The Explorer's Code by Allison K. Hymas

 

Anna and her brother Charlie are headed to Idlewood Manor with their parents.  Charlie won a prize and they get a weekend trip.  Idlewood hasn't been open in years to the public, so it is a big deal that they get to go.  They along with 9 other groups are intrigued by the house's history.  Emily is also there with her parents and they are there to save Idlewood from getting sold or torn down.  Emily is there to prove to her parents that she can find evidence to save Idlewood. Anna goes places she shouldn't, but in the process she discovers a hidden 3rd floor and tower room full of secrets.  Charlie is a math whiz and he starts discovering codes and puzzles all over the house.  

Good little book with lots of puzzles and codes.  I kinda like The Inheritance Games better.  I felt like the kids didn't work together for a 3/4 of the book.  Overall,  I liked it, just a little slow.  

Horrid by Katrina Leno

 Jane and her mom are moving back to her mom's town and house she grew up in.  Jane's dad passed away and they are having to make a new start.  Jane's not excited, and her mom is very reserved about her time growing up and her family.  As Jane starts school and tries to fit in and make friends, she starts to learn the history of the home and learns about the secrets her mom has kept all these years.  Weird things happen and Jane sees shadows and hears footsteps, when no one else does.  Is she loosing her mind or is there a ghost?

Nothing terrible, but it was just okay.  It does have a twist at the end.  I would say 7th grade and up.  

Three Keys (Front Desk #2) by Kelly Yang

 *disclosure:  I have not read Front Desk yet.

Mia Tang is back.  Her family now owns the Calivista Motel.  They are making improvements and making their investors happy, by successfully renting rooms and making money!  There is an election coming up in the state of California for the governor and he has a proposition on the table to get rid of illegal citizens and their children cannot attend school.  Mia's friend, Lupe, happens to be illegal.  Throughout the book, Mia learns how to stand up for those who can't even when it costs her and her family.  She also learns how to befriend Jason even though his dad used to own the motel and treated her family poorly.  Mia also helps others become better versions of themselves including her teacher!   

Great read.  Fine for upper elementary and up.  

The True Definition of Neva Beane by Christine Kendall

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book!  

Geneva Beane is home for the summer with her grandma, grandad, and brother.  Her parents are overseas as her mom and dad are trying to get their music career started with a singer.  Clay, her brother, is working at Swim Club, but is also getting involved in some protests in their community even though the grandparents and parents have said no.  Neva is hanging out with her best friend Jamila, but she also sees the new girl Michelle across the street and is fascinated by her dress and body.  Neva's body is changing, she just got a bra, and she is struggling with where she fits in.  She feels like everyone has someone or something except her.  She wants to do the right thing, but she is also curious about the protests, and feels lonely with Jamila getting to head off on a trip.  She really just wants her parents to come home.  

Totally recommend this book for upper elementary and up.  Great story and lessons about growing up, accepting yourself, and being strong.  

 

Turning Point by Paula Chase

 Told in dual voices, Turning Point tells of two girls from the same neighborhood, who are best friends who go separate ways for the summer and learn about themselves.

Sheeda is staying home and helping out at church.  She lives with her aunt, because her mom gave her up several years ago.  She is expected to be VERY involved at church, because her aunt is.  She has her "church" friends and then her school/ neighborhood friends.  She is not looking forward to the summer because Mo will be gone, however Mo's brother shows some interest in her and she thinks he likes her, so that is kinda exciting.  BUT  will possibly having a relationship with her brother affect her friendship with Mo?

Monique has been accepted to an exclusive ballet school, but she and Mila are the only two black girls there.  As Mo struggles to find her place in this WHITE world she deals with learning to figure out if she is being judged for the color of her skin or if she is assuming the judgement.  

Great theme of growing up and adjusting to new challenges and speaking up for yourself.  Fine for 6th and up.