The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Ana is the daughter of Republican supporters in post civil war Spain. She and her siblings try to stay invisible and earn a meager living under Franco’s regime. Daniel Matheson is the son of an American oil tycoon who is trying to arrange drilling rights with Franco. With his interest in photography, Daniel observes some of the fear and repression of Franco’s reign. His friendship with Ana leads both of them to some secrets and possible danger.

In The Fountains of Silence, Ruta Supetys does an excellent job creating interesting characters with an engaging storyline. She also portrays a detailed picture of life in Franco’s Spain. Her novel is perfect for readers who enjoy a good story while increasing their understanding of different cultures and ways of life.

Recommended ages--13 and up

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

For five years, Coyote and her father, Rodeo, have been roaming around the country in their giant, yellow school bus. They started their journey after Coyote lost her mom and sisters in a car crash. Rodeo is running away from the loss and never looking back. The wandering lifestyle suits Coyote just fine, until she learns that a park where she, her sisters, and her mom buried a memory box is about to be demolished. Suddenly, Coyote desperately needs to get home, but that’s the last place Rodeo will let her go.

As Coyote stealthily urges Rodeo toward home, they pick up a group of unlikely passengers. Each person (and animal) they invite in teaches them more about life, friendship, and belonging. Through a variety of misadventures, they each learn more about themselves and the power of needing and trusting others. With a cast of delightful characters, this travel log of a story will warm the hearts of all readers. Coyote and her friends are some of my new favorite characters. I’d share a ride with them anytime.

Recommended ages--9 and up

The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Ann Barnes

Kira Bennett doesn’t remember much of her life before being found in the woods by Cady Bennett and her search-and-rescue dog. Even years later, Kira still struggles with human interaction and normal life. She loves her adopted family, but feels more comfortable with the rescue dogs they train. When Cady receives word of a little girl who has become lost in Sierra Glades National Park, she takes Kira and Jude along with their dogs to join the search.

As Kira searches for the little girl, memories of her own past begin to surface. While she and her friends race to find the missing girl, Kira must also face the truth about the life she left behind. Part mystery and part psychological thriller, The Lovely and the Lost is a fast paced read that remains teen appropriate. It is exciting without becoming gritty or disturbing.

Recommended ages--13 and up