JUST BREATHE by Cammie McGovern

 

David and Jamie meet in a hospital. David is a senior in high school hospitalized with cystic fibrosis. He spends his time wishing he was back at school where he is senior class president and one of the popular crowd.

Jamie's mother is a nurse and arranged for Jamie to volunteer for the Smile Awhile program. After her father's suicide, Jamie spiraled into a depression. Her mother wants her to keep busy and also close so volunteering at the hospital seems perfect.

Jamie is a sophomore so when she recognizes David, she is a bit star-struck. She is used to seeing him making the daily announcements in the cafeteria and hanging out with his girlfriend Sharon. Seeing him in bed needing oxygen and a feeding tube is a surprise.

Overcoming her shyness, Jamie starts stopping to visit David. They talk about school, his plans for college, and her love of old movies. She brings him movies to watch and teaches him origami. She may have a bit of a crush on him which worries her mother.

When David's condition takes a turn for the worse, he convinces Jamie that getting out of the hospital will help him feel better. Together they plan several adventures which are totally against hospital policy. One of these ill-advised adventures ends up with David returning to the hospital by ambulance. Jamie is sure she'll never see him again.

JUST BREATHE by Cammie McGovern will grab readers and hold on tight. Both David and Jamie have serious issues that might threaten to unravel the average teen, but they show courage and resilience. 

THE SURPRISING POWER OF A GOOD DUMPLING by Wai Chim

 

To be honest I was drawn to this book because of the title. I'm often a "judge a book by its cover" reader.

Anna Chiu is juggling family, school, and whatever else shows up in her life. As the oldest and well-behaved daughter in a Chinese family, she follows the rules and finds very little time to have her own life. When she isn't in school, she is home taking care of her younger siblings. Her father's life is dedicated to the restaurant that provides for the family. Unfortunately, her mother is a problem. 

Most days Anna feels like the mother. She loves her mother, but the fact that she spends most of the time hidden away in bed is beginning to take its toll. Weeks go by, sometimes even months, with her mother doing nothing. When she does step out of the bedroom, she is often maniac. She'll be fanatically cleaning and ordering everyone around. 

Anna understands that her father spends most days and nights at the restaurant. He has enough on his plate without having to worry about his wife. During a school break, Anna offers to come help at the restaurant. This gives her a chance to get away and feel useful. When her father hires a delivery boy, Anna soon finds herself with a friend. Maybe even a little more than just a friend.

Author Wai Chim takes readers into a family dealing with mental health issues. Her realistic portrayal of Chinese culture and the tendency to keep secrets, will help readers from all backgrounds better understand family structures. 

DEAR MOTHMAN by Robin Gow

 

When Noah's best friend dies in a car accident, Noah feels lost. Lewis was a trans boy and so is Noah. They loved supernatural things and were especially fascinated by cryptids. Both were convinced that the Mothman lived in the nearby woods.

Making new friends is not easy for Noah. Diagnosed with autism, he has trouble reacting to people and understanding emotions. When Noah finally connects with a small group of girls, he finds that he enjoys sitting with them at lunch and even participates in a sleepover.

Noah confides in his new friends and informs them he is trying to find the Mothman. One of the girls seems interested and offers to help Noah with his science project about the creature. Noah has been writing letters to the Mothman and leaving them outside at night in hopes of meeting him. He is pretty sure the cryptid has been reading the letters and may have even responded with drawings several times.

Author Robin Gow uses verse and letters to tell Noah's tale. Readers will learn about patience, loss, and the courage it takes to carry on.

THE LIGHTNING CIRCLE by Vikki Vansickle

 

It's 2006. Nora/Nova is seventeen and going to summer camp for the first time. She won't be a camper; she'll be a counselor. Her main goal in committing to this three-month program is to forget about him.

Nova, the name she chooses as her camp name, is uncertain about exactly what to expect. First, she meets her fellow counselors. They all seem so experienced, but it doesn't take long to warm up to them. 

