In the book One True Way by Shannon Hitchcock, a girl named Allie starts Daniel Boone Middle School. She meets another girl named Sam and finds herself beginning to fall for her. The book is an amazing depiction of what it was like to be part of the LGBTQ+ community in the late 1970’s. It accurately describes what people in the community look and act like. More specifically, it shows how they aren’t that much different than others. The characters are beautifully designed, showing how they aren’t all defined by gender and sexuality. The motives of the characters seem clear and easily relatable, making the readers truly feel like they know what the characters are feeling. It’s a nice and easy read that I believe all young middle school children should take the time to sit down and connect with at one point or another. All in all, I believe this is an amazing book worth the time and effort put into it.

–Reviewed by Guinevere

“Some Kind Of Happiness“ written by Claire Legrand is story about young girl’s real life mixed with mystery and fantasy, who tried to struggle with her anxiety and overwhelmingly difficult days all by herself, keeping her secret only in the notebook through imaginary stories.

      The book is best summed up in author’s pre-words/preview:

                            “If you are afraid, sad, tired, or lonely

                                  if you feel lost or strange

                          If you crave stories and adventure,

                       And the magic possibility of a forest path —

                                    this book is for you.“

   Finley, 11 year old girl, who has been sent to her unknown grandparents’ house (Hart’s House “enormous and white, the largest house I ever seen in real life…”), from her father’s side for the whole summer, until Finley’s mom and dad can solve their relationship problems.  This little girl tried to escape reality through her imagined tales, which helped her deal with real life problems, like dealing with her previously unknown cousins or her weird neighbors ( children of Bailey’s family ), who go on to become her best friends.  Through her stories, she creates an imaginary kingdom of Everwood – “towering green place full of sunlight”, where she pretends to be “an orphaned girl”, while everyone else had their own roles in the story.  Meanwhile she tries to uncover an old secret , why her father’s family got separated.  Her imaginary game ends up uniting the feuding families after years of avoiding each other.  This feud inspired her to seek out, what caused the falling out between these families ( Hart’s and Bailey’s ), which heavily involves her father.

This book spans three generations of her family, showing that family secrets can become huge issues, even between the closest family members.  But even with all the issues within the families, the children still love and cherish their parents, no matter their flaws.

In my opinion this story is very informative and educational to the young readers for several reasons.  Firstly, it shows how the reader can organize all their thoughts . Secondly, it introduces interesting words in a way that sticks with the reader, expanding their vocabulary in the process ( “ … one of my favorite words, a nine-letter word for “slow, heavy, rhythmic” : ponderous.” ). Thirdly, it encourages the young readers to use their imagination to create fun and adventurous games in real life.

Reading as an adult, it was interesting to see the world through 11 year old Finley’s eyes, especially the way she sees adults in her life, bringing me back to my own childhood and various games we used to play. It was fun.

I would highly recommend this book for young readers (middle school age) as well, as for adults.  This book manages to be both relaxing and breathtaking at the same time, gripping the reader with its mysteries and memorable plot . I really enjoyed this book.

Review by Marianna

“The Enemy” written by Sara Holbrook is a historical fiction story with some facts from real life. This book touches on many subjects, such as friendship, bullying at school, multicultural neighborhoods and family relationships. It takes place in 1954, in the U.S. during the Cold War.
In this book the author describes different points of view about Nazi’s and Communist’s at that time. It also shows the fear that adults and children felt, and how some of them stood up for what they believe is right.
Marjorie Campbell, a twelve year old girl, lives with her family in Detroit, Michigan. The main hero’s life is really confusing. She always worries about making the right decision. In her own family she stays on her mom’s side and helps her to hide a box of banned books (at that time) from others, including her dad and adopted brother, because they have different thoughts about it. At the same time, in Marjorie’s class comes a new girl, who moved with her family from some other country, and they looked like they were German. Marjorie likes this strange girl with a good heart and an accent, but her classmates ( including her best friend ) mark this new girl as a target for bullies. That’s why Marjorie struggles with her feelings and decision on what side she should choose. This book would be enjoyed by students and adults who like historical books. 

Review by Marianna

Itch! Explains the mystery of what causes a person to experience the sensation of the itch and to follow up that sensation with a scratch. Sanchez starts off with a chapter explaining skin – its parts, its purpose, and its reaction to irritants. The bulk of the remaining chapters focus on specific irritants: Lice, fleas, plants, mosquitoes, tarantulas, fungi, bed bugs. The final chapter examines the positive side of itching.

Illustrations are fun to look at and complement the text. Page format is interesting, with traditional text block, chapter heading, subheadings and balanced with a creative multimedia approach mimicking a bulletin board and scrapbook. Chapters start with a scenario that introduces the irritant, provides history and then jumps into the itch explanation and human reaction to scratch. It also has great tips for dealing with irritants that are environmentally friendly.

Itch! Is a fun and informative addition that sheds light on the physiological reaction to things that make us itch. Highly recommended.

Angela Cervantes creates a story of friendship and mystery set in Mexico City. Paloma Marquez joins her mother for a summer of adventure and art appreciation in her father’s homeland. Paloma quickly makes new friends and finds herself embroiled in the intrigue behind artist Frida Kahlo’s missing peacock ring. Paloma and her friends vow to uncover the truth and return the precious ring to its rightful home, La Casa Azul, where Frida’s personal items are showcased for all to see and celebrate. This story will touch the heart and soul as it celebrates loyalty, embraces forgiveness, and promotes valor. This sweet, honest and art filled book is a strong addition.

The novel “Tru & Nelle A Christmas Tale” is the second series book written by G. Neri. This interesting historical fiction book includes the facts and stories from the lives of best friends, Truman Capote and Nellie Harper Lee and their Christmas adventure.

