Wonder by R.J Palacio

This book is definitely a true gem. I think that everyone can get a little something out of Wonder. It is one of those rare reads that can change your direction and your perspective. The central character is a boy named August who has a facial deformity that he was born with. He has been home-schooled all his life, and is finally going to attend a public middle school at the age of ten. He is scared, anxious, and worried about what is to come. However, Augie is no ordinary boy... he has more courage than the other kids around him and wins the heart of many along his journey. His new adventure is not easy. The book will have you crying, laughing, and feeling a lump in your throat all in the same chapter. This is a must read for all. The author truly captures the essence of middle school, identity, and courage.

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

Ruby is a seventeen year old girl who has been living alone after being deserted by her abusive mother. Her older sister Cora, who left the trio years ago to attend college brings her into her beautiful new loving home along with her husband Jaime. Suddenly life is different for Ruby. She attends a rich new school, lives in a beautiful home, and has people who love and care for her. Transformation and forgetting the past however is not so easy. Ruby finally learns to let go and allow others to help her build her life back up. She builds a friendship/relationship with her handsome neighbor Nate. Nate however, ends up needing her just as much as she needs him. In Dessen's heartwarming tale, readers will cheer for Ruby to let go of the past and let love in. The tale also reminds me of how strong sisterhood is and the love that I have for my own siblings.

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

I came across this inviting book on my very own bookshelf. It is one of those rare bookfair finds from my days at East Whittier Middle School that was overlooked and left on the shelf. This is the first book in De La Cruz's series. Fans of Gossip Girl would probably adore this book as it meshes together the fashion, heirarchy, and scenery of New York City and all its glam! Naturally there is a twist... the elite high school characters who attend Duchesne (a prestigious NYC private school) are also vampires! We are introduced to Schuyler an outcast who soon discovers she is a Blue Blood and is pushed into a circle of New York City's elite high school circle. It includes: Mimi, who is the head of the group in many ways and dislikes anyone pushing into her social circle; Bliss, a Texan girl who was thrust into New York's elite and has her own secrets as well; and Jack... Mimi's handsome brother who falls for Schuyler despite his sister's jealous rage. Soon the characters discover that there is something preying on all of them, and their lives are in danger. Its a mystery as to who is lurking on the Blue Bloods and what can be done to protect them. De La Cruz's writing lures you into their world. I know this book has been out for a bit, but it's a must read series! I will definitely be reading the second book in the series!