Well Witched by Frances Hardinge

Ryan, Josh, and Chelle need money to catch the bus home from a place called Magwhite. They weren’t supposed to be in Magwhite at all, and if they can’t get home fast--they’ll be in big trouble. So the daredevil among them, Josh, jumps into an old well to gather up the change folks have tossed in while making wishes over the years. He gets enough to get them home and all seems well.

Then strange things begin to happen. Chelle begins to speak people’s thoughts out loud, Josh begins to cause electrical disturbances, and Ryan suddenly sprouts odd growths between his knuckles that look curiously like closed eyes. Through nightmares and visions they gradually learn that they must grant the wishes of the original owners of the coins. This is easier said than done, and chaos seems to follow their efforts—infuriating the witchy being at the bottom of the well.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

I read every Sarah Dessen book we get in.  I love her characters and often feel sorta sad when the book is over.  This effort is no exception.  In it, a studiously mature Auden spends the summer before college with her father's new family at the ocean, and it changes her life.  She connects with fellow insomniac, Eli, and they begin a quest to experience all the things she missed growing up--like food fights, learning how to ride a bike, delivering papers, etc.  Gradually Auden's opinions of people and situations change--and relationships with her divorced parents, new stepmother, new girlfriends, and Eli all reach a new level.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

If you like plots that keep you guessing, you might want to give this Newbery winner a try.  Miranda receives a series of notes that appear to predict the future.  The notes ask for her help and state, "I'm coming to save your friend's life, and my own."  The plot works its way through middle school drama, mysterious circumstances, a chance to win on "The $20,000 Pyramid," and, of course, those weird notes.  Things come together in a fast-paced ending that had me going back to find where I missed clues.

I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President by Josh Lieb

This book is described by some as a comedy sci-fi fantasy.  Since I try hard to find things middle school boys will like, this seemed like a good bet.  I hope the boys like it because it wasn't easy for a middle-aged librarian to finish.  Twelve-year-old Oliver Watson seems to be an unpopular, bumbling, overweight 7th grader--but it turns out, he's also the world's third richest person and a bit of a supervillain.  While he plots to overthrow foreign dictators, manipulate corporate greed, and work on attaining world domination--he determines to show up his father by winning the middle school election.  This kid isn't at all likeable, but I suppose middle school boys will find this hilarious.  I did feel a little sorry for him and his desperate need for his father's approval, but I can't deny it...it was a relief when the book was over!

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

In a new twist on Cinderella, orphaned Lucinda deals with a horrible guardian, a handsome prince, a devious street thief, a goat named "Dog," good and evil from another world, and a chance to find happiness. Chosen by one of last year's book club members as a favorite, I took it home and was instantly enchanted. Great story and a surprising ending!

Burn My Heart by Beverley Naidoo

Mathew and Mugo have been lifelong friends, but it isn't an easy friendship. Mathew's grandfather had taken the Kenyan land from Mugo's family, so the two boys were very aware of their difference in status. In the 1950's Kenya was a colony of the British, but the settlers were growing more and more concerned about a secret society called the Mau Mau. Determined to take back the land from the white settlers, the Mau Mau campaigned to drive the invaders out. At the same time, the British brutally repressed all hopes of freedom for the native people--leaving the friendship of Mathew and Mugo tested and betrayed.

The Last Invisible Boy by Evan Kuhlman

Middle school student, Finn Garrett, feels he's gradually becoming invisible after his father's sudden death. Readers share what's going on through his daily logs--described by Booklist as a cross between, "Jeff Kinney's Wimpy Kid series and Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian." Sad, funny, engaging.

Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah

Readers follow Amal, a 16-year-old "Australian-Muslim-Palestinian," as she makes the decision to wear the Muslim head scarf full-time. She knows that she will face ridicule at her fancy prep school and readers are treated to hilarious discussions and come-backs as she fights stereotyped thinking from all directions. Amal is a typical teenager in many ways and the book is light-hearted while making clear the reality of Islamic faith. Enlightening and fun.

