TWELFTH by Janet Key

 

Twelfth by Janet Key

Realistic Fiction, Mystery, LGBTQIA+

354 pages

Description

School Library Journal (June 1, 2022)

Gr 4-8-It's June 2015 and 12-year-old Maren is not all that excited to be attending the Charlotte Goodman Theater Camp for the summer. However, Maren is soon drawn into a mystery involving a series of clues that may lead to the missing diamond ring of Charlotte "Charlie" Goodman, the famous director who was said to perish in a fire and for whom the camp is named. Maren soon befriends aspiring filmmaker Theo, and together they begin to unravel the mystery, hoping to find the ring to save the camp, which needs funding. The novel deftly tackles serious topics like depression, homophobia, and transphobia. It also is wonderfully inclusive, as Theo is nonbinary and Charlie is gender nonconforming. Key wisely uses Shakespeare's Twelfth Night as the backdrop for her narrative, serving as the camp's main theater production, the basis for the clues for the mystery, and as the lost film Charlie had been working on before her demise. The story includes flashbacks to Charlie in the 1940s and 1950s, interspersed between Maren's chapters, which are set in June 2015, only weeks before gay marriage was made legal. End notes feature facts on theater, film, and LGBTQIA+ history as well as information on ways readers can seek help if they are struggling with depression. VERDICT A engrossing mystery with a diverse cast of characters; an insightful exploration of the topics of gender, depression, and sexuality; and a satisfying and comprehensive conclusion. Highly recommended.-Laura J. Giunta © Copyright 2022. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

Clever plot with a lot of action and suspense and a satisfying ending. Twelfth Night is the perfect backdrop with the themes of love, appearance, reality, ambition, grief, greed and deception. Gender identity, acceptance and forgiveness are major threads running through the story. The only criticism I have is that the story is a little long, so recommend to better readers, Grades 6-8.

KILLER OF THE FLOWER MOON: THE OSAGE MURDERS AND THE BIRTH OF THE FBI (adapted for young readers) by David Grann

 

Killer of the Flower Moon: The Osage  Murders and the Birth of the FBI (Young Readers by David Gran

Narrative Nonfiction, Human Rights, Native Americans, U.S. History

322 pages

Description

Kirkus Reviews (October 15, 2021)

A young readers’ adaptation of the 2017 title by the same name tells the story behind a series of murders in 1920s Oklahoma. Opening with the murder of Anna Brown, a 34-year-old Osage woman, readers are led through the chain of evidence as well as being introduced to critical background information such as the seizure of much Osage territory by the U.S. government and the consequences for Osage people of finding oil on their land. By the time FBI special agent Tom White was put on the case, an Osage man had been murdered and Anna’s mother had died under mysterious circumstances, contributing to feelings in the community that they were being targeted for their wealth. The book evokes the atmosphere of the time through photographs and the quoting of sensationalistic newspaper headlines, but the author handles the material respectfully and does not go into graphic detail about the deaths. Each chapter uncovers a new layer of exploitation and corruption in a system that required the Osage to have White guardians who dictated how and where they could spend their money. The bureau’s undercover operatives used the latest forensic and investigative techniques to confirm alibis and reveal false identities. The story unfolds in a gripping way, allowing readers to piece together what happened with the information given. This compelling page-turner highlights criminal exploitation of Osage people and the work of the modern FBI. (who’s who, glossary, note on sources, sources, notes, illustration credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

My Comments
A powerful and tragic story. So many people recommended this book to me for years, but I avoided reading it for this very reason. I am so, glad, however, that I finally did. There are so many lessons about the lure of greed, corruption, and the dehumanization of Native Americans. There are also examples of tremendous and courage and integrity. It's an important story that would make for deep conversations if read as a class or with a parent. This story is and should be unforgettable. Pair this with the fascinating Master of Deceit: J. Edgar Hoover and America in the Age of Lies by Marc Aronson

THE INHERITANCE GAMES by Jennifer Lynne Barnes

 

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynne Barnes

Mystery, Puzzles, Romance, Wealth

374 pages

Description

School Library Journal (July 1, 2020)

Gr 7 Up-Barnes's meticulously crafted novel is like the film Knives Out for the YA world, perfect for any reader seeking suspense, romance, and glamour. This Cinderella story gets its twist when Avery Grambs, a teen living out of her car and dreaming of a financially stable future, inherits billionaire Tobias Hawthorne's fortune. Avery is sure she's never met a Hawthorne in her life, but she's just become the star player in Tobias's final puzzle. Forced to move into the rambling Hawthorne House to retain the inheritance, Avery discovers that hidden passageways aren't the only secrets on this estate. She strives to learn all about the enigmatic Tobias Hawthorne-and discovers this inheritance game was decades in the making. Armed only with the letters Tobias left his four grandsons, Avery becomes determined to solve their riddles if only to answer the question: Why her? The secondary cast of characters offers diversity in both race and sexual orientation, within the Hawthorne family and the private high school where Avery enrolls. Barnes crafts high-stakes tension, a swoony love triangle, and a large but memorable cast of characters. The novel manages to tie up the mystery and set up its sequel with a killer cliffhanger. VERDICT Fun and fast-paced, fans of Karen M. McManus's One of Us Is Lying and Maureen Johnson's Truly Devious will find a new home at Hawthorne House. Even reluctant readers will devour this book.-Emmy Neal, Lake Forest Lib., IL © Copyright 2020. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

First in a trilogy (Book 2 The Hawthorne Legacy; Book 3 The Final Gambit) I read all three. Fans of The Queen's Gambit will love this. The puzzles are fun. A YA version of Mr. Lemoncello and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with some fun romance. This is a feel good, suspenseful trilogy that ends with good values. Recommend to McManus fans.