When the campers begin to arrive, Nova tries hard to remember all their names and to get to know them. Some are repeats who fall right into the routine. Others are new and need a bit of encouragement. There are also a few who seem ready to rebel at every turn. 

There is crafting, swimming, hiking, and horseback riding, just to name a few of the activities. Nova realizes she is beginning to connect with the girls in her cabin, and the more that happens, the less she thinks about him. The decision to spend her summer here in the woods was a good one.

Author Vikki Vansickle creates a realistic summer camp experience in THE LIGHTNING CIRCLE. It will click with readers familiar with summer camp, and possibly encourage those who aren't, to give it a try. Written in verse with illustrations by Laura K. Watson, this is a fast read perfect for middle graders.

SAFE PASSAGE by G. Neri & David Brame

 

G. Neri fans will want to check out his new release SAFE PASSAGE. A graphic novel similar to his popular YUMMY, this story features Darius, his little sister, and Booger. A year earlier Darius's mother was shot and killed leaving Darius and his sister in the care of their step-father. He has tried to educate the kids on living in the rough neighborhoods of Chicago, but kids will be kids. They don't always follow the rules for safety.

On the way to school, Darius's friend Booger comes up with a scheme. He heard that a Brinks bank transport truck crashed and money is supposedly flying around everywhere. Booger convinces Darius they need to be a part of this windfall. Promising they will be back in time for Darius to take his afternoon math test, they hop a bus and head out to become rich. 

The first problem is Cissy, Darius's sister follows them. She is determined to be part of the adventure or snitch about it to their step-father if they don't let her come along. Problem after problem causes their scheme to turn into a dangerous situation. They end up running from one dangerous neighborhood to another hoping to find safe passage back home.

G. Neri's narrative combined with David Brame's art make SAFE PASSAGE a powerful read sure to be as popular as YUMMY with teen readers.

WILL ON THE INSIDE by Andrew Eliopulos

 

WILL ON THE INSIDE by Andrew Eliopulos is a story about dealing with Crohn's disease. Will is a seventh grader who loves soccer. The team is going to have to handle the season without him because he has been diagnosed with Crohn's. He has been suffering in silence, but he realizes he needs to speak up.

For a while now, Will has been planning his school days, including soccer practice and games, around knowing where he can find the nearest bathroom. Eating means constantly watching out for foods that will trigger his stomach to rebel. 

Now that Will has told his parents about how sick he sometimes feels, he is learning about colonoscopies, steroids, flare ups, and remissions. Tragically, he learns there is no cure for Crohn's, but he is told it is possible to manage it. How will his teammates react to the news? Will his new friend Griffin understand? Is it Will's own fault that he has this disease? Will finds family, friends, and even his faith can help him deal with these life changes.

WILL ON THE INSIDE will help readers better understand a disease that isn't always visible on the outside but causes major internal suffering for many on the inside. 

LOUDER THAN HUNGER by John Schu

 

Jake is only comfortable when he is spending the weekend with his grandmother. She makes him feel important and loved. Their time together helps him forget about the awful middle school kids he deals with during the week.

It is becoming clear to Jake's parents and his beloved grandmother that something isn't right. Jake isn't eating and he's getting thinner and thinner. When he refuses to talk with them about what's bothering him, and his health is failing, his parents check him into Whispering Pines. This inpatient facility is supposed to get to the bottom of Jake's depression and his issues with food.

Now his days are filled with physical examinations, group and individual therapy sessions, and forced daily menus. The voice he has been hearing in his head begins shouting even louder. If he can listen to the voice, he is sure he can ignore the rules of Whispering Pines and get back home where he can be in control once again.

LOUDER THAN HUNGER follows a young teen suffering from anorexia nervosa. Eating disorders are a serious concern for many young people today. The feeling of control they have over food usually masks other issues related to depression and bullying. Author John Schu uses his own personal experiences to tell Jake's story in hopes that LOUDER THAN HUNGER can help readers dealing with similar problems find ways to cope and conquer their fears.

