STRAYS by Gia Gordon

 

Everyone has a time when they feel left out and alone. Campbell has felt that way since her mother died. Even before that, her mother wasn't always "present." Campbell's father hasn't shared his feelings about what happened. He has had his own tragedy to deal with.

Luz is Campbell's best friend. She also has family issues, but Campbell feels safe and comfortable when she is at Luz's house. They share their feelings and usually try to help each other.

One day Campbell witnesses a man in a creepy, white van dumping a little puppy along the side of the road. She tries to find the little dog, but he hides in an empty lot. Campbell is torn about what to do. She would love to rescue the puppy, but her father is the director of the local animal control. He is obsessed with keeping strays off the streets. She knows if a stray is picked up, it has three days to be adopted or it will be euthanized. Hopefully, Campbell can figure out a way to save the dog before her father picks it up.

Author Gia Gordon takes readers on an adventure with two friends, a little dog, and emotions aplenty. STRAYS teaches we all need understanding and a place to feel safe and at home.

WOMBAT WAITING by Katherine Applegate

 

Fans of THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN and the rest of Katherine Applegate's books will want to get their hands on WOMBAT WAITING as soon as possible.

Everyone has their special someone and their special purpose in life. Wombat is a small dog looking for that purpose. Her search is complicated by the fact that she isn't always comfortable with humans. There is also the wildfire that has driven everyone from their homes with no idea when life will get back to normal, if ever.

With the help of what Wombat calls Voice, this shy dog learns what it means to be alone and be patient. Even when she thinks she may have found her special someone, it isn't as easy to connect as she thought it would be.

Inspired by the horrible fires in California, Katherine Applegate shows readers how to find their way in difficult times.

IN THE BLOOD by April Henry

Tessa was adopted as a newborn baby after her birth mother left her wrapped in a nightgown outside a fire station. She just turned eighteen and decided to use a DNA/Ancestry kit to see what she can learn about her biological parents.

She doesn't tell her adoptive parents about her search, but when information turns up that might indicate she is related to a notorious serial killer, her search may become well known.

April Henry's latest novel follows many characters and countless twists and turns. Fans will be fascinated by Tessa's story as she discovers her history.

 

BETWEEN PERFECT & REAL by Ray Stoeve

 

Dean is planning to try out for the school play, Romeo & Juliet. As a senior this year, she is hoping to score a lead role, but what will no doubt surprise everyone is she is trying out for Romeo.

When she actually gets the part, she begins to realize as she assumes the role, that this is who she really is. Dean recognizes that his pronouns are he/him, and he is transgender. Everyone has accepted him as a lesbian, but that really isn't who he is. Will they be able to accept the real, true him?

Zoe, who has considered Dean as her girlfriend, seems to accept that Dean is trans, however, their relationship feels strained. She finally admits that she doesn't want a "boyfriend." Where does that leave Dean?

Author Ray Stoeve takes readers into the mind and emotions of a young person in transition. There are so many questions, some supportive peers, but many obstacles and hurdles to overcome. Stoeve's clear and direct prose make Dean's experience an important read for anyone wanting to truly see and understand the trans experience.

ONE WORD, SIX LETTERS by Adib Khorram

 

What happens when someone bets you $20 to yell out a slur during a special assembly? For Dayton it means serving a 3 day in-school suspension and earning a reputation as a troublemaker with something against gays. According to Dayton, the whole thing was a mistake, a momentary lapse in judgement he wishes he could take back.

For Farshid the incident in the assembly seemed personal. Now he thinks he is hearing that word directed at him throughout the school - in the hall, in the classrooms, and on the playing field. Farshid isn't even sure if he is gay, but every time he hears the word, he believes it reflects on him. 

As the school year continues, Dayton and Farshid try to get passed the incident, but they are constantly thrust together in partner projects, in the hallway, and seating arrangements in class. Dayton would like to move on, but he feels Farshid's dislike no matter what he does.

In ONE WORD, SIX LETTERS author Adib Khorram presents both sides in a situation all too common in schools today. Using this book in the classroom is sure to spark some excellent discussion.

THE FREE STATE OF JAX by Jennifer A. Nielsen

 

Jax has been living with his grandmother ever since his parents died. Things were going well until his grandmother's mind began failing her. Jax is forced to move in with his aunt and uncle and their horrible children.

Living with the Grimmitz's means being bullied by the cousins and ignored by the adults. They don't even call him by his name. Why can't they remember his name is Jaxon Averett not Jack Everett? Jax is sure he would be better off living alone.

Forming his own country seems like the only way to be free of the Grimmitz family. Jax sets off across the cornfield to some land beside a hot spring lake. He has done his research and knows what it takes to form his own country - the Free State of Jax. It will take some doing, but Jax is determined.

Author Jennifer A. Nielsen shows readers what it is like to take matters into their own hands. There's a bit of history and mystery and legal wheeling and dealing as Jax prepares to make his own way in what is sometimes an unfair world.

A SCAR LIKE A RIVER by Lisa Graff

 

Fallon Little has secrets - three to be exact. Her story dates back to when she was five years old. The first secret she has already told her two best friends. They know that the scar that runs down the length of her face was put there by her Uncle Geebie. The terrifying experience required many surgeries and is likely to require more. Her parents were by her side, but they don't really know the truth about what happened.

Fallon isn't ready to reveal her other secrets, but she knows she will at some point. The arrival of her mother's sister, Aunt Lune, opens up more about Fallon's secrets. As Fallon discovers more about her past and Aunt Lune's part in it, a huge anger grows in her. 

Counting on her best friends turns out to be something Fallon can't depend on. Instead, a girl named Stella, once an enemy, turns out to have more in common with Fallon than she imagined. With Stella's help, Fallon might be able to open up about what happened years ago. Could this help with the healing Fallon so wishes for?

Author Lisa Graff presents this dramatic and emotional book certain to touch hearts and open minds to a problem many quietly face. This needs to be available to all middle grade and teen readers and many adults will find it useful as well.