"Blackwater" by Eve Bunting

13-year-old Brodie planned on spending his summer vacation hanging out with his best friend and trying to impress a girl he likes. Instead, he gets stuck babysitting his cousin Alex from the city. While trying to teach Alex how to swim at the local swimming hole, a terrible event takes place that Brodie is at fault for. One girl ends up dead and a boy is missing thanks to Brodie's mistake and the dangerous Blackwater River.

The catch? Everyone thinks that Brodie is a hero because he jumps into the treacherous Blackwater after the two victims. Brodie is too afraid to speak up and tell the town what really happened. Shortly after, strange clues begin to appear at his parents doorstep that lead him to believe that "someone" saw him that day. Will Brodie own up to his mistakes or will he let the town believe that he is a hero? You will have to read it yourself to find out! I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

"The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold

Susie Salmon is a 14-year-old girl who is brutally raped and murdered by the creepy next door neighbor. Most of the novel takes place in the "in between," as Susie describes it. A place that she considers to be a sort of heaven for her. From there she watches over her distraught family as they are torn apart over her murder and as they search for her murderer.

This novel deals with grief, coming to terms with loss, and finding inner strength. I highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling with the loss of a loved one. I also recommend it to people who like novels that deal with the "supernatural." A great read!!