Everything starts when “little” Nelle’s friend , Tru , goes back to town Monroeville . He came with his mom Little Mae and his stepdad Cuban Joe. They were in a custody battle with Tru’s biological dad , Arch Peterson.  Afterwards Truman left the courthouse with his mom Nina and Joe , and went back to New York.
Two years pass and Tru was feeling sorry about his decision to stay with his mom and move back to New York. After the some time it became apparent, that Nina didn’t care about her son at all, instead she only cared about herself and her wealthy lifestyle.
“Truman felt that everything had gone wrong since he’d left Monroeville.” His mom “ was constantly bemoaning all his quirks : his funny high voice, the way he sasheyed when he walked and eccentric clothing he wore, and the artsy boys he befriended.” Finally his mother decided to ship him to St. John’s Military Academy for Boys where they had very strict rules, which was too much for the delicate little Truman. Even then his mom refused to visit him and didn’t listen his complains about this school , such as bullying and overly strict rules. At that time Tru could only think about one place, Monroeville. He missed all of his relatives and friends, especially his best ones Nelle and Big Boy. That’s why the 13 years’ old boy Tru escapes from the military boys’ school, and try to make it to Monroeville for Christmas.

At the end of the book also includes some other story, interesting informations, facts, and photos

In my opinion the main thing that happens at the end of this story is that Truman decided to try to change his attitude, and make smart decisions in service of other. Also through this story the young readers can discover the real spirit of Christmas. It also shows how important it is to remember  mercy, charity and kindness, and to surrounding us with people. We should never forget to help and believe in each other, even if we are different.

I recommend this book for young readers. It’s a great novel for elementary and middle school students, who like to read about childhood’ friendship and adventures.

Reviewed by Marianna

Ever the Brave is the second installment in the Class of Kingdoms fantasy series.  Summerill constructs a world of adventure, political struggle and mysticism. Britta is back and is learning to live with her newly discovered gifts; however, she must keep her gifts a secret as witchcraft is outlawed in Malam kingdom. Keeping her powers secret proves a challenging task when she is bound to King Aodren.  This connection, unwanted and dangerous, risks her relationship with the King’s Hunter, Cohen. Amidst the tangle of feelings and interactions with King Aodren, Britta also learns that she is connected to the treacherous villain Cohen is hunting. When he returns from the hunt in the neighboring kingdom empty handed, he must fight for his King, his country and his true love.  A page turner, fantasy lovers will not want to put this book down.

“Sink or Swim” is a historical fiction novel written by Steve Watkins (author of the I Survive series). Inspired by the true story of the brave young boy, Calvin Graham, who, at age 13, enlisted in the US Navy and served on the battleship USS South Dakota in the South Pacific in intense fighting with the Japanese.

The story starts with an incident that happens with Colton’s older brother during their fishing trip. His seventeen-year-old brother, Danny, was injured, so Colton decided to assume his brother’s identity, and enlisted into the US Navy. After that Colton’s journey begins.

As for me, the most intense and tragic part of this book is when, after the battle, a U-boat explodes beneath Colton’s patrol craft, killing his closest shipmate and wounding Colton’s leg. The survivors are set adrift in an overloaded lifeboat with few rations and connection with anyone. The author excellently describes their attempts to survive in the ocean for a couple of weeks during mid October without food, water, under the sun in the daytime and sometimes surrounded by sharks. But at that time Colton’s thoughts were about his family: “I prayed we would be rescued, and I prayed that if we weren’t, that Mama and Danny would somehow find out what happened to me, and would know that I loved them all the way to the end.”

I would recommend this book for young readers ( ages 8-12 ), who likes stories about World War II and who also enjoys books about U boats or Navy. I liked this novel.

Review by Marianna

This new series- The Questioneers- follow the picture book characters: Rosie Revere, Iggy Peck, and Ada Twist into the chapter book realm.

This first book begins with the trio working on an invention to help Rosie’s uncle, Zookeeper Fred scare away snakes. Even after five models, Rosie is not giving up . Her talents get temporarily guided away from that project to help her Aunt Rose and her aunt’s friends. These ladies were, ” ‘the Blue River Riveters,’ she said. ‘We worked together at the B-29 factory during World War II. We built more airplanes that you could imagine. We made a difference back when it was needed the most. And we still do our part.!’ ” (30)

Young readers will follow Rosie’s efforts to help others in the now popular STEM movement. “Rosie loved engineering, It made her happier that just about anything.” (41) Readers will follow Rosie from the brainstorming beginnings through to her end project. Rosie loved brainstorming, design, research, making prototypes, and testing. (49)
Rosie is not successful on her first attempts, but she does not give up. When Rosie gets frustrated the motto “STOP AND THINK!” comes to her aid.

In this book, Rosie is asked to come up with an invention that will help Aunt Rose’s friend June paint in the Art-a-Go-Go competition in the park, when June has two broken wrists.

As each chapter begins, red quad graph paper gives light to Rosie’s thoughts through Rosie’s sketches and diagrams of the work in progress. June is set to paint at the competition, using Rosie’s Paintapalooza 9. Mid-way through the painting, June’s arms become too tired, then a brush breaks. Undaunted, Rosie makes adjustments.

In the end the Blue River Riveters make Rosie, Ada, and Iggy “HONORARY RIVETERS!”

After the story ends, keep reading or you will miss out on: ODE TO A VALVE, ABOUT VALVES, ABOUT THE RIVETERS, THINK ABOUT THIS, and ABOUT THE AUTHOR and ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR.

This is a level 2 Blastoff Reader. It talks about the different types of technology used in a school and a brief history of technology in school. This book is coding in school, but a more appropriate title would be technology in school as it did not talk very much about coding. This book has many informational text features including bold words, labels and a glossary.