LEONARD (MY LIFE AS A CAT) by Carlie Sorosiak

 

Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak

Description

School Library Journal (March 1, 2021)

Gr 4-7-On a helium planet far, far away, an unembodied species has the opportunity, on their 300th birthday, to travel to Earth and experience life as a human-at least, that's the plan. Our hero has decided he wants to be a park ranger in Yellowstone, but getting distracted while traveling via energy beam causes him to end up as a cat, rescued from a tropical storm in South Carolina by Olive, who names him Leonard. Problem is, at the end of his 30-day window, he'll need to be blown out of the Old Faithful geyser at Yellowstone, or he'll be stuck on Earth forever, and no longer immortal. As the days pass, Leonard comes to learn the joys of having a body (even if he does hack up a fur ball) and, even more, of love. His obligation to meet up with his own kind at Yellowstone, and the challenges of making the nearly 2,000-mile trip, grows more daunting every day. It's only when Leonard enlists the help of Olive and her family that things finally begin to make sense. While this charming story exists in the realm of science fiction, it is more an animal story than anything else, and perfect to hand to young cat lovers. Leonard's surprise at, and observations of, life in a cat's body is spot-on and frequently very funny. His authentic, deepening relationship with Olive-who has been told that she's "weird" because she loves to talk about animals-allows her to stand up and make her voice heard at an important juncture in her life. VERDICT Purchase where eccentric, humorous animal stories are popular.-Elizabeth Friend, Wester M.S., TX © Copyright 2021. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

Wonderful! Leonard's observations about humans and life on earth create a very funny yet tender page turner. I absolutely could not put it down. This would be a great book for discussion groups. Quirky, adorable, but gives a lot to ponder. Love, love this one. A favorite!

THE SHAPE OF THUNDER by Jasmine Warga

 

The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga

Realistic Fiction, Grief, Forgiveness, Friendship, Families, School Shootings, Wormholes

275 pages

Description

Horn Book Magazine (May/June, 2021)

A dual-perspective novel follows two girls in the aftermath of a school shooting. Almost a year after her older sister was killed in that shooting by a classmate, twelve-year-old Cora still struggles to make sense of life without her. Cora also misses her now estranged best friend Quinn, whose brother, also dead, was the shooter. In alternating chapters, both girls deal with processing their grief and defining their roles at school and at home. Academically focused Cora tries to connect with her Quiz Bowl teammates and her Lebanese heritage, while Quinn latches on to the idea of traveling back in time to prevent the shooting from happening. Quinn persuades Cora to join her in trying to create a wormhole that will allow them to time-travel, but Cora continues keeping her distance until a minor crisis leads them to reconnect and gives both girls the chance to explain to their families what they need in order to make peace with their losses. Warga (Newbery honoree for Other Words for Home, rev. 7/19) skillfully develops unique voices for her narrators, and the novel's alternating-perspective structure works well. Emotions run high throughout the book without weighing down the plot, and the portrayal of middle-school life is utterly authentic. Warga tells a quiet story despite the dramatic events that led up to it, presenting a sad but not overwhelming narrative. Sarah Rettger May/June 2021 p.145

My Comments

At first I wasn't so keen on reading what appeared to be an incredibly depressing book, but I changed my mind as I was drawn into the rich perspective of each character. I sympathized with the girls' desperation to go back in time to make right what went wrong, I felt the regrets, the  anger, and the loneliness of each family member. I was also swept forward by the impossible dream of time travel, this dream that ultimately served to heal. This is an important topic that is unfortunately relevant today. Warga handles it with great sensitivity in an age appropriate way.

VIOLETS ARE BLUE by Barbara Dee

 

Violets are Blue by Barbara Dee

Realistic Fiction, Divorce, Addiction (mother), Parent-Child Relationships, Friendship, Make-Up Artistry

286 pages

Description

Booklist (August 2021 (Vol. 117, No. 22))

Grades 4-7. In this story for young teens struggling to find themselves, readers enter the jumbled world of Wren—a girl whose father recently left and is now expecting twins with his new partner, whose nurse mother is behaving increasingly strangely, and who is, herself, trying as best as she can to give voice to her feelings and ideas. Wren is not great at cultivating friendships, but she’s developing a real talent for creating visual transformations using makeup. Behind the colorful layers she applies, she doesn’t feel inadequate or “unfriendable,” and when the opportunity arises, she throws herself into doing makeup for the school play. Meanwhile her mother’s behavior becomes more erratic, with the ultimate reveal that she’s addicted to painkillers. As her mother heals and her own self-understanding deepens, Wren relies on the help of family and new friends to move toward a fresh start. Dee (My Life in the Fish Tank, 2020) again successfully tackles tough topics, making them relatable for middle-grade readers.

My Comments
Barbara Dee is hands down one of my favorite authors. She manages to address difficult issues in a realistic and age appropriate way. Highly recommended!

