A Little Bit of Spectacular

A Little Bit of Spectacular by Gin Phillips

 Olivia, an 11-year-old girl has to move from her home in Charleston to Birmingham after her mother becomes sick. As she adjusts to the new city she is living in she finds interesting clues in the bathroom of a coffee shop that make her wonder if their is an alien life form here on earth.  This book is a little less spectacular than one may hope for, but the ending is satisfying and Olivia is a character that readers will root for.

Crenshaw

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

What an endearing tale this Crenshaw is. From the author who wrote The One and Only Ivan comes a book of great imagination and creativity.  Jackson, a young boy is having a hard time dealing with the fact that his family is struggling to make it day to day.  They have a lack of food and have to sell many of their personal items so they have enough money for rent.  Jackson feels  that he's old enough to hear about these problems from his parents, but they try not to burden him and keep an optimistic attitude.  During this troubling time Jackson's imaginary friend from years ago, shows up again.  Crenshaw is a very large cat who comes to help Jackson and teach us all about the lesson of trust and being honest.

The Thing About Jellyfish

The Thing About Jellyfish

After the death of Suzy's "former" best friend during summer vacation Suzy decides that she needs to figure out why her death occurred.  Suzy's not alright with the explanation given by many, "sometimes things just happen." Suzy also makes the decision that words are mostly meaningless and spends the majority of time listening to people and the world around her, instead of talking.  It is through her silent exploration and the death of her friend that she finds information about a rare jellyfish that she feels could be the cause of Suzy's death.  This books opened my eyes to the world of jellyfish, which I had never thought a whole lot about before.  It also made me realize the different ways in which people, especially children grieve for people and moments they have lost.  

Flunked

Flunked by Jen Calonita

Imagine a world where the villains of you favorite Disney movie go to be transformed, this would be that book.  Fairy Tale Reform School, otherwise referred to as FTRS is run by Flora, Cinderella's formerly evil step-mother.  She has seen the error in her ways and decided that it was her duty to help turn the villains of Enchantasia into upstanding citizens.  Gilly, is a thief who steals to help keep money on her parents table is sent to FTRS after one too many incidents with the law. Once she enters FTRS she starts to realize that there are some secrets in this reform school.  This book is great for readers who enjoy fairytales and for anyone who might be interested in what happened to all the villains from their favorite stories. 

Esperanza Rising

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Esperanza Rising is a novel based on a the true-life story of the author's grandmother, named Esperanza.  The story explains how Esperanza has grown up on a ranch, daughter of the wealthy ranch owner.  Then, due to several unfortunate circumstances, Esperanza has to move to the the United States and lives the life of a migrant worker.  The difference between living in Mexico as a wealthy citizen and living in the United States as a migrant worker is shocking to Esperanza, but she soon realizes what's most important in her life.  This is a book that touches on a topic that many students don't know much about, but that they'll find it interesting and touching.

Colin Fisher

Colin Fisher by Ashley Edward Miller

Colin doesn't like to be touched nor can he read others facials expressions, but what he can do is investigate and investigate well.  When a gun is brought into a school cafeteria and accidently goes off Colin wants to solve the crime and make sure the correct suspect is found.  Wayne, the school bully is the most likely suspect, but Colin can prove it wasn't him, now he just has to find out who it really was.  

Students that enjoy mystery and trying to connect the dots will enjoy this book, it will also show them that not all people feel and think the same way.  

Absolutely Almost

 Absolutely Almost By Lisa Graff

Albie is a boy who sees himself as being almost there.  He's never been the best at anything, and everyone tells him "almost."  Throughout the book Albie's struggles are seen, but he is lucky enough to find a great friend in his babysitter, Calista.  Calista teaches Albie how to navigate through life in a more light-hearted way.  Albie ultimately learns how to take pride in himself.