Rotters, by Daniel Kraus

Joey Crouch's days are fairly monotonous. He's a good student, plays the trumpet, gets along with his Mom, and has a best friend he can count on. His life is not exceptional, living in an apartment in Chicago with his single Mother and having never traveled outside of the city, but it is far from bad.

In an instant, Joey's life takes a completely different turn when his Mother fails to turn to see an oncoming bus and is hit and killed instantly. She would have heard the bus, if she weren't deaf in one ear, the result of an accident that Joey has never pried his Mother about, but he will soon discover the root of this mystery when he is sent to live with his Father in the small town of Bloughton, Iowa.

What follows, is a series of horrible and heart wrenching events that one can hardly imagine having to endure. His Father, Harnett, hardly greets him before he leaves Joey for three days without any food, transportation to school, or idea of where he had gone or when he would return. While waiting for his return, Joey endures extreme bullying from his classmates and teachers and has little hope of escape when a call to his best friend is met with laughs of disbelief before the payphone times out.

When Harnett  finally returns, Joey is determined to find out the reason for his long stints of being away with the intention of turning him into the authorities. What he finds leaves him as pale as death. Harnett digs up the dead and takes the items they were buried with, which requires chopping off appendages and slopping through rot to retrieve the treasure from the bloated bodies.

While Joey is understandably disgusted and in a shock at the discovery of his Father's means of survival, his feelings take a turn as the violence increases at school and it appears his only means of survival is to embrace his Father's penchant for digging up the dead.

From this point on, Kraus concocts a belly-turning assemblage of events and people that will leave the reader reeling. From an underground group of diggers, to a book of polaroids of the dead that is sure to be the end of them all, to Joey helping out the very person that threatened to bring down all of the diggers in a cross-country, drug induced, digging marathon. There is no end of surprises and gut-tumbling descriptions in this handily crafted horror of a book.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs

When Jack happens upon the nearly dead body of his Grandfather in the backyard, he is, understandably, horrified. However, he is stunned beyond repair when he is greeted with the most nightmarish of monsters. Before he passes completely, his grandfather whispers, "Go to the island, Yakob. Here it is not safe."

These dying words stick fast with Jack as the guilt mounts in his mind with thoughts that he could have saved his Grandfather who had referenced being visited by monsters and talked often, especially with Jack, about the time he spent as a child at Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. While most of the tales of floating girls and boys with extreme strength seemed completely unrealistic there was always a part of him that felt there was truth behind these tales. When he and his family are going through his Grandfather's possessions, Jack happens upon a collection of pictures, most of which he had never seen, with all of the characters from the stories displayed.

Jack is convinced that he must go the island, but first has to convince his therapist (that his parents forced him to visit) and his parents that it will help him come to terms with the horrible scene he had experienced. Jack finds what he is looking for in the exact place his Grandfather spoke of, but in a very different time. One specific time, to be exact. Miss Peregrine has found a way to protect a group of highly unusually talented children, many of whom fled the wrath of the Nazis, from a bomb raid. The group is caught in a time warp, so they never grow any older than they were on that specific day and every day the bombs fall, but the day starts over again so that their deaths never occur.

This fascinating story has too many layers to mention in a summary, but you can be sure that while you may leave this book after you turn the last page, the story will not soon leave you. Riggs has constructed a masterpiece in his wording alone that is enhanced more so by the old photographs that have actually been found throughout the years by a group of people, whose names are given at the back, that are completely obsessed with the idea of superhuman people existing and their feats being caught on camera.

Red Zone, by Tiki & Ronde Barber

Brothers, Tiki and Ronde Barber, know a thing or two about football. Tiki plays for the New York Giants and Ronde plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Red Zone gives the reader insight into where these football phenom's story started as their 9th grade football season is recounted.

The Hidden Valley Eagles are off on the right foot leading up to the most important games of the season, with a good overall record and having improved a great deal over the course of the season. As the playoffs approach Tiki, Ronde and the rest of the team are confident that they will have a good run in the playoffs...maybe even make it all the way to the championship! Disaster strikes when one of their best players comes down with a fever and spots? That's right. Chickenpox!