THE GHOST IN THE TOKAIDO INN by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler

Historical Fiction, Mystery, Japan, Samurais, Kabuki Fiction, Revenge

214 pages

Description

"While attempting to solve the mystery of a stolen jewel, Seikei, a merchant's son who longs to be a samurai, joins a group of kabuki actors in eighteenth-century Japan." (Follett)

Booklist (Vol. 95, No. 19/20 (June 1, 1999))

“Gr. 6-12. In eighteenth-century Japan, 14-year-old Seikei is a merchant's son with secret dreams of becoming a samurai. Although his status in society restricts him from doing anything more than following in his father's footsteps, Seikei has both the resolve and temperament of a wise, brave warrior. On a stopover at the Tokaido Inn, Seikei witnesses a legendary ghost stealing a jewel belonging to a samurai. His bravery in saving a falsely accused guest earns Seikei the respect of Judge Ooka, who hires Seikei to help him investigate the crime and solve the mystery. With a sharply authentic voice and an adeptly plotted story that progresses from the haunting ghost legend to the dark, volatile world of a traveling kabuki show, this mystery builds with stirring intrigue and plays out to a most satisfying conclusion. Rich with atmosphere and details that teach much of the Japanese culture, this is a fine selection for any YA collection.”

My Comments

What a great page-turner. This is a fabulous thriller mystery selection. It is a good selection for Asian historical fiction as well, giving a vivid depiction of samurais and actors in Japan. A good selection for reluctant readers.

ENOLA HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING MARQUESS by Nancy Springer

 

Enola Holmes and the Case of the Missing Marquess

Mystery, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Humor

216 pages

Description

Enola Holmes, much younger sister of detective Sherlock Holmes, must travel to London in disguise to unravel the disappearance of her missing mother.

School Library Journal (February 1, 2006)

Gr 4-8-In what is hopefully the start of an exciting new series, Missing Marquess features the intriguing, much younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. Enola was a late-life baby, causing something of a scandal in society. Her rather vague mother is a 64-year-old widow who disappears on Enola's 14th birthday. It takes the girl a short time to realize that her mother left her some ciphers that indicate why she went away and how she is faring. The teen reluctantly enlists the services of her adult brothers, who quickly determine that Lady Holmes has been padding the household accounts for years. When they decide that their sister belongs at a boarding school, Enola escapes and heads for London dressed as a widow. There she is able to solve a mystery involving the disappearance of young Viscount Tewksbury. She decides to stay in the city, adopting a number of disguises, and become a "Perditorian," or finder of lost things or people. Springer focuses a great deal on the restrictions placed on Victorian females by showing how unusual Enola's bravery and common sense are, even as she often struggles with conventional reactions. She wants her brothers' affection, or indeed anyone's, but knows that a socially accepted life will strictly limit her freedom and learning. Enola's loneliness, intelligence, sense of humor, and sheer pluck make her an extremely appealing heroine who hopefully will one day find the affection for which she so desperately longs.-B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

My Comments

Entertaining! Great female role model who is strong, smart and funny! The beginning chapter is a little dark, but then all is explained!

GALLANT by V.E. Schwab

Gallant by V.E. Schwab

Horror, Gothic

338 pages

Description

Kirkus Reviews starred (January 1, 2022)
Seeking a place to call home, Olivia uncovers long-buried secrets after arriving at Gallant. Olivia Prior has always hoped for a place to belong and a family that cares for her. Instead, she’s isolated at Merilance School for Independent Girls, with its strict matrons, shunned by students who ostracize and torment her for being mute. Olivia uses sign language, taught to her by a now-departed matron (although nobody else signs); treasures the journal belonging to the mother she doesn’t remember; and can see ghouls. When she receives a letter from her uncle, Arthur Prior, inviting her to live at his manor, Olivia leaps at the chance. However, instead of the big, welcoming family she imagined, the opulent yet run-down Gallant only holds Matthew, her irritable cousin, and kindly caretakers Hannah and Edgar. Olivia unravels the ominous secrets of both her family and the house, where ghouls lurk around every corner and the dilapidated garden gate calls to her. The evolving relationships between Olivia and her found family shine, and themes of freedom, the self, and belonging are well depicted. The gripping writing and effective incorporation of horror elements, including haunting, inky artwork, are satisfyingly spine-tingling. Olivia’s use of sign language and her artistic talents, part of the exploration of the importance of communication, are skillfully incorporated into the overall story. Olivia and the main cast are White. Will hook readers with its gripping worldbuilding, well-rounded characters, and fantastic horror. (Fantasy. 12-adult)

My Comments
A little scary, but a great read with a positive ending - whew! Give to better readers who like a bit of a challenge.

 

ANSWERS IN THE PAGES by David Levithan

Answers in the Pages by David Levithan

Realistic Fiction, LGBTQIA+, Schools, Friendship, Mothers & Sons

170 pages

Description

School Library Journal starred (May 1, 2022)

Gr 5 Up-A timely and relevant release from prolific author Levithan, this slim tale showcases the turbulence and confusion of fifth grade as a school community tackles a classroom book challenge. The challenge is mainly rooted in a single sentence at the end of the assigned book that a mother happens to read when her son leaves it on the counter. Suddenly the classroom is in an uproar, with readers getting the play-by-play from a number of sources: Donovan, the kid who left the book out and whose mother is challenging it; Gideon and Roberto, two students paired up for a language arts project; and Rick and Oliver, the main characters in the controversial book. The interpretation of the novel and the nature of the challenge become a philosophical quagmire that the school leaders, parents, and students have to traverse, leaving family and friends on both sides of the issue. Levithan deftly addresses the heart of the problem with the words and mind of a student, "We are who we are...and we'll be who we'll be. A book can make us feel that, but it can't invent that. It's already inside us." The alternating points of view gives readers varying perspectives in the chaos. It is a swift ride highlighting the disconnect between students and adults, seemingly unbreakable alliances, and what happens when the weight of history enters the conversation. This heartfelt treatise on book banning and equality showcases how it feels to be stuck in the middle of a generational fight. Levithan has crafted a story that provides a window into a uniquely transitory age, one ripe for exploring the nuance of identity and the nature of personal prohibition, and which ultimately celebrates the messiness of being human, no matter the age. VERDICT An essential purchase for middle school libraries.-Rachel Joiner © Copyright 2022. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

