Here Today by Ann M. Martin (2004)

In 1963, as her restless/irresponsible mother gradually abandons the family, eleven-year-old Ellie takes charge of her younger siblings, while also trying to deal with acts of prejudice toward the "misfits" that live on her street. The dissolution of her family is gradual and Martin does an impressive job of portraying the pre-adolescent daughter's awakening and realization of her mother's weaknesses. Loving and hating in equal and understandable portions. Hard in many ways to read - yet promising in the knowledge that those who care, care deeply and will rise to the occasion and get you through. Ages: 11+

Al Capone Shines my Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko (2009)

This sequel to Al Capone does My Shirts picks up right where the original leaves off. Moose Flanagan, who lives on 1935 Alcatraz Island along with his family and the families of the other prison guards, is frightened when he discovers that noted gangster Al Capone, a prisoner, wants a favor in return for helping get Moose's sister into a special school in San Francisco. The same cast of intriguing characters returns, perhaps a few too many for ease of keeping track. Communication from within come through notes in Moose's clothing, this time its his shoes. The story reaches its climax with a suspenseful prison break while the adults are occupied at a party leaving the kids to foil the escape. Fun and exciting. Ages: 12+

A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck (2009)

A companion novel l to A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder, this incarnation of Mrs. Dowdel's adventures takes place some twenty-five years later and her grandchildren are grown. The story relates the surprising gifts bestowed on twelve-year-old Bob Barnhart and his family, who have recently moved to a small Illinois town in 1958, by their larger-than-life neighbor, Mrs. Dowdel. Bob's father is the new pastor of the run-down Methodist church in town with little to no congregation. Though, Mrs. Dowdel is no church woman, through her secret antics and peculiar ways, the church is set to right and the church prospers. Bob witnesses and participates in more than he plan on - with lots of hilarity along the way. Fun Christmas read! Ages: 9+