96 Miles by J.L. Esplin

When a large power outage hits the western United States, John and Stew are prepared. Even with their father gone and being alone in their remote Nevada home, the boys aren’t concerned. But when they are held at gunpoint and robbed of all their emergency supplies, life becomes desperate. John knows their only way to survive is to walk the 96 miles to Brighton Ranch. There are friends there who can help them. But can they survive walking the 96 miles with only eight cups of water?

96 Miles is a book with a little bit of everything. It has a post-apocalyptic type feel with feats of survival on every page. It is also a story about family connections and never giving up in the face of adversity. John and Stew Lockwood are everyday brothers who face amazing odds and their story will keep you reading.

Recommended ages--11-15 years old

The Start of Me and You by Emory Lord

Paige Hancock is known as the Girl Whose Boyfriend Drowned and the pitying looks never let her forget it. After a year, Paige is determined to reenter true teenage life. She even makes a list. However, a well-laid plan doesn’t always go perfectly. Some of Paige’s goals are attainable. She joins the school’s QuizBowl team and even attends a party. But dating again is harder than she anticipates.

As Paige makes new friends and faces new challenges, she realizes that part of living life is accepting all that comes your way. In The Start of Me and You, Emory Lord creates solid characters with very real problems. While her story has some teen romance, it is more about friendship and learning to know yourself. Also, the imagery and storytelling is well crafted. This is a wonderfully clean read (a little language) about the important give and take of good friendships.

Recommended ages--13 and up

Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech

From birth, Louie has been considered fragile. Maybe that is why he is drawn to the small, motherless donkey brought home from his uncle’s farm. Everyone predicts the animal will die, but Louie is determined to prove them wrong. In spite of all odds, Louie and his donkey Winslow will show the world the strength inside things sometimes considered the most fragile.

Sharon Creech is back with another beautiful and heartwarming story. In Saving Winslow, she doesn’t shy away from hard topics, but presents them in a soft enough light to be appropriate for young readers. Saving Winslow is a salute to the power of family, friendship, and finding our personal strength. Short and simple enough for younger readers, but powerful enough for all to enjoy.

Recommended ages--9 and up