Firegirl

Firegirl  By Tony Abbott

**** 4/5 stars   Fiction
When Jessica Feeny steps into Tom's class she doesn't look like most of the kids there. She is badly burned from a fire she does not want to talk about. When Tom develops an unsteady friendship with Jessica, he understands what it means to be in her shoes. What makes this book interesting is the character Jessica Feeny. Most people don't know anyone who has suffered a trauma like that. Tony Abbott really explains what it is like to know a girl like Jessica and what it is like to be her.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian  By Sherman Alexie

**** 4/5 stars Fiction

Living on a Indian reservation(the "rez") is not easy for Junior. He is beaten up regularly, he stutters, and he has a lisp -- at 14. Then, in order to go to a better school, Junior leaves the reservation, thus being even more of an outcast on the rez.  This book contains some "PG-13 theme stuff"(things that would get you in trouble  at school if you talked about them) , but other than that it was good.

The Eyes of the Amaryllis

The Eyes of the Amaryllis  By Natalie Babbit

**** 4/5 stars Mystery

For thirty years, Jenny's grandmother has waited by the sea, waiting for a sign from her drowned husband. Now Jenny is visiting her grandmother while her grandmother's ankle heals. There Jenny meets Seward, a mysterious man. When Jenny asks Gran about him, Gran doesn't tell her anything. Gran isn't telling many things. This book is well written and suspenseful.

Theodore Boone: The Abduction

Theodore Boone: The Abduction By John Grisham

***** 5/5 stars  Mystery

When April, Theodore Boone’s best friend, leaves without a trace in the middle of the night, pandemonium erupts in her hometown. Panic strikes and search parties are established to look for her. Theo is desperate to find her, and if he does, will she be all right? The sequel to Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer promises as much suspense as the first, and it delivers.  

Gathering Blue

Gathering Blue  By Lois Lowry

***** 5/5 stars  Science Fiction

Living in a community where the weak are left to be eaten by the beasts, Kira, a girl with a bad leg, has survived against all odds. Later, after her mother dies, Kira is positive it will be the end, but the answer is no again.  Her weaving skills have saved her. She is given a very important weaving job by the Council of Guardians. Kira is content weaving, but soon she realizes that the Council is holding secrets and not all of the secrets are good. The companion to The Giver  is as wonderful as the book before it.

Kira-kira

Kira-kira  By Cynthia Kandohata

***** 5/5 stars   Historical Fiction

Kira-kira is Japanese for sparkling. That is how Katie's sister, Lynn, sees life. Then, Lynn gets really sick and Katie's life stops sparkling. Katie learns that she needs to keep on hoping, no matter how desperate things get. This book is very sad, but that is what made it good to read.