Middle School Reads!

by Neal Shusterman Lexile: 860 Genre: Science Fiction Nick and Allie did not survive a car accident and suddenly they find them selves trapped in a strange world - halfway between life and death. They meet Leif who explains to them that they have arrived in Everlost; a strange place place filled with things that no longer exist. Nick and Allie have to decide how they will embrace their new life. Nick thinks things may be alright, but Allie is searching for more which will lead her on a dangerous course to confronting McGill, an evil monster who threatens all those who live in Everlost.

by Lauren Tarshis Lexile: 590 Genre: Realistic Fiction Barry and his family are trying to get out of New Orleans before Hurrican Katrina strikes. During their attempt to flee the city, they get stuck in a terrible traffic jam and Barry's little sister gets terribly sick. They end up having to turn around and plan to ride out the storm in the safety of their home. However, Katrina is like a hurricane that no one in New Orleans has seen before. When the levees break, Barry's whole neighborhood is underwater. How will they survive?

by Patrick Carman Lexile: ??? Genre: Mystery Ryan and Sarah are on the trail of another mystery as they solve the second Raven Puzzle. This time their journey takes them from the west coast to Wyoming, through Kansas, Savannah, Baltimore and ultimately right back to Skeleton Creek. However, this time Ryan feels like he's being watched by someone..the Raven, perhaps? Is he in danger? And where is Henry a.k.a. the ghost of Old Joe Bush? One thing is for sure...Ryan and Sarah will not give up until they have solved the final Crossbones mystery.

by Katherine Paterson Lexile: 860 Genre: Historical Fiction Lyddie Worthen is all alone. Her father has left, her mother and siblings have gone off to live with others. Lyddie hears about the mills in Lowell, MA who will hire young girls to work. Excited about the idea of being able to earn a decent wage to pay off the debts owed on her family's farm, she heads to the factory. But factory life is harder than she ever expected. Working 6 days a week from dawn to dusk in the hot, crowed, noisy weaving loom room is very hard. Girls are starting to talk about signing petitions to complain about the working conditions. Lyddie will have to make a choice - join the organizers or continue to work as her overseer sees fit.

by Rick Riordan Lexile: 660 Genre: Fantasy From the author of the Percy Jackson series, comes a new adventure. The story begins at Camp Half Blood, but this time Percy is missing. Where has he gone and who will undertake the quest to find him? Jason, Piper, and Leo have only recently discovered that they are demi-gods and are quickly finding out that their lives as they knew them are about to disappear. Finding out that one of your parents is an immortal god is a life changing event. Will they survive long enough to figure out who they really are?

by Bethany Hamilton Lexile: ??? Genre: Autobiography Bethany Hamilton was born to surf and she isn't going to let anything stop her. Not even an attack by a shark that leaves her with a serious injury. Immediately after the surgery she asks her doctors when she'll be able to surf again and so begins a journey of pushing aside her pain and fear to get back to a place where she can enjoy being in the water again.

by Anthony Horowitz Lexile: ??? Genre: Graphic Novel Alex Rider is appearing in his first graphic novel, based on the movie version of Anthony Horowitz' Stormbreaker novel. Alex isn't looking for adventure, but when his uncle mysteriously dies he finds out that his whole world has been based on a lie. Now that he knows that his uncle was really a spy for the British Intelligence Agency, he discovers that he will also have to enter the spy industry. But he's only 14...can he really work as an undercover agent and stay alive to see his 15th birthday?

by Gordon Korman Lexile: ??? Genre: Historical Fiction The Tiantic is billed as an unsinkable ship and the lucky passengers who are able to board it are excited to be a part of her maiden voyage. There are the richest members of society all the way down to stowaways. They are all about to embark on an adventure they will never forget and not all will survive. Will Paddy the stowaway be discovered? Will Juliana's father gamble away their fortune? Sophie is delivered to the ship in handcuffs. And what secret is Alfie hiding? The ship is sailing away and the danger is only growing...

by Beverly Cleary Lexile: 860 Genre: Realistic Fiction Ramona wants nothing more than to hear the phrase "Ramona is her mother's girl." In constant competition with her older sister, Beezus, Ramona wants to be the center of attention. But somehow all of her attempts go wrong. For example, one rainy Saturday afternoon the Ramona decides to sew with her mother and sister. Her project: pants for an elephant. Of course, making pants for an elephant isn't easy and the project ends in a meltdown as do many other of Ramona's attempts at being her "mother's girl."

by Patricia C. McKissack Lexile: 790 Genre: Historical Fiction Clotee was born into slavery on the Belmont Plantation. But she is different from the other slaves. She has a secret. Her main job as been to fan the master's son while he has his school lessons. In the process of keeping him cool, Clotee has learned to read and write by paying attention and practicing what William is learning. Who can she trust with her secret? Will being able to read and write prove to be her ticket to freedom?