Serafina and the Twisted Staff

By Robert Beatty 

     It is not too often that I say that a sequel is way better than the original, but I loved this book!  This book was highly entertaining and a pleasure to read.  The tale of the Twisted Staff begins shortly after the black cloak ends.  Serafina is in the forest and sees something she does not understand, the animals seem to be leaving the area, she is attacked by some large wolfhounds and she is saved by a mysterious boy, her mother and another mountain lion.  Her mother, a catamount, encourages her to return to the Biltmore Estate, she claims for her safety, but Serafina is sure that something is threatening her life, the estate and her loved ones.  As Christmas approaches the estate is filling with new guests and animals are going missing.  A detective enters the story, he is interested in what happened to Mr. Thornton.  He specifically asks to speak to Serafina and Braeden and is very curious about their actions on the night that Mr. Thornton went missing.  

    As more animals leave the Blue Ridge Mountains, Serafina looks to her Mother for more information.  Her mother is not to be found but the boy and her half siblings are around.  She hears that they plan on leaving the area with the other animals, in fear of the encroaching evil.  She finally talks to Braeden and they devise a plan on figuring out what is threatening their existence.  

   The animals that are still around are acting differently, they are going where they have never been before and they are attacking Serafina.  After a harrowing escape from the rafters above the ballroom, Serafina knows she has to do something drastic.  She goes out into the forest looking for answers finds, animals that have been caged, meets a man in a long cloak, and he magically takes away her breath and body.  After she is roused she returns home.  How is she going to overcome this new magic, how can she protect her loved ones and the Biltmore Estate?  Who is threatening the Blue Ridge Mountains?  

   This book is full of adventure, twist and turns and a flowing plot.  You hear more of the back story, surrounding the Biltmore Estate and discover who/what Serafina is intended to be.  I loved the story and the writing was phenomenal!  I could not put this book down, a real page turner.  Therefore, I am giving this book a 4.5 out of five stars and encourage all students grades 4 and up to check out it out.  

Links 

Author - Robert Beatty

The Vanderbilt Family

Blue Ridge Mountains

Irena's Children

By Tilar J. Mazzea

     This book touched me on several levels.  It is a very well written story about a time in history that I am sure many wish never happened.  With the uncertain times that we are currently embroiled, this book really opens ones eyes to the reality of racism, the danger of letting those in power go unchecked and how even the smallest defiance can make a world of change.  

     One is introduced to Irena, a student in Warsaw Poland at the beginning of World War II.  She has befriended many people at the University, including many Jews.  The encroaching German's have many concerned but no worried for their lives.  The small steps that the Gestapo utilized to immobilize the Jews, the ghetto and the erosion of their rights and humanity are frightening.  Many Jews planned on just making it through, never dreaming the depth of hatred that would fall upon their shoulders.  Irena is Christian, but since she works for the Welfare Department, she is enabled to enter the ghetto and move about freely.  She takes it upon herself to free as many children as possible from their German captors.  

     Irena manages a large network of resistance workers that help her move children to safety, whether it be orphanages, christian homes or into the countryside.  What is remarkable about her journey is that she maintained a very dangerous list, so that after the war, Jewish families may be reunited.  Irena did everything at great peril to herself and her loved ones, but she felt that she was not a hero, she was just doing what had to be done, for humanity.  Even when Irena is captured, she maintains her list and does everything she can to keep the children safely hidden.  She entrusts her list with a compatriot, and maintains silence through months of beating and threat of execution.  Zegota, another underground organization that helped Irena, finally manages to get free Irena and she goes into hiding.  Much of what she accomplished was through blatant disregard to the Germans, hiding in plain sight.  It is estimated that her network of helpers hid and saved over 2500 children.  This is incredible!  

     I know the aspect that really resonated in my heart is the constant lesson of doing what needs to be done, when a crime against humanity is occurring.  Not to sit idly and let something happen when you know it is not right.  To give a voice to those that can not speak or are afraid to speak.  All of the hatred that abounds in today's world, needs to be checked we need to be more accepting of each other, we do not want to relive another atrocity, let's learn from the past.  

     I love historical novels just for the lessons that be learned from the past, the are unapologetic and in your face.  I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars, I loved it, but I know over time, some of the details have been forgotten, and I missed those.  I loved the harrowing tales of how some of the children escaped and wished for more!  I think that this book is appropriate for all students in fifth grade and up.  Happy reading! 

Links 

Warsaw Ghetto 

Pawiak Prison

Concentration Camps

Author Tilar Mazzeo

Unfriended

By Rachel Vail

     What an eye opening read, I enjoyed this quick read fairly well.  This book has you one enthralled and engaged from the first page.  Meet a group of students in Middle School, they are all trying to either be popular or remain popular.  Middle school everyone is worried about perception and being accepted by your classmates.  Beautiful friendly Brook rules the school, she is friendly and outgoing and has a crush on her best friend Clay.  Clay is mr. Cool, he is athletic and all of the girls like him.  His problem is that his perfect older brother just went away to college and he is struggling with his own identity.  Natasha dated Clay briefly and is very self centered, she wants to be the queen bee and plots to overthrow Brook.  Meet Truly, she was Natasha's best friend until 6th grade, she wants to be liked by everyone, she joins the populars through a Natasha ploy.  Unfortunately, she leaves her best friend Hazel by the wayside, angered and hurt.  

     As  the story progresses other characters come into play, but the mechanizations of Hazel and Natasha destroy Truly's confidence and self worth.  They manipulate circumstances making Truly believe that she is a bad, evil individual, which is far from the truth.  Jack, who has a crush on Truly is one of the fw people believe in her innocence.  What this book really shows is how quickly things can spiral out of control in today's technology laden world.  Cyber- bullying is a very real and dangerous situation.  Smarrt phones and anonymous apps are the rage, and people are feeling emboldened by their hidden identity.  Does everyome back together, who ends up being popular or on the fringe, you gonna have to read the book to find out.  

