Ms. Hurley is reading...
Unplugged. Jet is the son of a billionaire. After a stunt flying a drone over the San Francisco airport, his parents sent him to "The Oasis" for an unplugged summer. Jet is resistant, but slowly makes friends once they find a unique lizard they need Needle. But as Jet continues to enjoy his summer and interacts with one of the pathfinders, Ivory, Jet starts to question that all might not be as it seems at The Oasis.
Unplugged. Jet is the son of a billionaire. After a stunt flying a drone over the San Francisco airport, his parents sent him to "The Oasis" for an unplugged summer. Jet is resistant, but slowly makes friends once they find a unique lizard they need Needle. But as Jet continues to enjoy his summer and interacts with one of the pathfinders, Ivory, Jet starts to question that all might not be as it seems at The Oasis.
Students are reading...
Lost in the Sun. Trevor is about to start middle school, and he knows it is going to be a tough year. Last February, while playing hockey on a lake, he shot a puck. It hit another student in the chest, and the student had an unknown heart condition and died. Now Trevor has to face seeing his little sister play with his brother, his father's new wife is having a baby, and Trevor feels clammy and full of fire every time he tries to play a sport. Then he meets Fallon, a mysterious girl with a strange scar on her face. Maybe middle school won't be horrible if he has a friend?
Lost in the Sun. Trevor is about to start middle school, and he knows it is going to be a tough year. Last February, while playing hockey on a lake, he shot a puck. It hit another student in the chest, and the student had an unknown heart condition and died. Now Trevor has to face seeing his little sister play with his brother, his father's new wife is having a baby, and Trevor feels clammy and full of fire every time he tries to play a sport. Then he meets Fallon, a mysterious girl with a strange scar on her face. Maybe middle school won't be horrible if he has a friend?
Ground Zero. Brandon is suspended. He got in a fight at school, and now he has to go to work with his father. His father works in the North World Trade Center tower at the Windows to the World. The date is September 11, 2001. Reshmina lives in Afghanistan. On her sister's wedding day, a US drone bombed the wedding party, killing her sister. Now a wounded American soldier is at her door step. The date is September 11, 2019.
The Night Diary. This story is written in diary form, following the protagonist, Nisha and her twin brother, Amil. Nisha and Amil are half Hindu and half Muslim. When India gains its independence from the UK, Nisha's family is forced to leave their home and travel by foot to an area that is safe for them. During the entire journey, Nisha feels pulled by the two different sides of her family.
Free Lunch. Rex's mother signed him up for the free lunch program. He is horrified and does not want anyone to know that he is poor. As his mother and stepfather spiral, losing their jobs, moving into government subsidized housing, and living in their car for one night, Rex starts to see the inequity and prejudice that people in poverty face.
The Fourteenth Goldfish. Ellie lives with her mother, and her father is touring with his theater company. Ellie's grandfather, Melvin, always thought that theater was a waste of talent. However, Melvin shows up one day, returned to the age of a teenager. He made a scientific breakthrough at his lab. Is the world ready for Melvin's science?
See You at Harry's. Fern is living a typical life of a middle school student. She has an annoying younger brother, Charlie. Her older sister, Sara, is planning for college. Her old brother, Holden, is beginning to come out as gay. Her parents own a restaurant passed down to them from Fern's grandfather, Harry. However, when tragedy strikes the family, can they ever be the same again?
I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937. Hugo and his family are traveling from Germany to the United States, so his little sister can get treatment for malaria. The Hindenburg is the fastest option to get her to the US. As they are journeying across the Atlantic, a trio of Nazis is onboard the zeppelin, searching for a spy. As they are landing in New Jersey, disaster strikes!
The Lions of Little Rock. Marlee does not speak much, until she meets her new friend, Liz. Liz is a bright girl who helps build up Marlee's confidence so she can give a class presentation. However, it is discovered Liz is trying to pass (pretend to be white when she was really black) in the segregated school system of Little Rock. Liz and Marlee find ways to remain friends and fight for integration. However, when a classmate's brother finds out the truth and has a trunk full of dynamite, the result might be disastrous.
Save Me a Seat. Joe has an auditory processing disorder, and he struggles with the fifth grade bully, Dillion. Ravi has just moved to New Jersey from India. He is eager to show all his knowledge; however, he quickly discovers that he is a new target for Dillion. This book is about friendship, assimilation, and overcoming obstacles.
Almost Home. The main character, Sugar, is in a parking lot when another little girl hands her a puppy. The puppy's name is Shush, and if Sugar does not take the dog, he will go to the pound. Sugar's father is in and out of the picture, as he struggles with a gambling addiction. When his financial problems lead to Sugar's home being repossessed, her mother spirals into a depression. Sugar finds herself in a foster home with only Shush. Can Sugar bring her family back together and find a place to call home?
A Good Kind of Trouble. Shayla is just starting middle school. However, there is heated trial in her town that Black Lives Matter is involved in. Shayla is black, but she has a wide variety of friends. She is wondering where she fits in. She has also started to attend protests and wear an arm band. However, her principal is saying it is a violation of the dress code. As a student who is very passive, how she can protest without getting into trouble?
Throne of Glass. Celaena Sardothien is serving a life sentence for being assassin at a prison mine. When the crown prince comes and offers her a chance to earn her freedom, she is quick to take it. She is going to compete to be the king's champion. However, upon arriving at the castle, she discovers that there is a dark presence within the castle.
I Funny. Jamie Grimm has moved to Long Beach to live with his adoptive family. He loves telling jokes, especially to hide the feelings he has about his adoption and reason he is in a wheelchair. When the "Funniest Kid Comic" contest comes around, Jamie decides to enter. He learns about what it means to tell jokes and be funny.
I Survived the Joplin Tornado. Dex is proud of his brother for completing the Navy SEAL training. However, he spends his nights worrying that his brother is not safe. When a storm chaser comes to town and invites Dex to ride along, Dex has no idea that he is the one who is truly in danger.
When You Reach Me. Miranda is walking home with her best friend, Sal, when a boy suddenly punches him. Miranda discovers this boy is from her school, and she starts talking about him. They both have an interest in time travel. As time goes along, Miranda starts getting mysterious notes that predict the future. Who are these notes coming from? Can she restore her friendship with Sal?
Muffled. Amelia struggles with sensory overload. Typically, she wears noise cancelling headphones to prevent loud sounds from bothering her. However, her parents and the school become concerned because she is having trouble maintaining friendships because she can't hear everyone. Additionally, her school requires her to take music lessons this year. Can Amelia find a balance to make friends, learn music, and not become overwhelmed?
I Survived: The Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980. Jessie and her friends are determined to find the Skeleton Woman who is supposed to haunt the forest at the bottom of Mount St. Helens. There has been an increase of earthquakes and steam eruptions. A scientist friend is concerned that Mount St. Helens will erupt soon. However, as time passes, people start to relax and get closer to the volcano. Unfortunately, the scientist was right.
I Survived: The Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967. Melody is visiting her grandfather the summer after her mother was killed in a car accident. Melody feels guilt over her mother's death because her mother was taking Melody to a sleepover. Melody's mother always taught her to respect the forest and animals of Glacier Natural Park. However, the grizzly bears are starting to act differently. Can Melody figure out why the bears are becoming more and more deadly.
