Title:Ghost Author: Jason Reynolds Finished: 9/27/17 Summary: Ghost has a crazy natural talent, but no formal training. If he can stay on track, literally and figuratively, he could be the best sprinter in the city. But Ghost has been running for the wrong reasons—it all starting with running away from his father, who, when Ghost was a very little boy, chased him and his mother through their apartment, then down the street, with a loaded gun, aiming to kill. Since then, Ghost has been the one causing problems—and running away from them—until he meets Coach, an ex-Olympic Medalist who blew his own shot at success by using drugs, and who is determined to keep other kids from blowing their shots at life. -Thoughts: I heard Jason Reynold speak at the North Texas Teen Festival and could not wait to read this book. I thought it was a GREAT READ! Wonderful for any student athlete who is looking for a good book. I cannot wait to read the second book of the series, Patina.
Title: Count all her Bones Author: April Henry Finished: 10/2/17 Summary: Six months ago, Griffin Sawyer meant to steal a car, but he never meant to steal the girl asleep in the backseat. Panicked, he took her home. His father, Roy, decided to hold Cheyenne--who is blind--for ransom. Griffin helped her escape, and now Roy is awaiting trial. As they prepare to testify, Griffin and Cheyenne reconnect and make plans to meet. But the plan goes wrong and Cheyenne gets captured by Roy's henchmen--this time for the kill. Can Cheyenne free herself? And is Griffin a pawn or a player in this deadly chase? -Thoughts: This book is defiantly suspenseful. I had the chance to listen to April Henry discuss this book and could not wait to get my hands on it. I have not read the first book, Girl Stolen, and was able to pick up on what was going on very easily. If you like a good mystery/thriller this book is for you.
Title: Thirteen Reasons Why Author: Jay Asher Finished: 10/13/17 Summary: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. Thoughts: I first read this book about 10 years ago when I was a young English teacher. I loved it then and I still enjoyed it today. I would suggest this book be for more mature readers.
Title: Divergent Author: Veronica Roth Finished: 11/1/17 Summary: In a future Chicago, sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all. Thoughts: It may surprise you, but I have actually never read these books. Yes, I have seen the movies, but never actually read them. I loved the book. I enjoyed learning about the different factions and their role in this new society. I also enjoyed the tension between Tris and Four. The book was so good, that I had to read the second!
Title: Insurgent Author: Veronica Roth Finished: 11/10/17 Summary: Sequel to Divergent. Tris Prior survives the Erudite simulation attacks that occur during the time she expected to be celebrating her achievement of being ranked first among the initiate class of her chosen faction, Dauntless. Even though the Dauntless have been freed from Erudite mind control, a war develops and secrets emerge. Thoughts: truth be told, I did not enjoy this book as much as the first book. However, I am still glad I read it. I was engaged through the whole book, but I felt it was a let down after thoroughly enjoying the first novel.
Title: Real Friends Author: Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham Finished: 11/13/17 Summary: Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends ever since they were little. But one day, Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the most popular girl in class and the leader of a circle of friends called The Group. Everyone in The Group wants to be Jen's #1, and some girls would do anything to stay on top . . . even if it means bullying others. Now every day is like a roller coaster for Shannon. Will she and Adrienne stay friends? Can she stand up for herself? And is she in The Group--or out? Thoughts: This is such a cute book! It is a graphic novel, so it was an easy read for me. I enjoyed learning about each of the characters and the role they played in this group of friends. Students will relate to how hard it is to make friends and keep them.
Title: The Baby-Sitters Club-Claudia and Mean Janine Author: Raina Telgemeier Finished: 11/17/17 Summary: Claudia and her sister, Janine, may as well be from two different planets. Claudia, who pays more attention to her artwork and The Baby-Sitters Club than her homework, feels like she can't compete with her perfect sister. Janine studies nonstop, gets straight As, and even takes college-level courses! But when something unexpected happens to the most beloved person in their family, will the sisters be able to put aside their differences? Thoughts: As a kid, I remember reading almost all of the Babysitter books. There was even a movie that I watched over and over. This book took me back to my youth when I would read the novels. Putting this series in graphic form is a great idea. This specific graphic novel, shows students how to overcome hard times. I would recommend this book to young girls who are interesting in babysitting.