     This book did a few things extremely well, it highlighted the dangers of apps, social media and cyber bullying which is necessary in today's environment.  It also altered the view point to each of the main characters, each chapter is from a different perspective.  So most of major occurrences you will see from varying characters eyes.  I am giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars, I am marking it down because I felt that the chunk of the climax was missing.  In fact, I thought I missed part of the book and reread the last couple of chapters a few times.  I do think this book is a great read and encourage any student from 5th grade up to give it a try.  

Links

Author - Rachel Vail

Stop bullying

Dangers of Anonymous Apps

Dangerous anonymous apps?

e

6

Olive's Ocean

By Kevin Henkes

    This coming of age book could be an incredible story, but it falls a little flat for me.  I think it tries to encompass too much.  It tries to cope with death of a classmate, first love, secret passion of writing a demanding sibling, parental discord and a lasting relationship with  a grandparent.  If one of the conflicts would be eliminated it would be a stronger read.  

     Martha's summer is going pretty well until she finds out that a classmate, Olive, has died in a tragic accident.  Even though they were never truly friends, Martha gets a surprise visit from Olive's Mom.  Martha receives a slip of paper from Olive's journal.  Martha gets a inside look into Olive's shy life.  Olive shares her desire to write and a wish to visit the ocean.  Of course, Martha spends part of every summer at her Grandmothers on the east coast.  Olive dwells on how to find closure for her dead classmate, has a romantic kiss, almost drowns before she safely returns home.
     Unfortunately, since  the main conflict was diluted there was no strong climax and no resolution that left the reader wanting more.  I am going to give this book a 3 out of 5, it was sufficient but I found it lacking.  This book is appropriate for readers 5th grade through 7th grade.

Links

Author Kevin Henkes

Dealing with the death of a classmate

Guide on how to become a writer

Frost

IBy M.P. Kozlowsky

    This Sci-Fi book is an interesting must read.  I am the first one to say that Sci Fi is not my favorite, yet this book held my attention and kept me coming back for more.  This is an end of the world book, where technology has overcome the planet and humans are hunted and enslaved  Meet Frost, a human child that is hiding and being raised by a robot that houses the essence of her father.  When her pet, becomes sick, the three have no choice but to search for the fabled battery.  The route is fraught with dangers, human, wild eaters and robots.  

     The city is in a state of change, although truthly nothing ever stays the same.  She meets other free humans, rebels, evil robots and discovers many things about the past, her family and a true accounting of how the planet has come to this critical state.  Will she ever be able to look at her father the same when she discovers he is the one that developed the technology that has the robots ruling.  Will she be able to reach the battery.  

     What I enjoyed most about this tale is the interesting plot twists and the surprises are well earth shattering.  I am giving this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars.  A few of the plot twists are a little too obvious.  This book is very appropriate for students above 5th grade and would be enjoyed by everybody.  If you enjoy sci fi, zombie apocalypse or just a good story than this is the book for you.  

Links

Author - M. P. Kozlowsky

Technological threats to humanity

Zombie apocalypse ?????

The Charm Bracelet

By Viola Shipman

    This is a wonderful generational story.  Three wonderful characters in different parts of their lives, all connected by familial ties.  Lolly is the matriarch and lives in the small Michigan coastal town where she grew up.  She resides in the same cabin that has been handed down through the family.  Lolly honors the past with a charm bracelet that chronicles important events for herself and her for"mothers".  Lolly is also a local icon, she portrays Dolly at Scoops the candy and ice cream parlor.  She is recognized and adored by locals and visitors alike, but how can you hide crazy wigs and crafty aprons.  The persona that gives Lolly joy and a purpose in life, chases her daughter out of Michigan into Chicago.  As Lolly ages and begins to lose her memory she struggles to reconnect with her distant family in Illinois.
     Arden ran from her home town, wanting more than her quaint cabin and a local boy, she craved affluence and wealth.  She falls in love, marries and has a beautiful daughter, but when her marriage falls apart and she divorces, she is left floundering in a dead end job.  Her ex husband refuses to help foot the bill for Lauren's college and has left Arden in a financial crisis.  She can not handle too much more stress, the phone call from Michigan informing her of her Mother's dwindling memory, and missing shifts at work has her worried.  After a quick lunch with her daughter Lauren, they decide to take an extended Memorial day weekend and check on the aging Lolly.
     Lauren a senior in college is well aware of her mother's financial difficulties and has changed her plan of becoming an artist to be a business major.  She feels caged and is wildly unhappy with her current direction.  She idolizes her Grandmother, Lolly, and can not wait to visit her in Michigan.  Lauren knows she has to change her major, if she is ever going to be truly happy, but dreads the discussion with her mother.
     When Arden and Lauren reach Michigan, they are despaired of Lolly's obvious lapses in memory. After a doctor's visit and a consult with a home care professional, it is decided that Lolly should remain at home with some medication and a viable treatment is for her to relive the past.  Arden is dismayed since this means a reciting of the  meaning of the charms on her bracelet.  The bracelet that Arden has abhorred for years.  As the three women reconnect, wonderful heartwarming changes are made and they form loving lasting bonds.
     This book is a very heartwarming read, I don't feel that most children will appreciate the intricacies of the relationships at play.  The story resonated with me on a personal front, and I enjoyed it, it is not however, a story for kids.  Highschool girls may find this a eye opening tale as they prepare for college.  It does put life, school and love in a definitive perspective.  Since the book is not for children, I am giving it a low rating, of 2 out of 5, but for any adult readers this is a great story.

