Losing It

Written by Erin Fry, this big-kid fiction book (FIC FRY) tackles a troubling subject.  But where it seems there is a multitude of recent stories about disabilities (Wonder, Out of My Mind, Rules), this novel tackles obesity. The main character is a boy who struggles with his weight (and bullies) and makes a decision to change his life after his overweight dad suffers a stroke.  I loved the main character and my heart went out to him knowing there are a lot of kids who can relate to his issues.

In a Heartbeat

This is a unique story about a girl whose family donated her heart after her death and the girl who received it.  I enjoyed it immensely but it is not an elementary school book.  There were several references that made it too mature for my shelves.  Try it in middle school.  I will be sending my copy there.

The Secret Tree

The Secret Tree  is written by Natalie Standiford.  It is a big-kid fiction book about 5th grade girls and the summer before they enter middle school.  There is a tree in the woods where people hide notes with their secrets on them.  Two characters act as spies to figure out to whom the secrets belong.  While doing that, they uncover other secrets as well.  It was a quick, cute read.

Jake and Lily

This big-kid fiction book by Jerry Spinelli centers on twins with an amazing bond.  I adored not only this story but the wonderfully witty, lovable characters in this book; Poppy especially!  When Jake makes a very bad choice, he struggles with making it right.  It is a story of a twin bond, but it is also about bullies, and stereotypes, and listening to your heart.

Chained

This is a big-kid realistic fiction story written by Lynne Kelly and set in India.  (FIC KEL) A boy takes a job taking care of an elephant training to be in a circus to help pay off his younger sister's medical bills. He disagrees with the treatment of the elephant and makes a courageous decision to change not only his life, but that of the elephant, too.  It is a beautifully written, touching story of friendship, courage, and duty.

The Boy on the Porch

This is one of the best stories I have read in a long time.  Written by Sharon Creech, it is a story of a husband and wife and the curious, quiet boy that is left on their doorstep one day.  I loved this book.  The last page actually gave me chills.  There are some books that you read and enjoy but forget it soon after reading.  This sweet story will stay with me for a very long time to come.

Everyday Angel New Beginnings #1

This is the first in a series by Victoria Schwab.  It is about a girl who happens to be a guardian angel.  She is tasked with helping a 12-year-old girl named Gabby find herself again. That is a difficult job because Gabby's brother is really sick and her family's life revolves around him and his illness.  This book is a bit heavy and has some mature content, like terminal illness.  Be warned...you may need a tissue or two.  I liked it very much and look forward to reading the next in the series.

The Name of This Book is Secret

Written by Pseudonymous Bosch,  this big-kid fiction book is very popular.  It is the first of a series.  I wanted to decide if I should buy it for my libraries.  It is a mystery about a lost magician who has left a book behind.  The two main characters embark on a mission to uncover the mystery of his death. (It reminds me a bit of Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms.). I found it a bit slower than I expected.  I also tend to be annoyed when the narrator talks to the reader apart from the story, like "Stop here if you scare easily, " which this author did constantly.  The storyline was interesting enough to encourage me to finish it, but it was not a favorite, nor will I read the rest of the series.