GUT REACTION by Kirby Larson & Quinn Wyatt

 

Author Kirby Larson and her daughter have joined forces to create an important story about what it is like for a young person living with a chronic illness. Told in unflinching detail based on personal experience, GUT REACTION is sure to help many middle grade and older readers.

Tess is in eighth grade. That is bad enough, but she is also starting at a new middle school, dealing with memories of her father who died of a heart attack, and trying to secretly handle a stomach condition that has her keeping track of every nearby restroom. 

One thing that helps Tess cope is baking. Her father taught her everything. Whipping up a batch of what he called Joyful cookies or experimenting with new recipes, helps keep her mind occupied. Sharing what she bakes is also going to help her make some new friends. 

Tess keeps an ongoing list of what she can and can't eat. Some things trigger the stabbing pain she refers to as the Knife. When the Knife takes up residence in her belly, she knows she will soon be rushing off the toilet. There's always the fear that a restroom won't be close or that when she gets there, someone will hear her or worse smell her. 

Excitement is in order when Tess scores a spot in a prestigious kids baking contest. She has reached the finals before, but this time she hopes will be her chance to win. Weeks before the contest, she learns that she has a chronic condition called Crohn's. Will the treatment help her get through the baking contest or will the Knife end her dream of winning for her father?

Larson and Wyatt have added personal comments and help sites for anyone dealing with Crohn's or other IBS issues. They also emphasize that being one's true self no matter the challenges is important. I highly recommend GUT REACTION!

GENDER QUEER: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe

With all the craziness about book banning, this title pops up often. I realized I had never read it. Well, now I have, and I believe it offers critical information for any person searching for who they are and how they identify.

Maia Kobabe's childhood was free of many of the conventions limiting sexuality most young people face. Raised in an open, accepting family living off the grid, gave Maia a chance to be, just be. When the family moved to a more traditional home and public school became part of Maia's life, complications became the norm.

In GENDER QUEER readers will ride along with Maia as they explore and experiment to find just exactly who they are. Discovering the pronouns "e, em, and eir" opened a whole new world for Maia. Feeling more comfortable with this discovery and expanding the world to include college, self-discovery answered many questions for Maia.

As an author Maia Kobabe deserves praise not censorship. GENDER QUEER should be available for all readers.

 

UNSTUCK by Barbara Dee

 

Seventh grade Lyla loves to write. She is thrilled when her new ELA teacher explains they will be starting a new creative writing unit. Lyla has ideas and is ready to write what she hopes will be a fantasy novel, maybe even a series.

Armed with her trusty blue gel pen, a new notebook, and what she knows is an awesome opening sentence, Lyla starts to write. During the 10 minute writing sessions, Lyla is shocked to find once she writes her opening line, she is stuck. She tries creating a character family tree and even a map for the world in her story, but she can't seem to continue with the actual writing. Her teacher offers suggestions, but nothing helps.

Lyla is also struggling with friend issues and some problems at home. As a seventh grader, Lyla is going to a new school while her best friend is attending a different school in a different neighborhood. Lyla is used to bouncing ideas off Rania, but Rania isn't even returning Lyla's texts. At home things are rocky as her older sister is constantly fighting with their parents about her college applications. She confides in Lyla saying she doesn't even want to go to college. This secret weighs heavily on Lyla because she feels caught in the middle.

How can she get unstuck and finish her story? She'll never be able to enter the writing contest she's always hoped to win.

Author Barbara Dee has written another hit. Her fans will fall in love with Lyla in the first chapter. Dee's straight forward narrative and dialogue will help readers deal with their own challenges. You will want to read this new release ASAP.

BARELY FLOATING by Lilliam Rivera

 

Fans of STARFISH by Lisa Fipps will want to check out BARELY FLOATING by Lilliam Rivera. 

Sassy, feisty Natalia "Nat" is proud of her strong, athletic body. She loves swimming and will challenge anyone. In fact, she uses her ability to earn extra money to finance her interest in anime and to treat her friend to the latest anime videos. 

