This is an old fairy tale retold with a delightful new twist. Zita is the thirteenth princess born to a king who only wanted sons. From the day of her birth, Zita is banished to the servants quarters where she must serve as a servant girl and communicate secretly with her sisters.
As stated by the publicist, “Debut novelist Diane Zahter creates a sparkling world of enchanted princesses, spellbinding magic, true love—and the young girl determined to save them all!”
I thing you will find this story to be enchanting as well. ENJOY!! (Young Adult Middlle, ages 9 and up)
A Million Shades of Gray by Cynthia Kadohata, author of Cracker and Newbery winner for Kira Kira
Twelve year old Griffin Penshine is always making wishes. One day Griffin meets Mariah, a very strange old lady, who gives her eleven shiny pennies—each labeled with someone else’s wish. Mariah has stolen these wishes many years ago. Griffin must find a way to make these wishes come true or the reverse of her own wishes will occur. To protect the people that Griffin loves, she must quickly find a way to make these wishes come true. Once you start this book, you will find it difficult to put down. A good read. (Young Adult–ages 10 and up)
Do you like nature stories with a mix of folk lore? If so, Kathryn Lasky has written the book for you. A wolf pup is born with a deformed foot, and according to wolf pack rules, he must be abandoned to die. This is a special wolf pup, he survives and will engage you in delighted chuckles, tears, and a sense of peace as you look forward to another book. (ages 8-12)
The River by Mary Jane Beaufrand
If you enjoyed The Red Necklace you will enjoy its sequel: The Silver Blade. The year is 1794; Gardner takes the characters Yan and Sido through a tale of magic, adventure, betrayal and romance during the French Revolution. This one will keep you on your toes until the end. (Teen readers, ages 12 and up)
Catherine Gillbert Murdock’s first novel: Dairy Queen is a delightful story about a fifteen-year-old girl (D. J.), who is a great athlete with a wonderful sense of humor; however, she has difficulty expressing herself. Murdock has followed this novel with two others–Off Season and Front and Center. By the time you read Front and Center, you will realize that D.J. has faced many challenges in her life and has what it takes to be a good leader on and off the court or field. I think you will find these to be an enjoyable read. (Teen readers, ages 12 and up)
Seventeen-year-old Daiyu was adopted from China, raised in St. Louise and one day while at the city fair near the Gateway Arch, she purchases a beautiful ring and suddenly her life is changed. Sharon Shinn takes Daiyu on a delightful and frightening adventure in time travel to a different world. While in this new and exciting place Daiyu discovers love, learns about trust, and must trust her own abilities to make the right choice. This was a fun and exciting read. (Teen readers, ages 12 and up)
POP by Gordon Korman, September 1, 2009
The Doll Shop Downstairs by Yona Zeldis McDonough, September 1, 2009