Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary, 1968

Ramona is even more entertaining as an adult, the parent of a kindergartener. Ramona's interpretations of life in kindergarten are funny and fresh even after almost forty years. Highly recommended.

The Several Lives of Orphan Jack by Sarah Ellis, 2003

When Jack, called Otherjack at the Opportunities School for Orphans and Foundlings, is apprenticed to a bookkeeper, he mistakenly believes he is going to be a keeper of books. When he discovers a bookkeeper is not exactly a keeper of books, he runs away. He finds himself in the town of Aberbog at a fair selling whims, ideas, notions. A delightful book. Highly recommended.

Naming Maya by Uma Krishnaswami, 2004

Maya spends a month in India with her mother, while her mother sells her grandfather's house. While there, she comes to terms with her parents' divorce, her own relationship with her mother, and the aging of Kamala Mami, a "servant" who has been with the family for three generations. Beautifully written. Recommended.

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine, 2001

This book tells the story of two sisters: Meryl, the elder who is brave, and Addie, the younger who is not brave at all. But when Meryl gets stricken with the Grey Death, Addie knows she must go searching for the cure. In her journey, she confronts ogres, specters, gryphons, and a dragon. She finds the courage within to try to save her sister. Slow-going at the beginning.

Face to Face by Marion Dane Bauer, 1991

Michael, the target of bullies, thinks having a gun will help his situation and that he will no longer be an easy target. But the gun he receives for his thirteenth birthday is taken away from him before the end of the day. His estranged father calls for the first time in eight years to invite him for a visit. Michael thinks this will be the panacea for all his problems, but of course, it is not. He finds that his father is not the father he needs. Recommended.

Greenwitch by Susan Cooper, 1974

The third in the Dark is Rising series. During school holiday, Simon, Jane, and Barney join Great-Uncle Merriman in searching for the stolen grail. They are joined by Will Stanton, and together battle the Dark. The writing is very Tolkien-esque. Recommended.

The Double-Digit Club by Marion Dane Bauer, 2004

Nine-year old Sarah dreads the first day of summer when her best friend Paige turns ten and will be invited to join the exclusive double-digit club (DDC). She prompts her on what to say when the event happens, but of course, Paige backs down, and goes with the DDCs. Sarah is crushed, and spends time reading, moping, and eventually visiting her next-door neighbor, old blind Miss Berglund. One day she sees a beautiful doll in Miss Berglund's bedroom, one that could win back Paige's friendship. She "borrows" the doll, shows it to Paige, and in a scuffle, the doll is broken. In the end, Sarah confesses to Miss Berglund in a heart-to-heart and she learns that growing up is about more than turning ten. It's a perfect example of the writing equation: protagonist + problem + solution = story. Textbook story arc.

Runt by Marion Dane Bauer, 2002

Runt, the last wolf pup born in a litter of five, struggles to prove his worth to King, his father. But each time he tries to show his bravery and his worth to the pack, trouble ensues. Eventually, he is able to find that validation and his name is changed from Runt to Singer.

On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer, 1986

Twelve-year old Tony makes plans to climb the dangerous Starved Rock bluffs with his best friend, Joel. Joel's reluctance to do such a foolhardy thing is satisfied when Tony's attention is turned toward swimming in the Vermillion River. After some goading, Joel dares Tony to swim out to a sand bar. Joel makes it. Tony doesn't. Highly recommended.