Ruby on the Outside by Nora Raleigh Baskin

What a great book--written about a topic that several students may be able to relate to, but may also feel like they are alone in experiencing. Ruby’s mother is serving 20-25 years, without parole, in a women’s prison for accompanying her husband while he committed a crime. Ruby lives with her Aunt Barbara, affectionately known at Matoo (Ma-too). Over the summer, Ruby finally meets a new friend who could potentially be a best friend. But can Ruby risk sharing all of her secrets? And will Ruby be able to face the truth about her mother and the night her entire life changed forever? I recommend this book to students who are missing parents in their own lives, or for readers who want to know what it would be like to have a parent in prison. From the author of Anything But Typical, this book was engaging, heart-warming, and unforgettable.

In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth

Told from alternating chapters between main characters Amelia and Eagan, this is the story of two teen girls: one who dies and was an organ donor; another who is a heart transplant patient and receives a new heart. After receiving her heart, Amelia notices that her personality begins to change and she becomes increasingly curious about her heart’s donor. Is her new heart changing who she is? And who was the person who donated her heart so Amelia could live?

With some help from a new friend, Amelia sets off on a journey to meet the family of her donor, which is supposed to remain anonymous.

This book was a quick, intriguing read. I recommend it to readers who liked If I Stay or The Fault in Our Stars. When my students hear the premise for this book, they fight over who gets to check it out first.

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

The latest graphic novel by the extremely talented Raina Telgemeier is a true treat. I loved that the main character is of Mexican heritage, and the story explores the ways in which their family has lost touch with Mexican traditions after the death of Abuela (Grandma). This story shares with readers what it is like to have a sick sibling and it explains cystic fibrosis in an empathetic, kid-friendly way. The theme of ghosts and celebrating the loved ones we have lost through the holiday of Dia de los Muertos was well done and touching. This title will make a great addition to my classroom library, and I know my students will love it. I recommend this book to fans of graphic novels and Raina Telgemeier, as well as kids who feel like their siblings' needs may overshadow their own. Kids who have recently moved and had to change schools will also identify with main character, Catrina. 

Illegal by Bettina Restrepo

We need more books for adolescents about the experience of young illegal immigrants living in the United States, and the struggles they face. After my students suggested La Linea by Ann Jaramillo, I've been looking for similar books. I was very hopeful when I picked up Restrepo's book. While some parts of it will be relatable and compelling for certain students, I thought it was slightly unrealistic and did not delve into the true struggles that many immigrant youth face. The main character, Nora, and her mother seem to "luck out" and fare better than I expect most people do. Illegal is worth reading, but I had hoped for more. I'd recommend it to a younger middle school audience, or to more idealistic, naive readers since other students might see right through the hopeful, glossy perspective this book takes on a serious, complex topic. 

Four Secrets by Margaret Willey

What happens when you share your deepest, darkest secret with someone else? For Katie, Nate, and Renata, they each have their own secrets. But when they make a pact to kidnap a classmate who is the worst kind of bully, they all find out the power and damage that secrets can cause. This book tells the main characters' stories through their journal pages, written from their juvie cells. Find out their secrets and their truths--you won't be able to stop reading until you do. I recommend this book to readers who like books about friendship, family problems, getting into trouble, and bullying. 

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones

A student recommended this book to me, so that makes it a must-read on my list. I can see why she loved it--it's told in verse, which is very popular and accessible for many readers. This is the story of Ruby, who is forced to move to California and live with a father she's never met, after her mother dies. Ruby has to leave behind Boston, her Aunt Duffy, best friend Lizzie, and boyfriend Ray. In exchange, she gets Los Angeles and a famous, movie star dad. But for Ruby, the glamour of Hollywood and a mansion for a house cannot replace everything she's left behind and a real home. I recommend this book to readers who like books about losing a parent, change, fitting in, and relationships. This story is fast-paced and interesting, while also including some fresh, beautifully written verses to capture Ruby's complicated feelings about life with her father. Readers will be able to relate and feel like they are with Ruby every step of the way. 

Mosquitoland by David Arnold

I really wanted to like this book, but I found that the part I liked the best was the end (maybe because it was over?). While Mim (the female MC) has relatable problems (new, evil stepmother; relocated to a new, crappy state) and some interesting problems (father who wants to medicate her and worries she's crazy), Mim's thought processes were often confusing and rambling. As other reviews have stated, it seemed like this book was trying too hard. The wit was heavy handed and I don't like to be slammed over the head. The best moments were after Walt and Beck showed up, so I'm not sure that says much about Mim as the main character. I recommend this book to readers who like books about characters with mental illness; family drama; road trips and adventure. Although it was not my fave summer read, many people give it 4-5 stars, so it is worth giving it a try. Just don't force yourself to finish it if you're not "feeling the vibe" after the first 50-75 pages.  

The Knife and the Butterfly by Ashley Hope Perez

After reading Perez's award-winning Out of Darkness, I was curious to read some of her other titles. This is the story of a 16-year-old Salvadoran boy, Azael, who wakes up in juvie after a gang fight but has little recollection of what happened. For several hours each day, Azael is forced to observe a female inmate through a one-way mirror, which is presented to him as a technique for recovering his memories of the fight. Perez's story is well-written, intriguing, and gritty. Due to the subject matter of this book, as well as language and violence, I recommend it to high school students only. Readers who enjoy fast-paced realistic fiction, urban fiction, and stories about gangs would enjoy this book. I would also recommend it to readers who enjoyed Allison Van Diepen's Snitch and similar read-alikes. 

