Growing up in the family-run funeral parlor is not always easy for 10-year-old Comfort Snowberger, but her sage contributions to the local paper help her sort things out. A pleasing cast of characters include a whiny cousin, an imperfect best friend, a loyal dog, and a family who sticks together to help bring comfort to the bereaved, which at times turns out to be themselves. You'll be hooked from the first sentence, "I come from a family with a lot of dead people," to the touching conclusion.

16. THE OLD COUNTRY
By Mordicai Gerstein
Roaring Brook Press, $14.95; Age 10 and Up; ISBN: 1596430478

"The truth is the truth. What you can believe, that's up to you." While this reads like a charming tale from long ago, Great-Grandma Gisella has experienced her share of troubles back in the old country. She tells her extraordinary story of magic, war, and persecution with great detail but leaves the reader to ponder to what's real and right. A surprise ending leaves you thinking about this remarkable book long after you put it down.

17. SIXTH-GRADE GLOMMERS, NORKS, AND ME
By Lisa Papademetriou
Hyperion, $14.99; Ages 8 to 12; ISBN: 0786851694

Allie approaches middle school with some apprehension, yet her own original words help her make sense of this changing time of life. While she struggles with clothes, friends, and sports, she has the typical doubts but comes to see that she may not compare with some of the other girls, "I was just a really good version of me." Delightful, witty writing will keep you laughing and pulling for the spirited and wonderful Allie.

18. THE VACATION
By Polly Horvath
Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, $16.00; Ages 9 to 12; ISBN: 0374380708

Henry's life is completely turned upside down when Aunt Pigg and Aunt Magnolia come to take care of him while his parents go to Africa. The adventuresome sisters decide a few weeks after arriving that a road trip is in order. Taking Henry wherever a whim leads them turns into a life-altering experience. Henry's eyes open to new places, people, and ways of being that is contemplative, fun, and scary at times, but always a pleasure to read about.