Links

Author - Viola Shipman

Wade Rouse

Memory Loss

Northern Lights

Serafina and the Black Cloak

By Robert Beatty

     This entertaining tale will leave you guessing.  Meet a young Serafina, hidden in the basement of the Biltmore Estate.  Her Pa is the chief mechanic and repairs all of the machines at the house. They live secretly in the basement, and Serafina makes a point of not being seen.  At night she wanders the halls of the mansion, finding, capturing and ridding the house of rats.  She is unnaturally fast and adept at seeing these horrible rodents.  One night during her inspection she hears and sees something that frightens her, a figure in a black coat.  

     The next day it is discovered that the children from Biltmore and the surrounding area are disappearing, Serafina knows that the mysterious figure in the cloak is the culprit.  The problem is that Serafina needs to remain a secret so how can she let the residents know that they are in danger.  Finally, she approaches the young master, Braeden Vanderbilt.  The two children form a bond and endeavor to figure out who the person is in the black cloak.  As more children disappear and after a harrowing night in the dark forest, Serafina knows that she has no other solution but to become the bait in a trap and to lead towards a sure battle with a mountain lion.  

     Will Serafina's plan work, will she be able to draw the evil away from Biltmore Manor and away from Braeden?  By the end of the story Serafina discovers her dubious beginnings, makes a frightening trek through a dangerous forest, meets her mother and fights her own demons, but will she to retain her friendship with Braeden and will she be accepted by everyone at Biltmore?  

     This is a very interesting story.  Interesting in that it combines two genres of literature.  It has aspects of a historical fiction, while it dwells into the supernatural world.  I feel that this book would be great in fourth grade and up to seventh or eighth grade.  This book was a definite page turner and I am giving it a 4 out of 5 stars.  

Links

Author - Robert Beatty

Biltmore Estate history

Vanderbilt history

Ghost stories from the Blue Ridge mountains

Auggie & Me three wonder stories

By R.J.Palacio

    I broke one of my personal rules, I read a series book out of order.  This is an extension of the book "Wonder", the story of Auggie Pullman.  Auggie was born with facial deformation and has had a rough beginning to his life.  He has had several surgeries, and is home schooled for the first several years, finally, he is able to go to school for fifth grade.  In this book you meet some people that meet Auggie and read how they react to Auggie as a classmate or friend. 

     The first person we meet is Julian, an attractive young man that will be going into Beecher Prep with Auggie.  Julian is very popular and is considered a leader among his classmates.  He is asked by the school's principal to be Auggie's welcome buddy, so he meets him before the beginning of the school year.  Julian, however, has issues with Auggie's appearance.  In typical bully mode Julian makes it his personal mission to make Auggie's life miserable.  Julian's parents, who donate a lot of time and money to the school, see nothing wrong with his actions.  In fact justify and place blame on everyone but themselves and Julian.  They end up pulling Julian from Beecher Prep, because they are unable to accept Auggie.  Over summer vacation, Julian visits his grandmother and has a change of heart and finally apologizes to Auggie and accepts responsibility for his actions.  Julian matures through his association with Auggie.
     Next, you will meet Christopher, Auggies oldest and best friend.  Christopher has moved away from Auggie and attends school elsewhere.  Christopher, or Pluto, has the ability to see beyond the surface and sees the wonderful, intelligent and funny kid.  He is not perfect, however, and acknowledges that being friends with Auggie can be hard.  Especially, when his new friends make fun of Auggie's appearance.  This short story encompanses one short day, but is rife with flashbacks into their long friendship.  Christopher discovers that even through distance, friendships can endure and that true friends are there for you whenever and however they are needed.
     Finally, you meet Charlotte a classmate at Beecher Prep.  She is struggling with her own drama and tries to remain neutral in the boy battle.  Charlotte loses her longest and best friend to the popular group of girls.  As the boy battle wages on, she is selected to perform in a dance trio with one of the popular girls and Summer.  Summer is incredibly nice young lady, who has befriended Auggie on her own.  As the girls practice over a couple of months they form a unique bond that transcends school social strata.  The lasting lesson is that as kids mature they may form new interests and friendships and although they may retain some of these bonds it's okay to change.  It shows how difficult it can be for people to maintain neutrality when they have friends on both sides of drama.
     Even though these are short stories there is so much content and teachable life lessons throughout each!  All of these are wonderful stories and should be shared with grades fourth and up.  I am giving this book a 5 out of 5 stars, totally enjoyed this quick read and will keep a personal copy with me for years to come.

Links

Author, R.J. Palacio

Childhood facial deformities

Flying Lessons & Other Short Stories

Various Authors 

     This is an awesome selection of some of this generations best authors.  The stories that were brought into this anthology all celebrate some unique aspect.  They give a voice to many different cultures and minorities; I love that they included handicaps and Native Americans into the mix.  

     In today's world of tension among various cultural groups it is vital that we learn that we must work together and celebrate our differences in order to be successful.  We can no longer be bias towards other cultures we have to learn to coexist with everyone.  The growing global community and the ease of instant communication is requiring a new understanding.  Those individuals that can and do work well with everyone will be the ones that thrive.  This book and other books are needed for that reason alone.      Ellen Oh, reached out to some of today's best authors and collected short stories for your pleasure, they are short in nature and can easily be read with in a class period.  These tales are quick reads, but the depth of emotion and the details are flawless.  Readers will enjoy a quick tale about a tall Mexican American youth that decides to improve his basketball over the summer, running with the big dogs at a different gym.  He is going into high school and really wants to make the varsity team.  The lessons he learns sharing sweat with the older men reach far beyond the basketball court.  

     You will meet one young lady who befriends the new girl, who happens to be African American, Of course the predominant white town, frowns upon the friendship and she looses all of her friends  Celeste only stays in town for a year and they two girls vow to meet up again in New York when the turn 18, The reason this short sticks in my mind, is that the main character goes against her classmates and other adults to befriend the girl, she trusts her own judgement and finds a lasting friendship.  She willingly decided to break out of the mold of racism and is better for this bravery.  I feel that a lot of the angst towards many cultures has eased, but new minorities have taken their place.  Keeping an open mind and befriending those around you benefits everyone.  

