Diane Owens: 3 books

Ruth Patterson's secret pet is smart enough to write her messages. But he's a lot of work. To keep her secret, she must take the blame for everything he does. To keep him safe, she'll have to solve the mystery of a glowing rock, decipher a Hawaiian legend, and unravel a string of lies - all before the lizard's dangerous enemy catches up with them.

When an old janitor locks the sixth grade inside a simulated town, pretty and popular Regan Jones plans an easy escape. But kids who normally hang on her every word refuse to listen. Instead, they seem strangely committed to the janitor. Worse, they don’t want to leave – ever. As the fake town...

Thunderous crashes, flickering lights, unexplained wind gusts. The principal says it’s just faulty wiring. Others believe a dead janitor haunts the school. Either way, it’s a scary place for an overly anxious 12-year-old. When Anna’s anxiety gets the best of her, the school bully calls her a...