Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Identical twins Josh and Jordan Bell dominate the basketball court on their middle school team. But as they fight their way to the championship, sibling rivalry threatens to destroy Josh and Jordan’s game. Will the kings of the court be able to work together when it matters most?

Through free verse, rhyme, and powerful poetry, Josh relates his struggles with basketball, brotherhood, and what it means to be a family. This explosive story with the unique writing style will appeal to sports lovers as well as those who enjoy the power of language. Perfect for tweens, Crossover addresses common concerns of middle school life while teaching valuable lessons about family and growing up.

Recommended ages--10 and up

The Possibility of Now by Kim Culbertson

Mara James is driven by perfection. She powers forward with her plan to be valedictorian of her competitive private school and go on to a tier-one college. But her life goals come to a halt when she breaks down during a calculus exam and someone posts the whole episode on YouTube. Mara retreats to Lake Tahoe to stay with her biological father whom she hardly knows. As she tries to put her life back together, Mara struggles to find balance. Tahoe’s magical ski slopes and some unexpected new friends help Mara find the right path.

The cover and title of Culbertson’s book give the feel of a trendy teen romance. However, the story has much more depth than the cover portrays. Although it contains many elements that draw teen readers, it also teaches a powerful lesson. I recommend The Possibility of Now to all perfectionists struggling through a high pressure, success driven world. We all can use a lesson in balance.

Recommended ages--13 and up

Lincoln’s Grave Robbers by Steve Sheinkin

This is my new favorite recommendation for tween boys because it has it all--action, mystery, intrigue, spies, grave robbing and best of all it’s true. Lincoln’s Grave Robbers follows the history of counterfeiting in the United States and the beginning of the Secret Service while remaining highly entertaining. How? Sheinkin follows the people involved and shares their individual experiences in story form. What results is a gripping documentary in novel form.

I was hooked by the title and description of this book and the story didn’t disappoint. Sheinkin masterfully captures an intriguing period of American history and makes it captivating for young readers. This is the first non-fiction book I’ve read that merited a late night read to reach the end. It is a perfect read for history lovers and action seekers alike.

Recommended for ages 10 and up