Kepler's Dream by Juliet Bell

It's summer vacation and your mom is very sick and in the hospital and you are being sent to live with a grandmother you've never met. Your dad refers to her as the Old Dragon. What kind of a summer will that be?
This book is narrated by 11 year old Ella and is filled with peacocks, stars and lots of books and horseback riding and a real mystery that Ella and her new friend try figuring out.
I enjoyed reading this story of learning about family relationships, new places, meanagers (mean teenagers) and the worry of someone you love being sick. 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Amazing book! I listened to this book being read instead of myself reading the words. Hazel told us her story. I was there hearing about her cancer, her support group, her love of the most awesome book. She meets Augustus in support group and he has cancer too. They become friends. I was totally wrapped up in her story.
I usually write in this blog about books for elementary students but this book is for older more mature readers, in 8th grade or high school.