LIFEBOAT 12 by Susan Hood

 

LIFEBOAT 12 is based on a true story. Set during WW II as the Nazis began bombing England, readers will learn about the effort to transport children out of the city and out of danger.

Thirteen-year-old Ken Sparks was sent by ship to Canada by his father and stepmother. Although he knew he would miss his little sister, Ken was eager to go on this adventure. What followed was an uncomfortable train ride that included many stops when bombs threatened until Ken and the rest of the group of children arrived at the ship that would take them to safety.

The ship was a luxury liner which meant Ken and his fellow young passengers benefited from comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and entertainment they weren't used to at home. 

Five days into their journey, the ship was hit by German torpedoes. Ken ended up with nearly 50 others in lifeboat 12. It was eight grueling days later before they were finally rescued and taken back to England. 

Author Susan Hood recounts the horrors of the lifeboat passengers as they rationed water and food, suffered by trench foot, blazing sun, followed by freezing night temperatures. Ken Sparks was able to contribute firsthand details before his death in 2015.

THE SHAPE OF LOST THINGS by Sarah EverettTH

 

Skye Nickson's parents divorced years ago. Life changed when Skye and her brother Finn had to go for weekend visitations with their father. Even though he was a smart physicist, he had changed, and staying with him was uncomfortable. One weekend he and Finn took off and they haven't been heard from for four years.

Skye misses Finn. Her mother has done everything possible to find where Finn is, but even the police haven't been able to help until one day, Finn showed up. Now that he has returned, things should be going back to normal, but that's not happening. Everyone seems happy Finn's home, but Skye senses something isn't right.

Can Skye solve the mystery of Finn's disappearance and sudden return? Can she figure out if this Finn is the real Finn or some imposter?

Author Sarah Everett returns with a new thriller. Fans of THE PROBABILITY OF EVERYTHING will enjoy reading Skye's story as she tries to figure out what is real and what is not.

MY SO-CALLED FAMILY by Gia Gordon

 

Ashley "Ash" has almost lost count of how many foster homes she's been in since her mother went to prison for the second time. The only positive thing about her current placement is the presence of a wonderful tree she counts as her friend. Thankfully, she can always go sit in her tree when Gladys or her son Jordan are fighting. 

Summer is over and starting middle school is not something Ash is looking forward to. She does know her friend Gentry is there for her, and she even likes going to his house to play video games. Everyone else pokes fun at her about her hair, clothes, and home-life. How can she hope to open up in classes that expect her to reveal personal things she would rather hide?

When Ash's social studies teacher assigns a family tree project, all Ash can think of is her lack of family. At the end of the project, everyone is expected to present to the entire class. Great! She will definitely fail when she doesn't have anything to present. 

Life with Gladys gets more and more complicated as Jordan, his girlfriend, and their baby seem set to stay. Since Jordan isn't working, he spends his time chopping down trees around Gladys's house. Ash also witnesses him being abusive to his girlfriend and threatening to do the same to Ash. Ash knows she needs to seek help, but just who can she trust?

Author Gia Gordon explores the world of the middle grade novel with MY SO-CALLED FAMILY. Readers will be able to relate to a plot and characters that will hit true to life for many out there stuck in situations similar to Ash. Gordon shows that families aren't always made up of nicely organized branches.

UNSINKABLE CAYENNE by Jessica Vitalis

 

Cayenne is used to living in a van with her parents and her twin siblings. Their life involves constant moving around. She's never really known close friends, a school, or life in a stable environment.

When her father's friend offers him a job in a sawmill, they decide to rent a house for the first time. That means Cayenne will be attending seventh grade at a school and experiencing classes with official teachers, homework/projects, lunch in a cafeteria, and lots of new people her age.

Fitting in isn't as easy as Cayenne imagines it will be. She does make a new friend, but she also encounters bullies and teachers with expectations far beyond what she anticipated. To complicate matters, the sawmill may be closing, and her father loses his job. Depression kicks in and he shuts himself off from everything. Cayenne's mother tries to make up for the lost income, but she never really wanted to settle here in the first place. 

Jessica Vitalis, author of COYOTE QUEEN, introduces readers to another unique character in Cayenne. She is a courageous, inspiring character; determined to make things work in her new life. Written in verse, this is a great addition to any middle grade collection.

GRACIE UNDER THE WAVES by Linda Sue Park

 

Gracie has only been snorkeling a few times, but she knows she wants to go again. Every chance she gets she is researching it and finding where in the world to go for the best snorkeling experience. With vacation coming up, she is determined to get her parents to book an amazing snorkeling adventure.

Her greatest dream is to go to the Maldives. When she discovers how expensive it is, she knows she needs a backup plan. She also needs the family to go somewhere a little easier so her little brother Ben can learn to snorkel. In her research Gracie comes across Roatan, Honduras. She puts together a plan she hopes her parents can't refuse.

Success! Gracie's family will be traveling to Roatan. They fly in and the adventure begins. There are ups and downs and lots to learn, but the trip is just what Gracie hoped.

Author Linda Sue Park takes readers on the adventure with Gracie. Park helps readers learn about coral reefs and how climate change is causing problems that need concerned people like Gracie and her new friends to keep them alive and thriving. This is a great middle grade book for both entertainment and education.

