Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson Scarlett inherits a suite in her zany family’s old Manhattan hotel—and the care of the occupant. Her adventures include assisting this aging actress, supporting her brother’s theater group, and starting an ill-starred romance. Grades 8 and up.
Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene When a World War II prisoner-of-war camp is set up in Patty’s Arkansas hometown, the lonely Jewish girl befriends a young German in the camp. She helps him escape and must face the consequences. Grades 6-8 (Scholastic).
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner Gen is a gifted young thief who has been sentenced to life in prison. But he can gain his freedom if he joins a quest by the king’s mage to steal a legendary stone from a mysterious temple. Grades 6 and up.
The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke Two orphan boys flee to Venice, where they join a gang of street children protected by a mysterious boy called the Thief Lord. A kind-hearted detective and a magical carousel change the lives of all the children. Grades 6-8.
Troy by Adele Geras The siege of Troy is described by several characters—mainly by two girls serving in the royal court. But gods and goddesses also play their parts, especially Aphrodite, who interferes in the girls’ lives with awful consequences. Grades 8 and up.
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