The Candymakers by Wendy Mass

When four twelve-year-olds, including Logan, who has grown up never leaving his parents' Life Is Sweet candy factory, compete in the Confectionary Association's annual contest, they unexpectedly become friends and uncover secrets about themselves during the process.

Reviewed by Madison, age 10:

I liked this book for many reasons. For instance, it was very descriptive and I liked listening from different people's perspectives. This book is fit for a movie and I would love to be in it! It is so interesting and I would recommend this book to others. I also noticed it was very informative and detailed. The setting was neat, interesting and had good discussion points. I loved this book so much! I would enjoy reading the second book, if there will be one.

Meet Marie Grace by Sarah Masters Buckey

Marie-Grace Gardner has just arrived in New Orleans, and she hopes she never has to move again. The lively city is full of music and masquerade balls! When she meets Mademoiselle Oceane, a talented opera singer, Marie-Grace longs to take lessons. She loves to sing, and she would like to get to know Cecile Rey, the confident girl who is Mademoiselle's student. But Marie-Grace is shy, and starting school reminds her how hard it is to make friends and fit in. Can an unexpected adventure help her feel as if she belongs?

Reviewed by Savannah, age 13:

When I was little, my mom used to read me American Girl books. We read every single one. I wish this one had been around then! It was a fun and cute story that I would recommend for girls ages 8-10. It was a fresh new plot that proves American Girl adventures never get old! But do they always have to do something disobedient?!

Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes

A series of poems describes all the baffling changes at home and at school in twelve-year-old Joylin's transition from tomboy basketball player to not-quite-girly girl.

Reviewed by Sydney, age 13:

A story of a girl in middle school named Joy that likes to play basketball and does not really care how she looks until she meets a boy named Santiago. Will she change her appearance for him? Is it really worth it to change for him? I like this book because it can teach us that we should not have to change ourselves for somebody else.