THIRSTY by Jas Hammonds

 

THRISTY by Jas Hammonds is a YA novel about moving on from high school to college. Blake and her girlfriend have a goal to be admitted to the Serena Society. Members of this sorority are the best of the best, and the most popular and influential young women on campus. If they can score a spot in this elite group, it promises they will be set for life.

Part of the process involves getting the attention of the top girls in the group. There's a lot of partying and a lot of steps in the initiation process. Blake isn't as secure in the knowledge that she will be invited to join, so she goes overboard at the gatherings. Alcohol seems to fuel what she needs to show off for those who are judging the potential of future members. Unfortunately, Blake isn't always in control when she drinks. 

Drinking brews trouble between her and girlfriend Ella, and her friend Annetta is always on the alert and worried about Blake when she drinks. With no one at home who really cares or watches out for Blake, things frequently get out of hand.

Author Jas Hammonds is also known for her novel WE DESERVE MONUMENTS. THIRSTY is a cautionary tale about taking things too far.

OUT OF MY DREAMS by Sharon M. Draper

 

Fans of Sharon M. Draper's OUT OF MY MIND will be thrilled to hear about the final book in the trilogy, OUT OF MY DREAMS. Melody's adventure continues as she travels to London.

Melody was sitting in her wheelchair looking across the street at Miss Gertie's house at the perfect time. Miss Gertie is out checking her roses when she falls. She is unmoving on the walkway. Melody tries to holler for help, but no one hears her grunts and squeals. That's when she remembers what she's learned about 911.

Melody calls 911 and bravely uses Elvira to communicate when the 911 operator answers. In no time, sirens sound off in the distance and help arrives. Miss Gertie is taken to the hospital.

Soon Melody is getting phone calls from reporters and television news stations. Everyone is calling her a hero. Miss Gertie recovers thanks to Melody's quick response. Melody is offered a chance to participate in the I.D.E.A. conference in London. She can hardly believe she'll be flying on a plane and traveling to another country.

Author Sharon M. Draper concludes Melody's story with an adventure like nothing readers could ever imagine for the young girl who can't walk and can't talk without the help of her speaking device, Elvira.

TWENTY-FOUR SECONDS FROM NOW by Jason Reynolds

 

I recently watched MSNBC's Ali Velshi's Banned Book Club. His guests were Judy Blume and Jason Reynolds. They discussed Blume's FOREVER and the attempts through the years to ban the book. Reynolds commented how the book influenced him as a young reader and now as a writer. He was inspired to write TWENTY-FOUR SECONDS FROM NOW, the story of a seventeen-year-old young man and his concerns about having sex for the first time.

Neon and Aria have been dating for two years. They have both decided they are ready to take their relationship to the next step - sex. They have made a plan for when and where, but both are nervous.

Neon is the perfect boyfriend (girls out there, you need one like him), so he wants to be prepared when he takes this big step with Aria. Readers will take the journey with Neon as he goes back in time that leads up to the big moment. He researches, has conversations with family and friends, and tries to mentally prepare so the moment will be perfect.

Filled with frank and often humorous details, Reynolds's TWENTY-FOUR SECONDS FROM NOW provides male readers with much the same advice that Blume provided for girls in her book FOREVER. This love LOVE story is definitely a must read for teens and anyone who knows how important care and kindness is in today's world.

DEER RUN HOME by Ann Clare LeZotte

 

Effie is deaf. She communicates with American Sign Language, but unfortunately no one in her family has ever bothered to learn ASL. She manages by writing notes and pointing. She and her sister Deja have recently moved in with their father. He doesn't bother keeping food in the house or cleaning or doing laundry. Effie's life is a struggle.

At school Effie has a translator, Miss Kathy. She is worried about Effie but has a difficult time getting Effie to open up about the conditions at home. She knows something happened at Effie's mother's house which is why Effie and Deja moved in with their father.

Miss Kathy makes a surprise visit to see Effie. She brings a wonderful carry-out dinner. During the visit, she sees the poor conditions of the home and immediately steps in to help Effie. She suggests Effie come live with her, and much to Effie's surprise, her father agrees. Now Miss Kathy can work to make this temporary plan something more permanent.

Ann Clare LeZotte is also the author of the SHOW ME A SIGN trilogy. She uses her own experiences as a deaf person to give readers a realistic picture Effie's situation. Written in verse, DEER RUN HOME, is a quick and inspiring read.

OUTSIDE NOWHERE by Adam Borba

 

I highly recommend OUTSIDE NOWHERE by Adam Borba to fans of the book HOLES. 

Parker is considered odd by most people. He dresses in suits and formal wear he finds in thrift stores. He spends most of his free time visiting with an elderly neighbor Ms. Birdseye. His father believes he needs to get a summer job, so Parker checks out the local swimming pool. He is fired before he even starts after he pours purple drink mix powder into the pool. No one seems to appreciate the beautiful purple color especially after they have to drain the pool and scrub it clean.

Parker's father doesn't agree with Parker's wish to spend the summer at the beach with his best friend. Instead, Parker is put on board a train that is taking him to some farm in the Midwest. When he finally arrives, he spends the days pulling weeds, spreading topsoil, and watering radishes. These radishes seem to be special for some reason. Parker wonders why the radishes are delivered all over the country to fill small orders of only 2 or 3 radishes each.

Author Adam Borba keeps readers in suspense as he weaves a curious tale about Parker's summer at the radish farm. There's plenty of hard work and lessons in friendship and what is really important in life.

