Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation by David Polonsky and Ari Folman

This graphic adaptation of Anne Frank's Diary is moving and surprising and beautiful. I was entranced by seeing Anne's familiar story brought to life to creatively. Anne and the other residents of the Secret Annex are vividly portrayed in images and in the words of Anne's famous diary. As I began to read this I was thinking that this would be the book that brings Anne's story to middle school children who may not be exposed to her full diary in school. I ended up thinking that this book needs to go to somewhat older students due to a couple of choices by the authors to highlight Anne's sexual awakening. Unfortunately, the two instances in this book, though true to her diary and her character, are going to scare away middle school teachers from using this book in schools. However, it is still a gorgeous, important book that should bring adults as well as young people to look anew at Anne's timeless and tragic story. 

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

In this retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, there is no beanstalk that grows up to the sky. What there is is an overgrown magical garden with strange and frightening plants and creatures running amok. Jack's single mom works two jobs leaving him to take care of his sister, who doesn't speak except to trade the family car keys for some seeds at a flea market. And thus the summer adventure begins. The kids and an enthusiastic neighbor girl wield swords and garden tools to take on a variety of dangers which are not necessarily evil. The kids confront their fears and solve their problems without intervention from adults.  It's bright and colorful and adventurous and definitely a story that middle school graphic novel fans will race through.

Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

Darius never feels good enough--he has trouble making friends, he struggles to connect with his father, and he takes medication for depression. He is half Persian but has never set foot in Iran. His family's journey there to meet his maternal grandparents is the catalyst for this story and the opening he needs to meet a new friend and gain an understanding of his father, his heritage, and his own abilities. This charm of this book is Darius--his thoughts, his constant Star Trek references, and his awkward and funny self-assessments. Khorram beautifully captures Darius's family and the new friend he meets in Iran. This is a gem that may not have a wide audience, but thoughtful readers will treasure this story and come away feeling like they made a friend. Highly recommended for grades 8-up.

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater

This nonfiction book looks at a crime that some called a hate crime from multiple viewpoints. Sasha, a white private school student, wore a gauzy skirt on an Oakland city bus. Richard, an African American student, pulled out a lighter and set Sasha on fire, badly burning Sasha. Slater looks at both of their lives--Sasha, privileged in some ways, but living with Aspberger's syndrome and choosing not to be defined by male or female pronouns, and Richard, trying to make something of himself in spite of his socioeconomic status and with friends in and out of the justice system. This story is resonating with 8th grade readers who are seeing things from multiple perspectives. Recommended for readers who are tackling books such as The Hate U Give and Speak (the graphic novel). #readwoke #projectLIT

I Am Still Alive by Kate Alice Marshall

There is no way to talk about this book without talking about Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. It's about a girl who is left alone in the Canadian wilderness who must survive (much like Brian) with very little in the way of survival skills or equipment. Jess goes to live with her estranged father in the wilderness after the death of her mother. But when her father is killed and his cabin burned to the ground, Jess is on her own (except for her father's loyal dog). At it's heart it's a survival story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and toward the end it's a nail-biting story as Jess focuses on getting revenge on her father's killers. Jess has faced devastating loss, but turns her energy on survival. Middle school books about outdoor survival have gone out of style in the last 10 years (remember when Will Hobbs and Gary Paulsen were the most popular authors in the library?), but this book may usher in new interest in overcoming adversity in the great outdoors.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Aven was born with no arms, but that doesn't stop her from eating lunch, buttoning her own jeans, and playing guitar. She's a capable, well-adjusted 13-year-old, but when her parents move to the Arizona desert it throws her for a loop. For the first time in her life, she's the new girl at school and kids stare at her and treat her like she is disabled. She ends up making friend with a boy who has Tourette's Syndrome and together they navigate their challenges and support each other. There's also a bit of a mystery to be solved at the run down theme park her parents are managing, but the main story centers around Aven and her adjustment to new possibilities in her new town. I think kids will love her friend Connor (whose tics include barking at inappropriate times) and gain some empathy by walking in these kids' shoes.

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

This is the next graphic novel for kids who love Raina Telgemeier, Victoria Jamieson, and Jennifer Holm's books. It's one miserable summer in the life of the author--a Russian immigrant who struggled to fit in with her American classmates. Vera lives in an apartment, has a mother that cooks Russian foods, and spends her summers at home with her little brother. Vera's classmates have fabulous stories about summer camp and all the activities they participate in. When Vera hears that there is a summer camp for Russian kids, she begs her mother to send her. She can't wait to make lifelong friends and have the summer of her dreams. Unfortunately, summer camp is miserable--the kids are mean, there are no real toilets, and the girls keep losing at capture the flag. Students will empathize with Vera and her struggles--and they will love this book.