A short book with a strong message conveying the important message of acceptance and caring on all sides. Beautifully done. I appreciate how Gideon's mother tries to understand her son and how their relationship deepens. Gideon and Roberto's relationship parallels the book challenge story thread. Levithan writes with tenderness, but with strong conviction. This is a short book that packs a punch. Share it thoughtfully.

JENNIFER CHAN IS NOT ALONE by Tae Keller

 

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone by Tae Keller

Realistic Fiction, Bullying, UFO's, 

277 pages

Description

Horn Book Magazine (May/June, 2022)

Twelve-year-old narrator Mallory is distressed to learn that her neighbor and sometime-friend Jennifer Chan has disappeared. Having recently moved to town (deemed "Nowhereville" Florida by Mallory), Jennifer -- who is Chinese American; lives with a young, single mother; and wholeheartedly believes in aliens -- doesn't fit in at snobby, homogenous Gibbons Academy. Socially insecure Mallory (whose own mom is "half Korean") and her two mean-girl besties had bullied Jennifer. Alternating between "Now" and "Then," and with heavy foreshadowing of something known as "the Incident," Mallory slowly, guiltily, reveals what happened, and how she's determined to make things right. Occasional interspersed journal entries from "Jennifer Chan's Guide to the Universe" provide the missing girl's thoughts on family, friendship, and the inevitability of extraterrestrial existence, plus how to make contact; the story's climax leaves room for interpretation regarding her success. Keller (Newbery Medalist for When You Trap a Tiger) writes with uncommon compassion for all of her characters -- even the cruel-seeming ones -- addressing such issues as peer pressure, individuality, identity, and microaggressions from a variety of perspectives. A heartfelt and hopeful appended note provides further details about the author's motivation and methodology. Elissa Gershowitz May/June 2022 p.146

My Comments

I absolutely loved this one! Keller is a superb writer who writes from different perspectives with compassion. Her characters are realistic and well developed. She is a master of showing, not telling. Jennifer's fervent belief in UFO's adds excitement to the plot, but also sheds light on how desperately Jennifer misses her father who died of cancer, the reason for their move to a small town from Chicago. The quest to find UFO's is the link to her dad.The vicious bullying is painful to read, but Jennifer's courage and belief in herself is inspiring. This should be on summer reading lists. It would be a great book for literature circles or classroom discussions.

THE SCIENCE OF BREAKABLE THINGS by Tae Keller

 

The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller

Realistic Fiction, School Stories, Friendship, Depression, Mental Health, Scientific Method, Racially Mixed People

298 pages

Description

Publishers Weekly (January 8, 2018)

Natalie Napoli's seventh-grade science class is working on a yearlong experiment, recording their findings in "Wonderings journals." The text of Natalie's journal comprises Keller's moving debut novel. Natalie used to like science and spent much of her childhood in her botanist mother's laboratory. But her mother, suffering from severe depression, has barely left her bedroom in months. Natalie and her best friend Twig collaborate with new student Dari to win an egg drop contest for their experiment, and Natalie imagines using the prize money to fly with her mother to New Mexico, home to a striking cobalt blue orchid, born out of a toxic chemical spill, that her mother had been studying. Natalie's Korean heritage is sensitively explored, as is the central issue of depression and its impact; Keller draws thoughtful parallels between Natalie's mother's struggles and the fragility of orchids and eggs. Natalie's fraught relationship with her mother, and her friendships with Twig and Dari, are the heart of the book, but science is its soul. Ages 8-12. Agent: Sarah Davies, Greenhouse Literary. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

My Comments

This is a good book to recommend to 6th-8th kids looking for realistic fiction. Although a major part of the book is about Natalie coping with her mother's depression, it's also about so much more; her relationship with her father, her emerging awareness of her Korean identity, friendship, trust, and the scientific method. A great book, a great author. Highly recommend!

NOTHING BUT TROUBLE by Jacqueline Davies

 

Nothing But Trouble by Jacqueline 

Realistic Fiction, Creativity, Hacks, Comedy, Girls and Arts/Engineering

314 pages

Description

From Follett

"Two smart girls in one small town use their combined genius to liven up their world--one prank at a time"--Provided by publisher.

From the Publisher

From the acclaimed author of The Lemonade War comes a new book starring two smart girls determined to liven up their town'one epic prank at a time. Odawahaka has always been too small for Maggie's big scientific ideas. Between her stuck-in-a-rut mom, her grumpy grandpop, and the lifetime supply of sludgy soda in the fridge, it's hard for Maggie to imagine a change.  But when Lena moves in with her creative spirit and outrageous perspective, middle school takes off with a bang. Someone starts pulling the kind of pranks that send their rule-loving new principal into an uproar'complete with purple puffs of smoke, parachuting mice, and a scavenger hunt that leads to secret passageways. Suddenly the same-old football games, election for class president, and embarrassing stories feel almost exciting. And for the first time in her life, Maggie begins to wonder if there might be more to Odawahaka than she ever saw coming! Humorous, smart, and full of small-town heart, Nothing But Trouble will have mischief-loving readers caught up in the cleverness and determination of two girls who can't be held down.

