Kwame’s novel-in-verse follows in the tradition of Newbery Award-winner The Crossover.
Recommended grade level: 4-8
Pages: 320 (for ISBN 9780544570986)
Genre(s) and keywords: realistic fiction, verse, sports, diverse, reluctant readers, African-American protagonist
I was blown away by this affecting, hilarious, insightful book about a blended family told from two very different points of view.
Recommended grade level: 7-10
Pages: 256 (for ISBN 9780553496864)
Genre(s) and keywords: realistic, humor, Kylie’s favorites, Canadian author, international, North America (Canada)
Tone/Style: optimistic (Stewart), judgmental (Ashley)
Pace: fast
Topics: blended families, divorce, gifted students, popularity, homosexual parents, secrets, dating
Themes: grief and loss, change, self-acceptance, shame, true friends
Summary: Thirteen-year-old Stewart is academically brilliant, but socially clueless. Fourteen-year-old Ashley is the undisputed “It” girl in her grade, but her marks stink.
Their worlds are about to collide when Stewart and his dad move in with Ashley and her mom. Continue reading
A melancholy tale of a boy who acts out because of guilt, loneliness, and low self-esteem after causing the accidental death of a peer.
Recommended grade level: 5-8
Pages: 304 (for ISBN 9780399164064)
Genre(s) and keywords: realistic
Tone/Style: melancholy
Pace: leisurely
Topics: causing an accidental death, emotional problems, divorced parents, lost friendships, new friendships, brothers
Themes: reasons for misbehavior, coping with guilt, managing anger and other emotions, opening oneself to be helped by others, coping with feelings of inadequacy, earning trust
Summary: Seven months ago, a freak accident on Cedar Lake left one kid dead, and Trent Zimmerman with a brain full of thoughts he can’t shake. Continue reading
Three novellas from the point of view of three different characters offer new insight into the world of Palacio’s 2012 bestseller Wonder.
Recommended grade level: 3-6
Pages: 303 (for ISBN 9781101934852)
Genre(s) and keywords: realistic fiction, novella
Tone/Style: thoughtful
Pace: leisurely to moderate
Topics: The Julian Chapter: bullying, feuds, parent-school relations, World War II.
Pluto: divorce, accidents, memories, childhood friendships, outer space, dogs
Themes: The Julian Chapter: reasons for meanness, redemption, forgiveness
Pluto: difficult friendships, long-distance friendships relationships with parents, guilt
Shingaling: reasons for kindness, going outside of friend groups, self-discovery
Summary: Over 2 million people have read the #1 New York Times bestseller Wonder and have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. Readers have also been treated to three stories offering a special look at Auggie’s world through new points of view. Continue reading
Anna discovers some surprising things about herself and her loved ones as she struggles to come to terms with her mother’s suicide attempt in this painfully honest depiction of life with a bipolar parent.
Recommended grade level: 6-9
Pages: 272 (for ISBN 9780374302306)
Genre(s) and keywords: realistic fiction, Kylie’s favorites
Flashlight Chronicles 