STRANDED by Nikki Shannon Smith

 

Ava has always dreamed of leaving the city and experiencing nature. As summer approaches, she has the idea of asking her parents to let her visit her aunt who lives in a cabin in the Adirondack Mountains. She is amazed when they say yes!

She says goodbye to her parents and her three brothers and travels with Auntie Raven into Adirondack Park. When she arrives, she is a bit surprised at how rough the cabin is and how few modern conveniences there are. She immediately begins learning what it is like to live in and survive in nature.

Ava learns how to fish and hunt, although, she doesn't have much luck. She chops wood, does some rough camping, and learns to do her laundry by hand. Other than a few trips into town to the post office and the library, Ava is spending time in nature just as she hoped. 

When Auntie Raven gets news that she will have to travel to California, Ava must adjust to the fact that she will have to return to the city earlier than she had planned. There is a miscommunication between Ava's parents and her aunt which leaves Ava stranded in the mountain cabin. What follows is a hair-raising adventure that will test Ava's newly acquired survival skills.

Author Nikki Shannon Smith's novel STRANDED is perfect for adventure seekers and readers who have loved reading books like Gary Paulsen's HATCHET. 

ANSWERS TO DOG by Pete Hautman

 

AWSWERS TO DOG by Pete Hautman is a heartwarming story about a group of underdog characters and, of course, a dog. Perfect for middle grade readers for independent reading or a read-aloud everyone will love.

Evan doesn't really feel comfortable anywhere. At home his father is busy carving dragons in his workshop and his mother is either reading, cooking predictable dinners, or sleeping. Evan is pretty much on his own. Running helps him relax and feel free. At school Evan hangs out with a group who have been labeled the Nerd Posse. Their goal is to keep a low profile and stay away from the bullies.

Everything starts to change when Evan finds the white dog. The dog joins him on his run one afternoon. He knows his mother would never consider letting him have a dog, but maybe he can convince her with his dad's help. 

He discovers that the dog often escapes from a local business called Happy Dog. When he goes to visit the business, he finds out the owner is a mean old man who mistreats the dogs he breeds. The white dog has every reason to escape when he gets a chance. Evan is even more convinced that he needs to rescue the dog and give him a home.

Author Pete Hautman weaves an adventurous tale told in alternating voices of Evan and the dog. With the help of his friends and eventually some adults, Evan uses problem solving and creative thinking to reach a satisfactory end.

LIGHT ENOUGH TO FLOAT by Lauren Seal

 

Evie's parents decide that she is sick. She has been diagnosed as anorexic. It is time to seek help. Evie is taken to a treatment facility that specializes in eating disorders.

At only fourteen years old she is the youngest patient in the facility. She doesn't believe she belongs there. Why shouldn't she be able to determine what food and how much food she eats? Now she is talking to a therapist, having her calories controlled, and having her physical activities managed. Dr. Mantell tells her she will be staying for treatment for at least a month. It all depends on her.

As she begins gaining weight, the doctor increases her calories. While she feels bloated and totally out of control, she is being told that she is getting healthier and looking better. This is not what Evie wants to hear.

Making friends with several of the other patients, helps Evie deal with the frustration of having her body controlled by others. Besides learning how to change her feelings about food, she is exploring feelings about her family and what has led to her anorexia. 

Author Lauren Seal used her own experiences with anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder to create Evie's story. Readers with similar experiences should find hope and encouragement through Evie's journey.

WITCH HUNT by Andrea Balis & Elizabeth Levy

 

*Thank you to Media Masters Publicity for the opportunity to review this book.

WITCH HUNT by Andrea Balis & Elizabeth Levy & illustrated by Tim Foley chronicles the historical events surrounding the Cold War, Joe McCarthy, and the Red Scare. 

At the end of WW I, there was the Communist Revolution in Russia. In the years that followed, Communism grew and spilled over into countries like ours. Joining the Communist party or simply having it thought that someone might be connected to Communism meant being placed on a blacklist in the U.S. 

The most notorious hunter of Communists was Joseph McCarthy. He was determined to eliminate any Communists from the country. The HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee) was formed in 1938 by Congress. People lived in fear that they would somehow be identified as communists or fascists. They could lose their jobs and be forced out of their communities. Famously, Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were even executed as so-called communists.

WITCH HUNT covers the time period from the end of WW I until 1961. Presidents Harry Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower presided over much of this era known as the Red Scare. Joe McCarthy, later elected Senator, joined with Roy Cohn and David Schine to search for and prosecute many innocent people over the years. 

Authors Balis and Levy have recorded the events in an easy-to-read format that includes verbatim interviews, original stories from those involved, transcripts, and sections titles "Fly on the Wall." Their account tells of scary times involving book bans, blacklists, and paranoia that interestingly resemble some things in politics today. I highly recommend WITCH HUNT for teen and even adult readers.

IT WASN'T ME by Dana Alison Levy

 

School isn't Theo's favorite place, so when someone vandalizes his photography project, he is convinced everyone hates him. The next day someone opens the darkroom door even though he had posted signs telling people not to open it. That action ruins more photos he was developing. Everyone is definitely out to get him.

There are five suspects the principal believes might be guilty. She is ready suspend them all until Ms Lewiston steps up and suggests something called Justice Circle. The plan is for Theo and the five suspects to give up their upcoming week vacation to come to school and work out what really happened. 

