WOLF CLUB by James Bird

 

In WOLF CLUB readers will join a group of three misfits as they set off on a quest to find a white wolf that has caused their community to go on high alert. The three are not normally friends, but working together will help them discover their individual strengths at the same time their weaknesses fade away.

First, there's Okan, known as Raccoon. He is a target for bullies. His gimpy walk and his thrift shop clothes make him the perfect mark, especially for the rich kids. He wishes his mother didn't have to work so hard so they could spend more time together.

Next is Sarah, or Skunk. Her odor has earned her the nickname Skunk. No one knows why she smells so bad, and if anyone asks, they soon regret it. She misses her dead mother and wishes her father wasn't hidden away in his depression.

Marcus, known as Moose, has rich parents, but living in a mansion and having everything doesn't mean his parents show him the love he craves.

When Raccoon hears about the white wolf, he is determined to find it. He enlists the help of Skunk who insists the wolf can solve all her problems, and Moose who basically just comes alone without much of an invitation. What follows is an entertaining adventure. The three adventurers will learn new things about each other and themselves.

Using the backdrop of Native American culture, author James Bird weaves a tale that is sure to capture the hearts and minds of middle grade readers everywhere.

A SEA OF LEMON TREES by Maria Dolores Aguila

 

Roberto Alvarez is twelve years old. He has grown up on the U.S. side of the southern border. For most of his life he has thought of the border as an invisible line. He and his family have traveled back and forth from one side to another with little thought of danger or the possibility of not being able to return to the U.S.

Roberto's story takes place in 1930-1931. It details a time much like current times. Those in charge of his community have decided that the children of Mexican descent should attend a separate school. This means that Roberto will be forced to leave the Lemon Grove school to go to the Olive Street school that is basically just an old barn.

Some of the students agree to make the move because their parents fear deportation. In fact, this happens to Roberto's best friend, David. It's possible that Roberto may never see David again. Roberto's parents decide to keep him at home rather than send him to the new school, and when they consult a lawyer about the situation, they decide to fight.

Roberto becomes involved in the legal fight as the lead plantiff representing all the other children. He knows this will require being in front of the court answering questions from both sides. Roberto knows how important this is as he prepares with the help of the lawyer.

A SEA OF LEMON TREES by Maria Dolores Aguila is historical fiction written in verse. Readers will feel the sense of injustice many are feeling today about immigration and the deportation of people who have lived in the U.S. for years with their families. This is a book that needs to be in classroom and school libraries everywhere.

THE INCREDIBLY HUMAN HENSON BLAYZE by Derrick Barnes

Life seems like it is all about football for 8th grader Henson Blayze. His amazing talent on the field is known by everyone, and everyone is looking forward to him starting on the high school team for the first game of the season. Everyone is expecting him to take the team to victory.

At home Henson knows that football isn't the most important thing. His family owns and operates a vineyard that has been in the family for many years. As a black family, it is unusual for them to own such a profitable enterprise. Henson is proud of his father and the history of their land, but he doesn't truly comprehend all that it entails. Events will soon unfold that will have Henson learning just how important his family inheritance is to the lives of many people.

Problems in the football part of Henson's life begin when a close friend of his becomes a victim of bullying. It happens the night of the first football game, and when Henson learns how badly his young friend is hurt, he makes a decision that has many in the town furious. Henson leaves the game at halftime to go to the aid of his friend. When he doesn't return to play, he feels the hatred of the white townspeople for the first time in his life.

Author Derrick Barnes shows readers how justice works in favor of some and against others. Fairness isn't always considered when judgements are made. Barnes illustrates how decisions are difficult and not at all easy to make.

 

MAYDAY by Karen Harrington

 

MAYDAY, told in "before" and "after" snippets, takes readers into the world of Wayne, a middle schooler who lives with his mother and grandfather.

When Wayne's uncle is killed in action, he and his mother and grandfather go to the burial at Arlington Cemetery. His grandfather decides to stay behind and drive back while Wayne and his mother decide to fly. That's when life changes. The plane crashes, but Wayne and his mother survive.

