Boston Jane Series by Jennifer L Holm

From Tomboy to a Proper Young Lady, Boston Jane is entertaining from cover to cover throughout the series. I found myself snickering then laughing out loud as I read how this spirited red head manages to head into scrapes and then recover. She matures through out the series, but never ceases to lose her girlish nature and remains "full of Spit". Just plain fun to read.

From Amazon: Readers will be charmed by teenage Jane's ironic tone and inner conflicts and will cheer her on as she sheds layer after layer of decorum. Granted, the budding romance between Jane and sailor Jehu, "hidden" beneath the surface love story of Jane and the more uppity William, is an at-least-twice-told tale; but young readers will get caught up in the excitement of it nonetheless. The intricate details of mid-19th century life on an untamed frontier--complete with carefully researched Chinook tribal history and real-life incidents of white settlers--are absolutely fascinating. A thrilling, entertaining read. (Ages 9 and older)

Shannon Hale

A new fan of Shannon Hale's fairy tale literature. I read Goose Girl in a single night - couldn't put it down. Enchanting entertaining, suspensful, and slightly romantic for youg adults. Engaging.

Next I read Princess Academy - loved the community language and all the main character learned. She had some significant "thinking errors" (What we call them at our house) and learned her own strength while exploring leadership, competition, and friendship.

Now beginning Book of A Thousand Days a fairy tale told by the maid locked in a tower with her lady for 7 years.
Great writing and loads of fun.

Then for any Jane Austen Fan try Austenland. A quirky and funny retelling of a popular favorite brought into modern day. Simiar to the movie Lost in Austen but not the same.

Scones and Sensibility by lindsay eland

Another library find for all you Jane Austen and L.M. Montgomery. Polly Maddasa is a 12 year old girl obsessed with romance. She longs for Mr Darcy, and Gilbert Blythe. She loves her leather bound copy of Pride and Prejudice but she's reallya 12year old Emma.

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z.

Full of life and color, another great book for girls ages 9-12. Gianna is a terrible procrastinator who loves finish lines and hates deadlines. She has to complete a huge school project before she can be accepted for sectionals. Everything seems to get in her way whether it's a funeral hearse or a changing family member, or two determined rivals. Gianna really wants to get it done, in her own way.
Kate Messner has a terrrific website including what an author does in order to write a book. Check it out at http://www.katemessner.com/books.html

Kira - Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

When Katie was young her sister taught her to say Kira-Kira, the Japanese word for glitter when she was young. Kira-Kira is the word that best suits her as she struggles with her family to cope with life as a Japanese American family in the 1950's and terminal illness of a family member. The story is loving, full of lively characters and descriptions, and sad. A rewarding read.

The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty Aimes by Kelly Easton

A zany, fantastical story of fun and adventure. This is a fast paced fun read of a girl, held captive by her parents who plots her escape. The characters are vibrant, lively, and captivating. The making of a great family movie.

The Porcupine Year

The third book in a series, this one can stand alone. The story begins with Omakayas and her brother, Pinch, teasing one another on a late night hunt. As a result, Omakayas' brother discovers his medicine with a porcupine.
A gripping story - a celebration of life and coming of age. A story of adventure pain, joy, sacrifice, and family appreciation.
The book includes a glossary in back for understand Ojibwe terms. Enjoyable to listen on audiobook as well.