These are two new novels For middle graders, each signed by the author. Kristin Tubb is a member of the "Class of 2k8" online writers' group, and Rosanne Parry is a member of "Class of 2k9". The books are:

Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry

Brother's father is shipped off to Iraq with the rest of his reserve unit. Brother must help his grandparents keep the ranch going. He's determined to maintain the ranch just as his father left it, in the hope that doing so will ensure his father's safe return. But ranch life rarely goes according to plan. The hardships Brother faces will not only change the ranch but also reveal his true calling. In her first novel Rosanne Parry takes a thoughtful, uplifting look at one particular corner of the heartland and the people who call it home.

Autumn Winifred Oliver Does Things Different by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

Autumn Winifred Oliver has charmed a hive of bees, wrangled a flock of geese, and filched a stick of dynamite from the United States government. But it'll take a whole new kind of gumption to save her Cades Cove home.This is a novel of historical fiction for ages 8-12 that details the beginnings of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Called "a wonderful debut novel, full of history, excitement and sensitivity...readers are treated to many fine glimpses of the Cove's vanishing mountain traditions" by the Nov. 2008 issue of BookPage.

Visit the "Class of 2k8" and "Class of 2k9" websites to learn more about these authors and other great books and authors for middle graders:

www.classof2k8.com

www.classof2k9.com

Or visit the authors' individual websites linked to their names at the bottom of this page.