"I've contacted the aunt and uncle whom I visited in rural Pennsylvania every summer as a boy. You'll be staying with them." says Dad

"What are their names?"

"Uh...Poppy and Moo."

"Mike, come meet Poppy!"

I followed the line of the yardstick, which seemed to point to a huge recliner in the far, dark corner of the room.  With a statue sitting in it.

At least, it was frozen like a statue. Its arms were almost as white as its undershirt except for the blue veins running up and down. Above the undershirt, hair peeked out, then a fat neck and stubbly chin. Lips stuck out in a pout. Eyes stared straight ahead. Two tufts of gray hair stuck up like devil horns. The whole statue looked like it hadn't moved in days.

"Say hello to Poppy!" Moo said.

Mike is a kid who is the only sane center of the town called "Do Over." Sent by his dad to spend six weeks of his summer vacation building an artesian screw, Mike cannot figure out how to tell his dad that he hates math. However, when he arrives in "Do Over," he realizes that he is the only person who can fundraise $40,000 for the adoption of Romanian Mike.

Over the course of the summer, Mike finds the calling within himself. Full of humorous situations and eccentric characters, Mike manages to rouse people in Do Over. At the same time, though, does he manage to finally reach his Dad? Read it and find out!

Kathryn Erskine is the National Book Award winner for Mockingbird. Once again, she presents a most likable protagonist, Mike, in the novel, The Absolute Value of Mike (AR 8.0, Level 3.9)

Ten-year-old Moon has led a relatively sheltered life. He lives with his father in the Alabama wilderness. Moon's mother passed away when he was very young. Moon has learned wilderness survival skills from his father; however, he knows little about the outside world. One day, everything changes. What happens? Read Alabama Moon by Watt Key to find out. This book is also available in audio cd format. A dvd based on the book is also available to check out.   Alabama Moon is great for readers of all ages, especially upper elementary school students and middle school students.

Life is not going so well for Callie Boone during the summer before middle school! Her ex-best friend is now ignoring and making fun of her behind her back. Her family is driving her crazy. She is banned from the pool. And, she now faces middle school in the fall without a best friend! What is a girl to do?

Confused and hurt, Callie depends upon her diving practice time and her snack-loving father, who is a former diving star. Then a boy named Hoot moves in next door. Callie tests the limits of friendship with her new friend and learns what a real friend is like. A tragic twist shows her that there are more important things to life than her feelings about her former best friend.

After All, You're Callie Boone (AR 6.0, Level 4.7) is a fine motto to live by for anyone. Winnie Mack shows kids how important nutritious eating and loyalty are in life. Humorous and quick-paced, Mack's debut novel is a great summer read.

Calli lives in a family of over-achievers. Every single person in her family, including her parents "go for the gold." Except Calli. She is happy being an average fifth grade kid, but doesn't know how to fit in with her extroverted family, who want her to be an over-achiever, too. Especially torturous is her father's version of the ABC's. Her brother and sister, Alex and Becca, each announce their achievements during the ABC's. But Calli, the "C", does not feel she has anything to contribute. Until, she meets Noah. Noah isn't like other kids. Her approach to Noah changes life for both him and her in ways she could never have imagined!

Along the way, Calli learns that her parents have issues of their own. Her older brother brings some sanity to her world with his understanding of the family dynamic. Becca, meanwhile, has a hidden secret, too.

Calli Be Gold (AR 6.0, Level 4.2) will reach the heart of any kid who doesn't really fit in, whether at school or at home. Michele Weber Hurwitz clearly understands the problems that upper-elementary or beginning middle-school kids have in this stellar debut novel. She cleverly uses humor to offset some of the serious issues her characters face. The combination of humor and pathos made this book a page-turner!

I could not put it down until the wee hours of the morning! This adult librarian was in tears from about half-way through the book all the way to the end. I was also laughing, as well, so I am sure my family thought I was becoming unhinged. I can wholeheartedly say that this book is the best book I have read so far this year. Try it and see for yourself!

From Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, the team that brought you the adventure-packed Peter and the Starcatchers series, comes Science Fair, a hilarious and thrilling story about foreign spies and middle school science projects. Toby is a geeky boy who is tired of the rich kids always winning the science fair at his school. He and his friends try to think up a project that will let them finally win the big prize. Meanwhile, Grdankl the Strong, leader of the unpronounceable country of Krpshtskan, has decided to wage war on the United States and send his minions to destroy us. However, they become sidetracked by the television shopping channels. Meanwhile, plots arise regarding Toby’s parents’ Star Wars memorabilia, an evil teacher, a mad science store owner, and a Wienermobile that will keep you glued to the book and laughing your head off.

Reynie Muldoon, an orphaned child with special abilities decides to respond to a newspaper advertisement addressed to "gifted children looking for special opportunities." After passing several mind-bending exams, he joins an elite team of four talented children and they become the Mysterious Benedict Society. They soon go on an adventurous journey of espionage and self-discovery to defeat a master criminal who plans to take over the world. Readers will be intrigued by interesting characters and a gripping plot.

Check out The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart at your library, available in the following formats:

• Book - Choose either paperback format or& hardcover format.

• Audio Book - Listen to this book using your CD player.

• eBook - Read this book on your eReader, computer or tablet computer. Check our New User's Guide for more information on how to download.

• eAudio Book - Listen to this book on your MP3 player, smart phone or computer. Check our New User's Guide for more information on how to download.