The Youngest Templar by Michael Spadlin

Tristan is an orphan, living at St. Alban's Abbey. The monks and the Abbey are all he's known in his short life. The work is hard but Tristan doesn't mind it too much.

His entire future changes, however, when a band of Knights Templar come through the nearby village. Sir Thomas, one of the most honored knights in England, seeks Tristan out to become his squire. The Knights are headed to the Holy Land to continue the Crusades, and Sir Thomas wants Tristan to go along with and train to become a knight.

Not all of the Knights are happy with Sir Thomas' choice or with Tristan himself. Tristan finds himself in danger before the Knights even leave England. Before long, the Knights themselves are cornered in a siege that looks hopeless. Sir Thomas gives Tristan one last duty--to see the Holy Grail back to England, through enemy lines. Tristan's in a far-off land with no idea of how to get home.

The first book in a series, this tale involves action and mystery. The story ends in a cliffhanger, so be looking out for Book 2!

The Guardian by Joyce Sweeney

Hunter has been in foster care for most of his life. He's never had luck when it comes to families either. The first three families he was placed with didn't work out, and just when he started to think living with Mike, Stephanie, and their three foster daughters would work, Mike dies.

Stephanie feels the kids should be supporting her instead of the other way around. And she especially doesn't like Hunter, since it was Mike's idea to bring in a boy. So when good things start happening around him, he believes his guardian angel has come back to keep him safe from bullies and from Stephanie. Little does he know who is posing as his guardian angel...or the danger.


An interesting twist and entertaining story. Hunter tells this story from his point of view.