The One and Only Bob. Bob is enjoying his life living with the family. He is haunted by memories of the rest of his litter that was abandoned on the side of the highway. As a hurricane approaches, a tornado hits the zoo. With the enclosures damaged, some of the animals escape. Bob doesn't want to be a hero. However, Bob cares a lot about his friends. Can he find the strength to help save them?
I Survived: The Great Chicago Fire. Oscar is moving to Chicago after his mother remarried. While disembarking the train, Oscar's family's suitcases are stolen. When Oscar sees the thief, he begins to chase her. When he finds their house, embers from a distant fire ignite the house. Oscar saves the girl and her brother; however, the fire continues to spread. Will Oscar survive the Great Chicago Fire?
Goodbye, Mr. Terupt. This is the fourth and final book in the Mr. Terupt's series. The gang is back together; this time, Mr. Terupt is their advisor. They are now in eighth grade and thinking about what mark they want to leave on their junior high. What should be in on their bucket list?
I Survived: The Children's Blizzard. John's family moved to North Dakota in search of free land and a better life. However, the weather is unpredictable and harsh. One day, while at school, a dark cloud approaches and a massive storm arrives. Will John and his classmates be able to survive?
Spy School Goes South. This is another book in the Spy School series. Ben Ripley and Erica are continuing to track SYPDER. This time, they are getting intel that SYPDER has rented out a penthouse at a beautiful beach resort. Can Ben figure out what SYPDER's next plot is?
I Survived: Hurricane Katrina, 2005. Barry's family home has survived many hurricanes. However, when a category 5 hurricane is predicted to hit New Orleans, his parents decide to evacuate. His sister wakes up with a high fever and is vomiting. The family changes plans and stays put for the hurricane, so his sister can get better. The levees break and water begins rising. Will Barry's house survive another hurricane?
I Surived: The Shark Attacks of 1916. Sharks have never attached people before. They are tame creatures, right? Chet is 10 years old. After years of traveling around the country, he is looking for a normal routine while staying with his Uncle in New Jersey. However, rumors start about sharks attacking people on the beaches. Then a fin is spotted in the local creek. Is there really a shark out there?
Closer to Nowhere. Cal moved in with Hannah because his mother had died and his father is in prison. Hannah's mom and Cal's mom are identical twins. Cal is recovering from the trauma that he has experience, and Hannah struggles to accept him. Hannah's parents marriage is falling apart, and Hannah blames Cal. Can Cal find peace and a place to call home? This poem is written in free verse poetry.
I Survived: The Japanese Tsunami, March 2011. Ben's father used to be a fighter pilot; however, he recently died in a car accident. Still, Ben's family remained committed to their trip to see Ben's uncle in Japan. While on their trip, there is a 9.0 magnitude earthquake. The earthquake triggers a tsunami! Can Ben use his father's lessons on survival as a fighter pilot to help him survive the tsunami.
Proud. This is the true story of Ibtihaj Muhammed, a black, Muslim fencer. Ibti was required by her parents to take up a sport. She had always felt self-conscious trying to incorporate her modest dress and hijab into her uniform, until she saw the fencing girl. Ibti works to overcome stereotypes as she strives for her Olympic dream.
Rick. This is a sequel to George. Rick is friends with Jeff, who punched George in the stomach, in the previous book. Rick is starting to question his sexual orientation. When George, who now goes by Melissa, invites him to the Rainbow Spectrum, he is hesitant to join. Additionally, his father is making Rick visit his grandfather every Saturday. As Rick shares his struggles about watching Jeff bully members of the LGBTQ community, Grandpa Ray guides Rick to finding true friends and sharing parts of his own past.
After Zero. Elise has been homeschooled by her mother her entire life. However, she has been eager to try public school and her mother agrees. On her first day, Elise makes three separate mistakes - mispronouncing a word when reading, revealing a secret that should not be shared, and drawing negative attention to herself. Elise comes up with a solution. She won't talk at school - she wants her daily word tally to be zero. This book dives into the complexities of selective mutism and the underlining causes.
When Stars are Scattered. Omar and his brother, Hassan, are refugees from Somalia. Omar has to look after his younger brother, who has seizures and only says one word. They hope to find their mother someday and return to the family farm. However, as the years drag on, Omar begins to lose hope. He wonders what his next steps will be so that he can provide a life with opportunities for Hassan. Eventually, Omar begins school, and he starts to dream of places that he could resettle.
War Stories. Trevor loves all things that are related to World War II. His great-grandfather, G.G., participated in this war. He is the last surviving member of the troop that liberated a small French town. The town has asked G.G. to come review a medal for his heroics. Together, G.G., Trevor's father, and Trevor embark on a journey to trace his route from D-Day to this small French town. Along the way, there is some hostility about G.G.'s participation in the war, and Trevor learns that war is not as glamorous as he believed it to be.
Class Act. This is the second book in the New Kid series. This story focuses on Drew. He takes his academics very seriously, and he has been hiding his talent with basketball. The reason he does this is because people expect him to be good at basketball because he is black. Drew wants to be break this stereotype. Drew struggles with the fact that his white friend, Liam, has a lot of privilege. Will this be the end of their friendship? Or can they begin having conversations about race that might everyone a little uncomfortable, while being a learning opportunity?
Lifeboat 12. This story is based on true events. It is World War II, and Kenny is living in London. It is frequently bombed, and his parents have secured a spot for him to get to Canada where he will be able to wait out the war. On his third night of travel, the ship is torpedo. Kenny is placed in lifeboat 12 with over 50 other survivors. Will he survive the open ocean? Will they be rescued? This story is written in free verse poetry.
Stargirl. Leo is a typical high schooler until the day Stargirl arrives at Mica High. She sings to people in the cafeteria, names herself based on how she is feeling, and dresses very uniquely. Leo finds himself intrigued, but also concerned about how Stargirl will fit in. As they become closer, Leo starts to get Stargirl to confirm to the norms of the high school so that she will be accepted by her peers. Stargirl is not someone who wants to be changed. This is a movie on Disney Plus now too.
White Bird. This is a graphic novel. It begins with Julien, the same character from the book, Wonder. He is reflecting back on the mean behaviors he brought to Beechwood Prep. His grandmother decides to tell him the story of where his name came from. It began during World War II when his grandmother was Jewish and living in France.
The Other Boy. Shane is a star baseball pitcher. He is struggling with his parents' divorce. He has good friends and maybe a girlfriend. But Shane has a secret. His biological gender at birth was a girl. His father is struggling with allowing Shane to begin testosterone. Can Shane find acceptance if people will know his secret?
Chirp. Mia is moving to Vermont after her grandmother suffers a stroke. Her grandmother is has a cricket farm that her parents wish she would sell. While in Vermont, her mother insists she must join two clubs that summer - one for her mind and one for exercise. Mia joins a maker space team and starts to realize that her grandmother's farm is being sabotaged. She also joins a Warrior Challenge Camp, but is fearful of many activities because she is recovering from a gymnastics injury.
