Miles Morales: Spiderman

Summary: 

Miles Morales seems like a normal teenager with normal friends and normal problems. He's from the poor part of town, attending Brooklyn Visions Academy on scholarship. His best friend, Ganke, makes him laugh and reminds him to do his homework. His dad is a sometimes serious, sometimes sarcastic man who loves his family. The only people who know the secret identity of Miles are Ganke and his father. The only people still alive that is. Or at least that's what Miles believes. While trying to balance school work and catch the attention of a certain girl, Miles is also out saving the world a little at a time. Is it too much for this sixteen year old kid to handle? Find out when you pick up Miles Morales: Spiderman, available in your library and on Overdrive!

Personal Reflections

Jason Reynolds is such a talented author - his way with words, the ability to write characters who are both unbelievable but completely relatable. He's just a great author. Any Spiderman fan will appreciate his characterization of Miles Morales as Spiderman. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good story. Though the majority of the story focuses on getting to know our main character and his various dilemmas regarding his identity, Reynolds treats his readers to a great bit of action toward the end. Stick with the story, and you will not be disappointed in the least. 

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Summary

Alan Gratz presents three stories in one: the story of Josef, a refugee from Germany fleeing with his family to escape the Nazi power; Isabel, a young girl fleeing Cuba with her family (including her 9 months pregnant mother) during 1994; and Mahmoud, a Muslim boy escaping Syria with his family during the year 2015. Their stories present a wide array of challenges - from drownings, shark attacks, persecution, separation from family, sacrifice to everything in between. Based on true events, Refugee tells a side of the story often unheard or forgotten. It is a book that contains much sadness and joy in every chapter. Readers find themselves cheering our protagonists on, maintaining hope of a brighter, freer future along with them. The audiobook contains an Author's Note, in which Gratz explores the events of each story, tying them to actual events in history and to the people involved in those events. 

Personal Reflections

I have to say this was one of the saddest books I've read, but I really loved it. I found myself experiencing a mixture of emotions - anger for the oppression of the characters, sadness for the situations, and hope for those who may have experienced or are experiencing similar situations. The way Gratz ties the three stories together was extremely well done. I confess my naiveness about situations involving refugees. I hear stories, but I feel rather removed from them. I think it is important to reflect on their stories, and I appreciate authors like Alan Gratz who are willing to write about the hard stuff in an effort to raise awareness to the harsh realities. It was obvious Gratz did his research, too. I took this novel to be more of a call to action than a work of historical fiction. Gratz himself is donating part of the proceeds from the selling of his book and audiobook to organizations assisting refugees. I highly recommend giving this book a try. Check it out in your library or on Overdrive today! 

Booked by Kwame Alexander

Summary

Nick's twelve year old mind is focused on anything but reading books. He's got way too much to think about . . . soccer, the girl he's crushing on, and who has time for books anyway? Nick frequents the library, but it's not to get books.

When his mom suddenly moves out of the city to return to working with horses, Nick doesn't know what to do! Nothing makes sense anymore. How is his dad going to raise him when they barely even talk, and why does he have to read his dad's dictionary every single night?

This story is one of a father and a son learning to get along with each other in the midst of difficult circumstances. While telling this story, we also see the value of books and reading at work.

Personal Reflections

I loved this novel as much as the first novel I'd read of his. Maybe even more. His poetry flows so well, bringing both creativity and a certain amount of wit. I've always thought all life is poetry, so I always appreciate a good novel in verse. Alexander doesn't disappoint in the least with this one. Beauty is found on every page. My favorite character was the librarian, of course, and I found myself getting some good ideas from him. I think everyone will enjoy this story - girls and boys alike. Pick it up at your library!

Batman by Marie Lu

Summary

Fans of the Dark Knight will appreciate a great background story of the teen Bruce Wayne, who finds himself entangled in the absolution of a murder case involving a beautiful girl just his age. When Wayne intervenes (perhaps foolishly) with a police chase, he finds himself completing community service at Arkham Asylum, a home for the worst of the worst of the criminally insane. While at Arkham, he encounters the young Madeleine Wallace, who is affiliated with the notorious Night Walker gang. Entranced but terrified by her, Bruce attempts to uncover the mystery behind the murders that keep happening in Gotham City and her haunting past. Batman: Nightwalker is part of the DC Icons series, each story of which stands alone.