As one player after another becomes spotted, the teams' dreams of being district champions start to look like nothing more than just that...a dream. The brothers step up to fill the spots left empty as players drop right and left, but when they come down with the itch as well, it seems that there is no hope. The boys' hope and determination are reignited by the inspiring words and hard work ethic of their Mother and the camaraderie they share with their teammates. Will it be enough to make it all the way?

You'll be itching to get to the end of the book and find out the fate of the Eagles, as they wrangle with the ups and downs and ultimately find that teams win and lose games, not individuals.

Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick

Selznick has, yet again, woven together a seamless and wondrous story. Two children's lives overlap, though, their stories take place fifty years apart. Ben and Rose both searching for something that they are missing in their lives. Ben yearns to develop a relationship with a father he has never known and Rose tries to get the attention of her mother who always seems to be too busy for her. Rose finds distraction in collecting anything and everything about a famous actress. Each child finds clues that lead them on a journey to find what they yearn for.

Not only do they share parental difficulties, but both children are deaf. Selznick sheds light on the impact the transition from silent to talking films had on the deaf community, since it left them no longer able to enjoy the movies. Wonderstruck also melds together the world of words and pictures, as Rose's story is told in pictures and Ben's is relayed in words. There is true magic in how Selznick brings together the two stories in the end that will leave the reader flipping back through the book to rethink and revel in the story they have just experienced. 

Drawing From Memory, by Allen Say

Allen Say's Drawing From Memory is a genius recollection of his life, from when he was a young child in Yokohoma, Japan to his big move to the United States at the ripe old age of fifteen. The events that occurred during this time are that of a blockbuster fantasy, but Say actually lived this fairy tale. This is not to say that his life was easy, but his story of rising from divorced parents (in a time and place where it wasn't the norm), a parent that was not supportive of his art, and the fact that he was sent to live in an apartment by himself at twelve makes for a fairly inspiring story.

After reading a newspaper article about a fifteen year old boy, Tokida, who trekked 350 miles to Tokyo in an attempt to become a cartoonist at the newspaper and was, by chance, taken on as a student of one of the greatest cartoonist of the time, Noro Shinpei, Say was inspired to see if Shinpei would be his sensei as well. As luck would have it, he took him on and Say worked under him for the next three years while also attending a prestigious private school.

Say's visual concoction of watercolor, charcoal and pencil drawings along with old photographs and newspaper cutouts make for a tasty combination. This approach was also taken in The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam, but without as much tact. While some of Fleming's pages seemed crowded with an overabundance of information, Say made good use of white space and the readers' eye easily skims from one part of the story to the next. For anyone that enjoys a good biography, art, or just a a good story for that matter, this is the book for you.

Happy Birthday, Sophie Hartley, by Stephanie Greene

Birthdays are important, but there is one birthday that is especially important and that is the tenth birthday. Double digits! You will laugh, reminisce and relate as Greene takes us through the daily mishaps and successes that Sophie Hartley encounters during the countdown to the big day.

Sophie's feelings are hurt when her older sister, Nora, jumps at the opportunity to move out of the roomed they have shared their entire lives in exchange for the attic. There are also tough times when one friendship fizzles out, but things turn around when she finds a new friend in Alice. However, the most important issue is whether or not Sophie will get her one and only birthday wish. A gorilla!

Sophie's parents are understanding, but a gorilla is simply out of the question. However, being the all knowing parents that they are, they find the perfect gift for Sophie. Sophie feels like they know her better than she knows herself.

If you have already gone through the trials of approaching ten, this book is a reminder of how all things do pass. For those that are currently or have not yet  arrived at this point, there will be much to relate to: annoying siblings, changing bodies, caring and busy parents and dreams of what the future will hold. 

The Friendship Doll, by Kirby Larson

Miss Kanagawa is not just any doll, she was crafted by hand in Japan and delivered after the first World War to America as a sign of friendship. Larson tells the story of several individuals connection to these historical dolls. While this is a book of fiction, there is a great deal of the story that is based on facts. 

