The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig by Don Zolidis Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Craig and Amy are an unlikely couple – Amy is popular, outgoing, and a real class leader, while Craig has a few awkward nerdy friends who get together on Saturday nights to play D&D. But when Craig starts crushing on Amy, he finds a way for them to spend more time together – he … Read more
The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani Historical Fiction Juvenile Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Nisha and her twin brother Amil (12 years old) become refugees when their country gains its independence from British rule in 1947 and is split into two nations – India and Pakistan. Because she and her family (father, grandmother, and brother) are considered Hindu (even though Nisha and Amil’s mother was Muslim) they must leave the home they have … Read more
Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven Realistic Fiction Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Libby Strout was the girl who had to be cut out of her own house when she ballooned up to 653 pounds and earned herself the title of “America’s Fattest Teen.” Jack Masselin grew up across the street from Libby (before she moved) and has become the cool, suave guy. He’s also just discovered there’s a name for the … Read more
Blended by Sharon M. Draper Juvenile Fiction Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Isabella is eleven years old and her parents are divorced with joint custody, so every Sunday there’s an EXCHANGE at the mall and Isabella spends the week with the assigned parent. The dissolution of their marriage wasn’t exactly amicable and they still get under each other’s skin despite being in serious long-term relationships with other people. Isabella likes her parents’ … Read more
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler By E.L. Konigsburg Adventure Juvenile Fiction Mystery Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Feeling unappreciated and taken advantage of, Claudia decides to teach her parents a lesson by running away. Because she’s a planner, and accustomed to a certain standard of living (and comfort) she decides to invite her younger brother Jamie (who saves ALL of his money) on her escapade. Jamie is up … Read more
Welcome, Wombat True Tales of Rescue series by Kama Einhorn Juvenile/Tween Nonfiction Wombats Animal Rescue * * * * Stars (Great!) Chance, the wombat, narrates a welcome to newly rescued “pinky” Panzer and shares wombat facts and information about the sanctuary and humans who have taken them in to raise and keep safe until such a time comes when they can return to the wild. Details about wombat nature and habits is imparted in a … Read more
Almost Home by Joan Bauer Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Sugar Mae Cole and her mother Reba are evicted from their home when they fail to make payments on their mortgage. Sugar’s father, Mr. Leeland, convinced Reba to loan him money, and has yet to pay it back. Sugar is a smart girl – much wiser than her twelve years – and she makes preliminary arrangements for them to stay at a … Read more
Wildcard sequel to Warcross by Marie Lu Mystery Romance Science Fiction Suspense Thriller * * * Stars (Pretty good) When Emika Chen learns that Hideo has created an algorithm that allows him to control the minds of anyone who uses his NeuroLink, she breaks off their relationship and turns to Zero, the mysterious entity who attempted to sabotage the Warcross Championships. He knew what Hideo was going to do, and now he has another plan … Read more
The Unidentified by Rae Mariz Science Fiction Suspense Thriller * * * Stars (Pretty good) Katey (kidzero) goes to one of the Game schools (hers is for 13-17 year olds) – created, funded, and managed by corporate interests that closely monitor the consumer behaviors of their students and test out new products on them while gamifying their education. By now, most of the students only care about popularity, number of friends/people subscribed to their streams, … Read more
Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Steve York is in danger of failing life, but he doesn’t care. He’s worked hard to escape his past – to forget and distance himself from what happened in Texas. His high school guidance counselor, DeMouy, however, reminds him that he once was a good student, and that there’s still time to turn things around. In order to do that Steve … Read more