My Comments

Good depiction of middle school, friends and family. Funny, clever story that encourages curiosity and determination. Could be good for grades 6-8 except that it is specifically about 6th grade.

RECKLESS by Cornelia Funke (Reckless series, Book 1)

 Reckless by Cornelia Funke

Fantasy, Fairy Tales, a bit of horror elements

346 pages

Description

Translation of: Steinernes fleisch.;"Inspired by a tale discovered and explored with Lionel Wigram." Enter the magical world behind the Mirrors. Jacob Reckless has always been careful to keep the enchanted world behind the mirror secret from his brother. Until one day, Will follows him, unaware of the mortal danger awaiting him: attacked by a group of Goyl stone skinned humans who are conquering the world behind the Mirrors Will turns to jade, their most sacred stone. Jacob desperately tries to save him, but only the fairies have the power to stop the Petrifying Flesh. Together with Will's girlfriend Clara and the shape-shifting Fox, Jacob begins a perilous journey.

My Comments

A 'no put down book!' Love, love this. Good for middle-high school. A bit dark at times, but not over the top. Funke incorporates traditional fairy tales brilliantly into a page turner. She never disappoints. Highly recommended!

WHEN WINTER ROBESON CAME by Brenda Woods

 When Winter Robeson Came by Brenda Woods

Historical Fiction, African Americans, Race Relations, Watts Riots 1965 Los Angeles, Novels in Verse

160 pages

Description

In August 1965, twelve-year-old Eden's older cousin from Mississippi comes to visit her in Los Angeles, and while the Watts Riots erupt around them, they continue their investigation of the disappearance of Winter's father ten years ago.

My Comments

Engaging, educational. I wish that Eden's character was older and that the cover didn't look so young because this book would be good for grades 7 and 8. Also, the cover is very young looking. Otherwise, this would be a great book for 8th grade since her older cousin is 14 and the time period fits into their curriculum.

Book Quotes

"I want to write music. I pause. I think.

You written any yet?

Some. They're not very good.

Why you gonna talk yourself down? There'll be plenty of folks to do that for you.

You haveta believe in yourself, cousin. That's my rule number one.

I ask, What's your rule number two?

Believe in yourself some more.

-page 85 (When Winter Robeson Came)

THE WALK ON (Series: The Triple Threat Book 1) by John Feinstein

 

The Walk On by John Feinstein
Series: The Triple Threat Book 1)

Realistic Fiction, Sports, Perseverance, Conduct of Life

359 pages

Description
Alex Myers, a student athlete who tries to take on the sports establishment in his new town, is a triple-threat athlete, great at football, basketball, and baseball. But he'll have to fight for a spot on the varsity team. Alex is a quarterback, but from the first day of football practice, it's clear that that position is very much filled by the coach's son, Matt. Alex has the better arm, but Matt has more experience and the coach's loyalty. But just as his star is rising, Alex gets blindsided, the state has started drug testing, and Alex's test come back positive for steroids. Alex know that's not right. But he doesn't know if it's a mistake or if someone wants to make sure he can't play.

My Comments
Great page turner not only for football fans. This is a sure bet for a wide range of kids. Not a difficult read even though the number of pages may seem daunting for some readers. Middle to high school.

SIGN OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM by Katherine Paterson

 

Sign of the Chrysanthemum by Katherine Paterson

Historical Fiction, Adventure, Japan History,  Fathers and Sons, Coming of Age, Conduct of Life,

132 pages

Description
A teenager comes to know himself through contacts with social ills and political unrest while searching for his father in Japan's capital during the Heian period. (794-1185)

My Comments

Great story that moves along. I wish that there was a glossary to define many of the words. The beginning could be a bit confusing so it would be helpful to give some background and help with the topic specific vocabulary, but the story picks up quickly. There are a lot of worthwhile discussion possibilities despite the short length. Excellent.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE BEES GONE? POLLINATORS IN CRISIS by Rebecca E. Hirsch

 

Where Have All the Bees Gone? Pollinators in Crisis
by Rebecca E. Hirsch

Nonfiction, Environment, Climate, Conservation & the Environment, Human Impact on the Environment

104 pages

Description

"Numbers of bees are falling, and that has scientists alarmed. What's causing the decline? Diseases, pesticides, climate change, and loss of habitat are all threatening bee populations. Some bee species teeter on the brink of extinction. Learn about the many bee species on Earth--their nests, their colonies, their life cycles, and their vital connection to flowering plants. Most importantly, find out how you can help these important pollinators"--Publisher.

My Comments

This is an incredibly engaging book packed with useful information for middle school through adult readers. The format allows for flipping through, but of course reading the entire book would be the best experience. So important! I wish that all students could be introduced to this book. It's a natural for a book talk and essential for nonfiction reading lists.

