I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick

When Anna Cicconi starts her summer nannying job, she is ready for a new start. But throughout the small community, Anna is met with strange reactions. It turns out that she closely resembles Zoe Spanos, a girl from the area who went missing around six months ago. Intrigued by the mystery, Anna begins learning about Zoe’s disappearance. She also starts having inexplicable memories that make her think she knows Zoe Spanos and maybe even knows what happened to her. But can Anna’s memories be trusted?

This twisty YA mystery will keep readers hooked until the very end. With a complex plot and an unreliable narrator, it fits the mystery bill without being predictable. Fast paced and suspenseful, try this one if you love mysteries. Also, for you classics lovers, it is a modern tribute to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.

Recommended ages 13 and up

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez

Maria Louisa, or Malú as she prefers to be called, is dreading her first day at Posada Middle School. She wonders if she will find her people--the ones who she can be completely herself with. Because Malú loves punk rock, skateboarding, zines, and Soyrizo, but she doesn’t love cilantro or speaking Spanish. Malú also worries about disappointing her mother by not being Mexican or senorita enough. Will Malú learn to follow the first rule of punk and be herself or will she be defeated by all the expectations?

The First Rule of Punk is a great addition to the middle school reading world. Malú is an endearing spunky character who deals with the challenges kids face every day. Her voice and story are both creative and relatable with fun and artistic zines thrown in to catch the reader’s interest. I recommend her story to all middle school readers, but especially those who need a little help remembering to be themselves.

Recommended ages--10-14 years old.

Skyjacked by Paul Griffin

Cassie, Tim, Emily, and Jay are flying home from a camping trip on Cassie’s family’s private jet. But soon after take off, the kids notice they are flying in the wrong direction. The cockpit is locked and no one knows what is going on. Suddenly none of them know exactly who to trust or how they will survive the situation.

This high action adventure is a quick read that I finished in one afternoon. It is a perfect book to capture the attention of reluctant readers as well as those that love to read. The story switches between the different teens points of view and makes the reading engaging and real.

Recommended ages--12 and up