Danger Box by Blue Balliett

From the Publisher: "A boy in a small town who has a different way of seeing.

A mischievous girl who won't stay in one place.
A mysterious notebook .
A fire.
A stranger.
A death.
These are some of the things you'll find within The Danger Box."


Publisher: Scholastic, 2010, 320 pp.

Touch Blue by Cynthia Lord

From the Publisher: "The state of Maine plans to shut down her island’s schoolhouse, which would force Tess’s family to move to the mainland--and Tess to leave the only home she has ever known. Fortunately, the islanders have a plan too: increase the numbers of students by having several families take in foster children. So now Tess and her family are taking a chance on Aaron, a thirteen-year-old trumpet player who has been bounced from home to home. And Tess needs a plan of her own--and all the luck she can muster. Will Tess’s wish come true or will her luck run out?"

Publisher: Scholastic, 2010, 192 pp.

Fish by Gregory Mone

From the Publisher: "Fish--nicknamed for his incredible swimming abilities--is a twelve-year-old boy from a poor farming family. After taking a job as a courier for his uncle, Fish is waylaid by pirates, who steal the package he's carrying. He soon learns that it's the key to locating the Chain of Chuacar, a legendary treasure. As he works to earn the trust of Cobb, the fortune-hunting captain of the Scurvy Mistress, Fish learns of a mutiny headed by a nasty pirate called Scab. With time running out to find the Chain, Fish and some fellow shipmates still loyal to Cobb must thwart Scab's dastardly plan."

Publisher: Scholastic, 2010, 256 pp.

Justin Fisher Declares War! by James Preller

From the Publisher: "At Spiro Agnew Elementary, the fifth graders rule the school. And class clown Justin Fisher rules them all.  Or, at least, he did.  Justin has always been the funniest kid in school. But this year, his new teacher isn't amused. And when Justin gets in trouble with Mr. Tripp over and over, the other kids turn on him, too. No one wants to be friends with the class troublemaker.
But Justin Fisher isn't going down without a fight."

Publisher: Scholastic, 2010, 144 pp.

Countdown by Deborah Wiles

From the Publisher: "It's 1962, and it seems everyone is living in fear. Twelve-year-old Franny Chapman lives with her family in Washington, DC, during the days surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis. Amidst the pervasive threat of nuclear war, Franny must face the tension between herself and her younger brother, figure out where she fits in with her family, and look beyond outward appearances. For Franny, as for all Americans, it's going to be a formative year."

Publisher: Scholastic, 2010, 400 pp.

8th Grade Super Zero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

From the Publisher: "Ever since a deeply unfortunate incident earlier this year, Reggie's been known as "Pukey" McKnight at his high-intensity Brooklyn middle school. He wants to turn his image around, but he has other things on his mind as well: his father, who's out of a job; his best friends, Ruthie and Joe C.; his former best friend Donovan, who's now become a jerk; and of course, the beautiful Mialonie. The elections for school president are coming up, but with his notorious nickname and "nothing" social status, Reggie wouldn't stand a chance, if he even had the courage to run. Then Reggie gets involved with a local homeless shelter, the Olive Branch. Haunted by two of the clients there—George, a once-proud man now living on the streets, and Charlie, a six-year-old kid who becomes his official "Little Buddy"—he begins to think about making a difference, both in the world and at school. Pukey for President? It can happen . . . if he starts believing."
Publisher: Scholastic, 2010, 272 pp.