Anything But Typical

Anything But Typical
by Nora Raleigh Baskin

This story is told from the point of view of Jason, a sixth grader with autism who struggles to fit with his classmates and family. Life is difficult and isolated for Jason, who prefers to spend his time writing stories that he can share on an online forum. It's through this online forum that he makes a friend, but when he faces the possibility of meeting his new friend in person, he fears that she will treat him just like everyone else does.

This was a wonderful book that gives readers an excellent opportunity to read a story told from the perspective of someone with autism. This is a great choice for readers who enjoyed books such as Rules by Cynthia Lord, Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine, and Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper.

Author's Website: http://www.norabaskin.com/

Floors

Floors
by Patrick Carman

How would you like to stay in a hotel that has crazy rooms? The Whippet Hotel is an unusual place with wild rooms, such as one that is a lifesized pinball machine, and another that is filled with cakes. Every room has a different theme. Leo lives in the basement with his father, who is the janitor of the Whippet Hotel. He thinks he knows every room, but shortly after the owner of the hotel mysteriously disappears, Leo starts finding strange boxes and soon learns that the hotel has more secrets then he ever imagined!

When I started this book, I didn't want to put it down! I loved reading about the different rooms in the hotel. It's a great mystery with a little fantasy and adventure mixed in. With all the wild rooms in the hotel, this story reminded me a lot of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Author's Website: http://www.patrickcarman.com/