WE DREAM OF SPACE by Erin Entrada Kelly

 

It is 1986. Bird Nelson Thomas is dreaming of being the first woman space shuttle commander. Her science teacher has them studying the space program and everyone is anticipating the launch of the Challenger in a few weeks.

Bird is in the seventh grade as is her twin brother Fitch and her older brother Cash who failed seventh grade last year. Bird loves space and figuring out how machines work. Fitch loves arcade games and spends every quarter he can get his hands on at the local arcade. Cash loves basketball but can't make a basket to save his soul. He hasn't figured out exactly what he is good at yet.

One thing the three siblings can agree on is that their parents argue and fight all the time. The house is always a mess and everyone eats dinner anywhere but at the table. Bird wishes things were different, but her excitement about the Challenger launch is enough to keep her mind off the disappointments of home.

When the day finally arrives for the launch, Bird is in the auditorium with a select group of students whose winning essays have earned them a chance to watch the televised launch. Of course, things don't go the way Bird has imagined and her world is turned upside down. All her anticipation evaporates along with the space shuttle leaving Bird to rethink her hopes and dreams and how she will carry on.

WE DREAM OF SPACE by Erin Entrada Kelly explores the emotional impact of the loss of the Challenger on a school child eager to witness an exciting moment in the space program. Bird, Fitch and Cash are making the best of their often challenging family life as they discover what it means to be there for one another.

I remember the day vividly. As a teacher I had followed with excitement the fact that a teacher would be aboard the shuttle. Attending an education workshop, I watched the launch on television with a group of fellow teachers and will never forget the stunned silence that followed the explosion. Reading about Bird brought tears to my eyes as I imagined what it was like for millions of school children with dreams of being in space as they watched the tragedy. 

THE COURAGE OF ELFINA by Andre Jacob & illustrated by Christine Delezenne

 

Elfina is from Paraguay. Her mother died during childbirth and her father's work kept him away from family. Elfina was sent to live with her grandparents. Hoping to offer her a better education, Elfina was sent to live in Asuncion to live with her aunt and uncle. 

Soon after moving, Elfina's aunt announced they were moving to Canada for their business. Elfina was told she would begin using their last name. Upon arrival in Canada, she expected to attend school and live the life her grandparents had wanted for her. That was not to be. Instead, Elfina stayed at home to cook and clean while the rest of her aunt's family went on with their lives. She was even assaulted by her uncle who swore her to secrecy or he would force her to leave.

Elfina eventually found help at the church. They told her no one should be forced to work and refused an education. With their help she returned to her family in Paraguay with hopes and dreams of a better future.

THE COURAGE OF ELFINA is a graphic novel about a form of human trafficking/abuse. Author Andre Jacob and illustrator Christine Delezenne present Elfina's story in clear, concise dialogue and art. 

RUNNING FULL TILT by Michael Currinder

Leo Coughlin has been running for the past year. It really hasn't been by choice. It's been more to escape. He's been escaping from nightly attacks by his older brother. 

Now this may seem strange, and frankly, it is, but it makes more sense if you know the details. Leo's brother Caleb is autistic. Expressing himself is difficult and when frustration builds, he attacks. Leo is currently the victim of these attacks. He has no idea what provokes them, but he knows that Caleb is bigger and stronger which means getting away until Caleb calms down is vital. 

Leo is aware that Caleb can't help himself. It is also fortunate that Leo is the receiving the brunt of these attacks rather than someone else. The family recently moved to a new neighborhood because of issues with Caleb. Things are better in the new location. Leo's running has even earned him a spot on his new school's cross country team and a few new friends.

Running is offering Leo a new way to deal with Caleb and even a new perspective on the marriage problems his parents are having. There's also a girl in the picture. Maybe this new life will have more ups than downs.

Author Michael Currinder draws on personal experience in this story of a runner and his autistic brother. Readers will be quickly drawn into the story and begin rooting for Leo as he finds himself in running. RUNNING FULL TILT will have great appeal to runners and non-runners alike.

 

ALL BOYS AREN'T BLUE by George M. Johnson

 

George M. Johnson, known to his family as Matthew, and his school friends as George, hopes this YA memoir-manifesto will help LGBTQIA+ young people struggling to self-identify and become comfortable with what they feel and know about themselves. George wishes there had been a book like this when he was in grade school, middle school, and high school that would have provided some guidance and answers to the questions he faced from family and friends. May those who open the cover find something helpful whoever and wherever they are in their own personal journeys.

George grew up in a loving family. His parents were busy with their jobs so after school time and many weekends were spent with his grandmother, Nanny. He always knew he was different, but his family never made him feel "different" in a negative way. He loved things that girls love, but he also proved his athletic abilities which earned him the respect of the boys and men in his life. 

Even though George felt loved and accepted, he didn't fully come out until he was twenty-five. Until then he explored and experimented, but still answered "no" when asked if he was gay. In this memoir he thanks those who played a role in helping him discover and accept his true self. Not an easy journey, he now writes about being a Black Queer man with an openness that is welcome in the Queer community and beyond.

Thank you to the publisher for providing this copy in my NCTE/ALAN book box. It was also a pleasure to "meet" and hear from the author at the 2020 ALAN virtual conference. 

FULL CICADA MOON by Marilyn Hilton

 

Mimi Oliver is starting seventh grade at a new school, and she isn't sure what to expect. She didn't want to leave her friends and cousins in Berkley, California, but it was time for her mother and her to join her father in Vermont where he recently joined the faculty of a small college. Mimi is used to fitting in and now she will be the odd one in this small community.

People are always asking Mimi "what she is." She answers that she is American, but she knows they really expect her to say that she is black like her father and Japanese like her mother. That's true, but Mimi knows she is just Mimi.

