Truce by Jim Murphy

When I was growing up, there was a saying "what if they gave a war and no one showed up". This book is about the true story of the Christmas Truce on the front line during World War I, the war to end all wars (yes, they believed that at the time). On Christmas eve in 1914, the troops on both sides heard the other side singing Christmas Carols and once they realized they were singing the same ones, only in different languages, some how the mood changed. Some one took a chance with a white flag to cross the no man zone to ask for a truce for Christmas. The Truce spread up and down the line and in some parts lasted a lot longer than just Christmas. Somehow the game of soccer was involved in that. Why these soldiers did this makes compelling reading. This book doesn't pull any punches about the horrors of the war and the worries of the higher command that if this type of behavior was not stopped, the war would. It is recorded in history that Hitler's reaction to this Christmas truce caused him to do things that made World War II even worst than it could have been.

Chelsey and the Green-Haired Kid by Carol Gorman

Chelsey may be wheelchair bound, but she has to solve who pushed the kid off the back of bleachers. The kid died right in front of her and either the green-haired kid is another witness or involved in the murder. If the murder killed once, she could be the next victim, especially if the killer wants no on left to identify him to the police. Why would anyone want to kill someone at a high school basketball game? Why does the green-haired kid wants nothing to do with solving this unless he might be involved? I read this almost 20 years ago and if a book sticks in your mind that long after reading so many more great books, you know it has to be good. Mystery lovers, see if you can solve this before the author does it for you.

Soup by Robert Newton Peck

Don't miss this just because it is an old book, but if you read it , please don't try any of the pranks on your friends and family. Based on the author's own growing years, Rob learns sometime following your best friend's ideas of fun can get you in more trouble than what your worst enemy's ideas would. Whether it is whipping apples at a church or tying up your aunt, things never seem to work out as planned. Life was so much more fun when the grown ups didn't worry about where the kids were unless they missed 2 meals or didn't make it home before dark. Life back then also included the dreaded bully, but you have to read the book to see who was the most feared bully in school. You will be surprised to see who it was.

The Cats of Roxville Station by Jean Craighead George

The action at the start of this book will upset any cat lover, but sets the story of how outside cats survive and learn which humans they can trust. Rachet has learned not to trust humans and now she has to learn the ways of feral cats to survive. A small colony of cats live in the neighborhood near a train station. While some humans are helpful, like the lady who puts out cat food, other do anything they can to "get rid of the cats". Mike, who lives with a foster mother that hates cats, wants to befriend Rachet but how can a cat learn to trust one of the creatures that harmed her and tried to kill her. While this is a fiction story, it has more facts than some non fiction. I learned a few thing about cats and I have lived too many for years. If you love the Warriors series, instead of rereading while you wait for the next book, try this. All my students who love the Warriors series and read this loved it.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

When I first saw the cover, I wondered if any student would ever pick this book up. When the book won the 2010 Newbery Award, I remembered that you shouldn't judge a book by the cover. After reading it, I now understand what makes this special. Miranda just loves the book Wrinkle in Time, her life in New York, and her mom. As the book starts, she loses her best friend. She gets weird notes found in even weirder places from someone who tells her that s/he has come to save her friend. It seems that that person knows what happens even before it does. The subplots about finding a new best friend and surviving the ups and downs of a parent's appearance on a national televised game show only adds to the mystery. Even though the story is set in the late 1970's, any junior high student will enjoy the parts set in a school. The times may change, but the characters that are part of any school seem to always stay the same. If you have read and love Wrinkle in Time, you will love this book. It is not only the main character's favorite book, the plot of Wrinkle is the key to solving what is going on in this story.

Closed for the Season by Mary Downing Hahn

After about the 5th student told me this was the best book they ever read, I knew I needed to read it. Other books by this author are also popular and had to have multiple copies bought. Now I see why. How would you like to find out that you are not just the new kid in town, but you also live in a house of an unsolved murder. Logan just wants to fit in with the students at his new junior high when school starts, but events will probably stop that. His next door neighbor wants his help solving the murder and once they start, they have to see it through. Whoever killed Mrs. Donaldson has started to notice their search and now they may be the target. If you like plot twists, you will love this. For those of you who read the last few pages to see what happens, it won't work. The author has solved the it sooner and you will have to read it to find out who did murder that poor sweet little old lady. One of the characters will not be who you think that character is. It fit the plot but it was a shock. For those of you who are picked on by the popular kids, you will really love the ending.

It has been a year since I started this blog.