Shouting at the Rain. This story takes place on Cape Cod. Delsie is being raised by her grandmother, and her best friend who visits her every summer has decided to have a new best friend. Delsie mets a new boy named Ronan, and a new friendship is sparked between them. All this time, Delsie is trying to find out more information about her mother and why she left Delsie behind.
Smile. This story is a graphic novel based on true events. Raina is running to get into her house when she trips and falls, knocking out her front two teeth. This story follows her journey to get her smile back.
Merci Suarez Changes Gears. Merci is fortunate to have gotten into sixth grade at the prestigious school her older brother is about to graduate from. However, Merci has to struggle with the fact that she is a scholarship student and is required to do extra community service around the school, including befriending her Sunshine Buddy, a boy named Michael. When Edna, a popular student, becomes interested in Michael, Merci becomes a target for Edna. To make matters worse, Merci's grandfather, Lolo, who she tells everything to has been acting strangely lately. Can Merci survive sixth grade?
Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World. Ivy is a seventh grader. Her older sister is not talking to her as much, and her mother is overwhelmed with the arrival of her twin brothers. A tornado comes through town and destroys Ivy's house. Ivy and her family have to take shelter at a local middle school. In the process, her notebook, one of the few possessions that she is able to save from her house goes missing. Ivy is upset because she has a secret stored in that notebook that she is not ready to share.
They Call Us Enemy. George Takei is a little kid when Pearl Harbor happened, and shortly after, his family was sent to interment camp in Arkansas. This book is told in graphic novel form. It follows his journey through the interment camps, his family's struggle with understanding democracy and citizenship after their unlawful imprisonment, and his career as an actor on Star Trek and Broadway plays.
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl. Lucy was struck by lightning when she was eight years old. She developed spontaneous savant qualities in math. She sees numbers in different colors and can calculate quickly. She has finished high school by the age of twelve (She is homeschooled), and she is looking forward to college. However, her Nana comes to the conclusion that Lucy needs to learn to hang out with kids who her own age and enrolls her in the local middle school. Can Lucy make friends? Can she blend in and hide her gift?
Drama. This is a graphic novel. The main character, Callie, loves theater. However, she cannot sing or dance, so she has poured herself into set design. Her over the top plan has lots of flaws and tickets are not selling. Two twins that Callie has not met before join the production. Also, Callie develops a crush on a eighth grader. Are you prepared for all the theater drama?
Snapdragon. This is a graphic novel. Snap knows there is a witch who lives in her town. She isn't afraid of her though. When Snap finds possum babies that are orphaned, she knows exactly where to bring them. Jacks, the witch, shows Snap that there really is magic and how to be in tune with nature.
Knockout. This book reminds me of Kwame Alexander's writing. It is written through poetry. Levi was born a premature baby. He has challenges with breathing at times. His father wants to take up a sport. Levi tries out boxing and finds that he has a love for it. However, his mother would never support it because she is fearful of him getting sick or hurt.
Some Kind of Happiness. Finley has never met her father's side of the family. She doesn't know why. But when her parents' marriage starts to fall apart, she is sent to live with her father's family. Finley struggles with feelings of sadness and anxiety, and she finds solace when writing about a magical place called the Everwood. While exploring the forest behind her grandparents' house, she discovered the Everwood. It is not quiet like she expected. Why can she speak to the Baileys? Why is there a burnt down house in the woods? How can she show her cousins this is real to her?
Grenade. This is by the author of Refugee. Hideki lives on the island of Okinawa during World War II. The Japanese have occupied the island, and now the American front is approaching it. Ray is an young American soldier is who is part of the advancing army. He is scared, like Hideki, and Ray is not sure what to expect in battle. The two stories are intertwined and talk a lot about what war does to humanity.
Greetings from Witness Protection. Nicki has been stuck in the New York City foster care center since her grandmother died and her father went to prison. She has been shuffled around from home to home, frequently returned to the Center. She longs for the family and is shocked when Marshalls approach her with a unique proposition. There is a family entering witness protection after the mother testified against a mobster family. It would be harder to find the family if Nicki decides to join them. The mob will be looking for a family of three, not four. Although this is dangerous, this family is grateful to have Nicki join them, and this might give her a chance to find a family of her own.
Black Brother, Black Brother. Donte and Trey are biracial. Trey looks more like his caucasian father, while Donte looks more like his black mother. Both boys attend Middlefield Prep, a prestigious private school in Massachusetts. Trey is considered the model student, while Trey is targeted by his peers, especially the captain of the fencing team - Alan. Additionally, Trey experiences inequitable amount of punishment from school administration. Trey decides to beat Alan at his own game and enlists the first black Olympic fencer to coach him. Along the way, Trey learns there is a lot more than just revenge. He becomes part of a team and starts to look to overcome prejudice.
Blended. Isabella is a biracial, 11 year old girl. One week, she lives with her mother, who is white. The next, she lives with her father who is black. Isabella's parents had a difficult divorce and struggle do get along. Isabella feels caught in the middle and struggles with her racial identity. This book addresses micro-aggressions, along with a shocking ending.
Breakout. This book is about three girls, Nora, Elidee, and Lizzie, who live in Wolf Creek. Nora is the daughter of the prison warden. The prison is a major part of the town. Lizzie is Nora's friend, and her grandmother works in the prison. Elidee just moved to the town because her brother is serving fifteen years at the prison. The town is making a time capsule, so the girls are chronicling their experiences for the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. Unfortunately, two inmates escape from the prison. The town is put on edge while there is a manhunt. During this time, the girls learn about racism and some of the flaws with the prison system.
Ghost Boys. Jerome is a typical 7th grader. He loves video games. He lives with him mom and dad, who are hard working and want him to get into college. Jerome plays sports. He walks his sister, Kim, to her elementary school everyday. He does have to walk by drug dealers to get to school and worries about hearing gun shots in the street. One day, he borrows a toy gun from his friend, Carlos. Something happens on his way home, and he is killed by a police officer. As a ghost, he is guided by Emmett Till through what the world struggles with. He helps the police officer's daughter (and ultimately the police officer) find ways to prevent violence - even unconsciously - over race from ever happening again.
Roll with It. Ellie is a middle school girl who is passionate about baking. She and her mother decide to move in with her grandparents. Her grandfather is suffering from Alzheimer's, and he recently got confused and drove his car into a grocery store. Ellie has to start a new school mid-year and make new friends. To complicate matters, she has cerebral palsy, and she uses a wheelchair. Her new middle school is small and has not had a student in a wheelchair before. Can Ellie make new friends and fit in? How can she get them to see more than just her wheelchair? The author of this book is the mother of a son with cerebral palsy.
The Benefits of Being an Octopus. Zoey and her mother has struggled with poverty their entire life. At one point, they were living in a car. Things took a positive turn when Zoey's mother started dating Lenny, and they moved into his trailer. Although Zoey has to share a room with her two younger brothers and watch them so her mother can work, they have a safe place to live. Zoey struggles to fit in at school with her free lunch ticket and donated clothing. She frequently doesn't do her homework because she is busy caring for her siblings. A teacher encourages her to join the debate team, and Zoey begins to learn that Lenny is not the savior she thought he was.
