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.