Book Review: Every Single Second

EVERY SINGLE SECOND by Tricia Springstubb is a realistic fiction story examining the struggles of middle grade friends in an urban neighborhood.

This story of friendship and families tells the story of Nella, Clem, and Angela who are friends that attend Catholic school together. A school closing, accidental shooting, and medical crisis cause stress in both the families and the local community.

Librarians will find the themes of racial tensions, PSTD, and school closings to be very timely. Youth who enjoy contemporary fiction will enjoy the authentic family and neighborhood situations. The coming-of-age approach will appeal to a broad spectrum of students.

The author’s use of “now” and “then” chapters is an appealing literacy element, but requires readers to pay close attention to the narrative. The addition of the statue’s perspective provides an additional point for discussion for those who choose a “read-aloud” approach.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.triciaspringstubb.com/.

Published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of Harper Collins on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Unidentified Suburban Object

UNIDENTIFIED SUBURBAN OBJECT by Mike Jung combines satire with a serious examination of racial stereotypes, family connections, and friendship.

Chloe Cho is frustrated by being the token minority in her all-white town. Her parents don’t seem interested in their asian ancestry. When a Korean American teacher moves to town, Chloe immediately connects with her. However when Chloe explores her family history as part of a class project, she finds unexpected results.

Librarians will find that the combination of humor and serious social themes will appeal to middle grade youth. The authentic storyline and engaging twist will keep readers engaged. While the science fiction element adds an unusual element, the book will primarily be a draw for readers of contemporary, realistic fiction.

To learn more about the author, go tohttps://captainstupendous.wordpress.com/.

Published by Scholastic on April 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Art of Not Breathing

THE ART OF NOT BREATHING by Sarah Alexander is a work of realistic fiction exploring a five year old drowning incident.

It’s been years since Elsie’s twin brother Eddie drowned in the ocean near their home. Elsie is having a difficult time remembering the circumstances of his death and is determined to find out what really happened. This vividly described story explores the long-term effects of death on family and friends.

Librarians will find that fans of We Were Liars and I’ll Give You the Sun will be drawn to this authentic adventure. The novel will also appeal to teens who enjoy a touch of romance and mystery.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.sarahalexanderwrites.com/.

Published by HMH for Young Readers on April 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Great Falls

GREAT FALLS by Steve Watkins is a young adult novel exploring the relationship between a teen and his older brother who suffers from PTSD.

When high school football star Shane agrees to go on a camping trip with his older brother Jeremy, he soon realizes he’s in over his head. Military hero Jeremy is back from deployments in Iraq and suffering from the effects of this war experiences. A canoe, alcohol, and a rifle combine for a terrifying experience that escalates around every corner as Jeremy’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic.

Watkins effectively balances the fast-paced, action with an authentic, somber examination of a suffering soldier dealing with life after war.

Librarians will find this gripping story of brotherhood to be popular among young men.

To learn more about the author, go to http://stevewatkinsbooks.com/.

Published by Candlewick on April 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Waylon! One Awesome Thing

WAYLON! ONE AWESOME THING by Sara Pennypacker is the first book in a new chapter series featuring a fourth grader with a passion for science.

A spin-off from the popular Clementine books, this series focuses on the friends and family of a science-loving boy named Waylon Zakowski. While Waylon wants to keep his class together, others want to pigeonhole friends into cliques. Waylon looks for a way to bring the diverse class together.

Librarians will find the balance of charm and humor just right for chapter book readers. Fans of Sara Pennypacker will be thrilled to find another series to explore. Teachers will find this intelligent, quiet, and thoughtful male lead character refreshing.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.sarapennypacker.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: My Kind of Crazy

MY KIND OF CRAZY by Robin Reul is a contemporary fiction, young adult novel exploring the friendship among teens.

When Hank accidentally lights Amanda’s lawn on fire, Peyton is the only witness. This event sets up a story of teen friendship and evolving relationships. The combination of dark humor and interesting characters will keep readers interested.

Librarians will find that the author’s balance of humor and authentic, timely issues such as mental illness and abuse will be of interest to many young adults. Teens who enjoy stories about friendship and teen romance will enjoy the ride.

To learn more about the author, go to http://robinreul.blogspot.com/.

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: You Were Here

YOU WERE HERE by Cori McCarthy tells the riveting tale of a group of teens on a graduation night quest.

On the fifth anniversary of her brother’s death, Jaycee revisits the playground where he died and decides to recreate his daredevil stunt. Caught in the act by her friends, the group sets out on an adventure to recreate Jake’s stunts. Told in alternating chapters through the eyes of Jaycee and her friends, readers are immersed in the lives of young adults coming-of-age.

What makes this title particularly compelling is the unusual ways characters expresses their story. For instance, some characters use visuals rather than narrative. While Bishop shares graffiti, Mik speaks through works of sequential art. These nontraditional approaches add engaging layers to the story.

Librarians will find that McCarthy’s writing style will appeal to young adult readers. The fast-paced plot will keep teens engaged from beginning to end. With a hint of romance, this contemporary story will appeal to most youth who enjoy realistic fiction. The strong character development and intriguing story make it one of the best picks of the season season.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.corimccarthy.com/.

