Balliett, Blue. The Danger Box. Scholastic, 2010. ISBN 978-0439852098. Ages 9-12.

Zoomy Chamberlain is not your ordinary name, and with his pathological myopia (he's legally blind, you see) and coke bottle lenses, he's not your average twelve year old either. But he does live a pretty ordinary life with his grandparents in the small town of Three Oaks, Michigan. That is, until his good-for-nothing drunk of a father returns to town and stirs up trouble with a mysterious, stolen box that he leaves behind. Soon Zoomy and his friend Lorrol are plunged into a mystery involving a missing book and a dangerous stranger who will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. Whose book is it, you ask? Well, Zoomy, Lorrol and their new friend Gas would love to tell you, but you’ll just have to read it first to find out.

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow. Scholastic, 2005. ISBN 0439353793. Ages 10-14.

This collection of photographs and experiences tells the history of the rise of Hitler and World War II from the perspective of the youth of Germany. From the millions of children who joined the Hitler Youth, to those who opposed Germany’s tyrannical leader and paid for it with their lives, to the German Jews who fought their own battle in the concentration camps—Bartoletti paints the entire picture of what it meant to be a tween or teen growing up in the shadow of Adolf Hitler, and the years of guilt and anguish they have lived with in the aftermath.

Thought provoking and heart wrenching, this unique perspective of World War II places tweens and teens at the heart of history, enabling them to experience it in a way they never have before. Centering on themes of peer pressure and conformity, it celebrates the actions of those who took a stand for what they believed was right. It also gives tweens and teens a sort of empowerment, showing them that they can make a difference in light of any circumstance. Hitler Youth are juxtaposed with staunch protestors and Jewish victims of the war, giving the history of such a troubling time a well-rounded feel. Paired with gritty, untouched photographs and firsthand accounts, this book is a must-read for any history or World War II enthusiast.

Lee, Tony & Hart, Sam. Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood. Candlewick Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0763643997. Ages 12-14.

In this graphic novel retelling of the legend of Robin Hood, Robin of Loxley begins as a child in awe of famed outlaw William Stutely. His father, Patrick of Loxley, Earl of Huntington, devotes his life to teaching Robin to be the very best archer. Twelve years later, Robin returns from fighting by King Richard’s side in the Crusades to avenge his father’s murder. Seeing the injustice that Prince John has subjected his beloved country to, he dons the name of “outlaw” and sets up camp in Sherwood Forest. Together with the help of his men, he steals from the rich to give back to the poor and wins the heart of the fair Maid Marian in the process.

Philbrick, Rodman. The Last Book in the Universe. Blue Sky Press, 2000. ISBN 0439087589. Ages 10-14.

In the backtimes, the Big Shake nearly destroyed everything. Now in this post-apocalyptic future, there is no color except grey and brown and normals live in the Urb, trapped amidst violence and despair. Against all odds, Spaz must navigate his way through the Urb’s latches, facing gangs and turf wars in order to reach his ill sister. On the way he meets Lanaya, a proov (or a genetically improved human) who lives in Eden, a paradise that lies off limits at the center of the Urb. With the help of others he meets on the way, Spaz manages to reach his sister safely, where he finds her near death. Together they work to sneak her into Eden so that she might be saved. But will a taste of paradise spoil Spaz’s fight for life in the Urb, or will it drive him to fight for something better?

Spaz exists in a world where normals are uneducated and ignorant of their past, and spend most of their time fighting to stay alive and probing their brains like dope addicts to escape the Urb and experience a taste of Eden. Because Spaz has epilepsy, he is unable to probe and thus has a unique clarity in his understanding of the world around him. It is this clarity that allows him to continue the work of his friend Ryter, to tell the story in the last book in the universe, so that others may know their past and work towards a better future. His ability to turn his disability into an advantage makes for a strong main character, and gives the reader hope when viewing such a desolate future existence.

Phelan, Matt. The Storm in the Barn. Candlewick Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0763636180. Ages 10-14.