     A third tale relays a grandmother and her grandson as they have a marvelous adventure in Europe.  The grandson is an incredible student but is being caged and stifled.  His grandmother takes him on this journey to bring life and freedom into his life.  Although he is an awesome student, he needs to learn how to fly.  We all need to learn that not all of the lessons that are worth living are not always taught in the classroom.  

     My final story that i am sharing has a Native American flavor.  Even though the story that is shared with the children, is entertaining, what is learned beyond the story is the most important.  Uncle Kenneth brings his culture into an important lesson.  This out of all of the tales really celebrates the unique culture of a Native American tribe.  

     This is a very versatile story, and I want to thank a wonderful teacher for encouraging me to read this book, thanks Kate!  I found these stories information, diverse and enjoyable.  I am giving this book a 5 out of 5 stars and encourage everyone to check this out.  This book is absolutely appropriate for anybody over 3rd grade.  

Links

Wheelchair Basketball

Native American Stories

Compiler / Author - Ellen Oh

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom

By Lynda Blackmon Lowery 

     A nice story about democracy in action.  I really enjoyed this fast read which relays how young people can have a huge impact on the world around them.  This is a personal narrative on how one teenage student reached and marched against oppression in the early 1960's.  This is a primary source of information from a view point that is seldom heard.  

     A young Lynda was brought up by a loving father and her grandmother, her mother had passed away when Lynda was young.  They lived in Selma Alabama, under the governance of Wallace and their world is highly segregated.  The white folks held all of the power and wealth and the ability to vote.  It was believed that the power to vote could change their world.  Dr. Martin Luther King was a solid proponent of "Steady, loving confrontation", that is to say non violent protest.  Why then is Lynda marching when she is still in school.  In Selma, if someone tried to vote, march or oppose those in power they could loose their job or housing.  Therefor, the adults could not stand up, but their children could and did.  

     Lynda and her friends were very industrious in circumventing those in power.  They even had a system for homework and taking tests.  That did not stop them  from being jailed, in fact many of these enterprising youngsters were jailed multiple times.  Most of these adventures were peaceful and Lynda and friends were quickly released from jail, on one occasion they spent 6 days in a camp, but on most of these occasions family and friends would come rescue the youngsters.  In large part this rebellion was peaceful until Jimmy Lee Jackson was shot, which was then followed by Bloody Sunday.  Bloody Sunday was broadcast around the nation, and brought support for the black community.  Then when Dr. Martin Luther King called for a large march to Mobile, the community was mobilized.  

     Lynda marched towards Alabama the youngest of the crowd.  She felt the need to march to show Governor Wallace, that she would not back down even with the stitches in her head from Bloody Sunday.  The march ended up being very peaceful, with national guardsmen protecting the group, as they neared Mobile the crowd increased and numbered into the thousands.  

     What I enjoyed the most about this text was the first person narrative and the direct connection to a troubling time in the United States.  I am going to give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.  The only thing I am marking it down for is I wish that there was a little more detail.  I find this book very pertinent and important to read especially if you are studying the civil rights movement in the United States.  Today's hyper sensitivity to race and religion makes this book important and think any student fourth grade and up would enjoy this story.  

Links

Author - Lynda Blackmon Lowery

Selma Freedom March

Recordings of the freedom songs

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

13 Reasons Why

By Jay Asher 

     This book is not for the faint of heart.  This is a heart wrenching story, please be forewarned, this is not for children, The nature of the book requires a certain level of maturity therefore I strongly discourage anyone reading this book before they reach high school.  I do feel, however, that this story needs to be told and could be thought provoking and earth shattering.  

     First let me explain why I read the book and watched the series on Netflix.  I was encouraged by some young people that I needed to read this, since I am always looking for something to read plus  I had heard some rumblings about this book, I knew I had to find out what the hoopla was about.  Needless to say I was surprised by both the book and the series.  

     This is a story about a beautiful young woman, with loving parents that decides to commit suicide, which is horrible enough, but instead of a letter she makes 13 audio tapes explaining her reasons for terminating her life.  What we read is the first person narrative of Clay as he listens to the tapes and comes to terms with Hannah's suicide.  Clay had very strong feelings for Hannah but was afraid to step froward and proclaim his love.  What he discovers is that Hannah was mistreated, rumored about and hated for no real reason.  Every time something happens, it further weighs on her until she is stifled under its weight and finally wants to end the pain.  She calls for help from the school counselor and he basically tells her to move on, there were other warning signs but no one was paying any attention to stop the unthinkable.  

     Normally, I would give a brief summary of a book, but I think that part of the unknown nature of when and what happens is what makes this book a page turner.  I had a hard time putting it down.  One of the hardest parts for me was the changing voice of the book, it flowed quickly from Clay's perception to Hannah's perception.  That ebb and flow made it difficult to read at times.  I am giving this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars, I am marking it down for the mature nature of the book and the rapid change of point of view.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe it will transcend generations, excellent for opening discussion among teens on depression, suicide and bullying.  Really opens ones eyes as to how the smallest act can change somebody's world.  Remember to be wonderful to others.  

Links

Author - Jay Asher

Suicide Prevention App

Statistics

Dust of Eden

By Mariko Nagai

     This is a short quick read about a time in our history that we should be ashamed of; when we placed individuals and families of Japanese descent into internment camps.  At the onset of the United States entering WWII, after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, there was a lot of anger directed towards specific people from Asia.  Even families that had been in the United States for generations were suspect.  