Summer Reading...here we go!

School is out and summer is here! I'm so excited to read gluttonously and pass on my recommendations. While my pile is ambitious (and doesn't include any of the non-YA books I plan to read), it's still fun to make a lofty goal and give it my all. Here's to long summer days filled with sunshine, relaxation, and good books!

Trouble is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly

I love the opening lines of this book: Of course I didn't like Digby when I first met him. No one does. This book made me laugh out loud multiple times--which is an impressive feat all in itself for a middle school teacher contending with spring fever and apathy. The playful wit and banter of both main characters, Zoe and Digby, is thoroughly enjoyable and carries the reader along into the heart of the story. Digby involves Zoe in his investigation of a local missing teen, Marina Miller. Before Zoe knows it, she's on "Planet Digby" and there's no return. I adored this book and feel that it has something for all readers--sharp wit, adventure, mystery, and humor. I would recommend this book to my 7th and 8th graders; it's great for kids who already understand and enjoy sarcasm and quirky characters. Originally, I thought the story left readers with at least one major loose end, but then I found out there is another book in the works. Can. Not. Wait. 

Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez

There is a reason this book was named a Printz Honor Book. Author Perez uses fictional characters to tell the story of the New London school explosion, the worst school disaster in U.S. history. Although the historical research is well-done and interesting, the characters are what pull readers in--and they refuse to let go. The story is centered on Naomi; her twin half-siblings Beto and Cari; and Wash. Naomi, a Mexican girl, and Wash, a Black boy, strike up a friendship that ignores the strictly drawn racial lines in 1937 East Texas. Naomi's half-siblings pass as white because their father enrolls them in school using the names Robert and Carrie Smith, rather than their given birth names. Naomi, on the other hand, is quickly identified by her classmates as Not White. Her unmatched beauty does not help her situation at school--the girls envy her and the boys leer at her. The story that unfolds will keep readers up late into the night until they reach the unforgettable ending. After finishing this book, I wasn't able to sleep and its conclusion is still haunting me days later. I absolutely recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories about racial inequities, as well as intoxicating page turners. Due to mature content, I do not recommend this book for middle school students. It is suited to high school/college students, or adult readers. 

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

I was almost afraid to read this book because so many people told me how amazing it was, and that it was even better than Ruta's first novel, Between Shades of Gray. I was worried it would not live up to expectations, but I had no need to worry...this read was truly wonderful. The book tells the stories of four teens who eventually end up on the fated Wilhelm Gustloff in hopes of fleeing Stalin's advances. Each chapter is told from distinctly different, yet engaging, perspectives of the four characters: Joana, Alfred, Florian, and Emilia. I recommend this books to readers who like historical fiction, novels about World War II, and action/adventure. This book is one of my very favorites I've read this school year--pick it up and I dare you to try putting it down before you turn the last page. It's really just that addictive, engaging, and throughly well-done. 

Half Bad by Sally Green

Touted as a must-read for Harry Potter fans, this book is one of a kind. Nathan is a 16-year-old witch who is notorious because of his famous father, the most powerful, violent, and evil of witches. But Nathan has never met his father, and lives with his mother's family. As Nathan nears his seventeenth birthday, he hopes to receive three gifts at his Giving ceremony which will bestow Nathan with his own unique, magical powers. Yet, many fear that Nathan will become as evil--or even more evil--than his famed father if he is allowed to receive his powers. In this fast-paced story, Nathan is captured, tortured, and hunted. Will he make it to his birthday? What are his magical powers? Is he really as evil as everyone suspects? I recommend this book to readers who like survival stories and fantasy stories that read like a fairy tale. I was hooked on this book and couldn't put it down until I turned the last page. 

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick

This book chronicles Malala's experience standing up for girls' educational rights, even at her own personal risk. Information about the Taliban's attack on Malala is included, but the story's focus is her belief in education for all. The book is accessible for most students, which is a benefit since many are interested in learning more about her. However, the story does jump around in the beginning. For example, Malala mentions several occasions when her family had to flee their home to avoid the dangerous rule of the Taliban and Fazlullah. Yet, I knew the Taliban attacked Malala on her way home from school, so I got confused about the chronological order of events. But there are several resources, including a timeline in the back of the book, to assist readers with fully understanding the timing. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy true stories about people making a difference in the world. 

Close to Famous by Joan Bauer

This book opens with a bang. Foster McKee and her mother are fleeing Memphis with a crazed Elvis impersonator hot on their tail. Readers soon find out the crazy Elvis is actually Foster's mother's ex-boyfriend Huck, who is not happy to see his former love and back-up singer driving out of his life. Foster and her mom relocate to the small town of Culpepper, which has recently become home to a prison and its prisoners. Foster grapples with her own problems--her father died serving overseas in the military, and she struggles with reading and school. Like many of Bauer's books, younger readers (6th grade and below) will enjoy its optimistic portrayal of serious problems such as domestic violence. Some of this book would be too sugary for students dealing with major life problems. I recommend it to readers who enjoy cooking/baking, and stories about fitting in, perseverance, and building relationships.