Hoot Carl Hiaasen, Random House, c2002292 pages.
Ray Eberhardt, the new kid at Trace Middle School , is used to dealing with bullies. But this time bully Dana Matherson put Ray in the path of an interesting mystery happening in Ray's new hometown. What is the connection between the running boy and the new construction site for
Mother Paula's Pancake House? A fun read for fifth grade and up.
The City of Ember, Jeanne DuPrau, Random House c2003, 270 pages.

First in the books of Ember series The City of Ember is fast paced mystery and science fiction.The main characters, Lina and Doon have been living in Ember all their lives and attending school. Then at age 12 they are assigned their life's work and the story of their search for a way to save Ember begins.