The Momentous Life of a Cactus. This is the sequel to the Insignificant Life of a Cactus. Aven is starting high school. She is worried about going to her first dance, finding a place to sit in the cafeteria, and wondering if she will ever be able to date. To complicate it all, she was born without arms. Aven works to find her own place in the word.
All the Answers. Ava grabs a blue pencil out of the family junk drawer for her math test. While taking the test, she starts hearing a voice, telling her the answers to the test. Ava quickly realizes it is the pencil that is telling her the answers. She starts to use the pencil for good, helping people at her Grandfather's nursing home get what they want. But the pencil starts to tell her secrets she does not want to know. Is it a good thing to have all the answers?
The Glass Sentence. Sophie lives with her uncle, Shadrack, in Boston. Shadrack, like her parents who disappeared 10 years ago, is a map maker. The council in Boston has voted to close the borders because all the Ages have been mixed up. Shadrack is kidnapped and leaves Sophie a note asking her to travel to another Age. Can Sophie save Shadrack? Can Sophie right the Ages that have been disrupted.
The Book of Dust. This book takes place 12 years before the His Dark Material series. Lyra (as an infant) is brought to the priory, right before the Great Flood starts. Lyra has a huge role to play in 12 years; however, for now, the priority is keeping her safe. When the priory gets destroyed by flood waters, Malcolm and Alice set off on a great adventure in his canoe to get Lyra to her father and the safety of Jordan College.
Hey, Kiddo. This book has more mature content and language; however, it is recommended for ages 12 and up. Ja (Jarrett) was being raised by his mother, who was a drug addict. Eventually, his grandfather took custody of him when his mother ended up in jail. This is the autobiography (written in comic form) of an aspiring young artist who grew up in in Worcester. Readers will recognize many of the Massachusetts' landmarks.
Clean Getaway. Scoobs has been suspended from school after standing up for another student. He is angry at his dad when his G'ma shows up, inviting him on an adventure. Scoobs and G'ma head south, where Scoobs learns G'ma's and G'pop's struggles raising his father as a biracial couple. G'pop ends up in jail for a crime he did not commit. Scoobs starts to discover that there is more to his family's history then he realizes.
New Kid. This is a great graphic novel. Jordan is a student from inner New York City. He is aspiring to be an artist. When he is accepted into a prestigious private school, his parents have to convince him to go. Because the school is predominately white, Jordan faces challenges of bias and racial tension between his old life and new life. It takes on the discussions of race well for a middle school audience, and it is a must read.
Halfway Normal. Norah is newly in remission from having leukemia. She is returning to middle school after being absent for two years. At first she is excited to be back, but she quickly realizes that lots has changed while she was gone. Additionally, her parents are overly cautious, worried that she is not resting enough. How can Norah return to a normal life after leukemia.
Level 13. This is the sequel to Slacker. Cam is back. He is trying to slack off from his PAG presidency so he can become a full time gamer online. With the help of Elvis, he may reach his subscriber membership. However, he may face many struggles along the way. This is another hilarious Gordon Korman book.
I Dissent. This book is on Sora. It is a biography of the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and all she had to overcome in order to become a Supreme Court Justice.
The Unteachables. Mr. Kermit is a burned out teacher, who cannot wait for his early retirement. However, the superintendent does not want to let Mr. Kermit off easy. The superintendent sends him to teach the self-contained grade 8 classroom, the Unteachables. It turns out that Mr. Kermit has a few lessons still to learn.
The Thing About Jellyfish. Suzy won't speak. Not since her friend, Franny, drowned during the summer between sixth and seventh grade. Now Suzy has a theory. She believes Franny didn't drown; rather, she believes Franny was stung by a jellyfish. She is making a goal for her seventh grade science project to prove that this is true.
Song for a Whale. This is on the seventh grade summer reading list. Blue 55 is a whale that is a hybrid from two different whales. His song is on the wrong hertz, so other pods are not accepting him. Iris is twelve years old and deaf. She is trying to make a song that the whale can hear, so he knows he is not alone.
Inside Out and Back Again. This book is written in free verse. Ha lives in Saigon during the Vietnam War. When the city falls, Ha's family is forced to immigrate to America. Ha struggles to learn English and communicate with kids at school. Her family struggles to find their places in America without giving up their dreams.
Ten Days a Madwoman. Nellie Bly lives in a time where it is very difficult for women to be reporters. In order to help her family, she goes undercover to the infamous Blackwell Island in New York. Pretending to be mental ill, Nellie got herself committed to Blackwell Island where she observed the treatment of patients. Nellie reported on the inhumane treatment of patients. Her article, when published, changed how mental illness was treated (and brought about reformation of Blackwell Island) and helped women break into journalism careers. This is a true story.
When My Sister Started Kissing. Claire and Abi are sisters, and they stick together after losing the mother in a tragic accident. However, things change the summer their father marries Pam, and they have a baby. Abi becomes interested in having a boyfriend, and Claire is feeling lost in the shuffle. Helen Frost tells the story from both Claire's, Abi's, and the lake's (their mother loved and they visit every year) perspectives. Helen Frost tells another story using bold words in her free verse poetry.
Everless. Jules lives in a land where the currency is time. People lives are converted into blood iron, and you buy and sell using time. When Jules' father uses most of his blood iron to pay rent, Jules takes work at the Everless palace to save his life and earn him some time. However, Jules' father is adamant that Jules needs to stay away from Everless and the queen. Jules is curious about her life as a child, when she lived at Everless, and why her father is so scared of the queen.
The Darkest Minds. All children under the age of ten have been afflicted with a rare condition, INAA. Some children die of this conditions, and the ones who survive develop powers. The government becomes fearful of these powers and rounds up all the children - classifying them by colors: green, blue, yellow, orange, and red. Ruby is an orange, and she knows that she will be eliminated due to her power. She hides out as a green until she is broken out by the Leauge of Children and is on the run. This has been made into a movie. This is also a five book series.
Everything, Everything. The main character is afflicted with a rare disease that prevents her from being able to leave the house. She lives in a carefully controlled environment with her mother and nurse. However, a boy moves across the street, and they slowly fall in love signaling to each other through the window. Will she be willing to give up her health to live for a day with Olly?
The Testing. This book is similar to the Hunger Games. Cia lives in a dystopian world. She is hoping to be selected to undergo testing to be part of the University. However, it quickly becomes apparent that the tests are not what they seem. Students die, and the fourth test requires her to walk through uncivilized parts of the colony in order to return to the capitol city of Tosu.
Wildcard. This is the sequel to Warcross. Now that Hideo has linked everyone into his algorithm, people are turning themselves into the police for crimes they have committed. Emika, though, is still worried about the implications of the algorithm and thinks Hideo is blinded by his desire to find out what happened to his brother. Zero brings an interesting proposition to Emika with an option to help her shut down Hideo's algorithm.
Slacker. Cameron was in the process of practicing for a very important gaming competition, when he accidentally didn't hear his mother ask him to take a lasagna out of the oven. He almost burnt down the family home. Now he has an ultimatum. He either has to show his parents that he is invested in something other than video games or he can kiss his gaming console good-bye. Cameron has an idea. He will make up a fake school club that he will be the President of. However, the group gains a lot of interest, and next thing Cameron knows, he is ruining an organization with almost six hundred students involved.