Being an eleven-year-old is tough, between dealing with bullies and failing to live up to other’s expectations. But Jack Clark is also facing even greater challenges as he and his family struggle to survive in 1937 Kansas during the Dust Bowl. With one sister sick from the dust and another he can barely keep out of trouble, Jack struggles to be strong for his family and yet hold onto the last fragments of his childhood. With the town fighting to survive and praying for rain, Jack comes face to face with the cause of their severe drought. But is there such a thing as the Storm King? Or has the dust gotten to him as well?

This striking graphic novel of little color and few words beautifully illustrates the role that tweens must play of being in between—in between the world of what is real and what is not, growing up and being a kid, and doing what you are told and following your heart. The story also perfectly melds images of tall tales with a historical thriller, making Jack’s character even more dynamic and unique. For Jack may be living in desperate times, but it is his choice to face adversity and be a hero that makes this story timeless.

Law, Ingrid. Savvy. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2008. ISBN 978-0803733060. Ages 9-12.

Whenever a Beaumont turns thirteen, that’s when their savvy strikes. For Mississippi (but call her Mibs, please), that day has finally arrived. But the anticipation of discovering her special power is overshadowed by a tragic accident in the family. So when Mibs thinks she’s discovered her savvy, she is certain that she was meant to make things right and sets out on a runaway wild adventure with her brothers Fish and Samson, and the preacher’s kids Will Jr. and Bobbi by her side. But when her savvy turns out to be something completely different, it is all Mibs can do to persevere and try to make the best of the situation.

Sonnenblick, Jordan. Zen and the Art of Faking It. Scholastic, 2007. ISBN 978-0439837071. Ages 12-14.

When San Lee arrives in his new town, he decides he needs to invent a new identity in order to seem cooler than he really is. And to attract the attention of Woody, who might just be the girl of his dreams. Quite by accident, he decides to fool everyone into thinking he is a reincarnated mystic of Zen Buddhism. And for quite some time, it actually works! But lies have a funny way of turning on you when you least expect it, and when his whole persona blows up in his face, it is up to San to pick up the pieces and make things right with the ones he cares about.

Like most middle schoolers, San is just trying to fit in and find his identity. As an Asian kid in a small Pennsylvania town, he also wants to both fit in and stand out (in a good way, of course). Ironically, in his quest to fool others into believing that he is a Zen mystic, he actually learns quite a bit about himself and the person he wants to be. We also get a glimpse into San’s rocky home life; one that tweens will appreciate and identify with on many levels. Full of ancient wisdom and powerful life lessons, this book has much to offer to the tween population.

Telgemeier, Raina. The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy's Great Idea. Scholastic, 2006. ISBN 0439802415. Ages 9-12.

Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne and Stacey are back in this graphic novel based on the 1988 book by Ann M. Martin. The series’ first book tells the story of how it all began—with Kristy’s great idea to start the Baby-Sitters Club. As each girl tackles life in the seventh grade, they also handle the responsibilities of running the club and the challenges of working together. But through it all, it is their friendship that makes them special. This new graphix series brings a modern touch to a much-loved story. Telgemeier’s illustrations capture each character perfectly, bringing the BSC to life like never before!

The Exploratorium. Exploratopia. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2006. ISBN 978-0316612814. Ages 9-12.

Experiment with science by exploring yourself, the places around you and other interesting stuff! Conduct experiments to find out why we need our noses to taste things, why some sand is magnetic, and why it's so hard to tell a counterfeit bill from a real one. Experiments are prefaced and followed up with interesting history and facts to reinforce the knowledge learned in each exploration.

Stephens, Sarah Hines, & Mann, Bethany. Show Off. Candlewick Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0763645991. Ages 10-14.

AMAZE others by faking a fall or twirling a drumstick! INVESTIGATE the use of morse code or invisible ink! CREATE a catapult or silhouette portraits! EXPLORE the outdoors by predicting a rainstorm or building a dam! COOK up some homemade fortune cookies or a Jell-O city! MOVE by freezing your own ice rink or rigging a zipline! Learn how to do all 224 of these awesome tricks and activities with Show Off's simple step-by-step instructions.

