Oregon Battle of the Books 2011-2012: 6th-8th Grade Division

All the Broken Pieces by Ann E. Burg (2009).
Historical Fiction.
AR4.1, 680L, 224 pages.
Two years after being airlifted out of Vietnam in 1975, Matt Pin is haunted by the terrible secret he left behind. Now, in a loving adoptive home in the United States, a series of profound events force him to confront his past.

Cracker!: The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata (2008). Historical Fiction. AR4.9, 730L, 312 pages. A young soldier in Vietnam bonds with his scout dog.

Football Genius by Tim Green (2007). Realistic Fiction. AR4.8, 800L, 244 pages. Troy, a sixth-grader with an unusual gift for predicting football plays before they occur, attempts to use his ability to help his favorite team, the Atlanta Falcons, but he must first prove himself to the coach and players

Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson (2005). Fantasy. AR4.2, 640L, 325 pages. Finn is hired to be hologramed as a Disney World park "guide" but soon finds himself being transported into the Magic Kingdom in the dead of night to help fight a group of Disney villains who want to take over Disney World--and maybe more.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (2009). Science Fiction AR5.3, 790L, 448 pages. In an alternate 1914 Europe, fifteen-year-old Austrian Prince Alek, running from the Clanker Powers who are trying to take over the globe, forms an uneasy alliance with Deryn, who, disguised as a boy to join the British Air Service, is learning to fly. 2011 Oregon Reader’s Choice Award, ALA Notable Best Books.

Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings (2006). Realistic Fiction. AR4.9, 800L, 224 pages. First hailed as a hero for his dramatic water rescue of a little boy, thirteen-year-old Brady soon makes a discovery that puts him at the heart of a tragedy. Alone with his dark secret, Brady is forced to choose between his friends and the right thing. ALA Best Book for Young Adults.

Stolen Children by Peg Kehret (2008). Mystery AR4.6, 730L, 165 pages. Amy, baby-sitting for little Kendra, must use her wits to save herself and the child after they are kidnapped by two thugs who are demanding money from Kendra's wealthy parents in exchange for the lives of the girls.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (2009). Science Fiction. AR4.5, 750L, 199 pages. As her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1980s TV show THE $20,000 PYRAMID, a twelve-year-old New York City girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space. Newbery Medal, 2011 Oregon Reader’s Choice Award.