Nat finds a new interest when a local synchronized swim team performs at the pool she visits every day. She is sure this is her calling, but when she approaches her parents, they are less than thrilled. Her mother doesn't like the fancy make-up and costumes and calls it no better than a "pageant in the water." 

Nat can't believe they refuse to let her join the team. That's when the lies begin.

Using her own money and convincing her cousin to drive her to the pool where the team practices, Nat tries out and makes the team. It is hard work, but Nat loves it and learns that she is very good at it. The lies mount as she deceives her parents and begins to alienate her best friend.

Author Lilliam Rivera shows readers how determination and courage can help make a dream come true, but she also details the sacrifices made in the bargain. Nat is both brave and reckless as she dares to show everyone exactly what she can do.

COYOTE QUEEN by Jessica Vitalis

 

Fud hates living in Larry's trailer. She would rather be hopping from apartment to apartment or even living in the car as long as it was still just she and her mom. When her mom met Larry, they moved into the trailer he owned, and since then the world has been an uncomfortable place.

Larry works at the local coal mine, but he says it is only until his back gets better and he can return to the boxing ring. He knows he can become the world champ so they can move to a huge house and have all kinds of cool stuff. All Fud knows now is that Larry has a bunch of rules, and she never knows when her mother will be the victim of one of his outbursts.

When new neighbors move in next door, Fud is nervous, but she soon learns that Leigh wants to be best friends. As their friendship grows, Fud enjoys spending time with Leigh but is always worried that she'll find out the truth about Larry and his temper. 

Fud has an idea that might help them escape from Larry's trailer and his recent crazy scheme to start living on an old boat on the Mississippi River. There's a local pageant for girls that includes a money prize that could help Fud and her mom get their own place far from Larry. Leigh and Fud succeed in entering the pageant and both hope to win for different reasons. Will Fud be able to help her mom? Will being in the contest change people's view of her?

Author Jessica Vitalis weaves a tender story about the challenges Fud faces as she tries to protect her mother and improve their lives. Fud's vivid imagination and love of coyotes spices things up as she begins to understand how strong and resourceful she can be.

A LONG TIME COMING by Ray Anthony Shepard

 

The complete title of this combined biography is A LONG TIME COMING: A Lyrical Biography of Race in American from Ona Judge to Barack Obama. Author Ray Anthony Shepard uses verse to highlight the lives of Ona Judge, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama. Scattered art by R. Gregory Christie is included.

Readers are taken through a history of race in America that includes well-known facts about these brave Americans as well as little known tidbits that illustrate their courageous efforts to establish true freedom and rights for a population still fighting this battle today.

A LONG TIME COMING is the perfect complement for history classes, history buffs, and anyone interested in learning about slavery through the present time.

JUST KEEP WALKING by Erin Soderberg Downing

 

Jo was supposed to go on this hike along the northern edge of Lake Superior with her dad. He took her older brother years ago and promised to repeat the hike with Jo this year. Instead, Jo's parents have gotten divorced, and her brother has gone off to college. 

It was a real surprise when Jo's mother offers to do the hike with her. They have plan the route and shop for the gear they need and are ready to start. Hiking is a lot harder than they thought. The first couple of days are rough. When they finally reach their campsite for the night, they realize their work isn't over. They have to pitch their tent, get water from the nearest source and purify it, find the latrine, and then fix supper. 

The days pass as they both get smelly, and Jo counts her blisters and knee pain. Being alone with her mother does give Jo the chance to ask what happened to cause the divorce. The answer isn't completely satisfying, but it is a bit clearer, and Jo begins to think about whether she should work on reconnecting with her dad when they get home. 

When Jo's mom hurts her ankle and can't continue, Jo has to decide if she will join with a couple of women who offer to let her finish the hike with them. This could be Jo's chance to show herself and everyone else that she is capable of more than she ever expected.

