and his friend live to tell the tale?

Jack G., grade 6

Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon

The main idea is how Christopher Boone, a troubled 15-year-old boy, struggles to cope with his life. His world becomes even more complicated after the dog Wellington is killed with a garden fork. A positive element of the book is that one can experience the thoughts and feelings of someone who is completely different  I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading an entertaining and unique story.

Christina C.

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Liam is a very unusual 12 year old boy. For one thing, he looks like an adult. Everyone thinks he's an adult so he ends up pretending to be a teacher, and almost drives a car. Then, he enters himself in a contest with a classmate pretending t be his daughter hwre he learns how much his actual dad cares about him. I liked this book becasue it was funny and exciting. Recommended for middle school.

Bad Island by Doug Tennapel

This book is about a family who gets stranded on an unknown island on their way to vacation. The island is full of strange and dangerous things and they have to work as a family to get off. I would recommend this for the ages of 8 to 14 who enjoy a good adventure.

Cole E., grade 7

The Ruins of Gorlin by John Flanagan

In the book The Ruins of Gorlin, young Will is selected for Ranger training. This book is about Will and his journey as a ranger's apprentice that all lead up to the climax. An epic battle between Will and the legendary beasts occurs.

Harrison C., grade 6

The Somebodies by N.E. Bode

The main idea of this book is to not lose hope. In this book, Fern faces many challenges and has to overcome them. Sometimes she feels that there is no way to accomplish these asks but by thinking hard and not losing hope she overcomes them. I really enjoyed this book because it was well written and had a lot of action. I would recommend this book to 5th and 6th graders.

Emily D., grade 7

Sabotaged by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Jonah is one of the missing. He is a missing child of history. He, with the assistance of his sister Katherine, must return the missing to the proper place and time to balance history. This time, they are headed to Roanoke colony to return Virginia Dare. This historical fiction book is filled with twists and turns that would interest all readers.

Daniel C., grade 7

Trouble-maker by Andrew Clements

The main idea of the book is that people can change. During the book a trouble-maker named Clay is inspired by his older brother and changes his attitude. Soon he starts doing better in school and is much happier with his overall appearance. I really enjoyed this book because it was well written, but I thought it could have used a better vocabulary. I would recommend this book to 5th and 6th graders.

Emily D., grade 7

Beauty: a Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley

After a major shipwreck in her father's business, Beauty's family is forced to move out of the city. In the country, Beauty soon discovers that the forest is enchanted. It is said deep in its bowels lies a castle, home to a ferocious beast. When Beauty arrives, she quickly learns that you cannot judge a book by its cover.

Although I was never one for fairy tales, McKinley's writing style simply glued my hands and eyes to the book. All ages.

Bethany C., grade 7

The Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson

DHI, which means Disney Host Interactive and Daylight Hologram Imaging, is a new technology that makes five young teens guide at the Magic Kingdom. However, this new technology also makes the teens turn into DHI at night. Where they find themselves at the Magic Kingdom fighting Disney villains and witches. I recommend this book to anyone who ever wondered what happens in Disney World at night.

Tiffany C., grade 7

Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

This is a sad tale about people whose lives intersect. Peter, the main character, wants to find his sister who his crazy caretaker says is dead. A magician who is desperate to have good magic tricks uses a magic spell that his teacher told him to only use in emergencies. When the magician uses the spell a giant elephant comes crashing through the rood and the adventures begin. I liked this book because it was so well written and the plot was fantastical. Even though this book was sad it had hope, and it is worth reading.

Jeremy B., grade 6

Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass

In this story, there are 3 kids that meet at a campground. There names are Ally, Bree, and Jack. At first they don't communicate well together because they all have different personalities but soon find out that they actually have a lot in common. They create a strong bond of friendship. I recommend this book for ages 10 to 13.

Audrey C., grade 6

How To Save a Life by Sara Zarr

This is a book about another tragic parents death/realistic fiction story taking place in Denver, Colorado. Jill MacSweeney and her mother Robin decide to adopt a baby from Mandy Kalinawki in Omaha. Mandy takes a train to the MacSweeney household and lives there until the baby is supposed to be born. Her life before that , when her mother and mother's boyfriend had been hard. She wishes different for her baby and for herself, but different is hard to find.