Werner, Doug, & Badillo, Steve. Skateboarder’s Start-Up (2nd ed.). Tracks Publishing, 2009. ISBN 978-1884654343. Ages 9-14.

This beginner's guide to skateboarding introduces skateboarding as a personal expression and a challenge. Tweens can learn about the anatomy of the skateboard and get a feel for the basics. The book also introduces 14 essential tricks that every beginner must learn. With over 350 photos, this easy-to-read guide will have tweens surfing the sidewalk in no time!

Caney, Steven. Steven Caney's Ultimate Building Book. Running Press Kids, 2006. ISBN 978-0762404094. Ages 9-14.

Find everything you ever wanted to know about how to build things in this book. Learn about the history and different types of buildings and structures. Then gather the tools and materials you will need to create your own buildings with rods and connectors, bricks and blocks, and panels and planes. From toothpick bridges to sugar-cube castles to one-tarp tents, learn how to build just about anything with this inventive how-to guide.

Spinelli, Jerry. Stargirl. Alfred A. Knopf, 2000. ISBN 0679886370. Ages 10-14.

Stargirl is one of a kind. From the moment she enters Leo Borlock’s life at Mica High, he is completely enchanted by her. And so are the rest of the students at the school, until one day everyone turns against her for being exactly who she always has been—different. Now Leo is desperate to hold on to both his relationship with Stargirl and his status at school. So he asks her to do the one thing that might just save them both—be normal. But when Stargirl dies and Susan takes her place, everything changes in a way Leo never expected.

This book is a perfect commentary on the social structure of school and the roles tweens and teens play in them. When Stargirl does not fit into any conventional role, she is at first admired and then shunned simply because no one understands her. Her refusal to conform illustrates the importance tweens and teens place on popularity, and how unimportant it really is when compared to everything else in the world around us. Add in a charming tale of a budding first love, and Stargirl offers a high school experience most everyone can relate to.

Russell, Rachel Renee. Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life. Aladdin, 2009. ISBN 978-1416980063. Ages 9-12.

Nikki Maxwell wants more than anything to be a part of the CCP (Cute, Cool & Popular) group at her new school, Westchester Country Day. But it’s hard to do when your clothes are all wrong, your parents won’t buy you the new iPhone, and you feel invisible. Well, that and the only reason she’s at this fancy private school is because her dad is the school’s exterminator. So things start to look up when the school announces its annual Avant-Garde art show, and Nikki is sure she’ll be popular once she wins the contest. What she doesn’t expect is the most popular (and mean) girl on campus to enter the contest as well, and make her life miserable! With the help of some new friends and a new crush, Nikki manages to make a name for herself, even if it means embracing her inner dork. Written in the style and spirit of Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Russell’s Dork Diaries will make you want to embrace your inner dork as well.

Horowitz, Anthony. Stormbreaker. Puffin Books, 2000. ISBN 0399236201. Ages 12-14.

Alex Rider is saddened by the news that his guardian and uncle Ian was killed in a car accident, but his suspicions rise when he finds his uncle’s car riddled with bullet holes. Soon, Alex is pulled into the world of covert operations and Britain’s MI-6, where Ian Rider had served as a secret agent. Dragged into a case involving a potentially dangerous new computer called Stormbreaker, Alex is coerced into going undercover in his uncle’s place to gather more information. Reluctantly, Alex becomes entangled in a game of cat and mouse as he discovers the truth about Stormbreaker, and seeks out his uncle’s killer. Alex’s unbelievable debut adventure in this engaging spy series is sure to leave you wanting more!

Shan, Darren. Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare. Little, Brown and Company, 2000. ISBN 0316603406. Ages 12-14.

