THE LIAR'S DAUGHTER by Megan Cooley Peterson

Piper is busy taking care of her younger siblings and following the directions of the Aunties. She misses her parents, but she knows they are busy with the running of the Community. They come to visit as often as they can. When the Aunties announce an impending visit from their parents, Piper makes sure the littles are properly cleaned and dressed before the limo pulls up to the house.

The Community was created by Father in an effort to protect its members from the Outside. He believes the Government is drugging people and nuclear war is inevitable. Piper knows she and the rest of the children are kept separate from the adults in the Community for their safety. Father says the Government is preparing to kidnap the children if they get the chance.

THE LIAR'S DAUGHTER by Megan Cooley Peterson is told in an alternating "Before" and "After" format. Piper relates her story "before" she is taken from the Community's protection and "after" she begins living with a woman on the Outside. Readers will soon learn that Piper isn't sure which reality truly represents her life. 

CREEP by Eireann Corrigan

Glennon Heights is a quiet place. When the Donahues buy the house at 16 Olcott Place, things begin to change.

Olivia is excited when she learns that her new neighbors have a kids, and when one of them is a girl her age, it's even better. Janie and Olivia will be starting high school together. The older Donahue children, twins Lucy and Ben, will be seniors. In the weeks before the start of school, Olivia spends much of the time in the home of her new neighbors.

The fun and sun of the last days of summer are interrupted when the Donahues receive several frightening and threatening letters from someone identifying as The Sentry of Glennon Heights. Evidently, the previous owners of the huge, old house had also received letters. Was that why they sold the place and moved?

After several police visits that end without clues of any kind, Mr. Donahue is furious and afraid for his family. He files a lawsuit against the realtor claiming they should have been warned about the creepiness of these threatening letters.

Olivia, along with Janie and Ben, decide to do some investigating of their own. What they find is even more disturbing than they anticipated. 

CREEP by Eireann Corrigan is a fast-paced, thriller. It is perfect for middle grade and older readers looking for a good mystery.

STARGAZING by Jen Wang

Christine has heard rumors about the new girl. She supposedly likes to fight, and it may be the reason she had to leave her old school. Imagine Christine's shock when her parents invite the new girl and her family to move into the adjoining unit where Christine's grandfather used to live.

Moon is outgoing and confident. She appreciates that Christine's family has offered them a place to live. As the new girl, she wants to make a good impression and a new best friend who lives next door sounds perfect.

The two girls hit it off. Moon is welcomed into Christine's circle of friends, but the more time Christine spends with her, the stranger she seems. First off, Moon is the only Buddhist Christine knows. Moon loves to dance and urges Christine to join her in a routine for the upcoming talent show. Moon paints her fingernails and toenails, something Christine isn't allowed to do. Christine isn't sure about how to react when Moon secretly reveals her belief that her real home is in outer space and that she draws fantastic creatures she says are her friends.

Being Moon's friend is a bit challenging especially when Christine discovers she does have an angry side. When Christine learns Moon has yet another secret, the friendship may be permanently damaged.

Author and artist Jen Wang puts friendship to the test in her graphic novel STARGAZING. Readers will witness the ups and downs of forming a new relationship. With certain elements taken directly from her own childhood, Wang has created a sure hit for middle grade readers.

DRY by Neal Shusterman & Jarrod Shusterman

People in Southern California are used to the drought and water restrictions. Cars aren't washed, lawns aren't watered, and limits are placed on filling swimming pools. It's just a way of life. Then one day the taps go dry.

Southern California is cut off from water provided by the Colorado River. The day it happens is known as Tap Out. Alyssa's family's reaction is to head out to the local Costco to stock up on bottled water. It doesn't take long to realize everyone has the same idea. According to news reports, desalination plants will be up and running in a few days. That doesn't work out as planned either.

Next door Kelton and his parents have it under control. Kelton's dad is a prepper and has been preparing for the inevitable for years. They have a safe room fully supplied with everything they need to survive and booby traps surround the house. They are also preparing to leave for their bug-out in the nearby mountains. 

Alyssa's parents head off to the beach to get promised water from the desalination machines, but they don't return. Kelton offers to help Alyssa locate her missing parents. That's when everything falls apart. Neighbors are frantically looting and Kelton's father accidentally shoots Kelton's brother when he mistakes him for one of the crazy neighbors. Now Alyssa, Garrett, and Kelton's lives depend on making it to the bug-out on their own.

DRY is a chilling look at the future written by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman. Taking the very real water shortage to crisis level makes for a frightening novel that has the potential of becoming more than fiction. 

OTHER WORDS FOR HOME by Jasmine Warga

Jude lives in Syria with her family. She worships her older brother, Issa. Home is a coastal city that attracts many tourists, but war is threatening everyone everywhere in Syria.

A decision is made for Jude and her mother to leave the only place she's known as home and travel to America. They will live with Jude's uncle and aunt in Cincinnati. It will be safer for a young girl and for a pregnant woman, but it won't be home.

Leaving Syria means learning a new language and new adjusting to unfamiliar customs. Jude's cousin Sarah isn't exactly welcoming. When Jude starts school as a seventh grader, she finds there is only one other Muslim girl in her class. She is the victim of taunts and teasing and only feels comfortable in her ESL class. The teacher there makes everyone feel welcome and encourages them as they learn English and much more.

Despite her fears, Jude begins to assimilate with the help of a kind boy who always wear t-shirts with space references and a surprising part in the school musical. Jude feels more at home every day. The birth of her baby sister and the relief of knowing her brother and father are safe in Syria help Jude learn that home may have different meanings.

Author Jasmine Warga gives readers a look at the refugee life most only hear about on the news. OTHER WORDS FOR HOME is a must have for libraries and classrooms.

LIGHT IT UP by Kekla Magoon

#BlackLivesMatter is being chanted once again. This time it is unarmed, thirteen year old girl. Will the officer who discharged his weapon in the name of self-defense be acquitted or will there be justice for young Shae?

In HOW IT WENT DOWN, Tariq is the victim of a police shooting. Author Kekla Magoon revisits the same neighborhood in LIGHT IT UP. Late in the afternoon Shae is hurrying home. Listening to her headphones may have meant she didn't hear the police officer, but that wasn't reason enough to be shot in the back.

LIGHT IT UP tells of the unrest in the Underhill community after yet another young black teen is killed. Alternating voices including Shae's best friend, a community organizer, the police officer and his daughter, and many more spill their feelings across the pages of this powerful book. Magoon brings an all too common tragedy to life on the pages of her newest novel. LIGHT IT UP is a necessary read and should be in libraries and classrooms everywhere.

SKYJACKED by Paul Griffin

Five private school students are headed home from a camping trip. They board the private jet owned by one of the student's parents and settle in for their four hour flight home to New York. 

It doesn't take long for strange things to happen. The usual copilot has called in sick and has been replaced by a tiny, young pilot named Sofia. The chaperone for the trip is unusually quiet and impatient and not interested in chatting with the five teens. 

