Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff

Sam is nearing his eleventh birthday when he discovers a mysterious newspaper clipping he's unable to read. He finds a new friend at school and has her read it for him. This starts Sam on a journey to remember things from his past. Does he really belong to the loving family he's with now, or does he really belong to some other family? Why does the number 11 bother him so much?

The story reveals pieces from Sam's past little by little, ultimately resulting in a complete picture of where he came from and who he is.

Genre: realistic fiction, mystery

Topics: family secrets, struggling to read, wood working, sailing, memories, family, the number 11

Audience: 6th graders

Mrs. Beckwith's rating: 3.5 of 5

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Kaleidoscope Eyes by Jen Bryant

Lyza's grandfather dies and leaves her an envelope stating, "For Lyza ONLY" along with three maps. Lyza and two of her friends work to solve the mystery of what the maps and message from Lyza's grandfather mean.

It's 1968, so the reader gets to explore a little of life in the 60s. It's a great blend of historical fiction and mystery/suspense.

Topics: treasure hunt, missing sister, hippies, Janis Joplin, racism, draft,

Genre: historical fiction (Vietnam War era) in free-verse form

Mrs. Beckwith's Rating: 4 of 5

Amazon Reviews