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.

Northward to the moon by Polly Horvath

The back of the book states that this is reading level 5.0 and for ages 10-13.  It is supposedly narated by a tween girl, the oldest of her mother's four children.  However, her naration is that of a very well versed adult.  It comes across as odd, just like this story.  I would not recommend it.  One of her aunts remarks after seeing a nice looking young man that he looks like "sex on a stick".  The girl also spends some time trying to figure out who fathered her brothers, sister and self.  I thought is was a very bizarre story with a very unsatisfying ending.  This is dysfunctional family escapades at their best.

Powerless by Matthew Cody

This is a great book for boys (at last).  It involves kids with super powers, suspense, mystery, action, and friendship.  It is very clean and most of the characters have actual parents!  The ending sets up for the sequel which will be out in September 2012 called Super.   Both boys and girls 5th grade and up would love this book.

Enna Burning by Shannon Hale

This is the sequel to The Goose Girl.  I liked it, but it was definitely wierder than the first one.  Definitely for girls 10 and up and definitely for fantasy lovers.  Clean, but slightly violent, as her kingdom is at war and she uses her "gift of fire" to burn up the enemy. 

Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Once again I am reviewing a Newbery award winning book.  I loved it.  I saw that other reviewers were upset that there is alcohol use, but hey, it takes place during prohibition, and she is an abandoned child whose father rides the rails.  This story has an intricately weaved story that is slowly revealed page by page.  Although the protagonist is a girl, I think that both boys and girls would enjoy this story.  Good to the last word!