Flipped

Author: Wendelin Van Draanen

Pages: 212

Book for: July

Average reading level: ages 10+

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In alternating chapters, Bryce and Juli tell the story of their relationship, beginning in second grade when Bryce moves in across the street from Juli. Juli instantly develops a crush on Bryce, who does not reciprocate, and throughout elementary school he tries to avoid her persistent and unwelcome attentions.

In middle school, however, they both begin to notice Bryce's substantial character flaws. Just as Bryce begins to try to change, and to notice Juli's good points, her ardor starts to cool. Meanwhile their families, and their perceptions of their world, also undergo dramatic changes.

Snakes Don't Miss Their Mothers

book: Snakes Don't Miss Their Mothers

Author: M E Kerr

pages: ??

Average age level: 9+

Rex didn't mean to end up in Critters animal shelter, but at least the homesick golden retriever is making new friends, including Catherine, a greyhound with a gambling problem; Placido, a one-eyed Siamese cat with an attitude; and Marshall, a king snake who loves to show off his vocabulary. This motley crew may come from all over, but they all want the same thing: a home.

Criss Cross

Author: Lynne Perkins

Pages: 337

Book for: May

Average reading level: ages 10+

This book is about one 60s-era summer in the lives of an assortment of very nice small-town teens. Just like a real small-town summer for teens, not very much happens. Life is pleasingly slow and languid. They listen to the radio, wonder about the opposite sex and about themselves, hang out, talk, grow a little, change a bit, come to a few understandings they didn't have before.

That's pretty much it. One boy is inspired by a college coffeehouse to take some guitar lessons in the basement of the church. A girl befriends and helps out an elderly woman. Paths cross, connections are made, or missed. It's real life, lyrically rendered.