Synopsis: Every school has at least one Julian Peabody, but rarely does anyone know these kids by their real names. In Julian’s case, he’s Pee-bedy, Jewels, or more recently, Piebody. Prone to unwanted attention from bullies and embarrassing mishaps, he is the boy most kids at school try hard to avoid. A move to tiny Laketown changes little - that is, until Julian begins to sense that the enormous lake that now makes up his backyard is hiding mysteries, extraordinary places and objects that he feels compelled to find but never will on his own. Luckily, there are others in Laketown like Julian: odd but gifted teens accustomed to living life alone but who long for a friend. There’s the husky boy who takes endless abuse but never fights back, the frail, home-schooled kid who rarely leaves his house, and the quirky girl who inexplicably makes everyone else uneasy. Bringing together four self-defensive, naive loners is what Julian must do if he is to uncover what the lake keeps well-hidden. Lacking superior strength or speed and having no access to traditional weaponry, the Loners must overcome conditions and creatures where all are essential. If they fail, more will be sacrificed than they ever imagined.

Synopsis: Fifteen-year-old Daria Brennan doesn’t want to hear people’s thoughts. She doesn’t want to see ghosts—or talk to dead people. And she definitely doesn’t want to help solve a forty-year old murder. But Amanda wants revenge, and Daria is the first human contact she’s had since the day she died. Now the killer is after Daria and her friends. Can they solve Amanda’s murder before becoming his next victims?

Synopsis: It’s the year 2108. I just turned 16. That means I can access the autopilot on my Aerokopa. So now, I can both fly and scope the Dat-X at the same time. But what good is that when I don’t even have a date to my best friend’s party of the century? Okay, well, one of the Holdouts offered to go with me . . . but there’s NO WAY I’m going with one of them! And then there are the Trollers docked at the quay. They’re most likely spies working with the Aliens, bringing nothing but trouble. But with this visit, they may even bring war. It would be treason to talk to them, let alone . . . befriend one. But what’s a curious girl to do? Did I tell you I have a propensity for trouble?

Synopsis: Ash was looking forward to a summer of camping with friends and time travelling. Then his Great Aunt fades away (literally), his near-death nightmare gets even weirder and he keeps falling into someone else's dreams. On top of that, his house is attacked and he gets trapped in the past while trying to help a new friend who isn't too friendly. Juna isn't having a great time of it either: having escaped from her parole officer, she barely survives falling out of a plane and getting sucked into a bizarre tornado that keeps appearing in the most unlikely situations. While Ash and Juna try to get out of the past and back home, events and dreams keep pointing them to the place where it all starts and ends, where shadows dance and time bends. If they can get there, they may be able to stop an implacable enemy from destroying their future. Of course, getting there means surviving first. Also read Book 1, 'Diary of a Part Time Ghost': amazon.com/Diary-Part-Time-Ghost-Vered-Ehsani/dp/1456579231/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1326525441&sr=8-1

Synopsis: When fifteen year old orphan Jack Hampton pays a final visit to Captain Jones in prison, he doesn't expect to spend the next few months aboard the Firebird with a crew of rugged pirates, the fearsome, mysterious Madame Helena and a manuscript full of puzzling clues. An exciting tale of pirates, treasure, treachery and adventure: all somehow tangled up with the loss of the Curchan Ruby and an unusual board game, the Game of Pirate. Those who loved reading Treasure Island will also love this book.

Synopsis: This is historical fantasy at its best. Sixteen-year-old Hild has always been a favorite of her uncle, king of the Shylfings. So when she protects her cousin the crown prince from a murderous traitor, she expects the king to be grateful. Instead, she is unjustly accused of treachery herself.

As punishment, her uncle sends Hild far away to the heir of the enemy king, Beowulf, to try to weave peace between the two kingdoms. She must leave her home and everyone she loves. On the long and perilous journey, Hild soon discovers that fatigue and rough terrain are the least of her worries. Something is following her and her small band of guards—some kind of foul creature that tales say lurks in the fens. Will Hild have to face the monster? Or does it offer her the perfect chance to escape the destiny she never chose?

Rebecca Barnhouse's companion to The Coming of the Dragon is sure to appeal to younger fans of Tamora Pierce, Esther Friesner, and Shannon Hale.

Synopsis: The tale of Myranda Celeste, a young woman orphaned by a century long war, and her chance discovery of a fallen soldier's priceless cargo. The find will change her life, sending her on an adventure of soldiers and rebels, wizards and warriors, and beasts both noble and monstrous. Each step will bring her closer to the truth of her potential, of the war, and of the fate of her world.