Blank Confession by Pete Hautman

This was our January pick for book club and one of the year's favorites.  Shayne Blank walks into the local police station and confesses to killing someone.  It takes some frenzied page turning to find out what happened, revealing some very surprising answers throughout the mystery--not to mention some fascinating characters.  As we wrapped things up, more than one of us wished a character like Shayne Blank existed in our school community. 

Impossible Things by Robin Stevenson

Silver Cassidy is feeling alone and freakish after being abandoned by her best friend. Then, out of the blue, Victoria moves to town and into her life. Does Victoria really have telekinetic powers that can stop bullies? Does Silver? See how things work out for these middle schoolers and their search for belonging and friendship.