Dog Driven by Terry Lynn Johnson

McKenna Barney loves running with her team of sled dogs. They help her forget the stress at home of dealing with her younger sister’s degenerative eye disease, until McKenna herself notices her vision is also starting to fade. But instead of telling her family, McKenna hides her condition and agrees to compete in a sled race across the Canadian wilderness.

Dog Driven is a story of courage and survival, but also about knowing when to ask for help. McKenna’s story draws attention to Stargart’s disease and also the art of dog sled racing. It holds interest for a variety of readers, but especially those who enjoy Gary Paulsen’s survival stories.

Recommended ages--10 and up

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Everyone in Fairview knows the story of how Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh. The story has been canon for five years, but Pippa Fitz-Amobi is not convinced. She is so sure the story is wrong, that she commits to research the murder for her senior capstone project. Pip even enlists the help of Sal’s younger brother Ravi. However, as the two begin to uncover more hidden secrets, they realize the danger might not be over.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a well written mystery with plenty of plot twists and physical and psychological action. It has all the elements of a traditional ‘who done it’ while staying unique in the storytelling and characterization. Great tween/teen mystery.

Recommended ages--12 and up

Bluefish by Pat Schmatz

When Travis and his Grandpa move to a new town, Travis is angry and determined to keep to himself. He only wants to hide in his classes at school. But then Velveeta notices Travis. She is as loud as he is quiet with a vibrant personality that captures the attention of the whole room. Her attention, along with that of an attentive teacher, might finally help Travis come out of the shadows.

Bluefish is a heartfelt book that tackles some difficult issues, but overall it is about hope and the power of good people to make the world right again. The characters are marvelous and it is a perfect read for both teens and tweens--especially those that have sometimes felt inadequate.

Recommended ages--11 and up