On the last day of seventh grade, Tracy is brutally attacked by an older boy she knows. From that day on she has trouble believing she is safe. Tracy stays indoors for almost the entire summer, unable to face unknown horrors. Going to a her therapist doesn't help her. Tracy does find some relief when she practices the piano, and soon music becomes the center of her life. She thinks that she can push people away and just play her piano. She soon realizes that friends can sometimes help you get through horrible events. This is a quick read and very hard to put down.

Saving Juliet

Mimi Wallingford is an actress, but not by choice. Forced to star as Juliet in her family's New York theater, she must deal with her guilt-giving mother, panic attacks, and Troy Summer, the teen heart-throb co-star who disses her and then dates her understudy. Then, after a huge fight with her mother on closing night, Mimi and Troy wind up in Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's most famous play. Mimi meets Juliet, and decides that she must help the doomed character; for in Juliet, Mimi sees the same problems, and the chance to make a change for the better! Shakespeare-land is full of surprises, familiar characters and adventure!

Hush: An Irish Princess' Tale

Melkora is a medieval Irish princess. She grows up privlidged, but is forced to run away from home when a Norse ruler propositions her father for her hand in marriage. While trying to escape, Mel is kidnapped by slavetraders. She never speaks, thus making her mysterious to her captors - and this becomes her once chance for survival.

the sweet, terrible, glourious year I truly, completely lost it

This is a chick-lit book any girl can enjoy! Aussie teen Gemma Stone faces a lot this year: her sister has turned into a bridezilla, her best friend convinces her that the only way to get her crush to notice her is by joining the school play (even though Gemma is known for puking while public speaking). And the town low-life keeps popping up wherever she is! Will Gemma be able to maintain her sanity?? Or will she totally lose it?! Very funny!

Notes for a War Story

Italian graphic novelist Gipi presents the story of three teenagers living through a war zone in their Balkan homeland. Two of the boys grew up in poverty, the third, who is the narrator, grew up with rich parents. They are employed by a war-profiteer named Felix, who gives them dangerous tasks. Read along with the pictures to find out how far the boys must go to win Felix's approval, and to stay alive.

Auschwitz

Pascal Croci created this graphic novel based on interviews with concentration camp survivors. An elderly couple visits the camp where they nearly perished - and lost their only daughter - only to discover that Auschwitz, even in the early 1990's, is still a place of hatred. The pictures and text develop the story of their time in the camp over several flashbacks, leaving the impression that the couple have not spoken of the events in the decades since their freedom.

Garage Band

Italian author/artist Gipi presents this graphic novel, about four troubled teens who come together to play music. Each boy has something difficult to deal with, which affects their music and actions. When the possibility of being signed presents itself, the boys go to desperate measures to secure their futures.

The Professor's Daughter

This graphic novel is a funny, silly tale highlighted by beautiful artwork. Lillian, the daughter of an Egyptologist, falls in love with the mummy of Imoteph IV, an ancient pharoh of Egypt. The story begins in medias res (in the middle of things), leaving the reader to fill in the blanks as the story continues to piece itself together!

A Break With Charity: A Story About The Salem Witch Trials

This story is based on the facts of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. It is an authentic look into Puritan society, and the scare which the people of Salem and surrounding areas were subjected to. Told from the point of view of a teenager who lived through the experience, and knew the accusers well, the events are relayed in a deeply personal way.

The Arrival by Shaun Tan

This graphic novel is told in pictures - not words. Tan describes the experience of an immigrant with only visual aids - the only language is foreign, even for the reader. The main character sets out from home, leaving his wife and child in their dangerous homeland. Shadows depict the strange creatures which threaten them. While he deals with language barriers, the protagonist is able to meet friendly faces admist the strange and new.

Wildly Romantic The English Romantic Poets: The Mad, the Bad, and the Fangerous

This book offers a history of the romantic poets - and not just about William Wordsworth's nature walks! From the young poets aspirations, failures, families and children - author Catherine Andronik holds nothing back. There are also excerpts from poems by these famous (and some infamous) poets. If you love poetry, or need a little help to get into Romanticism for school, then you should definately pick this up!

American Born Chinese

This book is centered around three different plot lines, which connect at the end. Author Gene Luen Yang examines the heartaches a kid can face because of differences. Yang also delves into a little bit of Chinese history, and American predjuices, yet still maintains a fun and funny edge which is sure to make you laugh!