Less than an hour into the flight, the daughter of the plane's owner becomes mysteriously ill. It seems to be an allergic reaction, but no one knows the cause. Despite efforts to treat her, she dies. 

When the passengers discover the cockpit door is locked, speculations begin that the unknown substitute copilot may have taken over the plane. What is going on? Have terrorists targeted the students? Will there be a ransom demand? Is there a way for them to take over the plane and land it safely?

As the teens are struggling to make sense of their situation, a young intern is watching everything from the National Air Traffic Control Center in Virginia. Can she provide research information that will unlock the mystery of the hijacked plane and save the passengers or will she only be able to watch as events unfold and the plane either crashes or is shot down?

Author Paul Griffin takes readers on a thrill ride beginning on page one. The fast-paced action doesn't let up for a minute. SKYJACKED is a perfect example of a page-turner readers won't be able to put down.

ROLL WITH IT by Jamie Sumner

Ellie was born with cerebral palsy. She uses a wheelchair. She loves to bake and has every available cooking app on the iPad her father gave her.

Ellie lives with her mother who teaches high school. Ellie's father left soon after she was born. He keeps in touch, but barely.

Just before the second term of Ellie's sixth grade year, her mother announces that they are moving. Ellie's grandfather has been diagnosed with dementia, and after an accident while he was driving, Ellie's mom thinks they need to help grandma take care of him.

Ellie has always loved visiting her grandparents, but living in their tiny trailer in a retirement village trailer park isn't where she wants to be. It means starting a new school, sharing a room with her mother, being lifted in and out of the miniature shower, as well as trying to make new friends. It is not an ideal situation, but Ellie knows she needs to make the best of it.

Ellie isn't the only young person in the trailer park. She quickly meets Coralee and Bert. They will be hitching a ride to school with Ellie's mother who will be substituting in the high school. They seem a bit strange at first, but soon Ellie finds they are helpful and loyal. With them on her side, she just might be able to handle all the sudden changes and maybe even win the community's annual pie baking contest.

ROLL WITH IT by author Jamie Sumner shows just what can happen with a little grit and determination. It is a must-have for libraries and classrooms middle grade and up.

GUTS by Raina Telgemeier

I heard recently that GUTS by Raina Telgemeier is currently the most popular book in the country. Well, that meant I should order it, right? Having read it in one sitting, I totally understand its appeal.

Raina may have the flu. She and her mother are battling the chills and both are vomiting. Unfortunately, Raina's symptoms seem to hang on. Just looking at some foods or even thinking about them, triggers an upset stomach and Raina's fear of vomiting. 

Soon her stomach aches are causing her to miss school. When she is able to go, she ends up running to the bathroom with diarrhea or heading to the nurse's office where she must face the fear of seeing other sick students vomit. A trip to the doctor reveals Raina is "health as a horse."

When Raina's condition continues, some suggest it's puberty or anxiety. Her parents try to get her to talk about what's bothering her with little luck. Finally, Raina's mother takes her to a therapist. Talking isn't any easier with a stranger, but Raina's parents insist she needs some help.

After several more incidents, it is discovered that Raina has IBS - irritable bowel syndrome. The doctor makes some suggestions about diet and stress, and the therapist suggests some coping skills for Raina. It takes some time, but she slowly begins to adjust to the kind of lifestyle her body needs.

In this true story graphic bio, author Raina Telgemeier reveals her struggles with physical issues and anxiety. Her honesty about a difficult topic can provide inspiration for young and old alike. GUTS is truly deserving of being the most popular book at the moment.

THE YEAR OF THE DOG by Grace Lin

Growing up, Grace Lin loved to read, but she always wondered why there were never any Chinese girls in the stories she loved so much. After finishing art school, she decided to create the books she wanted to read as a child. Many of her chapter books feature a family just like hers.

THE YEAR OF THE DOG begins with the Chinese New Year. Pacy has hopes that this year will be perfect. Her goal is to "find herself." She'd like to be rich and famous, but finding a way to accomplish that proves difficult.

As one of only two Chinese girls in her school, Pacy is thrilled when a Taiwanese girl arrives and is in Pacy class, she believes it is proof of the luck of the Year of the Dog. Together, Pacy and Melody support each other through difficult times.

More luck comes Pacy's way when she earns 4th place in a national book writing contest. The $400 prize is awesome, but even more special is the fact that Pacy does indeed "find herself" as she realizes being an author is perfect for her future.

Author Grace Lin's humor combined with her honest look at living as a Chinese-American will have readers clamoring to read her books.

FOR BLACK GIRLS LIKE ME by Mariama J. Lockington

Makeda "Keda" Kirkland was adopted as an infant. She is black and her adoptive parents are white. She knows they were thrilled to have her join their family, and she knows that her parents and her older sister Eve love her. However, sometimes being black in a white world is tougher than anyone understands.

Lena, Keda's best friend back in Maryland, understands. She is also black and was also adopted by white parents. They have always helped and supported each other, but Keda moves to New Mexico leaving Lena behind. They write and call when they can, but life often gets in the way.

Things don't go well at Keda's new school. Bullies pick on her, especially in the locker room during gym class. When one of the girls calls Keda the "N" word, Keda is shocked, but she isn't sure where to turn. When she reports it to a teacher, she is told no one heard it so discipline will have to wait until next time. 

Keda confides in Lena through their shared notebook. Keda's mother finds the notebook before it is returned to Lena, and the result is Keda's mother storming into the school and withdrawing both Keda and Eve. She declares homeschooling is the answer. 

Unfortunately, homeschooling isn't exactly what the girls or their often absent father think is best. Also, Keda's mother, a former concert violinist, suffers from bipolar disorder. She spends days deep in depression while the girls fend for themselves. It isn't until during one of her manic episodes when she whisks them away to Colorado that their father understands the severity of the situation.

Author Mariama J. Lockington deftly describes Keda's feelings as she struggles with being different, and she paints a vivid picture of living with a parent with a serious mental health issue. There is much to discuss in this fast-paced read. It is perfect for middle grades and up. 

FREE LUNCH by Rex Ogle

I am so glad I pulled this book off the shelf while visiting the bookstore. It is a heart-wrenching, gutsy account of author Rex Ogle's childhood. His truthfulness is brave, and his determination inspiring. Although, it is suggested for ages 11-14, everyone needs to read it, especially teachers or anyone working with children today.

Rex is hoping sixth grade will be a great year, or at least an improvement on the past. Unfortunately, he starts the first day with a black eye thanks to an not uncommon incident at home, and he discovers he's been enrolled in the Free Lunch Program. While all the other students hand over their cash, he must shout out his name and status to the hard of hearing lunch lady in the checkout line.