Personal Reflections

Any comic book aficionado will appreciate this story. Marie Lu captures readers' attention immediately with an introductory chapter that chills readers' bones while instilling a hunger to know what will happen next. Every chapter seemed to contain a cliffhanger - I didn't want to stop listening! Mystery intertwines with action which intertwines with a touch of romance. It has a little bit of everything. Of course, the Dark Knight's story is always dark, and its beginning is no different. That's what makes the story chilling and captivating at the same time. Highly recommend it. It was a great audio book. Check it out at your library!

Sunny by Jason Reynolds

Summary

The Defenders track team returns in book three of the Track series by Jason Reynolds. Here, we get to read Sunny's story as told through entries into his personal diary. Written more like a journal than a novel, Sunny's story is quite unique but nonetheless entertaining. We watch Sunny in a series of roles: runner, shot putter, friend, student, and especially in the role of son. Since his mother died in childbirth, Sunny's relationship with his father is almost non-existent. Yet, Sunny learns it is not quite beyond repair. In an effort to uncover who he is inside, Sunny finds comfort in his diary and in his friends. Can he repair the strained relationship with his father? Find out when you pick up Sunny by Jason Reynolds today!

Personal Reflections

Sunny may be a bit of an oddball, but I enjoyed his story nonetheless. The Track  series flows so nicely, each book bleeding into the next. I wish I knew more people like Sunny, who appears initially to be carefree but is revealed to have a much deeper side. He sees the world in a beautiful way. I definitely recommend continuing the series with this book. It's an easy, kid-friendly read that anyone will enjoy. Give it a try by checking it out from your library!

Patina by Jason Reynolds

Summary

Jason Reynolds continues his Track series with the story of Patina, a girl who loves to run but sometimes wonders if she fits in with anyone else.While she's trying to outrun her problems, she also runs for her mother who can't run, her teammates whom she wants to make proud, and to show her little sister the art of being brave. Can she handle the pressure she puts upon herself? Find out when you pick up this sequel to Reynold's 2017 Lone Star book, Ghost, today!

Personal Reflections

As much as I enjoyed reading Ghost, I may have like Patina even better. It's full of colorful yet believable characters, each of whom have their own story to tell. Jason Reynolds does not disappoint with this book. If you enjoy books about sports, relationships, growing up, and overcoming obstacles, then this one is definitely for you! Check out Patina by Jason Reynolds from your library today!

Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson

Summary:

Jade creates beautiful art out of ordinary things. She's successful in school and even nominated for a prestigious program. Her mother is supportive, her father is active in her life, and her uncle E.J. brings cheesecake for her birthday. She has good friends to encourage her. But, something is still amiss. Her world is accompanied by the existence of a very real social prejudice. When a 15 year old girl becomes a victim of police brutality and later Jade is asked to hand over her bag at store, this prejudice cannot be ignored. In a world made for people with money, can Jade stay on the path to make a difference in her world? Find out when you pick up Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson, available in your library!

Personal Reflections

I found such truth and beauty in this book. So often I can be blind to social injustice. I associate myself with Sam, not really knowing what to say in certain situations although realizing they do exist. Watson brings these things to life, depicting a somewhat harsh reality but also highlighting on the importance of hope, friendship, and taking a stand. The characters are very believable and relatable. I certainly recommend this book for middle and high school students. Check it out in the library or on Overdrive today!

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

Summary

Kyle Keeley, a typical twelve year old boy in many ways, spent much of his life playing Mr. Lemoncello's games with his older brothers. He knows them mostly by heart! When the school holds an essay contest for students in his grade, Kyle blows it off until he finds out the prize is overnight access to the coolest library in the world. Even cooler when he finds out its benefactor is none other than Mr. Lemoncello himself! Is it too late for Kyle to join his friends who didn't blow off the contest? Or, by some stroke of luck, could he be one of the chosen twelve? Find out when you pick up this fun-filled mystery/action book in your library!

Personal Reflections

What a fun read! I enjoyed it immensely. I found myself picturing Mr. Lemoncello as a sort of Christopher Lloyd type - wild haired, goofy, full of laughter and cut-ups. I was so jealous of his library because it was so cool! Grabenstein wrapped me in with his depiction of what would obviously be one amazing library - complete with coffee shop, holograms, various statues of all kinds, meeting rooms, video games, and more! Who wouldn't want to spend the night in that place?! If you're looking for a fun book that's not too hard but still keeps you wondering how it all will end, I suggest picking up Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library today - available in your library and on Overdrive!

