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. 

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey - Book Two of The Fifth Wave

Buckle your seatbelts because this book is a ride! The Infinite Sea continues where The Fifth Wave left off and the storyline is just as gripping as the first book. Yancey is incredibly crafty with mind twists, horrific alien technology, and suspense. Beware if you are a reader who has children--this book will keep you up at night--both because you can't stop reading it and the events are haunting. I recommend this to readers who like action, suspense, survival stories, mystery, and a dash of science fiction. Warning: You cannot put this one down. And then you have to wait for book three...

The One by Kiera Cass - The Selection, Book #3

I loved the excitement of this book, a continuation of Kiera Cass's Selection series. There are only 4 Elite ladies remaining in the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart and become his princess. America Singer is feeling less sure of herself than ever, thanks to the king's belittling comments and ongoing misunderstandings with Maxon. The action really picks up with the added complexity of rebel attacks on the palace and the castes of the Elite. The One provides a satisfying conclusion for fans of the series; it may have even been my favorite of the three books.