“Umbrella Summer,” by Lisa Graff

“Umbrella Summer,” by Lisa Graff is a sensitive story about a ten-year-old girl with an obsessive worrying compulsion after her brother’s sudden, unexpected death.

It has been almost a year since Annie and her family suffered the tragic loss of Jared, Annie’s older brother. When Jared was hit in the chest while playing hockey it caused his rare heart disorder to get worse, and he died a couple days later.

Ever since then Annie has been worried about everything. She sees danger in bug bites, and walks her bike down hills to avoid what could be a deadly crash. Read the rest »

“Cyberia,” by Chris Lynch

“Cyberia,” by Chris Lynch is a science fiction adventure about a boy living in the not-to-distant future, in a time when everything is connected electronically, even humans and animals.

Both of Zane’s parents are popular personalities. His mother is a famous news anchor often seen on TV, while his father is the famous voice behind the national radioweb. Zane rarely sees his parents, even though they all spend their time in the same house. Each of them lives in a separate room, connected by electronics and video screens.

Zane’s parents check in periodically over the video screens to tell him that they love him, but Zane isn’t satisfied. Read the rest »

“Mascot to the Rescue,” by Peter David

“Mascot to the Rescue,” by Peter David is a unique story about a boy whose real life appears to be linked to the escapades and adventures of a comic book character.

Josh Miller is an ordinary looking sixth grader who attends Demarest Elementary School.  Little do his schoolmates realize, but Josh has an important secret.  Not only is Josh a fan of the Captain Major comic books, but there is a strangely disturbing correlation between Josh’s life and the adventures of Mascot, Captain Major’s superhero sidekick. Read the rest »

“Zorgamazoo,” by Robert Paul Weston

“Zorgamazoo,” by Robert Paul Weston is a fantasy novel written in smooth, flawless verse.

The book begins with a delightful invitation:

Here is a story that’s stranger than strange.
Before we begin you may want to arrange:
A blanket, a cushion, a comfortable seat,
And maybe some cocoa and something to eat.

The main character in this poetical adventure is Katrina Katrell, a young girl with a strong sense of perception and the ability to see things that other people ignore. 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 »