Author Erin Soderberg Downing takes readers on a realistic adventure that illustrates courage and family connection. This fast read is perfect for middle grade readers.

SHARK TEETH by Sherri Winston

 

Sharkita "Kita" lives every day on edge. Will today be the day she and her siblings are whisked away by Child Protective Services? Ever since their mother took off for nine days leaving them alone, Kita worries it will happen again.

Alcohol and drugs tempt her mother into forgetting she's a mother. Right now things are good or at least there's food in the house and a mother who seems to be thinking about her kids. Kita tip-toes around carefully trying not to upset the momentary peace. 

Even though she is constantly teased at school for her horrible double row of teeth, she has found a few friends and is having fun on the twirling team. Art is her favorite class. She also has some help from the assistant principal and the counselor. If her mom will just stay sober and not take off, life seems to be working.

Author Sherri Winston's SHARK TEETH gives readers a likeable main character they will want to root for and cheer on when things are going smoothly. Readers will jump to her defense when the choices her mother makes take wrong turns and cause Kita and her siblings grief. 

FOREVER IS NOW by Mariama J. Lockington

 

My first experience with author Mariama J. Lockington was when I read FOR BLACK GIRLS LIKE ME. I loved that book, so I was excited to read her latest, FOREVER IS NOW. It did not disappoint! Written in verse for a YA audience, FOREVER IS NOW, opens the door for incredible discussions about mental health, love, family, and finding power as a Black girl today.

Sadie is dealing with anxiety disorder and newly diagnosed agoraphobia. Hanging out in a neighbor park, she witnesses police brutality against a young Black girl. Sadie has heard stories and seen news reports, but witnessing the event firsthand shocks her. Now she is afraid to leave her house and worries that she won't be able to defend herself in her own hometown.

As summer vacation begins, Sadie realizes she will not be able to participate in the internship she was looking forward to. Her parents and younger brother try to help her through panic attacks and fears they don't fully understand. Therapy helps as well as her best friend, but Sadie isn't sure she will ever be comfortable out in the world again. Meeting a new neighbor helps some, but he struggles with his own issues that threaten their budding friendship.

When Sadie finds a way to communicate virtually, she is able to share her struggles with others who understand what it is like to feel weakened by the world around them. She also discovers that she does have a vehicle to express herself and her opinions, and as a result she finds strength and courage to step out of her comfort zone.

HEROES by Alan Gratz

 

Author Alan Gratz has done it again! HEROES is an historical fiction account of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. With his two main characters, Frank and Stanley, Gratz gives the attack a personal touch that will surely connect with readers both young and old.

Frank and Stanley live on Ford Island, Oahu. Their fathers are both Navy airmen stationed there. Their story begins on December 6, 1941. They are enjoying their carefree island life and discussing the comics they love and the ones they hope to create. 

The boys jump at the chance to tour one of the battleships moored in the area. It is when they are touring the massive ship that the Japanese attack. What follows is their hair-raising escape back to the base, and then their heroic efforts to save injured sailors all while the Japanese attack the US Pacific Fleet.

Frank is holding onto a secret from before he met Stanley. Ever since something he calls The Incident, he has been afraid of everything. This makes Frank so cautious about life that he is worried Stanley won't be friends with him anymore. Can Frank put aside his fears to survive the attack? Can he even help others survive? Will Stanley's Japanese-American heritage allow him to do what he knows he needs to do to help himself and others?

Fans of Alan Gratz are going to love this one, and anyone who hasn't been introduced to Gratz, will become fast fans.

 

I just finished reading THE BLOOD YEARS by Elana K. Arnold. It is the 2024 ALA winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award for outstanding portrayal of the Jewish experience. Arnold uses her grandmother's life story as inspiration for the character of Frederieke "Rieke" Teitler. Beginning in 1939 and ending after WW II, THE BLOOD YEARS takes readers into the life of young Rieke as she and her family navigate living in Romania during the frightful years surrounding the war.

