The Ear, The Eye, the Arm. Nancy Farmer

In 2194, Zimbabwe's Chief of Security keeps his country safe from gangs. But when his three children escape their hypersecure compound seeking adventure, they are quickly kidnapped and sold to work in a plastics mine. Three mutant detectives with psychic abilities search for the children, whose own attempts at saving themselves only get them deeper into trouble. When the children fall into the hands of Zimbabwe's only remaining gang, the deadly Masks, it's a race against time to save them. I can't say enough good things about Nancy Farmer. I've read three of her books and they all feature the most unusual settings, like futuristic Central America (House of the Scorpion), and complicated characters, such as the brutal but principled Viking leader in Sea of Trolls. All three are a little dark, but not without hope!

Elsewhere, Gabrielle Zevin

Even in death, Liz can't get a break. After her untimely demise at 15, she finds herself in Elsewhere, which is a lot like Earth. People have homes, families and jobs (Marilyn Monroe is a therapist!), and can even watch events on Earth through binoculars. But instead of growing up, everyone grows down, getting younger each year, until they are sent back to earth as newborns. Liz can't believe that she will never be 16 again!

Samurai Shortstop, Alan Gratz

The age of the Samurai is over. Just over - it's 1890, and Japan's Emperor has recently ordered all Samurai to give up their swords. Rather than do so, Toyo's uncle commits ritual suicide, right in front of Toyo (NOT for the squeamish!!!). Still reeling over his uncle's death, Toyo has been sent to Japan's most exclusive boarding school. The older kids there mercilessly haze the younger ones, beating them senseless in the middle of the night. Toyo gains a measure of respect because he's really good at baseball. But then his father starts teaching him the ways of the Samurai, and Toyo begins to worry that his father intends to commit suicide, and wants Toyo to assist him... Readers will cheer for Toyo as he outwits the older boys, laugh with him and his funny friend Futoshi, and worry along with him about his father. And the sports scenes are cool - they play baseball in flip flops! Check out the book's website.

Shug, Jenny Han

What happens when you fall for your best friend, but he doesn't fall for you? Unfortunately for her, Annemarie (Shug) Wilcox is about to find out. The perfect summer novel! Author Jenny Han has not forgotten what it's like to be a seventh grader. Check out her website at www.jennyhanwrites.com

Summer Reading Lists

The summer reading lists will be distributed soon through Core classes. Be sure to start early and leave yourself time. Not so much time to finish your books - that's a given! But time to decide that you don't like the book you picked, to STOP wasting your time reading a free-choice book you hate, and to FIND a book you'll REALLY love. Now, this doesn't apply to assigned books, like The Outsiders - but I haven't ever met anyone who hated that book! Check out the reading links if you need help finding a good book, or talk to your public librarian. Or me, if you get an early jump on this. View the summer reading lists here. Happy Reading!