Because of Winn Dixie (2000) by Kate DiCamillo

Plot Summary:  Winn Dixie is definitely not the cutest dog, but when 10 year old Opal finds him inside the grocery story making a mess and being chased by the manager, she realizes that she needs to save him.  So, she takes him home, gives him a bath, and names him after the store that he was wrecking.  After all, Opal's father has always told her that it's their job to help those in need.  Winn Dixie is her only friend so far in this new town. 

Opal's father is a preacher and they just moved to Naomi, Florida, a tiny little town whose inhabitants are somewhat odd and seem to keep to themselves.  Opal doesn't remember her mother since she left when Opal was only three.  The preacher doesn't like to talk about her, so Opal knows nothing about her and often wonders what her mama was like.  Opal is lonely, and hangs on tightly to the little pieces of information that her father shares about her mama since it's all she has.  This is a heartwarming story about how this poor, unwanted dog helps this young girl gain the courage to reach out and find friendship, as well as to grow closer to her father.

Genre:  Realistic fiction

Subjects/Themes:  Friendship, dogs, loneliness

Awards:  Newbery Honor Book

Reviews:  Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Booklist

Age Group:  Grades 4-6


High Interest Annotation: For dog lovers everywhere

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening (Book One) (2009) by L.J. Smith

Plot Summary:  Elena Gilbert is a beautiful and popular high school student.  She has many friends, and even more admirers.  When she meets a new guy at school, Stefan, she feels an attraction to him that is like no other that she has felt before.  Elena gets to know Stefan, but it's not long before he reveals himself to her as a vampire.  Elena reacts with shock and stays away from Stefan, but not for long.  He wants to live a normal life (aside from being a vampire) and Elena knows that Stefan would never hurt her. 

Just when she thinks that they have settled into a relationship, his brother Damon appears.  Damon is also a vampire, but is completely the opposite of Stefan-he seems to have no regard for human life and has no problem with feeding off of people that he has compelled.  Elena is disgusted and frightened by Damon, but knows that Stefan will make sure that everything is alright.  Damon's arrival and behavior triggers many negative responses from the community, and problems arise.  Can Elena stay with Stefan despite the interference of his soulless brother?  Or is it just too dangerous and is she risking her life?  This series explores the complicated world of the supernatural.

Subjects/Themes:  vampires, brothers, teenagers

Genre:  Fantasy

Age Group:  Ages 12 and up

High Interest Annotation:  Definitely a good series for the lovers of vampire fiction.  The books are much better and less "sexy" than the current tv series.  The books explore more of the supernatural aspect of vampirism and witchcraft, and less of day to day life as high school students like the show does. 

Vordak the Incomprehensible: How to Grow Up and Rule the World (2010)

Plot Summary:  This evil mastermind offers step by step instructions on how to be evil and succeed in the task of world domination.  This guide starts out with teaching readers how to perfect their evil laugh and takes you through many more important issues such as how to find and create the perfect evil lair, evil organization, and evil career plans.  And don't worry, Vordak insults you the entire way, while also provding important fashion tips for the purely evil!  In order to be evil, you must submerge yourself in evil, and that is exactly what this book does.  For those intending to pursue a career in evil and would like to ensure professionalism every step of the way, please read this book!

Genre:  Humor

Subjects/Themes:  World domination, how to be evil,

Reviews:  Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Booklist

Age Group:  Grades 4-8

High Interest Annotation:  Includes many pictures that will entice readers, as well as obnoxious and sometimes insulting humor. Will be a hit with Wimpy Kid fans.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie (2008)

Plot Summary:  Living in poverty on a reservation in Washington State, Arnold Spirit has dealt with many challenges in his life.  Known as Junior, he is surrounded by alcoholism on the "rez" as they call it, and can confide in only one person, his best friend Rowdy.  Junior is a smart kid, a tatlented cartoonist, and a decent basketball player. When a teacher recognizes Junior's potential and suggests that he attends a better public school off of the "rez," Junior decides to it.  Although it is difficult to make this decision, Junior does.  He realizes that he will be considered a traitor by the rest of the people on the reservation and treated even worse than before, but makes the 22 mile trip to school every day, sometimes on foot. 

Arnold's appearance in this white world throws him for a loop, and he has a hard time fitting in in a place where he has racial slurs called to him on a daily basis.  Despite all the challenges, Arnold keeps his head down and works hard, and keeps his spirits up as he sees life on the reservation crumble around him.  Arnold's determination and good humor in spite of his situation shine through and provide a tearjerking yet uplifting story of a fight against all odds.

Awards: National Book Award Winner

Subjects/Themes:  Poverty, alcoholism, gambling, racism, high school

Reviews:  Publishers Weekly Review, School Library Journal, and Booklist

Age Group:  Grades 8 and up

Project Princess by Meg Cabot (2003)

Plot Summary:  Princess Mia decides that she wants to volunteer her time during spring break to help with Housing for the Hopeful.  This five day trip to West Virginia with many of her classmates, including her boyfriend Michael, will be a good experience for her.  Not to mention that she will get to spend five whole days with her boyfriend and no parents!  Well, the principal and teacher will be there, but still, won't it be romantic?  First she must convince her mother to let her go, and she knows for sure that Grandmere will not be happy about it, especially if she has to miss her princess lessons.....The trip starts out with Lily's boyfriend puking all over the bus before they even got through the Lincoln Tunnel....  Her boyfriend will not want to kiss her if she smells like throwup.   Is this a sign that things will not go as planned? Or will Mia learn what the trip is truly about?

Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Series: 

Princess Diaries Companion Books 

1.  Princess lessons

2.  Project Princess

3.  Perfect Princess

4.  The Princess present

5.  Holiday princess

6.  Sweet sixteen princess

7.  Valentine princess

Age Group: Grades 6 and up