THE EXTINCTS, by Veronica Cossanteli

The story: George was just looking for a job so he could save up for a bike--little did he know that working at Wormestall Farm would do more than lead him on a wild goose chase...try a basilisk chase! (Or maybe a unicorn chase--or a dragon chase!) Together with Prue, George must work to outsmart the evil taxidermist Diamond Pye, who's determined to stuff every last mythical beast on the farm. But they'd better be careful of the basilisk--it's hard to save the day when you've been turned to stone.

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult PG; GLBT content G; adult themes (although there are some poo and pee references; overall rating G.

Liz's comments: I'm always on the hunt for a book that makes me laugh--and even though this is actually a fantasy story with a hefty dose of action, George is a funny narrator and there are a bunch of laugh-out-loud moments. Probably too young for the Lonestar list, but definitely a good choice for Bluebonnet readers!

PIECING ME TOGETHER, by Renee Watson

The story: Jade--a black girl from the poor northeast side of Portland--is a scholarship student at the expensive, nearly all-white St. Francis school. She's smart, and talented...and black. Jade has worked hard to get a chance to go on a study abroad--but instead, she's picked for "Woman to Woman", a mentoring program with a successful black graduate from St. Francis. Can Jade figure out how to speak for herself and get the things she wants?

June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult G: GLBT content G: adult themes (racial tension and violence, body image issues; marginalization of minorities) PG-13; overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: I liked this one a lot--Jade is a believable narrator who occasionally feels sorry for herself but doesn't let herself get derailed with whining. Rather than moaning about the way the world is, she figures out ways to move forward with her own agenda...which may very well end up helping change the world.

BOOKISHLY EVER AFTER, by Isabel Bandeira

The story: Phoebe Martins is so busy crushing on the hot guys in her fantasy novels that she doesn't see the one right under her nose. Or, even worse--when she realizes that Dev actually exists, she's so shy and awkward that she might as well be invisible. Even trying to straight-up copy her book heroines' moves turns out lame! Will she ever figure out how to be the heroine in her own story?

June Cleaver's ratings: Language R; Violence G; Sexual content PG-13; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG-13 (underage drinking, but Phoebe doesn't participate); Magic & the occult G; GLBT content PG; adult themes PG; overall rating PG-13.

Liz's comments: Honest to goodness, if the editor had simply suggested getting rid of the language, this book would have been acceptable for sixth graders (maybe that was the point of leaving it in?). But why make your audience smaller than it needs to be? As it is, this one's for grades 8-up because of language and some making-out content--although even that is less naughty than the bad words. Sheesh.

BALCONY ON THE MOON, by Ibtisam Barakat

The story: Ibtisam shares her story of growing up in Palestine in the 1970s-80s, when dreams were real but just about everything else was in short supply. Her life is proof that with hard work (okay, and some luck) you really can make a better life for yourself.

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (religious extremism and warfare) PG; overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: It's a rare middle school kid who would pick this one up and make it through to the end. Buy it if you have kids interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts and its impact on the region.

BY YOUR SIDE, by Kasie West

The story: When Autumn finds herself trapped in the library on a snowy night, she totally expects that her friends will be back for her soon. She never expected to find someone else in the library too--mysterious Dax Miller, loner and rumored delinquent. As the hours turn to days and the teens connect, Autumn wonders whether she'll ever be able to go back to the way things were before.

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence G; Sexual content PG; Nudity G; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (anxiety disorder, parental addiction, being in foster care) PG-13; overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: Kasie West is a reliable writer of romance novels clean enough even for 6th graders--proof that you don't have to have smut to tell a satisfying story about boys, girls, and high school romance. Hand this one to any MS readers looking for love!

HATTER MADIGAN: GHOST IN THE H.A.T.B.O.X., by Frank Beddor

The story: Hatter Madigan always figured he'd grow up, graduate, and become a spy in Wonderland--it's what he's always wanted. But things aren't what he expected when he starts at the academy: he's living in his brother's shadow; his friends are great, except when they're not; weirdest of all, he keeps seeing things (and people) who shouldn't be there. Something sinister is going on here, but when you're on perpetual detention, it's hard to save the world!

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult PG; GLBT content G; adult themes (being orphaned, social class rivalries, bullying) PG; overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: I thought this was very good at the end, but it seemed to take a long time to get going. The world building was confusing--probably because I haven't read the Looking Glass Wars series--but you can't count on everyone who picks up this story to have read that one. Sci-fi fans will hopefully be able to get past the top hats used as weaponry and come to enjoy Hatter as a character.

DREIDELS ON THE BRAIN, by Joel ben Izzy

The story: It's 1971, and Joel is looking for a Hanukkah miracle. Is that so much to ask? He just doesn't want to end up the loser in his own story. Too bad it seems like God isn't paying attention right this minute--cuz Joel isn't picky. The miracle could be a snow day in California, or a chance to get out of looking like a dork in the school assembly. Or maybe...that his dad will wake up from the coma and not die. See? How hard could it be?

June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (questioning the existence of God; parental illness) PG; overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: I loved this story! Joel is a laugh-out-loud narrator, and his near-escapes with girls, goyim, and God keep him in perpetual hot water. Great for anyone who doesn't mind learning a little more about Jewish culture without coming away feeling depressed, and worthy of hand-selling to kids who are looking for a funny story. The cover is fitting, but weird--don't let kids walk because of that.