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.

The Here and Now by Ann Brashares

Thanks to getting back to school, my blog has been on hiatus. I'm hoping to be back to a more regular schedule...
This book is categorized as Science Fiction because it involves time travel, but it takes place mostly in current time which makes it a good crossover book for students considering sci fi. The main character Prenna travels "back" in time to 2010 and the story takes place in 2014. The future where Prenna comes from basically takes all of our current worst fears and makes them true and magnified: an enormous food shortage, a major epidemic without a cure, and the worst effects of global warming. Prenna and a group travelers come back in time in hopes of a better life, and to also "fix" the problems that resulted in this horrible world. However, Prenna and the travelers are forced to follow strict rules about how they can interact with time natives, or the people who have not traveled back in time. The most serious rule of all is no physical contact, or falling in love, with a time native. Prenna abides by the rules until she meets Ethan. Then everything changes and Prenna challenges every belief that holds her community together. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy science fiction, survival stories, action/suspense, and books such as the Divergent or Legend series. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore

This book is the perfect read for girls who love movies--and romantic comedies in particular. Unlikely friends Marijke Monti and Lily Spencer team up with a crazy scheme: to reinact epic movie moments to win over their crushes. I loved all of the movie references in this book, but I'm not sure if middle school girls still watch some of the movies mentioned, such as Sixteen Candles, Say Anything, and Titanic. The book lightly addresses family issues and searching for personal identity.  Normally, I would find the ending of this book unrealistic and too perfect, but like most romantic comedies, I know what I'm getting into and a happy ending is completely satisfying. I recommend this to high school and some middle school readers who like romantic movies. I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars!