Historical Fiction, Young Adult (middle school and up). A fictionalized history of Phyllis Wheatley, America's first published black poet. Kidnapped aHistorical Fiction, Young Adult (middle school and up). A fictionalized history of Phyllis Wheatley, America's first published black poet. Kidnapped as a young girl in Senegal, she is sold as a slave to a wealthy family in Boston in 1791, where she is given an education, unusual for those times, leading to her poetry....more
I read the original Speak at least 15 years ago (it's not showing up on my Read shelf), and wanted to give this one a try. Although I preferred the orI read the original Speak at least 15 years ago (it's not showing up on my Read shelf), and wanted to give this one a try. Although I preferred the original, this graphic novel adaptation was very good and added an interesting visual element. A moving story about the aftermath of the rape of a high school girl....more
This novel in verse is presented as the thoughts of an 8th grade girl as she navigates through her life with friends, boys, and boyfriends. Well-writtThis novel in verse is presented as the thoughts of an 8th grade girl as she navigates through her life with friends, boys, and boyfriends. Well-written and really captures Sophie's spirit....more
Good middle school read. Latina protagonist, which we don't see too many of! This is incidental to the story, although there are occasional Spanish laGood middle school read. Latina protagonist, which we don't see too many of! This is incidental to the story, although there are occasional Spanish language phrases, and each chapter is headed by a "dicho", or traditional saying, in Spanish. The narrator's character is fairly well developed. Lina comes across a bit self-centered, but that's pretty normal for this age group. She has a best friend, Vanessa, who is increasingly preoccupied with her boyfriend, while Lina herself feels like she is getting nowhere with the boy she likes. Plus her father, an English teacher, seems to like his books better than his daughter. Throw in Vanessa's mother, who is a bit wacky herself, and there's plenty of room for misunderstandings and a happy ending....more
Another excellent book by this author. He has a knack for getting into the heads of his characters and getting the reader to feel what they are feelinAnother excellent book by this author. He has a knack for getting into the heads of his characters and getting the reader to feel what they are feeling. When Jack meets a new foster brother, Joseph, he discovers that the teen has a baby daughter he has never seen. Jack becomes more involved and finds out how deeply someone can want/need something....more
Re-telling of Beauty and the Beast in a contemporary setting. Well done, although I was beginning to wonder whether the Beast was going to be redeemabRe-telling of Beauty and the Beast in a contemporary setting. Well done, although I was beginning to wonder whether the Beast was going to be redeemable. Looking forward to other retold fairy tales by this author....more
Part of the Straight Talk About... series. Recommended for gr. 6-8. I don't think I can add anything to the publisher's blurb (above) regarding the coPart of the Straight Talk About... series. Recommended for gr. 6-8. I don't think I can add anything to the publisher's blurb (above) regarding the content. Colorful with plenty of age-appropriate photos and graphics. High schoolers will probably find it a bit "young"....more
Part of the Straight Talk About... series. Recommended for gr. 6-8. I don't think I can add anything to the publisher's blurb regarding the content. CPart of the Straight Talk About... series. Recommended for gr. 6-8. I don't think I can add anything to the publisher's blurb regarding the content. Colorful with plenty of age-appropriate photos and graphics, while still candid. Could be appropriate for gr. 4-5 with adult guidance. High schoolers will probably find it a bit "young"....more
Recommended for gr. 5-9. Fantasy violence. Conclusion to the Beyonders series, and the reader should have read the first two to understand what is goiRecommended for gr. 5-9. Fantasy violence. Conclusion to the Beyonders series, and the reader should have read the first two to understand what is going on. Jason and Rachel, along with their Lyrian allies, are following the advice of an oracle to save Lyria. Although they have been advised that their chance of succeeding is very small, they are willing to take it as it is the only chance. Readers will enjoy this exciting conclusion. ...more
YA, historical fiction. Moving book based on true experiences about a Jewish boy's survival during the Holocaust as he is moved from prison camp to p YA, historical fiction. Moving book based on true experiences about a Jewish boy's survival during the Holocaust as he is moved from prison camp to prison camp, many of them death camps....more
Recommended for gr. 7-up. Primarily aimed at struggling adult readers, the short sentences and simple structure feel choppy to the fluent reader. The Recommended for gr. 7-up. Primarily aimed at struggling adult readers, the short sentences and simple structure feel choppy to the fluent reader. The story is full of action and should hold the attention of a struggling reader. P.I. Gulliver Dowd takes on what should be a simple missing dog case for a street kid, but after the kid is found beaten and unconscious, realizes that things are more complicated than they seemed. Dowd is described as a dwarf with accompanying physical deformities, and his physical challenges add to the difficulty of the case....more
Recommended for gr. 5-8. Although the main character is a girl, boys will also enjoy this mystery. Victoria has a neat, organized life because she is Recommended for gr. 5-8. Although the main character is a girl, boys will also enjoy this mystery. Victoria has a neat, organized life because she is a neat, organized person. Her friend, Lawrence, is not which is why Victoria has taken him on as her personal project. But then Lawrence goes missing, and Victoria realizes that his parents are acting strangely. She also notices some other strange occurrences in the town and wonders whether they are connected to the mysterious orphanage down the street. Against advice from several people, she decides to investigate - and the results are surprising....more
Recommended for gr. 6-10, high-interest, low-level. Eric and Chris love geocaching. They begin to search for a cache that they found online. But the cRecommended for gr. 6-10, high-interest, low-level. Eric and Chris love geocaching. They begin to search for a cache that they found online. But the clues get more and more complicated, not to mention dangerous, and they become determined to find the promised reward at the end. Great for students who are struggling with reading, the story is fast-paced and will appeal to boys....more
Recommended for gr. 5-9, or anyone who wants accessible brief bios of all of the U.S. Presidents from George Washington through Barack Obama. The bookRecommended for gr. 5-9, or anyone who wants accessible brief bios of all of the U.S. Presidents from George Washington through Barack Obama. The book opens with a description of the process of electing a president and the duties of a president in office. Short chapters follow with a brief biography of each president including birth and death dates, dates in office and interesting facts about him. Each chapter also includes a brief timeline of historical events that occurred during his time in office. Interesting reading although not much detail (by design)....more