Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen. Dyan Sheldon, 2002

Mary Elizabeth (Lola) Cep loves to be the center of attention. But so does reigning popularity queen, Carla Santini. And Carla isn’t exactly anxious to share the spotlight! Especially when both girls audition for the lead in the school play. The ensuing battle will have you cheering for the underdog and laughing out loud at the hilarious mishaps of this loveable and unforgettable drama queen.

Extra Nutty: Even More Letters From A Nut. Ted L. Nancy, 2000

Laugh aloud as you enter the world of goofball Ted L. Nancy. Read his loony letters written to real businesses and the comical responses. By the way, who is Ted L. Nancy?

Fever, 1793. Laurie Halse Anderson, 2000

Yellow fever is sweeping through 16-year-old Mattie Cook’s happy Philadelphia life. As the horrors of this epidemic spread, Mattie must maintain the family coffeehouse and cope as the fever grips friends and family members.

Hoot. Carl Hiaasen, 2002

When Roy decides to jump off his school bus to follow a strange bare-footed boy he sees running everyday, he is launched into an adventure involving endangered owls, bullies, and a pancake house. Some books make you smile; some make you laugh out loud; and some are an absolute hoot!

Hush. Jacqueline Woodson, 2002

12-year-old Toswiah Green becomes Evie Thomas after her father, witness to a murder, does the right thing by testifying against two fellow police officers. Evie, her parents and older sister enter the witness protection program and have to make a new life in a new city. How do you figure out who you are after your world has been turned upside down?

Inkheart. Cornelia Funke,

Meggie’s father, Mo, taught her to read when she was five, and the two share a love of books. Things change when Meggie learns that her father can "read" characters out of books. When she was three, he read aloud from a book called Inkheart and released several characters into the real world. At the same time, Meggie's mother disappeared into the story. One of those released is a horrible villain who has returned and plans to force Mo to carry out his wishes at any cost.

The Kindling. Jennifer Armstrong and Nancy Butcher, 2003

It’s 2007. Five years earlier, a deadly virus wiped out the adults in the world. No more people, no more electricity, no more civilization. But in a small town in Florida, seven children have survived. They cannot remember their names, their families, or much else from the Before Time. Then one day, a new kid shows up on their doorstep and changes everything. He invites them to join him on a dangerous journey to Washington, to find a man called President if he's still alive — and seek the answers to the mystery of the Fire-us (virus).

Lake of Secrets. Lael Littke, 2002

Murder, fantasy, a little teen romance and an exercise in reincarnation greet Carlene when she and her mother revisit the town where her older brother (whom she never knew) disappeared 18 years ago.

Seeing the Blue Between. Paul B. Janeczko, 2002

Do you have a secret? “Poetry names the secrets you didn’t know you were keeping.” This collection of short letters and poems from thirty poets expresses humor, emotion, and secrets.

Shakespeare Bats Cleanup. Ron Koertge, 2003.

When 14-year-old baseball player Kevin Boland comes down with mono he borrows a poetry book from his father and experiments with different forms of poetry while recuperating. Thru his writing Kevin learns to deal with his mothers death, friends, baseball and his fathers grief. Well-written verse that gives a fresh look to many different forms of poetry, and may inspire you to try a line or two.

Skeleton Man. Anthony Horowitz, 2003

14-year-old spy Alex Rider is at it again. In this third book in a popular series, Alex takes on sharks, nuclear weapons, and the latest bad guy – a retired Russian general who wants Alex to join him in his evil plans to restore his homeland to its former greatness. This action-packed series is perfect for fans of that other famous British spy – Bond, James Bond.

Stay Strong: Simple Life Lessons for Teens. Terri Williams, 2001

Williams, an African-American public relations agent who gives advice to the stars, shares key principles for getting what you want out of life. For teens looking for inspiration and advice this is an uplifting book that touches on topics such as image, language choices, goal setting and choices.

The Two Princesses Of Bamarre. Gail Carson Levine, 2001.

Growing up in a land where danger lurks constantly, Princess Addie is no stranger to heroes. The trouble is, she is not one of them. Always one to be protected, Addie must face the ultimate challenge of those who live protected lives—What do you do when the protectors fall and you must face the danger yourself?

The Whale Rider. Witi Ihimaera, 2003

A present day myth following the story of Kahu, an eight-year girl cherished by her New Zealand village, yet dismissed by her grandfather who was wishing for a male heir. Even though Kahu has a special gift allowing her to communicate with whales, will her grandfather ever accept her?