What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell

In this noir coming of age thriller, 15 year-old Evie Spooner quickly grows up, falls in love and realizes her parents, Bev and Joe, are not perfect parents.

In 1947, Joe Spooner unexpectedly returns from WWW ll bringing home more than just war stories. He takes Bev and Evie on an impulsive vacation to a swanky, glittery Palm Beach resort. Pretending to be a man of wealth and influence, Joe strikes of a questionable friendship with the mysterious Graysons. Add to the mix, smooth talking Peter, a handsome old war buddy looking for paybacks from Joe. Coincidentally, Peter is staying at the same hotel as Joe?

On a fast track going nowhere, Evie falls for Peter big time, but he is more interested in Evie's mother, a Lana Turner wanna be looking for a good time. Using Evie as a decoy, Peter and Bev are just a little too friendly, while Joe is buying into shady business deals.

When Joe, Bev and Peter go boating, a tropical storm hits and only two return.

Evie must choose between love and betrayal. In an electric courtroom drama, Evie makes her stand.

http://www.judyblundell.com/

Laura

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

If an entire nation could seek freedom, why not a girl?

If you think walking the dog or folding the laundry is bad, try trading places with Isabel, a 13-year old slave in Manhattan during the American Revolution. Every morning before dawn, Isabel has already hauled water, stoked the fire and emptied chamber pots.

In 1775, Isabel and her younger sister, Ruth, are sold to the Locktons, an evil, wealthy couple with loyalists ties. While fetching water in the bitter cold, Isabel makes friends with Curzon, a slave with rebel connections. In return for freedom, Curzon encourages Isabel to spy on the Locktons.

When the wicked Madam abruptly sells Ruth, Isabel makes a decision jeopardizing and changing her life forever.

Anderson pens an exciting story balancing history with plot. Watch for the sequel, Forge.

http://www.writerlady.com/
Grades 7-10

Laura

Looking for JJ by Anne Cassidy

Everyone is looking for JJ, Jennifer Jones, but where and who is she? Six years ago three 10 year-old girls walked into the woods and only two returned. What happened? Only Alice Tully knows the horrendous answer. Will Alice's past always haunt her?

In this award winning young adult novel, the author explores the murder of one child by another, the guilt and redemption and the return to society. Dark, chilling and suspenseful, Cassidy provides readers with an unforgetable novel.

http://www.annecassidy.com/