Rieke and her older sister struggle not only because of the war, but also because their absent father has left their mother depressed and unable to fulfill her motherly duties most days. Eventually, the three leave the apartment they can't afford and move in with Rieke's grandfather. She loves her Opa and enjoys working with him in his jewelry shop. Life improves some until those in power begin persecuting the Jews. Rieke and her family must deal with changing rules and limited resources that only worsen as the Germans get closer.

In addition to the war, Rieke is suffering from TB. She tries to keep her illness from her family so as not to worry them, but it becomes impossible to hide as her condition worsens. She often feels responsible for the problems her family faces as they are forced to move from one horrible location to another in an attempt to survive.

THE BLOOD YEARS deserves the award from the ALA and is a must have for classroom and library collections.

THE MISFITS: A ROYAL CONUNDRUM by Lisa Yee & Dan Santat

 

As a huge fan of Lisa Yee, I was excited to read THE MISFITS. It didn't disappoint! Dan Santat's illustrations add just the right amount of eye-catching art to add to the action and adventure of what promises to be an excellent middle grade series.

Olive is used to being on her own and fending for herself. Her parents' constant traveling leave her doing a lot on her own. When her mother shows up at her school unannounced, Olive is shocked to find that she is going to be leaving this school and heading off to a strange new boarding school. She isn't given much information about it from her mother who just drops her off and proceeds to head off on another of her mysterious trips.

Olive soon learns that this "reforming arts school" is like nothing she has ever experienced. She is partnered up with four other students supervised and taught by an odd husband and wife duo. It turns out they are part of an elite group of crime fighters being trained to go undercover into situations where kids won't be noticed.

Creative thinking, athletic skills, and computer/gaming knowledge are among the talents Olive and her classmates possess. They are trained in disguises, martial arts combat, and more at this crazy school. Olive finds herself fitting right in as she makes new friends and feels part of a "family" like she never has before.

THE HONEST TRUTH by Dan Gemeinhart

 

Mark is a regular kid. He has a dog named Beau and a best friend named Jessie. Life was great until a phone call from the doctor reveals Mark has cancer. Mark suffered through treatments and battled the disease, and seemed to beat it, but now it's back again, and according to the doctor things aren't looking good.

After suffering and watching his family and friends suffer from their side of the disease, Mark has made a decision. He plans to hike to the top of Mt. Rainier like he and his grandfather had planned years ago. His grandfather may not have lived to make the climb, but Mark vows to do it. He will probably die on the mountain, but that is better than having his family and Jessie watch him die in some hospital bed.

Mark and Beau set off on his last adventure. Jessie knows about the plan but has promised to keep his secret. If the pieces all fall in place, Mark will achieve his goal before cancer stops him.

Author Dan Gemeinhart's first book published in 2015 is a heartbreaking story of love, pain, and courage. Told in alternating chapters by Mark and Jessie, readers will follow Mark's travels as he lives life according to his plan. 

GONE WOLF by Amber McBride

 

Author Amber McBride's latest book is an education on what it means to be a young Black person in our controversial society. 

It is 2111 and Inmate Eleven, a twelve-year old girl, is learning what it means to be Blue in the Bible Boot of the United States. She lives in a small room with her pet wolf Ira. Most of the time she is alone. Her visitors are medical staff who take her blood for testing, and a woman who educates her on how to behave and about facts deemed important for Blues to know.

One day she meets Larkin, and her life broadens. She is given a larger room. She is taken to meet Congress and President Tuba. She is allowed to go outside for the first time. According to what she is learning, the United States went through a second Civil War in 2016 splitting the country in two. The Bible Boot governed by President Tuba uses Blues as slaves or in Inmate Eleven's case, as DNA matches for important Elites. 

After meeting Inmate Eleven and seeing life in 2111, readers are transported back to 2022. Imogene, a twelve-year old, is adjusting to life after a pandemic. Her active imagination and fears created by isolation during the pandemic have her fighting to overcome trauma that almost paralyzes her. With the help of her mother and a new friend, Imogene begins to understand her place in the world as a young Black girl and how she can conquer the sadness she insists makes her "blue."

