Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

 

Amal is a poet and an artist, but at his artsy New York City school he is sometimes seen as angry and disruptive. When he is unjustly accused of beating up a white teenager, the system labels him as a criminal and strips him of his humanity as well as his dreams of college. His heartbreaking story is beautifully told in verse and the details of his life and his part in the incident unfold slowly. Life in the juvenile detention center is brutal at times and the reader wants to scream with the injustice of it all. The authors perfectly capture how the justice system assumes that boys of color or older, more violent, and somehow hardened criminals for exhibiting what would be considered normal behavior by white boys. We see Amal's humanity in his grieving family, his poems, and the art he creates. We also see the system stacked against him in the racist tattoo of a prison guard. This book will find many readers among upper middle school and high school students and I was happy to hear that paperback copies are being made so it can be distributed in juvenile detention centers and prisons. The best books give voice to the voiceless, and that is what this book does. Side note: co-author Yusef Salaam is one of the "Exonerated Five" and while this is not autobiographical, he has lived much of this story. 

Miles Morales: Spider-Man by Jason Reynolds

 

This Spider-Man story takes place at a Brooklyn high school where 16-year-old Miles is struggling to deal with Mr. Chamberlain, an oppressive teacher pushing Miles to react to his racist rhetoric. I am a fan of Jason Reynolds, but not of Spider-Man lore and I didn't know what to expect from this story. What I found were characters who seem like real teenagers, combined with serious issues of race and how students of color are treated in schools across America, and also good, fun super hero action. Miles is a believable yet unlikely hero, and his parents and their back-stories add depth to the story and make his spider powers make sense. Reynolds masterfully works in the treatment of Black students at the hands of teachers like Chamberlain (literally all named Chamberlain). Once again, Jason Reynolds has proven that he can do no wrong. Recommended for all middle school and high school collections. 

King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender

 

This book won the National Book Award for 2020, and with good reason. It's a lovely story, full of surprises, featuring middle schools boys from Louisiana. Kingston (known as King) thinks he sees his recently deceased brother in the dragonflies in the nearby bayous of his small town. Before his death, his brother had warned King not to associate with a boy named Sandy because Sandy is gay. King never felt right about abandoning his best friend over the issue, and when Sandy goes missing, King becomes involved in hiding him and protecting him. King is Black and Sandy is white, and that causes division in their southern town. But Sandy being gay results in similar discrimination. This book is a rare find--it's a genuinely lovely, surprising book, that also happens to feature Black and LGBTQ characters. Not only is it much needed, it's an excellent book in its own right. 

The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate

 

This follow-up to The One and Only Ivan is about Ivan's scrappy canine friend, Bob. In the recent film, Bob is voiced by Danny DeVito, and it is also his voice on the audiobook that I listened to. Bob is sarcastic, jaded, and kind of soft-hearted at the same time. This story takes place in a short period of time after a hurricane hits the wildlife center where Ivan and Ruby (the young elephant) are living. The One and Only Ivan had bigger themes of animal rights, taking initiative, and the purpose of art. This story can be taken more at face value--a scrappy dog tries to save himself and his friends and learns some family secrets in the process. Bob's voice is fantastic--Applegate knows how to "show not tell" and we see the world through Bob's humorous viewpoint. Recommended for young readers, but I think this is less likely to be popular with middle school readers than the first book in the series. 

The Canyon's Edge by Dusti Bowling

 

In this survival story, a girl and her father go hiking in a slot canyon. It is the anniversary of the death of Nora's mother, and she and her father have both dealt with it in unhealthy ways. When a flash flood overtakes them, Nora loses her father along with all of their supplies. She must survive the real dangers of the desert canyon along with the fears in her head, namely the Beast that haunts her nightmares. This is largely a novel in verse, and a quick read. I think students will like the action and be rooting for Nora to survive. I found it to be predictable and a bit formulaic--it was wrapped up too neatly with no big surprises.  

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leigh Johnson

 

You Should See Me in a Crown is a sweet romance that is entirely appropriate for middle school students. Liz Lighty, an awkward band girl in need of college funding, is running for prom queen (for the scholarship money) in an Indiana town that won't allow same-sex couples to attend prom. She is also one of few Black girls at her school and often feels stifled by her small-town high school. Liz is out to her friends, but has never had a girlfriend, so it doesn't seem like a big deal until she meets Amanda. The two girls have a strong connection, which is almost spoiled by Liz's hesitance to go public with her feelings. It is rare to find feel-good romances featuring non-white and non-straight characters. If this were a story about white, heterosexual kids it would be in some ways unremarkable--a good, solid romance story--but the addition of diversity on several levels makes it especially valuable for library collections. And what an awesome cover!

Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds with Art by Danica Novgorodoff

Long Way Down is one of the most powerful and popular books written for teens in recent years. The original was spare and poetic, and packed a powerful punch for readers of many abilities and interests. It's the story of Will, 15 years old and devastated over the shooting death of his older brother, Shawn. Will has grown up with "the rules" that say no crying, no snitching, and get revenge. He has never held a gun, but is in an elevator heading out to do what he thinks he has to do to avenge Shawn's death. In the space of one minute in the elevator, Will is met at each floor by a ghost from his past. There are no easy answers or platitudes here, but much to think about and discuss with students. This graphic novel uses soft watercolors temper the harsh topic and splashes of red to accent the violence and desperation inherent in the story. Although the original and the graphic novel tell the same story, they feel different. The graphic novel is well done, and will bring new readers to the story, but the original without the visuals, was a more powerful reading experience for me. In either format, this is essential reading, and recommended for readers in grades 7-up. 

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

 

This fictional book reads like a true crime story, and will remind readers of the first season of the podcast Serial. Five years before the start of the book, Andie Bell, a popular high school student, disappears and is presumed dead. Her boyfriend, Sal Singh, confesses and appears to commit suicide. Case closed. Five years later, high school senior Pip takes the case on as a school project, with the assumption that Sal Singh is not the murderer. She's a gutsy investigator, and she teams up with Sal's brother to try to prove his innocence, but someone knows what she is up to and might be willing to kill again to keep Pip quiet. There are dead ends, red herrings, and lots of twists and turns. Recommended for high school students who want a suspenseful murder mystery. Middle schoolers will also want to read this book, but should note that they will encounter teenage partying, drinking, drugs abuse, and some sexual content. I will be recommending it to 8th graders on up. 

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

 

I was absolutely enthralled by this 445 page graphic novel, which on the surface is the chronicle a high school season of basketball. Much like the author of the book, I don't have a lot of interest in watching sports and I identify more as a nerd then as an athlete. What make this book compelling is the storytelling, which is Gene Yang's superpower. The story is autobiographical—a nerdy math teacher decides to write a graphic novel about a pivotal season of high school basketball, a world he knows nothing about. What he discovers is a former player-turned-coach who has never coached a state championship team, a former coach with a questionable past, and a diverse team of athletes, all with stories of their own. And there is the teacher himself, a hugely successful writer and father of four, trying to make life choices that are bittersweet. Yang manages to take us through the history of the sport of basketball and into issues of race and culture and resilience. And did I mention that there is a huge amount of basketball action? This book worked for me as an adult reader for reasons beyond the basketball action, but I suspect it will work for students and sports fans as well. Very highly recommended for 8th graders through adults. One of the best books of the year! 

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams

 

Genesis is a 13-year-old girl with a list of things she hates about herself. One of the primary things is the darkness of her skin. The book begins with Genesis and her mother being evicted from their home and moving from their Detroit neighborhood to a rented house in a beautiful suburb. Her father promises that he is getting a promotion and that he an afford the home, but Genesis has learned not to trust him. She has never lived in such a nice area but is wary of settling in. Genesis finds out from her own grandmother that the family didn't want her parents to marry because of the darkness of her father's skin. And now her father denigrates her for that same dark skin she inherited from him. While the book swirls with issues of race and colorism and family dynamics, what makes it shine is how deeply we come to empathize with Genesis. She's a character that readers can really root for as she overcomes obstacles and comes into her own. The audiobook, read by the author, is an outstanding listening experience. Highly recommended for middle school-up. 

Class Act by Jerry Craft

 

Jerry Craft, who so deservedly won the Newbery Medal last year with New Kid, has a follow up with just as much heart, humor, and food for thought as his first book about life at Riverdale Academy Day School. This time the focus is on Drew, one of Jordan's best friends. Drew, with darker skin than Jordan, faces subtly different treatment, from girls wanting to touch his hair without permission to being asked to be a tour guide for a poorly conceived sister school exchange. In spite of all the racism faced by Drew and Jordan (mostly at the hands of white teachers), at its heart this is a school story about belonging and coming into your own. Liam, their uber-wealthy friend, invites the boys to his house to swim in his pool, and the disparity causes a rift that is a main focus of the story. As in New Kid, Craft makes each chapter title a parody, this time riffing on popular graphic novels for kids. This is another gem, down to the last detail. Recommended for all middle schools everywhere.   

Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

 

Della is only 10 years old and she has seen more trauma than most people see in a lifetime. Her mother, a meth addict, is in prison, and she and her sister suffered abuse from the man who later took them in. The one thing she has always had is her older sister Suki, who staunchly protected and sheltered her. Now Della and Suki are with Francine, a matter-of-fact foster mother who doesn't even pretend to be very motherly. Della is the kind of kid who swears and fights and tries to get by any way she can, but when Suki succumbs to her own trauma, Della has to learn new ways to speak up. It sounds heavy and depressing, but it is neither. There is humor and lightness and a deep bond of sisterhood. All books by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley are gems, and this one is no exception. In a world where children are frequently the victims of sexual abuse, this book may be a lifesaver to some and a gateway to empathy for others. For adults as well as children, it is a beautiful, engaging story that stands on its own. Highly recommended for all readers ages 10-up. 

Sheets by Brenna Thummler

 

Sheets is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that tells the story of a teenage girl who has taken on adult responsibilities after the death of her mother. Marjorie runs her family's laundry business, while also managing mean girls at school, angry customers, and her deeply depressed father. Her biggest problem, however, is a nasty man who wants to buy her business and turn it into a spa. And when Wendell, a young ghost, enters her laundromat, he inadvertently makes things worse. On first reading the book, I had some confusion about the role of minor characters and about Wendell's life (or rather, afterlife). I re-read the book and caught a lot more of the story on the second time around. My middle school book club had a similar reaction—kids were puzzled and unsatisfied about certain aspects, but it gave us fodder for a deep discussion about the book and left most of us wanting to read the sequel, Delicates, which is coming in March 2021. 

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park

 

Hanna is a 14-year-old girl who settles in a South Dakota town with her father. The year is 1880, and Hanna, who is half Chinese, knows that she will face prejudice in her new town. Hanna and her father, who is white, are still mourning the death of her mother, who was Chinese. Living in California wasn't quite as difficult, but now that they are in a prairie town (yes, almost exactly like the prairie town that Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about), Hanna must struggle just to finish school. Hanna has a gift for designing clothing, and in addition to finishing school, she wants to open a dress shop in her father's store, and she yearns for a friend. Hanna's interactions with indigenous women she meets on the prairie are priceless, and while this books stands alone, it is certainly also a response to other books that have glorified the white pioneers and settlers. Recommended for all readers from third grade through adults. 

Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Adventure by Jeff Kinney

 

I picked this up because one of my middle school book clubs was reading it, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this goofy story. Rowley (the sweeter, more innocent friend of Greg, the Wimpy Kid narrator), is writing an adventure book about how a boy named Roland and his sidekick Garg the Barbarian go on a quest to save Roland's mother from the White Warlock. Rowley is a rule follower and wants his story to show children how being good and following the rules will pay off. Greg Heffley, who is reading Rowley's story and commenting between each chapter, sees a movie deal, merchandising opportunities, and Happy Meal toys. Rowley is refreshingly sweet, and Greg is brilliantly snarky as he comments on how children's books are marketed and merchandised. There is a reason why kids love Jeff Kinney's books and read and re-read them all the way through middle school. They are funny and clever and kids have great taste in literature when they get to make their own choices. 

The List of Things that Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead

Bea's parents are divorced, and they have given her a list of things that will not change. Number one on that list is that they will always love Bea and each other. Bea's dad is gay and she is thrilled when he and his boyfriend Jesse get engaged, mainly because she will finally have a sister. Sonia lives far away, but Bea is sure they will feel like sisters. Of course, relationships don't always come all at once, and Bea struggles with her disappointment. This is an intimate view of Bea's life and how her loving parents help her deal with a secret that she has been hiding from everyone. Rebecca Stead writes beautifully about the details of every day life and you will leave this book feeling like you know Bea and the people in her life well. 

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

This is the story of two young women who, unbeknownst to them, share the same father. When papi is killed in a tragic plane crash on his way to the Dominican Republic, the two young women's paths are destined to cross in the midst of their grief. Camino lives in the Dominican Republic and dreams of coming to the United States for college. The other is a former chess champion who lives in New York City. Elizabeth Acevedo has now written three books in verse for young adult readers, all of them wonderful and original and brimming with hope. I recommend that teens and adults read Acevedo's books and enjoy the poetry and the relationships you will form with the characters. 

Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright

 

This is an outstanding graphic novel for middle schoolers. The story centers around Maureen and Francine, identical friends and best friends. But when they start 6th grade, they are placed in separate classes and friction starts to develop between the girls. Maureen feels isolated and left out as Francine moves away from her. When they run against each other for class president it threatens to tear their bond apart. The art is colorful and fun, the plot is relatable with a few surprises, and the adults in the story, especially the parents, are supportive and understanding of the twins' unique talents. Written by Black author/illustrators and featuring Black middle schoolers, this fills a gap in graphic novel collections and adds another great choice for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Victoria Jamieson. Recommended for grades 3-8. A must-purchase for school libraries!