Orphan Monster Spy. Sarah is a blue eyed, blonde hair girl living through World War II. She is also Jewish. When her mother is killed, Sarah tries to continue on without her to safety. Sarah crosses paths with Herr Heller, who she inadvertently saves. He offers her a unique proposition. Herr Heller needs Sarah to pretend to be a support of Hitler Youth and attend a school for girls, so he can gain more information about a secret bomb. Sarah struggles with her identity, but also desires to help bring down the German empire.
Love that Dog. This book is written in free verse poetry. It is a fast read. Jack is a student who does not like to write poetry. Through the encouragement of his teacher and daily journal, Jack finds his voice throughout the school year as a poet.
Rain Reign. Rose Howard has high functioning autism. She enjoys homonyms and prime numbers. Most importantly, she enjoys her dog, Rain. However, when Hurricane Susan hits, Rose's father lets Rain outside to use the bathroom. Rain disappears. It is up to Rose and Uncle Weldon to find Rain and bring her home.
A School for Unusual Girls. Georgie is a girl that has unique interests for her time period. She loves learning and chemistry. She has no interest in learning to cook, serve tea, or find a husband. When one of her chemistry experiments goes horribly wrong, Georgie's parents have had enough. They send her to the school run by Miss Stranje, who has been reported to use hard methods to break the spirits of unusual girls. However, Georgie quickly finds out that this is not the case. What kind of school is she at?
Swing. Noah is in love with Sam. When shopping for a birthday gift for his mother with his friend, Swing, Noah finds a bunch of love letters in a purse. He uses the love letters to create his own artwork to express his love for Sam. Swing, on the other hand, has no trouble finding love. He is having trouble making the baseball team though. Can each boy fulfill their hopes?
Supergifted. This is the sequel to Ungifted. Noah is now at a traditional middle school, after being kicked out of the Academy for Gifted Students. His goal is to fail. Donovan has to protect him around every turn. When Noah takes the credit for Donovan's heroic act, things become strained with their friendship.
Code of Honor. Kamren's older brother has been deployed in Afghanistan. He has now been on the news, pledging his allegiance to Al-Queda. Kamren's family is Muslim, and many people are quick to believe that Kamren's brother is now a terrorist. However, as Kamren watches the videos, he sees that his brother is sending him secret messages, warning him about upcoming attacks. Can he convince others that his brother is innocent?
The Perfect Secret. This is the sequel to the Perfect Score. Mrs. Woods and Mrs. Magenta are still not on speaking terms. However, Gavin, Natalie, Trevor, Scott, and Randi have come up with a plan to get them to make-up. However, their plan slowly begins to unravel when each of them starts to keep a secret. Will this destroy their plan and more importantly, their friendship?
Ungifted. Donovan Curtis does a lot of things without thinking. But this might be his worst choice yet. When he hit the statue of Atlas in the butt outside of his middle school, the globe that Atlas was holding rolled down the hill, smashed through the gym doors, ended a basketball game, and destroyed the gym floor. After getting caught by the superintendent and taken to his office, a clerical error sends Donovan to the Academy for gifted students. If Donovan can blend in there, he might escape getting in trouble because the superintendent can't remember where he put the slip with Donovan's name on it. Can Donovan, an average student, hide out among the brightest minds?
A Monster Calls. Will is being visited at 12:07 by his monster. The monster comes from the yew tree in the cemetery behind Will's house. Will's mother is sick, and Will is finding the anger building up in him. When he moves to his grandmother's house and has to visit his mother in the hospital, the monster follows him. Why has this monster come into Will's life? What truth is the yew tree trying to get Will to tell?
Chasing Secrets. Lizzie Kennedy wants to be a doctor someday like her father. She enjoys going on calls with him. However, she is forced to attend a finishing school to become a lady. When one of their servants, Jing, gets stuck in a quarantine in Chinatown and rumors are spreading that the plague has come to San Francisco, Lizzie has to get to the bottom of what is happening to help her family. This is written by the same author as the Al Capone Does My Shirts series.
The Librarian of Auschwitz. This is based on a true story. Dita lives in Block 31 of Auschwitz. In the middle of the horrors of World War II, a secret school has formed for the children of Auschwitz. The school has eight forbidden books, and it is Dita's job to protect them.
A Night Divided. Overnight, the Berlin Wall goes up, separating 12 year old Gerta's family. As more restrictions are placed on the people of East Berlin, Gerta learns what the meaning of freedom is, and she years to be reunited in the west with her brother and father. Ultimately, she and her brother, Fritz, decide to take matters into their own hands and begin to plan their escape.
The Tapper Twins Go To War. It all started over a PopTart. Claudia takes the last one, and Reese becomes upset. Reese retaliates, and Claudia becomes upset. The twins are at war with each other. Each one is trying to pull the better prank on the other twins. Eventually though, the prank gets out of control. This is a graphic novel.
The Perfect Score. The CSAs are ruining the sixth grade for the students of Mrs. Woods' class. The students come up with a plot to cheat, so everyone can pass. The book has strong messages about doing what is right, community service, and looking out for one another.
The Island of Dr. Libris. Billy is spending the summer with his mother at the lake. His parents are on the brink of divorce. The house does not have a TV, and Billy smashes his iPhone in the first few minutes of being at the lake. In an effort to salvage his summer, Billy goes to the library and starts reading some books. Soon the characters of the books he is reading appear on the lake in the center of the island. However, Billy begins to lose control of the characters on the island. Is his imagination going to get him into trouble?
Alex Rider: Stormbreaker. Alex lives with his uncle, Ian Rider. When Ian is killed in a "car accident," and someone starts following Alex around, Alex learns that there is more to his uncle than he realized.
The Playbook. After an exciting visit at Blake from Kwame Alexander, this is a great read. The book follows Kwame's own story as an athlete, along with inspirational quotes from some of the greats, poetry, and the rules of the game. This is a great book that shares how to love the game and become a true athlete. These lessons and rules can also be applied to life.
Warcross. Marie Lu came and visited Blake in the beginning of the year. This book reflects a lot of her experience at Disney making video games. Emika accidentally glitches herself into an international game, Warcross. When Hideo, the maker of Warcross, offers her a place in the championship of the game and requests her services to find the hacker, Zero, Emika finds herself in a complicated mystery that questions that overuse of technology.
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Golden Game. This book is about Abbas. He is a refugee who lost his father and two brothers leaving Syria. He loves playing soccer and his team got chosen to go the Top Flight tournament. Since surviving the civil war in Syria, Abbas is very fearful of flying. With the help of a therapist, his teammates, and his coach, Abbas is hoping to overcome his fear of flying and attend the game.
Refugee. This is an intertwined story about refugees from Syria, Cuba, and Germany. Isabel is trying to escape Castro's reign in Cuba. Josef is trying to escape the Nazis in Germany. Mahmoud is trying to escape civil war in Syria. All three stories come together with important messages about seeing refugees as humans and how to help.
