Curlfriends: New in Town by Sharee Miller Graphic novel Realistic Fiction Tween * * * Stars (Pretty good) Charlie has lived all over the world as a military brat, but now that her dad is changing careers, the family has settled down in the same town where her folks grew up, and Charlie is looking forward to starting over at her new middle school. She studies fashion magazines for ideas and puts together a new … Read more
Enlighten Me by Minh Le & Chan Chau Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Binh gets into trouble in school when he starts a fight with the kid who has been bullying him. Instead of being seen as a hero for standing up for himself, Binh finds that his family and the school administration are punishing him for his actions. His folks take the whole family away for a vacation retreat … 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
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
Castaways of the Flying Dutchman Castaways of the Flying Dutchman series, book #1 by Brian Jacques Adventure Historical Fiction Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Ye all have heard of the Flying Dutchman, that cursed ship that has been cursed to sail the seas forever… Woe to the sailor who sees Captain Vanderdecken and his ghostly crew… Sometime in the near future, those who see this ship shall be cursed to … Read more
Aru Shah and the End of Time Aru Shah series, book #1 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hinduism Supernatural Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) One day three of her classmates show up at Aru’s doorstep to catch her lying. They don’t believe the “Diya of Bharata” in the museum is cursed, so they dare Aru to prove it. Overwhelmed, Aru lights the Diya with dire consequences, as she unwittingly frees the Sleeper, … Read more
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Overlode Diary of a Wimpy Kid #17 By Jeff Kinney Humorous Illustrated Fiction Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Greg Heffley narrates the saga of his older brother’s trials and tribulations as he and his band Loded Diper attempt to rocket themselves into stardom. Trying to follow in the footsteps of their idols, Metallichihuahua, they’re supposed to perform in a battle of the bands competition, but before … Read more
Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor Winterborne Home, bk #1 by Ally Carter Adventure Mystery Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Through numerous foster homes, and most o fthem terrible, April is waiting for one thing: the return of her mother. She was dropped off on the front doorstep of the fire station with a note stating her name, and a promise from her mother (who said she was returning). … Read more
One True Way Shannon Hitchcock Historical Fiction (1977) LGBTQ Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) When Allie Drake and her mom move from New Jersey to North Carolina, Allie makes a friend – Sam – at her new middle school almost immediately. Sam introduces her to all the other kids, facilitates her getting onto the newspaper staff (Allie Drake, Staff Reporter!), and promises to teach her how to ride her horse. They quickly … Read more