by Jacqueline Woodson (2002)
Margaret loves her parents and hanging out with her best friend, Maizon. Then it happens, like a one-two punch, during the summer she turns eleven: first, Margaret's father dies of a heart attack, and then Maizon is accepted at an expensive boarding school, far away from the city they call home. For the first time in her life, Margaret has to turn to someone who isn't Maizon, who doesn't know her heart and her dreams. . . . "Ms. Woodson writes with a sure understanding of the thoughts of young people, offering a poetic, eloquent narrative that is not simply a story of nearly adolescent children, but a mature exploration of grown-up issues: death, racism, independence, the nurturing of the gifted black child and, most important, self-discovery." (The New York Times)
Rita Williams-Garcia
Even though they were born in different countries, Akilah and Victoria are true best friends. But Victoria has been acting strange ever since she returned from her summer in Nigeria, where she had a special coming-of-age ceremony. Why does proud Victoria, named for a queen, slouch at her desk and answer the teacher's questions in a whisper? And why won't she laugh with Akilah anymore?
Dan Santat
This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and -- at long last -- is given his special name: Beekle. Award-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art, creating an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one's place in the world. - Jacket flap.
Diane Ganzer and Sammy St. Croix
"Ricky is a young llama with a yearning to see what lies beyond the borders of his farm. With his animal friends, he decides to find out, despite what the wise owl and old ewe tell him, that he has a role to fulfill on the farm. It is during this adventure that a summer storm breaks out, nearly destroying the farm as he knows it. Lost on a river, it is Ricky's chance to prove that being an adventurer is less important than being responsible. Unfortunately, he learns this lesson the hard way, when his own life as well as the lives of his friends are in peril, and there looks to be no way out of his predicament. What will it take to bring Ricky home safe? In the aftermath of the tornado's fury, will there even be a home for him to return to?"--
Jason Reynolds
"Ghost, a naturally talented runner and troublemaker, is recruited for an elite middle school track team. He must stay on track, literally and figuratively, to reach his full potential"--