The Unteachables by Gordon Korman - ESSENTIAL

The Unteachables by Gordon Korman, 288 pages.  Balzer + Bray (Harper), 2019.  $17.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (some mild anger management problems)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Kiana, Parker, Elaine, Aldo, Rahim, and Barnstorm – they are the 8^thgrade Unteachables. And their teacher, Mr. Kermit? If he can make it until June, he will be able to retire from a school and town that gave up on him long ago, through no mistake of his, so he also checked out too. But the superintendent has it out for him.  Is there something about these kids that can remind him what he loved about teaching? Is there something about him that can reach these kids?

Korman’s book is pure joy! I can’t think of a single kid, or adult who works with kids for that matter, who wouldn’t love reading this. What an awesome read aloud for any class.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani - ADVISABLE

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani, 272 pages. Dial (Penguin), 2018. $17.

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG; 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL , MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Nisha and her twin brother Amil are caught in the middle. Their mother was Muslim, the father Hindu - but they can't be both. When Britain ceased to control India, three religious groups, the Hindus, the Muslim, and the Sikhs began to fight for control. The children are living in a part of India that is not welcome to Hindus, so, as their mother is dead, their father must move the family to Pakistan, primarily by foot. But the trek across the desert isn't the only danger. 

Nisha tells the story in a series of diary entries addressed to her mother, who died when Nisha and her brother were born. This is a good format as it breaks up both the monotony of everyday life as well as tells the dangerous or scary parts in chunks, making it easier to follow. Hiranandani does a good job of explaining the politics and time period, so not a lot of background knowledge is required. This would work well in a classroom studying refugees.

Lisa Librarian

PODCAST: Episode 3: A. G. Howard, Weaver of Fantasy

Anita Howard stopped by to talk about her latest book - Stain

Listen to the episode on Spreaker

Go here for the show notes

Podcast: Episode 2: December 2018

Episode 2 is now available here, or you can follow us on Spreaker.  Hopefully we will be up on iTunes and other podcasting systems soon!  This month I talk December books with Jen, one of my reviewers.  Find out what we thought were the best books reviewed on KTB last month.

You will find the show notes by clicking on Kiss the Book: the Podcast under our Links to Love

Listen to "Ep 2: December 2018 in Review" on Spreaker.

West by Edith Pattou - ADVISABLE

West (East, #2) by Edith Pattou, 514 pages.  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018.  $18.  

Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

After escaping the troll queen, Rose and Charles have a little boy named Win whom they both adore and they are happy in marriage.  But Charles goes on a trip for work and the ship he was on is destroyed with all passengers reported dead.  Rose leaves Win with family and goes to investigate Charles’ death.  What Rose finds is that the troll queen didn’t die like she had thought and now the queen is out for revenge against Rose and her little family.  

I love the way Pattou weaves Rose’s journey with adventure and strong characters.  The magic blends effortlessly into the story, making it believable.  Revisiting the world presented in East was a fun treat.  The only reason I wouldn’t put this book in an elementary school is that at one point Rose amputates her own finger to make a key and it was shocking.  You can read East without feeling like you have to read West, but I don't recommend reading West without having read East.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson     

East by Edith Pattou - ESSENTIAL

East by Edith Pattou, 507 pages.  Magic Carpet Books (Harcourt), 2005.  $9.  

Content: Language: PG (2 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  

Rose was born facing north and with that comes the desire to travel and wonder, and although her mother tries to deny Rose’s birth direction, eventually Rose is called north.  One night as Rose’s sister is sick, a white bear comes to the door of her poor family and promises health to the sick sister and wealth for the family, if they will let Rose go with the white bear.  Against her family’s wishes, Rose goes with the white bear and uncovers a world of magic and a deep friendship that she will sacrifice herself to save.  

This book hooked me from the beginning.  The writing made me feel like I was sitting around a fire and listening to a storyteller weave a story of magic, adventure and loyalty.  The story line reminded me of the Snow Queen and Beauty and the Beast, but it is original enough that I completely enjoyed it.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

The Queen’s Secret by Jessica Day George - ESSENTIAL

The Queen’s Secret (Rose Legacy #2) by Jessica Day George, 256 pages. Bloomsbury, MAY 2019.  $17 

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some danger, a bit of blood)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Just when it looks like there is hope for horses and their riders to be accepted in Coronam, a deadly plague hits the villages in which the horses are stationed.  Now Anthea and the others are desperate to not only find a cure, but also a cause, because they know it wasn’t horses!  And what do you do if someone who is supposed to love you turns out to be damaged and evil instead?

