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.
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.
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...
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.
This book is the first in what appears to be a new series by Belly Up author Stuart Gibbs: the Moon Base Alpha series. Living on the moon is actually pretty boring for 12-year-old Dashiell Gibson until he uncovers a murder at the base and is ordered by the base commander to stop investigating--or else. This fast-paced, sci-fi mystery unfolds over the course of just a few days and definitely kept my attention. I recommend it to readers who like mystery, space travel, action, humor, and futuristic stories. I will definitely be booktalking this title in my classroom after winter break!
I loved everything everything about this book. It has been compared to TFIOS, and while its fans will most likely enjoy this story, it is also unique in its own right. Eighteen-year-old Madeline Whittier only knows the sterile, contained environment inside her home because she is allergic to the world due to a rare immune disease called SCID. The only two people that Madeline has regular contact with are her mother and her nurse, Carla. Until the day Olly moves in next door--and Madeline's entire world changes. The characters in this book are so likable and relatable; they will linger with readers long after the last page. I adored this book and recommend it to readers who like books about relationships, taking chances, fighting illness, and exploring independence. As mentioned, fans of TFIOS, E&P, and If I Stay will likely fall in love with this book.
Artists and those who appreciate art will fall in love with this book--the author's description and use of metaphor is nothing short of stunning. Her talent makes me both appreciative and extremely envious. The book tells the story of twins Jude and Noah, who are so close when the story opens that they are known as JudeandNoah. However, in the span of three years, tragedy and misunderstanding build an unfathomable wall between the two siblings. The story skillfully alternates point of view and time periods between Jude and Noah, and the years when they are 13 and 16 years old. I recommend this book to sophisticated readers who have knowledge or appreciation of art/artists, and who enjoy reading about relationships--both within a family and with the people in life whom we are destined to meet, and as a result, feel like family.
