Dear Mr. Henshaw
by:  Beverly Cleary
1984 Newbery Winner

Leigh is Boy Henshaw's biggest fan.  Henshaw is the author of Leigh's favorite book, Ways to Amuse a Dog.  Leigh's parents are getting divorced, and when he and his mom move, Leigh becomes the new kid in school.  This is an awesome story told through letters and journal entries by Leigh.

Crispin : the cross of lead

by:  Avi
2003 Newbery Winner

Asta's son is the only name he has.  He and his mom are nothing but poor peasants in 14th century medieval England.

Accused of something he didn't do, Asta's son gets declared a wolf's head.  This means anyone who sees him may kill him.

He knows he must run away if he is to survive.  With his newly revealed name - Crispin - and his mother's cross of lead he runs!

Very good book!

Guts : the true stories behind Hatchet and the Brian books
by:  Gary Paulsen

Here are the real events that inspired Gary Paulsen to write Brian Robeson's story in Hatchet, The River, Brian's Winter, and Brian's Return.  He takes readers on his first hunting trips, showing the wonder and solace of nature along with his hilarious mishaps and mistakes.

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
by:  Jack Gantos

Joey can't sit still and has trouble following the rules.  He wants to be good and he knows that deep down he is, he just can't help it.  Joey has A.D.D. and now his meds are not working properly.

If he doesn't get his act together he will have to go to an entirely different school!

Very good!

The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place
by:  E.L. Konigsburg

Margaret Rose Kane is incorrigible!
Is that good or bad?

Bad - she gets kicked out of summer camp???

Good - She believes in herself and stands up for what is right.

Very good!

Toys Go Out
by:  Emily Jenkins

Lumphy is a stuffed buffalo,
StingRay is a stuffed stingray, and
Plastic...well Plastic isn't sure what she is.

6 linked stories that showcase
ridiculous and touching adventures
of 3 extraordinary friends.

Peak
by:  Roland Smith

For a climber, saying you're stopping by Everest is like saying you're stop by to see God.

14 year-old Peak Marcello is in big trouble for trying to climb a New York City skyscraper.  His sentence...go live with his dad who he hasn't seen in years.

Awesome!