Justin Case by Rachel Vail

Justin, the third grader in Justin Case, is a big worrier. His diary takes us through his 3rd grade year, as he deals with being in a class without his two best friends, and having a teacher who is scary to him. His family gets a dog, and he hates taking him on walks because Qwerty the dog pulls on the leash; he isn't any good at sports; and he is afraid of all sorts of things. This is a gentler version of life than that in Diary of a Wimpy Kid, with less irony but more than a touch of humor. Justin grows throughout the year. An insightful, enjoyable and accessible read, with a New York City setting. (245 p.)

Star in the Forest by Laura Resau

Zitlally's parents are immigrants from Mexico. When her father is deported back to Mexico, she is so sad that she stops trying to fit in with the popular girls at school. She finds a dog tied up in a car junkyard, and befriends it and feeds it. She comes to believe that the fate of the dog is connected to her father's fate. Star in the Forest is a lovely, gentle story of friendship and standing firm, with a ring of truth. Includes a note on immigration and a glossary of Nahuatl and Spanish words. This book reminded me a little of Pam Munoz Ryan's Becoming Naomi Leon, but for a slightly younger audience. (149 p.)