Juvenile Detention, Something Like Hope, Novel

SOMETHING LIKE HOPE By: Shawn Goodman
Shavonne is only seventeen, yet she has seen more and experienced more than any seventeen year old should. She currently lives in a juvenile detention center. With the help of Mr. Delpopolol, Shavonne learns to understand that her behavior is destructive. She finally begins to unravel the truth about her crack head mother, a baby she had that went straight into foster care, and a younger brother, Marcus. But the inmates and staff at the center take their tole on Shavonne and you keep hoping everything will be okay. The language is powerful, but it makes the story believable. I couldn't put it down. Ages 14 up $16.99 Delacorte Press

Young Fredle, By Cynthia Voigt, Novel

YOUNG FREDLE By: Cynthia Voigt
Even though this books isn't coming out till January of 2011, I wanted to let you know how truly adventurous it will be for your family.
Fredle is a house mouse, living in the wall with his family. They only forage for food at night when it is safer. Then one day the unthinkable happens. Fredle and Axle eat too much of something they aren't sure what, but it makes them really sick. Fredle is sent off by his family, for know one that is sick is allowed to remain. From there is adventures begin. He is an outside mouse now. Will he make it on his own, with raccoons, cats, snakes and other predators. An engaging story that will have your children on the edge of their seats. Ages 8-12 $16.99 Knopf
On a personal note, I would read this out loud to my younger children, for they would appreciate the story.