Pax, Sara Pennypacker. Peter, a young boy and Pax, his pet fox are inseparable. Peter's mother died on her way to the grocery store and his unfeeling father must leave for war, meaning Peter must go to live with his grandfather. On their way, they stop by the edge of a woods to drop Pax off, who has never had to fend for himself. Realizing he made a terrible mistake, Peter runs away from his grandfather's to go back to hopefully find Pax in the same spot. He trips. He breaks his leg. He wakes up in the home of Vola, a reclusive woman who has her own demons to work through. She insists Peter stay with her so his leg can be casted and healed. Despite his protests, he stays; however, itching to leave and make his way back to Pax. She gives him three conditions and then she will let him go. When he senses he must leave, she says she can take him into town to catch a bus that will take him two-thirds of the way there. He consents; however, he has his own three conditions for her.

Told in alternate chapters by Peter and Pax. the reader follows the two as they make their way through war torn lands, coyote attacks and uncertain futures, back to one another. This is an emotional story sure to tug at the heartstrings as they realize they may not be able to go back to the way things once were.

All the Answers, Kate Messner. When Ava fumbled through a desk drawer, looking for a pencil, she never would have thought the ups and downs that pencil would give her. While taking a test at school, she learns that the blue pencil gives her answers to questions she writes down. She shares it with her best friend, Sophie, who also hears the voice. Through giggles and laughter, they ask all kinds of benign questions and get answers to almost everything. They use the pencil for good when they find out what the elder residents truly want when they visit the home where Ava's grandfather lives. Some are easy to acquire, like an old baseball or a pair of wool socks. Others are more challenging, like her grandfather wanting Ava's mother's forgiveness. The pencil brings Ava anxiety when she learns her mother has cancer but doesn't yet know it. She convinces her mom to keep her mammogram appointment instead of chaperoning on her field trip to the nature center high ropes course. To keep her mind off her mom's day, she forces herself to fret through each obstacle despite her wretched anxiety. She ends up being only one of ten kids to complete all ten obstacles.

One day in school, she learns her grandfather is not doing well. She leaves school, walking to the home, hoping to convince her mom to forgive her father. But, she also learns more about the voice behind the pencil.

This is a moving story that, at first, appears lighthearted and magical, yet has so much depth. It goes far beyond a talking pencil, but latches onto loss, life and acceptance. It wraps its arms around you, hugs you and stays with you. Don't miss out on this moving story.

The Marvels, Brian Selznick. Most definitely, Selznick has created a new style of writing. With the first 386 pages all strikingly beautiful pencil drawings, a story unfolds that takes us back to 1766. When two brothers escape the sinking Kraken, and land on an island with their dog, Tar, one brother is buried. The surviving brother, Billy Marvel, stumbles upon the Shakespearean Royal Theater stage as an actor, leaving his mark. His future heirs follow in his footsteps, until Leo seeks a different path and goes in search of the sea. When a fire blazes through the theater, Leo rushes back, hoping to save his grandfather. There, the pictures stop, leaving us to wonder.

Following is the written story of Joseph, a boarding school runaway, on a quest to find his uncle, Alfred Nightingale (his mom's brother), in the small village of Spitalfields at 18 Folgate Street, London. Once he finds him and is reluctantly invited into the house, he is transported back years and years to fancy chandeliers, crystal tea cups and china dishware, all laid out with a detailed precision. Trying to piece together the story of his family and convinced A. Nightingale has the answers, he and Frankie, or Frances, his new found friend, steal a box of cassette tapes that tells  it all, which correlates exactly with the illustrated story. Glued to his uncle's every word, the story unfolds until it just stops . . . like the drawings. Joseph will not quit until he gets answers.

The reader will be as surprised as Joseph when he learns the truth. What commences is a relationship that endures. Pick up this book and get immersed in the story within a story within a story. I dare you to put it down before you finish.

The Neptune Project, Polly Holyoke. Set hundreds of years into the future when humans ruined the Earth, Nere is forced by her mother to live in the sea. Without her knowledge, she, along with other kids, have been genetically changed to live like a fish. She learns that her father, whom she presumed dead, is actually alive, but to get to him, she must travel through dangerous waters, the Western Collective and The Marine Guard who are willing to pay for their capture. The Neptune Project, created to provide a safer life below the waters, is an adjustment she is not sure she likes. Surviving with a group of kids, she is soon deemed the leader. Surrounding them are a pod of dolphins with whom she can communicate telepathically and count on for support and safety. Dai, the one boy that seems misplaced with her group, gives them all pause for concern, and yet, he continues to surprise them with his skills and awkward friendship.

