Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick. Balzer + Bray, 2012. 216 pages.

Cambodia, 1975. told in the 9 year old voice of co-author Arn Chorn-Pond, founder of Children of War. McCormick at her best-- compelling and beautifully written horrors. Quick read. Fiction, issue book, reads like nonfiction. Recommend for everyone.

Trickster: Native American Tales- A Graphic Collection by Matt Dembiki. Fulcrum Books, 2010. 220 pages.

Graphic compilation of native american trickster tales-- rabbit, raven, raccoon and coyote-- trickster tales from many native peoples, each retold by different authors and illustrators. I love folktales, trickster tales in particular and this compilation, while  necessarily uneven-- all those different writing and illustration styles-- is still very well done. The graphic format enhances the volume-- it is very tough to get most middle schoolers to pick up a volume of folklore. I loved it. A winner. BPL_BPS summer reading myths and legends- 6th - 8th grade.

Secret Saturdays by Torrey Maldonado. G.P. Putnum's Sons, 2010. 195 pages.

The Odyssey: a graphic novel by Gareth Hinds. Candlewick Press, 2010. 249 Pages

Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman. Harper, 2009, 117 Pages

The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary by Candace Fleming. Scwartz & Wade Books, 2008. 181 pages.

Nonfiction the way it should read! Fleming created this beautiful look at Abraham and Mary Lincoln as a 19thcentury scrap book complete w/ period photos, newpaper articles, letters, and other related bits of art, objects and ephemera -- and yet continues to tell the biographies of the 2 people and the times in a well written, easy to read and magnificent to look at oversized book. Something for everyone, complete w/ index and timelines and source list of books, websites and photos to satisfy the most enthusiastic young historians. Stands with the best Lincoln bios and photobooks. YES!

Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman. HarperTeen, 2000. 112 pages.

14 year old Shawn McDaniel is paralyzed totally-- unable to even move his eyes. But unknown to his family, his mind sharp and he is fully aware of what goes on around him. He thinks his father is trying to kill him, but he has no way to tell anyone.
Fast paced and well done, this HILO is told in the voice of Shawn himself. a winner for boys and reluctant readers and everyone else. several in series, great for bookclubs.

The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex. Hyperion, 2007. 425 pages

Upper Elementary/Early Middle-- fast paced and very well written, cleverly put together this fantasy has all the right elements-- a strong orphan-ed type heroine who sets out with a good natured and misunderstood alien on a quest to save the world and her family. A long book for this age- 400 pages. Funny and well done for strong readers-- due to length, mostly.