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

Nan Sparrow sweeps out chimneys in London. The year is 1875, and ever since her caretaker, Sweep, disappeared, she has been an indentured servant for a cruel man who puts children to work with no regard for their safety. In a terrifying and mystical turn of events, a lump of char from her pocket comes to life and saves Nan from death in a chimney. From that point on, Charlie, who is actually a golem, and Nan, become an inseparable pair, even though Nan learns that for a golem there will be no good end. Like many classic children's books, this is a story of deep love and friendship, sacrifice, and saying goodbye. The historical facts about chimney sweeps, child labor, and Judaism, are seamlessly woven in, and readers will empathize with the sweeps and be horrified that middle and upper class people so easily watched the children suffer and even die to keep their houses from catching fire. I loved the history and the mysteries that are woven in, but mostly I loved the bond between Nan and Charlie, which you find out in a touching author's note was inspired by E.B. White's Charlotte's Web. I was entranced by this book and recommend it to readers of all ages--not just young people. It is a gem.

Go with the Flow by Lily Williams & Karen Schneemann

This is a friendship story about girls who see a problem and take action. When Sasha gets her period at school the girls can't find any pads or tampons in their school bathrooms. Led by Abby, their artistic friend who tenaciously leads the fight, the girls go to the administration and write letters, but gentle tactics aren't working in a school that values football above the needs of female students. I love the diversity of the four friends and the storylines about their everyday struggles and relationships. I was afraid this would be an issue book, but was pleasantly surprised to enjoy it as an all-around entertaining story as well as an honest and positive normalization of menstruation and the corresponding troubles it can cause. My own 6th grade daughter recoiled from this book due to the topic, but I am sure that middle school readers will be checking this book out and recommending it to their friends. In spite of the main characters being high school sophomores, this book is totally appropriate for tweens and middle schoolers. Highly recommended for middle school libraries.

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

Marva and Duke are both 18 years old and eligible to vote for the first time. Marva has been waiting her whole life for this chance, and is determined to also help others vote as well. At the election site she meets Duke, also Black and 18 years old. Duke is told he is not registered in that precinct, so Marva offers to drive Duke to another polling location. Casting a vote turns out to be an all-day ordeal, and the two teenagers get to know a lot about each other during that day. Duke is still reeling from the death of his older brother, who was a strong advocate for racial justice. Marva is dealing with a long-term boyfriend who has decided not to vote and her Instagram-famous cat who is missing. The entire story takes place in one long day (much like The Sun is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon). Great characters and an intriguing premise and also a serious look at voter suppression. I predict that my middle school readers will love it. Recommended for grades 7-up.

Admission by Julie Buxbaum

This story is taken straight from the headlines about the 2019 college admission scandals. Chloe is an average student who struggles with her SAT scores and college prospects. Her best friend (a Nigerian American who studies and works hard) and her boyfriend (more of a privileged golden boy) both have their sights set on Harvard. Chloe definitely doesn't have what it takes to get into Southern California College, which her TV actress mother wants her to attend. The book begins with Chloe's mother being arrested at gunpoint. Through flashbacks we find out how the cheating took place and what Chloe knew and didn't know. The story sticks closely to the truth as it was reported in the papers, but adds a sister who is aware of the injustice and a best friend who is directly hurt by the cheating. I found it to be an engaging story and an intriguing glimpse into how the "one percent" justify their own privilege. I think there are middle schoolers who will be very intrigued by this book. Publication was delayed--this book will be published in December 2020. ARC provided by netgalley. Recommended for grade 7-up.

Resistance by Jennifer Nielsen

Chaya Lindner is a Jewish teen who joins the resistance during World War II. She is a courier and is adept at moving through the ghettos with food and weapons and sometimes even people. Like all Polish Jews, she has suffered devastating loss, but she channels her anger and pain into action. She is frustrated to be paired with Esther, another Jewish girl who makes mistakes and doesn't seem cut out to be a courier. However, once the their resistance cell is shattered, Chaya and Esther take on a mission to go to the Warsaw Ghetto where armed resistance is underway. The characters are nuanced and real, and the decisions they make are made in the context of their Jewish faith. This is not an easy book to read but it is a fine story of courage in the face of terrific evil. It also may serve as a first look at Polish ghettos and the Warsaw uprising for young readers. This is a natural follow-up for students who have read Alan Gratz's books (Allies, Grenade, Prisoner B-3087) and  The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

This action-packed space adventure features a shape-shifting family of fox spirits who live on a dusty, dried up planet called Jinju. Min, the thirteen-year-old daughter, takes off on a quest to find her older brother Jun who is accused of deserting the Space Forces to go in search of the powerful Dragon Pearl. Min has spent her life hiding her fox powers, but must use Charm and shapeshifting as she roams the thousand worlds in search of Jun and the Dragon Pearl. The combination of science fiction and Korean mythology makes this a unique and exciting book. My book club students were hooked and had a lot to talk about when discussing how the Korean mythology compared to other cultures mythologies in Rick Riordan's universe. I would have preferred fewer well-developed characters and more depth to the references to Korean mythology, but sci fi space operas are not written for me. I did appreciate the presence of a gender non-conforming character who uses they/them pronouns. This book got a solid 8 out of 10 stars from 6th and 7th graders who love fantasy and sci fi books.

