Booked

Booked
By Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander did it again. His new novel titled Booked is sure to be as captivating to young adults as his first book The Crossover.  This book is about a young boy who loved playing soccer and doesn't really enjoy reading, especially the dictionary that his linguistics professor father has written.  Throughout the book the reader meets Nicholas friend, school librarian, teachers, a young girl he likes, as well as his parents.  Each of these characters bring the book to life.  This is another excellent book by Mr. Alexander.

Raymie Nightingale

Raymie Nightingale
By: Kate DiCamillo

Raymie Clark is on a quest to win back her father, by becoming famous after winning the Little Miss Central Florida Tire Contest.  This book is about growing up, learning that you can't always win back what you want, finding new friends, and realizing that everyone has a story.  This book has interesting characters that are extremely likeable.  The story goes off in strange directions, but it's all pulled together in the end.  Raymie is a character worth getting to know.  A great book that students of all ages will enjoy.

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics

Mr. Lemoncello's Olympics

By: Chris Grabenstein

What a fun book!  If you've read the first book  Mr. Lemoncello's Library you won't be disappointed by this one.  Luigi Lemoncello is back at his crazy games after children around the country are disappointed that they weren't able to compete in the original games.  New contestants and some old take part in an Olympic style library challenge.  As the games progress Mr. Lemoncello's library is at risk of being taken over by a group of concerned library lovers, this stirs up trouble.  A delightful book that kids of all ages will enjoy reading.

Yellow Star

Yellow Star

By Jennifer Roy

This story is written by the niece of Syvia Perlmutter, who interviewed her aunt to find out about her experience of living in the Lodz ghetto in Poland.  As the years went by in the Lodz ghetto all children were sent away to concentration camps on trains, however when the Russians finally freed the ghetto they found that twelve children were able to stay hidden and survive in the ghetto, Syvia being one them.  The story is told through young Syvia's eyes which show the terrible circumstances they had to face an the amazing strength that was found by many of the families.  

The War that Saved my Life

The War that Saved my Life

by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Ada, a young girl who was born with a clubfoot has been held hostage by her mother in their apartment because her mother says she's "crippled."  Ada, determined to do something with her live decides to teach herself to walk and eventually that gives her the ability to flee her home during WWII when other children are evacuating London to get away from bombings.  What Ada finds in the countryside of Kent is a things she has never known before and words she's never heard.  She's happy, sad, angry, grateful, and mad all at once.  This story is a great tale of how resilient humans really are. This story isn't only about Ada, there are many characters throughout the novel who teach Ada that she can do anything she puts her mind to.  

Miss Mayhem

Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins

Miss Mayhem is the second in a series known as the Rebel Belle series, the first book is titled Rebel Belle as well and a third book just out title Lady Renegades.  In the first book the readers is introduced to Harper Price, a southern belle.  After a strange run-in with her school janitor she discovers that she has super powers and finds out she is a Paladin, an ancient guardian with agility, super strength, and lethal fighting instincts.  Things get complicated when Harper finds out her responsibility as a Paladin is to protect the person she likes least.  The second book Miss Mayehm starts with Harper enjoying a simplistic life after the drama in the first book.  But, drama soon finds her and she is required to go through a series of trials in order to stay a Paladin. If you  enjoy mystery, suspense, and some magic this book is one for you.  It's quirky, funny, intense, and unique.

A Night Divided

A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen

Gerta, a 12-year-old girl finds her family divided overnight as the Berlin Wall goes up as her father and brother are on the western side, while her mother and other brother are on the eastern side.  Gerta is frustrated that so many people seem fine with the wall dividing the two sides, almost as penance for World War II.  Gerta, however is not willing to stay separated from her father and brother. With some clues secretly given to her by her father and a determined will, Gerta, with the help of her brother finds a way that they could possibly escape.  It's dangerous and challenging, but she's willing to do anything for her family's freedom, even risk her own life.