Middle School Reads!

by Jennifer A. Nielsen Lexile:  730 Genre:  Fantasy Kestra Dallistor doesn't know who to believe...she has spent the last three years living away from a father who doesn't love her.  But one day he mysteriously calls her home and while on her way, her carriage is attacked and she learns of her kidnappers plot to return her to her family so that she can help them find the legendary Olden Blade.  No one knows for sure if it exists, but if it does, the person who finds it will be the most powerful.  Simon and Trina, Kestra's kidnappers, seem to have the plan all figured out and they want Kestra on her side.  As she grows further apart from her father, she begins to consider whether or not their side makes more sense.  Kestra has a choice to make and that choice will affect the rest of her life.

by Monica Hesse Lexile:  710 Genre:  Historical Fiction It's 1944 and the United States is at war and US citizens of German or Japanese descent are now under suspicion.  Many of them have been rounded up and sent to internment camps which is how Margot and Haruko meet.  Both of their families have been sent to Crystal City, Texas for reasons they don't understand.  Friendships between Germans and Japanese are not encouraged, but Margot and Haruko decide they don't care.  As the girls get to know each other and share their secrets, the more improbable it becomes that they will be able to remain friends when the war finally ends.