YART July 17 2008
East Smithfield Public Library

Cooney, Caroline. Diamnonds in the Shadows
The Finches, a Connecticut family, sponsor an African refugee family of four, all of whom have been scarred by the horrors of civil war, and who inadvertently put their benefactors in harm's way.
 
Velde, Vivian Vande. Remembering Raquel
Various people recall aspects of the life of Raquel Falcone, an unpopular, overweight freshman at Quail Run High School, including classmates, her parents, and the driver who struck and killed her as she was walking home from an animated film festival.
 
Konisburg, E.L. Mysterious edge of the heroic world
Amedo moves to a new town with a dream. He wants to discover something and he wants a friend to share his search.
 
Brande, Robin. Evolution, me and other freaks of nature
Following her conscience leads high school freshman Mena to clash with her parents and former friends from their conservative Christian church, but might result in better things when she stands up for a teacher who refuses to include "Intelligent Design" in lessons on evolution
 
Hautman, Phil. All-In
Having won thousands of dollars playing high-stakes poker in Las Vegas, seventeen-year-old Denn Doyle hits a losing streak after falling in love with a young casino card dealer named Cattie Hart.
 
Bryant, Jen. Pieces of Georgia
In journal entries to her mother, a gifted artist who died suddenly, thirteen-year-old Georgia McCoy reveals how her life changes after she receives an anonymous gift membership to a nearby art museum.
 
Mason, Prue. Camel Rider
Two expatriates living in a Middle Eastern country, twelve-year-old Adam from Australia and Walid from Bangladesh, must rely on one another when war breaks out and they find themselves in the desert, both trying to reach the same city with no water, little food, and no common language.

** List compiled by Michael Cardin