Imposters by Scott Westerfeld

This dystopian action adventure revolves around identical twins. Rafi is the heir to the first family, the daughter of the ruler. Her twin Frey serves as her body double, trained to kill and to prevent assassination attempts. The story revolves around Frey, who is sent to Victoria in Rafi's place. She is sent as collateral, and the first family, the Palafoxes, believes she is Rafi. Frey meets the first family's son, Col, and trusts him, but finds she is in a situation she couldn't have anticipated and must escape. It's a story that relies on action and plot twists rather than character development and world building. My middle school book club liked it but didn't love it, and I found it to be forgettable. Readers who like dystopian books may enjoy it but it does not have the complexity or character development of series books such as Warcross and Legend, both by Marie Lu.

Again Again by E. Lockhart

This is the story of Adelaide, a high school girl whose boyfriend broke up with her unexpectedly, leaving her alone for the summer walking dogs in the town where she attends boarding school. She has a brother that she misses greatly, who is dealing with drug addiction and living with their mom in Baltimore, Adelaide is needy and seems lost without a boyfriend, Those are the facts of the story--but there is no typical linear plot line here. The story unfolds in one way, then the reader is given alternate ways the story might have played out. She meets a new boy, they start a relationship. Or she meets a new boy, but he's not interested in her. They walk dogs together. Or maybe a dog attacks her. The author plays with alternate universes where any scenario is possible, and perhaps all of these alternate events happen in a parallel world. In the last portion of the book everything is turned upside down and we get a longer alternate story for Adelaide. The strong point of this book is Adelaide's relationship with her brother and the pain of addiction. For me all the parallel universes were interesting, but had the effect of making me not invested in the characters as much as I wanted to be. I know there are teens who will love the mind-bending storytelling and who will relate to Adelaide and her insecurities and her search for connection. I would recommend this book for high school students who like to be surprised.

Masterminds: Criminal Destiny and Masterminds: Payback by Gordon Korman

Spoiler alert: don't read this review if you haven't already read Masterminds by Gordon Korman. These two books complete the Masterminds trilogy, which is based on a brilliant premise for a middle school story. Our four young protagonists are part of a scientific experiment in which they were cloned from notorious criminals and then raised in a utopian society with the hope of proving that nurture would make them good people. The kids discovered this truth in book one and made a dramatic escape. In these two books, Malik, Amber, Eli, and Tori are on the run from the Osiris Project whose police force is after them, and they are desperately trying to figure out how they can live their lives with no parents, no birth certificates, no money, and little knowledge of the outside world. They drive cars, plot prison breaks, hijack planes, and hack into computer systems, in some ways using the criminal skills of the criminals whose DNA they share. These books are action-packed and wildly unrealistic, but middle school readers devour them and beg for more. Gordon Korman knows how to write for tweens and teens and this series is hugely appealing to a wide variety of kids. My one complaint about this series is that one of the female character's identifying trait is to be constantly counting calories and worrying about her weight. No male character would ever be saddled with this baggage. I hate to see body shaming and weight-obsession as as even a minor theme in a book where girls other wise are wildly adventurous and competent. 

More Deadly Than War: The Hidden History of the Spanish Flu and the First World War by Kenneth C. Davis

This book starts with a shocking story of Alaskan villages wiped out by a mysterious illness. Seventy-two out of 80 inhabitants of a village died in a 5-day period. It goes on to tell how the 1918 influenza epidemic, commonly known as the Spanish flu, actually emerged at an army camp in Kansas in March of 1918. From there, it spread to American military training camps and across the ocean to Europe, where it attacked soldiers on all sides of the Great War. One striking thing about this global pandemic is how little we know about it today, partly because governments purposely suppressed information about the disease during wartime and partly because traumatized people wanted to forget about it. Although it killed over 600,000 Americans, and millions worldwide, this global pandemic has largely been lost to history. This account deals largely with the disease and its connections to World War I. There is less coverage of how the disease affected women, children, civilians back at home, and people of color. From the vantage point of 2020, it would have been fascinating to read more about how communities handled school closures, commerce, public gatherings, and social distancing. Younger readers may get bogged down by war details in the middle, but the opening few chapters and concluding chapters are stunning. Now that we are in the midst of another disease outbreak, this very timely book will be of interest to young people and adults alike. With so much here that connects to the COVID pandemic, this is a must-have book for libraries everywhere.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

