Blog Archives

The War Outside

11/4/2019

In the midst of World War Two, both Margo and Haruko are imprisoned in the Crystal City Family Internment Camp. Both girls’ fathers were convicted of crimes they swore they did not commit, and both families are being held against their will. Other than their shared circumstances, the two girls have nothing in common. As pressure builds up within the camp, they begin to realize that no one can be trusted, including each other. For fans of World War Two novels, The War Outside is the story of camaraderie, trust, and survival that will keep readers on their feet throughout the entire story.

The War Outside
Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
Tags: Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Dylan D.

Skyjacked

11/4/2019

Six high schoolers are trapped on a private jet that is going drastically off course. Soon it is made clear that the plane has been hijacked. But by who? Suspicion throws the teens into a high intensity situation that no one is safe from. Will they be able to stop the plane and find out the hijacker before they go down?

Skyjacked is perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying. It is just as fast-paced and entertaining, yet remains unique from Karen McMannus’ book because of the interesting setting. Murder mystery romance lovers alike will find this book as a new favorite.

Skyjacked by Paul Griffin
Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
Tags: Adventure, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Fast-Paced, Mystery, Romance
Reviewed by: Charlotte D.

Hope and Other Punchlines

11/4/2019

Almost every patriotic American has seen Baby Hope, Abbi’s alter ego. As the South Tower of the World Trade Center falls on 9/11, Baby Hope celebrates her first birthday with a crown and a balloon. For the rest of the country, Abbi’s picture brings them together, but for Abbi it gives unwanted attention. This summer, as Abbi continues her search for anonymity, she signs up as a camp counselor in another town. Unfortunately, she encounters Noah Stern, who ropes her into a search behind the Baby Hope photo. As Abbi’s perfect summer takes a tumultuous turn, she must face her past and discovers that there is more to the photo than anyone expected.

Hope and Other Punchlines explores the aftermath of a tragic incident in American history, helping young readers to understand the magnitude of the attacks.

Hope and Other Punchlines by Julie Buxbaum
Grades: 7th, 8th
Tags: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Reviewed by: Dylan D.

Internment

11/4/2019

America has decided to renew its World War II era strategy of putting people into internment camps, but this time, it is Muslim Americans, including Layla and her family. The people inside the internment camp are treated so badly that even the Muslim-hating public isn’t told. Layla and her friends decide to change this.

Internment is a dystopian novel perfect for fans of World War II novels. It discusses and opens readers’ eyes to issues that are prevalent in our society today, even if they aren’t as extreme.

Internment by Samira Ahmed
Grades: 7th, 8th
Tags: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Dystopian
Reviewed by: Charlotte D.

Symptoms of a Heartbreak

11/4/2019

At 16, Saira is America’s youngest doctor. She has just started a new internship at the hospital her mom works at. While she may be a good doctor, Saira soon find out that there is more to being a young doctor then she had previously thought. She must learn to balance being a teenager with being a doctor, especially when she falls in love with a patient.

Symptoms of a Heartbreak is for readers who love John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. This novel encompasses similar themes of love and loss but with a fast-paced twist that comes with being in a high-pressure situation.

Symptoms of a Heartbreak
Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
Tags: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Fast-Paced, Romance
Reviewed by: Charlotte D.

American Royals

11/4/2019

After America won the Revolutionary War, George Washington was offered a chance to be king. He accepted, of course. American Royals follows the perspectives of the heir to the throne, her forgotten, rule-stretching younger sister, the best friend who chooses to shy away from the spotlight, and the prince’s socialite ex-girlfriend. For fans of the Royals series, avid followers of the British monarchy, or anyone looking for a light, fun read, American Royals is hard to put down.

Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
Tags: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Reviewed by: Dylan D.

Fountains of Silence

11/4/2019

The Spanish Revolutionary War left Francisco Franco as dictator and millions of citizens starving. Anna is a maid at the brand new Castellana Hilton, filled with rich Americans looking to strike a business deal. By day, Rafa works two jobs to support his family, but at night he dreams of making his friend into a matador. Puri, their cousin, works at the orphanage and strives to be the perfect Spanish, Catholic citizen. Daniel’s family runs a successful oil company in Dallas, Texas, and he gets caught up in the lives of Anna, Puri, and Rafa while his family is in Spain on a business trip.

Ruta Sepetys is a master at finding hidden history and sharing it with the world. She includes actual historical documents that guide the story, helping the reader further understand the time period. For those who have read Sepetys’ other works, The Fountains of Silence does not disappoint.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
Tags: Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Dylan D.

Gut Check

11/4/2019

The town of Greyport is known for two things: fishing and football. Wyatt’s life has revolved around both of those things since before he can remember. When red tide comes and fishing season crashes, so does Wyatt’s life. When the chance to try out for a coveted spot on the Greyport High football team comes up, Wyatt spends his waking hours trying to get it.

Gut Check brings new perspective to the booming, but as he proves, life-changing, business of sports. Eric Kester’s brand new book is a novel that any sports fan and athlete can relate to because it shows the grueling behind-the-scenes work that comes with playing a sport. For Wyatt, nothing comes easily.

Gut Check by Eric Kester
Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
Tags: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Reviewed by: Charlotte D.

On the Come Up

11/4/2019

Bri has wanted to be a rapper ever since she could talk. For her, rapping carries more than just the outer shell of the words. Rapping is a way for Bri to connect with her dead rap-legend father and release the emotions that come with the hardships she is going through. When she gets a chance to rap in front of a crowd, things finally start to look up. But the more Bri raps, the more she has to rely on rapping; not just for herself, but also for her family and community. Everyone, it seems, is reliant on her come up.

Angie Thomas, the renowned author of The Hate You Give, is back with her brand new novel, On the Come Up. Readers who loved Thomas’ first novel will love her new one, which carries references to The Hate You Give woven into the story. Bri’s message is not only communicated through prose, but also through pieces of her rapping dispersed throughout the book. Thomas has definitely not lost her touch.

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Grades: 7th, 8th
Tags: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Reviewed by: Charlotte D.