Nice!  I love that the author turns away from the expected and forges a new story path.  It takes a bit long to get there, but there is plenty to think about and chew over as we all waited with bated breath for the third book.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Between Before & After by Maureen Doyle McQuerry - OPTIONAL

Between Before & After by Maureen Doyle McQuerry, 290 pages.  Blink, 2019.  $18.  

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Molly may only be 14, but she usually feels the weight of the world on her shoulders.  Her dad has left and Molly has to care for her little brother as her mother retreats into her research and writing.  When her Uncle Stephen comes to town talking about a miracle that he was a part of and an investigation, 

Even though the main character is young, this is definitely book meant for an older, read adult, audience. I understand why the author set the “present-day” in the 1950’s, but it is such a little known time period, especially for today’s teens, that they will have a hard time relating to the events around Molly’s story.  The historic parts showing life in 1910’s NYC are definitely the highlights.  Suggest this to an adult book group instead a school library.  Content includes the mention of incest, off page sex, unwed pregnancy.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Over the Moon by Natalie Lloyd - ADVISABLE

Over the Moon by Natalie Lloyd, 304 pages.  Scholastic Press, MARCH 2019.  $17.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Mallie lives a dreary, desperate life in tiny town on Coal Top Mountain.  An insidious dust has covered the skies for almost a generation, blocking out the sky, the sun, and stars.  Mallie slaves each day in the valley below for a meager salary, but one day she finds an ad looking for brave boys willing to risk their lives for an adventure.  This may be just what Mallie needs to quickly earn the money she needs to save her little brother from the mine.  What she finds when she disguises herself and applies is beyond her wildest dreams. And it may just be the answer to returning sunshine and magic to her town.

Lloyd is so good at inserting magical yearnings into her writing!  You can see from the cover what I mean, but it’s even better than you think. Fans of A Snicker of Magic will dive on in.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The House That Lou Built by Mae Respicio - ADVISABLE

The House That Lou Built by Mae Respicio, 231 pages.  Wendy Lamb (Random House), 2018.  $17.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Lou’s dad dies before she was born and she and her mother live with her Filipino grandparents in a very loving, if crowded home.  Lou, about to be 13,  has always loved working with wood and building and dreams of building a tiny home, just for her and her mother, or the property that her dad left as her legacy. But just as she gets started on her plans, she learns that not only is her mom taking a job that would move her out of state, but they also own back taxes on the land and may lose it forever. Lou has some very fast thinking to do, even if some of her schemes land her in trouble with her mom and her cousins.

I love the authentic, natural looks into Lou’s extended Filipino family interactions.  Lou has spunk and does admit her mistakes.  I will admit - I did wish that Lou would actually move away just so she could understand that the world would not actually end even if her cheese got moved.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Light Jar by Lisa Thompson - ESSENTIAL

The Light Jar by Lisa Thompson, 240 pages. Scholastic, 2019. $18. 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

When Nate’s mum wakes him up in the middle of the night to go on holiday, it doesn’t take him long to figure out something isn’t right. He’s happy to be away from his mother’s controlling boyfriend, but the dilapidated cottage they arrive at is anything but cozy. Then his mum runs to town to get food and doesn’t return. Nate is sure she’ll walk in the door any minute. The next day he wakes to find his imaginary friend has returned, and a mysterious girl wants his help finding a treasure, but his mother is nowhere to be found.

This one's a page turner. You won’t be able to stop reading until you are sure Nate is going to be ok. He's an endearing character. He’s surrounded by dysfunctional adults, his mom, his dad, and his mom’s boyfriend, yet he manages to stay strong and survive on his own for days with the help of his imaginary friend and mystery girl. The setting is perfect. Nate is all alone, in the dead of winter, in a run down cottage. There’s a lot to think about in this book and would be my pick for a middle grade book club.

