2012

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2011

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne

In this all-time favorite, Phineas Fogg and his manservant set out to win a wager by travelling around the world in 80 days. They embark on a fantastic, action-packed journey into a world filled with danger and beauty, from India to the American frontier.

The

2012

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2011

The Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy

Lucy has been diagnosed with cancer. When her face is disfigured because of jaw surgery, she must endure the cruel taunts of her classmates. This biography depicts Lucy’s life as she navigates the road to recovery.

2012

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2011

Because I am Furniture by

Thalia Chaltas

The youngest of 3 siblings, 14 year old Anke feels relieved and neglected when her father abuses her sister and brother, but not her. However, she takes action when she finds him with one of her friends.

The

2012

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2011

The Boy who Dared by Susan Campbell

Bartoletti Imprisoned for distributing anti-Nazi leaflets in October, 1942, seventeen year old Helmuth Hubener, recalls his past life and how he dedicated himself to spread the truth about Hitler to the German people.

2012

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2011

Dream Keeper by Langston

Hughes

The author selected this collection of poems, first published in 1932, for young people. These lyrical poems, songs, and blues celebrate and describe the African American experience.

2012

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2011

Five Flavors of Dumb

by Antony John

Piper, who’s deaf, has a month to get a paying gig for Dumb, the hottest new rock band in school. If she does, she’ll get to be band manager and make some money for college. Many challenges are in her way.

The

2012

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2011

From Baghdad, with love: A Marine, the war, and a dog named Lava

by Jay Kopelman

During a U.S. led attack in Fallujah, the Marines discover a tiny puppy in an abandoned house. This is the story of how Lava was rescued and the Marines who learned life lessons from a flea-ridden refugee.

2012

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2011

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

The Wingfield family lives in St. Louis in 1937. This play centers on the family dynamics of Amanda, the mother, and Tom and Laura. Laura, who has a collection of glass animals, is shy and never leaves her home.

The

2012

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2011

Good Brother, Bad Brother by James

Cross Giblin

Most people have heard of John Wilkes Booth, the actor who assassinated Abraham Lincoln. But few people know of Edwin, his brother, also an actor, and his contribution to American history.

2012

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2011

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

Tracing the rise of the Chinese family of Wang Lung, Pearl S. Buck describes the cycle of life, with its terrors, passion, ambitions, and rewards. This brilliant novel is a universal tale of the destiny of men.

The

2012

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2011

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Jay Gatsby once

loved Daisy Buchanan, and then lost her to her another man. Now that he’s wealthy, Gatsby sets out to reclaim the love of his life. Nick Carraway, cousin to Daisy and Gatsby’s neighbor, serves as narrator.

2012

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2011

Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages

Dewey Kerrigan sets off on a cross-country train ride to be with her father who’s engaged in “war work” and what Dewey knows only as the “gadget.” She enjoys Los Alamos, but must learn to fend for herself.

The

2012

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2011

Half Brother by Kenneth OppelBen Tomlin’s

scientist parents have moved to Canada to be with their newest subject- a hairy, baby chimp. Ben learns to communicate with Zan through sign language and develops a true, loving connection with him.

2012

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2011

Hold me closer, Necromancer by Lish

McBride

This goofy, gory novel introduces Sam from Seattle who has grown up unaware of his ability to raise the dead. An evil necromancer, Douglas, learns of Sam’s powers, views him as a threat, and tries to beat Douglas at his own game.

The

2012

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2011

The Importance of being Earnest

by Oscar Wilde

Worthing, a gentleman, pretends to be Earnest so he can enjoy city life without damaging his country estate reputation. Unfortunately, the woman he falls in love with, only wants to marry a man named Earnest.

2012

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2011

A Long Walk to Water

by Linda Sue Park

In 1985, Salva’s school in Sudan is attacked by rebel soldiers and he describes several terrifying years on the run. After being chosen to go to America, he is finally able to reunite with the family he left behind.

The

2012

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2011

Please Ignore Vera Dietz

by A. S. King

Vera and Charlie were best friends until they started to fall for one another. Then Jenny decides she wants Charlie, but Vera’s in the way. When Charlie dies under mysterious circumstances, Vera struggles with secrets that could clear his name.

2012

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2011

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Carlos, sent to Colorado to live with his brother, is framed for having narcotics. At an after school program for at-risk teens, he meets Kiara who helps him get away from the grasp of the drug lord who framed him.

The

2012

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2011

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

In a futuristic world, teenaged Nailer scavenges copper wiring from grounded oil tankers for a living. But after a terrible hurricane, he finds a girl in the wreckage of a luxurious clipper ship. He then has to decide if he will salvage the metal or save the girl.

2012

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2011

The Sky is Everywhere

by Jandy Nelson

In the months after her sister Bailey dies from an arrhythmia, 17 year old Lennie finds that people feel awkward around her. She falls into a love triangle, only to discover the strength to follow her dream of being musician.

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2012

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2011

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

With two parents who are lawyers, 13 year old Theo Boone knows more about the law than most attorneys do. But when a high profile murder case comes to his town, Theo gets pulled into it and must find a way to save the day.

The

2012

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2011

Three Black Swans by Caroline B.

Cooney

When 16 year old Missy tries to convince her classmates that her cousin Claire is her long-lost identical twin, she has no idea that the results of her prank will change not only her life and Claire’s life, but also the life of another girl who lives nearby.

2012

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2011

What Happened to Goodbye

by Sarah Dessen

Since her parents’ divorce, McLean and her dad have moved around a lot. Each new town gives her a new persona to try out – from drama diva to cheerleader. But Dave, the guy next door, may persuade her to stay and be her true self.

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2012

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2011

Willow by Julia Hoban Both of Willow’s

parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Her older brother barely speaks to her, and she blocks her pain by cutting herself. When she meets a smart, sensitive young man, he helps her deal with her pain.

2012

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2011

Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan

On April 14, 1935, the biggest dust storm ever descended on the United States. This is the untold story of those who survived the Great American Dust Bowl. This ecological disaster affected the entire United States.