Orphan Island. Jinny is the Elder of Orphan Island. Every year, a boat comes and takes the Elder away and brings a new orphan. Jinny knows her days are numbered on Orphan Island. When the boat arrives, Jinny makes a drastic decision that affects the island. Orphan Island stops being the perfect place she knows.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Ari has always been a loner, and he does not make friends easily. One summer, he runs into Dante, who offers to teach him to swim. From there, an incredible friendship is formed. However, Ari is still struggling with a brother in prison that his family refuses to talk about. Dante comes out to Ari, and in the 1980s, Ari and Dante have to struggled with the stigma surrounding Dante's secret.
Amina's Voice. Amina is a Muslim student, who excels at singing, but does not like to do it in front of people. Her best friend is becoming an American citizen and changing her name. A hate crime ripples through the community, and it forces Amina to start to find her voice.
Ms. Bixby's Last Day. When students learn that Ms. Bixby has cancer, they plan her an extra special last day. However, when Ms. Bixby's health takes a turn for the worst, she misses the last day. Three of her students set up to help her break out of the hospital and have the extra special last day she deserves.
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Under Their Skin. I was very excited to begin this book after Margaret Haddix came to Blake at the end of last year. This book is about twins who find out their mother is getting remarried. However, they also learn that they have stepsiblings that they will never be allowed to meet. The twins are very curious, and they embark on a journey to figure out who these stepsiblings are.
Eleven. It is September 11, 2001. Alex is turning 11 today. All he wants for his birthday is a dog. However, the day takes an unexpected turn. School gets cancelled due to a terrorist attack in New York City. Alex has to take his little sister home and watch her, while his mother works overtime at the hospital. His father is missing - he drives the commuter train to the World Trade Center. Alex must learn to act 11 years old very quickly on his birthday. |
Orbiting Jupiter. When Joseph arrives to the Hurd's home, he is recently out of juvie, and at 13 years old, he has a daughter. It quickly comes to light that Joseph's abusive father lead him on the road to his legal troubles. Living with the Hurd family slowly allows Joseph to heal from his damaged past. Now all Joseph wants is to meet his daughter, Jupiter. Will he be able to reunite with her?
Michael Vey: Fall of Hades. This is the newest book in the Michael Vey series. Welch has ran away from the Elgen, and the Electroclan finds him. With his help, they plan to take Hatch's prized ship and save the Electroclan members that he has arrested from execution. Taylor's and Michael's relationship is rocky, and Taylor is beginning to develop the ability to see into the future.
House Arrest. Timothy is under house arrest after stealing a wallet and using the credit card to buy his little brother medicine. His little brother, Levi, was born with breathing problems that resulted in him needing a trachea. When his brother became ill, his dad left. Now his mother struggles with bills, a bad home health nurse, Timothy's legal troubles, and a sick baby. Timothy tries to make things right. This book is written in free verse, making it a fast read.
Booked. This is by the same author who wrote Crossover. Once again, this book is written in free verse, which makes it a super quick read. The main character is a soccer player, who is aspiring to earn a spot in a tournament in Dallas. However, when his parents separate and his mother leaves, the main character's world is thrown into a tailspin that he cannot find a way out of.
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The War that Saved Me. Ada is ten years old and living in London. She was born with a club foot, and her mother is disgusted by it. Her mother forces Ada stay in her apartment and never leave. Ada also can only getting around by crawling on the floor. When England declares war on Germany, Ada sneaks out with her brother in order to be shipped off to the countryside. She is placed with a woman, who has a horse. Ada becomes stronger, and she finds out her leg can be fixed. She cannot get her club foot fixed without her mother's permission. Will Ada get her mother's permissions? Will she be forced to return to the woman that neglected her?
Al Capone Does My Shirts. Moose Flanagan has moved to Alcatraz because his father was hired as a prison guard. Natalie, Moose's sister, is developmentally delayed; but a great school is now available if the Flanagans live on Alcatraz. Moose must live on the same island as some of the most infamous convicts, creating a unique situation for a middle school student to grow up in.
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The City of Ember. This book is part of a series and is a movie. Lina leaves in a city underground were the lightbulbs are running out and electricity is failing. However, no one knows of any way to get out of the city. With the help of her friend, Doon, Lina finds a letter that may show her the way out of the city. However, the mayor turns out to be robbing the city of the last bits of food and tries to arrest Lina and Doon. Can Lina and Doon get out of the city before food runs out? |
The Wreck of the Essex. Thomas Nickerson joined the Essex crew on a whaling adventure out of Nantucket. He is following in the steps of his father, who was killed by a sperm whale. When the ship is rammed by a whale, it sinks. Thomas and the crew survive the wreck of the ship by climbing into the whaling boats. The crew battles starvation, dehydration, and bad weather in the hopes of being saved.
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Heist Society. Kat is trying to give up the family business. She is attending boarding school and forging her own path in the world. But when her father gets falsely accused of stealing World War II artwork, Kat is expelled from boarding school and forced to rejoin the business in order to clear her father's name.
One for the Murphys. Carley Connors is recovering from a horrible beating by her step-father. Her mother is in the hospital, and now Carley has been sent to live with the foster family, the Murphys. Carley is angry with herself because she antagonized her stepfather before the attack. She wants to be back with her mother. However, Julie Murphy is determined to get to the bottom of what happened the night Carley's stepfather attacked, in order to help Carley recover and become the amazing kid she is. The Murphys is not your traditional foster care home.
Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio. Peg is an average seventh grader, excited to see how her grade's float does in the homecoming parade. However, as she is getting ready for the parade, she begins getting spasms in her legs, then she collapses at school. Over the next eight days, Peg slowly loses all movement from her neck down. Will Peg ever walk again. This is the true story of Peg Kehret's recovery from polio.
I am Malala. Malala is a young girl in Pakistan, who has dreams that she can achieve only through an education. However, the Taliban and other extreme Muslim groups are causing unrest in her country. When these groups call for the closing of all girls' schools, Malala is brave enough to speak out. Learn the true story of the brave girl, who was shot for seeking her education.
Uglies. Tally lives in a dystopia world where you are ugly until the age of sixteen, and then given plastic surgery to look like everyone else. Tally dreams of joining her childhood friends in the Pretty mansion, but when a group of Uglies run away, Tally is denied her surgery unless she finds them. Tally discovers on her journey that not only is everyone given plastic surgery, but brain surgery - in order to think the same thoughts. Can Tally betray the Uglies she finds? Does she really need to become pretty?
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Schooled. When Capricorn's grandmother breaks her hip, Cap is forced to leave the commune and live the life of a normal eighth grader. However, his "hippy" style makes him a target a C Average Middle School. He is elected eighth grade president as a joke, but his peaceful attitude soon brings about changes for the better at C Average Middle School.
The Selection. America Singer is one of the 35 girls selected to go through the process of dating the prince and potentially becoming his wife. America is already in love with Aspen, but after a heartbreak and her family's desperate need for money, America goes to the competition. She discovers Prince Maxon is a good person, and they quickly become friends. Then Aspen shows up as the newest member of the royal guard. Who will America pick? Can she live in a palace that is constantly under attack by rebels?
Defy. This is a fantasy book about a young girl, Alexa. She and her twin brother are forced to pretend she is a boy and join the prince's guard after her parents are murdered. When the prince and Alexa are captured by the opposing nature, Alexa learns that all is not as it seems, and she learns who her true enemies are.
