What Mrs. Covell has been reading!
Three Times Lucky, Sheila Turnage
Moses LoBeau has a voice that carries this story along and grabs the reader from page one. While searching for her birth mother, upstream mother, she becomes involved in solving a small town murder. She and her best friend Dale form the Desperado Detective Agency and begin to work on solving the mystery that has the whole town up in arms. Her investigation takes a turn as a tornado heads straight for Tupelo Landing. Her foster mother is kidnapped and her foster father the Colonel becomes a suspect. Find out how this amateur detective tracks the criminals and tries to bring her life back to normal.
Pieces of Georgia, Jen Bryant
Told in poetic form, Georgie shares the story of her life in the south with her dad and only memories of her mom. A counselor at school suggests Georgia keep a journal and write letters to her deceased mother as if she were able to talk to her. Through these letters we get to know Georgie, the budding artist. When she is given a membership to the local art museum by a mysterious benefactor, her life begins to change. You will be surprised and rewarded when you discover who gave her the membership.
The One and Only Ivan, Katherine Applegate
This Newbery winner is told from the point of view of a gorilla named Ivan. Ivan lives at the Big Top Mall off of route 8. Life is simple and he has come to accept his glass walled domain. After all, he has friends---a dog named Bob, an elephant Stella and Jules, a little girl. When Max, the owner of the Big Top Mall, adds a new attraction, a baby elephant named Ruby, Ivan decides Ruby deserves a better life. Using his art and his heart, he devices a plan that changes life for everyone.
Liar and Spy
Another winner by Rebecca Stead! (Author of When You Reach Me) This is the story of a young boy who is bullied at school and struggling as his former best friend joins alliances with the "cool" kids and leaves Geroges in the dust. Yes, his name is GEORGES after the French artist Georges Seurat, but the bullies at school like to tease him and call him gorgeous! As the book opens, Georges has moved into a new apartment building and meets his neighbor a 12 year old self-appointed spy. Georges is recruited by Safer to be his assistant as they try to figure out what the mysterious tenant in apartment 6 is up to!
This Dark Endeavor, Kenneth Oppel
The author of the Silverwing series and Airborn has come up with a gripping story about family, envy, superstition and betrayal. Twin brothers Victor and Konrad are very competitive. When Konrad contracts a life threatening sickness his father calls in the most prestigious alchemist in the country. His efforts to cure Konrad are just temporarily. Desperate to save his brother, Victor and his cousin Elizabeth and friend Henry discover a secret laboratory in their house and the recipe for an Elixer of Life. The search for the ingredients is treacherous and full of twists and turns. Will VIctor be able to save his brother? READ AND FIND OUT!
Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt-----Love the voice in this story!
(Author of another great story Wednesday Wars.)
Doug Swieteck has all the stats stacked against him. As he struggles to be more than the “skinny thug” that his teachers and the police think him to be, he finds an unlikely ally in Lil Spicer—a fiery young lady who gives Doug the strength to endure an abusive father, the suspicions of a whole town, and the return of his oldest brother, forever scarred, from Vietnam. Doug's tough guy act slowly falls away and the true artist and care giver is exposed.
Legend by Marie Lu (If you liked The Hunger Games . . . I think you'll like this book!)
The US is now referred to as the Republic, a nation constantly at war with its neighbors. Born into a family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. Each is the narrates his or her chapters. Their paths will cross and their lives will change!
Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff
Sam is almost 11 when he discovers a locked box in the attic above his grandfather Mack’s room, and a piece of paper that says he was kidnapped. There are lots of other words, but Sam has always had trouble reading. He’s desperate to find out who he is, and if his beloved Mack is really his grandfather.
Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson (For mature readers.)
Tyler Miller used to be the kind of guy who faded into the background. But since he got busted for doing graffiti on the school, and spent the summer doing outdoor work to pay for it, he stands out like you wouldn't believe. His new physique attracts the attention of popular Bethany Milbury, who just so happens to be his father's boss's daughter, the sister of his biggest enemy, and Tyler's secret crush. That sets off a string of events and changes that have Tyler questioning his place in school, in his family, and in the world.
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick the author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Great drawings and two strong stories that come together in a magical way!
Magyk the first book in the Septimus Heap series. If you liked Harry Potter . . . this time we meet a Princess who has been raised by a loving family of third rate magicians.