Darren Shan is intent on going to the Cirque Du Freak, a freak show on its way through town. His fate is sealed when he and his best friend Steve manage to get two tickets to the forbidden show. Awestruck and terrified, Darren leaves the show with one goal in mind—he must return to the Cirque Du Freak and steal Madame Octa (only the most fabulous spider ever!) for himself. The only problem is she belongs to a vampire. Things are looking up when he successfully captures Madame Octa and trains her to do all sorts of tricks. Then one huge mistake leaves Darren with a difficult decision to make—for the only way to save his friend is to make a deal with a vampire, and say goodbye to the one world he has ever known. Will Darren resist the vampire’s wishes, or become the vampire’s assistant, destined to be one of the undead for the rest of his life? Join Darren in his terrifying journey through death and this macabre underworld of terrifying creatures.

Harrison, Lisi. The Clique. Little, Brown and Company, 2004. ISBN 0316701297. Ages 12-14.

The Clique is the most popular group of girls at Octavian Country Day School. They are beautiful, smart and fashionable—everything that Claire (the new girl in town) is not. But while Claire takes hits from The Clique for not dressing cool enough or being rich enough, she also has a few tricks up her sleeve. Soon The Clique fractures and their leader Massie is on the outs as the other girls rally around Claire. Is it too good to be true? How long will her newfound popularity last? And is it even worth it? Read The Clique series to find out!

Howe, James. The Misfits. Atheneum Books, 2001. ISBN 0689839553. Ages 10-14.

Sticks and stones may break our bones, but names will break our spirit. So goes the theme of the No Name Party, a team of misfits who set out to change the face of middle school by running as a third party for student office so that they can stop others from calling people names and putting them down. Addie, the “know-it-all,” along with the help of Skeezie, the “loser,” Joe, the “fairy,” and Bobby, the “fatso,” take on the school with their radical ideals, and end up uniting the student body in a way no one ever expected.

Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. HarperCollins, 2008. ISBN 978-0060530921. Ages 10-14.

In some ways, Nobody Owens (known simply as Bod) is a normal kid like any other. He has a family and friends who love him, teachers who teach him, and freedom from the burdens of the real world. But that is where normal ends. Raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is brutally murdered, Bod grows from toddler to teen in a world of ghouls and witches, spirits and hellhounds. As he experiences one adventure after another, he can’t help but wish for a “normal” life outside the graveyard full of school, friends, and the living. But the graveyard is the only safe place for Bod, who continues to be hunted down by a man known only as “Jack,” the same man who killed his family and is determined to finish the job once and for all. It will take great courage, cunning and the help of the only family he has ever known to defeat Jack once and for all, allowing Bod to finally be freed from life as a child amongst the dead and enter the world of the living as a young man.

Griffin, Adele. Amandine. Hyperion, 2001. ISBN 0786806184. Ages 12-14.

Delia Blaine is the new girl in town, her weight issues and insecurities made worse by her parents’ insistence that she make friends and not “play the loner.” So when she meets the over-the-top, larger-than-life Amandine, her parents couldn’t be happier. And neither can Delia—at least a first. But as Amandine drags Delia down into her crazy world of fantasy and games, Delia begins to see the cracks in the character that is Amandine. She begins to see her for what she truly is—damaged and disturbed. Amandine is a product of an unstable environment, one that begins to frighten Delia away. But when Delia finally decides to distance herself from Amandine, it is then that the true Amandine rears her ugly head. Now Delia must face her fears and stand strong as the world she and Amandine have built up around them comes crashing down. Amandine is a story like no other, addressing everyday tween issues while juxtaposing them with serious mental and personality disorders. She is the epitome of the damage that can be done by one young girl with a vivid imagination and a need for revenge.

Abrahams, Peter. Down The Rabbit Hole: An Echo Falls Mystery. Laura Geringer Books, 2005. ISBN 0060737018. Ages 10-14.

Ingrid Levin-Hall’s life couldn’t be better. She gets to play club soccer and lands the lead role of Alice in the Echo Falls production of Alice In Wonderland. But then her world seems to fall apart. After being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Ingrid realizes that she may be the only one who can solve the recent murder in town. Searching for clues like her favorite detective, Sherlock Holmes, Ingrid gets closer and closer to the truth. Echo Falls, once her quaint and simple little town, is now one full of forgotten history, scandals and secrets. But there are dangerous players involved as well, and it is only so long before Ingrid realizes she may have gotten in over her head. Read this first book in the Echo Falls Mystery series to find out whodunit!

