Just because a story makes you crazy and tries to break your heart, doesn’t mean it’s not worth reading. That’s all I’ll say on my end because I don’t want to give too much away. In the end, I wanted to hate this book. But it affected me too much to give it a poor review.
Category: 4.0-4.9
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Theif
The two Percy Jackson movies didn’t do this series justice. They tried to take a cool, YA approach that defied what made this book (and series) so popular in the first place. The voice! Percy is fun and sarcastic, and the new TV series captures that. But the book captures it even better. 🙂
The Chance to Fly
We all need a book that breaks boundaries, and this is one that you will love. When Nat Beacon has a chance to try out for Wicked, she doesn’t let her wheelchair get in her way. Whether you love musical theater or cheering for a character with plenty of resolve, this story will touch your heart.
The Lemonade War
Sibling rivalry takes a heated twist in this classic story about a brother and sister in a battle to make the most from their lemonade sales. Family dynamics, friendship, and fun math—yes, fun math–all drive this story to an intriguing end.
City of Ghosts
For middle grade, the balance between scary and not-too-scary is difficult to perfect, and Schwab does a great job giving kids the creeps without completely creeping them out
Star Girl
Star Girl is different. And that’s a good thing. Here’s why readers and writers might give it a whirl.
Inheritance Games
The Inheritance Games is a story that goes far beyond a nice girl getting rich. We can only dream what it must be like to inherit billions of dollars from someone we don’t know. But Barnes does a great job showing us just how complicated such a situation might be.
Ban This Book
In this story, a brave fourth grader takes on her school and some overreaching parents to preserve the books that she loves so dearly. In Ban This Book, Alan Gratz helps young people understand both the reasons and the dangers behind what is, frankly, happening in schools today.
Indian No More
In this middle grade novel, Indian No More, we learn just how devastating a situation could be when the American government suddenly decides to no longer recognize a tribe. This tale of both heartbreak and resilience will educate a whole new generation of young people, even as Regina captivates the audience with her story, which is inspired by the author’s own experience.
Rescue Princesses
The Rescue Princesses combines the love of animals with the fantasy of being a princess. The series also emphasizes friendship, courage, and diversity–perfect for little girls (and hey, even boys) navigating the social structure of elementary school.
Front Desk
I highly recommend this story as something that will encourage you to think about what the American dream means, and how we can all take tough moments in our lives to overcome the biggest hurdles.
That’s Not What Happened
I came across this young adult novel while searching for thrillers. So when I started reading it, I was surprised at the plot. However, although this deals with one of our society’s greatest tragedies–school shootings–this story was urgent and moving.
Kid List 