The Fourteenth Goldfish, by Jennifer L. Holm

Being a teenager isn't easy; especially not the second time around. Ellie's Grandpa, Melvin, is doing just that; after discovering a concoction for the fountain of youth, he has been transformed into a 13-year-old. In addition to combatting acne, homework, and girls, Melvin must find a way back into the lab to get the materials he needs to complete his research. Ellie is reeled into being his partner in crime. Along the way, she comes to know her Grandpa much better and comes to appreciate his scientific mind, that her mother loathes. In fact, she now thinks she may have a future in science as well.

A good deal of comedy arises with Melvin maintaining the mindset of an older man, but in the body of a teenager. This is balanced by Ellie's thoughts and discussions with her Grandpa concerning the true consequences of immortality. These are the kind of queries that could lead to great class discussions.

Holm's quick-witted conversations and seamless interjection of scientific information within the plot, solidify her as the great writer that she is.

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.