Greetings to all who do look at this blog. I started this a year ago so junior high (and high school also) students would be able to find great books to read. Every book on this blog is a book that I have recommended to students and had gotten good feedback. It is not a complete list of all the great books I have read, but all of these are found in my small junior high library so they should be able to found in others. I have been adding 4 books a month to build the blog, but since there are now well over 45 books, I will be only listing 1 or 2 books each month. I have gone to other blogs and felt a little overwhelmed trying to find things. I want this to be user friendly. If you like mysteries, you can just find a mystery book on the blog and click on the mystery label and every mystery book on the blog will pop up. This will work with any genre, including nonfiction ones. You can also just click on any of the labels in the list and all the books under that label will pop up. Speaking of nonfiction, I have been a nonfiction reader for most of my life and have found those students who tell me they hate to read are usually a nonfiction readers. I hope you will find this blog useful when you want a book to read. Let me know if you have anything you want to add, because comments are welcome.

Indigo Star by Hilary McKay

The second book of a 4 book series about the Cassons, a British family whose parents are artists, it stands alone. Indigo is the only boy in a house full of females. His dad lives in London. While home is a happy chaotic place, school is something to be dreaded. It is so bad at school that Indigo is happy to get mononucleosis to miss an entire semester, but he must go back. When he gets back, the bullies have a new target, Tom, the American kid who does everything to make himself a target. Why is Tom so angry at everyone? How can the two of them get back at the bullies and teach a lesson at the same time? Behind this main plot are many subplots involving too many suiters for the oldest sister, why their father is not living with them, and will their mother ever remember to make dinner. One of the most popular series at EML's library. You will laugh out load about who really gets the best of the bullies.

Backfield Package by Thomas J. Dygard

Four friends who play for a winning high school team make a promise to each other that when recuited to play college football, they will go as a package. Only one offer comes and it is second tier school. Joe, the quarterback, is by far the best of them all, so when he gets offers to better college programs, his family tells him to take one of those offers. But how can he let his friends down especially when he knows that it their talents that help him be the star quarterback he is? Is anyone else having doubts about even going to college? If you love football, you will love the game action in this book.

Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff

Sequel to Lilly's Crossing, this does stand alone. What would you do if your whole life is turned upside down? Meggie's family moves to Michigan so her father can work in the bomber plant. She has a nice home in New York, but lives in quickly-built worker housing. Her brother is off to war and her German American grandfather stays back in New York to look after things. Thrown into a group of other transplants, she learns that life is what you make it and that friends don't have to share your background, just your present.

No Place For Me by barthe DeClements

Probably out of print for years, this book has stood the test of time and will be remembered by readers who share some of the same feelings as Cooper, the 7th grade main character. Growing up in an unstable home with a high maintenance mom that is now drying out in rehab, Cooper feels no one wants her until she goes to live with her late father's sister. Aunt Maggie is different than most, she is a free spirit, practices the old religion of Wicca, but is understanding. Aunt Maggie seems to care about her, but after what happened to Copper at her other two aunts' home, can she let down her guard to find out what real families will do for each other. Trusting adults are hard if you never had an adult that didn't let you down.

The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman

Winner of the Newbery, the heart warming tale of a girl who finds a home, an occupation, some food, and her own name. Nameless until the midwife starts calling her Beetle because of where she found her (think of the grossest place in the world) , Beetle never remembers anyone who cared for her, not even in toddlerhood. Life is tough in the 14th century. Midwifery is looked down about even if they are the only ones who can help bring a new life in the world. What would you do to keep the only safe place you have ever know and what name would you give yourself if you could? This character in this very quick read has more in common with todays students than you think possible. Hope, dreams and needs don't change, just the ablity to fill them.

Wolf by the Ears by Ann Rinaldi

Based on historical people and maybe actual facts, this story is about the tough choice that Thomas Jefferson's bi-racial daughter has to make. She is a slave like her mother, but at 21 she can get her freedom. If she does take her freedom, will she pass as white, or stay true to those who raised her. But who is Harriet, if she has both black and white parents. At a time when you had to choose and could not be both, passing will open up a better world but you would lose your past forever. You either will love or hate Ann Rinaldi's work . Filled with strong teenage women characters, the stories are true to their settings in history. Being bi-racial, EML also had to make the choice of who I am. Once you make it, it is who you are for the rest of your life, even if you don't look like the choice you made when you get older.

The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney

While they don't put faces of missing children on school milk cartons anymore, just image if you saw a picture of yourself as a young child on one. When teenage Janie does, she starts down a path to find the truth, but can she handle the truth and where it leads. She has her whole world pulled apart. Can she put herself back together? Who are her "real" parents, those who raised her or the ones she share blood ties? Does she risk her world to find out? First of a series of 4 books. EML had to face a similar problem when her birth parents found her after 42 years and found someone will get hurt everytime, it is just the way these things work out.

