Two Old Favorites

The Joey Pigza books by Jack Gantos. Joey's family is dysfunctional, and Joey has problems at school and at home because he has ADHD, but Joey himself is someone you can't help but like.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken. Bonnie's parents are lost at sea, and wicked Miss Slighcarp is taking advantage of their absence to usurp their mansion and the family fortune. Bonnie's cousin Sylvia and her friend Simon must outwit Miss Slighcarp and the wolves that are marauding England.