No Such Person by Caroline B. Cooney

If you are looking for a mystery make sure you check out all the offerings by this author.  She is an amazing mystery writer and she does not disappoint with this story.  This story kept me guessing!  It tells the story of a murder through narratives by Lander, who is in jail accused of the murder and her sister Miranda who is set on proving Lander didn't do it.  I finished this pretty quickly because I just didn't want to put it down!!  If this one is checked out make sure you check the shelf for other books written by this author.  You won't be disappointed.

Skary Childrin and the Carousel of Sorrow by Katy Towell

This book was recommended to me by a 6th grader, and I'm so glad it was!  It was great.  Madame Gertrude's School for Girls is not a happy place for Adelaide, Beatrice and Maggie.  Kids are terribly mean to them because they are different (Maggie is super strong, Beatrice can see and speak to ghosts and Adelaide is slightly "werewolfish").  But these "different" kids come to the aid of the town when people begin disappearing!  Interesting supernatural little mystery that I enjoyed.  I would love to read more about the adventures of Adelaide, Beatrice and Maggie.

Revived by Cat Patrick

Daisy was 4 the first time she died. Luckily, she was brought back to life by an experimental drug called revive.  Because of this, she is now part of this secret government project.  Good thing, since she has since died and come back several more times.  Each time she dies she has to move and get a new identity.  Now Daisy is in Omaha and she has met a great friend and is well on her way to having a boyfriend.  Unfortunately, she faces a devastating loss and begins to take a closer look at the program she in which she is involved with some scary consequences.  Daisy's look into the program left me wanting more details, but this story was more about loss and how each of us may deal with this differently.  I was thinking maybe my questions might be answered in a sequel, but I think this is a stand alone book, which is a nice change of pace these days!

Cured: A Stung Novel by Bethany Wiggins

This is a follow up to the Golden Sower, Stung.  In this novel we are introduced to Jacqui. Because of the dangers of her world after the honeybee virus destroyed life as they knew it, Jacqui must disguise herself as a boy. People outside her family know her as Jack.  "Jack" calls on Fiona and Jonah Tarsis (from book 1) to help her find her brother Dean who went missing.  Just like stung, this is full of action and is a great read.

The Cryptid Files #2: The Chupacabra by Jean Flitcroft

I recently wrote about #1 in this series, The Loch Ness Monster.  #2 is just as good.  This time Vanessa goes to visit her friend's cousin in Mexico. The ranch where they are staying has been plagued with mysterious animal deaths.  Vanessa is sure it is the mythical Chupacabra that is doing it.  I love the way the author starts each chapter with some "fact" or reported story of creature that the book is about.  Looking forward to reading #3 The Pacific Giants

The Nest by Kenneth Oppel

What a unique book!  Steve has always been a worrier, but his worrying has become even worse since his brother was born.  Steve's brother is very sick.  He begins to have dreams about some wasps who seem to want to try to help.  All he has to do is say "yes" and his brother will be "fixed."  Steve begins to REALLY WORRY when he finds out what the wasps are really doing to fix his brother's problems.  Are  these wasps real or imagined?  Should he say "yes" or "no"?? Read and find out.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1 The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Mr. Riordan has done it again.  He has created a fantastic story of a demigod that is full of adventure and action.  This time the "hero" of the story is the child of a Norse god.  Can't wait for the next one!!

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt

This is a fantastic book. I read it on Tuesday during the storm (its not big...but its a huge story). Jack's new foster brother is known to have attacked a teacher and been incarcerated at a place called Stone Mt. Both boys are in 8th grade, but along with his troubled past, Joseph has a daughter that he has never seen but longs to be a part of her life. This is a story about redemption, 2nd chances and understanding. It is sad but, such a beautiful story. 

Bluefish by Pat Schmatz

This is a nice story about two kids with terrible home lives that make each others lives a little bit better.  The story is told through alternating chapters by Travis and "Velveeta." Travis is new to town and he hates living with his newly sober alcoholic father.  Velveeta's mom is also an alcoholic but is extremely absent in her life.  Travis has a secret and his teacher has figured it out and slyly gets Velveeta to help. This was just a nice realistic fiction story.  It was a nice change of pace from all the dystopian sci fi that is out there.