“Antsy Does Time,” by Neal Shusterman

“Antsy Does Time,” by Neal Shusterman is a fascinating novel that mixes incredible humor with some surprisingly deep insights and evocative passages.

The main character is Antsy Bonano, who was first introduced in Neal Shusterman’s book “The Schwa Was Here”. Just like before Antsy Bonano has lots of ideas. The only problem is that nothing ever turns out quite like he planned it to. The plot is introduced in Antsy’s simple, honest voice:

“It was a dumb idea, but one of those dumb ideas that accidentally turns out to the brilliant—which, I’ve come to realize, is much worse than being dumb.” Read the rest »

“Diamonds in the Shadow,” by Caroline B. Cooney

“Diamonds in the Shadow,” by Caroline B. Cooney is a young adult novel about an American family who takes in a group of African refugees with a dangerous secret past.

Jared Finch is not in the least bit thrilled about his parent’s plan to sponsor four African refugees, a mother and father and two children. The way Jared sees it, if his parents and their church committee want to go to all that work they can do so, but he doesn’t have to help. To make matters worse, the apartment that the committee had planned to house the refugees in fell through, so now the refugees will be living with Jared and his family until they can find other accommodations. Read the rest »

“The Great Wide Sea” by M. H. Herlong

“The Great Wide Sea” by M. H. Herlong is an epic survival story about three children lost at sea in a forty foot sailboat.

Two months after a tragic accident that killed his mother, Ben and his family are still recovering. But then Ben’s father suddenly announces that he has sold the house so that they can depart on a one year sailing trip through the Florida Keys. Ben and his two younger brothers Dylan and Gerry do not want to go, but they have little choice, because their father has already made the decision. Read the rest »

“Rules,” by Cynthia Lord

“Rules,” by Cynthia Lord is a touching story about a girl who must change her attitude about what is “normal” and learn to appreciate her autistic younger brother and a surprising new friend who is confined to a wheelchair.

Like most other twelve-year-olds Catherine wants to have friends and live a fairly normal life. Unfortunately, neither of these goals seem obtainable. Catherine’s autistic younger brother David always seems to chase off potential friends. When other girls learn about Catherine’s brother they treat her differently as well. Read the rest »

“Milicent Min - Girl Genius” by Lisa Yee

“Milicent Min - Girl Genius” by Lisa Yee is a humorous book about a young Asian girl who is a genius. But for some reason, when it comes to social interaction she’s a little bit ignorant.

Millicent’s parents are always worried that she hasn’t had a chance to enjoy a “normal childhood.” But Millicent doesn’t care. She would much rather be what she is: a child genius who has been featured in TV shows and Time magazine. Millicent has skipped so many grades that she is attending high school at age eleven. Unfortunately, this makes all the other kids her age hate her. Read the rest »