Dingo by Charles de Lint

Miguel and the local bully fall for two twins from Australia who are shape shifters who can change into dingoes. They are pursued by an ancient ancestor from Australia who needs the girls to break a curse placed on him. This is a fast-paced story that includes fantasy, humor, and high school issues and relationships.

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A Field Guide to High School by Marissa Walsh

This is a very tongue and cheek version of the classic big sister passing down wisdom story. Andie Peterson is about to start high school at an exclusive private school in town. Her sister, Claire just graduated from the school and is on her way to college. In each short section Claire explains the ins and outs of Plumstead using field guide terms like “Miscellaneous Flowers; Mostly Showy (Getting there, in order of coolness)” and “Parasitic Shrubs; Mistletoes (Traditions and weird Private-School stuff).” It was an enjoyable read and the author creates some good characters in the little bits of story between the advice.

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Name All the Animals: A Memoir by Alison Smith

Allison and her brother Roy were so close that their mother often referred to them by one name, Alroy. Allison was in awe of her older brother and he was his parent's golden boy. When Roy was killed in a car accident at 18, it brought her family to a three year stand-still that led Allison to question if she was "being punished for some unknown sin?" It is a wonderful, gently told true story.

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The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti

Indigo is 18, carefree, loves her family and her boyfriend and is looking forward to becoming a full-time waitress. When a customer gives her a 2.5 million dollar tip for showing genuine concern for him her life turns upside down. People suddenly treat her differently and Indigo finds herself changing in unexpected ways. This is an excellent book that explores how money can change a person’s life in bad and good ways.

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Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

Jennifer and Cameron were best friends as children when they were both social outcasts. Cameron abruptly moved away and Jennifer heard that he had died. After moving to a new school Jennifer reinvented herself as Jenna and is now 17, popular and has a cute boyfriend. A mysterious new boy enrolls in Jenna’s school and she realizes it is Cameron! Jenna and Cameron have to work together to remember what really happened when Cameron disappeared. The friendship between Jenna and Cameron is well done and it is hard to put the book down until the truth about what Cameron and Jenna endured together is revealed.

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Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

This is a true story of a girl who spent 9 years in foster care after she and her brother were taken away from their mother. Ashley was frequently moved from foster home to foster home, had to attend many different schools and was abused by one foster family. Ashley manages to survive, get adopted and meet President Clinton and J.D. Rowling. This is a stirring story about love and resilience.

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