Lost in the Sun, Lisa Graff. While playing hockey, Trent shot a puck right into the chest of Jared Richards, killing him. No one knew he had a heart defect. Trent's life takes a downward spin from there: friends distance themselves, grades spiral downward, behavior takes a negative turn. Fallon Little, a girl with her own hidden story leading to a noticeable scar on her face, sees something in Trent that draws her to him. They eat lunch together, and form the after school movie club, watching baseball movies. Not wanting to spend time with his distant father, whose new wife is expecting a baby, he lands himself in after school detention with Ms. Emerson, his homeroom teacher. She gives him the chore of watering her plants each day. Baseball is his love; however the coach for whom he must try out, is also his gym teacher and Trent prefers hanging out in the stands than participate in PE class.

Despite his mom's and brothers' attempts at encouraging him to spend time with their dad, he's not interested. And when Jeremiah Jacobson, his arch nemesis, picks a fight with him, Trent pummels him badly. Unbeknownst to him, Fallon saw it all and begins to withdraw from him. Her parents don't want him around anymore. It takes quite a bit of work for him to earn her trust back again.

When you try to catch a fly ball, it can get lost in the sun. Trent got lost in the sun. With the help of a friendless girl, Fallon is the one able to help him find his way again. This is a story of forgiveness and friendship . . . and one that will stay with you for quite some time.

Nightingale's Nest, Nikki Loftin. Little John's life is falling apart. His younger sister, Raelynn, died when falling from a tree. Money is tight and what little money dad earns with his tree removal business, is often drunk, away, and leaving no money for the rent. Little John's mom has not been the same since Raelynn's death and he gets no comfort from her. Gayle, the orphan living with the dysfunctional Cutlin family, has a voice that sings in harmony with the birds and heals hurts. Bruises, bumps and  busted limbs are healed with her singing and she is the only one that brings Little John comfort. Mr. King, the richest man in the county, offers to pay Little John $500 to bring Gayle to him so he can record her voice. He does and her voice leaves her. Little John refuses to take the money because of his betrayal, but his dad nabs the money, putting it away for the rent. Little John feels it wrong to keep the money so he takes it and gives it to Gayle, who uses it to fluff the nest she builds high up in a tree. Jeb Cutlin, their cunning neighbor, witnessed the transaction and steals the money from the nest. The eviction notice on the door brings more shame to Little John, as he was trusted to pay the rent. To earn the rent money, Little John must cut down the tree with the nest, that he promised Gayle he would never do in order to keep his family in their home.

This is lovely story about a young boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders and the girl with a voice that heals.

Radiance, by Alyson Noel. Twelve year old Riley Bloom has been dead for a year, along with her parents and beloved dog, Buttercup. Ever, her older and revered sister was left behind. Riley now lives in the Here & Now, where there is no time, other than "now." She struggles with being Here and not annoying her sister, whom she is sure is witnessing some awesome things. In the Here, she has an assignment to face Radiant Boy and bring across the bridge, a task no one has yet been able to do. Bodhi, a dorky looking boy, is assigned to be her teacher and because he has his doubts, he promises to teach her to fly to London if she can accomplish it. Not only does she accomplish it, but she helps him confront his own assignment . . . Whaling Woman, so that he can move to the next level.

This is a quick and simple read and one that many girls would enjoy. I found it to be a bit loose with a lack of deep character development. I would not recommend it as a read aloud, but for that specific girl that will not recognize its flaws, it could be enjoyed.