Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry

Brother has never been the rancher that his father and older brother are. When his father is shipped to Iraq and his older brothers are away at school he has to help his grandfather run the ranch. He faces many challenges. A wonderful coming of age story.

Emily's Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Eight year old Emily Wiggin never knew her father because he was killed in a steamboat accident when she was very young. She and her mother lived in the room behind the kitchen in Miss Nash's home where Mrs. Wiggin worked as a maid. Then a tragic buggy accident takes the life of Miss Nash and her mother. When it is revealed that Emily has inherited 10 million dollars everyone wants to find her. Miss Catchum from the Catchum Child-Catching Service believes that Emily should live with her only blood relative, Uncle Victor but Emily wants to live with her sweet Aunt Hilda. Will she make it to her aunt's home or will Miss Catchum nab her, or will her evil Uncle Victor find her first? I recommend this book which is a sometimes funny, often intense story.

Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff

Hollis Woods is an orphan who has been shuffled from home to home. She wants to belong to a family but when an obstacle arises she runs away. Then Hollis is sent to stay with Josie, an elderly artist whose odd ways reach Hollis' heart.
I really liked the story, but it can be rather confusing because two stories of Hollis' life are being told at the same time. I think it is a good read.

Matilda Bone by Karen Cushman

Matilda Bone is a young girl who has lived a very narrow existence. Father Leufredus, her caretaker, drops her off at the home to be an apprentice to Red Peg the bonesetter of Blood and Bone Alley. The lifestyle of the residents of Blood and Bone Alley are very different from her life at the Manor. She feels that she will never fit in with this rough, evil group! Matilda had many hard lessons to learn before she discovers what a life of goodness is all about.