“The Tale of Despereaux,” by Kate DiCamillo

“The Tale of Despereaux,” by Kate DiCamillo is a Newbery Award Medal winning tale about a young mouse who is in love with a human princess. From the day he was born his parents knew that something was wrong with Despereaux. Most mouse babies are born with their eyes closed, but Despereaux was born with his eyes wide open. He was also the runt of the litter, much smaller than all the other mice. And his ears were ridiculously large! Despereaux’s parent were sure that he would die soon after birth. But to their surprise Despereaux does survive, though he grows up to be very different from other mice. Read the rest »

“The Truth About Sparrows” by Marian Hale

“The Truth About Sparrows” by Marian Hale is a historical fiction novel about a family who moves from drought-plagued Missouri to Texas where they hope to start a new life.

Sadie hates the idea of moving to Texas. Not only will mean losing her best friend Wilma, but Sadie knows she will miss their familiar house and surroundings. However, Sadie’s family has little choice. A drought has destroyed all the crops. With no source of income they can’t make the mortgage payment and soon the bank will foreclose on their property. Read the rest »

“The Kind of Friends We Used to Be” by Frances O’Roark Dowell

“The Kind of Friends We Used to Be” by Frances O’Roark Dowell is the story of two twelve year old girls and their changing friendship as they go through middle school.

Kate and Marylin had been best friends for years. They knew everything about each other, and felt that they shared a history because of the time they spent together. But last year they had a dramatic falling out and Marylin gave Kate the silent treatment all year long. This year those feelings are left behind and Kate and Marylin want to be friends again, but it is proving to be more difficult than both girls had originally thought. Read the rest »

“The Girl Who Threw Butterflies,” by Mick Cochrane

“The Girl Who Threw Butterflies,” by Mick Cochrane is an appealing story about a girl who faces her father’s death by playing on the school baseball team and throwing the knuckleball that her father taught her.

Molly Williams is known to other eighth grade students as the girl whose father died. The other students treat her differently, like they are sorry for her, but Molly doesn’t want to be treated differently. She wants life to go back to the way it was before her father was killed in a mysterious single car accident. Read the rest »

“Millions,” by Frank Cottrell Boyce

“Millions,” by Frank Cottrell Boyce is a riveting tale about two boys who suddenly find themselves millionaires, but the problem is that they have no way to spend their money.

Damien and Anthony live in England with their father.  Their mother died some months ago.  The two boys and their father have recently moved to a new home where they hope to start a new life away from the sorrow and memories of their old house.  Damien has a great interest in saints and angels, because he wonders what might have happened to his mother after she died.  Anthony, Damien’s older brother, is deeply interested in money and real estate. Read the rest »