Reviewed by Michelle, a high school student

The Bionic Boy by Lynn Plourde is a fantastic read told through an incredibly unique perspective. The book follows a young boy named Benji who was born without hands. Feeling self-conscious about his disability, and wanting the ability to help people like the superheroes he looks up to, he feels conflicted about the decision to get prosthetic hands. Although not every elementary/middle school reader will relate directly to Benji’s dilemma, their feelings of wanting to help others and not knowing how to will likely be identical. The novel is an excellent read for people of all ages (and especially those who love superheroes!)

Reviewed by Michelle, a high school student

The novel Finding Lost is another excellent novel from Holly Sloan, and an extraordinary read for students struggling with grief or loss. The story follows a young girl named Cordy who is battling difficult feelings following her father’s death and finds solace in a stray dog she names “Lost”. The book uses specific dialogue to describe Cordy’s complex emotions, focusing on specific details or memories that may remind her of her father. Holly Sloan has written an excellent story about friendship and resilience for all ages.

Reviewed by Aspen, a high school student

In How to Free a Jinn, Insyirah has just moved to Malaysia when she discovers that her family has the ability to control jinn, powerful spirits from Islamic tradition. As strange events begin occurring around her new home and school, she learns that an evil jinn is threatening those around her, and in order to protect her family and friends, Insyirah must embrace her unique abilities and learn more about her heritage, faith, and herself.

Before reading this novel, I had not read many fantasy novels that centered on Muslim characters and Islamic traditions. What stood out to me about this novel was how naturally it incorporates Muslim life into the story. Insyirah’s faith is an important part of who she is, but it is not treated as something unusual or something that needs to be explained to the reader. She prays, learns about her religion, and relies on her family for guidance while also dealing with challenges that many young people face, such as fitting in and finding confidence in themselves.

The novel also does a great job of exploring themes of identity and belonging. As Insyirah adjusts to life in Malaysia, she learns to appreciate both her cultural heritage and her unique abilities. The inclusion of Malaysian culture and Islamic mythology makes the story feel authentic and gives a perspective that is not seen in many other fantasy books.

The writing is a good fit for middle level readers, and the themes of self-acceptance, family, and faith make it meaningful for everyone, and I would highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Aspen, a high school student

Running Back to You tells the story of Millie, a girl who values honesty above everything else after her mother’s affair hurt her family. When a classmate unexpectedly asks if she has ever been kissed, Millie panics and lies. Determined to make her lie come true before anyone finds out, she sets out to get her first kiss and a date to the spring dance.

The writing is engaging and relatable, capturing the awkwardness and emotions of middle school life. This is the perfect middle grade romance book, and reminded me a lot of rom-coms like “10 Things I Hate About You” and other movies. Beyond that, it conveys important messages about honesty and learning from mistakes, highlighting how, when you try and fix a lie with more lies, things get worse before they get better. I especially liked how the track and field element was tied in as an athlete. Sarah Henning mixes sports and romance wonderfully, and I would highly recommend this book for middle level readers looking for a funny and romantic coming-of-age story.

Reviewed by Aspen, a high school student

Henson Blayze is a 13 year old teen entering 8th grade. He’s looking forward to the new school year and playing football. The small, mostly-white town of Great Mountain, Mississippi sees Henson as their star and ticket to a varsity football championship. They make shirts, give him special privileges, and he even has an agent, a friend named Flowell. Some of the Black people in town warn Henson that most people don’t see him for who he really is, and to be careful. Henson brushes that off, especially after the beginning of his first game, where he helps his team score over 30 points. At halftime, however, he learned that his close friend, 10 year old Menkah Jupiter, was beaten by two white police officers. Henson goes to him, which infuriates most of the townspeople, and their adoration for him turns to anger. Soon, Henson must decide if football is more important than supporting Menkah. The more Henson learns from his father, a local vineyard owner, the more he realizes what he must do.

The author tells a story that isn’t easily forgettable. This is a powerful book about injustice, being true to yourself, and calling out racial injustice. Henson is both exceptional and incredibly human, and this book delivers the message that it is those two aspects that make Henson, and all of us, worthy of value and love.