Published: 2013 Theme: Inner Power and Mystery Best for: 12 -14 "There are those who, unmistakably, have a powerful talent, able to access the sensory energy of the world around them.They can even learn to work with it, harness it, utilize it to make change. Your sister is showing clear signs that she has these talents." A blend of inner power, African-American life in Chicago, and the thrill of solving mysteries makes this a very unusual book.

Published: 2013 Theme: Recovering from Loss Best for: girls 11 and up "She's white as a snowball but she's warm, not frozen. She's squishy and soft and sweet as a marshmallow. But she's delicate as an orchid graceful as a ballerina miraculous as an angel. I can't believe my luck." I found this book mesmerizing. I loved the very real descriptions of the effect of the kitten on the young girl, and how she continued to work on opening her dad's heart, who is grieving...

Published: 2009 Theme: Grieving and Healing Best for: ages 9 and up "The knuckleball wasn't just a pitch. It was an attitude toward life; it was a way of being in the world. It was a philosophy. "You don't aim a butterfly," her father used to say. "You release it." This is a book anyone could love. Boys who love baseball could surely appreciate it. Girls who want to try something out of the ordinary could love it. I certainly loved it...

Published: 2005 Theme: Loyalty and Overcoming Anger Best for: 10 and older "Like a larger embrace, her comrades encircled her. Far more than the strands of the ring bound them all together. And it was this thought that made Rowan's heart feel warm and full." This particular book was interesting in that Rowan loses touch with her magical powers for most of the book, as she seeks vengeance. Without saying it directly, young readers are allowed to explore the price one pays for carrying hatred in their hearts...

Published: 2001 Theme: Women's Strength Best for: Girls, age 11 and up "Her band might somehow help folk to help themselves, Rowan thought, rather than just giving them gold stolen from rich men's packs, gold soon spent. But she could not say that, for she loved everything about Robin Hood." The book has a wonderfully clever premise -- that Robin Hood actually fathered a daughter by an aelfen woman... If you love tales of Robin Hood, this is a perfect complement, bringing in the feminine...