Rex's typical day includes leaving home without breakfast and making it through school while being taunted about his secondhand clothes, free lunch, and dilapidated backpack. Once he gets home, there's the empty refrigerator, a needy little brother, and an abusive mother and her even more abusive boyfriend. If it wasn't for the rare visits and phone calls from his grandmother, Rex would probably lose all hope.

Since this was the only life Rex ever knew, it is amazing he was able to soldier on and accomplish anything. His candid account of living in poverty and violence will open the eyes of readers and stay with them long after finishing the last page. Having worked as a children's book editor in New York, Rex now lives in California. This is his first book.

THE CROSSOVER by Kwame Alexander

Author Kwame Alexander has teamed up with Dawud Anyabwile to create the graphic novel version of his well-known THE CROSSOVER. The original text is combined with action-packed graphics that enhance the story for Alexander's fans.

Twins Josh and JR Bell are seventh graders who have inherited their Euroleague champion father's basketball skills. Josh is all about the game especially his ability to thrill the audience with his fabulous dunking skill. Although his brother JR is a skilled player as well, his attention has been focused elsewhere lately.

JR has discovered girls. Namely, one girl in particular, and their budding romance is an irritation for Josh. Alexis has distracted JR from his brother, prepping for the game, and even his school work. Josh's anger is building toward his brother and may threaten the team's performance.

Another distraction for both the brothers is their father's health. The former basketball star suffers from hypertension and recently the chest pains that usually accompany heart disease. Fearful of hospitals and doctors since his own father's death, ignoring his symptoms may be leading to serious consequences.

Fans of Kwame Alexander will love this graphic novel version of THE CROSSOVER. It also helps make reading Alexander's work more accessible for less experienced readers. Pick up a copy today!

THE YEAR WE FELL FROM SPACE by Amy Sarig King

I didn't always believe it, but eventually I learned that we can't know what another individual is thinking and feeling. Author Amy Sarig King captures this perfectly in THE YEAR WE FELL FROM SPACE. We may think we know what makes our loved ones tick, what fills their minds and hearts, but all we can really do is be there to listen and to love them as we all deal with often unimaginable issues.

Liberty and her younger sister Jilly's world is crumbling. When their parents announce they are separating, Liberty describes it as feeling that they have fallen from space. 

She and her father have shared a fascination with stars and the night sky. Liberty knows all the constellations, but she believes she's sees her own even more amazing shapes when she gazes at the heavens. Convinced that everyone should create their own constellation shapes, she draws maps, many, many maps, to illustrate her belief in hopes that others will find the same pleasure in studying the stars.

It is fitting that when Liberty's family falls apart, she is witness to a meteorite falling to earth. She knows no one will believe her so she keeps her discovery a secret. She manages to get the heavy stone home to her room where she uses it as a sort of therapist. Liberty confides in the stone and asks it for advice. 

Life isn't just about her parents' separation and her father's depression and questionable mental health. Liberty is also dealing with bullies at school. At one point a classmate orders all the sixth graders to cease communicating with Liberty. Left to hang out with a fifth grader, Liberty hopes middle school will mean more students from other elementary schools and maybe some new friendships. 

Unable to share her feelings with her stressed parents, Liberty's anger builds. Throwing a toaster through the window does get everyone's attention, but it still isn't easy to express her feelings in words. It takes rough times and some shocking discoveries to convince Liberty that talking things out is the best way to deal with her rollercoaster emotions.

Author Amy Sarig King is an advocate for discussing mental health and understanding depression. Her own heartbreaking experience has enabled her to bring this thoughtful book to readers everywhere.

ON THIN ICE by Michael Northrop

Ked Eakins is known by most at his middle school as Freak. Although he has gotten used to it, it still hurts, and now that his best friends seem to have abandoned him for the more popular people, it's pretty hard to handle. 

School isn't Ked's only challenge. Shortly after he was diagnosed with kyphosis, a condition that is deforming his spine, his mother left. Now Ked lives with his dad in a crappy second floor apartment. They are about to lose their crappy home because of Ked's dad's gambling habit. If his dad doesn't win the Thin Ice contest to guess when the river ice thaws and topples a wooden tower, they won't be able to pay the rent.

Inspired to help with their financial crisis, Ked "borrows" some of the partial rent money and buys a broken down Road Rokkit. If he can fix the mini-motorbike, he should be able to sell it for a big enough profit to save their apartment. Unfortunately, the odds are against Ked in many ways. Does he have the know-how to repair the bike? Can he get the needed parts? Can he find a place to work on it so his dad doesn't find out? 

Despite hassles from the school bully and Ked's less than helpful friends, he discovers one teacher willing to provide a space for Ked to try to make his wish come true. ON THIN ICE by Michael Northrop focuses on a boy intent on saving what's left of his family and his home. Ked's determination will inspire readers and maybe even have them finding space to make things of their own.

LOOK BOTH WAYS by Jason Reynolds

In LOOK BOTH WAYS author Jason Reynolds was inspired by his own experiences while walking home from school each day. The characters in his latest book tell the story of a neighborhood as each of them head home after school.

Ten stories are told about ten blocks and the kids who live in the neighborhood around their middle school. Their stories reflect adventure, tragedy, fear, and every experience in between. There are stories about boogers, jokes, hand shakes, and Rottweilers. There are stories about illness and money. The stories are all connected just as the kids are all connected as friends, fellow students, bullies, and more.

Reynolds captures the reality of life as the kids' experiences reflect the experiences of all who have walked home from school and dealt with whatever life hands them. This unique tale will touch the hearts of readers both young and old.

RUNAWAY by Wendelin Van Draanen

Holly doesn't want to be used and abused in foster homes anymore. She makes a plan and then makes a break for it. It isn't as easy as it looks, but it's better than being a twelve year old orphan at the mercy of people who don't really care about her.

As the days crawl by, Holly digs through the garbage for food, sleeps on the cold ground, and steals what she needs to survive. Her goals are to stay alive and make it to the ocean. She imagines herself as a Sea Gypsy and longs to watch dolphins play.

Getting to the ocean requires transportation. Braving possible death, Holly jumps a train to make part of her journey. She also becomes a stowaway in the luggage compartment of a bus. Eventually, she arrives on the West Coast and finally to the ocean. Survival continues to be a challenge and takes Holly to lengths she never thought possible.

Readers learn about Holly's ordeal through the runaway's personal journal. Holly first begins logging her thoughts and addressing them to the teacher who gave her the journal. Through entries and poems, Holly uses writing to express her fears, her successes, and her failures until she finally finds a security she didn't think she'd ever have again.

Author Wendelin Van Draanen is also known for THE RUNNING DREAM, FLIPPED, and SWEAR TO HOWDY among others. Published in 2006, RUNAWAY still rings true today.

REDWOOD AND PONYTAIL by K.A. Holt

According to author K.A. Holt this book is for "her twelve-year-old self" and "other twelve-year-old selves" figuring out their place in the world. REDWOOD AND PONYTAIL is for all those in search of their true selves.