Adjusting to her new school, a grumpy neighbor, and working toward her future dream of becoming an astronaut keep Mimi busy. Being a seventh grade girl in 1969 means that most people think Mimi should be doing "girl" things like taking home economics not wishing she could be in shop class with the boys. She does find a few friends who understand her and even join her attempt to respectfully protest the school not allowing girls to take shop. 

As the year passes in her new home, Mimi learns more about family, friendship, and standing up for what she believes in. She also eagerly watches the new advancements in the world around her as she longs to be a part of the changes she observes.

FULL CICADA MOON by Marilyn Hilton is written in verse and packed with emotion, humor, and bits of 1969 history. As I read it, I could easily envision it as the centerpiece of a STEM/STEAM/STREAM unit for middle grade readers. It's a quick read with enormous discussion potential.

THE SNOW FELL THREE GRAVES DEEP: Voices from the Donner Party by Allan Wolf

 

I heard about this book at the virtual NCTE/ALAN 2020 conference and was lucky to get a copy in my box of books. Thank you Candlewick Press! To be honest the title was what captured my attention. When I learn it was about the Donner Party, I was even more intrigued.

The book is a fictional account of the treacherous journey from Nebraska to California. Based on facts that were recorded and uncovered over time, the book tells of the emigrants' journey through multiple voices of members of the groups that made up the party. 

Another interesting part to the tale is the narrator of the journey - Hunger. Hunger's portion of the story is told in prose in a voice that is matter-of-fact with no excuses for the part it plays in the deaths of many due to the environment and other circumstances related to the more than year long, perilous adventure. The voices of the Donner Party members is told through verse which leaves the reader with a lasting impression of the harsh, deadly conditions many didn't survive.

The haunting cover art illustrates the people huddling around a fire in the life-threatening cold and snow. Imagine 18 feet of snow, little to no food, inadequate clothing, and poor shelter for months on end. Author Allan Wolf captures the fear, the pain, and the lack of hope felt by these brave folk as they struggled to trudge their way to what they were promised would be a better life. Miraculously some did survive due to the bravery of their fellow travelers and their pure will to see the journey to its end. 

THE SNOW FELL THREE GRAVES DEEP is definitely the YA historical fiction title of the year as far as this reader is concerned.

MY LIFE IN THE FISH TANK by Barbara Dee

 

Life for Zinnia "Zinny" Manning was busy and full. She had her two best friends, her parents, her three siblings, and her love of all that is science. To be honest she was having a few problems with her two best friends. All they seemed to want to talk about was James Ramos and how cute and incredible he was. Zinny found herself listening more than talking to them, and recently she had been slipping off to Ms. Molina's science room during lunch instead of trying to seem interested in their boring conversations.

Life suddenly became more complicated when Zinny's older brother Gabriel had an accident in a borrowed car. A few fairly minor injuries landed him in the hospital for a few days which is where another discovery was made. The accident may not have been an "accident." Gabriel's disoriented behavior led to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Suddenly, he was being checked into a residential facility several hours away for treatment, and Zinny and her siblings were being told to keep it private.

When Zinny receives an invitation to Lunch Club, she doesn't know exactly what it means, but it quickly becomes clear that all the members have some sort of problem - step-parent trouble, divorced parents trouble, or sick parent trouble. Zinny knows she shouldn't mention Gabriel so why the heck should she even be in club?

Author Barbara Dee, recently known for her middle grade "Me Too" novel MAYBE HE JUST LIKES YOU, has tackled another hot topic in MY LIFE IN THE FISH TANK. A diagnosis of bipolar disorder doesn't just involve the person being treated but also the family surrounding that person. Dee unveils what it might be like to be part of such a family. Zinny is a likeable main character whose experience will be one readers can relate to and learn from. This one is a definite must-have for classrooms and libraries.

GROWN by Tiffany D. Jackson

 

Enchanted Jones is busy with school, swim team, and watching the Littles, her four younger siblings. Her mother works hard and her father does, too, except at the moment a strike has him walking a picket line instead of earning a paycheck. It is getting more and more difficult for them to put food on the table and pay the tuition for the exclusive private school Enchanted and her sister attend.

What Enchanted really wants to be doing is taking singing lessons and working toward her goal of making it big with countless platinum albums to her name. Inspired by her grandmother's encouragement, Enchanted began singing classic R & B tunes at an early age. It is clear she has talent, but the grownups around her consider singing to be just a hobby. Enchanted is sure she can do more.

With the help of her friend Gab, Enchanted has entered singing contests. Gab agrees that Enchanted has talent and is willing to cover for her so Chanty's parents think she's at Will and Willow church meetings or swim meets instead of trying to get noticed at the singing competitions.

Finally, Chanty gets her wish. She doesn't win the competition, but she is noticed by the popular singer Korey Fields. He takes an immediate interest in her and her voice. Secret meetings follow and the two form a fast friendship. Chanty is star struck by the pop singer, and can't believe it when he suggests she accompany him on his next tour.

With the promise of constant supervision and on the road homeschooling, her parents sign a mountain of paperwork, and Enchanted is off to fulfill her dream. The dreamlike journey soon dissolves into a nightmare. Korey's promise to help her record her first album never materializes. His gentle guidance and attention soon turn to abuse both physical and emotional. Chanty can't believe he is the same guy she believes she has come to love.

GROWN by author Tiffany D. Jackson is a real page-turner. Readers will be rooting for the young 17 year old singer while they berate the older man intent on holding her as his prisoner and plaything. Short chapters alternating between NOW and THEN make this a fast-paced read that will have readers breathlessly awaiting the next crisis. Two big thank yous - 1) to the publisher who provided copies for the NCTE/ALAN book boxes, and 2) to the friend whose excitement about the book inspired me to move it up to the top of my TBR pile. It's a great read!

THIS IS MY AMERICA by Kim Johnson

 

Tracy has been writing letters to the Innocence X project for 7 years. Her father pled not guilty to a double murder, but despite having an alibi and no motive, he was convicted given the death penalty. He is now scheduled for execution in less than a year.

