Books
Below I will post books that I have read this school year as well as other books that I recommend. It's a great place to start to look for a book that might interest you. Underneath each book description is a link for you to learn more about the book. I hope you find something that grabs your attention. I'm looking forward to discussing and reading with you in the future. |
Forged by Fire by Sharon DraperI read this one during the 2016 summer as many of my students from last year loved the book. Not only is it by one of my favorite YA authors, but the book will pull on your heartstrings as it follows a young man named Gerald throughout his troubled childhood. Gerald overcomes many obstacles while somehow keeping it all together and keeping his sister safe.
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The Crossover by Kwame AlexanderThis verse novel chronicles the middle school life of two twins, Josh and Jordan Bell. In addition to being good students, the boys are quite the basketball stars. Pushed to greatness by their parents, Mom - a middle school principal, and Dad - a former professional basketball player, Jordan and Josh have the world at their fingertips. Although they've always had a bond, the brothers see their bond slowly drifting. When Jordan starts dating, he has only a fraction of the time he used to have for Josh. In addition to "losing" his brother, Josh also deals with other issues within his family. Kwame Alexander's poems bounce from free verse poems full of emotion to rhyming poems with unmatched flow. Josh, the narrator, is very likable and even though you may not agree with everything he says or does, you become easily connected with him.
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We Beat the Street by The Three Doctors and Sharon DraperThe fact that these three young men were able to overcome their surroundings of drugs, death, and negativity was amazing. The fact that they formed a bond, made a pact with each other, and all became very successful is also incredible. This book is written in a series of stories about the lives of these three young men who grew up in the rough streets of New Jersey. Along the way they give tips and insights on how to overcome the obstacles in your life.
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The One and Only Ivan by Katherine ApplegateThis quick read is told from the perspective of Ivan, a gorilla, who is not living a normal gorilla life. Ivan, who lives in a shopping mall with a few other "wild" animals, notices many things. After all, he has no place to go but his "domain" where children and adults alike frequently gawk at him. Through Ivan's eyes you get to know a handful of characters who each bring something special to the story. Ivan's promise to a dear friend sends this book into a quick-paced, heartfelt ending.
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One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Carley, a girl with a less than perfect childhood, struggles to find her place with a seemingly perfect new family. After being placed in foster care, Carley is thurst into the Murphys life and must quickly adjust to a new family as well as a new school. Carley's strength, humor, and new relationships, and revelations about her past life will lead you on a roller coaster of emotions through to the end.
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Ungifted by Gordon KormanWhat would happen if a "normal" student was accidentally placed into a gifted middle school? That question is answered in Gordon Korman's book, Ungifted. Donovan Curtis must slyly navigate a new school, new curriculum, and new friends with high IQs. Will he only learn from the new brainiacs he's placed with? Will he rise to the occasion and leave his days of trouble behind? Will he become an unsung hero and teach everyone a little something about being "gifted"? Read this one to find out.
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