Killer Angels by Michael Shaara Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Coined as one of the best stories about the Civil War of all time, Michael Shaara brings you the famous battle of Gettysburg – from both the Confederate and Union armies. It is split up into three days, and significant events take place on each day. John Buford of the Union army chooses the high ground. Lee’s army marches … Read more
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park Adventure Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) This book follows two stories. It starts with the story of Salva Dut in 1985. Throughout his life, the only home that Salva knew until the age of 11 was the small, South Sudanese village he lived in. He’s forced to flee his village to avoid the ongoing civil war in his country. … Read more
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb Autobiography Biography Nonfiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) This is the real-life story of Malala Yousafzai, a current activist who fights for female education. She is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner at age 17. In Swat Valley in Pakistan, females couldn’t even go out due to being at risk … Read more
P.S. I Still Love You To All the Boy’s I’ve Loved Before series, book #2 by Jenny Han Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) Lara Jean navigates the dos and don’ts in her relationship with Peter Kavinsky. Lara and Peter were just pretending. Until they weren’t. One day, five of Lara’s love letters she had written when she was overwhelmed by her crushes were sent to each of her crushes. To … Read more
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, book #1 by Jenny Han Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * Stars (Just Ok) Lara Jean has had five crushes that actually mattered throughout her whole life. The things is, Lara Jean has never openly admitted her crushes, and when she has feelings that overwhelm her so much about her certain crush, she would write a letter to lock her … Read more
Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka Biography Graphic Novel Memoir Nonfiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) While in high school Jarrett Krosoczka volunteers at Camp Sunshine, a summer camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. He is assigned to be a one-on-one companion to thirteen-year-old Diego who has brain cancer and uses a wheelchair. It’s an intense assignment for a new volunteer and Jarrett takes his new responsibilities seriously. He also interacts with other teen … Read more
In Limbo by Deb JJ Lee Biography Graphic Novel Memoir Nonfiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Deborah is Korean American (she came to the US with her family when she was 3) and she’s struggling to find a path for herself. Her mother has Great Expectations for her future and becomes angry and physically violent with Deb when she fails to get perfect grades, speak Korean fluently, and become a musical virtuoso. Deb wants … Read more
Spy Camp Spy School, book #2 Graphic Novel Mystery Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) Ben Ripley started spy school in the first installment of this graphic novel series based on the books. Now he’s just been informed that ALL students are required to attend summer school, actually summer camp for prospective spies. Ben’s getting himself resigned to MORE school when he discovers that the evil spy organization, SPYDER is STILL after him … Read more
Out of My Heart sequel to “Out of My Mind” by Sharon Draper Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Melody has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair because she has trouble controlling how her body moves. She also has difficulty speaking, but has an assistive device that she calls “Elvira” that allows her to type out what she wants to say. In “Out of My Mind” Melody found her voice through Elvira and … Read more
Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed Mystery Racism Realistic Fiction Supernatural Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Safiya Mirza dreams of someday being a journalist. In order to achieve this dream, Safiya becomes the editor of her school’s newspaper. As editor, she learns something; it’s her job to find the facts in Jawad’s case and not let personal bias overcome her when she finds Jawad. You may be wondering, “Who is Jawad?” Jawad … Read more