If you're looking for a funny, sweet romantic comedy, this story of social media, grilled cheese, and New York City teenagers is for you. Classmates Pepper and Jack get in a Twitter war involving their family businesses, while at the same time confiding in each other via an anonymous social media app developed by Jack. Much like the 1998 movie, You've Got Mail, readers know that Jack and Pepper are meant for each other even while their public feud and family battle heats up. There are twists and turns and family secrets that add an element of surprise. This is a romance that is appropriate for middle schoolers, and will also be enjoyed by older teens as well as adults.

Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington's Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve

Ona Judge is an American hero that most people don't know. She was enslaved by George and Martha Washington and she dared to stand up against the president of the United States by fleeing to freedom. There is much that is not known about Ona Judge's life, but these authors have put together many puzzle pieces in order to paint a vivid picture of her life and the difficulty she faced when she dared to escape to freedom. We learn about the struggles of the enslaved people at Mt. Vernon as well as life in Philadelphia and New York City in the late 1700s. I was fascinated to learn about the evolution of abolitionist thought and how laws were made to protect slave owners, even in the north. Many Americans grow up learning only positive things about our country's founding fathers, especially George Washington, but this book shows them as the flawed people that they were. Ona's story should be widely known, and I recommend this excellent book to readers of all ages.

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Many readers know Victoria Jamieson for her wildly popular graphic novels, Roller Girl and All's Faire in Middle School. Jamieson brings her vibrant, expressive illustrations to a different kind of story to share Omar Mohamed's life with young readers. The book begins in the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. Omar and his brother Hassan sleep in their own tent alone, although they are only children. A woman named Fatuma looks out for them, but she is not their mother. You find out that the boys fled Somalia together, and hold out hope that their mother is alive somewhere. Omar spends his days (which are generally long, monotonous, and filled with hunger) taking care of his brother Hassan, who does not speak and has some other disabilities. When Omar is asked to attend school he is afraid to leave Hassan even for a few hours a day. When he does go to school he discovers that he is smart and that education might be his way out of the camps if only he can get resettled in another country. Jamieson and Mohamed have told this story perfectly. This gem should be read by EVERYONE.

Roll with It by Jamie Sumner

Ellie is a middle school girl who dreams of being a chef. Worried about her grandfather's worsening dementia, Ellie and her mom move to be near her grandparents, and Ellie finds herself as the new kid in a wheelchair in a small town school that's not equipped to handle her special needs. She's living in a trailer park on the wrong side of the city, but for the first time in her life she makes some real friends and feels needed by her grandparents. Ellie's cerebral palsy is a defining parameter of her life, but it isn't the the most difficult challenge she faces. She is focused on friendship, family health issues, and winning the annual cooking contest. This book is predictable and definitely not action-packed, but Ellie is a refreshing character and younger readers will enjoy how she overcomes her challenges. Recommended for grades 3-5.

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

Jamie Watson and Charlotte Holmes are the great great great grandchildren of the most famous crime-solving pair in history. They meet at a Connecticut boarding school. Jamie wants to be friends, but Charlotte doesn't seem interested until a fellow student is killed and both have reason to be suspects. Charlotte, with her secret crime lab and her drug habit, needs the steadying influence of Jamie, and together they dive into deep trouble to clear their own names and prevent further murders. Sherlock Holmes fans will recognize many references to his literary mysteries within these pages, and those new to the stories may develop an interest in learning more. It's fast-paced and on the more mature side due to drug use, partying and mild sexual references. Recommended for mystery lovers, grades 8-up.

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

When the dead rose up from the battlefield of Gettysburg, the course of American history changed. The Civil War never officially ended, and those left alive had to learn to fight back against the "shamblers." Privileged white people in cities use less privileged people for protection. Jane is one of the less-privileged. She's African American and attends a special school that trains "Negro" girls in both etiquette and how to kill shamblers. Things get worse and worse and Jane must flee, but is there anywhere left that is safe? This book provides a blend of action, history, zombies, racial injustice, and friendship/romance. Recommended for grades 8-up.

