The Great Treehouse War by Lisa Graff

Winifred Malladi-Maraj has had a difficult fifth grade year. Since her parents divorce, Winnie spends half her week with her father and half her week with her mother. Also, just to make sure it is exactly fair, Winnie spends Wednesdays on her own in the treehouse between her parents’ houses. As her parents compete to make their time the most exciting and the best, Winnie lives for Wednesdays when she can do what she wants. When her parents threaten to take her Wednesdays away, Winnie has had enough. She goes into her treehouse and refuses to come down until her parents will talk without fighting and listen to what Winnie has to say. Soon, Winnie is joined by her friends who have their own complaints and demands for their families.

So begins The Great Treehouse War. The Treehouse Ten make their demands and their parents refuse to comply. After two weeks, life in the treehouse is no longer quite as fun and Winnie begins to see that what we want and what we need might be very different. This lighthearted story illustrates the importance of communication and compromise in all types of relationships. The writing is clever and the book includes great graphics and side notes that give the characters voice and personality. This is a good summer read for middle grade readers or would be a good read aloud.

Recommended ages--8-12 years

Royals by Rachel Hawkins

When her sister becomes engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland, Daisy Winters thinks she can stay out of the spotlight. However, she underestimates just how hard the tabloids will work to find a little gossip. In an attempt to combat bad press, the royal family insists Daisy leave her small town in Florida and spend her summer break in Scotland. But will life in Scotland prevent scandal or just cause more of it? And who is the real problem--Daisy or the royal siblings?

Lighthearted and completely predictable, Royals is appropriately timed. It is a perfect story for teens and tweens caught up in the current royal wedding and all attending gossip. Hawkins does a great job with humor and characterization to give her Princess story a life of its own. The storyline is pure fluff and fun, but some of the characters do add a little depth. A good, clean summer read.

Recommended ages--12 and up

Unearthly Things by Michelle Gagnon

I am always intrigued by the retelling of a classic or a fairytale, so I had to give this modern Jane Eyre a try. In Unearthly Things, Magnon follows several elements of this classic Gothic novel and creates a modern ghost story. The slightly creepy tale is entertaining for Jane Eyre lovers as well as those unfamiliar with the story.

After her parents are killed in an accident, Janie Mason is sent to live with previously unknown family friends. The Rochester family follows an extravagant lifestyle that makes Janie feel out of place and uncomfortable. Their strange and often malevolent behavior hides many secrets--secrets that might even threaten Janie’s life. A compelling read for those who like mystery thrillers.

Recommended ages--13 and up