All of Jefferson's slaves knew the big secret that Sally Hemings' children were fathered by Master Jefferson. Both Sally and her children had more privileges than others. Three of the four were so light-skinned that when freed at the age of 21, they would be able to "pass" for white. This story is told by her sons and another young slave at Monticello. An insightful view of our country's history for ages 10 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y Bradley
Review Date: 2/21/12

Abby enrolls at St. Catherine's even though her family is not Catholic. She is expelled from the public middle school after retaliating against a bully classmate. Her busy parents never listen to her so she decides to become a Catholic to aggravate them. How Abby learns about faith and reacts to this knowledge causes her parents to finally pay attention to her. For ages 10 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y Bradley
Review Date: 12/23/07

Details on the deaths of many notables including King Tut, Napolean, Marie Curie, Beethoven, and Charles Darwin are given as well as information on all their primitive medical treatments. The gross descriptions and facts are enough to make you sick! This is perfect for any readers who are not squeamish in grades 5 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y920 BR
Review Date: 10/26/12

Due to an incident in her conservative Christian church youth group, Mena starts high school without any friends. Her awesome biology teacher pairs her with a bright student for lab work. Mena is afraid she won't be able to work up to his standards for the A+ he expects them to earn. As they begin a unit on evolution, Mena reacts to the protests of her former church friends by supporting her teacher. Her relationship with her lab partner grows as she learns about science as well as herself. For ages 12 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y Brande
Review Date: 10/15/07

Georgia fills her journal with messages to her dead mother. Memories of her artist mother are fading and her father will not talk about her. Georgia also draws with materials donated from her art teacher. After receiving an anonymous membership to the local art museum, Georgia tries to figure out which of her teachers or neighbor or unknown relative was so generous. A family story for ages 10 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y/Bryant
Review Date: 7/17/06

Three eighth grade girls become friends in suburban New Jersey when they find out how much they have in common. As immigrants from Mexico, Trinidad and Slovakia, they are not as wealthy and are not accepted by the rest of their peers. Their mothers work as nannies and housekeepers for their classmates' families. Lola, Maria and Jaya realize they can belong and participate just like everyone else. Realistic family situations for ages 12 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y Budhos
Review Date: 10/12/10

Alice is not happy with her life. Her divorced mother expects her to help with her younger brother. Alice's father is about to remarry and has explained how her mother made him leave. The mean girl at school makes Alice's life so unbearable that she feels like she only has one friend. All of this changes when Alice falls off the merry-go-round in the local park one night when she runs out of the house after a fight with her mother. She awakes as her seven year old self and realizes that this is her chance to change her life. The story tells how she is able to change her life. A good read for ages 12 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y Bush
Review Date: 8/19/11

Like many teens, Stephanie Landry wants to be part of the in-crowd. When she finds an old book on how to be popular, Steph figures this is the answer to her dreams. She borrows money from her grandfather to buy new, stylish clothes and figures out a fundraising plan to help the senior class raise money. She figures this would help her win the heart of the handsome football player/student body president. Avoiding her old friends and sticking to the book's plan only helps Stephanie encounter other problems. A funny book for ages 12 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y Cabot
Review Date: 9/6/06

Everybody's friend, Jenny Greenley is picked to befriend movie star Luke Striker when he comes to her small Indiana town. He plans to disguise himself and learn about high school for an upcoming movie role. Jenny is surprised that he isn't recognized at first and soon she is the only one who is not in awe of him. Typical high school relationships and classroom issues fill the story. Fun for all, ages 12 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y Cabot
Review Date: 9/7/04

Kaitlin Burke is a popular young actress who would like to experience life as an average teen. During a filming hiatus, she decides to disguise herself so she could attend a regular high school with her best friend. Kaitlin's family and staff, her chauffeur, personal assistant and publicist try to convince her that this could damage her career. However, she enjoys making friends and being accepted for herself instead of being admired for her clothes and connections. Although afraid her secret will be revealed, Kaitlin learns a lot about family, friends, and life. A fun story for ages 11 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y / Calonita
Review Date: 8/21/06