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.

Magic or Madness by Justine Larbalestier

"My head was filled with a hundred confusing thoughts. The legendary cellar had turned out to be an exceptionally well-lit wine cellar, crowded with endless bottles. Sacrificing animals down there would be pretty difficult. There'd barely been room to move. It didn't smell of blood. Nor of antiseptic for getting rid of the scent of blood. It smelled only of dust. "

Here's another Aussie YA author for you! Magic or Madness is the first book in Larbalestier's trilogy about Reason Cansino and her family secrets. Reason's mother brought her up to believe in logic and science and math. She also brought her up to believe that her grandmother is an evil, animal-sacrificing witch. When Reason's mother must be institutionalized for mental illness, Reason is sent to live with that grandmother, where she begins to uncover unbelievable secrets. Soon reason learns that solutions in life, only choices, and she must choose between magic and madness. Larbalestier has written a griping page-turner filled with strong voices and unexpected twists. Thoughtfully, she has also included a glossary of Australian slang so that we can keep up with her. This book is a great ride!

SLJ recommends grades 7 to 10.

Learn more at HCL, Barnes and Noble, and here.