Tiffany C., grade 9

Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi

As a ten-year old girl living in Pyongyang, Korea, during the occupation of Japan in World War II, young Sookan experiences a tough childhood. Her family is forced to slave around for the Imperial soldiers. After the Japanese lose the war and retreat back to Japan, Russian soldiers and comrades occupy North Korea and "brainwash" the Koreans towards working for Mother Russia. Desiring freedom in the south, Sookan's mother begins plotting her family's escape, only to be caught by soldiers and sent back. Sookan and her brother reach the border, only to find their chance of crossing very slim. Will they make it to the south? Read this touching novel to find out. The theme of this novel is to be patient and endure. This book has lots of suspense and vivid descriptions that engage readers eight and up.

Caroline C., grade 6

The Wanderer by Sharon Creech

Sophie and her relatives are going on a boat trip to see Sophie's grandfather. On the way, they face a humongous wave, injuries and her annoying cousin Brian who thinks he knows everything. You see Sophie and her other cousin, Cody's side of the story. I think this is a good book for 5th graders who like adventures.

Faith W., grade 6

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is about an 11-year old boy named Harry who lives with his terrible aunt and uncle who have lied and told him his parents died in a car crash leaving him with a lightning shaped scar on his forehead. But now the truth comes out and Harry learns he is the most famous wizard ever. When Harry was a a baby, Lord Voldemort killed his parents but when he tried, Lord Voldemort could not kill Harry as a baby. Now he attends Hogwart's school for wizards with his new friends Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid. But something is hidden at Hogwart's and it is Harry's job to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

Maya W., grade 6

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

In The Trumpet of the Swan, Louis is a trumpeter swan, but he can't make a sound. Louis wants to impress his loved one, but can't attract her attention. What can he do? Will it work?

I recommend this book to people within the age of 8 and 12.

Madeleine W., grade 7

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly is a great book that pinpoints the idea of friendship and love. There are many great things about this book, except for some sections in this book which are sad. Anyone who likes supernatural books about angels would love this book. This book is more appropriate for ages 12+.

Kathy Z., grade 7

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

This is a historical-fiction book about a young boy named Helmuth who lives in Germany. Helmuth doesn't like Hitler so he goes to stand for what is right. This book is very detailed but parts of it are slow and don't have much action. I recommend this book for people who like history and World War II. Ages 10-12.

James Y., grade 7

Nobody's Princess by Esther Friesner

The book takes place in a world where beauty counts. But, Helen of Sparta doesn't just want to be beautiful, she also wants to be as strong and brave as her two brothers .She learns from a huntress, Atlanta, who Helen is fascinated by what she can do. I recommend this book to people who love adventure, and re-told Greek myths. For 6th graders plus.

Susan Y., grade 7

Being Nikki by Meg Cabot

Em was about to die and the only way for her to be saved was to have her brain put in someone else's body. She finds herself as Nikki, a supermodel with hundreds of boyfriends. The only boy she wants doesn't understand she's still Em even inside Nikki.

Fiona B., grade 8

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The main idea in the book is how African-American and Caucasian people interact with each other during the Civil Rights Movement. The positive element in the book is that it doesn't try to say that everyone involved with the Civil Rights Movement was famous. I recommend this book for teenagers.

Sammy P., grade 6

Kissing Kate by Lauren Myracle

I recommend Kissing Kate because it's a very interesting book that you cannot put down. I like this book a lot because it doesn't have many characters and that makes it less confusing. But that's my opinion. Some positive elements of this book is that you shouldn't let what others say to you define you and just be who you want to be and follow yourself. I recommend this book to ages 13 and older.

Alexis A., grade 9

Siren by Tricia Rayburn

Vanessa just want to have the perfect summer in Maine but when her sister's body is washed upon the shore lifeless and limp, everything changes. Soon the entire town is being affected when more people wash up on the shore. Will Vanessa be able to find out the truth behind Justine's death?

Fiona B., grade 8

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This is about an adopted German girl who steals books and hides a Jewish man. I liked all the characters because they remind me of my family. This book is extremely sad so I would recommend it for 6th grade and up.

Sarah B., grade 7

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Lily Sanderson is a mermaid, but not just any mermaid, she's a Thalassian princess. When Lily found out three years previous that her mom was human, she decided to start living on land. She realized that moving in with her aunt wasn't the brightest idea. This book is ideal for ages 11 and up.

Symona S., grade 8