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez

Summary

While this book encompasses normal teen experiences - growing up, dealing with overprotective parents, preparing for college, friendship, love - it also deals with several difficult experiences such as grief and loss, uncovering one's past, mental illness, and suicide. Sanchez makes it clear she's not afraid to discuss hard topics and believes they need to be discussed. We watch our narrator and main character over the course of two to three years - from the time of her older sister's death until the time she leaves home for college in New York. Julia's dreams of leaving behind her poor Mexican neighborhood and her overprotective, nosy parents are beautifully interwoven with the search for her older sister's true identity and the discovery of what is meant when people tell her her parents "had such a hard life," both of which ultimately help her uncover her own identity as well. We see Julia mostly as a mess - selfish, loud, erupting at things we may see as minute. By the end of the story, however, she is confident and mature, ready to take on the challenges of college and more cognizant of her family and friends and their needs. It is a great story of growing up, overcoming challenges, and learning to see other people for who they really are and not who you assume them to be. Due to content, it is recommended for upper middle to high school students.

Personal Reflections

I really loved this book. The characters were well-developed and relatable. Whereas society tends to shy away from discussing the topics of mental illness and suicide, I applaud authors like Erika L. Sanchez for writing about them. She did this beautifully, giving us insight into the situations that may drive a young teen to attempt suicide, while cautioning readers to pay attention to warning signs of depression and anxiety as contributors. Fortunately, our narrator is saved and overcomes, but the harsh reality is not all who suffer are.

Again, I caution you - the book would be for more mature readers due to language, violence, and content. But, I also encourage you to give this book a try. I listened to it on Overdrive through the public library and found it very enjoyable. Check it out at your library! 

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Summary:

Meet Ghost, a kid with a troubled past who learned to run when his drunk father tried to shoot his mother and him. Ghost doesn't want to join a team. He enjoys reading about world record setters and eating sunflower seeds from Mr. Charles's store. He's bullied by Brandon because he's poor and can't afford clothes that fit. His mother is a hospital cafeteria worker trying to make ends meet. While at the track, Ghost reveals his secret before an audience in an attempt to prove a point to someone he deems a "show-off." He's super fast. Now, Ghost finds himself a part of the city track team, the Defenders, and on a mission not to get into any more trouble at school. His wardrobe is inferior, his training is inferior, his home is inferior. But, his running . . . Let's just say he's got skills.

Author Jason Reynolds brings us a beautiful story of overcoming obstacles, especially those created by ourselves. Read about this award-winning author here. Ghost is the 2016 National Book Award Finalist. 

Personal Reflections:

This book is full of great lessons, believable characters, action, and life lessons. I enjoyed it immensely and immediately picked up the sequel, Patina, and read it. I am not an athletic person by any means, but I still found great joy in this novel. Jason Reynolds has a beautiful way with words and tells a beautiful story of growing up and discovering who you really are. A quick but delightful book! Check it out in your library today! 

Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Summary:

Meet Josh Bell - lover of all things basketball, son of a renowned NBA player known as Chuck "Da Man" Bell, and recipient of the strange but adopted nickname Filthy McNasty. Josh and his twin brother, Jordan (JB), are the best on their school team. They practice every night with their retired father, who teaches them some of the sneakiest moves in the game - like the crossover. On the surface, you see a story about teen boys who play basketball, but the story goes so much deeper. 

When the new girl, Alexis AKA Miss Sweet Tea, shows up, Josh finds his relationship with his brother changes a little too much. Suddenly basketball isn't all there is for JB. And Josh doesn't like it. Then, his school principal, who happens to be his own mother, suspends him from basketball until further notice, his dad starts exhibiting signs of illness, and his mother tells him they have to start watching what they eat! How much can a teen handle?! As Josh finds his world being turned upside down in some pretty big ways, he also discovers that not everything is how he initially perceived it. And he learns that life can be way too short. 

Personal Reflections:

I recently read Crossover by Kwame Alexander and fell in love with it! He has quickly become one of my favorite authors to read. And, he's releasing a sequel to this book soon! So excited! If you're a fan of basketball, middle school literature full of middle school problems, have a sibling, enjoy poetry, or if you are LIVING, check out this book! It is a very quick read, as the whole novel is written in verse. It's a great book to recommend to anyone who is struggling with relationships, the death of a parent or family member, or for anyone who is trying to figure out this thing called life. Boys and girls alike will love it. And did I mention it's a quick read?! Read up on Kwame Alexander by clicking here. And check out this book and others by visiting your library today!