Holyoke takes the reader on a twisting, turning adventure into the underworld of sea life. Surprises await, as do sadness, disappointment and acceptance. A surefire entertainment for science fiction fans.

Crenshaw, Katherine Applegate. Jackson and his family are struggling financially. He and his younger sister, Robin, play Cerealball to pass the time, which is accurately tossing Cheerios into a cap, or bowl before allowing themselves to eat it. Their father has multiple sclerosis and is unable to keep his construction and handy man jobs. Money is tight, things get sold and they have to move out of their home and into their minivan. His parents always see the brighter side of things, but Jackson wants to be treated like an adult and be told the honest truth. Crenshaw, his imaginary cat, comes around when Jackson seems to need him most; although, he likes things that can be explained and doesn't believe in imaginary friends.

This is a sweet and tender story about hope and family and looking forward. It's about growing up and staying young, wanting the facts, believing in the truth, and having a reliable friend with whom to share your feelings.  

The False Prince, Jennifer Nielsen. Sage, along with three other boys are found by Mr. Connor, who is looking for an orphaned boy to replace the dead Prince Jeron, He, his parents and older brother, the rightful heir to the thrown, perished in a sinking boat. Because the boys resemble the late prince, they are chosen, but must become proficient in various tasks to be deemed the winning choice: sword fighting, reading, learning manners, magic, cleanliness. Each have strengths and weaknesses. The first night, when the boys are offered the opportunity to leave with no repercussions, Latamer chooses to do that. He is shot in the back by Cregan, leaving Rodin, Tobias and Sage to compete for the thrown. The two left behind fear the same fate as Latamer. Imogene, a small mute servant girl aids Sage when he endures beatings, solitary confinement and starvation. Sage is most like Jeron; however, his mischievous behavior causes friction between him and Connor.

For the readers of fantasy, this is a sure fire win. The deeper one gets into the story, the more one cannot be pulled out easily. It is fast paced, with a mix of curiosity, thrilling scenes, good vs. evil and a touch of romance. The Runaway King, the follow-up will surely be sought out.

 A Tangle of Knots, Lisa Graff. Such a lovely story. The Owner, standing two inches off the floor, owns jars and jars of talents with the ability to switch, swap, take, and give people their "talent." He is also on a quest to collect all 36 blue suitcases with the St. Anthony's stamp, looking for something lost long ago. Will Asher can disappear, appearing to be lost, Marigold Asher is unable to find her talent and Zane Asher, is close to going to boarding school because of his misbehavior in school. Cady, the longest resident at Miss Malory's Home for Lost Girls in Poughkeepsie, bakes the perfect cake for anyone she comes across and kind, gentle Miss Malory has the talent for matching up each of her orphans with their perfect family but she has a soft spot for Cady. "V", or Victoria Vance, a mute mystery writer may just hold a clue for Cady and her past.

These characters start off as unconnected, yet, as the story winds down, a tiny slip of paper with the recipe for perfect peanut butter, a blue suitcase, a ferret named Sally and a dinosaur bone used as a hairpin converge upon the convention center for Cady's cake-off in a wet mess of dough and batter. A teaspoon of knots, a tablespoon of talents and a cup of magic make this a darling story.

Baked throughout the book, are cake recipes that Cady associates with their perfect mate.

100 Cupboards, N.D. Wilson.  The first in a series of three books, this will delight young fans of the fantastical world of what lies on the other side of the doors - cupboard doors, that is. Young Henry, off to live with his Uncle Frank, Aunt Dotty and three cousins: Anastashia, Penelope and Henrietta, the one with whom he travels to other worlds, hears some thumps and bumps in the night. Henry pulls the wall apart in his room to find various sized cupboard doors, of different sizes and shapes that had been hidden for years. Some lead to goodness and others lead to evil. He and Henrietta, having found a journal, explore many of the doors, only to get lost, escape danger and pursue the mystery of their grandfather and how the cupboard doors came to be. This book was recommended to me by a student and this story is sure to win the hearts of many young readers.