Bunny is the daughter of a prestigious New York family and is disappointed when she is not given the opportunity to deliver a speech during the exchange of the dolls in 1927. Belle Wayatt Rooselvelt, granddaughter of Teddy, is given the chance. However, Miss Kanagawa, one of 58 friendship dolls gives Bunny the strength to move beyond this bump in the road and tell her own story throughout life.

Lois has the opportunity to see Miss Kanagawa in the midst of the depression when she makes an appearance at the World's Fair of 1933 in Chicago. Lois feels extremely lucky to have the chance to attend, thanks to her Aunt, and is sure to remember every sight to relay everything to her family and friends. 

Willie May is in search of any way to help her family get back. Without a Father, a sick Mother and young brother, and an older brother already working away with the WPA, Willie May jumps at the opportunity to help make ends meat by living with an older woman and doing nothing more than reading to her. In addition to her tremendous rock and book collection Mrs. Weldon has also come to possess Miss Kanagawa after buying her in an auction. 

Lucy has an equally trying life, as she makes her way from Oklahoma to California and finally to Oregon with her Father in search of work. After the death of Lucy Mother and the dust storm, her Father makes the decision to move elsewhere to work for the WPA and CCC. After finally settling in a camp, Lucy is able to attend school again and is introduced to the friendship doll on a class trip to a museum. 

In the end, Mason, a young boy from Seattle happens upon Miss Kanagawa when she is retrieved after being hidden away by the museum director for years after he was asked to remove all Japanese pieces following the second World War. 

This enchanting story is endearing and educational, though, the cover (plain silhouettes of girls  in red and black) may detract some taking a peak inside, there is no don't that many more pages will turn if one can look past the cover and turn that first one. 

Phobiapedia: All Things We Fear the Most!, by Joel Levy

When or where a fear began can sometimes be pinpointed to a specific event or thing, while others seem like they are as much a part of us as the color of our skin. Though, the source of a fear may vary, what is certain is that fear is a very real thing and can be crippling to some. Phobiapedia: All Things We Fear the Most, by Joel Levy, gives us a closer look at the various types of phobias.

You can quickly find the phobia of your desire by way of the Contents or Quick Guide at the beginning or the Index at the back of the book. However, if you're more in the mood for browsing this is a great book to flip through with large colored pictures accompanies by twisting font and easy to follow definitions. I was surprised to find how many fears have been officially identified as phobias, like Autophobia: fear of being alone or Nyctophobia: fear of the dark.

Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf, written by Jennifer L. Holm, illustrated by Elicia Castaldi

Ginny is determined to make the seventh grade a great year. She even has a checklist:
1. Get a Dad
2. Get the role of the sugarplum fairy in the Nutcracker
3. Look good in the school photo for once!!!
4. Do something with hair to make nose look smaller. Color?? Perm??
5. Win something. Anything.
6. Try to be friends with Mary Catherine Kelly
7. Get pink sweater back!!
8. Convice mom to let me go see Grampa Joe over Easter break
9. Get Henry to chill out
10. Ignore horoscopes whenever possible

Of course, some of the items on list work out while others fail monumentally and a few are re-worked. Despite Ginny's older brother having some run ins with authority, her Mom marrying Bob, a let-down in ballet and unexpected success at art, Ginny makes it through seventh grade and her thirteenth birthday having learned some lessons, willing to take some new risks, and ready to find out if eighth grade is all they say it's cracked up to be.

Holm's unconventional approach of using notes, magazine clippings, receipts, instant messages and bank statements to tell the story of Ginny's seventh grade year is enticing, inventive and makes for a quick and fun read.

The London Eye Mystery, by Siobhan Dowd

What goes up must come down. However, in The London Eye Mystery, by Siobhan Dowd, when Ted's cousin, Salim, goes up in the London Eye, a monstrous farris wheel of sorts, he doesn't come back down. Since Salim  and his mother, Ted's Aunt Glo, were only visiting for a couple of days before moving from London to New York, Ted and his sister, Kat, feel extremely responsible for the dissapearance of Salim since they were the ones that let him go on the thirty minute spin alone in the first place.

