Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

The epic fantasy begun in Eragon sees its conclusion in this final volume of the cycle.  All loose ends get tied up.  Saphira and Eragon must confront the evil Galbatorix, but where and when?  Despite heartbreaking odds, they must continue fighting, for if they cannot defeat him, then all hope is lost.  As the army Eragon has helped create marches to confront Galbatorix, he and his dragon move forward with their plan of attack.  Will they succeed?  What will be the cost? Most importan of all, perhaps, what does the future hold for the dragons and their riders?  A very long read leads to a most satisfying end of this saga.

Almost Home by Joan Bauer

What happens when the adults who are supposed to keep you safe lose everything and breakdown?  That is what happens in Almost Home.  After her mother loses their house and her job, Sugar finds herself homeless and hopeless far away from her home and her beloved teacher.  Her mother has slipped into a severe depression and needs to be hospitalized.  Sugar winds up in foster care, where, with the help of some quirky neighbors and her dog, Shush, she learns the true meaning of home.

Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass

Wendy Mass is fast becoming a favorite in the Meadowview Intermediate LMC, and Every Soul a Star continues that trend.  Three very different voices combine to create a unique and interesting story.  Ally, Bree, and Jack form an unusual friendship when circumstances beyond their control bring them all to the remote Moon Shadow campground to view a total eclipse of the sun.  Despite their differences, they manage to help each other find their place.  A very good read.

Loki's Wolves by K. L. Armstrong

Looking for something to read that is similar to the Percy Jackson series?  Loki's Wolves may just be the right fit.  This first book of The Blackwell Pages series takes the reader on the beginning of a quest to save the world.  Ragnarok, the Norse end of days, is coming, and Matt Thorsen is named the champion who will save the world.  Unfortunately, if all legends hold true, he will die in the attempt.  What Matt does and who he gathers to help him save both the world and his own life is the heart of this fun and adventurous series. Based on Norse myths and gods, Loki's Wolves is a good read.  Watch for the second volume, Odin's Ravens.

One Came Home by Amy Timberlake

"A girl lost.  A body found. The truth buried."  In a small Wisconsin town in 1871, the greatest recorded nesting of passenger pigeons occurred.  When the birds are gone, so is Agatha Burkhardt.  When the sheriff goes looking for her, all he finds is a nearly unidentifiable body wearing a dress that she owned.  Although the family believes Agatha is dead, her sister Georgie refuses to accept the body as evidence and goes in search of Agatha herself.  Where her quest leads her and what she finds at the end of it is the heart of this story.  An incredibly well-written novel worthy of the Newbery Honor award it received, One Came Home is not for the struggling reader but would make a great shared reader with those who are more advanced.

Doll Bones / by Holly Black

If you are like me, and you find dolls a little creepy, then this may not be the book for you!  Best friends Poppy, Zach, and Alice are all struggling with problems in their families, but using their imaginations to play "the game" brings them a lot of pleasure.  When Zach's dad ruins the game, Poppy reveals that the doll -- whom they call the Great Queen -- has been haunting her dreams.  Poppy is convinced this will continue until they travel to the birthplace of the doll and give her a proper burial.  So, the three set off on the quest to put the doll to rest.  What happens next makes a suspenseful, strange, and sometimes touching story.  This would be a great read-aloud before Halloween!

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

While this books looks intimidating, it is actually a quick read.  Ivan is a gorilla raised in captivity and living in a shopping mall that has seen better days.  His best friends are an old elephant named Stella and a stray dog named Bob.  Life in the mall is not ideal, but Ivan copes as well as he can.  Then, one day, a new baby elephant named Ruby is brought to the mall, and Ivan's friend, Stella, makes him promise to provide a better life for her.  How he keeps his promise is a touching and heartbreaking story, especially knowing that it is based on a true story.  This is truly a great read; no wonder it won the Newbery Award.