Theodore Taylor writes an amazing story about a young boy Phillip, and a man named Timothy that endured a terrible incident. Phillip had to overcome the racism he had been taught for years to rely on Phillip. Phillip used his life skills to keep them both alive as they were stranded. It is an exciting story of trust, an unlikely friendship and perseverance. I can relate to this story because I can find friendship in anyone that is trustworthy and honest.

Raliegh Baskin tells the story of four school aged children of different backgrounds living in different parts of the country. What they were going through personally the days before the 9/11 attack through a year after the attack.

Jeff Kinney relates to middle school students in this humorous book. It is written as a journal of a boy Greg. It relays events and thoughts that many middle school students can identify with.

Kate DiCamillo writes this heart wrenching story of a stuffed rabbit Edward Tulane. Readers get to travel with Edward and meet the people who love him as he searches for his lost owner.

Andrew Clements writes this funny story about Nick and his classmates. Nick is not fond of school and challenges himself to find ways to make it more interesting for his classmates. He gets everyone to change the name of a pen, and the events that follow are hilarious.