Alone in the World; Orphans and Orphanages in America by Catherine Reef

It is hard to image how different children without parents or who could not keep them were treated in the past compared today. Was it a better way or was it worst than today? With all the stories in the news, would it be better to bring back orphanages as safe places to grow up? Why do senior citizens who grew up in them talk so loving about them? Are they just remembering the good and not the bad? Do the fiction books you read tell the real story? Find out in this book. EML started life out in an orphanage so I had to read this book when I got it. Maybe I should have been left there? What do you think?

Into the Wild by Erin Hunter (Warriors series)

This is the book that has started 3 different series about 4 clans of wild cats trying to survive in an unforgiving world and the fights with each other. Rusty is just a kittypet (house cat) who takes off to wild, but he might be the answer that the leader of ThunderClan's saw as she dreamt. Does he have what it takes to help the clan when other clan breaks tradition and tries to take all the clans land for itself? Can he be a warrior or is he just a soft pet of Two legs? You need to read the books in order so you won't get lost, but each series has its own story line. Reading this one first, you will learn how one cat can make a difference to a whole world of cats. Not only for cat lovers, if you enjoy battles between warriors, you will love the action in the fights between the clans. Warriors are not made, they are born, but training will keep warriors from dying before their time. But remember, the worst enemies can be the closest friends if they choose to be.

The Forest of Silence by Emily Rodda (Deltora Quest series)

First book of a series that EML was told by too many students she had to get for the library, it is a great adventure filled with many dangers that the characters barely survive. When a king lets down his people by not doing his duties, evil overruns the kingdom. His main duty was to wear a magical belt that kept the evil powers at bay. After many years of war, 2 brave young men set out to find the stones from that belt that have been hidden across the kingdom. If those stones can be found and the belt put back together, the heir to the throne will be able drive the evil powers out. While both think it won't be that difficult, it takes a surprise creature's help to keep both of them from dying before the adventure even starts. If you read this one, plan on reading all 8 to see how this quest will end.

Gameprey by Mel Odom (Tom Clancey' Net Force series)

While this type of book isn't normally EML's cup of tea, I did enjoy it but if you are a gamer or a person who dreams of creating your own games, you will enjoy it more. Set the near future where the internet will be a huge part of our lives, Net Force is like a FBI or a CIA organization that keep the bad guys from using it for crime. One of the junior members is a game designer and while at computer gamers' convention in Los Angeles, she and another junior member are sucked into solving the disappearance of the creator the latest, greatest game. When they realize that someone will kill to keep the game out, they call on the rest of Net Force to help before they are next victims. Once you learn the rest of the story, you may never play online games again without worrying about if this story is based on truth or it could really happen.

Striking Out by Will Weaver (Billy Baggs Novel)

The first book of a 3 part series about a farm boy who can pitch, doesn't look like something non baseball lovers or farm kids could relate to very well. But if you don't get along with your parents, have dreams beyond your small world, or have that person who you want to get even with, this book is a great one for you. Billy's life is sad, hard, and limited. But does he give up or give in, when there are people who want to help him make his dreams come alive? Real world problems with no easy answers lurk in the corners of this young adult award winner.

How to Raise and Keep a Dragon by John Topsell

If dragons were really real, this would be the book for the would be owner. It has everything from the different types of dragons to care, housing, and feeding of your pet. A chapter on training is a must read since you need to keep him/her under control and if it is a flying dragon, being able to go out for a ride. Also included is instructions on how to show your dragon at the dragon show and what the judges look for to have Best-in-Show. It is found in the 398 section in the library with the rest of the dragon information books. If you love that Disney movie that came out in March 2010, you will love this book.

Babe Ruth (Up Close M.V.P) by Wilborn Hampton

You never know what book will change your life. While this Babe Ruth biography was not the one, another one was for EML. I was 10 years old when I read it and didn't have a great home life. But reading what the Babe went through, I know I could make it through mine with ease. It gave me an anchor when I needed it. He lived his life his way, looked out for the kids, and enjoyed getting paid for playing a game. He set his records not using steriods, but eating and drinking too much. My big questions have always been, was he a better pitcher or a better hitter. This is for the reader who loves baseball and the reader who's life is not easy. Both will find a hero they need.

Our Eleanor by Candance Fleming

Written in a scrapbook format, this book brings to life a lady who did change the world by just trying to be herself. An unhappy childhood lead to a not-that-happy adulthood that would have brought most of us to being a drain on society, not a person who sets out to make the world a better place. If she was alive today, talk show hosts who be doing anything to get her on their show, if she would spill her guts. She wouldn't and didn't, but after her death, we now get the read the juicy parts. She was once the most powerful woman in this country and how she got to that point did make a few enemies but most strong indepent women usually do. Would you be willing to do the same?

