The Story of a Seagull and the Cat who Taught Her to Fly, by Luis Sepulveda

A dying mother's last act was asking a cat to watch over her egg, not to eat the baby and finally to teach it to fly. Most cats would say yes and then when the mother was gone, eat the bird, but Zobra is a honorable cat. How does a cat teach a bird to fly? This case involves a set of encyclopedias among other things including keeping his friends from eating the bird while all try to make a dying mother's wish come true. Can two different beings really learn to love each other? If they can, maybe we all can too.

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass

Jeremy likes his world his way and small. When he gets a 13th birthday present from his late father, he has to go out into the larger world if he wants to open the mysterious box that needs 4 keys. He has to find the special keys that fit and with his friend Lizzy, the search is on. Inside the box is his father's answer to the question what is the meaning of life. How much trouble can you get in during this search and what causes the police to be called is only part of the problems that happen to Jeremy and Lizzie. What would you do to find out what your late father wanted you to know? I had to get 3 copies to keep up with demand for this book.

The Mailbox by Audrey Shafer

Gabe is 12 and has finally found a home with his Uncle Vernon, who is a gruff loner that takes in Gabe because he is family and that is what family does. After Gabe's first day in 6th grade, he comes home to find his uncle dead. Not knowing what to do and not wanting to go back into foster care, he goes to school the next day. When he returns, his uncle's body is gone and there is a note in the mailbox. Whoever took the body and is sending the notes, helps Gabe live alone, but how long can Gabe keep the nosey adults at bay? What happens when Gabe is found out? Flash backs tell how both Gabe and his Uncle change each other for the better. I can't keep this one in once the students at my junior high finds out about it.

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor

Addie's life has never been easy. Her real dad died and her mom's behavior is not like most parents. When her mom and step-dad gets a divorce, she wants to live with him and her younger half- siblings, but goes to live with her mom. It is hard to be the only adult when you are 12. There will be a time in your life when you must answer this question: do try to save your parent or do you have to save yourself. For all those who have a hard home life, you will find hope in this story. For those who don't, you will love how Addie finds family is the strangest places.