Kate "Ponytail" and Tam "Redwood" meet the first day of school. Tam sees cute, little Kate with her red hair bow cheering with her squad on the gym floor. Something about Kate connects with Tam. Kate feels the same way when she sees the extremely tall volleyball player from across the gym. 

Tam is pretty secure in her world as an athlete and friend of the diminutive Levi. She understands her attraction to Kate because she already recognizes that she is attracted to girls. Kate on the other hand is confused. It's not just about her attraction to Tam, but also about her place on the cheerleading squad and life in general. 

Kate and her mother have agreed on a plan. Kate will become captain of the cheerleading squad which will open doors for her from now until college and beyond. Her mother has told her she has great potential and she expects Kate to take full advantage. But, when Kate agrees to substitute until a new school mascot is chosen, she doesn't realize how things will change when she slips on the mascot costume.

Now Kate must come to terms with her feelings as a cheerleader vs a mascot and her mother's certain disapproval. If being the mascot instead of the squad captain will disappoint her mother, just think what will happen if she tells her mother she's gay.

Author K.A. Holt writes in her trademark verse as she introduces two interesting twelve-year-olds. Perfect for soul searching tweens and teens and anyone else who remembers trying to find where they fit.

THE CLASS by Frances O'Roark Dowell

As a reader who enjoys multiple points of view, I found THE CLASS to be a fun, fast-paced read. Each chapter features the POV of one the twenty sixth graders in Mrs. Herrera's class.

Ellie starts the adventure as she contemplates writing a book about her classmates. She has already finished one book she is sure she could get published if she could only find someone in the publishing business. In the meantime, she decides to focus on her sixth grade classroom. She begins to fill her latest notebook with observations of her fellow students. 

It quickly becomes obvious to Ellie that just seeing the outside of a person doesn't mean you understand the inside. She makes note of who seems nice, who seems mean, and those like Henry who seem a bit crazy. Ellie also observes Mrs. Herrera as she hears whispers that their teacher might be "on thin ice" when it comes to her teaching position.

As the story unfolds, each of Ellie's classmates "speak" enabling the reader to get a glimpse into each of their lives and what makes each of them unique. Ellie isn't the only one interested and concerned about the fate of Mrs. Herrera and the mystery of some missing items and a former classmate's strange return.

Author Frances O'Roark Dowell has been a favorite of mine since I read CHICKEN BOY years ago. I was excited to see this new novel and even more excited that it is an awesome read.

MAYBE HE JUST LIKES YOU by Barbara Dee

There has been a lot of buzz about this book. I've seen it advertised as a #MeToo book for the middle grades. It truly lived up to all the positive comments for this reader. MAYBE HE JUST LIKES YOU by Barbara Dee needs to be in every middle and high school library. It needs to be read by students and adults. It needs to be discussed by everyone. It totally answers the question printed on the cover - "How do you know when someone crosses the line?"

Looking forward to seventh grade, Mila is excited about her friend Omi's birthday. She and her other friends have planned a surprise during lunch. Mila knows Omi will love it. 

All goes well until several of the seventh grade basketball players try to join the celebration. They insist on hugging the birthday girl, but their hugs actually seem focused on Mila instead. Feeling incredibly uncomfortable as they squeeze her and rub her fuzzy, green sweater, Mila escapes their embraces as soon as possible.

For some reason the boys continue the physical contact during other chance meetings with Mila. In the hallway, on the bus, and even in her favorite spot, the band room. When Mila mentions the odd behavior, her friend Zara brushes it off as flirting and asks Mila what she is doing to attract the attention.

Mila would love to bring up the uncomfortable situation when she talks to her mother, but when her mother breaks the news that she has lost her job, Mila doesn't want to cause more stress. Overhearing an angry phone call between her divorced parents convinces Mila that she needs to keep things to herself.

Author Barbara Dee tells the story of all too familiar behavior identified as sexual harassment. Many readers will be shocked to learn that this harassment takes place in the world of our children. The topic seems an accepted part of our daily lives as the media covers its presence in even the highest office in the land. The time has come to eliminate this harassment, and Barbara Dee's newest book is the perfect vehicle to introduce the subject and encourage discussion.

THAT NIGHT by Cyn Balog

Hailey and Kane have been best friends forever. When Kane's father suddenly remarries, Declan enters the picture. Declan is Kane stepbrother and soon becomes Hailey's boy friend. Their relationship ends with Declan's death, and now Hailey is looking for answers.

It's senior year and one year since Declan died. Hailey's friends, family, and her therapist think it's time she moves on. Her grades are dropping, she skips school, and she has no plans for her future. Hailey's attention is focused on that night. Even though the night Declan's life ended in that shed is etched in her mind, the details remain foggy. Hailey can't escape the fact that she somehow had something to do with his tragic end.

Author Cyn Balog takes readers on a wild ride in THAT NIGHT. She details how a girl's friends and family may think they have the best intentions, but they don't have the answers Hailey needs, even though the answers she desperately seeks may not be what she expects.

WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH by Elizabeth Acevedo

Pregnant as a freshman in high school and living with her grandmother, Emoni is just trying to get by. Her grades at school aren't that great, and now that she's a senior, decisions must be made. With the encouragement of a supportive teacher, Emoni begins to think college might be a possibility.

When Emoni hears about a new elective class in the culinary arts, she's excited. There's nothing she likes more than making creations in the kitchen. She decides to give it a try, but the demanding chef who teaches the class seems to expect too much. He isn't a fan when Emoni uses her imagination to add ingredients and try new directions with the recipes he gives the students. Is it true that she will have to blindly follow directions if she works in a chef's kitchen? Is compromising her creativity something she wants for her future?

The arrival of a new boy changes things for Emoni. Although she tries to ignore him, there's something about him that attracts her. Maybe he's even good for her, but she doesn't want anything to threaten the goals she has for her life and her daughter's. 

Author Elizabeth Acevedo known for the award winning book THE POET X has created another story to captivate readers. Emoni is sure to grab the hearts of readers and inspire them to strive for the best in their own lives.

RUN, HIDE, FIGHT BACK by April Henry

RUN, HIDE, FIGHT BACK is author April Henry's most intense book yet. This story could easily appear in today's headlines. In fact, that might make it too intense for some. The realistic situation and spot-on details make this page-turner a book readers won't quickly forget.

It is a typical day at the Portland shopping mall. The stores and food court restaurants are packed with shoppers completely unaware of what is about to happen. 

Seventeen year old Miranda is busy outwitting the security cameras so she can shoplift cosmetics. Javier is picking up after messy customers. Amina carries out her duties as a store clerk. Parker is wishing he didn't have to drag his little sister with him all afternoon, and Grace is eating with her mother when a bright red stain blossoms on her mother's chest. Multiple shooters have begun wrecking havoc in the crowded mall.

Five teens end up hiding in the storeroom/office in Amina's store. Parker would be part of that group, but he loses track of his little sister and rushes off to follow what he hopes is her red coat in the distance.

