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.