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This is the first book of a now-famous trilogy drawing all sorts of attention from young adult readers.
The plot: In a near-future, the United States has been brought to collapse by war and famine. In its place, a country called Panem has united what is left into twelve districts--plus an all-powerful "Capitol." To keep the districts under control, the ruling faction televises yearly Hunger Games where two representatives from each district are thrown into brutal competition. The rest of the oppressed population is expected to watch on televised programming. When the other 23 contestants are dead, the winner returns to the home district bringing wealth and honor.
When her young sister is chosen as a contestant, Katniss volunteers in her place. Thus begins a violent story--full of twists, turns, and fascinating characters.

Looks by Madeleine George

If this is a realistic picture of the way students treat each other in high school, it's no wonder there are shootings. You will feel for these girls. You will also love the "sweet revenge" part. How much should we allow "body image" to impact our views of others? This book offers up a good story...and a lot to think about.

Castle Waiting by Linda Medley

Ever wonder about this thick book on our graphic novel shelf? Curiosity finally got the best of me. I soon learned that this is quite an inventive tale of what goes on in the castle after the sleeping princess goes off with her charming prince. The place becomes a haven for all sorts of characters--a mother-to-be on the run, a horse-faced knight resting between adventures, a spirited nun who used to be a bearded lady in the circus, a blacksmith with a broken heart, etc., etc. If you like surprising stories playfully told, give this a try.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Yikes! In the future, unwanted teenagers can be sent off to be "unwound"--a process in which their body parts are harvested for others in need. Readers of this unnerving book follow doomed unwinds as they try to escape this cruel fate. Could not put this down.

Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

I usually avoid sad books, but I succumbed due mostly to the title and the winsome cover pic. It wasn't all sad. In fact, parts of it were pretty funny. I loved seeing the world through the eyes of the leukemia-stricken narrator and reading his answer lists about "Questions Nobody Answers." Lots to think about here.

After Tupac & D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson

An unnamed narrator reminisces about her friendship with neighbor Neeka and D Foster who appeared the summer Tupac was first shot. D Foster has bonded deeply with his lyrics because of the life she's led, and the three girls grow close enough to call themselves "Three the Hard Way." It turns out that in spite of their closeness, D Foster has really kept many secrets which are revealed as the girls grieve together when Tupac is killed.

Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz

Okay, I kept reading about how Anthony Horowitz is on all the "Favorite Author of YA Guys" lists, so I gave one a try. I'm glad I did...plus now I don't miss Harry Potter quite so much. It's a great story of a kid with powers he doesn't understand who ends up fighting to survive really really evil stuff. Now I understand why the library's Horowitz shelf's always empty.

Skeleton Creek

Readers are left with teenager Ryan's journal and videos from his friend Sarah as they attempt to unlock the mystery of strange happenings in his Oregon hometown. The online videos definitely add to the creepiness factor. Sequels will follow.

The Year My Sister Got Lucky by Aimee Friedman

Katie Wilder is 14 years old and thriving in New York City with her best friend, older sister Michaela. Out of the blue, their parents uproot them from their urban setting to settle in a small college town upstate. Katie is horrified at the country atmosphere and can't believe her sister shows every sign of loving the new life--making friends with the popular crowd, finding a to-die-for boyfriend, and secretly plotting to end her promising future as a gifted ballerina. Katie, desperately unhappy, finds her sister turning away and keeping secrets. It takes some time and surprising events, but eventually this entertaining chick lit reaches a satisfying close.

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor

Addie misses her stepdad and "The Littles," whom Mommers lost due to neglect. Trying to make the best of a bad situation, Addie makes friends at school and a "nest" there in their tiny trailer. As Mommer's neglectful ways return, Addie's spine stiffens in her search for normal. I loved the characters in this book, and the ending made me sing.

Do You Know the Monkey Man? by Dori Hillestad Butler

Samantha is obsessed with finding her dad. He left when she was three, the same year her twin sister drowned on an outing with him. Her mom is remarrying and doesn't like to discuss either Sam's father or her twin. Frustrated by all the secrets, she goes to a psychic. What the psychic tells her is so shocking that she is driven to find out the truth. What Samantha learns on her search changes her life forever.

Three Days by Donna Jo Napoli

This suspenseful story of a kidnapping begins with Jackie and her father traveling in Italy. While driving at night, her father suddenly passes out at the wheel. Jackie tries to get help and is picked up by two Italian men. Instead of taking her to help, they take her to an isolated farm house where she is forced to stay. A woman takes care of her there, but speaks only Italian. Jackie wants desperately to get home, but wonders if she ever will.