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

Racist ideas are woven into the fabric of the United States of America. The ideas are so deeply ingrained in our history that many of us don't see them or understand that they affect every aspect of society today. Stamped, which claims not to be a history book, traces the history of racist ideas and how Americans, who wanted the money and power that slavery gave them, created the idea of Africans being savages. From that early premise, Reynolds takes us up through the present day showing how pervasive the idea and policies that maintain it have become. Jason Reynolds is a master writer for young people, and he speaks directly to the reader in an honest and compelling tone. Reynolds is the reader of the audiobook, and is also an excellent narrator. As an adult reader, I was alternately shocked, captivated, and enraged at how often the history I learned in school could be viewed through such a different lens. I wanted to argue, to disagree, but in the end I cannot. It will only end when we acknowledge the power that racist ideas hold and we do the hard work of dismantling this system that is really all about who has privilege and who does not. This powerful book deserves to be read slowly and carefully and to be discussed in schools and churches and communities. I recommend it for all adults, as well as students in 8th grade and up,  There's an excellent educator's guide as well.

George by Alex Gino

George knows that she is a girl, but the world sees her as a boy. Her fourth grade class is reading Charlotte's Web, and what she wants more than anything is to play the wise, kind spider in the school play. But no one, not his brother, his mom, the bullies at school, or his teacher are making things easy for her. The star of this book is George's best friend Kelly, who is accepting and guileless and courageous. She shows that one person can make a world of difference to someone in need. George's journey to becoming who she needs to be is satisfying and sweet and will inspire empathy and hope. Recommended for elementary and middle school students everywhere.

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Five students are serving detention in a locked room and one of them is killed. One of them must be the murderer. But which of these teens--a jock, a princess, a brain, and a drug dealer--would have wanted Simon (the outcast) dead? That is the premise of this mystery that has been flying off the shelves of my library this year. The author got her idea for the characters from The Breakfast Club, and as you might expect, each character is much more than the stereotypes that others see. The big reveals (there are several of them) did not surprise me, but kids have been enjoying it and a movie is in the works. Recommended for 8th-up. 

Allies by Alan Gratz

Allies is an action-packed, multi-faceted look at a day in history that many young people know little about. Readers see D-Day from multiple perspectives, including Samira, an Algerian girl whose mother is part of the French resistance; Dee, an American soldier on a Higgins boat; James, a paratrooper; and Henry, an African American medic trying to save lives on the beach. The book realistically includes blood and death and the terror of the war, and there is not a happy ending for all of the characters. Alan Gratz has many fans, and Allies will not disappoint. Highly recommended for middle schoolers who want to read about war and who like books full of action and heroism.

The Lovely War by Julie Berry

Aphrodite is in a fancy New York City hotel room having an argument with some of the other Greek Gods. Using her wealth of experience, she tells two love stories, both set during World War I, to prove a point about the power of human love. One is the story of a young British couple, a pianist and an architect, who fall in love just before both head to France, one as a soldier and the other as a volunteer. The other story is of an African American musician/soldier and the traumatized Belgian woman that he falls in love with. Both relationships face major struggles and life-threatening situations. Readers who enjoy romance and historical fiction will absolutely love these stories and will be drawn into scenes of World War I France. I recommend this book for middle school students willing to take on a challenging book (probably best for grade 8-up) all the way up through adults who love historical fiction and romance. 

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

Scoob Lamar has been whisked away on a strange road trip by his beloved G'ma. Scoob, biracial and brown-skinned, is with his white grandma as she drags him through the south with the guidance of her historic Green Book. Scoob learns that travel used to be dangerous and difficult when G'ma and Grandpa made the same trip years ago. Scoob also figures out that his G'ma is cutting off contact with his father and may be committing crimes along the way. The characters are fresh and funny, and the social history will make for great conversations. Nic Stone is making great contributions to YA literature and brings her talent to a younger audience with this middle grade story. Recommended for grades 4-7.

The Omnivore's Dilemma: The Secrets behind What You Eat (Young readers edition) by Michael Pollen

In this nonfiction book, a journalist and food detective takes a deep dive into modern food and how it gets to American consumers. You may never have wondered where your food comes from, but once you read this book you will think about it in ways you never did before. Michael Pollen begins by investigating industrial farming. He talks about corn (who knew that corn had such a huge influence on our diet?) and cattle (he buys one cow and tries to trace its life from birth to the industrial slaughterhouse). He also investigates organic farming on an industrial scale, and organic farming on a small scale. He even takes a turn at being a hunter-gatherer. Young people who care about taking care of the planet, feeding the hungry, vegetarianism, or personal health should wellness should absolutely read this book. For that matter, anyone who eats should read this book. Recommended for smart, curious middle schoolers on up through adults.

