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.