Ms Lewiston may be Theo's favorite teacher, but the activities she has the six of them doing are simply put - uncomfortable. Will all this talking really end up with someone confessing to ruining Theo's art? Will the group thinking change? Will they become friends in the end?

A YEAR TO THE DAY by Robin Benway

 

The accident was a year ago. Leo and her parents have been missing Nina for one year, although it seems like more.

Nina, her boyfriend East, and Leo went to a party. On the way home they were hit by a drunk driver. Nina didn't survive. Now Leo tries to take care of her mother, stay close to her father and his new wife, as she confides in East since he's the only one who truly understands.

Author Robin Benway tells the story in reverse order beginning one year after the accident and retracing events and moments experienced by Leo and Nina's loved ones. Focused on love and loss, A YEAR TO THE DAY illustrates what's necessary to navigate a tragedy.

RISE OF THE SPIDER by Michael P. Spradlin

 

Rolf never knew his mother. She died right after his birth. He lives with his father and his older brother Romer. The first World War is over, but now there are threats of more unrest. Rolf tries to stay out of the conflict, but when he sees his brother getting involved, it becomes harder by the day.

When representatives of the Hitler Youth arrive in Heroldsberg, Rolf and his friend Ansel are curious, but they watch from a distance. Rolf knows it would be dangerous to get too close. Unfortunately, his brother Romer claims he is ready for adventure, and he sees the group as a way to get away from the small town ways. Rolf watches as his father and brother argue about which path he should follow.

The membership of the Hitler Youth increases and what follows is violence toward innocent townspeople. Rolf is worried about his brother, his neighbors, and even his father whose business may be threatened.

Michael P. Spradlin has written numerous historical fiction novels for middle grade readers. His research and creative writing bring history alive for readers. RISE OF THE SPIDER is book #1 in a new series titled The Web of the Spider. I look forward to reading more.

NOT ANOTHER BANNED BOOK by Dana Allison Levy

 

Molly is still recovering from death of her brother two years ago. Even though he had been sick since birth, it hit hard when he finally lost the battle. Molly has become used to picking up the slack for her parents. She took on caring for herself and her little sister and trying not to bother their parents.

When Molly learns that her favorite teacher Ms Lewiston has been suspended, and the book club that made going to school worthwhile has been shut down, Molly is furious. Gathering with friends to discuss books Ms Lewiston had in her classroom was something that Molly really looked forward to. When everything else seemed out of control, at least she had this, and now it was gone.

Molly and the members of the club try to find out what happened. Evidently some person complained about the books they were reading and the discussions they were having in the club. Now Molly is determined to organize her friends into a group to protest these changes. 

Can they figure out just who complained? Can they convince the administration that they have the right to read and discuss what they want? Molly and friends learn about all the book banning going on across the country as they try to solve the problem at their own school.

Author Dana Alison Levy presents the book banning issue through the eyes of students who find it effecting their lives. Readers will learn along with Molly and maybe even come up with solutions of their own.

SHAKEN by James Preller

 

Kristy's world is all about soccer. She's only thirteen, but she is already playing at the varsity level. Everyone says she'll probably win national awards and maybe play at the Olympic level someday. Soccer is on her mind as soon as she wakes in the morning and fills her dreams at night.

She doesn't really remember the play that put her on the sidelines. All she remembers is lying on the ground with her coach and players asking if she is okay. Doctors diagnose her with a severe concussion. What follows are horrible headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and the inability to concentrate. She is told to rest, and things will improve.

How long will it take for things to improve? When will she be able to play again? She is even wondering when she will be able to sit through a day at school. Doing her classwork at home isn't working. She's failing all her classes, and she's pretty sure all her teammates hate her because the team isn't doing well. Her dad isn't talking to her, and her mother seems constantly disappointed in her. 

Months pass as Kristy tries to figure out what will happen if she can't play anymore. Maybe she doesn't even want to play anymore.

Author James Preller artfully captures the pain and disability of concussion for a young athlete. A condition that used to be dismissed as just part of sport, concussion is now getting the attention it deserves. Preller shows readers how Kristy must deal with the physical and emotional impact of a potentially career ending injury. I highly recommend SHAKEN for middle grade, high school, and even adult readers.

THE WRONG WAY HOME by Kate O'Shaughnessy

 

Fern has lived at the Ranch with her mother for six years. She was only six when they moved here after years of moving from one place to another. Dr. Ben is in charge of the Ranch. He makes the rules and makes sure everything runs smoothly. They make their own clothes, raise their own food, and keep to themselves. Fern loves it there.

Dr. Ben pulls Fern aside and tells her he would like her to celebrate her rite of passage in a few months. Fern isn't even thirteen yet, but Dr. Ben tells her he knows she is ready. She is just about to tell her mother the exciting news when her mother packs their few things and drives them off under the cover of darkness.

At first Fern believes Dr. Ben has sent her and her mother on a mission "off site," but soon she realizes that isn't the case. They drive for days from the Ranch in upstate New York all the way to California. Fern loves the sight of the Pacific Ocean, but she isn't sure about her mother's decision to stop in a small town where she gets a job cleaning rooms in a motel. They unpack their things in one of the rooms. It becomes clear this is going to be "home."

