Libertad
By Alma Fullerton
After their father leaves to make money in America, Libertad and his brother Julio are left to survive in a Guatemalan dump with their mother. When their mother dies in a terrible accident, Libertad and Julio decide to travel to America to find their father. Their journey is long and dangerous, and they must somehow find a way to survive along the way. But when they finally reach the Rio Grand River and are so close to the border of Texas, will a watery accident prevent them from succeeding? A beautifully written novel about determination and the hope of freedom. (Ages 9-12)

Johnny Appleseed: The Legend and the Truth
By Jane Yolen
Illus by Jim Burke
Everyone knows the legend of Johnny Appleseed, the man who walked barefoot, wore a tin pot for a hat, and planted appleseeds from one part of the country to another. But the true story of John Chapman is legendary itself. Born in Massachusetts in 1774 John grew up and tended orchards in several states. He also sold seeds and seedlings to settlers. With warm illustrations and beautiful prose of legend and fact, young readers will better understand the man behind the magic, and get a glimpse into the life of the man who helped change the landscape of America. (Ages 4-8)

Sucks to Be Me: The All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton, Teen Vampire (maybe)
By Kimberly Pauley
Mina Hamilton has a huge decision to make, and it has nothing to do with boys or the prom. Mina's parents are vampires, and they've managed to hide her from the Vampire Council until now, and the Council insists that Mina decide soon whether or not she wants to be a vampire. If she turns, she'll never see her regular friends again, but if she stays human, she'll never see her parents again. Her parents try not to influence her decision, and the person she really needs to talk to about it all, her best friend Serena, can't know about vampires. Will Mina be able to make the best decision for her and live with it for the rest of her life? A fun and unique tale teens will devour! (Young Adult)

The Book of Michael
By Lesley Choyce
Michael was sixteen-years-old when he was tried and convicted for the murder of his girlfriend, Lisa Conroy. The trial becomes a media frenzy and everyone believes he's guilty. Michael feels the fear and hatred from the town and even his so called friends. Michael knows he's not guilty, but he doesn't know who did it. After six months in jail the real killer, his ex-girlfriend Miranda, confesses. Drugs and jealousy were the cause. Michael is free from prison, but he still feels like a prisoner of his own guilt. The damage is done, and many people still feel that Michael is dangerous, and they treat him with contempt. A powerful story about how the justice system doesn't always work and a young man's journey to discovering who he is and find a way to start his life over after a terrible tragedy. (Young Adult)

The Light Across the River
By Stephanie Reed
This sequel to "Across the Wide River" follows the story of the Rankin family and their struggle to keep the Underground Railroad safe for runaway slaves and to keep it a secret from slave hunters. Young Johnny really wants to be a conductor, but since the people of the town always say if you want to know what's going on, ask Johnny, his father won't let him help until he can learn to keep a secret. But soon Johnny is called upon to help a woman named Eliza escape with her baby to the North. Can Johnny keep Eliza's secret and ensure her safety? A moving and suspenseful novel based on the true story of the Rankin family and all the brave and caring people who helped with the Underground Railroad. (Ages 9-12)

The Seer of Shadows
By Avi
It's 1872 in New York City and fourteen-year-old Horace Carpetine is apprentice to society photographer Enoch Middleditch. Horace has been raised to believe in science and rationality and thinks of photography as an art. But when the wealthy Mrs. Frederick Von Macht commissions a portrait of herself to be placed on the grave of her dead daughter, mysterious things begin to happen. Middleditch's greed causes him to impose an image of the Von Macht's dead daughter, Eleanora, onto the portrait he takes of her mother. Horace doesn't think it's a good idea, but he soon learns from Peg, the Von Macht's servant, that Eleanora died under mysterious circumstances, and now she wants revenge. A thrilling tale of ghosts, betrayal and revenge. (Young Adult)

The Writing on the Wall (Do the Math #2)
By Wendy Lichtman
Eighth grader Tess loves algebra, and she enjoys using patterns to help her figure things out, including her friends personalities. But when it comes to relationships, especially with boys, Tess is getting a little confused. Richard, the boy she told on for cheating last year, keeps playing scary pranks on her. And she wonders if Damien, the boy who waits for her after school, likes her for more than a friend. But when someone starts painting graffiti on the wall of the church by the school, Tess tries to figure out the patterns, and wonders if the codes are meant for her. Tess is determined to find out who's behind the graffiti, but some things have to be figured out without patterns. A fun mystery young readers will enjoy. (Ages 9-12)