House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

Perfect houses in perfect neighborhoods. Is it always that way in books? Not in this one. House on Mango Street is about a teenage girl with a strong desire for a big house of her own. She describes her journey and her "friends" that come and go. Living in such a small apartment in a poor community is such a shame for her, and she feels it is impossible for her dream of a house to come true. However, if her wish comes true, she promises to come back to Mango Street and help those who were like her. This book is recommended for ages 11 and up. Jean L., Grade 8

Herbert's Wormhole by Peter Nelson

Herbert's Wormhole is a sci-fi comedy with adventure. The beginning starts with a kid named Alex who is into slaying aliens in video games. His parents secretly set up a play date with his neighbor, Herbert. Herbert is an extreme inventor who made silver high-tech suits. These suits lead them into a wormhole into the future. I would recommend this book for ages 6 - up. It is a light read with lots of adventure. J.C. Zimmerman, Grade 6

Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls by Lynne Janell

In the first book of the series, Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat, Emmy Addison and her friends turn the evil Mrs. Barmy into a rat! Everyone thinks that Mrs. Barmy is done trying to get the Addison fortune, but they are wrong. Mrs. Barmey has befriended all the rodents of Rodent City, and is sponsoring a beauty pageant. What is her plan? Will she be stopped? This book is a little simple, but is still good. This book is good for children. Sarah C., Grade 6

Turn Left at the Cow by Lisa Bullard

The adventure begins when 13-year-old Trav meets Kenny and his cousin Isabella, who tell him that they will find the money his father stole. Confused (Trav never heard of his father being a burglar!) he sees Kenny and they decide to team up to find the money. They soon realize, though, that there is someone else after the money, someone who won't give up without a fight! Who will find it first? This book is an amazing mix of mystery and intrigue! is is great for people of all ages! Sarah C., Grade 6

The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick

A boy called Spaz lives in a future time, where people live in latches. It is forbidden to leave your latch, but Spaz's sister has blood sickness that could lead to her passing, and lives three latches away. Determined to see her, Spaz and an old man named Ryder team up and try to get to his sister's latch. Will Spaz live to see his sister? Even if he makes it, will she survive? This book is very exciting and will be good for people of all ages. Sarah C., Grade 6

Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie

A woman's wealthy aunt and her fiance's crush are both poisoned and the innocent woman is accused of the crime. The best part of the book is the lies told by the household, which confuse the reader even further. Fans of the mystery writer should definitely check out this novel. Miranda C., Grade 8

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

There is no more oxygen on the planet after the switch. Breathe has found a way to make manufactured oxygen. Alina, Bea, and Quinn take a journey across the dead planet. Alina is escaping from the ministry. Bea was looking forward to a trip with Quinn. Quinn is worried about Alina. Breathe is filled with science fiction, and the object of staying alive. I recommend this for 4th grade and up because there is some violence. Talulla C., Grade 6