Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

This novel could not be more timely, as we approach the anniversary of Emmett Till’s murder and his case is reopened for review by the Department of Justice. The narrator is the ghost of 12-year-old Jerome, an African-American boy who was shot by a police officer. Jerome’s ghost witnesses his family’s despair and mourning; the courtroom proceedings as his case unfolds; and meets Sarah, the daughter of the police officer who took his life. During this uncertain time for Jerome, he meets another ghost--Emmett Till. The author prompts children to think through the complexities of racism, bias, discrimination, and the role of police officers in our country. The story is told skillfully, in a completely appropriate and sensitive manner. Although it is categorized as children’s fiction, I recommend it for upper elementary students (mostly 5th grade; some mature 4th graders). I recommend this book to readers who like to read about current events, urban fiction, racism, diverse characters, and complex issues; this book also explores friendships and family relationships.   

Something In Between by Melissa de la Cruz

High school senior Jasmine de los Santos believes she has her future completely mapped out--and she’s done everything right, so she deserves the rewards coming her way. After being honored as a National Scholar and earning a full college scholarship with it, Jasmine’s parents reveal a horrible family secret. She cannot accept the award or the scholarship because she is not an American citizen. After the family’s work visas expired years ago, they had remained in the U.S. illegally and kept the truth from their children. Worst of all, Jasmine’s new boyfriend’s father is the congressman who supported California’s new anti-immigration laws which will likely deport Jasmine and her family. How can Jasmine make her dreams come true and not lose everything she’s worked so hard for? Where do she and her family belong, if not in the home they are fighting to keep and the country they have grown to love? I recommend this book to readers who like reading about hardship, survival, relationships, friendships, identity, and self discovery. I’m also curious if my Latino students will enjoy this book for its relevance exploring the struggles of immigrants in our nation today, or if the story is not as relatable because the main character is Filipino-American.

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Gratz, author of the wildly popular Prisoner B-3087, brings readers this timely, relevant novel about the powerful struggle of refugees. The book alternates between the stories of three kids: Josef, a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany; Isabel, a girl seeking escape from Cuba in 1994; and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy fleeing his home in 2015. Each person’s story is unique and the obstacles they face are harrowing. Gratz masterfully creates compelling characters and takes readers on the unforgettable journeys right along with them. This book helps readers gain a deeper understanding of the refugee crisis through the fictional stories of Josef, Isabel, Mahmoud, and their families. I recommend this book to readers who like survival stories, and adventures, as well as learning about people from other parts of the world.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Xiomara Batista is a teenage girl, a twin, and a Dominican living in Harlem. She’s also the daughter of strict parents and an extremely religious mother. But most important of all, Xiomara is a poet. She makes herself heard and understood through the words she writes in her notebook, but never says out loud--until everything changes. Xiomara meets Ms. Galiano, learns about the Spoken Word Poetry Club and poetry slams, and she becomes Aman’s lab partner. How will Xiomara find a way to be true to who she really is, and survive living under her mother’s restrictive rules? Told in beautifully written verse by Poetry Slam champion Elizabeth Acevedo, this debut novel must not be missed. I recommend this book to readers who like books in verse, urban fiction, relationships, family struggles, and authors Jason Reynolds, Jacqueline Woodson, and Meg Medina.

Almost Autumn by Marianne Kaurin

Truly unique--this Holocaust story is set in Oslo, Norway, and told from the perspective of Jewish teenager Ilse Stern. After a blossoming summer romance with her neighbor, Hermann, Ilse can’t wait to see what autumn has in store. What Ilse doesn’t know is that Hermann’s secrets--and his work as part of the Nazi resistance--could keep them apart or bring them dangerously close together. As the German occupation makes life more difficult for Ilse’s shop owner father and their family, urgent decisions must be made: Should they stay or go? Do they start a new life and risk leaving behind everything they’ve ever known? The dramatic conclusion to this novel will keep you thinking and feeling for the characters long after finishing the book. I recommend this book to fans of Ruta Sepetys’ Between Shades of Gray, historical fiction, Holocaust stories, and people of Norwegian or Jewish heritage.

Faceless by Alyssa Sheinmel

Maisie Winters’ life changes forever one summer morning before senior year. While out for a run, Maisie suffers near-fatal injuries when a strike of lightning causes an electrical fire that devours half of her face. Weeks later, Maisie wakes up from a medically induced coma and is told she is lucky to be alive--even though her nose, cheeks, and chin are gone, and she feels like a freak. Then Maisie becomes the recipient of a new face from an anonymous donor. Again, she’s told how lucky she is to have this opportunity. But all Maisie can think about is her old life and who she used to be. Who is this Maisie 2.0? How can she be the same girl who won track medals, earned straight-A grades, and was in love with her devoted boyfriend, when everything that matters has changed? This emotionally charged story explores how one girl bravely works through her loss and discovers who she is meant to become. I recommend it to readers who like books about survival, change, family issues, relationships, and overcoming challenges. Maisie’s story will stick with readers long after the last page, and remind us all of just how lucky we are.

Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina

This amazing novel packs a punch--there is so much that makes it both intriguing and high interest, so it’s ideal for teens who have not yet tried or enjoyed historical fiction. Set in 1977 New York City, the author vividly and realistically recreates the setting--the city and time period almost feel like major characters in the story.

Although the city is terrorized by a series of murders, (eventually revealed as the true Son of Sam murders), main character Nora has additional problems on her mind. Her older brother Hector is becoming more and more a stranger--staying out all night, spending time with dangerous people, and getting into drugs. Nora’s single mother pushes her to watch out for Hector and keep him in line--but how, when his temper becomes more explosive and unpredictable everyday? Nora is working and saving money so that she can move out on her own and escape her family’s problems for good. But will her dreams go up in flames during one crazy summer? I recommend this book to readers who like reading about family issues, urban fiction, suspense, and relationships. This book, its characters, and sense of place are unforgettable--I could not get my nose out of it until I turned the last page and I still think about it.