Some shoppers manage to escape, but many are taken hostage behind the chained doors at one of the exits. The shooters' demands must be met or they will begin killing hostages. Can law enforcement negotiate a peaceful settlement before any more people lose their lives? Will the trapped teens be able to find a way out? Most importantly, is the mall shooting the only event of the day?

Author April Henry's vast research and field experience combine to create this believable, yet fictional terrorist attack. Readers will be holding their breaths as one intense scene after another unfolds. Librarians and classroom teachers better purchase multiple copies because this one is going to be in demand.

THE LOST by Natasha Preston

Natasha Preston of Wattpad fame has done it again. Her new thriller THE LOST is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Teens have been disappearing from a small town. Most have been listed as runaways. Piper and her friend Hazel are usually homebodies. Hanging out at each other's houses, watching movies, and just chilling is their usual entertainment. Their concern for the missing teens turns them into investigators. They want to find out what is happening.

Heading to a beach party, Piper and Hazel accept a ride from an attractive young man. Piper, who had briefly met Caleb, was thrilled to have a chance to get to know him a little better. It quickly becomes obvious that Caleb and his friend have other plans for the girls.

Piper and Hazel find themselves with several other teens in a secluded building. Their captors welcome them to the "game." If they don't follow directions and endure a variety of tortures, they will be killed, or possible be forced to kill one another.

If you haven't experienced Natasha Preston's writing, THE LOST is the perfect place to start.

CRACKING THE BELL by Geoff Herbach

After Isaiah's sister Hannah was killed by a drunk driver, Isaiah fell apart. He had worshipped his older sister, and her loss ruined his parents' marriage and sent him barreling in the wrong direction. His delinquent behavior ended in his father offering him a choice - join the football team or return to the juvenile detention facility that hadn't worked for him the first time. Isaiah chose football, and his life turned around.

Now a senior and about to turn eighteen, Isaiah is a star player, star student, and seemingly a star son. In the game against Lancaster, Isaiah messed up. Headed for a tackle, he put his eyes down and slammed into his opponent. He was out cold. He came to and jumped to his feet before his teammates suspected the severity of his injury. Despite the fact that he heard what he described as "witch whistles" and a constant deadly shriek, he went through the motions at the end of the game and headed home.

By the next morning it was clear Isaiah was hurt. A trip to the emergency room with his parents revealed the diagnosis as a severe concussion. It also became evident that this was not his first concussion. NO MORE FOOTBALL! At least that's what his mother declared.

Since Isaiah believed that football had brought him back to life after losing his sister, the idea of not playing sent him over the edge. How could he survive without the game? Would the promise of a scholarship from Cornell University disappear? What was the point of hard work, good grades, and good behavior if what he lived for was gone?

CRACKING THE BELL explores the dangers of sports injuries, specifically concussions. The threat of second impact syndrome is real, and players, parents, and coaches around the country should be concerned. Thankfully, fictional Isaiah had a strong support system of family and friends, and the strength of his determination to see him through a physical and emotional struggle.

Anyone who plays football or cares about someone who plays football should read CRACKING THE BELL. Author Geoff Herbach's smooth flowing style makes reading ten pages feel like barely reading two. He makes Isaiah and his story leap off the page and demand to be read.

Thank you to the author for generously sharing this ARC. Release date - Sept. 2019.

GIRLS OF JULY by Alex Flinn

When Alicia "Spider" Webster posts an ad for teen housemates to join her in her family's cabin in the Adirondacks, she never expected it to be a life-changing experience. Spider's grandmother Ruthie was concerned about the reclusive nature of her granddaughter's lifestyle. Suffering from chronic joint pain, Spider spent most of her time at the cabin immersed in her dreams of movie making. Ruthie hoped that inviting a few girls to spend the month of July might inspire Spider to expand her adventures beyond her camera and computer.

Britta, Meredith, and Kate answer the ad, and after sending payment, embark on their July adventure. Britta and Meredith are from Florida. They are acquaintances at best. Britta, into drama and parties, is the complete opposite of Meredith who has taken the SAT multiple times, taken every possible AP class, and plans to spend the summer writing college application essays. 

Kate is from a small town near Atlanta. She is escaping a scandal involving her politician father. The trip to the backwoods might also help her forget her breakup with Colin.

The four girls are as different as night and day which creates stressful moments that threaten to derail Ruthie's hopes that Spider will overcome her hermitlike behavior. Britta's constant chattering, Kate's worry about family issues and lost love, and Meredith's passion to write the perfect essay don't make for much fun. 

It isn't until the girls each find an interest out of the ordinary for each of them that their summer begins to offer promises they never expected. Kate befriends a precious little boy whose family is going through hard times that make her problems seem insignificant. Meredith develops a relationship with a local boy named Harmon who has her questioning whether all her dreams about an Ivy League education are hers or what she thinks her parents expect. Britta's dramatic flair surprisingly combines with Spider's movie making talents to uncover a secret about Spider's grandmother that shocks everyone.

In this reviewer's opinion, GIRLS OF JULY by Alex Flinn is the perfect read. I'm a total fan of alternating voices, and Flinn handles it to perfection. Each girl's personality sings brightly from the start. Flinn also deftly switches voices at just the right moment to create suspense making readers rush on to find out how each scene will evolve. GIRLS OF JULY is a great summer read or for that matter, any time of year.

THEY CALLED US ENEMY by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, and Harmony Becker

George Takei, who played the role of science officer Sulu on the Star Trek series, tells the story of his family's time in two Japanese Internment camps during WWII. The use of a graphic format with drawings by Harmony Becker allows readers to see as well as read this powerful story.

Takei shares the gripping story of his family being ripped from their home and business and transported by train to a camp in Arkansas. Only four years old at the time, Takei recalls trying to stay strong for his younger brother and sister despite the fact that he didn't understand what was happening. The family of five where forced to live in a horse stall in the first camp. Later they were transferred to another facility where they shared two small rooms.

Takei's father was elected to leadership roles in the two camps. He was instrumental in helping educate and instruct other Japanese Americans as they navigated their way through the government imprisonment. He could also understand and interpret the various laws passed by the U.S. government that further removed the rights of these Americans simply because of the circumstance of their births.

There are definite comparisons made between the internment camps and what is happening to migrant families today. It seems that the U.S. government hasn't learn from the lessons of the past.

Artwork by Harmony Becker furthers the story and allows readers to easily visualize conditions in these camps. Takei includes discussion with his father after their release as he tried to understand why the government mistreated Japanese Americans. THEY CALLED US ENEMY provides an important look at a terrible time in U.S. history.

I'M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT by Kimberly Jones & Gilly Segal

Thank you to Teenreads.com for the sneak peek of this powerful book!

This is Campbell's first football game at her new school. She volunteered to sell concessions hoping she might meet a few possible new friends. She quickly learns that the other students working with her aren't very committed to the job, but she'll try her best.