Life hasn't been easy since the murders. Police also accused a business partner of Tracy's father's, but he was shot and killed when officers entered his home to arrest him. Quincy, the man's son, one of Tracy's best childhood friends, was shot and injured, and things haven't been the same with their friendship since. She is definitely missing his support during these rough times.

Between school, weekly visits to her father in prison, and helping take care of her little sister, Tracy tries to keep busy writing a column for the school newspaper and hosting Know Your Rights programs. She hopes to keep other black people in her community from becoming victims of police violence and crime. So far there has been no response from the Innocence X people, but Tracy keeps hoping they will see value in her father's case.

When a popular high school girl is found murdered, Tracy's brother Jamal is immediately pinpointed as the one and only suspect. The sheriff's son claims to have seen Jamal at the scene leaning over Angela's body. Tracy is certain he is blaming her brother because he thinks Jamal has been secretly seeing  Angela although she is dating him. Now Tracy has to prove the innocence of two men in her family.

Author Kim Johnson uses hot topics in today's world of criminal justice as the subjects for THIS IS MY AMERICA. Fans of Angie Thomas and Nic Stone will want to pick up a copy of this intense tale as another example of Black Lives Matter related stories. 

FLOODED: Requiem for Johnstown by Ann E. Burg

 

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy in my wonderful NCTE/ALAN box of books. 

Author Ann E. Burg combines fact and fiction in this historical novel in verse. On May 31, 1889, the community of Johnstown, PA, was destroyed. More than two thousand souls perished including 396 children. 

Rich and famous men, members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, spent time in their fancy lodge atop the mountain above Johnstown. For years they had been warned that the neglected dam creating their cherished fishing lake was likely to fail during any heavy, prolonged rain. Members like Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick, Andrew Mellon, Charles J. Clarke, Cyrus Elder, and others ignored the warning, and when heavy rains began on Decoration Day 1889, the dam collapsed. Attempts in court to hold the men responsible failed, leaving survivors lost and bitter.

In FLOODED six young people share their stories of the days leading up to the tragedy and those who survived share stories of the aftermath. The names of those who tell the story are not the names of the famous and wealthy who caused the disaster. Rather they are the working class who struggled to care for their families often foregoing their own hopes and dreams. Author Ann E. Burg's spare, yet powerful words, paint a vivid picture that will keep this tragedy alive for those who may not even know it took place. 

GO WITH THE FLOW by Lily Williams & Karen Schneemann

 

Girls and women! The book you have been waiting for is HERE!! GO WITH THE FLOW is a graphic novel that explores the world of menstruation and its issues.

Sasha is a sophomore and new to Hazelton High. One terrible day she starts her period and becomes the focus of all the jokes. Abby, Brit, and Christine take her to the restroom only to discover the machines that dispense period supplies are empty. Brit offers her backup supply to Sasha, and the girls soon become fast friends.

Abby becomes obsessed with the fact that the bathroom tampon machines were empty and continue to be even after she reports it to the office. She also begins thinking about how some girls can't afford to pay for the products, but are expected to because the school doesn't provide them for free. She starts a blog called The Mean Magenta in an effort to get out the word about the unfairness girls deal with when it comes to periods. 

Spreading the word becomes the mission of the group even when their efforts fall on deaf ears or face objections from those who think the subject should be kept behind closed doors. They do find enough support and encouragement to change at least their little part of the world, and hopefully a following who will carry the cause even farther.

Authors Lily Williams & Karen Schneemann open eyes with their new graphic novel and make talking about periods a must for girls everywhere. GO WITH THE FLOW should be added to every middle school and high school library, public library, and classroom.

ISAIAH DUNN IS MY HERO by Kelly J. Baptist

 

Isaiah misses his dad. His sudden death left Isaiah feeling that he must step up to care for his mother and his little sister, but that's not as easy as he thought. His mom hasn't been working and her constant drinking means they haven't been able to pay the rent. Now they are calling a smoky old motel room home.

Reading stories written by his father in a worn notebook, brings Isaiah special pleasure. He likes to think of himself as a bit of a writer, although he prefers writing poems instead of stories. When he's not reading or writing, Isaiah and his friend Sneaky are selling candy in hopes of making some big bucks. Isaiah plans to use the money to help his mother get back into their apartment, but that's going to take a lot more money than he thought.

Author Kelly J. Baptist has created an extremely likeable hero in Isaiah Dunn. Readers will be rooting for Isaiah as he battles to save what's left of his family and honor the father he misses so much. Challenging friendships, dealing with bullies, and learning from his father's wise words make Isaiah a relatable protagonist.

KENT STATE by Deborah Wiles

 

KENT STATE by Deborah Wiles is a riveting account of 4 days in 1970 on the Kent State University campus. Written in verse and told in multiple voices, this quick read will stay with readers as it encourages further exploration of a subject seen as historic to today's teens. 

Wiles tells the story of the days leading up to and including the killing of 4 students and the wounding of 9 others. The campus was the scene of campus unrest as students protested the Vietnam War. The protests were largely peaceful sit-ins until the local town leaders began to react. Spurred by unhappy, fearful townspeople and unfounded rumors about outsiders arriving to encourage the student protesters, the mayor and then the state's governor brought in police and then National Guard.

Tension increased and the result was the Guard firing on students and staff. Students simply heading to class or stepping out to see what was going on were killed or injured in at senseless attack. There was total confusion that ended in all factions remembering the events from completely different view points. Wiles tells readers that those differing view points still remain today as history is reviewed and relived on May 4 every year on the university campus.

I was in high school at the time of the shootings, and remember my mother's sadness as an alumni of Kent State. There are numerous parallels between the events of 1970 and the unrest present in many areas today. Teens who read KENT STATE are invited to seek hope and change as they learn about this tragic event from the past. This is a must read for high school students everywhere.

