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.

SUNSHINE by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

 

Author and artist Jarrett J. Krosoczka is known for HEY, KIDDO. Jarrett grew up living with his grandparents and trying to overcome childhood trauma. His latest book focuses on a time in high school when he volunteered at a summer camp for sick kids. He credits the experience with teaching him about life, death, and hope.

The day Jarrett arrived at the camp he was given a one-on-one assignment with a kid not much younger than he was. The kid was diagnosed with cancer and restricted to a wheelchair. Jarrett wasn't sure how he would relate to this kid. It didn't take long for the two to form a connection that made the week at camp an incredible one.

In SUNSHINE Jarrett uses his artistic talent and storytelling skills to take readers into his week at camp. This is an uplifting and important book that should be in all libraries and classrooms.

WHERE ONLY STORMS GROW by Alyssa Colman

 

It's 1935 in Oklahoma. Twins Howe and Joanna Stanton live on the family farm. Their lives are filled with chores, school, and surviving dust storms. When their uncle can't make his loan payments and loses his farm, he moves his family to California where jobs are supposedly available. Howe and Joanna's dad decides to head west as well in the hope of making money he can send back to the family. 

Left to manage the farm with their older brother and their mother, the twins find themselves working even harder. The dust storms increase in intensity causing destruction and illness throughout the region. When their older brother Lou falls from a ladder and breaks his leg, all the farm work falls to the twins and their mother.

Despite having scoliosis, Joanna impresses the Red Cross nurses at the local makeshift hospital. They offer her a job that provides extra money for the family, but they still hope their father returns soon.

Author Alyssa Colman deftly portrays the Dust Bowl time in the Midwest. Tales of the constant cleanup after the suffocating dust and dirt that coats the land informs readers of a time in our history that taught farmers how to better handle their crops and manage the land.

THE TOWN WITH NO MIRRORS by Christina Collins

 

I highly recommend THE TOWN WITH NO MIRRORS by Christina Collins. It grabbed me on the first page and there was no stopping.

Can you imagine never seeing your reflection? Zailey never has seen her face. She is fascinated by the faces she sees every day in her small community, but she knows it is wrong to stare. She knows it is even worse that she secretly sketches the faces she sees. 

Living in Gladder Hill means superficial thoughts and ideas are prohibited. There are no mirrors. In fact, all reflective surfaces have been illuminated. Zailey's neighbor is evicted when it is discovered that he has a silver spoon. 

The community was created to insulate people from physical fascinations. There are strict rules and conditions in Gladder Hill, but Zailey is getting more curious every day. When an argument with her grandmother ends in a horrible accident, Zailey is airlifted to the hospital where she discovers the world outside Gladder Hill. 

Inspired by body image issues and eating disorders, author Christina Collins creates a world designed as a utopia, but like many utopias, things end up more like a dystopian experience. This one will stick with readers long after they finish.

FINDING LOST by Holly Goldberg Sloan

 

Since Cordy lost her father, she has been searching for something to convince her mother that they should stay in the town she and her brother have always lived in. Staying where she remembers her dad and all they shared is her number one priority.

When Cordy finds a homeless little dog, she is sure this is the answer. She christens him "Lost" and they do everything together. Cordy is thrilled that her mom seems to adore the little dog, too.

A trip to a visiting vet turns up a problem with Lost's health. The reason for his horrible bad breath is some rotten teeth that need to be removed. When the cost seems impossible, the vet suggests a plan that will cost them nothing. He also seems to be taken with Cordy's mother. That could be good or bad. Only time will tell.

Author Holly Goldberg Sloan doesn't disappoint with another of her heartwarming tale about family, friendship, and love. FINDING LOST is a sure winner.