Title: Allegiant Author: Veronica Roth Finished: 12/1/17 Summary: Sequel to: Insurgent. "The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered--fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she's known, Tris is ready."--Dust jacket. Thoughts: I am so glad I finally read this series! I had watched all the movies, but had never read the books. I have to say, I was a little disappointed in this book. My favorite part of the book is the relationship between Tris and Four. That alone kept me engaged in the book. Even though it was not my favorite, I would still add it to anyones must read list.
Title: The Playbook: 52 Rules to aim, Shoot, and Score in this Game Called Life Author: Kwame Alexander Finished: 11/27/17 Summary: Kwame Alexander shares poetry and inspiring lessons about the rules of life, as well as uplifting quotes from athletes such as Stephen Curry and Venus Williams and other exemplars like Sonia Sotomayor and Michelle Obama in this motivational and inspirational book just right for graduates of any age and anyone needing a little encouragement Thoughts: This book will definitely encourage students to do their best. I enjoyed reading all of the quotes from different professional athletes. Alexander has a way of telling a story that keeps the reader engaged. This is a for sure read for any student athlete.
Title: The Baby-Sitters- The Truth About Stacy Author: Raina Telgemeier Finished: 12/5/17 Summary: Poor Stacey. She just moved to a new town, is still coming to terms with her diabetes, and is facing baby-sitting problems left and right. Fortunately, Stacey has three new friends - Kristy, Claudia, and Mary Anne. Together they're the BSC - and they will deal with whatever's thrown their way . . . even if it's a rival baby-sitting club! Thoughts: This book was as good as the other Baby-Sitters Club graphic novel I read earlier in the year. In fact, I thought this book was so fun that I now have my 7 year old daughter reading them. It is a must read for any young girl!
Title:Four Author: Veronica Roth Finished: 1/10/18 Summary: Transfer -- Initiate -- Son -- Traitor -- First Jumper, Tris! -- Careful, Tris -- You look good, Tris. " A collection of four pre-Divergent stories plus three additional scenes from Divergent, all told from Tobias's point of view, that follow Tobias's transfer from Abnegation to Dauntless, his Dauntless initiation, the first clues that a foul plan is brewing in the leadership of two factions, and the weeks after he meets Tris Prior Thoughts: This was my favorite book of the series. Throughout reading all of these books, my favorite character has been Four. This book gave me an insight to how his mind works. If you read all of these books, Four is definitely one that you don't want to skip!
Title:Invisible Emmie Author: Terri Libenson Finished: 1/12/18 Summary: This is the story of two totally different girls--quiet, shy, artistic Emmie, popular, outgoing, athletic Katie --and how their lives unexpectedly intersect one day, when an embarrassing note falls into the wrong hands. . . . All the crushes, humiliations, boredom, and drama of middle school are compressed into one surprising day in this extraordinary novel. Thoughts: This book shows what it is like to be a shy quiet middle school student. I really enjoyed getting to see the main character, Emmie, come out of her shell. This would be a great read for any middle school girl.
Title:If I Stay Author: Gayle Forman Finished: 1/18/18 Summary: In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heart wrenchingly beautiful, this will change the way you look at life, love, and family. Now a major motion picture starring Chloe Grace Moretz, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time. Thoughts: One of my student aides gave me this book when I asked her what her favorite book was. I can tell why she love it so much. I was pulled in from the very beginning, and had to keep reading to see what Mia would do. Anyone who loves a good romance novel would love this book.
Title:Turtles all the way Down Author: John Green Finished: 1/23/18 Summary: Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis. Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts. In his long-awaited return, John Green, the acclaimed, award-winning author of Looking for Alaska and The Fault in Our Stars, shares Aza’s story with shattering, unflinching clarity in this brilliant novel of love, resilience, and the power of lifelong friendship. Thoughts: I am a big John Green fan. I have loved every book that he has written. This one was especially interesting. I really enjoyed that this book dealt with something that not too many books deal with. I was very fascinated with Aza's character and the relationship she has with other students. Overall, it was a good read.
Title:Long Way Down Author: Jason Reynolds Finished: 1/24/18 Summary: A cannon. A strap. A piece. A biscuit. A burner. A heater. A chopper. A gat. A hammer. A tool, for RULE
Or, you can call it a gun. That's what fifteen-year-old Will has shoved in the back waistband of his jeans. See, his brother Shawn was just murdered. And Will knows the rules. No crying. No snitching. Revenge. That's where Will's now heading, with that gun shoved in the back waistband of his jeans, the gun that was his brother's gun. He gets on the elevator, seventh floor, stoked. He knows who he's after. Or does he? The whole long way down, as the elevator stops on each floor, and at each stop someone connected to his brother gets on to give Will a piece to a bigger story than the one he thinks he knows. A story that might never know an END...if WILL gets off that elevator. Thoughts: To say this book is a page turner is an understatement! As you read this book, you feel like you are on the elevator with Will. I also enjoy the fact that it is written in verse. It allows the reader to experience so many ups and downs. It is a must read for any reader!
