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!

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!

The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz

Summary: 

The subtitle of this book is Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog, which pretty much is an accurate depiction of the premise behind Gidwitz's novel. The Inquisitor's Tale is comprised of excerpts told by a somewhat extreme cast of characters who all contribute what they know to the overall bigger story of three "saints," as they are often referred to by the storytellers and their reincarnated (or resurrected) saint of a dog, Gwenforte. The unlikely trio of acquaintances turned friends is William, a dark-skinned boy educated in the monastery, Jeanne, a young girl with gifts that allow her to predict some of life's more scary happenings, and Jacob, a Jew whose village was burned down. These friends embark on a wild, crazy journey filled with action, a farting dragon, giants, witch hunts, and more. Find out what happens when you check out The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz today, available in your library and on Overdrive as an audio book today!

Personal Reflections:

I found this story to be a humorous tale in true Canterbury Tales fashion, although I will have it noted that the story line was completely different. I liked how all of the pieces of the story seemed to come together in the end. I'll admit I found myself wondering exactly when and how this would happen at times. I listened to the book on Overdrive and really enjoyed the cast of characters who performed the reading. It was more like listening to a play than listening to an audio book. Very well read. The most humorous part had to do with the farting dragon, whom Jacob was commissioned to "heal" from sickness, which turned out to be smelly farts that killed (or knocked out) upon contact. I think Gidwitz showed his creativity and boyishness with that part. Overall, I would give it four out of five stars, as some parts were a little on the let's-get-to-the-point side. Still, I'd count it a worthwhile read. Check it out at your library! 

The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd

Summary:

A perfect fall story complete with adventure, mystery, friendship, potential treasure, and ghosts? The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd has it all! Emma Pearl is a 12 year old girl being raised by her semi-crazy, former-boxer grandmother, Blue, in a house with a downstairs cafe and a graveyard for a backyard. Prior to her death, Emma Pearl's mother presented her with the Book of Days, an old book filled with stories from her ancestors, all of whom dreamed of blue flowers in a field that contained an exciting destiny. Emma knows she is set to have the "destiny dream" at a young age. Her time is typically spent in the cafe with her brother, Topher, or giving graveyard tours to the townsfolk of Blackbird Hollow. When she finally has the destiny dream, she knows it is up to her to save the cafe by finding the phantom treasure she's heard about all her life. Teaming up with her best friend, Cody Belle, and her new friend, Earl Chance, Emma Pearl will encounter mysterious telling vines that just might contain the voices of the dearly departed, interpret the meaning of her mysterious destiny, make a new friend, and learn more about the ghosts in their town than they ever dreamed. Find out if Emma Pearl and her friends find the treasure and save the beloved cafe from Warren Steel and his minions when you pick up The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd, available in your library and on Overdrive as an audio book.

Personal Reflections:

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The reader did an excellent job portraying a young, Southern girl. The book had elements of magic, great imagery, and believable characters. The only thing missing was a cup of Boneyard Brew sitting in front of me! My favorite part was when Emma Pearl, Earl Chance, and Cody Bell were heading down a hill and ended up sliding down a muddy trek. The book was humorous but serious - depicting the many attributes of small-town life and the adventures three young friends create. I think most middle school students would enjoy The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd. 

Moo by Sharon Creech

Summary:

Sharon Creech writes a novel in poetic verse about two young kids, Reena and Luke, who move to Maine with their parents and make a very unlikely friend. When the brother and sister are volunteered by their parents to help out the elderly Mrs. Falala, they are more than reluctant at first. To begin with, Reena recalls a number of times when she was volunteered to do something and found herself regretting her obedience. Second, Mrs. Falala is mean! She tells Luke to stop sucking his thumb! Then, the "chores" they were supposed to do seemed way too difficult! They knew nothing about cows, but they were expected to clean up after, groom, and eventually show one at the county fair! And, Zora, the cow, mooed really loudly every time they came near her and refused to follow Reena into the pen. How can they achieve the impossible task of convincing a stubborn cow to do what she's told? 

There's no getting out of it, though, and what ensues is a beautiful lesson about the benefits and joy of hard work and what happens when first impressions are not always accurate. Find out what happens at the county fair and if the kids and Zora can ever get past their differences when you pick up Moo by Sharon Creech today!

Personal Reflections:

I've always been extremely fond of poetry of almost any kind, so verse novels in particular draw me in almost always immediately. Whereas this novel has segments that are more prose in nature, the flow is really quite beautiful. Moo is a fast read - with short chapters and a story line that's easy to follow. I love the simplicity of the story, although the much deeper meaning behind it is what makes it great. Creech is known also for her other verse novels, Love That Dog and Hate That Cat, both of which are popular reads in my library. Moo is recommended for upper elementary through middle school. I think people of all ages can appreciate, though. Check it out! 

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Summary: 

Two classes . . . entirely separated . . . entirely different. Reds bleed red and are insignificant, forced to fight a century-long war once they turn 18. Silvers are of the higher class, bleed silver, and have supernatural powers. Two friends, Mare and Kilorn, find themselves facing war as their 18th birthdays approach. Kilorn should be safe. He'll turn 18 first and has a job working as a fisherman's apprentice. Mare has little hope, though. She isn't good at anything but stealing. But when Kilorn's master dies, Mare knows she has to do something to save them both from their fate. The answer comes from an old man named Will, who runs a junk shop in town. Will is not alone when Mare pays the visit. He's with Farley, a member of the Scarlet Guard, a secret society that rebels against the war, the silver king, and the treatment of reds. Protection will cost her and Kilorn more money than they could dream of getting in just two days, not to mention they will pledge their allegiance to the Scarlet Guard, which they know almost nothing about. By a chance encounter with Cal, a prince in disguise, the money is in hand. 