Valerie McEnroe, Media Specialist

Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina - ADVISABLE

Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina 355 pages- Candlewick Press, 2018 $17

Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f') Mature Content: PG. Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Merci Suárez was so excited for 6th grade, although still in the same private school, middle school means all different teachers and getting to do more things on her own. However, Merci lives close to her grandparents and aunt (3 houses together in fact). Her Tia is a single mom, so Merci is expected to tend her twin cousins afterschool, especially now that her Grandfather Lolo is being very forgetful and a little clumsy, so her plans to try out for the soccer team are nixed. And then, there's Michael, Merci is his Sunshine Buddy - because he is new to the school - but Merci is the only one matched with a boy!

Oh! There is so much going on in this book! I had a hard time deciding what the overall theme was - growing up I guess. I did find the relationship between Merci and Lolo especially sweet as I had a similar situation with my mother and her grandchildren. Lots of Spanish words and phrases - in context so no translation necessary. Overall, it was a nice read, although a bit long.

Lisa Librarian

The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary by Nonieqa Ramos - OPTIONAL

The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary by Nonieqa Ramos , 334 pages.  Carolrhoda Lab TM (February 1, 2018) $17.99

Content: Language: R (39+ swears, 7+ “F”) Mature Content: R; Violence: R.  

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Macy Cashmere, 15, struggles to understand the world around her. She has an IEP that labels her “emotionally disturbed” and she takes that title to show that she isn’t, and doesn’t want to be, like everyone else. Her English teacher, Miss Black, helps gives her an assignment to write her own dictionary to explain the words and everyday occurrences in her life and that is how we get the piece meal story of Macy. She begins with her first word “Always-Never” and leads the reader through a tragic time coming of age “Zombie.” Through it all, the reader learns to see the places that Macy may be emotionally disturbed, but also the reasons and the situations that led her to, among other things, carrying a 12-inch machete down the street.

All in all, this book is well written.  I really got a feel for Macy and her unique voice while knowing how a 15-year old can be prone to hyperbole and misconception. The realities of her hard life may be eye opening for many teens, but also may be very triggering and unwelcome for others.  The short chapters divided by her new word entries made it easy for me to read in short bursts. Macy often leaves a story unfinished or only part of her life hinted at leaving the reader wanting to know more about where she came from and what happens next. Ramos creates a well-developed, empathetic character and world I wanted to both avoid and help.

Mature Content: Violence, implied sex and rape, drug use.

Reviewer, D. Wecker

Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre - ESSENTIAL

Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre, 212 pages. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2018. $17.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

When Wavie’s mom died she left Wavie with a list of instructions and lots of good advice. Wavie’s mom hardly ever talked about her family and where she came from. Things have not gone as planned and after her mother’s funeral, Wavie is sent home with an aunt she had never heard of in the Holler. The relatives are awful and her aunt takes all of Wavie’s money and she is not nice to her. But there are many interesting characters living in the Holler and Wavie makes some friends..

Wavie’s story is wonderful and a good read. Wavie has spunk and she stands up for what she knows to be right. I found myself rooting for Wavie through the whole book. Wavie is a believable and delightful heroine. She spreads kindness and love all the while cleaning up her surroundings, weeding, planting flowers and taking care of the old cemetery in Conley Holler. I couldn’t but help love Wavie and her brave soul, in the face of tragedy and hardship.

Ellen-Anita   

The Lighthouse Between the Worlds by Melanie Crowder - ESSETNIAL

The Lighthouse Between the Worlds by Melanie Crowder, 242 pages. Atheneum, 2018. $17.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Since Griffin’s mom died, it’s just him and his dad in their lighthouse home. Besides his homeschooling, Griffin is also learning to be a glassmaker. One stormy night a horrible alarm goes off and a helicopter full of people he has never met arrive.  When his dad is pulled through one lens and disappears, all kinds of chaos erupts Griffin is on his own to rescue his father. Griffin embarks on a fascinating journey to a different dimension, different place. He has to figure out how to survive and whom he can trust, 

This is a well written book, and very original. I loved the story and I am hoping for a sequel. The ending left me believing there might be on. I will book talk this and recommend it to students, faculty and even my grandchildren. I could not put the book down.

