Orbiting Jupiter

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Orbiting Jupiter was a unique tale that was beautiful told. Joseph is a troubled child who enters foster care, the further you read the more you learn about Joseph's life story. Joseph's life story is not an easy one, but as the reader learns what makes Joseph want to do better in his life.  This book is hopeful and devastating at the same time.

Breathe

Breathe
By Sarah Crossan

Imagine living in a world with no air.  Breathe takes place in a world where oxygen doesn't exist as it once had.  In order to survive you must live a dome full of manufactured air and you must pay for it. Some are starting to believe that maybe they are not surviving in the dome, but instead they are trapped in it. The path of three teens intersect in this story for an interesting tale of what could happen in the future.  For students who enjoy this first book there is a second one titled Resist.

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse
Joseph Marshall III

Jimmy McClean is a Lakota teenager.  He is often made fun of by his classmates because his name doesn't sound Lakota and he doesn't look Lakota with his light skin and green eyes.  Jimmy takes a trip with his grandfather to learn more about his Lakota heritage and one of the most important Lakota figures, Crazy Horse. Throughout the trip with his grandfather Jimmy learns the challenges and triumphs of Crazy Horse and the Lakota.  He also learns that is stronger than he once thought.

Pivot Point

Pivot Point by Kasie West

Pivot Point starts out following a teenager Addie, who lives in The Compound, a secret society for people with special abilities.  Some people can read minds, some can detect lies, other can make those around them feel less anxious.  Addie's talent is that she can search the future when faced with a specific decision.  The majority of the book shows how Addie's life will play out if she chooses to live with her dad after her parents divorce or her mom. Addie doesn't like either ending, but she has to make a choice.  This book is sure the keep the audience of readers who enjoy books with suspense and alternate realities. 

The Neddiad

The Neddiad - by Daniel PinkwaterHow Neddie Took the Train, Went to Hollywood, And Saved Civilization

The Neddiad is a book like no other I have read before.  It's quirky, funny, and unique. The book is about a young boy named Neddie whose family moves to Hollywood and finds himself is some peculiar situations along the way.  He also meets and becomes friends with some endearing characters along the way.  If you're in the mood for a book like nothing you've ever read before, this is the book for you!  

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.