Colfer, Eoin. Artemis Fowl. Hyperion Books, 2001. ISBN 978-1423124528. Ages 10-14.

Artemis Fowl is not your typical twelve-year-old. He’s a genius, for one, as well as a criminal mastermind. With his family’s wealth at his disposal, Artemis embarks on a mission to increase their fortune by exploiting the magical world of fairies and other creatures, known simply as the People. But Artemis is soon in over his head when he threatens the very balance between the People and the Mud People (humans) by kidnapping Captain Holly Short, a fairy and member of the LEPrecon Unit. How will his plan turn out? Read the book that started it all, and don’t miss the other six in the Artemis Fowl series, as well as the graphic novels based on the books.

Stewart, Trenton Lee. The Mysterious Benedict Society. Megan Tingley Books, 2007. ISBN 978-0316003957. Ages 10-14.

When orphan Reynie Muldoon answers the newspaper ad looking for gifted children, he never imagined the adventure he was signing himself up for. Together with three other bright and parent-less children--Sticky Washington, Kate Wetherall and Constance Contraire--Reynie embarks on a dangerous mission for the mysterious Mr. Benedict. As Mr. Benedict's secrets agents, they go undercover as new students at The Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, a special school on Nomansan Island with sinister intentions that only they can put a stop to.

Raskin, Ellen. The Westing Game. Puffin Books, 1978. ISBN 014034991X. Ages 10-13.

When Samuel Westing is found dead, sixteen people are brought together unexpectedly for the reading of his will, and are challenged to a contest to determine which of them is his murderer—the winner of which will inherit his millions. Chaos ensues as they are divided into pairs and given different sets of clues, clues that will lead them one step closer to a killer. More questions arise when bombings and burglaries threaten to end the game for some. Who killed Mr. Westing? Which team will solve the mystery first? And do you have what it takes to figure it out before anyone else does? Gather the clues and find out!

Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Bantam Books, 1993. ISBN 0553571338. Ages 12-14.

Jonas lives in a world untouched by war or famine, fear or pain. When children reach the age of twelve, the Elders ceremoniously give each child their assignment for life. A great honor, Jonas is bestowed with the assignment of receiving training from The Giver, the only one to hold the memories of how the world used to be. This knowledge does not come without a heavy price, for Jonas must be given all the memories, no matter how painful or frightening, before The Giver retires and Jonas takes over. But when the truth is too much for Jonas to bear, he must make the ultimate sacrifice in order to set things right.

Hale, Shannon and Dean. Rapunzel's Revenge. Bloomsbury, 2008. ISBN 978-1599900704. Ages 9-14.

In this Wild West retelling of the fairy tale Rapunzel, curiosity gets the best of the title character as she yearns to peek over the great wall surrounding her luxurious villa. What she finds is a barren wasteland of desert and slaves, populated by all those who live in fear of Gothel, the woman she thought was her mother. After escaping from the tall tree Gothel imprisons her in, Rapunzel meets up with a mysterious outlaw named Jack and they make their way back to the villa to put a stop to Gothel’s reign of terror and free Rapunzel’s real mother from slavery.

Smith, Jeff. Bone: Out From Boneville. Scholastic, 2005. ISBN 0439706238. Ages 10-14.

Fone Bone, along with his cousins Phoney and Smiley are chased out of Boneville after Phoney gets caught doing one too many shady deals. After getting separated, they each make their way to a forested valley where they meet Thorn and her cow-racing Gran’ma Ben. As they search for one another, they encounter many different creatures, including terrifying rat creatures and a dragon that has the uncanny ability to keep Fone Bone out of trouble. But the most terrifying one of all, known as the “Hooded One,” has other more permanent things in store for the Bone cousins. Read the rest of the Bone graphic novel series to find out what happens.

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Found (The Missing: Book 1). Simon & Schuster, 2008. ISBN 978-1416954170. Ages 9-12.