Title:One of us is Lying Author: Karen M. McManus Finished: 1/3/18 Summary: The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars, One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide. Pay close attention and you might solve this. On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention. Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule. Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess. Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing. Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher. AndSimon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High's notorious gossip app. Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention, Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn't an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he'd planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who's still on the loose? Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them. Thoughts: I LOVED this book! I had to find out what happened to Simon and who killed him. It is a must read for any 8th grader or above!
Title:This is Where it Ends Author: Marieke Nijkamp Finished: 2/1/18 Summary: 10:00 a.m. The principal of Opportunity High School finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve. 10:02 a.m. The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class. 10:03 a.m. The auditorium doors won't open.10:05 a.m. Someone starts shooting. Told from four different perspectives over the span of fifty-four harrowing minutes, terror reigns as one student’s calculated revenge turns into the ultimate game of survival. Thoughts: While I enjoyed this book, it will not be one that I will purchase for our school. This book dealt with a school shooting, which was way too close to home. I read this book in just three days, because I had to know how it ends. If you are a more mature student who can handle stress and loss, this could be a book for you. However, your going to have to go to the public library to read this one, sorry!
Title:Saving Red Author: Sonya Sones Finished: 2/7/18 Summary: Right before winter break, fourteen-year-old Molly Rosenberg reluctantly volunteers to participate in Santa Monica’s annual homeless count, just to get her school’s community service requirement out of the way. But when she ends up meeting Red, a spirited homeless girl only a few years older than she is, Molly makes it her mission to reunite her with her family in time for Christmas. This turns out to be extremely difficult—because Red refuses to talk about her past. There are things Molly won’t talk about either. Like the awful thing that happened last winter. She may never be ready to talk about that. Not to Red, or to Cristo, the soulful boy she meets while riding the Ferris wheel one afternoon. When Molly realizes that the friends who Red keeps mentioning are nothing more than voices inside Red’s head, she becomes even more concerned about her well-being. How will Molly keep her safe until she can figure out a way to get Red home? In Sonya Sones’ latest novel, two girls, with much more in common than they realize, give each other a new perspective on the meaning of family, friendship, and forgiveness. Thoughts: After reading This is Where it Ends I had to find a book that was not as stressful! Saving Red put me in a much better mood. While this book also deals with loss, there is an overall hopeful feel to this book. It was for sure the book I needed at the time!
Title:The Sun is Also a Star Author: Nicola Yoon Finished: 3/9/18 Summary: Natasha: I'm a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I'm definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won't be my story. Daniel:I've always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents' high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store--for both of us. The Universe:Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true? Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book! I got a little confused at first with the narration of the story switching back and forth between Daniel and Natasha, but in the end it made the story more interesting. Will Daniel and Natasha end up together? You'll have to read the book to find out!
Title: Forget me Not Author: Ellie Terry Finished: 3/23/18 Summary: Astronomy-loving Calliope June has Tourette syndrome, so she sometimes makes faces or noises that she doesn't mean to make. When she and her mother move yet again, she tries to hide her TS. But it isn't long before the kids at her new school realize she's different. Only Calliope's neighbor, who is also the popular student body president, sees her as she truly is--an interesting person and a good friend. But is he brave enough to take their friendship public?As Calliope navigates school, she must also face her mother's new relationship and the fact that they might be moving--again--just as she starts to make friends and finally accept her differences. Thoughts: This book is written in verse. I have really enjoyed reading books in verse this year, as they make for an easy read. This book gives the reader in insight to individuals who struggle with Tourettes. It was a cute story that any student should read!
Title:Zero Day Author: Jan Gangsei Finished: 4/1/18 Summary:Addie Webster's kidnapping was the most notorious of the decade - her high-profile parents were forced to go through their grief in the public eye. Mark Webster is now the President of the United States, fighting to keep the oval office after a tumultuous first term when the unthinkable happens: his daughter resurfaces. Addie is brought back into her family's fold, but who is this sixteen-year-old girl with a quiet, burning intelligence now living in the White House? There are those in the president's political circle who find her timely return suspicious. Thoughts: This book was a page turner for sure! I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. If you are in for a thriller this is the book for you!
