Books for the New Year

It's a new year and the Mother Daughter Book Clubs I belong to with my two daughters are picking up with new selections. I'm hosting both groups this month, so I'll be busy reading, cleaning and cooking. Here's what's on tap:

Middle School Book Club:
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. This is the same author who wrote The 101 Dalmations. I hear I Capture the Castle was almost required reading for girls growing up in England. The setting is the English countryside between Word War I and World War II where two girls live in a ruined castle with their father and stepmother. Things liven up when Americans move in nearby.

High School Book Club:
What's Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges.
I've seen the movie, but recently had the book highly recommended as well. Definitely a read for mature high schoolers and adults, it shows a glimpse into the life of the Grape family as seen through Gilbert's eyes.

If anyone can make recommendations for Elementary School books to read to start off 2008, please send in your suggestions.