by Jamie Sumner

Maid for It is a sweet and wonderful book that weaves in relatable life problems and a happy ending. This was one of the sweetest books I’ve read, and I couldn’t stop smiling while reading it. Many readers will enjoy reading about the hardships and the making of new friends. Franny is worried about her mother. She recently turned sober, and even more recently, got into a car crash. Franny does not want her mother to get addicted to the pills that were supposed to help her, but unfortunately, it’s happened before. Franny will not, can not, let it happen again! The devotion Franny has to her mother is just so sweet. I love how, even though there are those conflicts and darker problems in the book, the author has weaved in really sweet or good things, like how Sloan and Franny’s relationship went from enemies to friends. (And I really love that!) Her relationship with Noah is also amazing! I really did like how Noah kept on giving her origami things, and later we learned why. It was awesome seeing Noah find another way through something other than talking. Franny’s determination to help her mom makes this book hard to put down. The author has fit many real life issues and problems, like addictions, worrying, and other things into a story that is still very sweet.  I love how Franny helps people, even if she didn’t really know she was doing it.  I feel like that when the reader relates to something in a book whether it’s a character, issue, or problem going around-  it lets them enjoy it more, or is sort of a comfort when you connect with things.  I can relate to Franny’s constant worrying for math and how she reacted to not getting things wrong. I could also relate to how she sometimes tries to become invisible. What I DISLIKED about the book? Nothing! Five stars!

Reviewed by Addison K. and Victoria L., 7th graders

Torrey Maldonado

A short, quick read in an authentic voice, this book really packs a punch – all while wondering how hands CAN be a powerful force in the world without them getting him into trouble. Trev faces a number of challenges in this story, but the central problem is how to keep all the promises he’s made to people he loves. This comes down to how he’s going to use his hands – to fight off his stepfather’s potential abuse of his mom once he’s out of jail for hitting her OR trust the adults around him to protect his family and use his hands for their other promise & potential, drawing. He trains to become strong, but using his hands to fight will have consequences that will limit his other strengths. I really liked the dialogue in the book. It sounds real. It’s the short, choppy sentences of Trev’s real language that give the book so much authenticity. Every chapter is extremely short (1-3 pages) which should help get this book read by students who may not love to read but will love Trev’s story. The end feels incomplete-ish, but I think that’s deliberate. We know what Trev decides he’s going to do at the end, but the events that will put him to the test have not happened yet. We must trust, like he must, in the people around him. Perhaps there will be a sequel, but I think it’s okay if there is not. I highly recommend this book!

By Questlove with S.A. Cosby

The first of a new series about two friends from Philadelphia who get in over their heads when Kasia gives Rahim a new cell phone she’s created for him. Best part: it’s free & off the grid, so no pesky monthly bills. Worst part: it sends Rahim back in time to the Philly of his Dad’s childhood causing increasing problems with the time/space continuum. I loved that Rahim gets to see a side of his father that is so different from what he thinks he knows about him. It introduces the idea of the butterfly effect in messing with time in a kid-friendly way. Both main characters are black and smart and talented.  Rahim is a budding musician who loves rhyming and making music even though his father just wants him to be academic. Kasia is a brilliant scientist-in-the-making who pushes the boundaries, perhaps a bit too far, but without giving up on finding a solution.  The book includes a few drawn illustrations that I didn’t feel were absolutely necessary, but will appeal to readers who need a little visual support. The plot moves along with plenty of excitement and complications, but doesn’t dwell overlong in solving the problem of getting Rahim home. Overall, you can bet it will be a book my students will enjoy and will be wanting the next in the series because, of course, there is a tiny teaser at the end.