Lynda M. Hunt's Fish In A Tree - A must read!

Lynda Hunt follows up her wonderful "One for the Murphys" with another great modern realism story. Ally Nickerson has kept her problem from a lot of people over the years. Her family, her teachers and anyone else. No one knows she cannot read. Artistic, creative and bright, Ally thinks she is dumb. And she is sure no one can fix that, ever! Along comes Mr. Daniels her new teacher who sees past the seemingly stubborn, impulsive girl and begins to understand the real issue that Ally is so determined to hide. Back at home, Ally has a wonderful relationship with her mom and her big brother while her military dad is deployed in the Middle East. Even they don't know the true story. As Ally continues to struggle with her academic life she begins to make some real friends: Keisha who stands down to no one and knows her mind; Albert who is brilliant with science and facts. These three form a bond of people who do not quite fit the mold. They will come up against popular and mean Shay. They discover that they are up to the challenge.
If you ever felt like you did not fit in for any reason, this story will ring true for you. This is a story of acceptance and perseverance.

Two Caudill Nominees about modern girls: The Running Dream and I, Emma Freke

 Jessica is a star high school runner who loses her leg in a school bus crash. Her journey from complete despair to new dream realized is a believable story of determination, family and true friendship. I personally learned so much about what amputees go through that I never knew before. The story gave me a new appreciation for our veterans and bombing victims who overcome these sorts of injuries. It is an inspirational story on many levels.

Emma thinks it is terribly ironic that her name is pronounced "freak" because she often feels that way about herself.  Living with her free thinking and not very responsible mom, Emma would rather not interact with the world if she can help it.  All this changes when she is invited to attend the Freke family reunion. She knows very little about her dad and accepts the invitation. The reunion is overwhelming at first with hundreds of members in attendance but Emma soon makes several key connections that will change her self-image forever.  Joining Emma on her journey of self-discovery and acceptance is at times frustrating and funny but ultimately joyful.