I loved everything everything about this book. It has been compared to TFIOS, and while its fans will most likely enjoy this story, it is also unique in its own right. Eighteen-year-old Madeline Whittier only knows the sterile, contained environment inside her home because she is allergic to the world due to a rare immune disease called SCID. The only two people that Madeline has regular contact with are her mother and her nurse, Carla. Until the day Olly moves in next door--and Madeline's entire world changes. The characters in this book are so likable and relatable; they will linger with readers long after the last page. I adored this book and recommend it to readers who like books about relationships, taking chances, fighting illness, and exploring independence. As mentioned, fans of TFIOS, E&P, and If I Stay will likely fall in love with this book.
Artists and those who appreciate art will fall in love with this book--the author's description and use of metaphor is nothing short of stunning. Her talent makes me both appreciative and extremely envious. The book tells the story of twins Jude and Noah, who are so close when the story opens that they are known as JudeandNoah. However, in the span of three years, tragedy and misunderstanding build an unfathomable wall between the two siblings. The story skillfully alternates point of view and time periods between Jude and Noah, and the years when they are 13 and 16 years old. I recommend this book to sophisticated readers who have knowledge or appreciation of art/artists, and who enjoy reading about relationships--both within a family and with the people in life whom we are destined to meet, and as a result, feel like family.
No one is safe after the fourth wave of attacks by the Others, even though the children who have been taken into custody are repeatedly told, "You are perfectly safe." In this fast-paced, intense sci-fi thriller, teenager Cassie Sullivan is on a mission to find her little brother Sammy. Her last image of Sammy is of him waving happily from the back window of a schoolbus, which was taking him to safety. Or so she thought.
This is an action-packed survival story that will keep readers up late into the night. It has strong, interesting female and male main characters that will appeal to readers. I recommend this book to readers who like action, adventure, survival stories, and a little bit of science fiction. This book would be a great start into the sci-fi genre since it seems very realistic--especially for those who believe that we are not the only intelligent life in this galaxy.
The language of this book is truly rhythmic and melodic, like a skilled basketball player on the court. The author's talent with choosing just the right words that ring true is evident in this story of twin brothers, Josh and Jordan, who are basketball stars. The story is written in verse, which appeals to many readers. This story is about family, brotherhood, relationships, and of course...basketball. I recommend this to readers who like sports/basketball, books in verse, and stories about family relationships.
This book is geared toward young readers, but it gives them a ton to think about without "talking down" to kids in a preachy manner. The chapters focus on topics such as consumerism, where our food and clothing comes from, the global impact of how we spend our money, and how to make better (from a green/sustainability aspect) choices. I learned a great deal by reading this, and there are many other sources referenced that I'd also like to peruse. I recommend this book to students who would like to make a difference in the world. Anyone who wants to make a positive difference in the world, or who is not afraid to question the mainstream way of doing things, would really enjoy this book.
Alex is a regular guy who wants his mom to stop nagging him about how many hours he plays video games. When his parents and little sister leave him home alone for the weekend, Alex is planning for the best weekend ever. Until disaster strikes--a supervolcano erupts and the world as Alex knows it ceases to exist. This fast-paced survival story will capture the interest of many readers, but I highly recommend it for upper middle school boys who like a lot of action and aren't afraid of some gory violence. (Honestly, for some of my students, the promise of a little gore pulls them in). I also LOVED Darla, a character who is nowhere near a "damsel in distress" (Hurray for strong female characters). Although the book's thick size may be daunting for some readers, a solid book talk with a read-aloud teaser will hook teens into this engaging trilogy series. I can't wait to read books #2 and #3.
The reality is hitting hard with the upcoming turn of the calendar page this weekend. My days of leisure are winding down to a bittersweet end. With "Back to School" mocking me from nearly every store aisle, it is time to do some math and determine how much time I have left to take on the rest of my summer reading stack. Sigh... I do love teaching--I really do. I'm just horrible at transitions.
