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.