Brett McCarthy: Work in Progress

by Maria Padian

Summary: Brett is pretty sure of who she is: soccer star, vocabulary expert, only child, beloved granddaughter, and Diane's best friend. But, her world is turned upside down her 8th grade year when she & Diane have a fight; overnight Brett goes from Diane's best friend to social outcast. She is forced to redefine herself and figure out where she truly belongs.

Thoughts: I was interested in this book for a while, but was was always turned off by the cover. (Our copy is solid red with a gold outline of the Brett drawing :/ ). But, I asked one of my students (a soccer star herself!) to read it, and she loved it! So, finally I got to it, and I loved it too. I thought Brett was hilarious and very authentic. I think so many readers could relate to her and the friendship challenges she is experiencing. So, ignore the cover and give it a try. (At least the paperback cover is better!)

The Girl Who Threw Butterflies

by Mick Cochrane

Summary: After her father passes away, Molly and her mother have a very difficult time dealing with their grief and with each other. Molly and her father shared a love for baseball and he taught her to throw a wicked knuckleball (a "butterfly"). She decides that this year instead of playing softball with the girls, she is going to try out for the boy's baseball team.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this endearing story. Molly and the other characters were real and honest. You do not have to be a sports fan to relate to this story of grief, strength, friendship, and learning to be yourself.

Swindle

by Gordon Korman

Summary: Griffin Bing finds a rare Babe Ruth baseball card that may be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars! The only problem is that before he discovers its value, he sells it to S. Wendell Palomino for almost nothing. When Griffin discovers he's been swindled, he puts together a team of friends with the unique talents needed to pull off the perfect heist. Griffin is determined to get the card back from the man who tricked him and to teach S. Wendell to think before trying to take advantage of a kid again!

Thoughts: I love Gordon Korman! He delivers again with this latest novel - it is fun, fast-paced and full of suprises.

My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins, & Fenway Park

by Steve Kluger

Summary: When T.C. loses his mother, Augie is the only one who knows what to say. From that moment on, they are best friends/brothers. Their freshman year of high school, Ale' moves in and it's the start of the most excellent year. Through letters and IMs, the three teens recount their adventures that involve friendship, baseball, musicals, algebra, sign language, first loves, and even Mary Poppins.

Thoughts: This is a unique, charming novel. I really liked the characters and their original voices. I was inspired by their committment to personal beliefs and the way they took action for the causes they believed in.