FOREST TALK: HOW TREES COMMUNICATE by Melissa Koch

Forest Talk: How Trees Communicate by Melissa Koch

Nonfiction,  Forest Ecology, Climate Change, Global Warming & Prevention

96 pages including glossary, index, websites and resources for further study and action

Description

"Trees are essential. They provide water, shelter, and food for millions of plant and animal species, including humans. They deliver proven health benefits, and they capture and store carbon, which combats climate change. Yet trees are in trouble. Forests are struggling to adapt to climate change, and deforestation is a major threat. Recently, researchers and citizen scientists made the surprising revelation that trees communicate with each other through an underground system of soil fungi and other methods. Complex social networks help trees survive and thrive by transferring resources to each other, sending defense signals, communicating with their kin, and more. Meet the tree scientists and learn more of their fascinating discoveries"--Publisher.

Booklist (February 1, 2019 (Vol. 115, No. 11))

Grades 8-11. This informative book introduces basic facts about trees and expands it with recent research, emphasizing how trees communicate with each other and why protecting them is vital to human health and welfare, as well as to the future of Earth’s ecosystem. Based on studies that began with Suzanne Simard’s work in the 1990s, the most fascinating section describes forest trees sharing water, carbon, and nutrients; communicating by chemical signals through the air and electrical signals though their roots; and connecting with certain other trees via underground fungal networks. In addition to scientific literature, Koch’s research includes interviews with three of the many scientists profiled, a geographer who uses remote sensing technology to study the regrowth of forests, a forest ecologist who discovered roots in the canopies of trees, and a forest economist who researches the effects of nature on children. Illustrated with colorful photos and diagrams, the chapters include many relevant sidebars and articles on significant individuals. An intriguing volume that describes the surprising hidden lives of trees and underscores their key role in our world.

Kirkus Reviews (December 15, 2018)

Readers discover the indispensable functions of trees and why they are so important to the health of humans and the planet. Beginning with a sketch of the nature and scale of the problems of deforestation and forest degradation, Koch (3D Printing, 2017) goes on to describe the many uses of trees, including being sources of ancient and modern medicines, providing oxygen, protecting against drought, and fighting climate change. The body of the book explores numerous topics in detail, including the health benefits for humans of walking in the woods, ecosystems in the forest canopy, and communication between trees, in a section that covers the pioneering work of Dr. Suzanne Simard. Other profiles focus on scientists and environmentalists such as Wangari Maathai. Transitions between sections are smooth; the narrative text is both clear and engaging. Color photographs give a personal feel to the individual stories, and diagrams depicting the water cycle, the “Wood Wide Web,” and more clarify natural processes. The international focus of the book demonstrates the interconnectedness of the issues affecting trees and humans alike. It ends on a hopeful note, offering readers concrete suggestions for things they can do to support trees and the environment. Packed with fascinating information, inspiring stories, and a call to action, this book delivers a powerful message in an effective package. (source notes, glossary, bibliography, resources, index) (Nonfiction. 12-15)

My Comments

Such an important book, a clear, concise, and comprehensive look at the importance of trees. This would be an incredibly valuable resource for research or independent reading for middle through high school. I highly recommend this book!

 

DAUGHTER OF VENICE by Donna Jo Napoli

 

Daughter of Venice by Donna Jo Napoli

Historical Fiction, Italian Renaissance, Romance, Sex Roles, Venice

270 pages

Description

Kirkus Reviews (October 15, 2001)

Compelling historical fiction explores the Byzantine rules governing the social order of 16th-century Venice. Fourteen-year-old Donata, a younger daughter of one of Venice's wealthiest noble families, has been raised to expect little; according to the complex conventions of her society, only the oldest daughter of the family can expect to marry and leave the household. And to leave the household is what Donata desperately wants. Intelligent and curious, she chafes at the rules that dictate that she remain uneducated and never have the freedom to explore her city. In the tradition of spunky heroines before her, she devises a scheme that will allow her to sneak out of the house disguised as a poor boy and wander Venice, where she meets, befriends, and inevitably falls in love with Noe, a Jewish copyist. At the same time, she successfully petitions her father to sit in on her brothers' tutoring sessions and thus begins a formal education. Napoli resists the easy anachronism; spunky though Donata is, she remains committed to her family and her society, seeking a solution to her unhappiness that, although somewhat unconventional, nevertheless remains essentially true to her culture and its restrictions. The first-person, present-tense narration allows the reader to encounter Venice along with Donata, from the stately palazzos to the streets populated by beggars and to the Ghetto beyond. Fascinating tidbits of information about Venice's society, politics, history, and economy find their way painlessly into the narrative. While readers will be rightly skeptical at Donata's speedy mastery of not only written Venetian but Latin as well, they will nevertheless find themselves absorbed in her story and the snapshot of her city that it provides. (Fiction. 10-15)

School Library Journal (March 1, 2002)

Gr 7-10-As the daughter of a Venetian nobleman in 1592, 14-year-old Donata lives a sheltered and prescribed life. According to custom, her oldest sister will marry, either she or her identical twin Laura will stay home as the maiden aunt to care for her brother's children, and the other will go to a convent with their younger sisters. The girls spend their days doing chores, winding yarn onto giant bobbins for the family's wool trade, studying music, or going to parties where their oldest sister is examined as a marriage prospect. All that changes the day Donata dons boy's clothing and goes exploring outside the walls of the family's palazzo. Evading a bully, she ends up in the Jewish ghetto where she befriends a young man, Noè, who makes her question the privileges of her class, and at the same time she gains permission from her father to start studying with her brothers' tutor. When her parents announce a surprise betrothal that will curtail her studies and leave Laura convent-bound, Donata takes an action that drastically affects the whole family. While a current trend in historical fiction presents a girl with modern sensibilities chafing under the strict rules of her time, nothing about Donata seems forced. Even when acting rebelliously, her actions and thoughts feel authentic to the time and world that Napoli portrays. Even Donata's love for Noè is tempered by the knowledge that she could never convert to Judaism. Napoli's many fans will not be disappointed by this engrossing and exotic novel.-Lisa Prolman, Greenfield Public Library, MA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

My Comments

Napoli weaves the history and geopolitical elements into a compelling story with a wonderfully rebellious protagonist.

