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The Thing About Luck
Cynthia Kadohata, a Newbery Award-winning author of Kira-Kira, brings another story about the strength of a family. Summer’s parents must fly to Japan to take care of some elderly relatives, leaving 12-year old Summer and her brother Jaz with their grandparents – strict Obaachan and quiet, kind Jiichan during the…
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Eleanor & Park
This book cover has bee intriguing to me for the past couple of months and I finally got a chance to read the book last week. A story of love found in the most unlikely of places is one that I rarely can put down. This is a universal story…
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The Truth of Me
I have loved Patricia MacLachlan’s writing since I read Sarah, Plain and Tall. I couldn’t have been very old when I read it, but I remember it so clearly. The Truth of Me is MacLachlan’s newest book and still her voice and writing is as strong as ever. She is…
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Mr. Terupt Falls Again
A powerful story of how a teacher and his students can affect each other over the course of a school year. Mr. Terupt Falls Again written by Rob Buyea is the companion novel to Because of Mr. Terupt told in the point-of-view of seven students in his classroom in both…
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The Moon and More
I have turned so many teens on to Sarah Dessen’s books. Her characters, the dialog, the situations they are placed in all ring true to the teenagers that stop into the library. She’s my go-to author for “chick-lit” books that also deal with heavier topics that teens deal with everyday. …
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Beholding Bee
Beholding Bee written by Kimberly Newton Fusco is about orphaned “Bee” who lives and works in a traveling carnival. She was born with a birthmark on her face in the shape of a diamond and is often faced with the taunts and jeers of the children (and adults) who come…
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My Family for the War
My Family for the War written by Anne C. Voorhoeve and translated by Tammi Reichel won the Mildred L. Batchelder medal for most outstanding children’s book in translation (from German) this past year. This book intrigued me on three different levels, the first being a winner for a book in translation. I honestly…
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe written by Benjamin Alire Saenz is a coming-of-age story about an angry, young Mexican boy and how he learns the secrets to his own universe and learns about himself and his family. Aristotle is essentially an only child, his twin sisters are much older…
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Hattie Big Sky & Hattie Ever After
I actually spent much of my weekend reading – a shock, I know! I was able to read three books this weekend, which is often unheard of and made me extremely happy! I finally got to read Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson, which I had thought I already read,…
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Doll Bones
If you’re looking for a creepy book that makes you want to leave the lights on when you go to sleep, Doll Bones by Holly Black is the perfect choice! Middle schoolers Zach, Alice, and Poppy are best friends that play an elaborate adventure-filled imaginative game filled with action figures…