THE BRIDGE by Bill Konigsberg

 

Two teens arrive on the George Washington Bridge in NYC. Both have reached a decision to end their time on this earth. Will he jump? Will she jump? Will both jump? What if neither jumps? THE BRIDGE follows the stories of Aaron and Tillie, but in an unusual way. Written in versions A, B, C, and D, readers get to read the story from all four perspectives. 

Aaron sees the girl standing at the railing a short distance away. As he watches, she ascends the railing and jumps to the river below. Ripped from his own personal focus and issues, Aaron dials 911 and reports the possible suicide and he returns home. After confessing his observation to his father and his own thoughts of jumping, Aaron seeks the help of a psychiatrist to help with the feelings of depression that threaten his personal safety.  Aaron's issues are not his alone as proven from the evidence of those closest to him.

Tillie struggles with being adopted. Her Asian features are the focus of taunting from classmates, and the sudden estrangement from her father is causing stress that seems beyond Tillie's control. She doesn't want to leave her mother and her little sister who she dearly loves, but everything is just too much. As she stands on the bridge she observes something she couldn't possibly imagine when the boy standing on the same bridge makes the decision to jump. Her reaction is panic and fear that this was what she was about to do.

Both teens jump to their deaths. This version is brief, but its impact is long lasting and far reaching. If only they knew how much their decisions would change those near and dear to them.

Aaron and Tillie both decide today is not the day. They form a sometimes uncomfortable friendship at first full of secrets and skepticism. As they open up to each other and other key people in their lives, they find that support helps. It doesn't solve all their problems, but it makes things a bit easier.

Author Bill Konigsberg takes an unusual look at depression and suicide. His words are frank and his focus on the rocky road that follows a diagnosis of depression will speak to those who have had their own personal experiences with mental health issues. Konigsberg takes a likely upsetting and ultimately serious issue and makes it relatable for teens without glamorizing it. I highly recommend THE BRIDGE.

THE TRUTH PROJECT by Dante Medema

Cordelia Koenig is wrapping up her senior year. She's already accepted an early decision invite to attend her first choice college, and she only has one last high school responsibility - completing her senior project. Cordelia has known she would use poetry as the method of delivery, but only recently has she decided to use the results of her ancestry DNA test as the topic for her work.

Always feeling like the odd one out in her family of mother, father, and two sisters, Cordelia is eager to see the results of the test. What she doesn't gamble on is finding out the man she has always called "father" is not actually the man who provided half of her biological materials.

Now there is the stress of confronting her mother about a possible past affair without hurting the rest of her family. Her best friend Sana and her eighth grade crush Kodiak attempt to give her the support she needs, but at the same time they share their concerns and thoughts that maybe she should just let things stay as they are. This whole project thing is much more difficult and important than Cordelia ever imagined.

Author Dante Medema's new release THE TRUTH PROJECT is an outstanding novel combining verse, emails, and text messages into a riveting story about family, love, and trust. It is perfect for readers dealing with their own personal searches for their current and future selves.

 

DON'T STAND SO CLOSE TO ME by Eric Walters

 

Eighth grade is going just fine for Quinn. A small group of her friends is about to plan the spring dance. Even goofball Isaac wants to participate in the planning, that is as long as he gets to be DJ. 

Everything changes when the principal calls an emergency assembly to announce that spring break is starting a day early and will last three weeks instead of the usual one week. That would be awesome news except it is connected to the pandemic that according to Quinn's father is getting really serious.

Quinn and her friends can't believe how quickly everything changes. Social distancing, mask wearing, and online classes for school are just a few of the ways life changes. Keeping their spirits up is more challenging every day.

Author Eric Walters describes how life has changed for the world since earlier this year. He captures the fear, frustration, and sadness everyone has experienced as our lives have become all about keeping safe and trying to carry on as normally as possible. DON'T STAND SO CLOSE TO ME is a quick read from Orca Publishers that is the first book I've seen highlighting COVID-19 and its effects on the world as we know it. And, yes, for all you music fans out there, the oldie Don't Stand So Close to Me by the Police is referenced near the end.

TURTLE BOY by M. Evan Wolkenstein

 

Seventh grade is tough enough, but Will Levine has extra complications. He quickly earns the nickname "Turtle Boy" because of a genetic jaw deformity he inherited from a father he barely knew. Will has seen pictures of his father, but the man's chin was covered by a beard. Will was only four years old when his dad went into the hospital for hernia surgery and never woke up from the procedure. Now Will is facing surgery of his own that will require breaking his jaw and wiring it shut for weeks after.

Will is also in the midst of preparing for his Bar Mitzvah. This requires standing in front of a roomful of people, giving a speech, and reciting a passage from the Torah in Hebrew. Will has trouble answering a simple question when asked so how is he going to perform in front of a crowd?

Another reason Will earned the nickname Turtle Boy may be the fact that he knows just about everything there is to know about turtles. He has collected several turtles from the Back 40, an area behind his school used by the science classes. He would rather spend time with his turtles than most people he knows.

As part of his Bar Mitzvah requirements, Will must log volunteer hours in his community. When things don't work out at the local soup kitchen, his Rabbi suggests visits to a boy named RJ who is sick in the local hospital. This definitely sounds like trouble to Will, but he doesn't really have a choice. Meeting RJ ends up changing Will's thoughts about a lot of things, and it does a lot of good for RJ as well.

TURTLE BOY by M. Evan Wolkenstein is a heart-warming story about a boy figuring out how to fit in to a world that makes him feel uncomfortable and alone. TURTLE BOY is the perfect addition to any middle grade collection.

LONG WAY DOWN: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL by Jason Reynolds & Danica Novgorodoff

 

Will knows the Rules: No Crying, No Snitching, and Get Revenge. When his brother is shot and killed, Will knows he should follow those Rules. He doesn't cry, he doesn't snitch (even though he knows who did it), and he grabs the gun from his brother's dresser drawer and vows revenge.

LONG WAY DOWN is the story of Will's elevator ride to revenge the death of his brother. Just seven floors down, but he is visited by the ghosts of significant friends and family members who were also shot and killed. Their words of wisdom will hopefully help Will know the right direction to take once he reaches the lobby.

Author Jason Reynolds's excellent novel in verse has been transformed into this amazing graphic novel. The drawings of Danica Novgorodoff add the perfect amount of visual detail to enhance an already powerful story. Get your hands on a copy ASAP.

DAMSEL by Elana K. Arnold

 

Prince Emory's quest begins after the death of his father, the king. Tradition dictates that the king-to-be must slay a dragon and rescue the damsel who will then become the wife of the new king. Emory travels to the dragon's lair, braving the treacherous journey and killing the monster. He rescues the beautiful maiden and carries her home. 

Upon waking, the damsel has no memories of her past, but that is to be expected. It is up to the prince to give her a name and return with her to the castle. Emory names the girl Ama. He is very pleased and so she shall be his bride.

Ama finds herself trying to adjust to a new life. With no memories of the past, she struggles to feel comfortable as the pampered soon-to-be queen. Something isn't quite right. She knows she must please the prince and the queen-mother and fit into this new role, but she longs to know more about the dragon and how she came to be his prisoner. 

Author Elana K. Arnold creates a fascinating fairy tale world in her award winning novel DAMSEL. Readers will rush to turn the pages as they follow Ama's story of rescue and royalty. It's easy to feel suspicion when it comes to Prince Emory and the life he insists Ama must now live. This reader is eager to read Arnold's latest offering, RED HOOD, which promises another fairy tale based adventure.

CLOSER TO NOWHERE by Ellen Hopkins

 

Hannah and Cal are cousins, but they have little in common until the day Cal moves in with Hannah and her parents. Their mothers were twins. Cal's mom died of cancer and his dad ended up in prison which resulted in Hannah's parents becoming his guardians. Hannah's normally quiet, orderly home became a much louder and messy place with the addition of cousin Cal.

Cal is prone to meltdowns and nightmares that throw everything into a tizzy for Hannah and her parents. There are constant arguments about Cal and the best way to discipline him. He gets in trouble at school and tells exaggerated stories that he thinks are entertaining but are actually big fat lies. When things get to be too much, he takes off leaving everyone to worry and fret until he decides to show up usually by evening or mealtime.

Hannah can't imagine what it would be to like to lose her mother, but she's getting really tired of dealing with Cal. He has to go everywhere with them because he can't be trusted to stay alone. He's ruined more than one family activity and caused Hannah to lose a chance to advance levels during her gymnastic competition. Things get even worse when news arrives that Cal's father has been released from prison at the same time Hannah's parents announce they'll be living separately for awhile.

Well-known author Ellen Hopkins has used her amazing talent to create this middle grade novel in verse. Inspired by her experiences raising her grandson, she gives readers a peek into living with a troubled child who's been dealt a raw deal. Both Cal and Hannah are realistic characters readers will immediately come to know and relate to as they navigate huge changes in their living circumstances. CLOSER TO NOWHERE will be popular with Hopkins's fans and no doubt earn her many new followers.

THE ASSIGNMENT by Liza Wiemer

 

Logan March is looking forward to her class with one of her favorite teachers. Mr. Bartley usually challenges his students to think for themselves and open their minds to different opinions. When Logan and her best friend Cade Crawford enter the new class, they are shocked to hear about their first assignment.

Mr. Bartley wants his students to debate the issue of the Wannsee Conference that supported the idea of ethnic cleansing during WW II. Half the class will be debating their support of the Nazi point of view. Logan and Cade find this to be deplorable. How can Mr. Bartley expect students to take the side of the Nazi regime and defend their rights to exterminate millions of Jews and others they deemed less than superior. 

Logan and Cade speak up and express their feelings that the assignment is immoral, but their protests fall on deaf ears. They take their concerns to the principal who defends Mr. Bartley's assignment and insists they must follow directions. Driven by their disgust toward the assignment, Logan and Cade develop an alternative assignment that they present to the administration, and they are finally given permission to be excused from the debate.

Not everyone feels the same as Logan and Cade, and the result is vandals defacing their lockers, posting hateful comments on social media, and even spray painting hate speech on Cade's family home. The media becomes involved which shines an unwanted spotlight on the school and community. The protest for the assignment even begins to effect Cade's family's business. Can the two successfully make their point and shut down the assignment? Will anything be accomplished or learned from having the debate or will it just rip the school and town farther apart?

THE ASSIGNMENT by Liza Wiemer is inspired by another book titled THE WAVE by Todd Strasser and a real life classroom situation. Readers will experience firsthand how hate can divide and disrupt as they witness Logan and Cade fight for what they believe is right.

FLAMER by Mike Curato

 

Aiden Navarro is hoping the summer passes slowly because at the other end he will be entering high school which has him dreading continued attacks by bullies and few friends. He is at a kind of crossroads in many ways. First, going from a Catholic school education into a public school setting means he might have a chance to start fresh but most likely not. He is pretty sure he doesn't like girls with the exception of Violet, his pen pal, but he's also sure he hates boys since they are mean and disgusting. It would be nice to have some answers but so far he hasn't found any.

Maybe a week at scout camp will help Aiden relax and forget what is in his future. He has always liked Boy Scout activities. He enjoys tent camping and canoeing. He knows how to gather wood and build a decent fire. This summer he learns that archery sounds pretty cool, but he sucks at it. He also knows it's a guarantee that he'll have to deal with bullies and being called a faggot, but that seems to go with the territory.

One positive is meeting Elias his tent mate. They become fast friends. Elias gives good advice, even in archery, and he stands up for Aiden with some of the bullies. The downside is Aiden might just like Elias a little too much. Some vivid dreams have him wondering just exactly where their relationship could go.