What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

Kit and David are unlikely friends. Ever since the death of Kit's father she has been isolating herself from her friends--they just don't fit with her new reality. David has experience with being alone. He is on the autism spectrum and doesn't interact with people like other students do. However, David has long admired Kit from afar, and when she starts sitting with him at lunch, he is on top of the world. This is Kit and David's story--both have things to overcome and things they can help each other with. It's a delightful and surprising book, and one I recommend for 7th-up students who like realistic fiction as well as friendship and romance.

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

Harbor Me is a story about six students who are classmates in a special education classroom. Every Friday their teacher puts them in a room together so they can talk without adults listening or guiding their conversations. The story is narrated by Haley, who is both Irish and African American. She has never told her classmates that her father has been in prison. Esteban is worried about deportation, Amari is worried about racial profiling, and each other student has something to share that brings the group closer together. Of course it is well-written since Jacqueline Woodson is the author, and it is a pretty quick read. I think it would make a nice read-aloud for a 4th-6th grade classroom, but I don't think it's going to be a big favorite with kids because there is really not much happening plot-wise.

Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson

"I am learning to speak. To give myself a way out. A way in."

The opening lines of this story resonate through the entire book. Jade lives in Portland, Oregon. Her life is focused on making something of herself and that includes learning Spanish, working on collage art, and going across town to a prestigious private school. Jade's mother doesn't always have money for even the basics, but Jade has a strong family and friends in her own neighborhood. When Jade is offered the opportunity to have a mentor in the "Woman to Woman" program she is wary--she doesn't want to always feel like people are doing things for her, but she accepts and Maxine becomes her mentor. But Jade has a lot to offer, and as she learns how to speak up and use her voice, she opens herself up to new opportunities. Renee Watson is a brilliant writer, and this book takes you deeply into Jade's life and let's you see all it's complications and possibilities.

A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman

Veda is a classical dancer who loses a leg in a car accident. This is her story of starting over, pursuing her dream of dancing again, and finding people who share her passion. It is told in verse, so it is not a difficult read, and it will resonate with anyone who dances. Readers with an interest in Indian culture and religion will enjoy this book, as well as people who enjoy a coming of age story set in a culture outside of the United States.

The Ethan I Was Before by Ali Standish

Ethan's family moves to a seaside town in Georgia to escape from trauma. Ethan's best friend, Kacey, is gone and Ethan blames himself (read the book for more on her and what actually happened). The family uproots itself, believing a new start will help Ethan. However, Ethan is still wracked with guilt, Grandfather doesn't seem to want the family there, and Ethan's older brother Roddie is holding a grudge. There's a mystery to be solved and a hurricane to survive, and ultimately Ethan makes a new friend, comes to terms with what happened to Kacey, and saves some endangered animals. It's a nice middle grade story that will appeal to readers who like emotional stories about friendships and hardships.

Caraval by Stephane Garber

Caraval is a mysterious fantasy game played once a year, open only to those with special invitations. Scarlett and her sister Tella grew up hearing stories about Caraval and dreaming of taking part. Scarlett writes letters to Legend, the mastermind behind Caraval, for many years, but gives up hope of attending when she is forced into an arranged marriage by her abusive father. However, before the wedding can take place, Scarlett and her sister are whisked away to Caraval by a handsome rogue named Julian. Once there, Tella disappears and becomes the object of the game--the one who finds Tella will be the winner. Scarlett finds romance and deception with Julian as she desperately searches for her sister before losing her forever. This story felt flat to me--I didn't like Tella or Julian, and the mythology of Caraval didn't pique my interest or hold together very well. Middle school readers of romance and fantasy may enjoy it, but there are better books out there for them. 

Bang by Barry Lyga

This is a book about gun violence and suicide and guilt and desperation. But it's also about YouTube videos and making pizza and a Muslim girl and smart kids having great conversations. I read this book knowing nothing about it. I recommend not even reading the blurb in the front of the book. But if you must know the plot, Sebastian is a 14-year-old boy haunted by an incident that happened when he was four years old. His father left a gun out, and Sebastian picked it up and shot and killed his baby sister. That event consumes him and his family, and he is convinced that his only option is to kill himself. This story takes place during the summer, when Sebastian's best friend is away and he meets a new girl in the neighborhood who convinces him to make online cooking videos. Much like in the book A Monster Calls, these characters come to a point where they must say out loud the unspeakable truth. Read the first pages and you will be hooked by Barry Lyga's writing. It's powerful and it comes to a beautiful, cathartic conclusion. I can't wait to give this to my eighth grade book club.

