Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage (Rebecca Caudill 2015 nominee)

Mo LoBeau is an orphan who is 3 times lucky and has a mystery to solve.  This book is fun and witty.  Mo is a clever and likable character who is wise beyond her years.  Her best friend, Dale, is lovable and fun.  This book has everything you are looking for:  murder, mystery and fun!  It is on the longer side (300 pages) for our junior high students, but I promise you will enjoy it.  There is also a companion if you are looking to follow Mo on another adventure!

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

I just finished A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness and LOVED this book.  It's dark, witty and sucks you in right away.  I'm really hoping one of the ELA teachers at Lakeview will decide to teach this book that is currently on the 2016 Rebecca Caudill list.  There are many discussions that can develop from this book including:  grief, cancer, bullies and monsters.  This book leaves a lot to the imagination while reading letting students wonder what the nightmare is and why is this yew tree involved in his life.

What makes this book even more special is that it was the last book idea from Siobhan Dowd and all proceeds go to her foundation http://www.siobhandowdtrust.com/