Reviewed by Jaelyn 12th grade – How to Lose a Best Friend is a real and honest book that more teenagers, especially the “Gen Z” generation should read. Zeke and Imogen were best friends for as long as anyone could remember. Everyone wanted them to get together, including Zeke. Imogen didn’t feel the same. This book was labeled as fiction which I do agree with but the concept of the story, the plot twist, and emotions were all very real. I really liked the storyline of the book and how on the back it says “What would you do if you were in love with your best friend… and they didn’t love you back?” It’s something I’ve experienced and I think many others have as well. This book could be used as a life lesson. I didn’t like how this book gave us “2 years later” but only lasted for a few pages. There should have been more or a second book.
Chronically Dolores by Maya Van Wagenen
Reviewed by Baylie 12th grade – Chronically Dolores is centered around a girl, Dolores Mendoza, who suffers from a chronic bladder illness. The book follows her daily struggles and her slow path to self-acceptance. Dolores befriends Terpsichores-Jones, an autistic homeschooled girl, making a pact to help each other in their challenges. Dolores wishes to rekindle her old friendship with her friend Shae, while Terpsichore hopes to attend public school. Waganen’s use of first person helps connect you with Dolores, feeling the exact emotions she feels when she is embarrassed/self-conscious about her illness. I liked when Dolores reviewed bathrooms, as that is something with a bladder disease would do that is also funny to think about. This book shines in its lack of a concrete ending. It instead focuses more on the challenges and the growth of Dolores and Terpsichore Berkenbosch-Jones. They grow more confident in themselves about their respective disabilities, learning to accept themselves for who they are even if they don’t get the exact results that they aim for in their “pact”. This is something that I would recommend for people to try something new, as when most go for fantasy or horror fiction, this book shows that realistic stories can still be just as entertaining. Would read again!
Out of My Dreams by Sharon Draper
Reviewed by Michelle, a high school student
Out of My Dreams is an outstanding continuation of the Out of My Mind trilogy. It details Melody’s journey following an exciting accomplishment regarding the aid of an elderly neighbor. After being called for an interview on television, she goes through physical and emotional challenges, feeling excited and scared through the process. She provides a unique perspective on the issues and stigmas surrounding the world today, and a perspective from a one-of-a-kind source. The novel will empower young minds to strive towards excellence and overcome obstacles in their way. Overall, this story is an excellent read for teens, and is a necessity in middle-grade libraries.
Happy & Sad by Alex Thayer
Reviewed by Michelle, a high school student
This story presents a thoughtful story about two friends, Dee and Juniper, who have drifted apart. Dee misses her friend and wants to hide from difficulties in the school bathroom. She later discovers a talent in helping and listening to other people. The novel offers a perspective on introverted and quiet teenagers who are unable to speak out about their problems, but secretly have hidden talents. Readers who may be confused about identity and their changing friendships will enjoy and relate to this story. The novel provides a superb view on companionship and relationships that many may overlook. The modern problems this story presents will relate to a plethora of teens struggling with connections with their fellow peers. All in all, this tale is an excellent book for middle school readers and an outstanding read overall.
All My Bests by Britnee Meiser
Reviewed by Michelle, a high school student
All My Bests is an excellent middle-grade novel by Britnee Meiser that demonstrates the importance of the balance between romantic relationships, familial relationships, and friendships. Fans of Every Last Word or Real Friends will enjoy a coming-of-age story about a young girl named Immie who is entering high school. She discovers difficulties in new friendships and long-standing relationships as she navigates a new world, and begins to steer through new, foreign emotions. Readers who enjoy stories of perseverance, companionship, and transformation will enjoy this story of self-discovery. The simplicity of this story provides a strong account of the difficulties in growing up that many teenagers will relate to. This novel is endearing and an outstanding book in middle-grade literature.
Squid in Pants by Kaz Windness
Squid is sad because he does not have any clothes. His friends find some clothes hanging over the side of a boat and silliness ensues until the owner of the clothes wants them back. Told in rhythmic rhyming text, this Level One Ready to Read book features short sentences and dialogue. The illustrations are quirky and colorful.
Unstoppable John: How John Lewis Got His Library Card and Helped Change History by Pat Zietlow Miller
John Lewis wanted a books. Lots of them. John’s family couldn’t afford books and his school didn’t have very many books. What John needed was a library card, but in 1956 John, age 16, was denied a library card at Pike County Public Library in Troy, Alabama. There were many laws that were unfair to Blacks and John decided to fight against them. He organized sit-ins at lunch counters and stand-ins at movie theaters.
This biography of civil rights leader John Lewis follows the storyline of his desire to read and get a library card. It shows how he fought back against the unjust laws of the time and the impact he has had on our nation. At the end, there is a timeline of John Lewis’s life and a bibliography to learn more.
Outside Mom, Inside Mom by Jane Park
A young child is about to start at a new school. Instead of wearing his favorite red shoes, he chooses sneakers to fit in. Others comment on how quiet his mom is, but he knows that at home she is different. The story shows how the mom and the boy show different sides of themselves when they are in public and when they are at home. Finally the boy is brave and wants to be his authentic self which encourages the mom to be as well. The illustrations were more muted in color when talking about outside mom and vibrant when we learned about inside mom. I like the message of the story, but it seemed a little disjointed in parts and left me with questions.
Alex’s Field Guides: But Where Do Sea Turtles Live? by Elina Ellis
The Curious Explorers Club wants to know where sea turtles live. Alex has the answer in her journal, but the Explorers want to discover the answer on their own. Throughout the story the explorers discuss why a sea turtle would or would not live in a certain location. Alex’s journal pages give facts about sea turtles.
The pictures are colorful, engaging and fill the page. The pictures and dialog feel geared towards younger readers, but the fact pages are text heavy with a lot of information on a two page spread. Resources at the end list websites for information about sea turtles and protecting sea turtles. This is the third book in the series Alex’s Field Guides.
Brave by Weshoyot Alvitre
Braids are brave. This is the only line on a two page spread to start the story. The illustration shows a woman braiding someone’s hair. We then see it is a mom braiding a boy’s hair. He thinks the tugging and untangling hurts, but he is trying to be brave. While watching his father, he hopes to have long hair like his. The boy is teased at school for his long hair, but the boy decides to be brave and stand up to them. The father then tells how their hair was traditionally worn and the times that he and his family were made to cut their hair because they were not allowed to practice their traditions and culture.
This powerful story between a father and a son explores the intergenerational trauma and the effects of being forced to cut their hair and reclaiming their Native pride. The illustrations depict Native Americans in the present day as well as in the past.