Plans change, however, when Mare is summoned then forced to the palace, where the silver king and queen rule from a distance. Mare is offered a job, meaning she won't have to face war now. How did it happen? She isn't good at anything but stealing! As she's waiting tables at the Queenstrial, a competition in which the prince chooses his bride from among the various houses, Mare reveals a power of her own, one she's not supposed to have . . . one she didn't even know she had. She then faces the king and queen who wish to study her, find out the source of her power, and force her into an engagement with the younger prince. Now she must act a part she doesn't know how to play, the part of a silver. 

Find out if Mare pulls it off when you check out Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard!

Personal Reflections:

I would place this novel in the same category as the Divergent series. I enjoyed Red Queen because it was a pretty quick read and had a story line that wasn't hard to follow but still left an air of suspense. My favorite character was Cal, mostly because he turned out to be the opposite of the other Silvers in the story. I did a few book talks on RQ with my middle schoolers, and many of them have since checked it out or requested it. It's great for middle to high school. Probably a little too strange for elementary. (I don't think they'd get it.) This was the first book I'd read by Victoria Aveyard, and she proved to be a very skilled writer. Anyone who enjoys the sci-fi, fantasy, or dystopia genre would enjoy Red Queen. 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Summary:

Meet Junior, a resident of the Spokane Indian Reservation, who has big hopes and dreams. When his teacher tells him everyone on the reservation has given up and has no hope, Junior realizes he has to get out of there! But he's a poor Indian kid with a father that binge drinks and disappears, a sister that hides out in the basement all day, and a best friend that is routinely beaten by his alcoholic father. How can he find hope and cling to it? The answer comes in the form of Reardon, a mostly white school about 20 miles from the rez. Attending Reardon is something no one on the rez has ever done before, and Junior will pay many prices for going there. But, he just may find himself and his true place in the world if he does. 

Find out if Junior's dreams are realized and eventually achieved when you pick up The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie today!

Personal Reflections:

Of all the young adult books I've read, I think this could easily be among my favorites. It is funny and witty, course but with an element of softness inside. The characters are very real - ones every kid can relate to - with real emotions, problems, and intentions. The comic-strip-like artwork adds an element of humor while relaying some of the character's deepest desires. I chose this book for a student book club I started with my middle schoolers. The consensus among them was that it is definitely worth reading. For me, I found it to be a very deep representation of society today, with all of its discrimination, fear of dreaming, and tragedy. The book didn't seem to be just about a goofy looking Indian kid. It was more about the imperfections of society and the importance of keeping hope alive. Truly a beautiful story. 

Origami Yoda Series by Tom Angleberger

Summary:

The students of McQuarrie Middle School face off against a few of their teachers, the principal (Mrs. Rabbski), the school board, and the EduFun corporation when they form the Origami Rebel Alliance, a play off of the Star Wars Rebel Alliance. When test scores seem to be directing the curriculum for the entire school and the elective teachers are either fired or forced to teach a FunTime class, the Origami Rebel Alliance has no choice but to . . . well, rebel! Tom Angleberger's series, which consists of 6 books, explores what can happen when students and teachers align to defeat a greater power - the EduFun enterprise, which is backed by the school board. 

Find out what the McQuarrie Middle School students do to defeat the Dark Side when you pick up The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, Darth Paper Strikes Back, The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee, The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppett, Princess Labelmaker to the Rescue, and Emperor Pickletine Rides the Bus by Tom Angleberger. And be sure to check out the tutorials in the back of each book and Art2 - D2's Guide to Folding and Doodling so you can make your own origami Star Wars characters! 

Personal Reflections:

I probably never would have picked up this book if it hadn't been for my 5 year old son who asked me to check it out during a random visit to my library. I am so glad he asked, too, because it was such a fun series to read with him! It is definitely written for middle school kids, but he still got the gist of each book. And I found myself laughing because the books were just a little too close to reality! I definitely recommend this series to anyone who has ever had anything to do with the school system, which means basically everyone. Check it out or buy a copy!  

The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Ocean of Blood by Darren Shan

Summary:

Ocean of Blood, which is Book 2 in the Larten Crepsley series by Darren Shan, is the story of Larten and his vampire brother, Wester, who set off in a path of self-discovery that includes quite a bit of self-indulgence as well. When they cut themselves off from the vampire clan to temporarily enjoy the finer pleasures the human world can offer, Larten and Wester are often seen binge drinking and womanizing, in addition to engaging in occasional warfare, in which they feast upon the blood of those fallen. While Larten enjoys being with the young vampires, he soon grows tired of the constant speed and chaos this kind of life lends itself to. 

Find out how Larten deals with his hunger for adventure and his need for settlement when you pick up Ocean of Blood by Darren Shan.

Personal Reflections:

Being the second book in the series, I knew I would enjoy Ocean of Blood because I was already familiar with the character in the book and knew how his whole life would eventually turn out (which we see in the subsequent Cirque du Freak series). Shan does not disappoint. My husband and I read through this book very quickly while we were traveling home from Kansas this past summer. One of the great things about Darren Shan's books is that he writes them for middle school aged kids while still making them enjoyable for adults. They are quick reads - short but intriguing - making them perfect for the average middle school kid. However, in the breadth of the text, you find some very adult things happening in the lives of the characters. I recommend his books for middle schoolers and up. They're a little too advanced for most elementary kids. I also think any adult who needs something quick to read, has a taste for the macabre, and likes vampire stories should check out any of Darren Shan's books. I personally enjoy them immensely. Happy reading!