Brave by Svetlana Chmakova - This terrific graphic novel shows middle school at is worst (and sometimes its best.) Tutoring, lunch, clubs and petitions show the reader that they are not alone in feeling like an outsider, and teaches them a lesson about changing school culture without being preachy or heavy handed.
Four-Four-Two by Dean Hughes - Dean Hughes weaves a haunting tale of war and friendship that is hard to put down. Yuki’s journey takes him not only across an ocean, but is a journey of the soul as well. The book was beautifully written and uncovered an aspect of WWII I was unfamiliar with.
Refugee by Alan Gratz - As I reached the final pages I was openly sobbing. Gratz not only paints a vivid picture of each frantic journey, he also manages to bring the stories together in subtle and also powerful ways. Even though the Syria crisis is in the news and on TV, Gratz brings an even more intimate touch to this plight. I dare to you keep your eyes dry as you read.
Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo - When Diana rescues a drowning human girl, Alia, from a wrecked boat, she unwittingly sets in motion the possible end of the entire world. After consulting with the Oracle, she decides that her only path is to help Alia to break her curse.
What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum - To put it simply, I loved this book. I loved how the story is told from each character's perspective in alternating chapters, and I appreciated the distinctiveness of each voice. The characters felt real and never said or did things that felt entirely fictional or unbelievable. There were a few twists and turns I was not expecting, but it all seemed true to the story and not just done for added drama. This is a solid YA novel and I'd love to read more just like it
Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith - When Teddy wins the lottery and becomes an instant multi-millionaire, Al wishes she would never have bought him the ticket because she doesn’t want him to change. Will there future be together or will the lottery ruin their friendship? I loved that it’s a clean romance but also explores other themes of friendship, wealth and family relations. Good read and easy to recommend.
One Last Word by Nikki Grimes - I loved this collection of poems, it’s a fantastic way to interpret poems and it would be fun to do this as a poetry unit in the classroom. There are beautiful illustrations done by different artists throughout that enhance the poems. There are short biographies about the poets and an explanation of what the Harlem Renaissance is. A must have in your middle school or high school poetry collection.
Warcross by Marie Lu - Lu joins the ranks of Conor Kostick (Epic) and VivianVandeVelde (Heir Apparent) writing excellent books based in virtual reality. I was a little skeptical at first, but I settled in quickly and read until I couldn’t keep my eyes open.
Backfield Boys by John Feinstein - Feinstein has written a football book perfect for the year. I don’t know when he started writing this one, but it feels like he finished it yesterday. Very up to date, very frank and honest about modern racism. LOVED it!
Losers Take All by David Klass - Klass’s book is a definite indictment of the meathead sports climate that still pervades many schools. But that is not the only point of the book. He touches of family and the nature of friendship; he also challenges the idea of being loyal of loyalty’s sake.
The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand - I can not express how much I loved this book. It was refreshingly unexpected in many wonderful ways. Hand’s diverse body of work continues to amaze me. My favorite Christmas book ever.
The Football Girl by Thatcher Heldring - Tessa and Caleb learn about standing up for what they believe in, even if that means not pleasing the ones you love. In the end, it’s about having the courage to try despite the possibility of failure and standing up for what you believe in despite popular opinions. Those messages are the reasons I enjoyed my time reading this book.
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