Fern begs her mother to take her back to the Ranch, but Fern realizes she will have to find a way to contact Dr. Ben so he can rescue her. She uses her wits and the resources she discovers at school to figure out how to find an address for the Ranch. Even though she is becoming more comfortable in this new place, she sends off a letter and waits to hear from Dr. Ben.

Author Kate O'Shaughnessy weaves an intricate tale of intrigue and suspense. Readers gradually discover the true nature of the Ranch and the reasons why Fern and her mother are probably safer and better off in this small town by the ocean. 

JUPITER RISING by Gary D. Schmidt

 

One of my favorite books is ORBITING JUPITER by Gary D. Schmidt. I was thrilled to meet him several years ago and even more excited to learn there would be a companion book. JUPITER RISING was just released, and I read it in a day! It has the same emotional impact as the first book as well as the same feeling of love and heartbreak.

Jack is still dealing with the loss of Joseph. Having his parents adopt baby Jupiter has made life bearable. She is now three years old. She follows Jack around the farm and brightens everyone's day. When Jack starts running cross country and training with a boy named Jay Perkins, he begins to gain some much-needed confidence. Much to his surprise, Jay and Jupiter also become fast friends.

All is going well until Jupiter's grandparents show up and threaten to sue for full custody of Joseph's little girl. Will Jack lose his only connection to his foster brother? Will losing Jupiter mean he can't keep the promise he made to Joseph?

If you haven't read ORBITING JUPITER, grab a copy soon. Once you read it, you'll want to follow up with JUPITER RISING to learn the rest of the story. 

DAD'S GIRLFRIEND AND OTHER ANXIETIES by Kellye Crocker

 

It's been just Ava and her dad for as long as she can remember. Her mother died when she was just a baby. Father and daughter get along quite well, that is until he gets a girlfriend.

Having a girlfriend is okay with Ava, but when Ava's dad announces a trip to Colorado to meet the girlfriend and her daughter, it triggers Ava's anxiety. They will be gone for two weeks! They will be flying! And, they will be going to one of the most dangerous states in the U.S.! Mountains, bears, altitude sickness - how will they ever survive.

Once they arrive, even more surprises pop up. They will be going up into the mountains for days. There will be hiking, horseback riding, and a Mud Run obstacle course. What is her father thinking? Will Ava discover that she is braver than she thought? Will she discover other people have similar worries? Will she discover her father doesn't know everything there is to know about the girlfriend?

Author Kellye Crocker takes readers into Ava's world where they will experience her worries and her fears. She doesn't always make good choices and learns there can be consequences she never anticipated. 

SYNC by Ellen Hopkins

 

Readers will be immediately hooked on Hopkins' newest characters, Storm and Lake. These twins have pretty much everything stacked against them from the very beginning. Life with their mother and Beverly (grandmother) is not ideal, and when their mother decides they are too much of a bother, they end up in foster care.

A few placements keep them together, but that doesn't last. Both end up bouncing from home to home, and for the last four years they haven't seen each other at all.

Storm is living with a man named Jim. They get along well. Jim even encourages Storm to stay on the straight and narrow. Storm's temper doesn't make that easy. After his girlfriend in raped, Storm badly beats her attacker and lands himself in juvenile detention. Given his current anger, things don't go well for Storm.

Lake ends up in a placement with a girl named Parker. They develop a relationship and fall in love. When they are caught in bed together, they decide to run instead of being split up and sent to separate homes. Life on the streets is not kind to either of them. Parker disappears for days, leaving Lake alone. She decides foster care is a better way to live and returns to the system.

Following Storm and Lake's stories will surely touch the hearts of readers. Their stories are tough and focus on a system that doesn't always work for kids in need. Hopkins' direct and often hard verse has been criticized, but her stories tell a truth that needs to be heard.

STAY DEAD by April Henry

 

It's been a while since I picked up a book and read it in a day. STAY DEAD is definitely "a can't put it down" read. I'd say April Henry at her best!

Milan has been kicked out of her third boarding school. Now she's headed home to Portland at least for a short bit until her Senator mother finds another school for her. Since her father, the first Senator Mayhew, was killed in a car accident, Milan has been shuffled around. Feeling guilty that she may have been responsible for the accident has Milan acting out and making poor choices that might be her way of getting her mother's attention.

Now Milan is boarding a private plane with her mother and her staff. It probably isn't the attention she wanted, but it is what it is. Shortly after takeoff, over mountainous terrain, one of the plane's wings explodes. The aircraft crashes in the forest and Milan is the only survivor. Just before she dies, her mother warns her she is in danger, and she must promise to "stay dead" and deliver some evidence to a family friend. What follows is an action-packed journey to outwit those out to destroy the evidence and Milan. 

Author April Henry uses her wits and her talents to research everything her characters experience to weave a truly suspenseful tale. Readers will be rooting for Milan as they turn pages holding their breaths to the very end.

THE COLDEST WINTER I EVER SPENT by Ann Jacobus

 

Living with Aunt Fran in San Francisco has been the best thing for Delilah "Del." Her suicide attempt 18 months ago was a wake-up call for everyone. Del had been dealing with anxiety and depression for a while, and when it turned into alcoholism and drug addiction, her downward spiral happened fast.

With her mother dead and her father living in London, Aunt Fran stepped up to provide the stability Del needed. Working part-time in Aunt Fran's art gallery, volunteering for the suicide prevention hot line, and attending AA meetings, keeps Del busy and hopefully on the straight and narrow. She's planning to start college in the fall and hoping to get closer to longtime friend Nick if he gets the scholarship that will bring him to SF.

