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.

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.

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. 

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 Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey

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. 

Ashfall by Mike Mullin

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 Here and Now by Ann Brashares

Thanks to getting back to school, my blog has been on hiatus. I'm hoping to be back to a more regular schedule...
This book is categorized as Science Fiction because it involves time travel, but it takes place mostly in current time which makes it a good crossover book for students considering sci fi. The main character Prenna travels "back" in time to 2010 and the story takes place in 2014. The future where Prenna comes from basically takes all of our current worst fears and makes them true and magnified: an enormous food shortage, a major epidemic without a cure, and the worst effects of global warming. Prenna and a group travelers come back in time in hopes of a better life, and to also "fix" the problems that resulted in this horrible world. However, Prenna and the travelers are forced to follow strict rules about how they can interact with time natives, or the people who have not traveled back in time. The most serious rule of all is no physical contact, or falling in love, with a time native. Prenna abides by the rules until she meets Ethan. Then everything changes and Prenna challenges every belief that holds her community together. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy science fiction, survival stories, action/suspense, and books such as the Divergent or Legend series. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Written in verse, this beautiful, award-winning book tells the story of Lakshmi, a girl from the Himalayan mountains who is sold into sex slavery by her step-father. She is forced to work in a brothel or else face starvation and eventual death on the streets. The book is very well researched since the author traveled to India and Nepal to interview women working in Calcutta's red light district. I could not put this book down--once I started, I was hooked! McCormick is also the author of Cut, a book about self harm; the author thoroughly researched the topic, which is something I really appreciate about this talented writer. 

I recommend this book to readers who like survival stories, realistic fiction, and real world issues. It does have some explicit and inferred violent abuse, so I recommend it for mature readers. 5 out of 5 stars!