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Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. This unique book combines fiction and photography. Originally, when I saw the cover of this book, I was nervous it would be too creepy. However, it is a good story about a boy who goes to an island to see the group home his grandfather lived in during World War II. It is quickly discovered that this home was not for ordinary children, but children with powers. The main character must learn about his own power to help save the children in Miss Peregrine's Home.
All Fall Down. This new series is by the same author as the Gallagher Girl series. Gracie has been moved to Embassy Row to live with her grandfather after her mother is murdered. All Gracie remembers is the Scarred Man killing her mother. But when the Scarred Man shows up, Gracie must seek to protect ambassadors on Embassy Row because one assassination could lead to a world crisis. While protecting others, Gracie seeks to learn more about her mother's death.
Romeo Blue. This story is about Flissy Bathburn, who is living in Maine during World War II. Flissy was sent to live with her grandmother and daddy-uncle, after bombings in England forced her to leave the country. Her mother and uncle-daddy are missing. While Flissy stays at the Bathburn house, she realizes that her family is playing a large part in the war, acting as spies. Can Flissy help her family? Who will make it through the war?
The Crossover. Josh (aka Filthy McNasty) is a born baller. His father was on the Olympic Basketball team, but failed to be drafted into the NBA after a leg injury. Josh's life falls apart when his identical twin gets a girlfriend, Josh is suspended from the basketball team, and his father refuses to see a doctor despite showing signs of a heart condition. On top of it all, Josh's mother is his middle school principal. Will Josh be able to play for the championship? Will he make up with his twin brother? What will happen to his dad? This book is written in verse, so it is a fast read. It is the Winner of the 2015 Newbury Award.
Unlikely Warrior. I picked this book up at the Scholastic Book fair, not realizing it is the autobiography of Georg Rauch. It was not until I read the back of the book that I realized this is a true story. It is a story of a teenage boy, Georg who helps hide dozens of Jewish people behind a false wall in Germany. He gets drafted into the German army and has to fight for a cause he does not believe in.
Gathering Blue. This is the sequel to the book, The Giver. Kira was born with a twisted leg and should have been left in the field to die at birth. However, she has a gift for sewing and her mother saw strength in her. Kira must work on the Singer's robe, which tells the history of the village. However, when her father shows up, Kira learns that all is not as it seems in the village.
The sequel to this book is Messenger. Matty is living in the village with Leader (Jonas) and Kira's father. There is something sinister happening to Forest. Matty's job is to bring Kira back to her father before Forest becomes impassable.
The final book is Son. The story returns to Jonas' village, where Claire - a birthmother - gives birth to a son, Gabe. Claire must watch her son from afar as he grows up. However, he is taken by Jonas. In pursuit, Claire follows her son, trading her youth with Trademaster in order to watch her son grow.
Salt. This a book by Helen Frost. She writes in verse about two boys. One is a Native American and another is a settler. The book shares both views of the boys' friendships as the war takes over their homeland. Can their friendship survive this war? This is a very fast read.
September 17. This book follows children who are evacuated out of London during World War II to live a better life in Canada. Some children leave their families reluctantly, some children are excited for the adventure, and some are just trying to keep track of younger siblings during the journey. Disaster strikes during the journey when the liner is struck by a torpedo on September 17th. Based on true events, read this story to find out who will survive this disaster.
The Actual & True Adventures of Becky Thatcher. This book is based on Becky Thatcher as she arrives in the town of St. Petersburg, Missouri. Her brother has recently died, and she made him the final promise to go on adventures. With the help of her trusted friend, Amy Lawrence, and the troublesome Sid Sawyer, Becky embarks on adventures against outlaws and witches. As the book continues, she discovers that the captain of the disabled steamboat, Samuel Clemens, is chronicling her adventures, while the annoying Tom Sawyer tattles on her.
Sniffer Dogs: How Dogs (and Their Noses) Save the World. This non-fiction books follows the different types of dogs that use their noses to save the world. Some dogs are trained to find people in disasters, such as the earthquake in Haiti or 9/11. Other dogs are trained to find bones or explosives. This book includes great real-life stories about dogs and their contributions to our community.
Tracking Trash. Between 2,000 and 10,000 cargo containers are lost in the ocean a year! But what happens to the contents? 55,000 Nike sneakers washed up on the California shore. Where did the come from? Where does our trash go when it falls into the ocean. A quick read with a lot of information!
Shipwrecked. It is a great tale about a Japanese boy who is shipwrecked on a deserted island. Although this book is non-fiction, it reads like a fictional story. The boy is saved by a ship from New Bedford, Massachusetts. He works to earn his way back to Japan and find a way to convince the Japanese government that trading with the United States is a safe endeavor. It is an inspiring story of a boy who preserves.
The Running Dream. Jessica is a high school track star until a bus accident results in the lose of her foot. Now Jessica must learn how to live her life without her leg. Her journey to learn to run again introduces her to a set of people she had ignored up until this point. This is a book about perseverance, acceptance, and hope.
Prodigy. This is the sequel to the book, Legend. Day and June agree to work for the Patriots in exchange for the surgery needed to save Day's leg. June is sent back to the Republic to rejoin the ranks in order to get close to the Elector, so she can assassinate him. The closer she gets to the Elector, the more she realizes he is not like his father. He wants to change the Republic for the better. Can June warn Day that all is not as it seems?
Because of Mr. Terupt and Mr. Terupt Falls Again. This book follows a fifth and then sixth grade class with their phenomenal teacher, Mr. Terupt. The first book follows the students as the learn to work together when Mr. Terupt suffers a terrible accident. The second book has students learning to find love and family in unusual places and realizing you don't know someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.
Beautiful Darkness. This is the sequel to Beautiful Creatures, which has been adapted into a movie. The story continues with Lena falling into despair over the death of her Uncle Macon. Her mother, Saraphine, has aligned with a dangerous Incubus, Abraham, in hopes of forcing a new Claiming Moon and making Lena choose to go Dark. Lena feels herself slipping into Darkness and attempts to distance herself from Ethan. In an effort to save her, Ethan must learn more about his family involvement in the Caster World and discover who he is as well.
Allegiant. This is the third book in the Divergent series. The book picks up right where the second book ends. Tris is at the Euridite headquarters, and Evelyn has become the new leader. There are many questions surrounding the video of Edith Prior. Some members of society would like to see what lays beyond the city, while other people want to remain in the city. Also, Tris and Tobias are struggling in their relationship after Tris' betrayal.
Crossed. This book is the sequel to Matched. The story picks up with Cassia on a desperate search for Ky. The search for each other leads them to the outer edge of society. They discover that society is not alone, and there are others out there. These people are looking to overthrow society and return freedom to the people. Can they find the pilot, the leader of this uprising? Will they be able to find each other?
This book tells the story of Darra and Wren, two girls who have arrived at summer camp with a connection from the past. Wren was waiting for her mother at a gas station when her car is stolen. No one knows that Wren is in the back of the stolen car, except the robber's daughter, Darra. Through fate, these girls meet at summer camp and learn something from each other.
