When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

This book was the greatest. My young, Black male students seek authentic stories with a voice they can relate to, and Reynolds’ book about an admirable character dealing with the real struggles of growing up in an urban neighborhood, family issues, friendship and brotherhood is exceptional. When Ali finds himself at a high school party with his friends Noodles and Needles, he can’t believe they actually got in the door. But Ali’s excitement turns to dread and fear as the events of the evening threaten to change everything for him. As a result, Ali is forced to acknowledge what it really takes to stand up for family and to defend our own. I recommend this book to readers who like realistic problems, urban/inner city settings, friendship complications, fights and brotherhood. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars—it is fast-paced and characters are well-defined. I can’t wait to share this book.

Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz

Normally, I struggle to find fantasy books that I like, but this won me over. Lizze Rose and Parsefall are two orphans who become assistants to evil puppeteer Grisini. They suspect that Grisini is trouble, but when wealthy, young Clara disappears after Grisini performs at her birthday party, Lizzie and Parsefall are more than suspicious. Their search for Clara leads them to discover just how evil Grisini can be, and takes them on an adventure to an enchanted castle in Scotland--little do they know that they were lured there by Grisini and a powerful witch named Cassandra. Will they find Clara and escape the castle?

I recommend this book to readers who like fantasy, magic, adventure, mystery, and historical settings. 5 out of 5 stars!