Nyxia Unleashed by Scott Reintgen

My middle school students are CRAZY about the first book in this series and have been so anxious for this sequel. The good news is that it is action packed and the story picks up exactly where book one ended. Emmet is in a capsule headed for a new planet, where he and the other Genesis survivors must trek toward the Babel outpost where they will begin mining for Nyxia. Through their encounters with the Adamites (whose real name is the Imago), the young people find more and more proof that Babel is corrupt and not worthy of their loyalty. In this book we learn about the Imago culture and society and how they plan to outsmart Babel. There are numerous twists and turns (and very little actual mining of Nyxia). One problem I have with this book is the number of characters—I have trouble keeping all of the Genesis kids straight in my head and there is not enough time to fully develop so many characters. However, I'm fully invested in Emmett and Morning and once again left hanging while I wait for book three in the series. Readers definitely need to start with Nyxia to understand this book. Fans of YA dystopian books will not be disappointed in these titles that are appropriate for grades 6-up.

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway

This National Book Award Winner about three young people affected by adoption is a lovely story with complex relationships and diverse characters. The protagonists are three biological siblings who find each other as teenagers and forget relationships at a time in their lives when they need each other for different reasons. Grace has recently given up her own baby for adoption and is grieving the loss, Maya has a family that loves her but her mom is dealing with alcoholism, and Joaquin has been a foster child for 18 years and can't bring himself to trust that his current foster parents really will stay with him permanently. The book explores these three teens and how they navigate their adoptive families, their bio siblings, and the issue of looking for their biological mother. It's a rich story, recommended for high school libraries.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

Ben is recruited for the CIA's top secret spy school due to his advanced math skills, but it turns out that he wass not really chosen for his abilities. He's a pawn in someone's game, and when an assassin comes after him, he is thrust into some serious espionage. He is aided by Erica, a 15-year-old student who kicks some serious butt as a spy. Reading this out loud to my daughter I was struck by some sexism--I could do without Stuart Gibbs' descriptions of girls (all spy girls don't really have to be "hot", do they?), but like his other books (Space Case, Belly Up) they are fun mysteries with underdog protagonists (and pretty sophisticated vocabulary). Sixth graders love these books, as does my own fourth grader (a hard-to-please girl). I enjoyed reading this aloud to her and trying to figure out who the mole was going to be.

Flight Season by Marie Marquardt

This is the story of three college-aged young people--Vivi, reeling from her father's death and about to fail out of an Ivy League school, TJ, working hard in the family restaurant while trying to get a nursing degree, and Angel--Guatemalan immigrant with a terminal illness, a biting sense of humor, and no one to love him. Angel sees the budding romance between Vivi and TJ, who are both working on his hospital wing, but it takes a while for Vivi and TJ to connect. The whole story is strung together by Vivi's sightings and observations about the birds that have been practically speaking to her since her father's death. It's a romance with a social conscience, and a good story in its own right. I highly recommend this gem of a novel by an insightful author with a passion for telling the stories of immigrants.

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed

Amal is a bright girl who loves school. In the beginning of the book her education is interrupted by the birth of a sibling--as the oldest girl in her Pakistani family she is expected to stay home and help her mother. However, things get worse when she defies a stranger in the streets and discovers that the stranger is a powerful local ruler. The man forces her to work as a servant at his estate, taking her away from her family and putting her in a life of indentured servitude. Amal makes the best of her circumstances, but always holds out hope that she will one day continue her education, go to college, and achieve her dreams. Amal's culture and situation will likely be new to many readers, and this is an eye-opening introduction for middle grade and middle school readers. Highly recommended--especially where students are learning about human rights.

How to Disappear by Sharon Huss Roat

Vicky Decker, a high school sophomore, has a lot of social anxiety and one good friend, Jenna. Unfortunatley, Jenna has moved away and Vicky is spending all of her time alone, afraid to even say hello to classmates or speak in class. In the safety of her own bedroom, she creates an Instagram personality named Vicurious, and Photoshops herself into all kinds of settings. Without really trying, Vicky becomes an internet heroine to people who feel alone and ignored. At the same time, she opens up to a few people at school, including a boy who sites next to her in a class and the yearbook staff members who see her talent with photo editing. Vicky's story is compelling and real, and compulsively readable. It deals with some of the usual YA lit issues, but Vicky is a character to root for and relate to and the Instagram fame makes the story really stand out. Definitely recommended for readers looking for a book with romance, friendship, and mental health issues.