Thirteen years ago a plane full of babies appeared out of nowhere, then later disappeared without a trace. Now Jonah and his friend Chip, who are both adopted, are getting anonymous messages and warnings telling them they are “one of the missing.” Along with Jonah's sister Katherine, they vow to solve the mystery. Were they two of the babies from the plane? And if so, where did they come from? And who is sending the mysterious messages? Find out in Found, the first book in Haddix’s exciting new series—The Missing.

Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2007. ISBN 978-0810993136. Ages 9-13.

Greg Heffley is a not so popular seventh grader whose mother gives him a journal (NOT a diary). Readers follow Greg through the school year as he and his best friend Rowley scheme and barrel through one adventure after another. But when Greg and Rowley decide not to be friends anymore, Greg realizes he is left with only one unbearable choice for a replacement. Young readers will love this "novel in cartoons," and can continue the journey in Kinney's sequels as well as with the recent release of the film version.

Riordan, Rick. The Red Pyramid. Hyperion Books, 2010. ISBN 978-1423113386. Ages 9-12.

Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane have grown up apart since their mother died six years earlier. But when their Egyptian archaeologist father sacrifices himself to bring the ancient gods back into power, they are forced to work together to defeat the evil god Set who has imprisoned their father and seeks to destroy the world. Along the way, Carter and Sadie develop allies and defeat enemies with the help of the gods Horus and Isis who have taken host within them. So begins an adventurous race from New York to Phoenix, AZ where two siblings must sacrifice everything they hold dear for the greater good. And as an even greater, unseen enemy stirs, Carter and Sadie come face to face with a sacrifice neither was prepared to make.

The first book in the Kane Chronicles, The Red Pyramid does for Egyptology what Percy Jackson and the Olympians did for Greek mythology. Chock full of history and mythology, Riordan entices young minds with a what-if scenario where ancient Egypt collides with modern day society—where magic is real and the fate of the world lies in the hands of young children. His juxtaposition of Carter, an awkward, dark-skinned 14-year-old, with Sadie, a bitter and abandoned, fair-haired 12-year-old, makes their ultimate journey of becoming a team that more rich and rewarding. Because at the heart of the story are two children who have lost their parents, and turn to one another for support and friendship when all seems lost. That alone would feel like the end of the world, but our heroes find the strength within themselves and one another to do what is right, and not what is easy. This series should speak to tweens much like Riordan’s previous works, offering strong characters who are easy to root for, and more importantly relate to.

Balliett, Blue. Chasing Vermeer. Scholastic, 2004. ISBN 978-0439799270. Ages 10-13.

Three people receive the same mysterious letter, a curious book shows up, and a Vermeer painting is stolen. Coincidence? Not according to Calder Pillay and Petra Andalee. Then the art thief challenges the world to take a closer look at Vermeer’s work, but for Calder and Petra, there are more personal reasons for solving the mystery. Using secret codes and intuition, the unlikely pair forge a friendship and are determined to get to the bottom of things—no matter how dangerous things may get. Because neither can rest until Vermeer’s A Lady Writing is returned where she belongs. Readers can also find an interactive mystery in the book's illustrations. Read Balliett's The Wright 3 and The Calder Game for more adventures with Calder and Petra.

Riordan, Rick. The 39 Clues: The Maze Of Bones. Scholastic, 2008. ISBN 978-0545090544. Ages 9-12.

When Grace Cahill dies, she leaves her heirs with a choice—take the $2 million or give it up for one clue that will lead them on a wild journey in search of a great treasure and all the power in the world. For Amy and Dan Cahill, the money is tempting, but the adventure means learning more about their grandmother, their deceased parents, and a family history that includes almost every major figure and event known to man. But there are others who take the clue as well, and they all have one objective in mind—take out their competition. Now Dan and Amy are running for their lives, and searching for the answers to their first clue, and the beginning of the greatest adventure they will ever have. Read all ten of the 39 Clues books, and search for the clues yourself at http://www.the39clues.com/.