First Boy by Gary Schmidt

This is a good solid book.   This book has strong messages of strong values, of hard work and of things that truly matter.  This is a story about a boy named Cooper.  Cooper has some challenges in his life.  Homework, Cross Country running, and getting chores done are all things he struggles with.  But then, suddenly his grandfather passes away and he has to worry about everything by himself.  It has mystery that starts with dark, black Sudans that are hanging suspiciously around the town.  Find out who is in the vehicles and how this amazing boy figures out how to get by without his grandfather.  I enjoyed this book that wasn’t afraid to talk about religion either.  It is a refreshing book.  I liked it a lot.

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

This is a GREAT book.  I highly recommend it.  At the first, there is his teacher.  He is sure she is out to get him.  I love this book and enjoyed the ups and downs at school.  This is just so full of fun stories.  You'll love it too.

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt

Turner is a young boy who moves to a new community because his dad is the new minister. He doesn’t really like the new community. They play baseball differently, they aren’t that nice, and his dad is trying so hard to impress the community that he is extra strict with Turner.

Turner meets a little girl named Lizzie. She is from an island founded by former black slaves. These people live a very simple life. Turner and Lizzy become friends and discover a plan that the community has will leave Lizzy and her people without a home.

This is a story about friendship and about cruelty of people and of the goodness of people. This book is based on an event that actually happened. It is an impressive book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

It deserves the Newberry Honor, and Printz Honor Awards. I loved it from beginning to end.