Crush: the Theory, Practice and Destructive Properties of Love, by Gary Paulsen

Love is often compared to riding a bike, you just have to get on, fall a few times and learn. However, the scratches heal from falling off a bike, but the wounds left by love may never turn to scars. This is a deep intro to a light-hearted book about a boy, Kevin, who wants to make sure he gets love right the first time. This leads him to gathering data and following a scientific approach to approaching the apple of his eye, Tina.

However, after looking at a number of relationships he finds that he still can't make heads or tails of relationships. As Kevin is surrounded by blooming and renewed love at the 50th anniversary of his grandparents, he is certain that everyone knows the secret to romance but him. That is, until Tina strikes up a conversation and he finds that she has been trying to talk to him for days...so love goes.

Crush: the Theory, Practice and Destructive Properties of Love is Paulsen's follow-up to Liar, Liar and Flat Broke.

Mudshark, by Gary Paulsen

Mudshark is a funny name for a boy, but being a kid detective is too. Mudshark, aka Lyle, is a fast footed,quick witted, observant elementary kid. His agility, honed by his rambunctious triplet little sisters, is actually the source of the nickname, Mudshark, which came about when, after slipping in the mud drenched field and laying on his back, he snagged the ankle of a kid sprinting to the goal with nothing but an open field in front of him. That arm was as fast a Mudshark!

While his fast hands came in handy and made him a legend around school, his attention to detail is called on by students and teachers alike to hunt down lost items since he can remember every element of everything he sees. If you have a mystery he is your man. Lost shoe: Mudshark. Listless armadillo: Mudshark. Missing erasers: Mudshark.

In the end, Mudshark helps the principle keep the school in order, aids the librarian with her animals (dead and alive) and improving the library, finds a new friend in the custodian, and discovers a companion in a parrot with similar observational gifts.

This quick read is a perfect match for students just getting into chapter books or for older readers look for a fun mystery.