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Hour of Bees

HOUR OF BEES by Lindsay Eagar is a poignant, multi-generational, coming-of-age story set in the New Mexican desert.

While her friends are enjoying the summer, Carolina is visiting her grandfather’s ranch in the desert. In this desolate setting, Carolina gains a new perspective on her family heritage and connections with the land through her grandfather’s stories.

Aimed at middle school youth, librarians will find an audience among children who enjoy realistic fiction along with a touch of magical realism. Fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan and Laura Resau are likely to enjoy the connections to Mexican cultural heritage. Multi-generational themes have been popular this year and this title is an outstanding example.

Published by Candlewick on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Unbecoming

UNBECOMING by Jenny Downham is a compelling work of realistic fiction focusing on family secrets and

three generations of women.

When Katie’s estranged grandmother suddenly moves into her home, the whole family must adjust to not only grandma’s dementia but also to long hidden family secrets. Multiple crises converge as Katie adjusts to a realization about her own sexuality, tries to understand her mother’s bizarre behavior, and wrestles with her younger brother’s special needs.

Downham’s beautifully written prose provides fascinating insights into the lives of a grandmother, mother, and teenaged daughter. This poignant, moving story will resonate with many teens.

Librarians will want to add this book to their growing collection of young adult novels focusing on multi-generational issues. Young adults are likely to enjoy the authentic look at aging, relationships, and family secrets.

Published by David Fickling Books, an imprint of Scholastic on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Memory of Light

THE MEMORY OF LIGHT by Francisco X. Stork traces the experience of a teen dealing with mental illness.

After a suicide attempt, Vicky ends up in the mental disorders ward at the hospital. Through the help of her peers and a supportive doctor, Vicky gradually learns to understand her depression and takes the first steps toward recovery.

Based on the author’s experience with depression, this work of contemporary fiction provides a realistic and honest view of life with a mental illness including the reactions of family and friends. The first-person perspective includes fascinating insights into Vicky’s thoughts and voyage of self-discovery.

Librarians will find a large audience among young adults seeking realistic fiction and this timely social issue. Fans of Stork will not be disappointed.

The author’s website contains discussion questions and a teacher’s guide.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.franciscostork.com/.

Published by Levine, an imprint of Scholastic on January 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: I See Reality

I SEE REALITY: TWELVE SHORT STORIES ABOUT REAL LIFE presents a dozen short works of realistic fiction aimed at mature young adults.

From contemplating a breakup to surviving a school shooting, the widely varied stories in this collection will drawn in new readers to realistic fiction. With contributions from both well-known and lesser known authors, the thought-provoking and sometimes funny stories will connect with teens readers.

The stories are well organized alternating very short stories and graphic works with longer prose. Timely topics including addiction, violence, sexuality, and immigration will add to the appeal.

Librarians will find this anthology to be an effective way to feature realistic literacy fiction and draw readers to some new authors. Consider starting a short story club that focuses on reading short works rather than longer novels.

Published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan on January 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Spirit Week Showdown

SPIRIT WEEK SHOWDOWN by Crystal Allen is the first book in the new Magnificent Mya Tibbs series for middle grade readers.

Mya and her best friend Naomi plan to win the Spirit Week partners competition. However when Mya is reluctantly paired with Mean Connie Tate, her hopes for winning VIP tickets to the Fall Festival quickly disappear. This authentic, endearing story explores many kinds of friendships and what it means to be a friend.

Librarians will find this charming and often humorous book to be a hit with fans of the classic Ramona books as well as more recent series such as Ivy and Bean. What makes this book timely is the way it handles the topic of diversity. Rather than being a focus of the story, Mya just happens to be a black girl in a diverse cast of characters living in Texas.

Middle grade readers will be clamoring for the next book in what is sure to be a popular friends and family series.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.crystalallenbooks.com/.

Published by Balzer & Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins on January 26, 2016. ARC courtesy for the publisher.

Book Review: The Mystery of Hollow Places

THE MYSTERY OF HOLLOW PLACES by Rebecca Podos is a sophisticated and engaging mystery exploring issues of family and identity.

Imogene learned about sleuthing from her father who writes medical mysteries. With her father suddenly missing, Imogene searches to find the mother who abandoned her as a baby in the hopes of finding answers. Along the way, she learns family secrets that help piece together her family’s past.

The author’s realistic approach to the teen’s investigation and interesting twists and turns along the way will drawn readers into the story. It’s rare to find a high-quality psychological mystery that deals with authentic issues such as mental illness and depression.

Librarians will find this young adult mystery appeals to youth who enjoy realistic, contemporary fiction and intriguing investigations.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.rebeccapodos.com/.

Published by Balzer & Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins on January 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Underwater

UNDERWATER by MARISA REICHARDT is a powerful story of tragedy, recovery, and reconnection with the world.

After a traumatic experience, Morgan is unable to leave her apartment. With the help of a new neighbor, a therapist, and her family, she begins to takes slow steps into the outside world. Along the way, she learns to forgive others and herself.