     It is almost eerie to me to see the correlations on how we treated the Japanese and how the German's treated the Jews and their political enemies.  In the United States we separated an encamped the Japanese, but we fed them and treated them decently, but we still forced them to leave their home and friends for no real reason.  Even though we treated the Japanese better, the idea of being forced from work, home, school and loved ones is troubling and was very difficult for Mina to understand.  She considered herself to be an American, having been born in the United States and could not understand the anger directed towards herself and her family.  This book is told in poetic verse as Mina traverses her frightening future.  Her father was taken initially, then her Grandfather, mother and brother, Nick, were moved to the first camp.  They were housed together, but the fear, confusion and anger was evident in their day to day lives.
     Mina manages to come to terms with her encampment and learns to appreciate wherever she is.  Even when they are transported far from home to Idaho she adapts and appreciates the school and teachers that come to teach the children.  While she adapts, her brother Nick becomes angry that he is not trusted by his country.  He wants to prove his honesty and eventually enrolls as a serviceman, much to his families anguish.
     Will Mina and her family be able to return to Oregon, or will they have to move across the country in order to achieve their freedom?  Will Nick make it home from the war?  Whatever the answers, this poetic read is very poignant and enjoyable.  Some of the pieces were hidden in meaning and beautifully written!  Although, I understand why she chronicled her journey in this method, I missed the details that would have been in a memoir, therefor I am giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars and would encourage poetry lovers and others to take a look at this interesting book.  This book is appropriate for fourth grade and up.

Links 

Author - Mariko Nagai

Japanese Internment Camps

Images

The Sacrifice of Sunshine Girl

By Paige Mackenzie

     The third book in this series does not disappoint the reader, this is another fabulous page turner.  More secrets are revealed as Paige becomes stronger, she meets the council, and she is betrayed.  She begins to talk to her birth mother and father and learns more about her lineage.  To save humanity they have to understand what is happening, what and when Dubu plans on finalizing his Pentagram spell.  Since Sunshine is integral to the survival of the human race she must be kept safe.  She is surrounded by Luisearch and humans including her boyfriend Nolan.  

     Most of the town of Richmond is unaware of the nearing of the apocalypse, the high school is preparing for a dance, but there is an increase in crime and injuries as the demons begin to attack humanity.  Demon's are possessing humans, and making them do horrible things like:  Rebecca attacking her customers at the pizza restaurant.  Sunshine and the council are kept vigilant as they rush to protect their charges.  Time is of the essence, the reader knows that Dubu has a secret weapon close to Sunshine, but we don't know who it is.  Will the Markon leader Dubu reign supreme or can Sunshine come to the rescue.
     What is so interesting in these stories the reader is always aware of some of the antagonist's thoughts and plans, through short chapters that give their perspective of what is occurring.  The quality of the writing is high, therefore,  I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.Even though the main character is a female, I do these books are appropriate for both genders and believe that they are for 6th grade and up.  Please forewarned I strongly suggest that you read the books in sequence, they do build on each other.

Links

Paige Mackenzie - Author

Other teen horror books

The Awakening of Sunshine Girl

By Paige Mackenzie

     This is the second book in the series, we continue in the story of 16 year old Sunshine and her transformation into a luisearch Her mentor/ father has finally approached her and whisks her off to his Mexican fortress to further her training.  She leaves behind her close friend Nolan and her Mother, Kat.  The damp humid jungle envelopes Sunshine as she is alone with her father and one other person on the campus.  

     The more time she spends with Aiden, her father, the more questions arise.  She knows that he is working on resolving the rift and that there was a disagreement between him and her mother, the depth of the dispute and the half truths abound as Sunshine slowly develops her undiscovered and unique powers.  She finally, discovers what caused the rift and how she is in the midst of a species extinction, namely hers.  When she discovers that her mother wanted to eliminate her and that Aiden was harboring spirits.  Sunshine finally breaks and runs from the fortress, trying to get back to Nolan, who is being tortured by her birth mother, Helena.  

     Sunshine is unaware how unique and powerful she is, she has untapped power and is very unique among her species.  She rushes back to Nolan to try to save him from the clutches of Helena.  Aiden shows up trying to dissuade Helena from eliminating Sunshine, trying to explain that Sunshine can be the answer, the solution to the rift.  

     This is another very entertaining book, another great read.  Although, there is no strong connections to the real world, I enjoyed this book a great deal.  I am giving this book a four out of five stars and can not wait to read the next book in the series The Sacrifice of Sunshine Girl.  

Links

Demons?

Mysterious Places?

Crow

By Barbara Wright 

     This is a thought provoking historical fiction novel.  Enter into Southern United States 20 years after the Civil War and follow Moses in his coming of age journey of self awareness.  Moses is a young, intelligent man.  His parents are hard working;  his mother is a maid and his father is a reporter for the only daily black paper.  His father has had every opportunity, he has been to college and truly values the Constitution, the power of the vote, that knowledge is power and that facing your problems proves the depths of your character.  Moses is being raised, in part, by his Grandmother, Boo Nanny.  A former slave who looks at the world through old eyes, that believe in the old slave ways and omens.  Moses balances his life and tries to steer clear of white supremacy groups.
     As the racial tensions in the area continue to escalate, Moses, his family and their freedom are put in jeopardy.  Moses just wants to be a kid and enjoy the hot summer months.  His father still encourages him to broaden his horizons and continues to educate Moses.  His best friend Lewis is slowly drifting away as he has a bike and Moses can not get the money together for a bike.  As Moses begins to loose touch with his best friend, he befriends an unlikely individual.  His dad's job at the newspaper becomes ever more dangerous, especially, when Mr. Manley writes an editorial that inflames that white populace.
     As the state moves towards the November election, tension hit a high.  Mr. Manley flees Richmond, the "Red Shirts" are threatening the black population and Moses's freedom dwindles.  The frightening activity of the white supremacy groups keep many from voting, there is a riot and Moses' dad is requested to remove himself from office.  How Moses grows through these events, matures and help those around him is well worth the read.
     This is a very good historical fiction, I believe it portrays a very realistic image of the United States during the time of the Crow laws.  This would be a very good classroom book, and I enjoyed the section in the back of the book that allowed for lesson extension.  It has some mature inferences so would have to be in a class 6th grade and up.  I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.  This is a very worthwhile read and i did enjoy my copy.