CHILDREN OF TIME: EVOLUTION AND THE HUMAN STORY by Anne H. Weaver

 

Children of Time: Evolution and the Human Story by Anne H. Weaver

Nonfiction

170 pages

Description

School Library Journal (June 1, 2012)

Gr 4-8-Weaver bases six fictional scenarios on scientific discoveries about fossil remains of ancient human ancestors. Devoting her first chapter to a boy in New Mexico helping archaeologists uncover artifacts of the Clovis people, she explains how scientists carefully excavate and record remnants of ancient life. As Miguel thinks about the people who lived in his area thousands of years ago, his imagination carries him back much further to Africa. The following five accounts present exciting vignettes of what life might have been like at different points from 2,500,000 to 26,000 years ago. Over time the hominid groups developed language, made sophisticated tools, and participated in complex social organizations. Finding food was always paramount, but at times the hominids lost their battle with other animals. After each chapter, Weaver identifies the fossil remains on which she based her main characters and explains what scientists currently think about human development. Celeskey's illustrations, which accompany both the stories and the science explanations, rely heavily on shades of brown and orange and seem curiously static, even during dramatic scenes. Unfortunately, the first story is the weakest. Readers who persevere to the accounts of the distant past will discover more engaging narratives. Teachers in need of an alternate way to present information about human evolution might consider Weaver's approach. Catherine Thimmesh's Lucy Long Ago (Houghton Harcourt, 2009) is a more straightforward presentation.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

A little hard to get into, but starts moving once you get into the stories and explanations. You can read each chapter as its own story without reading the entire book. An excellent nonfiction choice for grades 6-8

WHATEVER AFTER: FAIREST OF ALL (Book 1) by Sarah Mlynowski

Whatever After: Fairest of All by Sarah Mlynowski

Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Humor, Elementary & Grade 6

170 pages

Description

Booklist (April 1, 2012 (Vol. 108, No. 15))

Grades 4-6. There’s “once upon a time” and “happily ever after,” but what happens when the story “gets all tangled up” in the middle? That question is at the heart of this debut title in a new fairy-tale-themed series. Ten-year-old Abby and her seven-year-old brother, Jonah, are living a normal life in a new town until they discover the mirror in the basement. When they knock on its surface three times, they’re whizzed away to fairy-tale land and find themselves at the home of Snow (yes, White). Just as Evil Evelyn, her wicked stepmother, is about to hand over the infamous poison apple, Jonah intervenes. But if Snow doesn’t eat the poison apple, then the prince can’t save her, and that means Snow’s love life is ruined, not to mention Disney’s whole movie. There’s lots of hilarious artistic license here (three of the seven dwarfs are women; one has pink hair), along with unexpected plot twists and plenty of girl power. Tween girls who may not be quite ready for Donna Jo Napoli and Gail Carson Levine’s fractured-fairy-tale novels will find this title is just right.

My Comments

Charming and funny! I just wish the author hadn't mentioned their ages as being 10 because that could turn off 6th graders because it can easily appeal to older readers just looking for a light, funny, entertaining read. Loved it!

 

A TALE DARK & GRIMM by Adam Gidwitz

 

A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Horror, Humor

250 pages

Description
Follows Hansel and Gretel as they walk out of their own story and into eight more tales, encountering such wicked creatures as witches, along with kindly strangers and other helpful folk. Based in part on the Grimms' fairy tales Faithful Johannes, Hansel and Gretel, The seven ravens, Brother and sister, The robber bridegroom, and The devil and his three golden hairs.

Horn Book Magazine (January/February, 2011)

Instead of the oft-tried technique of expanding a single Grimms' fairy tale into a novel, Gidwitz takes several tales and weaves them together into one darkly humorous chapter book starring Hansel and Gretel. The brother and sister are two of the unluckiest children ever, as they fall into the clutches of a succession of terrible grown-ups, from their father who cuts off their heads to the baker woman who wants to eat them, and even the devil himself. In the bloodiest and most terrifying story, Gretel falls in love with a handsome young man who lures her to his home in the woods where he daily hacks young women to pieces for dinner. The author introduces the stories and interrupts them periodically in passages set off in bold type, speaking directly to the reader in a deliberately modern and informal tone: 'I'm sorry. I wish I could have skipped this part. I really do. Gretel cutting off her own finger?' The commentary can occasionally feel grating, but the combination of powerful stories and grade-school humor will probably introduce Grimm fairy tales to modern children just as Percy Jackson has popularized Greek mythology. SUSAN DOVE LEMPKE

My Comments

Can't put this book down, but warn kids that the stories are super scary!

