Max by James Patterson

Max can save the world, but can she save her mom, Dr. Martinez, when she is kidnapped? Like all the other Maximum Ride books, you want to just keep reading.
caution: violence

*** everyone

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

This books is considered to be one of the greatest achievements in young adult literature. I found it to be disturbing. The power of peer pressure and conforming. Maybe this could be used as a study for gang interactions, but this book has no hint of hope.
Caution: swearing, violence, and sexuality

* high school

Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

I absoluetly love the book Stargirl, and the sequel is just as enchanting. As Jullie said, the book makes you want to be a better person. I've been asking high school girls if they have read Stargirl and what they think about it. Most have replied that it is weird. All the adult women I know who have read it, love the book. I wonder if the enchantment is about reminiscing. It made me wish that I would have been confident enough to be like Stargirl, and not try so hard to fit in or go unnoticed.

**** everyone

Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park

Very different than A Shingle Shard. Modern; about friends, family, and silk worms. There is a story within the story about why she wrote things and about some things that really happened to her.

*** upper elementary and middle school

Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen

This book is so real. Gary Paulsen uses imagery that makes it seem like you are at this farm with the outhouse, kerosene lamps, animals, and manure. It is tough and tender all at the same time. Caution: swearing and fighting.

*** middleschool

Palace of Mirrors by Margaret Peterson Haddix

A princess raised as a peasant girl must go on a dangerous quest to claim her rightful place on the throne and save her kingdom. Sounds like a tale told many times over, but Haddix manages to tell it differently. My 11 year old daughter Loves this book.

*** upper elementary and middle school

Wolf Rider: A Tale of Terror by Avi

What would you do if you knew someone might be murdered and no one, not your parents, not the police believed you? A suspenseful read.

*** middle and highschool