New books by favorite authors!

Alex Gino, Author of George, has a new book which has just released:
Author's website: http://www.alexgino.com/








Neal Shusterman, author of The Unwind series and Arc of a Scythe series, has a new book which he wrote with his son:

Author's website: http://www.storyman.com/







Marie Lu, author of the Legend series, the Young Elites series and now the Warcross  series, has published book #2 in this last series.
Author's website: http://onetrueportal.com/marielu/









Dusti Bowling, author of The Insignificant Life of Cactus, has a new book!
Author's website: https://www.dustibowling.com/

Top 10 of 2018...so far

                    

Mockingbird.....going on my top 10 of 2018!

Mockingbird was.................
- touching
- powerful
[long pause...................]
- worth reading!

I have mentioned before that  sometimes we "know" that things are difficult for people with disabilities, however "feeling" how different they truly are is a gift to the reader. This book opened my eyes to autism. I applaud the author for creating a book with such power geared to our teenager readers. Bravo!

Summary:

In a nutshell:  A girl on the autism spectrum reaches out past her own family's tragedy to help others as she helps herself.

In Caitlin’s world, everything is black or white.  Things are good or bad.  Anything in between is confusing.  That’s the stuff Caitlin’s older brother, Devon, has always explained.  But now Devon’s dead, and her father cries a lot.  Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an eleven-year-old girl with Asperger’s, she doesn’t know how.  When she reads the definition of “closure” in the dictionary, she realizes that is what she and her father need.  In her search for Closure, Caitlin discovers that not everything is black and white--the world is full of colors--messy and beautiful, and it is through this discovery that she embarks on a road which leads her to find both healing and closure.

Mockingbird won the 2010 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.

Discussion Guide

Author's website: http://kathrynerskine.com/

Finding Someplace....how timely!

Goodreads summary:

Reesie Boone just knows that thirteen is going to be her best year yet—this will be the year she makes her very first fashion design on her Ma Maw's sewing machine. She'll skip down the streets of New Orleans with her best friends, Ayanna and Orlando, and everyone will look at her in admiration.

But on Reesie's birthday, everything changes. Hurricane Katrina hits her city. Stranded at home alone, Reesie takes refuge with her elderly neighbor, Miss Martine. The waters rise. They escape in a boat. And soon Reesie is reunited with her family. But her journey back home has only begun.

This is a story of a family putting itself back together, and a young girl learning to find herself.

My humble opinion:

What a story! I was on the edge of my seat even though I remember Hurricane Katrina. What I've learned through books: you may know about something but you've not lived through it!

Sometimes it is difficult to imagine what it is like to have OCD or live through a traumatic event. When you find a book that makes you feel what it's like then that book is worth sharing.

This book would also be a great book to introduce historical fiction with an event that students know. 

A List of Cages...powerful, sad & inspiring!

A List of Cages by Robin Roe was a tough read but I also could not put it down. A beautifully written story with two points of view, one for each main character. For those readers who enjoy books with deep/powerful stories (like Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt).

I consider this book YA for the difficult content, however the one sex scene is off page. I would consider allowing a middle school student to read it if they were mature. Not for the sensitive type.

I usually keep my favorite books on my shelf at home, however, I want to share this one with my colleagues....

Great Video Review by Gracewithabookinherface

Happy Reading!

Little & Lion...everything but the kitchen sink!

Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert

It's a funny thing when the characters are so diverse that you feel like the author is throwing a lot at you...however....protagonists are a-changing!

The 1st main character is:

-  a 16 year old

- African American

- a female

- the child of a mother who is living with her male significant other (not married)

- a convert to judaism

- trying to figure out what her sexuality is

- constantly dealing with racism

The 2nd main character is:

- a 17 year old

- diagnosed with bi-polar disorder

- abandoned by his best-friend/"sister" leaves to go to boarding school after his "episode"

- feel abandoned by his friends

- trying to cope with his illness and who he is

Even though this story has a lot going on, so do our lives. Lives are complicated and messy, but we are resilient, and so are these teens. 

It is nice to see that sexuality is no longer the main story line, but a character trait. 

Long way down....elevator ride to never forget

 Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds


Jason Reynolds is truly a fascinating writer and speaker. His books  appeal to all types of readers, from athletes to quiet teens.  Jason Reynolds appeals to all. He writes about passion and hope, overcoming expectations and breaking barriers. Ghost, Patina and Sunny each blend these components and connect with every reader.
Long Way Down packs the biggest punch per page. A simple elevator ride with self-reflection, this story is heart-wrenching and eye-opening. The heaviest part is learning that this story is based on real facts from the author's life.
What decision will a child make when he has to make the biggest decision of his life? Avenge his brother or mourn him?