Amber McBride's unique style and voice come through this new story as she takes readers on an adventure that connects in sometimes frightening ways to our present and future. Definitely worth the read.

MASCOT by Charles Waters & Traci Sorell

 

It is a school divided. It is a community divided. Some believe the school mascot, the Braves, is evidence of strength and tradition. Others believe the Braves represent oppression, racism, and insensitivity. Is it possible for a thing to represent both? Authors Charles Waters and Traci Sorell team up to create a powerful novel in verse that reflects an argument happening in many locations around our country. 

Told in the perspective of six students and one teacher, MASCOT presents the voices of those both for and against a difficult subject. Fictional Rye Community Schools in Virgina has used the Braves as their mascot for as long as most residents can remember. During pep rallies and at sporting events the colors of red and yellow, the face of a Native American, and the tomahawk chop have been part of what many call a Rye tradition. Some students are speaking up about the fact they see it as racism, and they want change.

Callie, a Black Cherokee Nation citizen and new resident, is seeing this for the first time. Others like Priya whose grandparents were born in India, and Tessa, formerly homeschooled, has heard stories from her grandparents who marched with MLK, Jr. are also thinking it is time to change the school's mascot. Franklin, a huge sports fan, doesn't see a problem at first, but he begins to understand the anti-mascot side once he listens to the arguments and sees how it relates to his Black heritage. 

Sean's Irish family background goes back generations. He doesn't see anything wrong with the Braves as a mascot. Luis also doesn't see what all the fuss is about. 

An English project assigned by their 8th grade teacher has all these students facing off against each other as they passionately research and argue about a community tradition. Old friendships will suffer while new friendships are forged as the battle for and against rages over the course of a school year. Will the Braves still be the school's mascot when the dust settles or will there be a change?

MASCOT is a sure winner for middle and high school aged readers. It could easily be used in the classroom to inspire research and debate about a current sports related topic. 

THE MONA LISA VANISHES by Nicholas Day

 

THE MONA LISA VANISHES is packed with information. Readers will not only learn that the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Lourve in 1911, but that the museum was protected by laughable security guards and the Paris police presence was nothing short of a mess. There is a ton of information about Leonardo Da Vinci and his many interests besides painting. Spanning from 1452-to the present, this non-fiction book is a true adventure. It is perfect for grades 8+ or anyone interested in art and history.

Author Nicholas Day writes with detail and humor as he takes readers through history. Artist Brett Helquist adds his art to enhance the book's appeal. I highly recommend this one.

GOOD DIFFERENT by Meg Eden Kuyatt

 

Selah has felt at home at Pebblecreek Academy, but now that she is entering seventh grade, things seem to be different. Selah is filled with feelings and words that she has been taught should stay hidden inside her. Her mother tells her she must be "normal" until she gets home. Lately, that is becoming harder and harder.

As seventh grade begins, those who have been Selah's friends are acting differently. Her best friend is hanging out with new friends and doesn't have time for Selah's talk about dragons. Other kids have started making fun of Selah like they never have before.

Selah knows she is different but doesn't know how to explain it or communicate how she feels. She keeps hearing people mention autism, and when she does some research, she thinks there might be something to it. When she reacts to her friend Addie attempting to braid her hair by flailing out, hitting Addie, and giving her a bloody nose, the principal of Pebblecreek suspends her and tells her she'll have to leave if she breaks another rule.

Author Meg Eden Kuyatt takes readers into the mind of Selah as she struggles to fit in and still be herself. Readers will better understand autism as they witness Selah, her mother, and her grandfather. GOOD DIFFERENT, a novel in verse, is a fast-paced read sure to touch readers' hearts and help them recognize the differences in all of us.