All this smooth sailing is cut short when Aunt Fran's cancer returns. The diagnosis is more serious this time, and when chemo treatments fail, Del finds out just how strong she is as she takes over Fran's care full-time. Can she deal with her aunt's disease and pain without losing her own way?

Author Ann Jacobus focuses on suicide and death and dying in THE COLDEST WINTER I EVER SPENT. Readers will quickly become connected to Del and Fran as they follow the months following Del's recovery and Fran's deteriorating health. Their story will stay with readers long after the final scene.

GENESIS BEGINS AGAIN by Alicia D. Williams

 

Genesis keeps a list of the things she dislikes about herself. That list is long and getting longer. When she arrives home from school to find everything they own sitting on the front lawn for the fourth time, she is fed up. What is wrong with her father? Why doesn't he pay the rent? Will she and her mother have to go stay with her bossy grandmother again or will they have to stay in someone's basement again?

After staying with her grandmother once again, Genesis is thrilled when her father shows up to take them to see the house he has been able to rent from a friend at his work. It's in a suburb called Farmington Hills, and it is amazing. Her father also tells them he is getting a promotion that will give them the chance to have everything they have always wanted.

Now all Genesis has to do is fix the things about her that she hates. Most of all it is her dark skin. She hates having her father's dark skin and broad nose and lips. Why can't she look more like her mother? She reads about ways to lighten her skin, but nothing seems to work. The kids at her new school are just like the kids in her other schools. They call her names like Charcoal and Burnt.

When her father starts disappearing for days at a time and is drunk when he comes home, Genesis blames herself. She knows he must hate her because she isn't light skinned and pretty like her mother. It isn't until she discovers she has a talent for singing that she believes there's hope for her to prove her worth to her father. Hopefully, he'll stop drinking and work harder to help them keep the most wonderful house they've ever had.

Author Alicia D. Williams explores the prejudice of colorism as she introduces readers to a topic most don't understand. Family pressures and disfunction join up with bullying to make this a story that will open readers' eyes as they witness Genesis try to beat the odds to discover her true worth.

SUNRISE NIGHTS by Jeff Zentner & Brittany Cavallaro

It is the summer before junior year. Florence and Jude are at an arts camp along the shore of Lake Michigan. Florence is a dancer and Jude is into photography. Neither of them have met until this last night of camp. 

At the final bonfire, Florence and Jude meet as they are toasting marshmallows. Jude suggests Florence might want to try carefully toasting the sweet treats instead of incinerating them. This conversation begins a night together.

The last night of camp is known as Sunrise Night. The campers are given the freedom to roam the town as long as they check in at designated times throughout the night. Florence and Jude get to know each other as they wander the town.

They agree to meet again the following summer on Sunrise Night. It is also agreed that they won't communicate at all until they meet again. Can a friendship or more be created in this way? Florence and Jude both hope so. 

Authors Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro collaborate using a combination of prose and verse to create this unique story.

 

INVISIBLE ISABEL by Sally J. Pla

 

Isabel doesn't enjoy havoc and hullabaloo. It isn't easy to avoid it though with five siblings squeezed into a tiny house. Things aren't any better at school where the bell rings so loudly she has to cover her ears, and the lunchroom is chaotic with nowhere to sit. She sometimes finds quiet under the trees at the edge of the school grounds, but she's still nervous and her stomach hurts.

A new girl named Monica is making Isabel even more uncomfortable. All the girls she used to pal around with are hanging out with Monica who has made it clear that Isabel doesn't fit in their group. When Isabel tries to talk to her mother about how uncomfortable she feels, her mother is too busy with her job and parenting Isabel's siblings.

Isabel believes her stomach pains are caused by the worry-moths she feels fluttering in her tummy. There's the homework worry-moth, the don't miss the bus worry-moth, and the eating-alone worry-moth, just to name a few. It isn't until a real physical pain accompanied by a raging fever lands Isabel in the hospital that people begin to take her seriously.

Author Sally J. Pla takes readers into the life of neuro-divergent Isabel where they will begin to understand how other people think and feel. INVISIBLE ISABEL should be in every classroom and library!

THE TURTLE OF OMAN and THE TURTLE OF MICHIGAN by Naomi Shihab Nye

 

  

Two awesome books for middle grade readers! Book #1 begins in Oman which borders Saudi Arabia. Aref and his parents are preparing to leave their home in Muscat to travel to Michigan. Aref's parents are both professors who will be continuing their education at the University of Michigan. 

Readers will learn all about life in Oman. Aref spends time with his grandfather Sidi. Aref loves Sidi even more than he loves sea turtles. Together, they go fishing, spend the night in the desert, help train a falcon, and spend time with family. Aref is prepared to do anything to avoid packing for their extended trip to Michigan. He is afraid he won't make any new friends, and he knows he will miss Sidi.

Book #2 has Aref and his mother traveling to Michigan. They are met at the airport by Aref's father who has already been there settling into an apartment that will be their home for the next three years.

It doesn't take long for Aref to meet the neighbors and make new friends. He loves sightseeing around Ann Arbor and reporting back to Sidi via email. He is thrilled to learn about Michigan turtles. At the end of the summer, Aref starts at his new school. He loves his teacher and feels comfortable with his new friends.

