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.

How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather

Warning: This juicy paranormal tale about the descendants of the Salem Witch Trials, including a main character who is a direct descendant of Cotton Mather, was extremely addictive. The story kept calling me back to the book. Samantha Mather is new to Salem, but her lifelong curse has followed her there and seems to have intensified. Samantha is immediately on the radars of--and detested by--a group of teens known as The Descendants. Rumored to be witches, they are descendants of the witches who were hanged as part of the Salem Witch Trials. The author’s writing is particularly strong, which adds to the enticing nature of this book, and there were several times where I swore I was getting goosebumps from the writer’s crafty mastery of the magically creepy. I greatly enjoyed this book as an adult and would have adored it as an adolescent. I recommend this book to readers who like paranormal fiction, ghost stories, witches, and stories about being an outsider trying to fit in.

The Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse

Set in World War II-era Amsterdam, the main character Hanneke fights her own resistance of the Nazis as a black market worker. She is able to find what others cannot for the people who are willing to pay for rare luxuries like chocolate or meat. Hanneke’s talent is delivering the impossible, until Mrs. Janssen asks her to find a person instead of an item: a hidden Jewish teenager who has seemingly vanished into thin air from a secret room in Mrs. Janssen’s home. Hanneke must try to solve the mystery and find the missing girl before the Nazis do, but how? I recommend this book to fans of Ruta Sepetys’ Between Shades of Gray or Holocaust historical fiction. This book is truly incredible, intoxicating, and intense--it’s one of the best I’ve read all year.

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

For fans of Everything, Everything, this is an entirely different book--yet, it is just as entirely engrossing. Natasha (Tasha) is an undocumented immigrant from Jamaica, living with her family in New York City. Daniel is a first-generation American, born to parents who emigrated from South Korea for a better life. By chance, or perhaps arranged by the Fates, Tasha and Daniel meet on Tasha’s last day in America--she is on her way to see a lawyer to fight deportation orders, and Daniel is headed to an interview for Yale and a future he neither planned or wanted. The writing is exquisite, Tasha and Daniel are absolutely endearing, and this book solidifies Yoon as one of my very favorite authors. Read it--I dare you to not love it. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy stories about relationships, tough choices, family, and the paths we choose in life as well as finding out where these paths will eventually lead us.

Saving Red by Sonya Sones

Although this story is great for any time of the year, it is particularly perfect for the holiday season. Right before winter break, Molly has “volunteered” to help with the annual Santa Monica homeless count to fulfill her school’s required community service hours. What Molly doesn’t expect is Red, a homeless girl who seems so spirited and full of life that Molly becomes determined to reunite Red with her family. Molly makes it her mission to bring Red home by Christmas. Told in exquisite descriptive verse, this captivating tale tells the story of two girls who have both been touched by mental health issues. The closer Molly gets to Red, the more complex her Christmas mission becomes, and the more Molly learns about herself. I recommend this book to readers who have experienced mental health issues, or who want to learn more about it, as well as readers who like reading stories about friendship and family issues. For thematic book talks, teachers could pair this book with No Place by Todd Strasser (realities of homelessness).

Ruby on the Outside by Nora Raleigh Baskin

What a great book--written about a topic that several students may be able to relate to, but may also feel like they are alone in experiencing. Ruby’s mother is serving 20-25 years, without parole, in a women’s prison for accompanying her husband while he committed a crime. Ruby lives with her Aunt Barbara, affectionately known at Matoo (Ma-too). Over the summer, Ruby finally meets a new friend who could potentially be a best friend. But can Ruby risk sharing all of her secrets? And will Ruby be able to face the truth about her mother and the night her entire life changed forever? I recommend this book to students who are missing parents in their own lives, or for readers who want to know what it would be like to have a parent in prison. From the author of Anything But Typical, this book was engaging, heart-warming, and unforgettable.

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.

