"The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman," by Ben H. Winters (HarperCollins Children's, 247 pp., ages 8-12)
Seventh-grader Bethesda Fielding is convinced that Ms. Finkleman, her mousy music teacher, is hiding a secret. But no one – Bethesda included – is prepared for the suspenseful plot that is unspooled as the mystery is solved and Ms. Finkleman's past life as a rock star is unearthed.