On Etruscan Time by Tracy Barrett

OK, imagine being forced to spend the summer in Italy. It sounds great to me. How about you? Well, it doesn't sound so great to Hector. He is eleven and looking forward to spending the summer hanging with his friends. But now his mother is dragging him to Italy so she can work on an archaeological dig. Hector won't have anything to do all day. But one of the workers on the dig gets permission to teach Hector how to work the dig. It isn't a great way to spend the time but at least it's something to do. When Hector finds a stone with an eye painted on it, he is disappointed when it turns out not to be anything special. But little do the others know how special it will be for Hector. It has the ability to help Hector travel back in time. And there Hector finds an Etruscan boy who needs his help.

Chicken Boy by Frances O'Roark Dowell

You probably know someone like Tobin. A big chip on his shoulder and lots of attitude. Comes from a family of juvenile delinquents and seems destined to follow in that path. But Henry sees something different in Tobin. He sees someone worth knowing. Someone who might just be a friend. When Henry invites Tobin over to see his chickens, everything chages for Tobin. He begins to realize that he might just have some good features after all. As Henry and Tobin work on their science project about chickens, Henry learns about Tobin. How his mother died. How his home life is far from ideal. About his crazy grandmother. And how much he comes to love those chickens.

Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff

As World War II rages in Europe, it is up to those left behind to do all they can to support the war effort. For 11-year-old Meggie Dillon, that means moving away from her home in Rockaway. Her father has gotten a job in Willow Creek, Michigan working in a factory that makes bombers. Not only does Meggie have to leave her home and friends, but her beloved Grandfather is not going to move with them. Life in Willow Run consists of living in a nondescript apartment with paper thing walls. But Meggie does meet several children and shares adventures and the uncertainty of life during the war.

Lily B. on the Brink of Love by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Lily B. is back and as interesting as usual. She is still writing her thoughts in her diary but now she is also writing for the school newspaper. Her advise column is just so Lily. Not only does she dish out advise, she also corrects the letters she gets. And now Lily has landed a job with a real author. Ellis Parsons is new in town and needs an assistant to help her with her new book. When Lily shows up for her first day, she discovers that Ellis is not just a writer -- she is the mother of The Boy. Lily has been pining over The Boy from afar but now she is actually in his house and working with his mother. Filled with wonderful friendships and incredible vocabulary. Yes, Lily B. is back and I, for one, am glad.

Permanent Rose by Hilary McKay

The Casson family are back in another look at this unusual family. This time we see life through young Rose's eyes. Rose has developed a terrible habit -- shoplifting. She isn't sure why she does it. Maybe to get attention. She is missing her friend Tom who has gone back to America. Her sister Saffy is searching for the identity of her biological father. Caddy and Michael are now engaged. Rose's father is now living in London with his new girlfriend. And Indigo's friend David has discovered Rose's secret. Nothing goes smoothly in the Casson household. But we wouldn't expect it to.