P.S. Longer Letter Latter by Paula Danziger and Ann M. Martin

This book is done through letters. Two best friends (Elizabeth and Tara) are dealing with Tara's moving away by writing letters back and forth. Both girls are experiencing changes in friends, and family matters. Each girl needs the other to lean on to overcome the obstacles in their life. It was a fun book to read in a different format for me. I liked it and was surprised by Elizabeth's home life. It was not what I was expecting to be the problem or the solution. I have heard that there is a sequel and it is done through e-mails instead to one another. I hope you give this book a try!

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

The City of Ember is an interesting book. This book is about a town that was built underground (there is no explanation of why it was built underground, but my sources say the third book in the series let's you in on the secret). This town has never known blue sky, the moon, sun, grass, etc. Lately in their town of Ember things have started to shut down and break. The food supply is getting lower and they are starting to have more blackouts (their city is run on electricity, which no one understands). Lina and Doon decide that there has to be a way out of this town, there must be something else out there. These two teenagers embark on a journey to find a way out of their dying town. A very fast and fun read...I am even looking to read the sequel!

Black-eyed Susie by, Susan Shaw

If you liked reading "A Child Called It" you may just want to pick up this book. This book discusses a mom's abuse to her daughter. The book does not focus on the abuse (although you learn of some as you read along) but instead on Susie trying to recover at a mental hospital. Susie has made herself believe that if she does not eat, talk, or move that it will make her mother happy! This book has very small chapters and is a very fast read. As a reader I found myself cheering on Susie's recovering and hoping that other family members would step up and open their eyes to the truth of the mother.

Maxx Comedy by Gordon Korman

Maxx Comedy is about a student who thinks he is a stand up comedian and tries his hand at winning "The funniest kid in America" contest. He sends in his demo tape and is given an audition spot. Now the only problem is trying to practice in front of a willing audience and trying to make it to his audition on time. Trying to get to the audition turns out to be more funny then his comedy act. If you are looking for a light hearted quick book to read (no sadness, no huge adventure, no mystery) then Maxx Comedy has your name on it!

Nobody's Princess by, Esther Friesner

Wow if you like mythology then you will love this book. This book tells the story of Helen of Troy before the Trojan War. This book shows her growing up and off to her own adventures. She is a girl but does not enjoy doing "Womenly" tasks. She would rather be off fighting with swords against her brothers then stitching by the fire. This book has it all, weddings, war, adventures, and of course all the gods in Olympus. This book will suck you into the intriguing life of Helen. However, this book does not end it continues on to a sequel called "Nobody's Prize" which will not come out until April.