Zebra Forest by Adina Gerwitz - 2014

Zebra Forest by Adina Gerwitz
Candlewick Press
200p.

 Summary:
When eleven-year-old Annie first started lying to her social worker, she had been taught by an expert: Gran. She told Annie and her little brother, Rew, the one thing they know about their father: that he was killed in a fight with an angry man who was sent away. Annie tells stories, as she and Rew laze under the birches and oaks of Zebra Forest -- stories about their father the pirate, or pilot, or secret agent. But then something shocking happens to unravel all their stories: a rattling at the back door, an escapee from the prison holding them hostage in their own home, four lives that will never be the same. Driven by suspense and psychological intrigue, this novel deftly portrays an unfolding standoff of truth against family secrets, and offers an affecting look at two resourceful, imaginative kids as they react and adapt to the hand they've been dealt.

Al Capone Does my Homework by Gennifer Choldenko - 2014

Al Capone Does my Homework by Gennifer Choldenko
Dial Books for Young Readers
212p.


Summary: "Moose Flanagan, who lives on Alcatraz along with his family and the families of the other prison guards, faces new challenges when his father is promoted to Associate Warden"-- Provided by publisher.

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.

Wilwood by Colin Meloy

Wildwood by Colin Meloy
Balzer + Bray
2011
541p.


When her baby brother is kidnapped by crows, seventh-grader Prue McKeel ventures into the forbidden Impassable Wilderness--a dangerous and magical forest in the middle of Portland, Oregon--and soon finds herself involved in a war among the various inhabitants.

William's Midsummer Dreams by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

William's Midsummer Dreams by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
2011
209p.

Now permanently settled with Aunt Fiona, who has adopted him and his siblings, thirteen-year-old William gets the chance to play Puck in a professional production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

R My Name Is Rachel by Patricia Reilly Giff

R My Name Is Rachel by Patricia Reilly Giff
Wendy Lamb Books
2011
166p.

Three city siblings, now living on a farm during the Great Depression, must survive on their own when their father takes a construction job miles away.

Lemonade Crime by Jacqueline Davies

Lemonade Crime by Jacqueline Davies
Houghton Mifflin
2011
152p.

When money disappears from fourth-grader Evan's pocket and everyone thinks that his annoying classmate Scott stole it, Evan's younger sister stages a trial involving the entire class, trying to prove what happened.

Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

Throne of Fire (The Kane Chronicles, 2) by Rick Riordan
Disney/Hyperion
2011
452p.

Carter Kane and his sister must prevent the chaos snake Apophis from breaking free in a few days' time or the world will come to an end. To have any chance of battling these Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra.

Trouble With May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm

Trouble With May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm
Atheneum Books For Young Readers
2011
204p.

Living with seven brothers and her father, who thinks girls are useless, a thirteen-year-old Finnish American farm girl is determined to prove her worth when a enterprising gentleman tries to purchase their cash-strapped family settlement in Washington State in 1900.