If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko
Reading Level: grades 6-10

If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound? Choldenko uses this middle-school story to explore the impact an individual can make in others' lives, intentionally or otherwise.

Kirsten and Walker tell this story in alternating chapters from opposite viewpoints. Their lives don't intersect until they find themselves in the same class at a fancy private school. But once they meet, these seventh-graders find themselves connected in ways they could never have imagined. Along the way, both of them also touch the lives of their classmates and families in unexpected ways.

So, if a tree falls at lunch period...?

Swindle

Swindle by Gordon Korman
Reading level: grades 4-6

6th grader Griffin Bing is known as "The Man with a Plan" - no matter what the situation. So when he is duped out of a valuable baseball card (worth at least 1 million dollars!), he comes up with a plan to get it back. Putting together a specialized team of his classmates, Griffin plans for a grand heist! This group of elementary detectives becomes entangled in one roadblock after another, until they manage to get their hands on the prize... but not entirely as planned!

True to Korman's style, this book is full of quirky humor. Be warned, however, that Griffin's plans are mostly illegal! But underneath it all, Griffin is a thoughtful character. This heist is fast paced and exciting, and perfect for an upper elementary reader looking for something different.

Teen, Inc

Teen, Inc. by Stefan Petrucha
Reading level: grade 6-10

The book starts off with an intriguing premise. Orphaned as a baby, Jaiden Beale is adopted by NECorp--the corporation that caused his parents death. Now fourteen-years-old, Jaiden is used to being “managed”, but still fantasizes about having a normal life. When the corporation tries to help with his lack of dating experience, Jaiden puts his foot down. Through a series of events, he unfortunately finds out that NECorp is knowingly polluting the city’s water with mercury and that the father of his secret crush is leading the protest against NECorp. There is never a dull moment and readers will find Jaiden to be an engaging character. The book keeps a steady pace and reluctant readers will find it easy to escape into the story.

Project Mulberry

Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park

Reading level: Grades 4-7
Interest level: Ages 9-12

Have you ever moved to a new town and felt like you just didn’t fit in? Have you ever had a school project you really didn’t want to do? Meet 7th Grader Julia Song who is struggling with being accepted by others at her new school, accepting her own Korean heritage, and questioning the ability of the adults in her life to accept those of other racial backgrounds. This book includes a story-within-a-story as the author talks with Julia about the struggles she faced developing the story in short interviews placed between the chapters. A thought provoking and fun to read book.

Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little

Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Elizabeth Gifford
Reading level: Grades 2-4

Did you have to read a book that you just did not want to read? Well, Moxy's book is Stuart Little. Tomorrow is the first day of school and Moxy has yet to finish her summer reading assignment. While she loves to read, she hates being told what to read. She is also running out of excuses and her mother has told her to finish her book or she will not be able to participate in her water ballet show at the local pool tonight. Of course, Moxy must train the dog and plant a peach orchard before she gets around to reading Stuart Little. This is a quick and funny read and kids will enjoy all the excuses Moxy comes up. Moxy is a spunky character that many readers will relate to. The book also features black and white photos taken by Moxy's brother.

Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree

Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree
by Lauren Tarshis
Reading level: Grades 5-7

This is the story of Emma-Jean Lazarus and Colleen Pomerantz. Emma-Jean is smart, a little odd, and does not understand her fellow middle school students. Colleen is the girl who cares about everything, and worries too much. One day Emma-Jean finds Colleen crying in the bathroom and decides to help. This sets off a series of events that leads to self discovery and also an unfortunate incident with a tree. A fun and charming book perfect for middle-school students and their families!