Lena is stopping by the game to catch her friends' dance performance at halftime. As soon as she can, she plans to hook up with her boyfriend Black. That will be the real highlight of her evening.

When a huge fight breaks out between students of the two rival schools, both girls find themselves huddled in the concession stand hoping to avoid the melee. When the police show up, the fighting tension escalates. Lena and Campbell make a break for a nearby classroom where they hope to collect Campbell's backpack and use her phone to call for rides. 

What follows is their desperate journey to find Lena's boyfriend and avoid more violence erupting in the city streets. The girls are soon in the middle of racial tension with shots fired, police threats, and looting mobs. 

Authors Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal have created a powerful story with strong characters and ripped from the headlines events. The voices of Campbell and Lena are authentic and relatable. I'M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT is a must read that speaks to current racial issues.

WILDER GIRLS by Rory Power

It seemed like a good idea when Hetty decided to attend Raxter School for Girls. It meant getting out of Boston and not having to deal with her Navy father's constant deployments. The school was on a secluded island off the East coast with the promise of adventures in the woods and the chance to make new friends.

It turned out that a girl named Byatt and another named Reese were the only girls Hetty was able to connect with as friends. Reese's father was the handyman who fixed things around the school, and Reese was the only girl who actually lived on the island. 

About eighteen months ago strange things began to happen. An illness labeled the Tox gradually took over the school. Some girls overcome by the Tox died while others were left with deformities, an extra spine, gills in addition to lungs, and appendages covered with scales. Hetty was left blinded in one eye. 

The headmistress and remaining teacher attempted to hold things together. The Navy sent supplies, but they were never enough. The CDC had set up facilities on the mainland where tests were conducted to determine a cure. In the meantime the island was quarantined and eventually the girls were cut off from communication entirely.

When Hetty's friend Byatt disappears, she and Reese make a plan to break through the fence to rescue the sick girl. It soon becomes clear that more is going on than the girls have been told. The rescue mission quickly becomes a survival situation. Can Hetty and Reese escape? If they are successful, will the Tox end their lives anyway?

WILDER GIRLS by Rory Power is described as a feminine version of Lord of the Flies. Intense suspense, brutal images, and non-stop action will make this a popular read for young adults and adult readers as well.

THE MISCALCULATIONS OF LIGHTNING GIRL by Stacy McAnulty

Getting struck by lightning. It happens. It happened 4 years ago to Lucy Callahan. Lucy's life changed that day. After the incident, Lucy became a math savant. She could do crazy hard math problems in her head really fast. Unfortunately, there were a few side effects to get used to, but Lucy, with the help of her grandmother, manages to adapt to the changes.

The side effects included some OCD behavior that drew unwanted attention when Lucy was at school so her grandmother elected to homeschool Lucy. Of course Lucy excelled in math and had easily outpaced her fellow grade school students. 

With her unique math abilities and her quirky tics, making friends and fitting in was difficult. As the story opens, Lucy and her grandmother are attempting to come to terms with the fact that Lucy is academically ready for college, but socially stunted. When Lucy hears her grandmother's solution, she can't believe it. Grandmother thinks Lucy should try one year in middle school, 7th grade to be exact. She wants Lucy to make 1 friend, join 1 activity, and read 1 book. Can she succeed without losing control?

Readers will cheer Lucy on as she makes not 1 friend, but eventually 2. She learns how to deal with bullies, participates in an awesome community service project, and even gets suspended. 

THE MISCALCULATIONS OF LIGHTNING GIRL is Stacy McAnulty's first novel. She illustrates determination, the importance of friendship, and overcoming obstacles in the fast-paced, heartwarming read. I can't wait to get ahold of her second book, THE WORLD ENDS IN APRIL.

WHAT I LEAVE BEHIND by Alison McGhee

Will works at Dollar Only. He quotes music lyrics with his boss Major Tom. He remembers moments with his childhood friend Playa. He talks with the homeless man. He leaves surprise gifts for a little boy who loves butterflies. Every Tuesday night, he attempts to recreate his father's cornbread recipe, but he always fails. And, he walks and walks and walks.

At first Will is walking away from the sad things in his life. He walks to forget that his father committed suicide. He walks to avoid thinking about the three guys that raped Playa. He wants to leave all the bad things behind.

The sadness still finds Will, but he learns that leaving gifts of kindness help him cope. He forms a friendship with his boss, hands his cornbread failures over to the homeless man, befriends the little lonely boy and his butterflies, and leaves small gifts he hopes will please Playa. Memories of the Chinese store with the shelves of one hundred blessings eventually remind him of the good times with his father. His walking begins to take him toward his future as he begins to leave his past behind.

Author Alison McGhee deftly tells Will's story in short one hundred word chapters across one hundred pages. She shows her readers the importance of cherishing past moments as blessings to be taken forward into the future. WHAT I LEAVE BEHIND is a fast, yet memorable read.

THE LINE TENDER by Kate Allen

A line tender works with a dive team. The line is attached to a diver during search and rescue. A determined number of tugs on the line indicate if a victim has been found alive or dead or if the diver is in a dangerous situation. 

Lucy Everhart's father is a diver. Her mother was a marine biologist who studied sharks. Five years ago her mother died from a brain aneurysm. Lucy and her father have been getting by since then.

The summer of Lucy's twelfth year she and her best friend Fred have been working on a summer science project. Not many kids do schoolwork in the summer, but Lucy and Fred are dedicated to the subject of their project - marine life. They are creating a field guide for all the sea life they see along the coast. 

When a local fisherman snags a shark, Lucy and Fred are thrilled to include it in their guide. Inspired by her mother's research, Lucy and Fred are determined to create a detailed entry for the great white shark. Before they can finish, Lucy loses Fred in a tragic drowning accident in the local quarry. Now Lucy has lost two people she loves. As a way of dealing with her grief, Lucy sets a goal to investigate and carry on her mother's study of the great white sharks.

THE LINE TENDER is a heartbreaking story of a young girl's loss. Woven into the story are Lucy's drawings and a plethora of shark facts this reader found fascinating.

WHERE THE HEART IS by Jo Knowles

Life has been pretty easy for Rachel until recently. She and her friend Micah would spend hours biking and swimming. Rachel didn't even mind when her parents insisted that she take her little sister Ivy along. 

Unfortunately, Rachel's parents have been fighting lately. The subject of those fights is usually money. Her mother lost her job as a school librarian because of budget cuts, and her father's job as a realtor is not paying enough to keep the bills paid. When Rachel is offered a job by their new neighbors, she hopes to pitch in and help with the family's expenses. 

Taking care of a pig named Lucy, a baby steer named Ferdinand, plus chickens, horses, and a couple of goats turns out to be a fun way to earn some needed money. It isn't always easy, but Rachel loves the animals and knows people are counting on her. At least the job helps her keep her mind off the fact that Micah is suddenly interested in one of her friends, while Rachel struggles with her own sexual identity and her own attraction to another girl in her grade.

