Friends: True Stories of Extraordinary Animal Friendships

Orangutan and cat, giraffe and ostrich, baby fox and badger.... The candid and endearing pictures in this book show some of the unusual friendships that develop between animals of different species.  The pictures are wonderful, and the simple text by Catherine Thimmish shares the mystery behind these unique friendships.  This will be enjoyed by all ages.

The Big Crunch

June has attended six schools in four years, and now she's beginning her junior year in a Minneapolis high school.  She knows she won't stay long because of her father's frequent job moves; so she just wants a few friends, and an okay-kind of boyfriend (no entanglements if possible).  Wes has just broken up with Izzy, and isn't ready for a new girlfriend.  When their paths cross, romance is sparked.  Told in alternating points of view, this book follows their romance through the four seasons.  Written by Pete Hautman, this story explores the emotions and social dynamics of first love, and the relationships between parents and teens at the edge of living independently.  It's an absorbing read for summer (or any season).

Stupid Fast

Fifteen year old Felton Reinstein attends a small Wisconsin high school.  He has just gone through a growth spurt, and is quite surprised when he wins a 600 yard dash in track.  Not known for his athletic prowess, he catches the eye of the football coach who wants him to become the team's star running back next fall.  At home, Felton's physical changes cause his mother to suddenly go into a deep depression.  Other typical teen issues for Felton include a newspaper delivery route, first romance with a piano prodigy, and a little brother who dresses like a pirate; but football is the centerpiece of this first novel by Minnesotan Geoff Herbach.  Teen boys can probably identify with the inner turmoil of Felton who suddenly finds himself in the spotlight.