Author and illustrator Mike Curato patterns this well done graphic novel on his own personal history. He recalls how difficult it was to come to terms with being gay as a young teen, and he pours his experience out on the pages. Readers of all sexual preferences will find something to relate to in this story of self-discovery and growth.

DEEPFAKE by Sarah Darer Littman

 

Will and Dara are seniors. They have known each other for years, and now they are in competition for valedictorian. Both of them have recently received the news that they have been accepted to their first choice colleges. Will's made it into Stanford, and Dara's all set to attend her dream school, John Hopkins. They are now able to sit back and relax as they watch the rest of their friends wait for news of their own college choices.

 

Over the summer Will and Dara hooked up while working at a summer camp. Each agreed that keeping their romantic relationship is best so no one can say there was unfair influence in the close contest for valedictorian. Besides, Will's best friend MJ is also in the running for the top spot.

Their worlds are threatened with collapse when a video surfaces on a school gossip site. In the video Dara clearly claims Will paid someone to cheat on the SAT. Their newly revealed relationship is facing collapse, and Will's SAT scores are now under investigation. His place at Stanford may be in jeopardy as well. Dara insists she never said such a thing let alone made a video making the accusation.

In alternating voices and plenty of flashback scenes, author Sarah Darer Littman details Will and Dara's attempts to find out who made the damning video and who posted it on Rumor Has It. Littman deftly reveals the all-to-easy method of creating deepfake internet content and illustrates how damaging it can be. Readers will be immediately caught up in the competitive college acceptance fever and the effects of gossip on the relationships of high school life. Littman is also the author of BACKLASH, WANT TO GO PRIVATE?, ANYTHING BUT OKAY, and more.

BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER by K.A. Holt

 

If you haven't read a book by author K.A. Holt, here's a great place to start. Her novels in verse have well-developed story lines and unique characters that make them fast-paced reads that are sure to touch the hearts of every reader. I haven't met a book of Holt's I haven't thoroughly enjoyed.

BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER is about a small group of Florida summer school students hoping to pass their retakes of the FART. Well, everyone calls it the FART, but it's actually the Florida Rigorous Academic Assessment Test - FRAAT. Ben, Benita, Jordan, and Javier are all taking remedial reading summer school with Ms. J. to brush up on the skills they need to earn a passing score required on the test.

The tiny class is meeting in a room #113 which is really just a few desks crammed under the stairs at the end of a hall. Ms. J. quickly discovers that her students would much rather be playing a video game called Sandbox rather than reading aloud from a book she chose for the summer session. As a teacher willing to recognize what she labels as "divergent" students, she asks Benita to stay late one afternoon to help her choose a better book in the school library. Benita, or BenY as she prefers, selects a book called SAVE UR SERVER, SAVE UR SELF, a book about strategies for the Sandbox video game.

It takes some convincing, but Ms. J. agrees to let them read the book. They also agree to another deal which is that if they read aloud for 10 minutes each day in class, Ms. J. will play Sandbox with them for 10 minutes IN CLASS. The four students can't believe their teacher is actually willing to play a video game and at school to boot. 

As the summer passes, Ms. J. and her students learn about trust, friendship, and how being divergent is not a bad thing. As each student's unique story is revealed, readers will see them gain understanding of just what it means to help each other through the tough times. They even join forces to help Ms. J. in her time of need. Overall, a perfectly divergent tale.

HARD WIRED by Len Vlahos

 

Playing video games and daydreaming about a hot girl, those are the things that entertain high school student Quinn. He makes his mother happy by excelling in school, and he spends time with his younger brother when he can. When he discovers videos made by his father before he died of cancer, Quinn hopes to gain some insight into who he is and where his future might take him. Recently, Quinn has been experiencing fainting spells. These spells are dismissed as stress related, but the rather embarrassing habit of passing out is starting to annoy Quinn.

Upon waking from one of these spells, Quinn makes a frightening discovery. He is not really human. Waking in a sterile lab surrounded by strangers he soon learns are his "team," it is revealed that Quinn is actually an AI - artificial intelligence. The life he has been living is really a virtual world designed by screen writers, and he has been being studied by scientists and psychologists trying to create an artificial human.

As it becomes clear that Quinn might possibly be smarter than all of his creators combined, he starts to use the technology around him to attempt to return to what he wishes was still his normal daily life. Connecting with outsiders gives him hope that he can escape the lab, but his creators may have much more power over him than he realizes.

Author Len Vlahos is the author of award winning THE SCAR BOYS and several other awesome YA novels. In HARD WIRED Vlahos takes readers on a sci-fi adventure that will blow their minds. Quinn's life and abilities will have readers questioning exactly what might be possible in the not to distant future.

PRAIRIE LOTUS by Linda Sue Park

 

Little House on the Prairie fans rejoice! PRAIRIE LOTUS is just the book you are looking for. Hopefully, author Linda Sue Park will be writing about more of Hanna's adventures in the North Dakota territory.

Hanna is half-half as her mother would say. Her Chinese mother met and married Hanna's white father in 1880 despite the California law against it. Hanna doesn't remember much about her mother other than the love she shared with Hanna's father and the amazing sewing skills she shared with Hanna. Now Hanna is fourteen and hoping to follow in her mother's footsteps to become a talented seamstress and design dresses for the women in the prairie town where she just moved with her father.

Taunted and called a Chinaman has become familiar to Hanna. She is determined to finish her schooling and earn her diploma, but some folks in their new town are just as determined to make things difficult. A supportive teacher and a new friend make it a bit easier to tolerate the open prejudice of most the townspeople. Hanna wants to keep focused on her studies and helping her father set up the new dress shop business she hopes she will one day run.