Once, Then and Now all three books by Morris Gleitzman
These books tell the story of a young boy named Felix who is Jewish and living in Poland during WWII. His parents leave him at an orphanage to protect him from the Nazis. When the orphanage is visited by Nazis instead of joyous parents, Felix escapes with only his cherished notebook full of his stories into the nearby countryside. He meets a young girl named Zelda, and they begin to travel together. Follow his journey and discover the resilience of one young boy dealing with the horrors of the Holocaust.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs
This story combines time travel, fantasy and mystery in a tale that truly is peculiar but hard to put down. Jacob journeys to a remote island to seek out answers surrounding his late grandfather's life. All he has to go on are the fantastic stories and a box of strange photographs. It is no accident that he finds Miss Peregrine the source of more questions than answers.
Other Popular Young Adult Books.
Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix Two boys try to uncover the secret surrounding their mysterious adoptions 13 years earlier.
Gone by Michael Grant
Every person older than 15 suddenly disappears from a Florida community, and the kids have to fend for themselves without computers, cell phones, or TV.
Heat by Mike Lupica
A star Little-League pitcher hides his father’s death and his illegal-immigrant status so he can keep playing.
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
World War I is reimagined as a clash between the Clankers with their elaborate war machines and the Darwinists with weaponry consisting of biologically engineered animals.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
A boy with ADHD who has been thrown out of six schools discovers that he is really a demigod, descended from the Olympians of Greek mythology.
Scat by Carl Hiaasen
This is an edge of your seat thriller with a "green" twist! Nick and Marta go in search of their missing biology teacher who disappears after a fire breaks out during a field trip in the Everglades. Many suspects emerge but only one is guilty.
Shift by Jennifer Bradbury
Best friends start out on a bike ride in Washington state and one disappears. This mystery is a personal quest that combines flashback and real life conflict to take the reader on a fast paced cross country adventure.
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider discovers that his uncle, supposedly killed in a car accident, was a secret agent, is recruited into the agency, and tries to find his uncle’s killers and complete his final mission.
Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt
Henry's life seems perfect until a tragic accident causes trouble for Henry's whole family. Henry deals with his grief by setting out to climb Mt. Katahdin in Maine. He is forced to confront Chay, a Cambodian refugee, who brought trouble into his life. Can he learn to forgive?
Unwind by Neil Shusterman (Sequel just out: UnWholly)
This dystopian story starts with the premise that parents can elect to have their children "unwound" at the age of 16 so that their organs can be transplanted into worthier members of society. Follow the exciting journey of three young
Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor
Addie and Mommers live together in a trailer; it is sometimes hard to tell who the parent is! Addie thinks she has to go along to get along, but as Mommers continues to spiral out of control, Addie finds her inner strength.
Three Times Lucky, Sheila Turnage
Moses LoBeau has a voice that carries this story along and grabs the reader from page one. While searching for her birth mother, upstream mother, she becomes involved in solving a small town murder. She and her best friend Dale form the Desperado Detective Agency and begin to work on solving the mystery that has the whole town up in arms. Her investigation takes a turn as a tornado heads straight for Tupelo Landing. Her foster mother is kidnapped and her foster father the Colonel becomes a suspect. Find out how this amateur detective tracks the criminals and tries to bring her life back to normal.
Pieces of Georgia, Jen Bryant
Told in poetic form, Georgie shares the story of her life in the south with her dad and only memories of her mom. A counselor at school suggests Georgia keep a journal and write letters to her deceased mother as if she were able to talk to her. Through these letters we get to know Georgie, the budding artist. When she is given a membership to the local art museum by a mysterious benefactor, her life begins to change. You will be surprised and rewarded when you discover who gave her the membership.
The One and Only Ivan, Katherine Applegate
This Newbery winner is told from the point of view of a gorilla named Ivan. Ivan lives at the Big Top Mall off of route 8. Life is simple and he has come to accept his glass walled domain. After all, he has friends---a dog named Bob, an elephant Stella and Jules, a little girl. When Max, the owner of the Big Top Mall, adds a new attraction, a baby elephant named Ruby, Ivan decides Ruby deserves a better life. Using his art and his heart, he devices a plan that changes life for everyone.
Liar and Spy
Another winner by Rebecca Stead! (Author of When You Reach Me) This is the story of a young boy who is bullied at school and struggling as his former best friend joins alliances with the "cool" kids and leaves Geroges in the dust. Yes, his name is GEORGES after the French artist Georges Seurat, but the bullies at school like to tease him and call him gorgeous! As the book opens, Georges has moved into a new apartment building and meets his neighbor a 12 year old self-appointed spy. Georges is recruited by Safer to be his assistant as they try to figure out what the mysterious tenant in apartment 6 is up to!
This Dark Endeavor, Kenneth Oppel
The author of the Silverwing series and Airborn has come up with a gripping story about family, envy, superstition and betrayal. Twin brothers Victor and Konrad are very competitive. When Konrad contracts a life threatening sickness his father calls in the most prestigious alchemist in the country. His efforts to cure Konrad are just temporarily. Desperate to save his brother, Victor and his cousin Elizabeth and friend Henry discover a secret laboratory in their house and the recipe for an Elixer of Life. The search for the ingredients is treacherous and full of twists and turns. Will VIctor be able to save his brother? READ AND FIND OUT!
Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt-----Love the voice in this story!
(Author of another great story Wednesday Wars.)
Doug Swieteck has all the stats stacked against him. As he struggles to be more than the “skinny thug” that his teachers and the police think him to be, he finds an unlikely ally in Lil Spicer—a fiery young lady who gives Doug the strength to endure an abusive father, the suspicions of a whole town, and the return of his oldest brother, forever scarred, from Vietnam. Doug's tough guy act slowly falls away and the true artist and care giver is exposed.
Legend by Marie Lu (If you liked The Hunger Games . . . I think you'll like this book!)
The US is now referred to as the Republic, a nation constantly at war with its neighbors. Born into a family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. Each is the narrates his or her chapters. Their paths will cross and their lives will change!
Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff
Sam is almost 11 when he discovers a locked box in the attic above his grandfather Mack’s room, and a piece of paper that says he was kidnapped. There are lots of other words, but Sam has always had trouble reading. He’s desperate to find out who he is, and if his beloved Mack is really his grandfather.
Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson (For mature readers.)
Tyler Miller used to be the kind of guy who faded into the background. But since he got busted for doing graffiti on the school, and spent the summer doing outdoor work to pay for it, he stands out like you wouldn't believe. His new physique attracts the attention of popular Bethany Milbury, who just so happens to be his father's boss's daughter, the sister of his biggest enemy, and Tyler's secret crush. That sets off a string of events and changes that have Tyler questioning his place in school, in his family, and in the world.
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick the author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Great drawings and two strong stories that come together in a magical way!
Magyk the first book in the Septimus Heap series. If you liked Harry Potter . . . this time we meet a Princess who has been raised by a loving family of third rate magicians.
Once, Then and Now all three books by Morris Gleitzman
These books tell the story of a young boy named Felix who is Jewish and living in Poland during WWII. His parents leave him at an orphanage to protect him from the Nazis. When the orphanage is visited by Nazis instead of joyous parents, Felix escapes with only his cherished notebook full of his stories into the nearby countryside. He meets a young girl named Zelda, and they begin to travel together. Follow his journey and discover the resilience of one young boy dealing with the horrors of the Holocaust.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs
This story combines time travel, fantasy and mystery in a tale that truly is peculiar but hard to put down. Jacob journeys to a remote island to seek out answers surrounding his late grandfather's life. All he has to go on are the fantastic stories and a box of strange photographs. It is no accident that he finds Miss Peregrine the source of more questions than answers.
Other Popular Young Adult Books.
Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix Two boys try to uncover the secret surrounding their mysterious adoptions 13 years earlier.
Gone by Michael Grant
Every person older than 15 suddenly disappears from a Florida community, and the kids have to fend for themselves without computers, cell phones, or TV.
Heat by Mike Lupica
A star Little-League pitcher hides his father’s death and his illegal-immigrant status so he can keep playing.
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
World War I is reimagined as a clash between the Clankers with their elaborate war machines and the Darwinists with weaponry consisting of biologically engineered animals.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
A boy with ADHD who has been thrown out of six schools discovers that he is really a demigod, descended from the Olympians of Greek mythology.
Scat by Carl Hiaasen
This is an edge of your seat thriller with a "green" twist! Nick and Marta go in search of their missing biology teacher who disappears after a fire breaks out during a field trip in the Everglades. Many suspects emerge but only one is guilty.
Shift by Jennifer Bradbury
Best friends start out on a bike ride in Washington state and one disappears. This mystery is a personal quest that combines flashback and real life conflict to take the reader on a fast paced cross country adventure.
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider discovers that his uncle, supposedly killed in a car accident, was a secret agent, is recruited into the agency, and tries to find his uncle’s killers and complete his final mission.
Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt
Henry's life seems perfect until a tragic accident causes trouble for Henry's whole family. Henry deals with his grief by setting out to climb Mt. Katahdin in Maine. He is forced to confront Chay, a Cambodian refugee, who brought trouble into his life. Can he learn to forgive?
Unwind by Neil Shusterman (Sequel just out: UnWholly)
This dystopian story starts with the premise that parents can elect to have their children "unwound" at the age of 16 so that their organs can be transplanted into worthier members of society. Follow the exciting journey of three young
Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor
Addie and Mommers live together in a trailer; it is sometimes hard to tell who the parent is! Addie thinks she has to go along to get along, but as Mommers continues to spiral out of control, Addie finds her inner strength.