Links

Patricia Wright - Author

Jim Crow Laws

Antebellum Period

The Red Shirts

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl

By Paige Mackenzie 

     This is a nicely crafted coming of age story of a young sunshine, who acquires powers at the age of 16.  Sunshine is adopted by the woman that found her at the hospital, Kat, a neonatal nurse.  Even though they are technically Mother and daughter, they are so much more, they are best friends.  Sunshine will do anything for her mother, even move across the country so Kat can have the job of her dreams!  

     Shortly after Sunshine's 16th birthday they move to a damp and creepy part of the state of Washington, where it always seems to rain.  Sunshine is affected by the dreary weather and something else.  The first night in their rented home is eventful at least for Sunshine, who hears footsteps on the floor above them.  She is convinced the house is haunted, but Kat will not believe in any of that nonsense.  Sunshine then tries to prove her claims by taking photos and collecting data.  She hopes on her first day of school, that she will be able to utilize the dark room and process her film and prove to her mother the strange occurrences that are happening in their home.  

     Sunshine was nervous on her first day of school, new school, kids and teachers, but she was looking forward to her art class and developing her film.  Imagine her disappointment when she discovers that there is no photography or dark room at her new school.  But in walks somebody that she can not take her eyes off and he is sitting right next to her.  This boy becomes her friend and protector and they work together to save Kat.  Sunshine girl has no idea who or what she is and as she grows into her powers and faces the unbelievable she may find a first boyfriend, save her mother and come to terms with her unique abilities.
     This book was a pleasure to read, a very enjoyable page turner.  I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars and believe it is appropriate for students 7th grade and up.  Even though the main character is female, it does not exclude male readers, especially with the topic being haunting and spirits.  This is an incredible coming of age tale pick up your copy today.

Links 

Guardian Angels

Author - Paige Mackenzie

     

The Truth Game

By Anna Staniszewski

     This is a very entertaining tale of young Rachel as she embarks on her high school career.  She is hoping that this is going to be a new and exciting time for her.  She is entering high school, has a boyfriend, is beginning her dream job at a bakery and might be on television.  But Rachel's school does not start off all that great.  Her parents are separated, she rarely sees her boyfriend, her best friend is absorbed in her own life and barely has time for Rachel and of course her arch enemy works with her at the bakery  

     As Rachel's enemy, Briana, continues to sabotage Rachel at the bakery, she is also Evan's sister and Rachel tries to get along with her.  Briana is one of popular girls at school and Rachel would love to fit in with the rest of her classmates.  When Briana signs Rachel up for the Truth Game, she grudgingly gives it a try.  She quickly finds out that she is not that different from her classmates and reveals a lot of her inner secrets.  Things are going pretty good, her and Evan finally kiss, she is finally learning more at the bakery but all good things must come to an end.
     One day the Truth Game is hacked and everyone's secrets are shared with all of the participants of the application.  Rachel's budding relationships are destroyed and she is left floundering.  Her best friend and boyfriend are not returning her texts or calls and Briana is furious at her.  The only good thing is her building relationships with her parents and the faint possibility of meeting Chip.
     When a crisis at the bakery places Rachel in the spotlight and she needs help, she has no other recourse than to reach our to Marisol and Evan.  As only true friends would do, they rush to the rescue, but can Rachel repair the damage from her Truth Game reveals?  Is there hope for her relationships?
     I enjoyed this realistic fiction book a great deal and found it very plausible.  I am rating it as a four out of five stars and saying any young women in seventh grade on up would enjoy reading this great story.

Links

Author - Anna Staniszewski

Dangerous teen apps

Kids cooking competitions

Blood Will Tell

 

By April Henry 

     This is the second book in a series by April Henry.  Yet again we follow our three young Search and Rescue trainees as the venture towards certification.  This time they begin by searching and finding a young missing child followed the next day with an evidence search on a murdered young woman from Nick's neighborhood.  

     Unfortunately, Nick becomes the main suspect when his Familial DNA is discovered on the body.  That leaves the three young friends no other alternative to embroil themselves in another murder investigation.  Alexis and Ruby know Nick could never kill somebody, he vomits when he sees blood and they know something does not jive.  Nick's life is further up ended when he discovers that the father he idolized as a fallen war hero, is a murderer sitting in prison.  The noose of evidence further cinches as the DNA match is affirmed and the police converge on Nick's home to take him into custody, but NIck escapes out a window.  

     Who else to help Nick but Alexis and Ruby, in the mean time the murderer is convinced he has to kill again and frame Nick even more.  His victim of choice is one of the three musketeers.  Do the cops figure it our on time?  Do Nick, Alexis and Ruby live  through another murder investigation?  

     This is a murder mystery novel and definitely not appropriate for younger students seventh grade and up is the ideal ages, it does skew female, even with the main character being male.  I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars, it is entertaining but not really relatable for me.  

LInks 

Author: April Henry

Search and Rescue

Familial DNA

Making Bombs for Hitler

By Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

     This historical fiction is set in Germany during World War II.  We follow a young girl and her journey of survival, at a time when many children were killed.  Lida looses her sister at the onset of the story and the driving force of saving her younger sister keeps her motivated and alive.  The rest of her family has been killed and this Ukrainian young girl learns quickly to lie about her age, to be usefull and not to trust her captors.  

