Books to read...

Yolen, J. (2011). Snow in Summer: Fairest of Them All. Philomel. (bibliographies by Andrew Borman)

This novel is a retelling of the classic Snow White. While it doesn't feature a princess, it does feature a girl, named Snow in Summer, who's mother has passed away suddenly, and a father who, despite grieving for years, is suddenly struck with love for a mysterious lady. This lady, eventually known as stepmother as she marries Summer's father, brings with her evil cauldrons and chemicals, and a mysterious mirror that answers questions. When Summer realizes that Stepmother is sucking the life from her father, and that she is next, she decides to run for her life, in turn finding a small cabin in the woods that houses some dwarves that would go on to save her life.

This books is a great retelling of Snow White that takes place in the early 1900's in West Virginia. Both boys and girls alike will love this story, and the mystery that unfolds before them. (6th grade & up)

Spinelli, J. (2004). Stargirl. Laurel Leaf. Stargirl is the new girl in class. Wearing weird cloths and acting strangely, the other kids aren't really sure

how to act around her, and they begin to create stranger and stranger theories about her life. Although initially popular due to her exciting and unique behaviors, Stargirl's aura begins to fade, as the others start to get annoyed by some of her actions, like cheering for both teams. As kids begin to transition from children to young adults, the issue of personal identity starts to become more and more apparent, and this book is great at dealing with the issue and helping other see that it is okay to be different.

Anderson, L.H.  - Speak, Fever 1793, Forge