Ellen-Anita  

Brightwood by Tania Unsworth - ESSENTIAL

Brightwood by Tania Unsworth, 260 pages. 2016. Algonquin Young Readers. $11.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Daisy and her mom live a life of seclusion at Brightwood Hall, an old, crumbling mansion. As things are right now, Daisy and her mom can live for years at Brightwood without leaving the property. Still, her mom insists on buying more supplies. Every day her mom make a Day Box and inside she puts a few items to remember the day by. They now have stacks and stacks of Day Boxes and have made narrow isles through them all to go from one place to another. One day, her mom does not return from her weekly shopping. Daisy is not worried at first, but as the days go by she does worry. A stranger come to visit, claiming to be a relative. Strange things are happening.

Daisy is a great heroine, and a well written character. The book has good supporting characters and this is a well written story. I loved it, and highly recommend it.

Ellen-Anita   

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor - ESSENTIAL

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor 326 pages Kathrine Tegen Books (Harper Collins), 2018 $17.00 Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Peril, bullying)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL -ADVISABLE,  MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Mason Buttle is the biggest kid in his grade, but some of the other boys bully him relentlessly - especially Matty Drinker who lives on the other side of Mason's family's orchard. Now, a new boy has moved into town, and although he's the smallest in their grade, Mason and Calvin become fast friends, avoiding the bullies together. Almost 2 years ago, Mason's best friend Benny was killed, and the town policeman suspects Mason knows more than he's telling. 

Mason Buttle is a remarkable boy caught in a terrible situation. The characters are well developed, and the plot is suspenseful and tragic. I was hooked in the first chapter and could hardly put it down. The bullying is quite vicious, and the story is very, very sad, but if Leslie Connor continues to write these wonderful books, I'll continue to praise them.

Lisa Librarian

Ordinary Hazards : A Memoir by Nikki Grimes - HIGH

Ordinary Hazards : A Memoir by Nikki Grimes 336 pages. Boyds Mills Press 2019 $20

Language: PG13 (20 swears, 0 'f' 1 'n'); Mature Content: PG (maturation); Violence: R (assaults)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Author Nikki Grimes recounts her experience growing up with a schizophrenic mother, an absent father, an abusive step father, and time spent in foster care. She and her sister were separated and placed in foster care for many years, although Nikki eventually moved back home with her mother, her life was fraught with uncertainty, abuse, and people who didn't believe in her.

Moving and poignant, this carefully constructed memoir in verse is achingly sad and beautifully hopeful.
(This title will be released October 2019)

Lisa Librarian

The Beloved Wild by Melissa Ostrom - OPTIONAL

The Beloved Wild by Melissa Ostrom, 312 pages.  Feiwel and Friends, 2018.  $18.  

Content: Language: PG-13 (16 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Harriet is a sixteen year old with a longing for the type of freedom that her brothers enjoy.  It’s obvious to everyone that the handsome and hard-working neighbor, Daniel Long, is interested in marrying Harriet, but she thinks marriage a miserable idea.   As her favorite brother prepares to go into the frontier and homestead, Harriet makes plans to leave her family and join him.  Harriet is surprised by her longing for Daniel and the hardships that she finds on the frontier. 

I got caught up in the book and totally enjoyed it.  Harriet is spunky and although she sometimes makes immature decisions, it’s fun to watch her grow-up and learn from the world around her.  The book would have to be talked-up because teens wouldn’t pick it up based on the cover, which is sad because story wise this book is advisable and the cover makes it optional.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson 

Crush by Svetlana Chmakova - ESSENTIAL

Crush by Svetlana Chmakova, 240 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Yen Press. 2018 $11.00 Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Jorge is the biggest kid in his grade, and he uses size to break up fights and keep the peace, some of the kids call him Sheriff. But Jorge is shy and doesn't talk to other kids much, especially Jazmine, who he thinks he might have a crush on. Middle school is full of drama and with a big dance coming up, Jorge would really like to take Jazmine, and when she breaks up with her boyfriend, Jorge sees his chance! But first, he needs to talk to her . . . 

Relationships, friendships, sports, social media, teachers and parties, Chamakova knows middle school. I love how her books are so much more than the cover tells you - yes, it's about having a crush, but the lessons about being a good friend, standing up for yourself, and finding the courage to talk about something makes this a perfect recommendation for young teens. 

Lisa Librarian