     Through a quirk of fate she convinces the Nazi's that she is older than 12 and she is an accomplished seamstress.  She begins her journey in the laundry helping Inge with the wash and fixing frayed sheets and shirts.  Her skill keeps her warm and out of the metalworks factory where many of her barrack mates work.  She discovers that there is a hierarchy to the camp, and nationalities are treated differently.  Unfortunately, her Ukrainian heritage brands her as Russian and on a very low rung of the system.  Her food is minimal, often rotten and comprises of turnips, water and worms.  Her captors consider her to be Russian swine.
     Things change rapidly in a war torn country like Germany  Lida is removed from her "cushy" laundry job and begins making bombs with other young girls.  They are kept separate from most of the other prisoners and are constantly being watched to insure that they are making good bombs.  As the Allied forces comes closer, guardsmen and other captors begin disappearing into the countryside.  The girls are given more opportunities to sabotage the ammunition, which they gleefully do so.  Finally, the camp is over run and many of the children escape into the forest, Lida however is captured and forced to move once again.
     As the war comes to an end, Lida is finally freed from her captors and is immediately sent to a hospital for treatment.  After the hospital she is sent to the closest refugee camp, where she hopes to reconnect with family or other camp children.  She learns another hard lesson, to not let others know that she is from Russia.  The Russians plan on collecting as many former citizens as possible and reintroducing them into the country through Siberian work camps.  Even though she had been a prisoner, she is viewed as a traitor by her former country.  Lida continues to hope and pray that she will one day be reconnected with her sister and continues to search through the Red Cross.
     I really enjoyed this book, too often one forgets that the holocaust did not just affect Jews, that it targeted all enemies of Germany's regime.  We also loose track of the concept of the lasting consequences of war and the damage that is wrecked on families and children.  World War II was a tragedy on many fronts and it forever changed the lives of millions of people.  I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 and think that it is appropriate for fourth grade up to eighth grade.

Links

Children of the holocaust

Non- Jewish victims of the Holocaust

Images of Children during Holocaust - warning some images are graphic

Other books by the Author

Stolen into Slavery: The True Story of Solomon Northup

By Judith and Dennis Fradin

     A captivating true story of a free black man and how he was sold into slavery and his hard fought twelve years to freedom.  Solomon awakens in a slave pen in Washington D.C. and tries to explain that this is a mistake and he is a free man.  But all of his papers and money have been stolen and he is beaten.  He looses his name and his identity as he is moved further into the South.  His first name becomes Platt and his last name changes every time he gets a new owner.  

     Solomon is a skilled individual, a carpenter and an accomplished violin player.  Due to the economy in the south, he changes hands several times, going further from home with each transfer.  Eventually, he lands at he Epp Plantation in the backwaters of Alabama.  His first attempt of contacting his family to the North, becomes a near miss and he learns to be weary of those around him.  He needs to find somebody who is willing to risk aiding him.  Finally, a travelling carpenter comes to help build a new house, and Epps has Solomon help build the homestead.  As they work, Solomon comes to believe that he has finally found somebody that would be sympathetic to his plight.  Letters are sent back to New York in hopes that somebody will somehow prove that he is free and help set him free.  

     This historical book is a true story of Solomon Northrup and his quest for freedom.  I am not going to tell you the ending, kinda makes reading it necessary.  This is a shortened version of Solomon's own autobiography, "Twelve Years a Slave"  and as such skims over many of the details.  Which is why I am only giving this book a 3 out of 5 stars.  I found it a trifle young and believe it would be appropriate for students fourth grade and up.  I do believe older students would read and enjoy the actual original transcript.  

Links 

Slavery in America

Author : Judith Fradin

The Same but Different

By Holly Robinson Peete

    This unique look into a family that has been affected by autism is eye opening.  Not only is this well written it's honestly written and real world.  Meet a set of twins one of them has autism and the other is "normal".  What this well crafted story achieves is different aspects of the twins lives from both view points.  As the teen twins enter into a new school year they have a host of new challenges.  To hear both aspects of their school day interesting to say the least.  

     Charlie is autistic and has been held back to repeat his freshman year in highschool.  He hates transferring between classes, likes to wear his hoodie, his music and one of his sister's friends.  He is looking forward to not  being watched by his sister this year.  

     Callie is going into the tenth grade is smart and very protective of her brother.  She is almost maternalistic and often has to protect and mother her twin.  She resents, at times, how much of her life is centered around her twin and wants her independence  

     The two learn to get on their own, handle first dates, body changes, bullying and a family vacation.  The only downfall to this book is it left me wanting me more insights I wanted to read more about their year and how they moved forward throughout the year.  For that reason only I am giving this book a 4 our of 5 stars.  I think this book is appropriate for all students in seventh grade and higher.  If you've ever wanted insight into autism or just want a good read, this is the book for you.  

Links

Holly Robinson Peete's Autism page

Book One : My Brother Charlie

Inside Out and Back Again

By Thanhha Lai

     This touching story of Ha and her family as they flee the fall of Saigon and the encroaching communist regime is poignant and heart warming.  This  book offers the reader a rarely seen glimpse of American History.  Ha has grown up the the beautiful city of Saigon, even as the Vietnam war comes closer she values her freedom and small treats.  When the family is then forced to flee amid thousands on ships full of squalor, she comes to realize that her life is in for a dramatic change.  Forced to sit still on a crowded ship and reduced to small rations, she hopes to be picked up by a foreign freighter.  Finally, they are found by an American ship and are transported to the United States.  

     This is just the beginning of her journey, they must wait in a refugee camp waiting for somebody to be willing to sponsor her family and give them a job and home.  Families move in and out of the camp while they wait finally someone who is looking for an auto mechanic is willing to sponsor the family and they move to Alabama.  Fitting into rural America is hard when you are from Vietnam.  The family is forced to regress in school, since they do not know the language.  They are viewed as stupid and inferior.  They are forced to conform to Christianity in an attempt to be accepted.  Ha is bullied incessantly and finally fights back.  Slowly and surely with the help from an understanding teacher Ha begins to feel at home and befriend her classmates.  

     This is a beautifully written story in poetic verse.  It is an easy and quick read, but the content is middle school or above.  Although, it is suitable for either gender, it definitely skews feminine.  I loved this story and this view of immigration in the United States and give it a 4.5 stars  I loved this book and encourage anyone to grab a copy.  

