First Light by Rebecca Stead

Thea has never seen the sun. Generations ago, her people were labeled as witches and threatened with extinction. To survive, they created an arctic, underground civilization where they have lived ever since. However, space and food are now dwindling. Thea dreams of exploring the world above to help her people expand their home, but the Council opposes her plans.

Peter longs for adventure and finds it when he joins his parents on an expedition to Greenland. While there, he struggles with a series of strange visions and headaches. As Peter tries to understand his visions, he is drawn closer to Thea's hidden home. First Light is an exciting story of adventure, determination, and family love. Set in the beautiful arctic north, this mystery will entertain lovers of contemporary fiction and fantasy. The intended audience is tween readers, but younger and older readers will also find the story age appropriate and enjoyable.

Recommended ages-10-14 years old

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

It is 1967 and life for Holling Hoodhood is hard. As if Vietnam and the Civil Rights movement aren't enough to worry about, Holling's seventh grade teacher hates him. Every Wednesday, Mrs. Baker makes Holling's life miserable. If it isn't pounding erasers or cleaning out the rats' cage, it is reading Shakespeare. To make matters worse, Holling must be on his best behavior or he might damage the reputation of Hoodhood and Associates, his father's architectural firm.

Holling Hoodhood is a wonderful character and his story is both hysterical and touching. Holling's experiences parallel his Shakespeare reading and both teach "the power of goodness and honesty and faithfulness." Mrs. Baker is the teacher all middle schoolers need with her tough love and strict grammar instruction. The humor in this book will capture young readers, but the beauty of the writing and the profound life lessons reach an older audience as well. The Wednesday Wars is one of my new favorites. It will delight seasoned Shakespeare lovers, motivate young readers to try Shakespeare, and teach the world about "the endurance of love." All middle elementary, tween readers, and their families should read this wonderful historical novel.

Recommended ages-10 and up

The Secret Side of Empty by Maria E. Andreu

Although M.T. loves school and gets excellent grades, she refuses to apply for college. She avoids all talk of life after high school because she is hiding a secret. In spite of her fair hair and skin, M.T. is illegal. She has no Social Security card or driver's license and she lives in fear that someone will find out. When her father uses violence to get his way, M.T. avoids the police for fear of deportation. She can't go to college or plan for future jobs, because if her secret is discovered she will be forced back to a country she doesn't even remember.

The Secret Side of Empty is a powerful story and held special interest for me, because a close family friend struggles with these same issues. I have seen just a glimpse of the fear and hopelessness of 'undocumented' children and their courageous fight to build a better life. Maria Andreu draws on personal experience and writes about difficult issues with beauty. Her writing and M.T.'s story will give teens a more complete and empathetic view of this trying situation. Readers should be aware that Andreu covers issues such as domestic violence and thoughts of suicide, but leaves her readers with hope and understanding. The Secret Side of Empty is an eye-opening read I would recommend for all older teens.

Recommended ages-16 and up