Insurgent. This is the second book in the Divergent series. War continues to loom between the different factions. Being divergent, Tris has the ability to save the world. But sometimes, saving the world risks the people she loves.
Keeping the Moon. Colie is sent to spend the summer with her aunt while her mother promotes her famous fitness exercise program. Nicole wants nothing more for it to be like the days before her mother became a famous face in fitness. Now Colie has to spend her summer in a place where she has no friends. Her only hope is at the restaurant where she gets a waitress job. Will her summer turn out the best worst summer ever?
United We Spy. This is the last book in the Gallagher Girl Series. Cammie is in her final semester at the Gallagher Girl Academy for spies. She has some important decisions to make about her future, yet this is one again interrupted by the Circle and her boyfriend's mother. I recommend this series for girls who enjoyed the Harry Potter series.
Sunrise over Fallujah. Walter Dean Myers is an excellent author for young adult novels. Birdy is a young man from Harlem headed to Iraq. He is a member of the civilian affairs unit. This book breaks down the meaning of hero and winning. This is an excellent historical fiction books for students interested in reading about the Iraq war.
Code Talker. Ned Begay is sixteen years old, and he gets recruited by the Marine Corps to serve his country during World War II. The reason Ned is recruited is because he is able to speak the Navajo language. This language was used as a code so the Japanese could not interpret American signals. The efforts by the Navajo Indians was a crucial part in the winning of World War II.
Spy School. This book is a book about spy school for boys. Ben Ripley finds school boring, and many times, he is picked on by bullies. One day, he comes home from school and finds Agent Hale in his living room, inviting him to attend an elite school for spies. His test for the seventh grade: find a double agent without dying. Can he do it? Read the book and find out!
Out of sight, Out of Time. This is the fifth book in the Gallagher Girl Series. Cammie, a student at the spy school Gallagher Academy, wakes up in a convent in the Alps. She is unable to remember any of her summer, although she knows that members of the Circle are still looking for her. Can she remember what happened this summer? Can she find out what happened to her father ten years ago? Can she pass her finals?
This is the third book in The Life As We Knew It series. The moon has been hit by a meteor and pushed out of orbit. Because the moon is now closer to the Earth, it has caused catastrophes across the planet. Volcanoes have erupted, tidal waves have formed, ash is preventing food from growing, and mostly importantly, school has been permanently canceled! This third book brings the previous two books' main characters together as they try to survive on this post-apocalyptic planet.
Michael Vey, Book 3. If you are a student who really enjoyed the Percy Jackson series, this new series is for you! It is a book that has become popular very quickly. And it is currently being made into a movie!! Michael Vey was exposed to radiation from a new medical machine at birth, causing him to become electrified. He, and the other babies that were in the hospital at the time, have joined together to form the Electroclan. However, there are people out there trying to catch members of the Electroclan and use their powers to harm the planet.
This is the third book in the "Kat, Incorrigible" series. This book is definitely written for girls, and it reminds me a little bit of the "Harry Potter" series. Kat is a witch, and her powers seems to get her only in trouble. She is working hard on controlling her magic because her sister's wedding is approaching. However, Kat finds herself hunted by a magical villain. This is a gothic, young adult book.
This book is told from the perspective of Ansty Bonano. Antsy is the middle child who is seen by his parents as not having anything incredible about him. That is until he meets the Schwa. Schwa is a boy that everyone misses; it is almost like is invisible. Antsy is fascinated by this, and he has trouble comprehending this ability. Antsy sets out to make it his job to figure out the "Schwa Effect". He and Schwa complete a number of dares to see the extent of Schwa's invisibility.
DT let me borrow the last book in the Maximum Ride series, Nevermore. Maximum Ride is about a group of children who are genetically engineered to have wings. Max is the leader of the six children, and she has to protect them from the "Whitecoats". These are the people who are experimenting and torturing the children, trying to learn more about them. Max and her flock just want to live normal lives, but that is not possible when you can fly. If you are interested in reading this book, I have the first three books in the series on my classroom bookshelf.
This book is about two young adults who come from very different backgrounds. In a futuristic world, all ten year olds have to pass the Trial in order to determine the road they will take for a career. June is the only individual to ever receive a perfect score. Day failed his trial is now an outcast fighting against the Republic. In a twist of fate, Day kills June's brother. June is sent to captures the killer of her brother, but during her journey to capture Day, she learns that not is as it seems in the Republic.
This book was recommended to me at a young adult literature conference I attended. The book was excellent, and I read it in two days despite that fact that is a longer book. It reminded me a bit of Twilight, but I enjoyed this book more because the plot was better with elements of historical fiction and unexpected twists. It recently came out as a movie and is part of a series.
This book reminded me a little bit of The Hunger Games. In a future world, society has divided into factions. Each faction embodies a trait that society believes is necessary for the survival of society as a whole. Beatrice was raised in the Abegnation faction (the Selfless), however, she is now able to decide for herself what faction she wants to belong to. During the test, she discovers that she embodies all the qualities of all the factions. She is a divergent. Beatrice is urged to keep this a secret. But when one faction gains too much power and threatens to overthrow society, Beatrice must stand up as a divergent, and she discovers that she is not the only one!
This book reminded me A LOT of The Giver. Cassia is a 17 year old girl living in Society. This dystopian world allows 17 year old young adults to be matched with their spouses. At Cassia's matching ceremony, she happily discovers her best friend, Xander, will someday be her future husband. However, when she goes home and puts in her microcard, Ky, a shy boy from down the street, appears. Confused, she hides this discovery. However, she quickly discovers that she has a growing, forbidden love for Ky. Can she marry Xander? Read and find out!
JM recommends The Five Ancestors. Five brothers learn the arts of various animals. A sixth brother has betrayed the family and gone to work with the Emperor. When the five brothers lose their teacher, it is up to them to find the secret scrolls before they fall into the wrong hands.
This book was recommended to me by MH. This is a Newbury Award winning book. The main character, Katie, is a Japanese-American living in Georgia. She struggles to figure out what race she identifies with because of the racism that is occuring at the time within the novel. Her best friend, Lynn, is also her older sister. Katie's life is turned upside down when Lynn becomes ill.
This book was recommended to me by JD. Lucia is a fourteen year old living in Cuba. She likes going to dances, talking about boys, and reading American magazines. When the Castro overthrows the government, Lucia is sent to the United States. Can she come to terms with her new life? If you are taking Spanish, this is a great book to practice some vocabulary.
This book is an action packed thriller. In a futuristic world, the government holds the power to take a couple's children if the family reaches a certain amount of debt. Matt believes that his family is financially safe, but some sudden expenses put the family over the edge. How can he save his family?
This book has become popular very quickly. It is about a young middle school student born with severe facial deformities. In addition to starting middle school, August must show his peers, through the help of his supportive family, that there is more to him than just his physical features.
If you are a fan of I am Number Four, this is the book for you. Michael Vey seems like an average 15 year old, living with Tourette's, who is hiding a special ability. He is electrified. Until his first year of high school, Michael believes he was the only person out in the world with this power, until his mother is kidnapped. Michael must seek out others with his powers to begin his quest to save his mother. I would categorize this book as being more geared to boys. It is also part of a series, so if you enjoy it, there are more books to come!