Wayne suffers a severe injury to his throat. He is unable to speak and hopes that therapy will help him regain his voice, but it could take months. In the meantime, his mother is recovering from her injuries while Wayne tries to find a way to become closer to his grandfather. Just when that begins to happen, Wayne discovers his grandfather is quite ill.

Author Karen Harrington weaves a tale that includes overcoming physical limitations, dealing with a deadbeat parent, stepping up to help others, and figuring out friendships and a bit of romance.

I WISH I DIDN'T HAVE TO TELL YOU THIS by Eugene Yelchin

 

Eugene Yelchin's first memoir was THE GENIUS UNDER THE TABLE about his childhood in Russia and the challenges of living in a small apartment with his family and a number of others all hoping to stay safe from Russian rule. I WISH I DIDN'T HAVE TO TELL YOU THIS is the tale of an older Yelchin. He is a young man hoping to practice his art and still hoping to stay safe from those in power.

Yelchin describes meeting a young American girl studying in the city. She fascinates him as he attempts to educate her on the dangers of a place so different from her America. He must avoid those who dislike artists and at the same time avoid being drafted into the military and sent to fight in Afghanistan. Yelchin's mother and grandmother don't really understand him, and they aren't fond of the girl who seems to have stolen his heart.

In an effort to practice his art, Yelchin spends some time in Siberia designing sets and costumes for plays performed there. All the while he is waiting for Libby to return from America. He might be able to escape his homeland if she will agree to marry him, but this requires cutting through Russian red tape that threatens to be impossible.

Yelchin's artwork is used to enhance the memoir readers will find full of danger and adventure as he plans his escape to a better life.

THE CHANCE TO FLY by Ali Stroker & Stacy Davidowitz

 

Nat Beacon is leaving her best friend behind as she and her parents move from California to New Jersey. She will be starting at a new school and hoping to make friends interested in the same things she is. She'll have to explain why she's been in a wheelchair since she was two years old. Will people understand that she isn't helpless?

Nat's dad has gotten her a spot on a wheelchair racing team, but when Nat sees a poster for cast tryouts for a production of Wicked, she immediately knows that's what she wants to do. Instead of racing practice, Nat attends tryouts and she succeeds in scoring a spot in the cast. Now she'll have to convince her parents that she can do this.

This is the first role Nat has ever had in a production. Her singing impressed the director and also some of the other cast members. Now she has to show them she can handle the part even with her chair. She's on her way to being part of a group she's always dreamed of. The production is plagued with difficulties that require everyone to be creative. Nat loves every minute of it, even though she struggles with challenges physically and emotionally.

THE CHANCE TO FLY is cowritten by two talented authors with experience in theater. Ali Stroker herself is confined to a wheelchair, but that didn't stop her from winning a Tony Award. Stacy Davidowitz has degrees in drama and acting. Together, they take readers on an inspiring journey with Nat and her new-found friends.

LARK by Anthony McGowan

 

A recent trip to the bookstore led me to this book by author Anthony McGowan. I read on the back cover that the book is "super readable" and "dyslexia friendly." I immediately purchased it as well as another book in the series.

Weighing in at only 110 pages, LARK was a fast read. It is definitely low level/high interest with a captivating plot involving brothers and an intense adventure. As far as being dyslexia friendly, the font reads comfortably and the slightly increased white space no doubt works well for readers.

Nicky and Kenny have had a tough time in life. Their father used to drink which resulted in their mother leaving them to make a new life. Things are a bit better now that a woman named Jenny has helped get their father sober.

Nicky and Kenny are embarking on a hike in a nearby wilderness area. The weather is iffy, but they are sure they can complete the trek in plenty of time. Unfortunately, that is not what happens. Although Nicky is the younger brother, Kenny has mental challenges and relies on his younger sibling's decision making. As the weather deteriorates, Nicky takes a fall to the bottom of a gorge. He is sure he has a broken leg, so he sends Kenny off with instructions to get help. Will Kenny be able to find help before Nicky is overtaken by the cold and his injuries?

I will definitely be reading the next book PIKE and will be recommending the books to those who teach young adults, especially those with reading challenges.