Private Peaceful

Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo

When Thomas Peaceful's older brother is forced to join the British Army, Thomas decides to sign up as well, although he is only fourteen years old, to prove himself to his country, his family, his childhood love, Molly, and himself.

First Part Last

First Part Last by Angela Johnson
Bobby's carefree teenage life changes forever when he becomes a father and must care for his adored baby daughter.

My One Hundred Adventures

My One Hundred Adventures by Polly Horvath
Twelve-year-old Jane, who lives at the beach in a run-down old house with her mother, two brothers, and sister, has an eventful summer accompanying her pastor on Bible deliveries, meeting former boyfriends of her mother's, and being coerced into babysitting for a family of ill-mannered children.

When We Were Romans

When We Were Romans by Matthew Kneale
Nine-year-old Lawrence watches protectively over his mother and little sister, especially when, feeling endangered by their estranged father, his mother decides the three of them must leave their life in England to seek refuge in Rome.

Waiting for Normal

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor
Twelve-year-old Addie tries to cope with her mother's erratic behavior and being separated from her beloved stepfather and half-sisters when she and her mother go to live in a small trailer by the railroad tracks on the outskirts of Schenectady, New York.

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall
The four Penderwick sisters are faced with the unimaginable prospect of their widowed father dating, and they hatch a plot to stop him. Books in this series: Book 1. The Penderwicks : a Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy -- Book 2. The Penderwicks on Gardam Street.

Word Nerd

Word Nerd by Susin Nielsen-Fernlund
Twelve-year-old Ambrose, forced into home schooling after a brutal attack by bullies at his new school, strikes up a friendship with Cosmo, the son of his landlord, and convinces Cosmo to take him to a local Scrabble club meeting while his mother is at work.