Well worth the read.

Want to learn more about Jason Reynolds?

Jason Reynolds on The Daily Show w/ Trevor Noah. Watch the video

Ready Player One...the book AND the movie

  AND 

As a HUGE fan of this book, I have to say...the book was better HOWEVER, the movie was still phenomenal. Why? Because all the major scenes were present AND the changes in the movie, made sense for the movie. 

Who will like this story:

- 80's music fans

- any person who has EVER played a video game (ever!!! from the first to the latest)

- do you like adventure?

- do you like suspense?

- do you like twists and turns in the plot line?

- do you like Syfy??

- .....pretty much applies to EVERYONE!

..and yes, Steven Spielberg helped make it pretty amazing in the graphics arena, so yeah....Read it or See it, the choice is yours :)

Happy Reading/Viewing!

Drag Teen.....you know you're curious!

    

You'll love JT!

Definitely for the more "progressive" reader. An adorable mis-adventure of three teens who'se only goal is to get the main character a college scholarship. The beautiful lesson: Your life is about WHO is in it, not WHAT you do! Cute story....worth the time...+ quite a few reference to Ru-Paul and other founders!

Turtles All The Way Down.....

If you are a John Green fan...then you'll love this book. 

What is a John Green fan? You love deeply intellectual analysis of the characters. Amazing visualizations of people's inner thoughts. His characters' woes are heavy and weigh on your soul well after you've finished the book. Also, I have no doubt I missed some subtleties, which I would catch on a 2nd or 3rd read....as I'm sure John Green fans re-read his books :)

His books are not for those who like "light" reading. John Green fans like to feel the "feels"!

A memorable book (as are all his books) and recommended..however, not for the younger reader. The language is heavy and deep. Nothing greatly inappropriate. 

Six dots......

 Children's Illustrated books have a special place in my heart. They often inspire children to read...more....or to learn more about a topic. They are a great way to begin a lesson, motivate learners, open minds....

Six Dots, by Jen Bryant & Illustrated by Boris Kulikov is one of those books. A beautifully well explained true story about Louis Braille. A great addition to books about little known inventors...who changed the world.

Well worth adding to your shelf, even if it's the only Children's book there!

Happy Reading!

Symptoms of Being Human

This book came highly recommended by a former student. I am so glad I finally read it. This is an absolutely beautiful book. Broke my heart, made me laugh and taught me a few things along the way. I cannot recommend it enough! Wish I had a hard copy to keep on my book shelf. 

The audiobook was well done too!

Jeff Garvin is a fascinating person. This video gives a glimpse into who he is. Watch the video.

Audible....the audiobook of the 21st Century

I have always been a fan of audiobooks. They offer an opportunity to have a completely different experience with books. With the talents of voice actors, characters come to life all around you. 

So far, I've listened to two YA books:

  

Currently, I am listening to: 

The beauty about Audible, aside from having books available on my phone ANYTIME, is that you also receive one free book per month. Nice!

Happy Reading!

The Wild Robot Escapes

Sequel to The Wild Robot. Unfortunately, The Wild Robot Escapes  is not as impactful as it's predecessor. It is an interesting continuation of the story, demonstrating what life is like in society with robots all around. 

On to the next one....

Happy Reading!

Love, love LOVE this one!

Love, love, LOVE this one!

I have been holding off on this one because ... I judged the book by it's cover (I know...it's wrong!)...because I thought it would be "young". Boy was I wrong! 

Character Education + Prejudice = Kids figuring it all out.

This is a book EVERYONE should read. Set in the time of 1970s desegregation in Los Angeles. However, it does not feel like a historical fiction novel....all the lesson are valid today.  Life as a students is truly felt in this book. 

5 stars...if I rated books!

When a Media Specialist goes to a book conference....

What's New in YA Lit?

~ 2017 ~

  

I was so fortunate to be able to attend a conference with Shauna Yusko (@Mrs.YuskoLibrary). Fantastic recommendations....a few of the books on the top of my reading list:

- Love and First Sight 

- They Both Die at the End

- The Hate U Give

- Eliza and Her Monsters

- Dress Codes for Small Towns

- Ramona Blue

- One of Us is Lying

Can't wait to read them all! 

Here are her recommendations:

Happy Reading!