Hidden
by Helen Frost

Summary: When Darra's father steals a car, Wren is hiding in the back seat.  This accidental kidnapping changes the lives of the two girls forever.  Years later they come face-to-face and try to make sense of what happened that ill-fated day. 

Thoughts: Helen Frost is a truly incredible author.  The way she weaves stories so creatively through poetry is amazing in itself; but then, she goes beyond using inventive forms to tell secondary stories and to beautifully play with words and themes!  Fascinating! Hidden is a unique, absorbing story.  The plot is original and seems to be straight from the headlines of today's world.  I liked these two girls - particularly Daria and how she made the right choices even when adults around her were not.    

Click here to read more about Helen Frost and her award-winning writing.       

Kaleidoscope Eyes

by Jen Bryant

Summary: While helping her father clean out her deceased grandfather's house, Lyza finds a stack labeled "For Lyza ONLY." A lover of geography, her grandfather has left her a collection of maps and clues that appear to lead to a buried pirate's treasure. With the help of her friends, Lyza sets out on the hunt of a lifetime.

Thoughts: I was first drawn to this novel because it is written in free verse; but, I ended up really liking it because of the engrossing blend of historical fiction and adventure. The characters were realistic, and I loved the treasure hunt! This is a unique novel for those looking for something different.

All the Broken Pieces

by Ann E. Burg

Summary: Matt was airlifted out of Vietnam at the end of the war. He was adopted by a loving American family but is still haunted by memories of war-torn Vietnam and the mother and brother he left behind. Matt is the star pitcher of his baseball team, but not all of his teammates accept him; they blame him for the deaths of the young American soldiers sent to fight in his home country. This free-verse novel tells the story of Matt's struggle with guilt, discrimination, acceptance, and healing.

Thoughts: I love free-verse novels, and this one did not disappoint. I found the writing of this first-time novelist to be beautifully simple yet powerful. The story pulls the reader into the horrors and pain of war through the eyes of a young victim. I am thankful for quality historical fiction that illuminates an event or time period like All the Broken Pieces. I look forward to more from this novelist!