Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck

Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck
Dial Books for Young Readers
2011
256p.

In 1887, the social-climbing Cranstons voyage from New York to London, where they hope to find a husband for their awkward older daughter, secretly accompanied by Helena and her mouse siblings, for whom the journey is both terrifying and wondrous as they meet an array of titled humans despite their best efforts at remaining hidden.

Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan

Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
2011

When Papa goes away for a little while, his family tries to cope with the separation by adopting four dogs and a cat.

Flyaway by Lucy Christopher

Flyaway by Lucy Christopher
Chicken House/Scholastic
2011
314p.

While visiting her father in hospital, thirteen-year-old Isla meets Harry, the first boy to understand her and her love of the outdoors. But Harry is ill, and as his health fails, Isla is determined to help him in the only way she knows how. Together they watch a lone swan struggling to fly on the lake outside Harry's window.

A Dog’s Way Home by Bobbie Pyron

A Dog’s Way Home by Bobbie Pyron

Katherine Tegen Books

2011

321p.

After a car accident strands them at opposite ends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, eleven-year-old Abby and her beloved sheltie Tam overcome months filled with physical and emotional challenges to find their way back to each other.