Restart by Gordon Korman

When Chase Ambrose wakes up in the hospital, he doesn’t remember anything about his life. He doesn’t remember falling of the roof. He doesn’t remember his family. And he doesn’t remember who he is. When Chase resumes his life, he gets mixed reactions. His football buddies treat him like a returning hero, until they learn his head injury will keep him from playing. Other students seem angry at him or even afraid. From what people tell Chase and from what he begins to remember, Chase wonders if he likes who he was and he still isn’t sure who he is.

Chase makes new friends and starts a new life, but some people don’t want him to change. Will he be able to break away from his past and become the Chase he really wants to be? Restart is an intriguing middle school novel with a wide cast of characters that kids can relate to. Chase’s experience shows the best and worst of middle school life, but also presents a hopeful look at the power of change. Restart is a new favorite for my middle school and tween recommendations.

Recommended ages--10 and up

Moo by Sharon Creech

Through her unique, poetic language, Sharon Creech tells the story of Reena and her family. Tired of life in the bustling and fast-paced city, they make a dramatic switch to a small, farming town in Maine. Reena dreams of beaches, blueberries, and lobster. Instead, her parents “volunteer” Reena and her brother Luke as farm helpers for an eccentric neighbor.

Creech uses stubborn farm animals and interesting characters to teach powerful lessons. Reena’s experiences make an uplifting story about how kindness and trying new things can change lives. Moo is a great family story to read alone or with others.

Recommended ages--8-12 years

On the Fence by Kasie West

After losing her mother at the age of six, Charlie Reynolds is raised by her father and three protective older brothers (and an equally protective brotherly neighbor). Charlie lives for sports and has little patience for anything else. However, when she gets a job selling women’s clothing and makes some new friends, Charlie realizes she likes attention from boys outside of the usual pickup games. Not only that, her feelings for her longtime neighbor and friend Braden are changing as well.

On the Fence is the typical ‘boy next door’ story where the diehard tomboy turns into a young woman and her lifelong neighbor finally notices. In spite of all the cliches, I enjoyed this story and was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the main characters. It is cheesy, predictable, and some of the side characters are sadly underdeveloped, but Charlie, her brothers, and Braden make up for those weaknesses. This is a clean teen romance that also teaches the importance of being true to yourself. A light and harmless read.

Recommended ages 12 and up