13 Treasures, Michelle Harrison. Tanya, a young girl visited by evil fairies that torture her, confounds her mother who does not see fairies, is sent to live with her hateful grandmother. One day, upon entering the vast forest behind her grandmother's house, and unable to find her way back out again, she comes across another young girl, Red, that appears to live in the forest. She proves to be an important character throughout the story. Tanya and Fabian, the groundskeeper's son, form a friendship that takes them back into the forest to learn the real secrets behind the "13 treasures" and the story behind them. Dwarves, trolls, fairies and witchery hide behind every corner of these pages. One morning, Tanya awakes to a room full of her own hair growing at such a rate that it fills the room. On a final journey into the woods, she and Fabian are confronted by the aged Morwenna Bloom, who reveals the secret of why Florence, Tanya's grandmother, has been so distant. About to be captured and exchanged for her youth, Fabian hightails it out of the forest and away from Tanya. Readers will be kept on the edge of their seats right there with Tanya, hoping that, against all odds, someone will come to her rescue.

This is a story sure to be enjoyed by your fans of the mystical and mysterious. Suspense, intrigue and curiosity await all that pick up this book.

The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp, Kathy Appelt. Bingo and J'miah, the newest raccoon Sugar Man Swamp Scouts, are out to find the Sugar Man to save their homeland from impending doom - hogs. Chap, a young boy, is out to do the same thing because Jaeger Stitch has sights on turning the swamp into the Alligator World Wrestling Arena and Theme Park. Although they don't know it, the raccoons and Chap are on the same mission - to save the swamp. Chap has no chance against Stitch and his money wallet and Bingo and J'miah are desperately trying to stay ahead of the loud and getting louder rumbling. This sweet story was a National Book Award Finalist. Many characters, human and animal, and story lines may be confusing for some readers. Chapters are very short, sometimes a half a page, and they alternate between story lines. The author brings it all together with a satisfying, sweet ending. This might be easier to share as a read aloud and keeping track of the different characters as a reference.

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell, Chris Colfer. Alex and Connor are given a special fairy tale book from their grandmother after the passing of their father. Little do they know of the magic found within the pages, until one night they fall into the book and land among the familiar fairy tale characters that we all know and love. Upon entering the fairy kingdom, they first meet Froggy, a reappearing character, that helps them more than once in their quest to get back home. He explains that to return to their mother, they must gather several items, including a fairy's teardrop, Sleeping Beauty's spindle and a lock of Rapunzel's hair. Once collected, the Wishing Spell will grant one final wish. Not surprisingly, evil wolves and trolls slow them down while fairies and dwarves toss out their goodness. With a couple of items tucked away in their satchel, they learn that the Evil Queen is also desiring of the final wish and she has the powers to bring Alex and Connor down. When the brother and sister finally collect all the items, they are kidnapped and brought to the Evil Queen who tricks them to win the final wish. In Cinderella fashion, the Fairy Godmother makes an entrance and shares a surprising secret, bringing the story to a satisfying "happily ever after."

This is a fantastical story, bringing back fond memories of tales all children should have as friends. If not, perhaps, reading and visiting with the familiar fairy tales will provide the foundation. With over 400 pages, recommend this book for stronger readers and they will not be disappointed.

A Monster Calls, Patrick Ness. An unforgettable book and winner of multiple awards. Conor O'Malley's nightmare monster shows up night after night, at 12:07, just as his mother starts her unsuccessful treatments for cancer. Through a series of stories that the monster tells Conor, he is seeking for him to identify his own truth, which Conor is loathe to speak. Ness has written a beautiful story on behalf of Siobhan Dowd, herself an author, that lost her life too soon. It is about life and death, forgiveness and acceptance, love and anger, holding on and letting go. A lovely book to offer anyone struggling with a loss, or learning how to accept the unacceptable. I highly recommend this book, even if you read it only for yourself.

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy, Karen Foxlee. Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard, a young cynic of anything beyond the ordinary, moves to a museum with her sister, Alice, and their father who takes the job as curator of swords. Upon exploring the seven floors of the museum which houses everything from stuffed elephants to crowns and tiaras, she comes across a boy trapped behind a door on the third floor. After accepting that he is real and needs her help to free him from the Snow Queen, she sets off on several adventures to obtain three keys necessary to open the door. She must endure talking ghosts, hungry birds and the watchful eye of Miss Kaminski. Throughout the story, she learns the story of how "the boy" came to lose his name and how he got trapped for hundreds of years behind the door.

This would make a great read aloud. I found it to be fun with just the right amount of intrigue to keep kids wanting more. Once the kids know the book, it would make a marvelous mentor text for how to use lists; they are prolific throughout.

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.