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This novel fictionalizes the period before Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century. Her half-brother, King Edward, has been ill and dies young. His successor is unnamed and could be either Elizabeth's older half-sister, Mary Tudor, or herself. But sinister plans are in the works by the Duke of Northumberland who would like to murder them both and muscle his way into power by marrying his son to the young Jane Grey who is next in line to the royal crown of England. Iris is 15 and the Lady of Bentham whose parents were taken away and murdered by Northumberland for supporting Princess Elizabeth. She is whisked away by Elizabeth supporters to train as a spy and become a decoy, since Iris and Elizabeth both have the same red hair. She works temporarily as an egg girl until she is called upon to go to London and possibly save Elizabeth's life in the process. She is loyal and serves her princess well, but like Elizabeth, Iris is stubborn and strong-willed. She wants to return to her home and be with the people she knows, even if she can no longer be the Lady of the Estate, but Elizabeth would have it different. Girls in grades 6-9 will enjoy this, especially ones with an interest in royalty. For additional background information about the bloodlines in England at that time and for information about Elizabeth I's entire reign as Queen of England, read Behind the Mask: the Life of Queen Elizabeth I, also by Jane Resh Thomas. It also explains in greater detail than the novel possibly can about the politics and religion that governed the actions at that time. 
If you were a twelve year old girl, how would you deal with Stacy? Stacy is the new girl with a tongue ring in your eighth grade class. She makes up a rumor about your teacher "like liking" you. Then she tells you he is molesting her. This is Alex's life in eighth grade, dealing with issues such as lying, deception, sexual molestation, and betrayal. Girls in grades seven through eight will enjoy this book. In Alex's world, Stacy changed everything. Told from Alex's point of view, this novel contains objectionable language and graphic sexual descriptions. The book has casual, conversational language which makes the narration all the more believable. The reader will be able to connect with Alex as she goes through deciphering Stacy's accusations and lies. 
12-year-old Scarlett has been expelled from school one time too many following her parents’ divorce and is sent to live with her father, who she hates for leaving her and her Mum in England while he ran off to Ireland to live with Claire and her 9-year-old daughter Holly. This fast-paced story follows Scarlett’s difficult adjustment to her new surroundings and family (which will soon include a new baby,) as she rebels in typical teenage fashion by piercing her tongue, dying her hair tomato red and being an obstinate vegetarian. Set in the rural countryside of Kilimoor, near Lough Choill that boasts the magical Wishing Tree, Scarlett soon meets Kian, a boy of her own age, and his horse Midnight. He is the only one she doesn’t feel the need to battle with her anger and bitterness. Perhaps he also has his own demons to battle? This blend of teen angst and the magical will most definitely appeal to middle school girls. This one is brand new to the library! 
This volume, known as “The Pox Party”, is the first in a 2 volume set surrounding the life of a young black slave known as Octavian, whose mother was an African princess. Set during the period just before the Revolutionary War, the story is narrated by Octavian in a period style. He describes his circumstances of living along with his mother in a society of rational scientists that use them as an experiment to see whether negros can be educated and trained as well as whites. Octavian is schooled in Greek, Latin, Mathematics and Logic. He plays the violin like a master. It would seem that the experiment has proved that they can. During new ownership of the Novanglian College of Lucidity, a pox party is held where family members and neighbors are invited to become inoculated with a live pox vaccine and party together during the weeks they are quarantined. Octavian’s mother is one of three people who become seriously ill. After her death, Octavian escapes and joins the Patriots in their fight against the Redcoats. The third part of the book is told through a soldier’s letters home to his sister and mother. This volume lays the groundwork for the second volume and ends in an unexpected manner. This is a rather difficult book to read due to the style of writing used, but it is beautifully written. Teens with a very keen interest in the Revolutionary War will especially enjoy it. Written by the same author who wrote Feed, although it is very different. Also, this book has just won the National Book Award and was chosen as a Michael L. Prinz Honor winner! Recommended for teens in grades 10 and up. 
This coming-of-age story follows Norman Tuttle from age 13 to 16 in 15 stories. Written by the same author who wrote Williwaw!, another story set in Alaska, the reader is introduced to Norman and his family and the beautiful setting of the Alaskan frontier, where Norman has probably the best view outside his bedroom window without even realizing it. Norman ends up grounded on numerous occasions. He has the best intentions, but bad luck seems to follow Norman everywhere he goes. He disappoints his father regularly, but finally, as he begins to finally outgrow his awkwardness and insecurities, he and his father can laugh about Norman's latest bad luck. The relationships throughout are real and heartwarming. The reader is always rooting for Norman despite his bad judgement, and laughter is never far away. Told in a simple style, similar to the lifestyle of the people in Alaska, this book will not disappoint. Good especially for boys in grades 6-9, and for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. 
Sixteen-year old Simone is taken by surprise when her biological mother calls with a request for a meeting. Continuing their hands-off policy, her adoptive parents don't insist but do make it clear that they favor her meeting Rivka. When she does, she learns that Rivka, a Hasidic Jewess, became pregnant when she was sixteen and turned to Simone's mother, an ACLU lawyer, for help. Now she is dying of ovarian cancer and longs to become acquainted with the daughter she gave up. In the course of a busy year, Simone faces all the usual challenges of high school life while at the same time gradually learning more about her biological heritage. Her first-time relationship with a classmate, her membership in the Atheist Student Association, her dismay at a friend's choice of a boy friend - all lend a sense of reality to this excellent treatment of one young girl's journey toward discovery of her identity. Will be of interest to grades 10 - 12. 
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