Shabanu - Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples

Just finished this book about a Pakistani girl and her life in the desert.  This book is definitely for older girls as references are made about developing breasts, starting periods and what it will be like to be married, that I am sure boys would find disgusting.  The book depicts women as second class citizens and contains some violent scenes, however, I really enjoyed this book and am anxious to read the next one.  I learned a lot about middle eastern culture and actually read ahead to see what happened to the strong young woman
protagonist.  Sad at times, engaging in others, this book will keep you interested until the very end. 

Promises to the Dead by Mary Downing Hahn

This really good book takes place at the time of the Civil War.  It's about a 12 y/o boy who makes a promise to a dying slave woman that he will bring her 3 y/o son to a relatives house in Baltimore.  Clean, action packed, quick read.  Historical fiction but no where near boring.  This is the first book by Mary Downing Hahn that I have read.  She has written a lot of other books, but  by the covers they all look like ghost stories.  Has anyone read any of her other books?  Let me know. 

Lemonade Wars by Jacqueline Davies

Loved it!  Moved a bit slower than any book I've read recently, but is a great story about brother/sister relationships.  Big brother is upset because little sis will be skipping a grade and be in his classroom in the fall.  Covers all of the angst and anger that he is feeling as well as her not getting why he is upset.  Good, clean read about two siblings who really do love and enjoy being together even though a lemonade stand competition would lead you to believe otherwise.  Has two sequels that I have not read yet.