The Water and the Wild by K E Ormsbee

Charlotte G Fisk is a lonely girl whose imagination and eccentric behavior often get her into trouble. She has one friend; but he has only a few weeks left to live. When her favorite apple tree opens its roots and sends her plummeting into the fairyland of New Albion, Lottie's only thought is to get back to her friend, when she learns that one of the sprites has a magical medicine for "otherwise incurable" afflictions, she becomes ever more determined to get back to the real world and put that medicine to good use. Unfortunately the king of the fairies is also sick, he and his minions will stop at nothing to get that potion and destroy Lottie, who is much more important than she would ever guess. 

This book is an exciting magical adventure for kids aged 10 and up, but it also deals with some complex issues of political power and its abuse. These are not clean and pretty fairies, but more like the dangerous and vindictive sprites of folklore.

Published by Chronicle Books April 14, 2015

There will be lies by Nick Lake

Even though she's almost 18, Shelby Cooper lives a really sheltered life, she's homeschooled by her mother and only briefly allowed out on her own to visit the library. But she's extremely clever and questioningly sarcastic and it's these strengths that will see her through the extraordinary changes to come. The real world thriller in this story flows beautifully, the dialogue is so real, the writing is so good and the plot has perfect pacing. Then there are the dream sequences, that will blow your mind. For ages 12+.

Published by Bloomsbury USA January 6, 2015

Loot by Jude Watson

Twelve year old March McQuin has not had a normal childhood. His father is a jewel thief and has taught him every trick in the book. But when his Dad dies, falling from a roof, March has to work to unravel the puzzle of his last words "find jewels". What follows is a middle grade heist book with circus skills, crooked cops, eccentric millionaires and a daring escape from a juvenile care home. Unbelievable high adventure for ages 10+.

Published by Scholastic June 1, 2014

Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle by George Hagen

Gabriel is an orphan who lives in a strange house in modern day New York with his seemingly mad aunt. He discovers he has a magical connection with a raven fledgeling which leads him into an adventure where he uncovers secrets about his family, about a long raging battle between ravens and valravens and about the hidden city of Aviopolis. Along the way he makes friends with some other unusual children, many unusual birds and solves the riddles that the ravens love so much. 

The author's love of words and language is clearly apparent from the very first paragraph. Every pun and riddle is a cherry on top of the delicious descriptive prose that make this thrilling magical adventure book such a treat.

Bonus points for having a really good cover!

For ages 10-12

Published by Random House August 26, 2014

The League of Seven by Alan Gratz

Electricity can be dangerous stuff, particularly if you live in an alternative universe where the use of electricity allows monsters called Mangleborn to rise from their underground prisons. The original League of Seven were great legendary heroes who trapped the monsters, but when Archie Dent's parents become mind controlled by newly escaped Mangleborn, he has to be a hero to protect himself, his new friends and save his parents.

The League of Seven is set in a great steampunk world, with wonderful clockwork robots and airships. But what really makes this adventure stand out are the set pieces, like the mob attack on the girls school (which ends spectacularly badly for the mob). There's a real sense of victory every time Archie and his friends overcome another obstacle. But are they the new League of Seven? How can they be if there's only three of them?

Special extra points go to this book for a cameo from Nikola Tesla. Who is always entertaining.

For ages 10-12

Published by Starscape August 19, 2014