Author Naomi Shihab Nye easily communicates what it is like to leave a familiar place and begin somewhere new. Readers will relate to Aref and the worries he has about his new adventure.

TREE. TABLE. BOOK. by Lois Lowry

 

Sophie Winslow is eleven almost twelve years old. Sophie Gershowitz is eighty-eight years old. They are neighbors and best friends. Young Sophie loves to go over and chat with her best friend. They help each other in many ways.

When Sophie overhears her parents talking about the elderly woman and the fact that her son is coming to visit, she is worried about what she hears. They say that he is going to take his mother to a doctor who is going to test her cognitive skills. He is concerned that his mother may have dementia. 

Sophie immediately begins to research what that means. She is determined to prepare her friend for this test. If she can prep her for the questions the doctor will ask, maybe the son will let her keep living next door and not take her to live near him in Akron.

Author Lois Lowry's new book tells a wonderful, tender story about two unlikely friends. Young Sophie must face the fact that her best friend may be failing and need more assistance than she can offer. While trying to prepare the elderly woman for the test, Sophie learns about her history in the old country and her life as a child during wartime. TREE. TABLE. BOOK. is a must-have for every library and classroom.

KEEP IT LIKE A SECRET by John David Anderson

 

Claire is the older sister about to graduate from high school. Morgan is the little brother starting junior high in the fall. Together they have been inseparable, that is until recently.

Claire is constantly fighting with their mother. There's yelling and doors slamming as Claire leaves and sometimes doesn't come back for days. This time it started with yelling and ended with porcelain dolls being thrown to the floor. It's been five days this time. Morgan feels left behind, and memories of the good times just aren't enough to make him feel better.

Morgan is thrilled when Claire picks him up in her not so gently used car and promises this day will be for just the two of them. They stop for snacks and drinks before heading off on what she promises will be an adventure. 

There are times when it feels like it used to between them, but it is all a bit to uncertain for Morgan. He gets to meet Sasha, Claire's girlfriend, although he's afraid of her giant dog. Claire shows Morgan her secret places including a small park and an awesome waterfall. There's art under a bridge reminding Morgan of the comic they once created together. All the while Morgan knows there's something Claire is trying to tell him, and he's pretty sure it isn't going to be good news.

Author John David Anderson weaves a detailed tale of brother and sister love, well-kept secrets, and inevitable change. Full of emotional ups and downs, KEEP IT LIKE A SECRET is the perfect addition for middle grade and high school collections.

MID-AIR by Alicia D. Williams

 

Isaiah, Drew, and Darius are inseparable. They hang together and they stunt together. They are always betting to see who wins. They are convinced they will beat every Guiness Book record there is.

When tragedy strikes, Isaiah and Drew are left to carry on. Isaiah needs someone to grieve with, but he and Drew are handling things differently. Isaiah can't seem to open up to anyone which frustrates his concerned parents. They decide to send him to his aunt and uncle's farm for the summer.

The change of scenery and the physical labor help Isaiah begin to cope with his loss. Meeting new friends and accepting new challenges gives him the courage to share his feelings. By the end of the summer, he understands himself better and appreciates what a summer away has given him.

Author Alicia D. Williams uses verse to take readers on a journey of ups and downs and love and loss. Written in verse, MID-AIR is fast paced, filled with crazy stunts, heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time.

PIZZA FACE by Rex Ogle

 

Author Rex Ogle has followed up on his graphic novel FOUR EYES. Now going into seventh grade, Rex is plagued by more problems. First, it's a huge zit in the middle of his forehead. How is he supposed to start school with that in front of him? 

Besides acne, Rex hasn't grown an inch since last year. His voice is so squeaky he sounds like a girl. Hanging onto his friends is also a challenge since he doesn't seem to be able to say the right thing.

Homelife isn't much better either. He is still taking care of his little brother, and his mother is still working all the time but never offering to buy the things Rex needs. If it wasn't for his abuela, he wouldn't have the acne medication he needs, and his underarms would still stink without the deodorant she provides. 

Puberty is kicking Rex's butt. It isn't until the year is finally over that he begins to understand it isn't just him. Everyone in the seventh grade is having issues.

PIZZA FACE is the perfect read for middle school kids having their shares of challenges. Rex Ogle really knows how to shine a light on what kids need to know.

STEPPING OFF by Jordan Sonnenblick

 

Jesse looks forward to spending the summer in Pennsylvania. He gets to hang out with his two best friends, Chloe and Ava. They all work at the recreation center. Jesse spends his time giving tennis lessons to the kids and the old ladies. When the three of them aren't working, they are hanging out and enjoying the summer.

One problem Jesse has is that he is pretty sure he is in love with both Chloe and Ava. He fantasizes about them but knows he can't act on his feelings without hurting one of them.

His feelings about the girls aren't the only things bothering Jesse this particular summer. His parents have been arguing constantly. They never seem to be in the same place at the same time, and their excuses seem like complete lies. Jesse's older sister Leah agrees that something is going on, but she's too busy with her boyfriend to be much help.

The summer ends with an encounter between Jesse and Chloe that has Jesse hoping there might be more to their best friend relationship than he once thought. As his junior year begins, connecting with Chloe becomes difficult, and his parents' marriage is steadily crumbling. As his grades slip, he tries to lose himself in his love of music. 