TWO TRIBES by Emily Bowen Cohen

 

Mia is pulled in two directions. She lives with her mother and step-father and attends a Jewish day school. Her father lives in Oklahoma and is a member of the Muscogee Nation. Recently, a boy at school teased her by saying she is adopted because she doesn't look like her Jewish parents. She corrects him by telling him that she looks like her father who is Native American.

After a dinner when the local Rabbi makes an upsetting comment referring to Native Americans, Mia begins to question her heritage. Since her parents divorced when she was only three years old, she hasn't spent time with her father. She begins to plan a trip to visit him and his new family.

With the help of a friend Mia decides to purchase a bus ticket and sneak away to Oklahoma. She tells her mother she is attending a Jewish weekend field trip, but instead heads off to get some answers from her father.

Mia's visit to Oklahoma is amazing. She begins to understand more about her Muscogee heritage, and she makes plans to learn more. When her secret trip is discovered, she has a lot of explaining to do. Will she be able to explain her reasons for tricking both her parents? Will they understand enough to allow her to keep learning about her Native American background?

Author Emily Bowen Cohen uses her own Jewish/Muscogee background to create Mia's story. Written as a graphic novel, it allows readers to see as well as read about Mia's struggles. TWO TRIBES is perfect for classrooms and libraries looking to share diversity with teen readers.

SKY ROPES by Sondra Soderborg

 

Breanna has a reputation to uphold. She is known for her guts and toughness. Planning and playing pranks have earned her respect from friends and classmates. Now that she will be in sixth grade in a school that combines kids from a bunch of elementary schools, she'll have to make new friends and make sure they recognize her talents.

All summer she has been dreading the teambuilding camp that takes place the week before school starts. Informational pamphlets have been arriving in the mail. As long as her mother doesn't know about it, she won't be forced to attend so she has been gathering the pamphlets and burying them in the backyard. When the final week of summer vacation approaches, her mother mentions shopping for camp supplies. Oh no! How did her mother know? How will she get out of it?

Now she is at camp faced with new people, uncomfortable situations, and worst of all, the prospect of having to tackle the Sky Ropes. Breanna's fear of heights is all twisted up with the most terrifying event of her life. It involves her father who now has a restraining order that prohibits him from getting anywhere close to her, but that doesn't keep her from nightmares about him and what happened.

How will she keep up her rep as a tough, brave, prankster if she is constantly worried about the Sky Ropes? The camp counselors keep preaching that the camp challenges are by choice, but what if she is the only one who chooses to say "no" to the frightening Ropes?

Author Sondra Soderborg's debut book SKY ROPES explores personal challenge, bullies, and trauma in a way that will have readers connecting to Breanna and her friends. With breath-taking adventures, quirky characters, and fun camp moments SKY ROPES is sure to keep readers turning pages from start to finish.

PLAN A by Deb Caletti

 

Ivy didn't even know you could get pregnant that way. Now she is trying to figure out who to tell and how to deal with the problem. Living in the state of Texas means her options are basically non-existent. If she tries to get an abortion, even by traveling to another state, she could be prosecuted.

With the help of her mother and a boy she's only been in a relationship for a month, Ivy's plan is to travel from Paris, Texas, to the state of Oregon where choice is still an option. Her grandmother has made an appointment at a clinic for her. Thus begins a road trip that could end with both Ivy and Lorenzo in jail.

Before they leave, Ivy learns just how opinionated her supposed friends and community members are about the topic, but she knows it is the right choice for her. As they plan and then begin the trip, Ivy and Lorenzo try to enjoy the adventure even though the dark nature of their trip hangs over each mile. They get to know each other more, as well as the choices and sacrifices so many others have made. 

Author Deb Caletti taps into current struggles over a woman's choice to manage her own health care. The Texas restrictions are clearly contrasted with those of more liberal opinions. Readers will experience Ivy's fears and reservations as they also learn about how many women through the centuries have dealt with choice or lack of choice in the decisions they have had to make. PLAN A is a powerful book that speaks to an important issue our country faces. Reading it may or may not change minds, but the experience will make at least one position known.