The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman by Meg Wolitzer

The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman by Meg Wolitzer
Dutton Children's Books
2011
294p.

Twelve-year-olds Duncan Dorfman, April Blunt, and Nate Saviano meet at the Youth Scrabble Tournament where, although each has a different reason for attending and for needing to win, they realize that something more important is at stake than the grand prize.

Mostly True Story of Jack by Kelly Barnhill

Mostly True Story of Jack by Kelly Barnhill
Little, Brown
2011
323p.



Jack is practically invisible at home, but when his parents send him to Hazelwood, Iowa, to spend a summer with his odd aunt and uncle, he suddenly makes friends, is beaten up by the town bully, and is plotted against by the richest man in town.

Lucky for Good by Susan Patron

Lucky for Good by Susan Patron
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
2011
208p.

The residents of Hard Pan, California, come together to help Brigitte and Lucky when the County Health Department threatens to close down the café, and meantime Miles's life is complicated by his mother's return.

The Girl is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines

The Girl is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines

Roaring Brook Press

2011

342p.

In 1942 New York City, fifteen-year-old Iris grieves for her mother who committed suicide and for the loss of her life of privilege, and secretly helps her father with his detective business since he, having lost a leg at Pearl Harbor, struggles to make ends meet.

Addie on the Inside by James Howe

Addie on the Inside by James Howe
Atheneum Books for Children
2011
206p.

Outspoken thirteen-year-old Addie Carle learns about love, loss, and staying true to herself as she navigates seventh grade, enjoys a visit from her grandmother, fights with her boyfriend, and endures gossip and meanness from her former best friend.

The Returning by Christine Hinwood

The Returning by Christine Hinwood
Dial Books for Young Readers
2011
302p.

When the twelve-year war between the Uplanders and Downlanders is over and Cam returns home to his village, questions dog him, from how he lost an arm to why he was the only one of his fellow soldiers to survive, such that he must leave until his own suspicions are resolved.

Hidden by Helen Frost

Hidden by Helen Frost
Farrar Strauss Giroux
2011
147p.

When fourteen-year-olds Wren and Darra meet at a Michigan summer camp, both are overwhelmed by memories from six years earlier when Darra's father stole a car, unaware that Wren was hiding in the back.

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.