When it becomes clear that the family money trouble is serious, Rachel realizes she will be leaving the house that has been HOME to her family for as long as she can remember. What will happen to their own family pets, her pony Rainbow and her sister's cat George? Will she still get to take care of the neighbors' animals, and will she still be friends with Micah?

Author Jo Knowles has crafted a tale about family and friends and what home really means. Readers will easily relate to Rachel's struggles as she works to discover her true self and how that fits with being a good daughter, sister, and friend. WHERE THE HEART IS needs to have a place in every library and middle grade classroom.

BELLY UP by Eva Darrows

I fell in love with Serendipity "Sara" before the end of chapter one. Sara, half Swedish, half Hispanic, has a sharp wit and a sharp tongue. She is headed to her senior year with dreams of an Ivy League college and an amazing life. One night in the back of a pickup may just change things forever.

Sara runs into her ex at a party. Although he has still been texting her occasionally, he looks pretty interested in Samantha, his new girl friend. It's more than Sara can take, and after a few too many drinks, she hooks up with a cute guy named Jack. He's hot and fun, and sex in the back of his truck isn't bad either.

When Sara's best friend Devi learns about the hookup and the fact that condoms were absent, she nags Sara about going to the clinic to get tested for STDs. Unfortunately, life gets busy and Sara puts off the clinic visit. A few months later it's obvious that something is going on, but being pregnant was not on Sara's radar at all.

BELLY UP takes readers on Sara's pregnancy journey. Telling her mother isn't nearly as difficult as telling Mormor, her grandmother, but both are support as they wait for Sara to decide her course of action. Her decision to keep the baby is again met with support and acceptance. In addition to the news of becoming a mother, Sara is also faced with moving to a new school district, adjusting to life with her eccentric grandmother, and making new friends who will accept her situation. 

Author Eva Darrows doesn't sugar-coat Sara's pregnancy. She presents both the good and the bad using Sara's quick wit, determination, and humor. Darrows is also the author of DEAD LITTLE MEAN GIRL, another book I'll be added to my TBR list.

THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF COYOTE SUNRISE by Dan Gemeinhart

A huge thank you to a friend who suggested this wonderful book! And an even bigger thank you to author Dan Gemeinhart for writing it!!

Five years ago Coyote's two sisters and her mother were killed in an accident. Since then Coyote and her father who calls himself Rodeo, have been traveling the country in an old school bus. Rodeo and Coyote have made a promise to look only to the future and never mention the tragedy of their past. Coyote, now twelve years old, sometimes wishes she could talk about the past and the memories she has tucked away, but she respects her father's need to forget.

The two travelers have crisscrossed the country numerous times. Coyote loves to read and learns what she needs in a sort of homeschool situation. It's just been Coyote and Rodeo until one day during a gas stop, Coyote finds a kitten. She sneaks the tiny thing onto the bus and manages to keep it a secret for several days. She names him Ivan after a character in her favorite book. Keeping a secret really isn't possible in their tight living quarters so Rodeo eventually meets Ivan. The kitten passes the 500 mile test and becomes a part of the family.

Their usual calm life changes when Coyote checks in with her grandmother only to learn that the park in her hometown is scheduled to be demolished. In a few short days bulldozers will be leveling the pretty park where she and her sisters and mother spent many happy times. Coyote is determined to return to the park to rescue the memory box they buried there just before the tragic accident took the lives of Rose, Ava, and their mother. There's only one problem - Rodeo has made it clear he never, ever wants to return home.

Author Dan Gemeinhart deftly combines humor, determination, and heartbreak in this beautiful story. Readers will immediately connect with the clever Coyote and her hippie father. Other quirky characters join them on their cross country journey. Gemeinhart reminds readers that there are still kind and caring people in the world. I do suggest keeping a tissue handy as you read.

STRANGERS ASSUME MY GIRLFRIEND IS MY NURSE by Shane Burcaw

Shane Burcaw's new collection of essays continues to follow Shane's adventures as he shares what it's like to live with SMA. He is the successful creator of a non-profit organization that provides specialized equipment for people with disabilities. He is also the host of a blog called Laughing At My Nightmare, and the author of a book by the same name. At age 25 he has accomplished more than most people twice his age.

I became a fan of Shane's after reading his first book and then sharing it with my 11th grade English students. They had just read Mitch Albom's TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE in which Albom highlights the positive attitude of his old college professor suffering from ALS. Shane Burcaw shares the same positive attitude and includes just the right amount of irreverence to capture the attention of teen readers. 

Shane's new book reviews a bit of his previous material, but it mostly picks up where he left off. Many of his new experiences involve the love of his life, Hannah. Their relationship has developed to the point of moving in together in Hannah's hometown in Minnesota. Shane exhibits his laugh out loud brand of humor as he relates road trips to Buffalo and Manhattan, his work with contractors as he has an elevator installed so he can have his own living space in his parents' basement, talk about sex and how things work with a steady girlfriend, and much more.

I always feel like I've had a breath of fresh air and a healthy dose of positivity after reading Shane's books. His upbeat attitude and his never flagging determination are an inspiration. (Sorry, Shane. I know you wouldn't like the "inspiration" reference, but it's true.)

THE RHINO IN RIGHT FIELD by Stacy Dekeyser

Nick and his buddies love playing baseball. The ball field where they play has a unique location - right next to the Milwaukee Zoo, and specifically, next to the rhino's enclosure. Nick is less than talented when it comes to catching fly balls making him very familiar with the rhino. Scaling the fence and entering the rhino's territory to retrieve baseballs, Nick discovers he can actually outrun the 2,580 pound beast.

On Saturdays Nick works in his father's hat shop. That's where his met Mr. Joe Daggett. Mr. Daggett is the new owner of the Milwaukee Mudpuppies. While getting his shoes shined by Nick's father, Nick hears about a contest to choose a ball boy for the team. The winner will be a Mudpuppy for the day. The only catch is the contest is going to be held on Saturday.

What follows is a series of elaborate lies that end with Nick competing in the contest and actually winning. The story is filled with crazy antics and humor that will have readers laughing out loud.

HONOR GIRL by Maggie Thrash

This isn't Maggie's first summer at Camp Bellflower for Girls. She has been coming to the summer camp for years. She is in for a number of surprises that are sure to make this summer memorable.

This year Maggie chooses shooting as one of her activities. She appears to be a natural. She finds the focus necessary to hit the bullseye is a perfect distraction from all her conflicting feelings. By the end of the summer, Maggie has earned her D.E. - Distinguished Expert status. 

Some of the feelings she tries to escape with her shooting involve the feelings she has come to have for an older counselor in the junior camp. Erin has been slipping away to spend time with Maggie. Camp rules are probably being broken considering Maggie is only 15 and Erin is 19. Maggie is left questioning if she might be a lesbian and is eager for Erin to act on intimate moments that might promise a kiss.