The arrival of a worldwide pandemic changes everything. Schools shut down, his elderly grandparents living in Florida are in danger from the virus, and he finds himself stuck living in a small apartment with his mother. One crisis follows another as Jesse tries to hold himself together.

Author Jordan Sonnenblick, known for DRUMS, GIRLS, AND DANGEROUS PIE, has written another hit. STEPPING OFF takes readers on a rollercoaster of ups and downs that will have them rooting for Jesse and his family and friends. 

LO & BEHOLD by Wendy Mass

 

Addie's father thinks it would be a good idea to take a temporary summer job so he and Addie can get away from all the problems they've been having recently. Addie isn't so sure about this change of scenery. She does know it provides a special opportunity for her father, so she packs up her things and they head off.

VR (virtual reality) is her father's specialty. Addie never really thought much about it, but when she visits her father's summer lab and meets the students he will be working with, she finds out VR may be just the escape she needs. 

Addie meets a new friend named Mateo. Together they explore the VR world. With the help of Addie's dad and his students, they discover a way to help kids in the hospital where Mateo volunteers. It turns out to be a great summer for Addie. She learns that empathy can also help her reconnect with her mother and better understand sometimes things happen despite how hard they try to prevent them.

LO & BEHOLD is the first graphic novel by Wendy Mass. With the help of Gabi Mendez's illustrations, Mass shares a story that is sure to inspire middle grade readers to find ways to help others.

PIGHEARTED by Alex Perry

 

Inspired by research she read about experimental procedures to create transplantable human hearts, author Alex Perry has created a courageous story about a boy named Jeremiah and a pig (chimera) name J6.

Jeremiah was born with a heart condition. The walls of his heart were too thick which made its ability to pump blood inefficient. When the story begins, Jeremiah has already had a procedure that implanted a type of pacemaker/defibrillator in his chest. It usually worked quite well, but one day on the soccer field, Jeremiah ignore the warning signs telling him to slow down and take it easy. He ended up in the hospital.

As his condition deteriorated, he had another procedure called an LVAD. There were lots of rules for Jeremiah to follow, but he's just a kid, and rules aren't always easy. His doctor then sent Jeremiah home with a sort of pet. A pig named J6 became like a rescue animal for Jeremiah. The adults knew that this pig was actually special, and that when he had grown a bit more, his heart would become a replacement for Jeremiah's. 

At first this pig was annoying, but Jeremiah soon came to realize J6 was more human than he would expect from a pig. Their bound became stronger; eventually becoming so strong that Jeremiah would do anything to protect J6 even after he discovered the pig's true purpose.

PIGHEARTED will grab readers on the first page and hold them tight until the very end. It is the story of how far someone will go to do what they believe is best for someone else. Told in the alternating voices of Jeremiah and J6, readers are in for a treat as they get to know both important characters.

THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF BIRDS by Lynne Kelly

 

When Nina's parents suggest she spend the summer at her Aunt Audrey's summer camp, she is pretty sure she won't want to stay long. Her mother promises they will come and get her whenever she wants to come home. Being away from the twins and her two annoying brothers may sound like a good idea, but Nina is convinced that she won't fit in out in the country. 

Aunt Audrey loves the outdoors which is what led her to change careers from the business world to running this camp for girls. While she's there, Nina is determined to make the best of things. Maybe updating her birding book with some new sightings will be enough to keep her busy.

When the campers arrive, Nina meets three girls who call themselves the Oddballs. She feels comfortable with them and as the days pass, she realizes she doesn't want to go home early. Staying at the camp becomes even more important when Nina and the Oddballs discover a pair of whooping cranes while out exploring a supposedly haunted spot in a restricted area of the camp.

The girls record the cranes and spend their free time researching the endangered birds. They connect with a wildlife group studying whooping cranes. They are thrilled with the information Nina and her friends provide. Keeping the discovery a secret from her aunt and the rest of the camp is risky, but Nina is sure she can take care of things herself.

Lynne Kelly, author of SONG FOR A WHALE, has created another wildlife nature adventure for middle grade readers. Filled with new friendships, mystery and intrigue, plus lots of whooping crane facts, THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF BIRDS is sure to touch the hearts and minds of readers.  

OLIVETTI by Allie Millington

 

OLIVETTI by Allie Millington is a heart-warming book about family, love, and the power of words. The story is told by a young boy named Ernest and a typewriter named Olivetti. 

Ernest Brindle is quiet and prefers to be alone. He loves words and his Oxford English Dictionaries. When everyone else is busy, he climbs to the roof and enjoys reading about words and definitions. 

Olivetti is an antique typewriter that has lived with the Brindle family for years. Mostly used by the mother, Beatrice, Olivetti has been proud to record the stories she calls her Tapestries. Through the years the children have also typed stories and nonsense on the old machine.

One day Beatrice takes Olivetti to a nearby pawn shop and trades him for the sum of $126. Olivetti is put on a shelf, and Beatrice disappears.

When the family realizes that Beatrice is gone, they set to work finding her. Ernest feels especially guilty about his mother's disappearance. If he had behaved better and communicated with her, maybe she would not have left. When Ernest discovers Olivetti has been pawned, he also discovers the typewriter has the ability to communicate. With the help of Olivetti and a new friend named Quinn, Ernest embarks on a quest to find his mother.