Ted's natural tendency is to pay attention to the most minor of details, which comes in handy as the two pour over photos taken from the day, visit the scene of the disappearance, unravel word puzzles and track down potential suspects; filling in the blanks where the police came up short. The characters that surround this mystery are what really make it a great ride: Aunt Glo with her smoking and high strung tendencies, Kat with her effortless beauty and understanding, and Ted with his quirky obsessiveness and gradual acceptance of who he is. 

The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman

Nobody would ever want to live in a graveyard, but Nobody, Nobody Owens, in fact did just that. When he fell out of his crib as a babe and crawled his way to the graveyard and away from his house, where his family had recently met a terrible end, most would make the bet that he would soon cross over to the other side as well. But he was received by the cold, yet warm, arms of the souls that inhabited the graveyard and brought up as normally as one can expect to be in a graveyard. 

Without a name, the boy is given the name Nobody, Bod for short, by the leader of the deceased, Silas, a powerful figure that has the ability to move between the living and the dead. Not long after Bod's arrival, Silas deems the Owens as his parents. Around the age of five Bod happens upon a girl, Scarlet, who is visiting the graveyard that had been renamed as a nature preserve. The two are fast friends and fast to find trouble. One day they stumbled upon a grave that is hundreds of years old and in the velvet dark are shocked by the unforgettable words of the indigo man. Scarlet moves away soon after, but the two never forget their adventures or one another. 

As Bod continues to grow, his experiences with the dead, ghouls and dreams mount along with his desire to connect with the living and find the man that had killed his family. At fourteen, Scarlet moves back to the town and enters into Bod's life again, through an odd set of circumstances and a particularly odd historian who spends almost as much time in the graveyard as those who have it as their final resting place. As the duo delves deeper into the events of the past, they find that people are not who they seem and though some try to bury the past, it has a way of coming back to life. 

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick, by Chris Van Allsburg

Harris Burdick could be anyone, the same as the story behind the drawings he dropped off with Peter Wenders  twenty-five years ago could be anything. In the years following the discovery of these entrancing pictures, children have woven their own stories around Burdick's art. Now, fourteen esteemed children authors, including the likes of Sherman Alexie, Walter Dean Myers, Lois Lowry and Kate DiCamillo, have put their own spin on these timeless strokes of genius.

There is no specific theme, length or voice to tie all of the tales together, simply the pictures. You will be captivated by a possessed shirt, dumbfounded by a dust demon, and pulled in by a struggling children's book illustrator. There is some apprehensiveness about allowing children to read the stories that children literature greats have written to accompany Burdick's masterpieces since they may feel that their own stories could never compare. However, I think these stories are a point of inspiration rather than the source of defeat. Children are now able to see how a story can develop from anything: a ball, a friend, a trip, or a drawing. This realization will make way for them to let their own stories unfold. 

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: the Mysterious Howling, by Maryrose Wood

"You act like you were raised by wolves" is a saying often used by caretakers to let kids know that their behavior is unacceptable. In Maryrose Wood's The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: the Mysterious Howling, the children, Alexander, Cassiopeia, and Beowulf, have an excuse. They were raised by wolves.

The odd crew is discovered by the owner of the expansive Ashton Place manor while out on a hunting trip. After closely escaping being mistaken for a trophy animal, the children are taken back to the mansion and Miss Penelope Lumley, fresh from Swanburne Academy, is hired as their governess.

Though, the job requirements did state that a love of animals was a necessity, Miss Lumley was not expecting to find three naked barking children housed in a barn upon her arrival. However, as a Swanburne graduate, she is determined to have them speaking Latin and playing the piano. First, she has to get them to stop barking and biting.

In addition to these difficult tasks, the stakes are raised when the lady of the house, Lady Constance, decides to host a Christmas ball, with the expectation that the children will act like, well, children, rather than wolves. More questions rather than answers pop up as well, like the odd behavior of the coachman and how the children came to live out the woods.

All mysteries and canine tendencies are not resolved by the end of this introductory novel, but the reader will be sure to crack the spine of the second book quickly to discover the answer to these questions and the fate of Miss Lumley and the Incorrigibles.