The Best Junior High School Books for Kids

Summary: Sammy Keyes finds herself in hot water when a valuable cross disappears from St. Mary's, and she's the main suspect. As she juggles clearing her name and retrieving her stolen catcher's mitt before the softball play-offs, Sammy encounters nuns in feather boas, a homeless girl, and a carrot-chomping dog. With a safe to crack and her reputation on the line, can Sammy solve the mystery and reclaim her mitt? Dive into a whirlwind week of sleuthing and surprises with Sammy Keyes.

Summary: Sammy Keyes is in over her head. Living secretly with her grandmother, she witnesses a burglary and catches the thief's eye. Now, she's not only dodging a criminal but also dealing with school drama, including a suspension and a new enemy. As the thief closes in, Sammy must prove her innocence and outsmart everyone. Can she solve the mystery before it's too late?

Summary: David Da-Wei Horowitz navigates the chaos of preparing for his bar mitzvah while caught between his Jewish and Chinese grandmothers' disputes. As Cold War tensions rise, he and his friend Scott dig a fallout shelter, but David questions if he wants to be stuck with Scott forever. With a trivia tournament looming and friendships on the line, David must find the courage to stand up for his best friend Hector and face his feelings for Kelli Ann. Can he balance cultural expectations, friendships, and looming global threats?