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!