PRAIRIE LOTUS by Linda Sue Park is filled with pioneer struggles, encounters with Indians, and facing irrational hatred. Readers will be immediately charmed by Hanna and thrilled at her courage and drive. This book is perfect for upper elementary and middle grade readers or any reader looking for a glimpse into the past.

BEFORE THE EVER AFTER by Jacqueline Woodson

 

ZJ's dad was a pro football player. Wherever they went, folks asked for his autograph and recalled amazing games and plays where he was the star. That was multiple concussions ago. Now ZJ's dad is sitting out the games and spending most of his time at home.

Life for this former football star is filled with terrible headaches, medical tests and new-fangled treatments, plus moods swings and memory loss. Life for ZJ is filled with ups and downs, keeping as quiet as possible, and trying to explain to friends why it's best if they don't come over to hang. ZJ has discovered some relief in his school activities and his music, but seeing his dad's condition has him terrified to play the sport he once loved. 

In between doctor visits and treatments, ZJ's dad has good days and bad. ZJ and his mother try to make the best of the good days as they come to terms with the new normal of their lives. Only close friends and family still come to visit, and sometimes there's news about other players suffering in similar ways. It is just the beginning of football's realization of the consequences of hard hits and brain trauma. Understanding is still difficult when ZJ feels that he is losing his dad.

Award winning author Jacqueline Woodson has taken a sometimes controversial topic and given it heart and soul. She shows the unique courage of families experiencing the aftermath of athletic brain trauma and the toll it takes. Written in verse, BEFORE THE EVER AFTER is a quick yet fascinating read. 

RUNNING by Natalia Sylvester

 

Life for Mariana "Mari" has always been about politics. Her father has held state offices, served as a Senator in DC, and now he's running for president. This means that Mari and her little brother are constantly appearing at rallies to show their support for their father. It's not Mari's favorite thing to do, but according to the people running the Ruiz for Prez campaign, it's necessary.

When Mari's best friend Vivi's parents get divorced and her father sells their home to a land developer, Mari begins to see first hand how politics really works. The developer is a huge supporter of her father's campaign which didn't raise any red flags until Mari joins a school political group interested in revealing some shady dealing involving contaminated water in the Miami area.

By following the money Mari learns that her father has been working with the developer to assure the new building project can go full steam ahead despite the fact that chemicals being dumped illegally may be making people sick. It's even worse when Mari discovers Vivi's grandmother may have fallen victim to the tainted water. 

Of course, when Mari questions her father, she is told to keep quiet and step aside for the sake of the campaign. The more Mari learns, the more determined she becomes to speak up and hold her father accountable. Can she make a difference or will she ruin his chances to win the Florida primary and move on in his bid for the White House?

RUNNING by Natalie Sylvester speaks to the political atmosphere of today. Written in a straightforward, no-nonsense style, RUNNING will capture the attention of teen readers and more. Mari's decision to protest is likely to inspire readers to speak up themselves for the injustices surrounding us in today's world. 

HARROW LAKE by Kat Ellis

HARROW LAKE by Kat Ellis is perfect for horror fans. Excellent descriptions of creepy scenarios fill almost every chapter as Lola struggles to deal with a frightening attack on her father and having to live in the backwater town where he filmed one of his famous horror movies years ago.

Lola returns to the New York City apartment she shares with her father filmmaker Nolan Nox only to find him stabbed and near death. He is rushed to the hospital, and Lola finds herself shuttled off to live with her grandmother in Harrow Lake. 

Harrow Lake is where Nolan met and married Lola's mother. The then young Lorelei was enchanted to meet the well-known movie director and even more thrilled to be cast in the lead for his latest movie. The two married and had little Lola, but Lorelei left them abruptly when Lola was five. Lola hasn't seen or heard from her since.

Now Lola is living with her maternal grandmother in the town where Lorelei grew up. The town is known only for being the location for the movie. Strange things are happening in the town and strange people are becoming common place in Lola's new life. Visions that include scenes related to the movie and the mother who abandoned her begin to plague Lola both day and night. Will she get the answers she seeks? Will she survive long enough to be reunited with her father once he recovers? Read HARROW LAKE and find out, if you dare.

 

PUNCHING THE AIR by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam

 

Amal knows he is guilty of throwing the first punch, but beyond that, he doesn't deserve to be serving time because of the fight. "It was just a fight," but because of a group of black guys, one white guy ended up in the hospital in a coma. Doesn't matter that the white guy was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Instead, people say it was the black kids in the wrong place at the wrong time, even though the black kids never have a right place or a right time for anything.

Amal's family hired a lawyer, but since the white kid was unconscious and couldn't tell the real truth, Amal is sitting in a cell. He is trying to keep things on the down low while he waits for visitors and the news that his lawyer is able to figure out how to get his conviction overturned. Amal is working the program. He's trying to attend classes and use his time to read, write his poems, and work on his art. He definitely has talent, but keeping his frustration under control means he doesn't always do the right thing which ends in lost privileges and solitary.

Once Amal gets the routine down, he finds support from Imani who drives five hours one way to teach a poetry workshop. She recognizes his skill with words and art and encourages him to tell his truth through his art.

PUNCHING THE AIR is written by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam. Yusef is one of the Central Park Five accused of beating a white jogger. Amal's story reflects that of Yusef as he attempted to serve his time as he awaited the day he would be exonerated. Described as more that just a story about incarceration, PUNCHING THE AIR illustrates the power of the written word and the strength of artistic creation to raise the spirit and honor the truth. Written in verse that reads as art itself on the page, this powerful novel speaks to the problems of our time.

SUICIDE NOTES by Michael Thomas Ford

 

Jeff wakes up in the hospital surrounded by his parents and medical professionals. Obviously, his suicide attempt was a failure. Now he is being committed to a program for 45 days. Will they figure out what's wrong or will he try again?

