Recently considered -
Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
Read as a potential replacement for Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman?, Ruby in the Smoke is also a mystery that takes place in Victorian London. I love Pullman, but his intent was clearly to write a Victorian novel and I'm afraid his success means it isn't the best choice for us. I don't think the style would appeal to many of my students.
Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Fabulous. I've been wanting to read this one for awhile. An unusually tall seventh grader (with facial hair!) is often mistaken for being older than his twelve years and admonished for the kind of mistakes one expects of a twelve year old boy. When someone assumes his female friend is his daughter, the benefits of people's assumptions dawn on him and he and his friend Florida embark on a series of adventures. The somewhat unbelievable plot takes them to an experimental space program where he is selected to be the "dad" accompanying five children into space. His attempts to impersonate a dad and father his friend (by reading a self help book on talking to one's teen) lead to a deeper understanding of dadness. The story is written by an englishman and takes place in London. I wonder whether the britishisms would be too much?
And just for fun ...
A Darkling Plain by Philip Reeve
The last in the Hungry City Chronicles. Thick, thank god, and wonderful.
Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger
The experiences of an Indian - American teenager in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Sometimes too preachy, but an interesting reflection on being brown in America, particularly when we were in a panic post 9/11. Being brought up by a single mom who has rejected her family and their traditions, the story is about a girl who desperately wants the big, messy, ethnic experience of her best friend who is thoroughly Irish - American. Her journey to discover her family and its roots teaches a lot about being Sikh.
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