Title:Wild Bird Author: Wendelin Van Draanen Finished: 4/15/18 Summary: 3:47 a.m. That's when they come for Wren Clemmens. She's hustled out of her house and into a waiting car, then a plane, and then taken on a forced march into the desert. This is what happens to kids who've gone so far off the rails, their parents don't know what to do with them anymore. This is wilderness therapy camp. Eight weeks of survivalist camping in the desert. Eight weeks to turn your life around. Yeah, right. The Wren who arrives in the Utah desert is angry and bitter, and blaming everyone but herself. But angry can't put up a tent. And bitter won't start a fire. Wren's going to have to admit she needs help if she's going to survive. Thoughts: What a book! I was so interested in Wren's story. I just wanted to know why she was acting up, and I was hoping that she would come to terms with who she is. You'll have to read the book to find out how Wren's story ends!
Title:The 57 Bus Author: Dashka Slater Finished: 4/20/18 Summary: One teenager in a skirt. One teenager with a lighter. One moment that changes both of their lives forever. If it weren't for the 57 bus, Sasha and Richard never would have met. Both were high school students from Oakland, California, one of the most diverse cities in the country, but they inhabited different worlds. Sasha, a white teen, lived in the middle-class foothills and attended a small private school. Richard, a black teen, lived in the crime-plagued flatlands and attended a large public one. Each day, their paths overlapped for a mere eight minutes. But one afternoon on the bus ride home from school, a single reckless act left Sasha severely burned, and Richard charged with two hate crimes and facing life imprisonment. The case garnered international attention, thrusting both teenagers into the spotlight. Thoughts: This book left me with many, many questions! It is a non fiction account of a horrific tragedy. After reading this book, I still have so many questions.
Title:Far from the Tree Author: Robin Benway Finished: 5/1/18 Summary: Being the middle child has its ups and downs.But for Grace, an only child who was adopted at birth, discovering that she is a middle child is a different ride altogether. After putting her own baby up for adoption, she goes looking for her biological family, including-- Maya, her loudmouthed younger bio sister, who has a lot to say about their newfound family ties. Having grown up the snarky brunette in a house full of chipper redheads, she's quick to search for traces of herself among these not-quite-strangers. And when her adopted family's long-buried problems begin to explode to the surface, Maya can't help but wonder where exactly it is that she belongs. And Joaquin, their stoic older bio brother, who has no interest in bonding over their shared biological mother. After seventeen years in the foster care system, he's learned that there are no heroes, and secrets and fears are best kept close to the vest, where they can't hurt anyone but him. Thoughts: I loved this book! I just wanted to know more about these characters and where their journey would take them. It is a beautiful read!
Title:Warcross Author: Marie Lu Finished: 5/20/18 Summary: For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn't just a game--it's a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down Warcross players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty-hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. To make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships--only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation. Convinced she's going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game's creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year's tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika's whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she's only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire. Thoughts: I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would! I'm really not into gaming and the whole Sci-Fi fiction, but I really enjoyed this book. I am totally looking forward to book 2 coming out this fall!
Title:Patina Author: Jason Reynolds Finished: Summary: A newbie to the track team, Patina must learn to rely on her teammates as she tries to outrun her personal demons in this follow-up to the National Book Award finalist Ghost by New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds. Ghost. Lu. Patina. Sunny. Four kids from wildly different backgrounds with personalities that are explosive when they clash. But they are also four kids chosen for an elite middle school track team--a team that could qualify them for the Junior Olympics if they can get their acts together. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves. Patina, or Patty, runs like a flash. She runs for many reasons--to escape the taunts from the kids at the fancy-schmancy new school she's been sent to since she and her little sister had to stop living with their mom. She runs from the reason WHY she's not able to live with her "real" mom any more: her mom has The Sugar, and Patty is terrified that the disease that took her mom's legs will one day take her away forever. So Patty's also running for her mom, who can't. But can you ever really run away from any of this? As the stress builds up, it's building up a pretty bad attitude as well. Coach won't tolerate bad attitude. No day, no way. And now he wants Patty to run relay...where you have to depend on other people? How's she going to do THAT? Thoughts: