We the Children (Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School)

Amazon Best Books of the Month, April 2010: Sixth-grader Benjamin Pratt is weathering a few different storms in We the Children, Andrew Clements's newest series for the middle-school set. His parents have just split up, his school--a landmark in his old New England sailing town--is about to be torn down, and the janitor sneaks him a mysterious gold coin...hours before he dies unexpectedly. The coin, of course, sets the story in motion, leading Ben and his friend Jill towards untold adventures. It's the perfect read for kids who dig school and aren't too shy (yet) to admit it. --Anne Bartholomew