Rebound by Kwame Alexander

Summary

As a companion novel to Alexander’s Crossover, Rebound tells the story of a teenage Charlie “Chuck” Bell, who recounts the summer after his dad died and his life changed drastically. Charlie is a normal teen in many ways, but he is also attempting to overcome his grief at the loss of his dad. When his mother decides to send him to visit his grandparents for the entire summer of 1988, Charlie is less than ecstatic. But it’s there that he learns who he really is and uncovers a lifelong dream he didn’t even know he had. This book is full of basketball, hard work, and life lessons about the importance of family and friendship. Alexander does not disappoint!

Personal Reflections

Very rarely does a book make me cry at the end, but this one did just that. I am very much a lover of all things poetry, so I knew Rebound would not disappoint. Novels in verse always rank high on my list anyway. What I love about Kwame Alexander’s books is that he can capture my complete attention even though I am not a sports enthusiast. I simply cannot get enough of his books! The way he intertwines sports with deep life lessons makes me think he must have a beautiful soul. If you haven’t read one of his books, stop now and check one out. You will not regret it. Alexander will make you fall in love with poetry, and you won’t even realize that’s what you’re reading! I recommend Rebound for any students in grades 5-12. Adults will love it, too. Check it out from your library today!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Summary

In the dystopian society of Panem, formerly North America, a dark and crazed tradition birthed as a means of vengeance for past rebellion occurs annually. This tradition is the Hunger Games, a life and death battle between two tributes from each of the 12 districts. Participants are drawn at random at the public “reaping,” which is aired for the whole country to see. Children ranging in age from twelve to eighteen will face insurmountable odds - wilderness, hunger, wild animals, and perhaps worst of all each other - to win the game. Katniss Everdeen is one such participant.

A member of the poor district 12, Katniss voluntarily takes the place of her twelve year old sister, Prim. Leaving behind her family and friends, she and Peeta Mellark, the male representative from District 12, embark on a journey to a place filled with rich foods, fancy outfits, and private rooms - the Capitol. Beneath the fancy dinners and appointments with personal stylists and clothing designers, the Capitol is full of deceit and darkness. Katniss, Peeta, and the other 22 contestants in the games undergo trainings, interviews, sessions with stylists, judging, and more as they prepare for the game in which only one is supposed to survive.

Personal Reflections

Full of twists and turns, romance, and a ton of action, The Hunger Games is surely a book to keep any reader on his or her toes. While I found the premise extremely dark, I really love how Collins creates a society not too unlike unlike our own, in which people crave action and violence. When considering the number of people who watch reality TV, it’s easy to make the connection between Panem and America. While we don’t force our children to fight to the death in an arena, we do condone a lot of violence and discrimination. Our appetites for drama often lead to places we don’t necessarily intend to inhabit.

I will say I found the book much better than the movie, although I liked the movie, too. I think watching the movie did help prepare me for the book. Suzanne Collins exhibits great skill in her writing. I personally can’t wait to start book two in the series. I chose to listen to the audiobook on Overdrive because it allows me to accomplish multiple things at once - I’ve been busy here in the library! The reader does a very good job at convincing me she is the voice of Katniss Everdeen. I highly recommend this book for middle and high school readers. Check out The Hunger Games from your library or on Overdrive today! I think I am going to start Catching Fire now!

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!