Links

Vietnam War

Vietnam Immigration

Fall of Saigon

Thanhhia Lai - author

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

                                                                                                  By Elizabeth George Spear 


    This Newbery Award winning book is a classic story that is well worth the read.  Young Kit has no where to go but to her Aunt's house in the New England Colonies.  Her non traditional upbringing on the island of Barbados has ill prepared her fot the harsh reality of the cold Connecticut winter.  The harsh weather is nothing compared to the strict Puritan community of Wethersfield.
     Kit does not fit into her adoptive family her town.  She was raised in love and kindness and quickly comes in contact with stern Puritan beliefs.  She finds some solace in the home of Hannah Tupper, a Quaker that lives nearby.  Even though Hannah is believed to be a witch, Kit continues to visit the pond and befriend the lonely woman.  This little shack in the marsh becomes Kit's sanctuary which she shares with the frightened Prudence.  Her staunch support of the widow Tupper comes to a head when Hannah is believed to have cast a spell on the town and many are sick and dying.  Kit saves her friends life, but puts her own existence in jeopardy.  By her acknowledgment of the friendship with Hannah, Kit is brought up on witch charges, arrested and brought into the lecture hall for arraignment.  Nat comes to her rescue and Kit is free to return to her family.
     Through this ordeal, Kit comes to a couple of realizations, one William is not the man for her, she knows who she loves and where she wants to live, now is the time to set her future in action.
     This is a story about the plight of early American colonists, the inequality of women and how one strong girl stood up for her own future.  Even though this is not a true historical fiction, it is a very good read. I would give this book a 3.5 stars out of 5.  Even though I enjoyed it, now sure how many young ladies will enjoy the story.  Definitely, do not feel that it would be attractive to most young men.  It is an interesting read, however, and is well worth a look into early colonial America.

Link 

Witch trials in the United States

The Caribbean Trade

Elizabeth George Speare

Colonial Connecticut

Falling Over Sideways

                                                                                          By Jordan Sonnenblick


     What an awesome story and a great way to look at a family tragedy.  Claire is definitely a character full of middle school drama.  It's hard to be the youngest with a perfect older sibling.  Nothing seems to go Claire's way, school, dance, friends and family life.  Nothing ever seems to go the right way for Claire, But her world is forever changed when her outgoing, creative dad the author has a stroke right in front of her. and she is alone.  She can not contact her mother and she has to call 911 and help her dad.  Due to her quick actions her father lives, but a stroke can be a debilitating health condition.
     Now on top of all of the other middle school drama, Claire has lost her father, he is a shell of what he used to be.  The emotions are overwhelming.  Claire's father is unable to communicate in a normal fashion, and has other deficits.  His road to recovery is going to be long and difficult.  He does slowly begin to recuperate, but has a second health crisis when he contracts pneumonia from attempting to swallow his Thanksgiving "Feast".  Of course Claire happens to be in her crazy Science class and they are in a lockdown when she gets the text message.  This does not go over well with the teacher who takes Claire's phone away, among some straight up rebellion from her classmates.  The teacher slaps Claire and the whole group has to meet with the principle the following day.
     Eventually, Claire's father returns home from the hospital, a little bit healthier and Claire becomes his inspiration for rehabilitation.  She is instrumental in motivating him to try to do his rehab exercises.  The school year ends and Claire normally would be looking forward to her dance recital and her first participation in the father daughter dance, but how can she look forward to something that is not going to happen?  How can she expect her father to dance, he can barely walk.  Her brother volunteers for the duty and Claire is able to participate in the number, but not how she had envisioned this landmark event.
     This book was a great read.  I really resonated with me on multiple levels.  As a realistic fiction story the characters and events were spot on.  The author, did an incredible job describing feelings and circumstances in a careful and touching voice.  As an individual that has had a loved one suffer a stroke, I was touched with how close the descriptions were to reality.  I am giving this book a 5 out of 5 and feel that it is appropriate for anyone over 5th grade on.  This is an incredible empathetic read and multifaceted in tone and nature, many teaching points.

Links 

Author: Jordan Sonnenblick

Symptoms of a stroke

Stroke Rehab

What is a stroke?

Forge

                                                                                                   By Laurie Halse Anderson 

     A young escaped slave, Curzon, aids a young rebel in defeating a red coat.  This one act cements a friendship among the young men.  Curzon ends up re-enlisting in the American Army and marches with the rest of his troop to the winter encampment, Valley Forge.  He is just another soldier, freezing and starving in the bleak valley, until his old master, Mr. Bellingham finds him and he is forced to return to serving at Moore Hall.  Although, he is warm and fed, he would rather return to his compatriots in their hut, because he was a free man.
     Serving Mr. Bellingham and the household at Moore Hall would have been horrible if Curzon had not been reunited with his friend Isabel.  Isabel had helped Curzon escape, and then they had separated due to a misunderstanding.  As soon as he was able Curzon tried to encourage Isabel to escape with him again.  It was only then that she showed him that she wore a metal collar, signifying her slave status.  If she attempted to run, she would be recognized and return to Bellingham immediately.  Curzon decides to leave with out her, until Bellingham informs him that any misdeeds that Curzon does, the punishment will be awarded to Isabel.  Now, they must endeavor to flee together!
     The two bide their time, waiting, listening and learning as much as possible.

     I refuse to tell you of their escape, whether it is successful or not, you have to read this book.  I am giving this book a 5 out of 5 stars, It is an incredible representation of a historical fiction, told from a forgotten voice in our quest for independence.  The details that Anderson utilizes in her description of the huts and the lack of food for the soldiers are incredible.  Too often we romanticize wars and soldiers when the deplorable conditions and actions of soldiers are not so pretty.  This book is great for anybody over fourth grade!

Links 

Valley Forge

Historic Valley Forge

Slavery and the American Revolutionary War

General Washington at Valley Forge