A final unexpected surprise is when Maggie is given the Honor Girl award in the final ceremony. She has seen the award given to very special girls over the years and isn't sure she is truly deserving of the honor. What she has experienced throughout the summer leaves her with much to consider as she returns home with her mother. Time will tell just exactly what the future holds for Maggie.

HONOR GIRL is a graphic memoir by Maggie Thrash. 

BAN THIS BOOK by Alan Gratz

Amy Anne Ollinger is in fourth grade at Shelbourne Elementary. She loves to read. Her favorite book is From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Amy Anne's world turns upside down the day she discovers this awesome book missing from the school library. 

Librarian, Mrs. Jones, has bad news for Amy Anne. The book she's read countless times has been removed from the shelf and banned from the school. That isn't the only book. There's a list of more than eleven books a parent has demanded the school board remove as she considers them unfit for elementary students to read.

Amy Anne is upset, but isn't sure how to express herself. When she tries to tell her parents, the chaos of having two younger sisters, two dogs, and two busy parents makes it impossible. Several of her friends are just as shocked as she is about the removal of some of their favorite books. Danny and Rebecca, and soon a few others, team up to get their hands on copies of the banned books, and soon Amy Anne becomes the official librarian of the B.B.L.L. - Banned Book Locker Library.

When it is discovered that students throughout the school are reading the banned books because of Amy Anne's locker library, the school administration takes action. Mrs. Jones the librarian is fired and Amy Anne is suspended. 

Author Alan Gratz shows how a few determined students can change the course of events in one elementary school. BAN THIS BOOK is a delight. It is filled with mentions of great children's books that readers are sure to recognize. I can't wait to share this with readers.

BAY BOY: Stories of a Childhood in Point Clear, Alabama by Watt Key

Imagine living life without smart phones, apps, and video games. Most people would claim it's impossible. BAY BOY by Watt Key gives readers a chance to imagine the impossible. Key takes readers on a journey into his childhood growing up on Mobile Bay in Alabama.

BAY BOY is comprised of 32 essays with titles like The Longest Day of the Year, Hurricanes, The Ghost of Zundel's Wharf, and I'llNeeda. In the essays author Watt Key tells of wild adventures, family and friends, and what it's like to live in and around nature. 

Key, the oldest of seven, tells about fishing on the bay and stomping through the local swamps. He entertains with stories about crazy pets like Sally the possum, Smokey the gray squirrel, and the craziest - wild pigs. There are fishing stories about shrimping and catching sheepshead, called convicts in and around Point Clear. 

Included in the essays are tales about road trips in the family's green station wagon that are sure to stun readers used to seatbelts and airbags. I laughed out loud when I read about Key's clever sibling loosening a bolt on the church pew that resulted in a loud crash and the entire Key clan sliding down the broken bench. I wasn't surprised when I read that Key eventually became frustrated with his chaotic family and at age sixteen decided to head into the surrounding wilderness and live on his own. He was surprised at his mother's calm reaction and condoning behavior, and after a few short days, he decided to return home.

For me the most fascinating essay was I'llNeeda. The title caught my attention as I scanned the table of contents. In it, Key tells about a homeless woman who came to live nearby. When certain household items and food came up missing, it was discovered that Key's younger brother was taking them to the woman. The young boy had simply responded to the woman's statements, "I need a …"

Author Watt Key is well known for his young adult and middle grade novels such as ALABAMA MOON, DIRT ROAD HOME, TERROR AT BOTTLE CREEK, and DEEP WATER. This entertaining collection of personal essays will be available in October 2019.

SQUIRM by Carl Hiaasen

SQUIRM is the latest offering from author Carl Hiaasen. I am a fan of his adult novels as well as his adventure novels for middle grade readers. If you have a young reader looking for suspense and humor, I suggest checking out Hiaasen's books.

Billy Dickens knows very little about his father. The man left his family behind years ago. Billy has grown up with his mother and his sister Belinda. His mother's love of bald eagles has resulted in a fairly transient lifestyle. They move every couple of years as Billy's mother needs to live close to an active eagles' nest. Billy has learned that making friends only brings disappointment so he keeps to himself and instead spends time exploring the Florida habitat.

When Billy discovers an envelop with a return address for Dennis Dickens, he uses his mother's credit card to book a flight to Montana. Surprisingly, his mother is supportive of his desire to meet with his father.

When he arrives in Montana, Billy is annoyed to learn that his father is off on some secret assignment leaving him with only his new stepmother and stepsister. Montana is pretty cool, though, and exploring what nature has to offer keeps Billy entertained. A mysterious drone sighting seems to be connected to his father's secret job. Billy's short visit to Montana leaves him with more questions than answers even after he meets his dad.

SQUIRM takes readers on an adventure from Florida to Montana and back again. Billy is surrounded by bald eagles, snakes, grizzly bears, and poachers. SQUIRM definitely qualifies as a real page-turner.

THE BIRDS, THE BEES, AND YOU AND ME by Olivia Hinebaugh

Lacey Burke and her friends Evita and Theo are completely disgusted by the sexual abstinence policy promoted in their senior seminar class. Abstinence hasn't stop teen pregnancies in their high school. In fact, they recently met Alice, a pregnant teen who chose homeschooling because she felt uncomfortable at going to school.

Lacey has always felt comfortable when discussing sexual topics with her mother. Lacey was the result of her mother's teen pregnancy so Lacey knows the difficulties first hand. Her mother works as a labor and delivery nurse at the local hospital and has encouraged Lacey to train and volunteer as a doula who assists mothers during labor. 

When the discussion of healthy sexual habits begins in senior seminar, Lacey and Evita are frustrated that the use of condoms is not part of the lecture. Even though Lacey has never even been kissed, she knows the importance of protection during sex. It becomes obvious from her classmates' responses that most of the students are not only uncomfortable about the discussion of condoms, but also don't understand the proper time to use them or even where to get them. Lacey decides to make it her mission to educate her fellow students.

Lacey, Evita, and Theo work together to create an educational pamphlet explaining the use of condoms and even dental dams for protection during oral sex. With the help of her mother, Lacey gets free condoms and other items for protection against sexually transmitted infections. Their new friend Alice volunteers her currently empty locker as a place to distribute the pamphlets and condoms, etc. Lacey also uses one of the girls' restrooms as an information center where students can freely ask questions about sexual activity.

Helping their fellow students makes sense until the locker distribution system is discovered by school authorities. Accused of providing lewd materials, Lacey and her friends find themselves defending their right to offer alternatives to the school's abstinence policy.

THE BIRDS, THE BEES, AND YOU AND ME is the debut novel of author Olivia Hinebaugh. She combines friendship and music with the difficult questions and feelings about teen sexuality. Some readers may be surprised by her upfront, honest discussion of sexually active teens, but this is a book perfect for 2019 and the attempts to take away personal control over our bodies, especially for women. 

NOTE: I just learned about a service called The Pill Box which offers birth control options by subscription through the mail. Check it out!