The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

This book has rhythm, literally.  Written in verse, this book tells the story of twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan Bell.  Its a story of brotherhood, friendship and some hardship.  I love novels in verse because I find it amazing that the author can tell such a detailed story in a short amount of words.  This book won both the John Newbery Medal as well as being a Coretta Scott King Award Honor book.

Atlantia by Ally Condie

If you read her last trilogy (Matched, Crossed and Reached) you are going to want to grab this new book by Ally Condie.  It is dystopian literature taken to new depths...get it...new depths, it takes place under water.  :)  Atlantia is created because climate change and pollution have made it unsafe to live "Above."  There are still people that live in the "Above" but they only live to provide for those that were saved and sent "Below."  At least that is what they have always been told.  Rio is a strong female character and I really liked her.  I also liked the twist that Ms. Condie gave to the myth of the sirens.  Sirens were mythological creatures that would lure sailors to their deaths with their beautiful singing.  Rio is a siren, but she is human and isn't really luring anyone to their deaths. Atlantia has both worshipped and feared the sirens in their midst throughout their history.  This was a very enjoyable read.

The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech

I read this book VERY QUICKLY.  I just couldn't put it down.  A young couple wakes up to find a boy asleep on their porch.  He can't speak so they are not sure who brought him here and when they might be back to get him.  Jacob, the boy, is delightful.  He has his own way of communicating by tapping and he wins the hearts of both the couple and the animals on the farm.  I just loved this story. It was so sweet and intriguing as you read to find out who Jacob was.

Both of Me by Jonathan Friesen

Jonathan Friesen wrote one of my favorite books called "Jerk, California" about a boy with Tourettes Syndrome. (read it if you haven't already)  In this story, the main character suffers from a dissociative identity disorder, what we used to call multiple personality disorder.  Elias has 2 personalities and Clara who is traveling on her own trying to escape her own problem meets both of them.  She is determined to help the Elias that she has come to love stay forever by helping the odd, paranoid Elias with his quest.  Great read.

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

I fell in love with the characters in this book!!  I just finished this book today and was so sad I won't be spending my morning and evening reading time with them.  The story is told alternating between Eleanor's and Park's perspective. The book takes place in 1986 in Omaha, NE.  There is bullying, sibling rivalry, connections made through music, a scary mean stepdad.  Lots of books have these themes, but Rainbow Rowell presents it in a new, fresh and beautifully written way.  I just LOVED it!  I think 7th and 8th graders will like it also.