As Jeff begins participating in group and individual sessions with the psychiatrist, he insists he isn't crazy. It doesn't take long for him to realize that's probably what everyone thinks in these situations. He finds one of the other teens named Sadie fun to hang out with, and he attempts to get Martha to open up a bit. 

It's Rankin that has the biggest impact on Jeff. An accidental, embarrassing encounter in the bathroom turns in some experimental sexual activity that has Jeff realizing he is probably gay. This adds another layer to his therapy and why he attempted suicide in the first place. Now he must come to terms with this new information and how he will share it with his family.

SUICIDE NOTES by Michael Thomas Ford addresses the issue of suicide and mental health using dark humor and straight forward discussion. It is a book that would definitely answer some questions for teens dealing with issues without glamorizing the topic.

ROWLEY JEFFERSON'S AWESOME FRIENDLY ADVENTURE by Jeff Kinney

 

Greg Heffley of Wimpy Kid fame has some competition. His friend Rowley is writing his own material, but never fear, Greg is on hand to help with advice whether Rowley wants it or not.

Rowley is sitting down to write a book. His idea is filled with adventure and fantasy, and he's sure it will be a success. There's a one-eyed wizard, a pixie, a few monsters, a vampire, and even a werewolf for awhile. Rowley's hero is Roland. Roland is on a quest to rescue his mother who has been kidnapped by the White Warlock. If Roland doesn't get there in time, his mother will be forced to wed the White Warlock and will never be able to return home.

At the end of each chapter, Rowley receives writing advice from his friend Greg Heffley. Greg is convinced that only way to consider Rowley's book a success is if it gets made into a movie. Greg encourages Rowley to include plenty of adventure, maybe some romance, and for sure a couple of deaths. He thinks if Rowley does everything right, he will get a movie deal, action figure dolls of his characters, and even toys for kids in fast food meals across the country. Unfortunately, taking Greg's advice could mean compromising the story Rowley really wants to write.

Author Jeff Kinney returns with his trademark humor and fun illustrations in ROWLEY JEFFERSON'S AWESOME FRIENDLY ADVENTURE. Wimpy Kid fans will love this new storyline and no doubt beg for more.

FIGHTING WORDS by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

 

Delicious is 10 years old and would prefer to be called Della. Della has a story to share, but she knows it isn't going to be easy so she starts slowly. She and older sister Suki narrowly escaped death when their mother blew up a motel room cooking meth. Their mother ended up incarcerated in Kansas, and Della and Suki ended up living with Clifton their mom's boyfriend.

Now Della and Suki live with Francine. She is their foster mom, and according to her she has to take care of them and get them whatever they need with the money she gets from the state. Things aren't too bad. They have new clothes for the very first time. They have enough to eat and treats from Food City where Suki gets her first job. But, there's something hanging over Della's head from their lives before better times and foster care.

Back when they were living with Clifton, Suki's friend Teena showed up one day just in time to snap pictures proving that Clifton was touching Della in a most inappropriate way. Thanks to the video Della and Suki are now safe, and there's enough evidence to take Clifton to court. But, as usual for Della, things aren't as simple as they seem.

In addition to getting used to living with Francine, going to a new school, and making a new friend Della is trying to understand why Suki wakes screaming every night and refuses to explain what's bothering her. The truth becomes all too clear when Suki frightens Della by attempting suicide with a knife in Francine's kitchen. Now the girls must face their fears and find a way to ease the pain they are both experiencing.

In FIGHTING WORDS author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley deftly handles extremely sensitive subjects in a way that opens them to discussion and better understanding of the fact that more people are victims of sexual abuse that one could ever imagine. Della's 10 year old voice will break hearts as she speaks up for all those victims who might not yet have the courage.

KISS NUMBER 8 by Colleen Af Venable & Ellen T. Crenshaw

 

Mads plays video games with her dad and together they are watching a crazy sci-fi series that drives her mother nuts. They have a weekly "date" at the minor league baseball stadium where they eat cheese fries and root for the not-so-great local team. Mads's relationship with her mom is tense and often brings out the worst in Mads, but as a family they aren't bad.

Mads has a daring best friend named Cat who takes risks and sometimes drags Mads into things she normally wouldn't do. Lately, Cat has been encouraging Mads to step out into the dating/clubbing world in hopes of hooking her up with someone. Mads can easily count her romantic experiences on two hands, and she doesn't think any of them have been successful enough for further exploration.

When Mads suspects her dad has been having an affair, she discovers an even bigger and darker family secret. Neither of her parents are forthcoming with information so Mads does some detective work of her own and discovers her grandmother was not the woman she thought. The information creates a rift in her relationship with her dad that threatens to change things forever, especially when he discovers Mads is hiding a secret of her own.

KISS NUMBER 8 is hands-down the best graphic novel I've ever read. The format was comfortable and appealing, and the story flowed smoothly from page to page. I was immediately rooting for Mads and hoping the best would come her way. Teens will love this one no matter their interest or gender.

THE VOTING BOOTH by Brandy Colbert

Marva has been eagerly awaiting this day. She will be voting in her first election. She has been helping with "get the vote out" effort and hopes the results of the election will help further the issues she thinks will make a different to her community and the nation.

Marva successfully casts her vote, but as she's leaving the polling place she overhears a young man being told he can't vote. She immediately steps up to question what he's being told which is step one in a one day adventure you won't want to miss.

Duke knows voting is extremely important. He lost his older brother who was an ardent supporter of the right to vote and make a difference. Duke can't believe it when he is turned away without casting his vote. Fortunately, a bold girl named Marva takes control of the situation and whisks him off to figure things out so he can still vote before the polls close.

THE VOTING BOOTH by Brandy Colbert is perfectly timed given the upcoming election and the issues about mail-in ballots and attempts to stop people from exercising their right to vote. Colbert combines voting, a bit of romance, some family struggles, and lost kitty to make this novel a winner. Get it into the hands of readers today!