The author effectively peels away the layers of Morgan’s life-altering experience to reveal the tragic story behind her agoraphobia.

Librarians will find that readers enjoy the realistic, contemporary story with a hint of romance. This character-driven young adult novel draws attention to a variety of issues from PTSD to school shootings making it a timely choice for today’s teen audience.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.marisareichardt.com/.

Published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan on January 12, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Soar

SOAR by Joan Bauer tells the powerful story of a heart transplant survivor who becomes an amazing baseball coach.

Although Jeremiah isn’t allowed to run because of his heart transplant, he hasn’t given up his baseball dreams. Instead, he decides to turn his middle school baseball team into champions. Along the way, he connects with a neighbor and brings a town alive.

Librarians will find this heart-warming story to be a great addition to the library’s realistic fiction collection. Books about sports are always popular with boys, but this title crosses boundaries and its likely to inspire a wide range of readers. The focus on coaching rather than playing baseball provides a unique perspective. The robotics, steroids, and adoption subplots provide a bonus that will appeal to some youth.

Keep in mind that this title also fits well with the growing number of books exploring ways youth are overcoming disabilities.

To learn more about the author, go to http://joanbauer.com/.

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: This is Where It Ends

THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS by Marieke Nijkamp is the gripping fictional account of a school shooting.

Told in “real-time” from the perspective of friends, family, and classmates of the teen shooter, this quick read takes place in one harrowing hour. The tragic story immerses readers in the thoughts, reflections, and actions of people facing the unimaginable horror of a gunman in their high school auditorium.

The author’s use of time stamps for each chapter, flashbacks, text messages, and other literary techniques adds interest for teen readers.

Librarians will find that students are attracted to this timely topic and drawn to the universal themes of revenge, heroism, and hope.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.mariekenijkamp.com/

Published by Sourcebook Fire on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Not If I See You First

NOT IF I SEE YOU FIRST by Eric Lindstrom is an absorbing, coming-of-age story exploring friendship, trust, and the challenges of being a blind teen.

Parker’s a typical young adult dealing with the drama of school, friendships, and boyfriends. What makes this witty story fascinating is how the author deals with Parker’s blindness. The author’s compassionate, matter-of-fact portrayal of Parker’s disability makes this work of contemporary, realistic fiction unique and compelling.

Librarians will find this young adult drama to be a excellent way to introduce youth to a well-developed character who happens to be blind. Young adults will enjoy the realistic characters, authentic situations, and insights into the life of a blind high school student. Add this well-written novel to your growing diversity collection.

To learn more about the author, go to http://ericlindstrombooks.com/.

Published by Poppy, an imprint of Hachette Book Group on December 1, 2015. ARC courtesy of publisher.

Book Review: In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CRAZY HORSE by Joseph M. Marshall III tells the powerful story of a Lakota boy who goes on a road trip with his grandfather to learn about his cultural heritage.

Designed for middle grade readers, this compelling story follows Jimmy McClean’s journey to learn about the past in order to understand the present. Jimmy’s grandfather facilitates Jimmy’s quest by taking him to historical landmarks and telling the stories of of his culture heritage using Crazy Horse as the thread that weaves the tale together.

Librarians will find that readers of both realistic and historical fiction will enjoy this story. The novel would be an effective way to immerse readers in Lakota culture and heritage. Consider weaving this text into the upper elementary or middle school reading and history curriculum. The author’s note, glossary, and bibliography add to the usefulness of this outstanding text for classroom use. Also, keep in mind that this book is an excellent addition to the diversity collection.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.josephmarshall.com/.

Published by Amulet/Abrams on November 10, 2015. ARC courtesy of publisher.

Book Review: Lightning Queen

THE LIGHTNING QUEEN by Laura Resau tells the captivating story of a friendship that bridges the Rom and the Mexico Indian cultures.

In this poignant story that weaves together historical and contemporary tales, an old man shares with his grandson the story of growing up in the remote mountains of Mexico and his encounters with a young gypsy girl. Inspired by true stories, this fascinating multi-cultural tale of friendship will draw readers into the world of mid-20th century Mexico.

Librarians will find that fans of both historical and contemporary fiction will enjoy the bridge between the past and the present as well as between the cultures. With a hint of romance and magic, this fast-paced novel is a good choice for readers seeking stories focusing on the topics of cultural diversity and friendship.

The book’s end notes along with the author’s website provide excellent background information and resources for teachers.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.lauraresau.com/.

Published by Scholastic on October 27, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Emperor of Any Place

THE EMPEROR OF ANY PLACE by Tim Wynne-Jones tells the engrossing, multi-generational story of family relationships and survival during war.

After his father dies, Evan’s estranged grandfather comes to visit opening family secrets reaching back to World War II. At the heart of the story lies the truth behind a soldier’s diary. With elements of magical realism, readers will become immersed in conflicts both past and present.

The author’s use of dual storylines will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Librarians will find a broad readership for this story that includes those who enjoy realistic fiction with hits of fantasy, multi-generational mysteries, as well as young history buffs.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.timwynne-jones.com/.

Published by Candlewick October 13, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.