SAINT IVY: KIND AT ALL COSTS by Laurie Morrison

Saint Ivy: Kind At All Costs by Laurie Morrison

Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Social-Emotional

329 pages

Description

School Library Journal (July 1, 2021)

Thirteen-year-old Ivy knows what she is good at: being kind to others. Like many middle schoolers, Ivy is grasping for an identity, and has decided that being kind is her "thing," the way sports or academics are for other kids. Ivy is not so good at being kind to herself, however, and her relationships with her family and friends suffer. Ivy is always ready to help others, but won't share or let herself be helped in turn. The lively narrative projects an authentic middle school voice and the Philadelphia setting is vivid, populated by nuanced characters and situations. Ivy's caring mother regularly asks Ivy to share her feelings, but then hides the risks of her surrogate pregnancy. One of Ivy's oldest friends, alienated by her determination not to share any vulnerabilities, decides that their friendship has run its course. Ivy is Jewish; her father has a male partner while her friend Lila has two mothers, and Ivy has Black and Latinx friends at school. The story shows the benefits of living in such a diverse community: Ivy's Nana encourages her to "embrace all the parts of herself," and Ivy embraces this in others too. When she first encounters Lila's blended family and wonders about their history, she quickly understands that she "doesn't need to understand the inner workings of Lila's family." Surrounded by all sorts of loving families and community members, it's no wonder that Ivy has found a knack for being kind. VERDICT Relatable realistic fiction for upper elementary and middle school readers navigating friendships, boundaries, and identity, with appeal for fans of similarly themed stories such as Varian Johnson's Twins, Shannon Hale's Real Friends, and Celia C. Pérez's Strange Birds.-Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn P.L. © Copyright 2021. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

Plot moves along well. Good depiction of middle school friendships. I would give this to 7th and 8th graders and some sixth graders depending on maturity level. Liked this one!

 

ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME (Pandava, Book 1) by Rashani Chokshi

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Rashani Chokshi

Fantasy, Indian Mythology

Description
Booklist (March 1, 2018 (Vol. 114, No. 13))
Grades 4-6. Aru Shah is a lover of tales, and was hoping to survive seventh grade through spinning slightly altered tales about her life to classmates. When a group of friends confronts her at the Museum of Ancient Art and Indian Cultures about her lies, Aru Shah would do anything to get them to believe her. Even if that means taking their dare to light a lamp that—wouldn’t you know it?—might bring about the end of the world. Readers will be delighted by this adventurous dive into Hindu mythology and the chance to cheer along a heroic young protagonist. Chokshi makes it easy to connect with Aru by showing her learn from her mistakes (with the help of a sarcastic sorcerer pigeon), and readers will experience wonder as they are met with such surprises as a forest of giant fireflies. This series starter also doesn’t skimp on important lessons about friendship, family, and love. Chokshi is a talented writer who breathes fresh air into her mythological world.

My Comments

Exciting, nail-biting, high action, funny. I like how the author skillfully weaves an education of Indian mythology into the story. Well written in that way.

 

MAYA AND THE RISING DARK (Book 1) by Rena Barron

 

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Maya and the Rising Dark by Rena Barron

Fantasy, Elementary

298 pages

Description Booklist (March 15, 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 14))

Grades 5-7. Twelve-year-old Maya loves her papa and the wild stories he tells about orisha gods and mystical West African creatures he “encounters” while away at work. But after a series of strange occurrences, including a brief freeze in time and space, and an attack by a pack of werehyenas from the Dark (think Stranger Things’ Upside Down), Papa reveals to Maya that there’s more to these old folktales than meets the eye. Though to Maya he is “Papa,” her father is also a celestial being called Elleguá—the Guardian of the Veil (between Maya's world and the Dark). The veil that he’s created and maintains has killed beings from the Dark, making Elleguá the target for the Lord of the Shadows' revenge. Together, Maya and her best friends Frankie and Eli journey through the Dark in their effort to save her papa—and Earth as they know it. This opening installment of what will be a much-anticipated series is fast-paced and adventurous, offering a fresh blend of culture, community, and folklore rooted broadly in the African diaspora.

My Comments

Intriguing beginning. Need to read again because I believe Maya was said to be in 4th grade although reviews say otherwise.

THE NOCTURNALS: THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS (Book 1) by Tracey Hecht

The Nocturnals: The Mysterious Abductions (Book 1) by Tracey Hecht

Animal Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Australia, Endangered Animals, Poachers

220 pages

Description

Booklist (March 1, 2016 (Vol. 112, No. 13))

Grades 4-7. This new series documents the exploits of the Nocturnals, an unlikely trio who protect their fellow jungle denizens from all sorts of calamities—in this adventure, kidnappers. Tobin is a shy pangolin; Bismark is a vainglorious sugar glider; and Dawn is a mysterious, elegant fox. The three eventually locate the captives in a subterranean cave under the control of Boris, a terrifying crocodile. Boris means to enslave the animals and create a winning team for a hockeylike sport that will lure back the humans (“coachers”) who took his family. A Nocs-versus-Crocs game will decide everyone’s fate, until a nerve-wracking shoot-out ends in chaos: Boris is actually talking about poachers, and it becomes clear that his family will never come back. An offer of sympathy and friendship resolves the crisis. The characters are humorous and well developed, and the fast-moving plot features intrigue, unexpected twists, and the innovative hybrid hockey game. Accessible to upper elementary while sufficiently sophisticated for middle school, this new animal fantasy series should prove popular.

My Comments

Advanced elementary-Grade 6. Vocabulary and humor a bit advanced. Readers should be acquainted with the species of animals which are native to Australia. Fast moving and witty with serious undertones of human toll on animals. See Warrior Cat series for similar theme. Young for many sixth graders, but keep in mind according to reader.