Code Orange by Caroline B. Cooney

"Scab particles were in Mitty Blake's fingerprints. He had wiped them on his cheek and rubbed them against his nose. He had breathed them in.
Every virus, although not quite alive, nevertheless has a shelf "life". The shelf life of some viruses is known; the shelf life of others is uncertain.
In this case, it was the shelf life of Mitchell John Blake that was uncertain."

As usual, Mitty Blake, mediocre high school student, has procrastinated again. While attempting to scrape together enough information to write his biology paper, he discovers an envelope filled with--ew--antique scabs. Only later does he realize what they are and what he may have done by touching them. As if coming down with an incurable disease was not enough, now mysterious men are after him. Are they government agents or terrorists? Does Mitty have a sore throat or small pox? Does the fate of the planet lie in the hands of a D student and a long forgotten envelope?

SLJ recommends grades 7 and up.

Learn more at HCL, Amazon, and here.

Hit the Road by Caroline B. Cooney

"A police car was behind her.
No way! she thought. It's a mirage.
She looked a second time. Definitely a police car.
Brit could hardly hold on to the wheel.
The diamond-and-emerald bracelet felt very stolen.
Aurelia felt very kidnapped.
The Safari felt very illegal."

While her parents go on vacation, sixteen-year-old Brit will be spending the next few weeks with at her grandmother's house...or so she thinks. As soon as Mom and Dad are out of sight, Nannie unveils her plan to kidnap one of her oldest and dearest friends from her nursing home and head up to their annual college reunion. Before she knows what's happened, Brit finds herself behind the wheel of a rental van, responsible for four elderly women, and on the run from the cops! On that road trip, Brit begins to understand the heartbreak of getting old and being forced to give up your independence. Fans of the prolific Caroline Cooney will not doubt love this book, too.

SLJ recommends grades 8 to 10.

Learn more at HCL, Amazon, and here.