Chidren of the Great Depression by Russell Freedman

Any book by Russell Freedman I have read has been interesting, educational, but most of all a quick read. Filled with pictures from the time and stories of how children and young adults survived, both the good and bad sides of the worst economic crisis are included. (Yes, dear readers what is happening now is not the worst economic crisis ever.) While most of the time the struggle to survive kept families busy, there was still time for play and entertainment. Some of the entertainment was different from today - only radio and movies, but some of our favorite pastimes are still the same. If you don't believe me, read the book to find out.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Mysterious Mr. Benedict is looking for children, orphans in fact, to send undercover to the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, a school that the only rule is there is NO rules. Ads placed in papers for gifted students bring many, but only a few finally pass the tests he gave. It seems that the whole world is in the middle of terrible problems and upsets, and some how the institute is involved. If his spies fail, no one will miss them if they are orphans will they? You get to take the tests along with the characters. See if you can pass them. EML didn't and we all know how smart librarians are. Dangers are every where and the upsets are too close to what is happening in our world now. Maybe this is not that fictional? What if.....

This Place has no Atmosphere, by Paula Danziger

Set in 2057, Aurora's parents just found a new way to ruin her life, they are going to the moon to be part of colony of 750 people who hope to make the moon a new home. She is a freshman and has finally got into the "in" crowd. She decides that if she ruins their life, maybe she can stay with her grandmother. Please don't do to your parents what Aurora tries on hers. Finally, it is agreed if she doesn't like it, she can come back to live with her grandmother, who talks about the olden days of the early 2000. How long can she make a year last and who will give up first, her or her parents? If you have ever had to move, you will relate to all the problems that Aurora has, even those she has caused herself. Are we really going to live in shopping malls and have classes in ESP?

The Night Room by E.M. Goldman

What high schooler wouldn't want to go forward in time to see what his/her 10 year reunion is like? Who makes good and who gets what is coming to them? But when someone is not at the reunion, could this computer simulation really be a cover for an upcoming murder? Can it be stopped or is the future set in stone? Almost every type of student at your school will have someone just like them in the night room - whether you are the jock, brain, popular, or out cast. Who has it in them to survive when survivial is all you can do.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Please, please, please don't judge this book by the movie. Movies are always never as good as the book and that movie version was one of the worst ever. From the 1970's, this book has been loved by readers who like weird humor, sick jokes, and adventure. Even my teenage brothers couldn't stop reading it. Earth has been destroyed to make way for a by-pass and Arthur Dent is saved by his space alien friend. When they hook up with the ex-president of the Universe who has a stolen space ship, life will never be the same. This is the first book of a trilogy, which has 5 books in it, go figure. If you like British humor, all the better.

Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell

Why does Jamie's brother send letters to her parents, but rolls of film to her to develop? Doesn't he know she wants to know what is really going on in Vietnam? Both have grown up in the army since their father is a Colonel. But as she developes the films, it is clear that the old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words has new meaning. What is her brother trying to tell her that even soldiers can't really put in words? How will that help her when his tour of duty is cut short by the worst news a family can hear? Can she help another soldier from ending up like her brother?

It's Like This, Cat by Emily Neville

I finally read this to find out why it kept getting stolen from the libraries I worked at. What I found was one of the best Newbery Award winners I have ever read. It was ground breaking in 1963 to have a real life teen that thought his dad didn't know everything and got involved with a "criminal". While it was realistic when it was written, it is a wonderful trip through a New York City that doesn't exist anymore. Written in a boy's point of view, the adventures of getting a cat, a girlfriend, and enjoying the freedom of wandering a city will relate to any reader who wished for a time where parents knew that kids just needed to get away and live their lives without adult supervision.

Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins

Sometimes a little confusing at first, this is a story of interconnections we make with others and those that are just missed that would have been life changing. A group of small town teens live their normal lives that end up effecting each other in both small and big ways. Set in the 1960's, many of the events could happen in any small town, not just northern Michigan, today. From the dreamer of big dreams ,to the slacker trying to find the easy way out, to old person whose life is saved and changed, almost every reader will find a character who is just like them.

Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos

What about the other side of the illegal immigrate problem in American? What is it like to live everyday wondering if this will be the day you are found out and taken from the only life you have ever known, even if the only thing you want to do is to be a good citizen? Nadira's family is torn apart when in panic her father, who has over stayed a visa, tries to go to Canada and is detained. Her and her older sister go back to Queens while her mother stays close to her imprisoned father. As their world falls apart, a little research finds the key that they need to clear their father, but will anyone listen to them. A must read for those who don't understand the human side of this question and need a reality check.