Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff
Philomel (Penguin)
2014

From Goodreads:
Albie has never been the smartest kid in his class. He has never been the tallest. Or the best at gym. Or the greatest artist. Or the most musical. In fact, Albie has a long list of the things he's not very good at. But then Albie gets a new babysitter, Calista, who helps him figure out all of the things he is good at and how he can take pride in himself.

Bluefish by Pat Schmatz

Bluefish by Pat Schmatz
Candlewick Press
2011
226p.

Everything changes for thirteen-year-old Travis, a new student who is trying to hide his illiteracy, when he meets a sassy classmate with her own secrets and a remarkable teacher.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Candlewick Press
2011
204p.

Thirteen-year-old Conor awakens one night to find a monster outside his bedroom window, but not the one from the recurring nightmare that began when his mother became ill--an ancient, wild creature that wants him to face truth and loss.

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
Walden Pond Press
2011
320p.

A stunning modern-day fairy tale from acclaimed author Anne Ursu Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into a forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now it's up to Hazel to go in after him. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," "Breadcrumbs" is a story of the struggle to hold on, and the things we leave behind.

Hound Dog True by Linda Urban

Hound Dog True by Linda Urban
Harcourt
2011
152p.

Mattie, a shy fifth-grader, wants to hide out at her new school by acting as apprentice to her Uncle Potluck, the custodian, but her plan falls apart when she summons the courage to speak about what matters most and finds a true friend.

Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes

Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes
Bloomsbury
2011
154p.

A series of poems describes all the baffling changes at home and at school in twelve-year-old Joylin's transition from tomboy basketball player to not-quite-girly girl.

Ten Miles Past Normal by Francis O'Roark Dowell

Ten Miles Past Normal by Francis O'Roark Dowell
Atheneum Books For Young Readers
2011
211p.

Because living with "modern-hippy" parents on a goat farm means fourteen-year-old Janie Gorman cannot have a normal high school life, she tries joining Jam Band, making friends with Monster, and spending time with elderly former civil rights workers.

Angel in My Pocket by Ilene Cooper

Angel in My Pocket by Ilene Cooper
Feiwel and Friends
2011
278p

When seventh-grader Bette finds an angel coin she puts it in her pocket and forgets it but soon the mysterious and kind Gabby moves into her building and helps her face her major losses, and then the coin connects her with three classmates who all find new ways to believe in themselves.

Liar, Liar by Gary Paulsen

Liar, Liar: The Theory, Practice, and Destructive Properties of Deception by Gary Paulsen
Wendy Lamb Books
2011
120p.

Fourteen-year-old Kevin is very good at lying and doing so makes life easier, but when he finds himself in big trouble with his friends, family, and teachers, he must find a way to end his lies forever.

Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang
Scholastic Press
2011
312p

Warp Speed by Lisa Yee

Warp Speed by Lisa Yee

Arthur A. Levine

2011

310p.

Marley Sandelski has always felt invisible at school when he is not facing bullies, but a series of unexpected events gives him a taste of popularity and insights into some classmates, well-liked or greatly-feared.

You Killed Wesley Payne by Sean Beaudoin

You Killed Wesley Payne by Sean Beaudoin
Little, Brown
2011
359p.

When hard-boiled, seventeen-year-old private investigator Dalton Rev transfers to Salt River High to solve the case of a dead student, he has his hands full trying to outwit the police, negotiate the school's social hierarchy, and get paid.

Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt

Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt
Clarion
2011
360p


As a fourteen-year-old who just moved to a new town, with no friends, an abusive father, and a louse for an older brother, Doug Swieteck has all the stats stacked against him until he finds an ally in Lil Spicer--a fiery young lady. Together, they find a safe haven in the local library, inspiration in learning about the plates of John James Audubon's birds, and a hilarious adventure on a Broadway stage.

True...Sort of by Katherine Hannigan

True (--sort of) by Katherine Hannigan
Greenwillow Books
2011
360p.

For most of her eleven years, Delly has been in trouble without knowing why, until her little brother, R.B., and a strange, silent new friend, Ferris, help her find a way to be good--and happy--again.