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

The latest graphic novel by the extremely talented Raina Telgemeier is a true treat. I loved that the main character is of Mexican heritage, and the story explores the ways in which their family has lost touch with Mexican traditions after the death of Abuela (Grandma). This story shares with readers what it is like to have a sick sibling and it explains cystic fibrosis in an empathetic, kid-friendly way. The theme of ghosts and celebrating the loved ones we have lost through the holiday of Dia de los Muertos was well done and touching. This title will make a great addition to my classroom library, and I know my students will love it. I recommend this book to fans of graphic novels and Raina Telgemeier, as well as kids who feel like their siblings' needs may overshadow their own. Kids who have recently moved and had to change schools will also identify with main character, Catrina. 

Illegal by Bettina Restrepo

We need more books for adolescents about the experience of young illegal immigrants living in the United States, and the struggles they face. After my students suggested La Linea by Ann Jaramillo, I've been looking for similar books. I was very hopeful when I picked up Restrepo's book. While some parts of it will be relatable and compelling for certain students, I thought it was slightly unrealistic and did not delve into the true struggles that many immigrant youth face. The main character, Nora, and her mother seem to "luck out" and fare better than I expect most people do. Illegal is worth reading, but I had hoped for more. I'd recommend it to a younger middle school audience, or to more idealistic, naive readers since other students might see right through the hopeful, glossy perspective this book takes on a serious, complex topic. 

Four Secrets by Margaret Willey

What happens when you share your deepest, darkest secret with someone else? For Katie, Nate, and Renata, they each have their own secrets. But when they make a pact to kidnap a classmate who is the worst kind of bully, they all find out the power and damage that secrets can cause. This book tells the main characters' stories through their journal pages, written from their juvie cells. Find out their secrets and their truths--you won't be able to stop reading until you do. I recommend this book to readers who like books about friendship, family problems, getting into trouble, and bullying. 

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones

A student recommended this book to me, so that makes it a must-read on my list. I can see why she loved it--it's told in verse, which is very popular and accessible for many readers. This is the story of Ruby, who is forced to move to California and live with a father she's never met, after her mother dies. Ruby has to leave behind Boston, her Aunt Duffy, best friend Lizzie, and boyfriend Ray. In exchange, she gets Los Angeles and a famous, movie star dad. But for Ruby, the glamour of Hollywood and a mansion for a house cannot replace everything she's left behind and a real home. I recommend this book to readers who like books about losing a parent, change, fitting in, and relationships. This story is fast-paced and interesting, while also including some fresh, beautifully written verses to capture Ruby's complicated feelings about life with her father. Readers will be able to relate and feel like they are with Ruby every step of the way. 

Mosquitoland by David Arnold

I really wanted to like this book, but I found that the part I liked the best was the end (maybe because it was over?). While Mim (the female MC) has relatable problems (new, evil stepmother; relocated to a new, crappy state) and some interesting problems (father who wants to medicate her and worries she's crazy), Mim's thought processes were often confusing and rambling. As other reviews have stated, it seemed like this book was trying too hard. The wit was heavy handed and I don't like to be slammed over the head. The best moments were after Walt and Beck showed up, so I'm not sure that says much about Mim as the main character. I recommend this book to readers who like books about characters with mental illness; family drama; road trips and adventure. Although it was not my fave summer read, many people give it 4-5 stars, so it is worth giving it a try. Just don't force yourself to finish it if you're not "feeling the vibe" after the first 50-75 pages.  

The Knife and the Butterfly by Ashley Hope Perez

After reading Perez's award-winning Out of Darkness, I was curious to read some of her other titles. This is the story of a 16-year-old Salvadoran boy, Azael, who wakes up in juvie after a gang fight but has little recollection of what happened. For several hours each day, Azael is forced to observe a female inmate through a one-way mirror, which is presented to him as a technique for recovering his memories of the fight. Perez's story is well-written, intriguing, and gritty. Due to the subject matter of this book, as well as language and violence, I recommend it to high school students only. Readers who enjoy fast-paced realistic fiction, urban fiction, and stories about gangs would enjoy this book. I would also recommend it to readers who enjoyed Allison Van Diepen's Snitch and similar read-alikes. 

Summer Reading...here we go!

School is out and summer is here! I'm so excited to read gluttonously and pass on my recommendations. While my pile is ambitious (and doesn't include any of the non-YA books I plan to read), it's still fun to make a lofty goal and give it my all. Here's to long summer days filled with sunshine, relaxation, and good books!