Crying Laughing by Lance Rubin

If you like laughing through tears, this may be the book for you. Winnie Friedman is funny, but a couple of years ago she humiliated herself doing stand up comedy at her bat mitzvah. Now in high school, she joins the school's improvisational comedy troupe at the suggestion of a boy who laughs at her jokes. Suddenly Winnie is right where she belongs and even her love life is looking up, but things get complicated when she gets bad news about a family issue. Winnie's parents are well-rounded characters with lives of their own, and Winnie's hijab-wearing best friends also are unique individuals with strong back stories. At it's heart it's a story about family and friends and forgiveness, and how to be good to the people you love. But what I enjoyed the most were the descriptions of improv comedy games and the play-by-play scenes that these high schoolers create. I don't know of any other YA book that focuses on improv. Actors and aspiring comedians will want to read it, but so will teens who like Jordan Sonnenblick and Julie Buxbaum. Recommended for grades 7-10, and for my college roommate who introduced me to the world of improvisational theatre.

Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Beasts! by Mike Lowery

You may think dinosaur books are for little kids, but I would argue that this book contains everything that most humans of all ages would want to know about the history of earth and the prehistoric creatures that lived here long ago. Mike Lowery, a prolific illustrator, is the author and illustrator of this fun- and fact-filled full-color book that is full of jokes and irreverent humor. He expertly packs a well-curated array of information into 122 heavily illustrated pages. In Part One he explains three criteria that define dinosaurs (this was news to me!). In Part Two he gives a "Brief History of Earth" that succinctly (and humorously) puts the timeline of prehistoric life into perspective. He goes on to describe various dinosaurs and other "awesome extinct cenozoic beasts, and even includes how to draw a four kinds of dinosaurs. The book includes jokes and bonus facts that make the book fun for kids as well as adults. It's a little-known secret that a quality middle-school level nonfiction book can provide all that adults need to know about a topic, and this book perfectly supports that theory.

Grenade by Alan Gratz

Alan Gratz visited my school and told the students the inspiration for this book. Gratz learned that in 1945, middle school students in Okinawa were conscripted into the Japanese army and given two granades. One was to kill the American "monsters" that were coming, and the other was to kill themselves. This grabbed my attention as well as the students, and this book did not disappoint. The story follows two soldiers--Ray, an American who is unused to killing, and Hideki, a 13-year-old from Okinawa who has his two grenades. In alternating chapters we learn about their families, their fears, and what they face in the brutal battle for the island of Okinawa. It is heartbreaking for the reader, as well as Hideki, to realize that the Japanese never intended to stop the Americans. Rather, they used Okinawan children to slow their advance. Alan Gratz books are wildly popular, and this one fits right in with his other action-packed books with war as a backdrop. Read a great story and learn about history with this well-written historical fiction story.

Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

The year is 1890 and the setting is Atlanta. Jo Kuan and her guardian, Old Gin, live in an underground railroad era secret chamber under the house of a prominent newspaper publishing family. They are Chinese-American immigrants and must work as servants to make a living. Teenage Jo works full-time as a maid, and begins writing a newspaper column under the name "Dear Sweetie," which helps increase newspaper circulation and gives her a platform to speak about women's rights as well as racial equality. No one would read the column if they knew it was written by a Chinese American girl, so she keeps her identity secret, even from the handsome young newspaper publisher. Jo gets involved with a criminal, enters a horse race, discovers some family secrets, and finds romance in this eye-opening historical fiction novel.

You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins

In the 1960s, a family from India moves to New York City to make a better life for their children. The two daughters, Sonia and Tara, are very different and they make their own choices about pursuing their dreams and falling in love. They each have a daughter, and the book picks up with the stories of the two cousins, one who lives in the United States and the other who lives in India. In the end we have learned about three generations of Indian-American women and how they have dealt with love, marriage, cultural differences, and caring for their daughters. If you like to read about families and cultures and how things connect together, or if you are interested in India, you will want to read this book.

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

Nisha is the daughter of a Hindu father and a Muslim father. This was never a problem for her until 1947, when India obtained independence from Great Britain and was partitioned into two countries based on religion. Suddenly Muslim and Hindu people who were once friends become enemies, and her formerly peaceful city is torn apart. Nisha has a twin brother, Amil, and their mother died giving birth to them. Nisha has trouble expressing herself out loud, but receives a diary for her twelfth birthday where she writes to her mother about the hardships that occur when her family flees to safety. It's a compelling story of survival and family as well as a window into a piece of history that many Americans know nothing about.

Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis

I was so intrigued by this historical fiction graphic novel. It is based loosely on the early years of Queen Elizabeth I, but it is set in an imaginary kingdom of Albion. The heroine is an orphan girl named Margaret. Margaret lives on an island that holds a convent of nuns called the Elysian sisters. Strangers rarely come to the island, but in this story Margaret meets William, who becomes a dear friend, and Eleanor, the exiled queen who longs to take back her throne. The book is complex and the truth about the island (and Margaret) is revealed little by little. When all the threads come together it makes for an action-packed finish. The artwork is varied and lovely, unlike any other graphic novel I have read. Highly recommended for middle school and up.