Jay is a Filipino-American high school senior, set to go to the University of Michigan in the fall. Jay and his cousin Jun, who still lives in the PhiJay is a Filipino-American high school senior, set to go to the University of Michigan in the fall. Jay and his cousin Jun, who still lives in the Philippines, used to be close and exchanged letters when they were younger. But Jun ran away from home a few years ago and Jay hasn't heard from him. Now, the family hears that Jun is dead, killed by the Filipino police. Jay is shocked and starts asking questions. He wants to go to the Philippines and figure out what happened. But Jun's dad refuses to talk about it because it involves the illegal drug trade and Duterte, the president has very strict policies in place. Jay convinces his parents to send him anyway.
This is a grim, hard-hitting book about family, drug trade, and this author's insight into being Filipino-American. Heavy but well worth reading. CW: drug use, death, poverty, swearing...more
During WWI, Edda avoided the typical route that most well-to-do girls took, and instead was sent overseas. She was a switchboard operator for the operDuring WWI, Edda avoided the typical route that most well-to-do girls took, and instead was sent overseas. She was a switchboard operator for the operator and had to memorize new codes every single night. When she forgets a code at a high stakes moment, she convinces herself that she is responsible for the deaths of a group of young men. When she returns home, she is still grief stricken and lives with her aunt at a boarding house. There she takes a night shift working for Bell telephone. One night she gets a call referencing the code she forgot. She falls apart but is still determined to figure out who knows her secret. She gets some help from one of her aunts boarders who has some secrets of his own. I liked that this was WWI as most historical fiction takes place during WWII instead. CW: attempted rape...more
Rachel is set to marry her sweet and wealthy fiancé but is still sad that her missing dad won't be at the wedding. Then a wSequel to Crazy Rich Asians
Rachel is set to marry her sweet and wealthy fiancé but is still sad that her missing dad won't be at the wedding. Then a whirlwind trip to China throws her into the lifestyle of the ultra wealthy elite - and her long lost father. Lots of new characters and a few familiar ones. WAAAAAY too much money; it's quite disgusting, really. I know it's fiction but this wealth disparity is real and it's impossible to reconcile that some people have so much while others are literally starving mere blocks away from them.Not just in China. CW: swearing, wealth disparity...more
This is a collection of short stories that centers around a powwow that takes place at the University of Michigan every year. Each story is written byThis is a collection of short stories that centers around a powwow that takes place at the University of Michigan every year. Each story is written by a different Indigenous author and while they feature different characters, the stories are all interwoven. This is a joyful look at all the things that happen at powwows. I loved the descriptions of the dances, the food, and the relationships. I grew up in Michigan and my brother went to U of M - but I'm so sad that I never knew that such a vibrant tradition was happening so close to me. I still go back often but none of my trips seem to coincide with the time of the event (late March) or I would definitely try to go....more
3.5 stars Miles has retired from being a steeplechase jockey. Now he gets his thrills from riding the ice at St. Moritz. One year, however, someone fro3.5 stars Miles has retired from being a steeplechase jockey. Now he gets his thrills from riding the ice at St. Moritz. One year, however, someone from his former life recognizes him and asks for his help with the horses. Miles can't say no and gets dragged into some shady dealings...
Amelia Gordon is found dead. Her brother accuses her husband. The husband accuses the brother. Things get quite ugly and heated in the attempt to discAmelia Gordon is found dead. Her brother accuses her husband. The husband accuses the brother. Things get quite ugly and heated in the attempt to discover the truth.
Francis usually writes about horse racing; there is a tangential connection here but not nearly enough horses in this one for me.
Also, when I finished the book, I was convinced that I had actually read this one before but GR assures me I have not. Therefore I can only conclude that I have read some other book that is so similar and has the same type of ending. Boo for copycat-type endings. Sigh....more
3.5-3.75 stars Cara loves rock climbing. She is working multiple jobs to save up for a trip to Patagonia. But when her dad who has mental health issues3.5-3.75 stars Cara loves rock climbing. She is working multiple jobs to save up for a trip to Patagonia. But when her dad who has mental health issues goes missing, she will need to put everything on hold to find him. With the help of an ex-boyfriend who has recently returned to town, they head into the Cascade mountains. This book has a little bit of everything: action/adventure, romance, mental health advocacy, historical fiction - bringing in the WWII incarceration of the Japanese. Because there were so many elements, it was a bit complex but the author did a good job tying it all together, especially explaining the rock climbing terms for those who don't climb. CW: swearing, grievous bodily harm, racism...more
3.5 stars Max loves a video game and he spends a lot of time on it. He has gotten so good that he has qualified for the championship. However, his pare3.5 stars Max loves a video game and he spends a lot of time on it. He has gotten so good that he has qualified for the championship. However, his parents don't like that he spends so much time on a screen so they sign him up for Camp reset, a summer camp where there are no electronic devices allowed! Max will do anything to escape camp and find his way to the Gamerville championship but there are a few people and things in his way.
This is definitely a graphic novel with a MESSAGE. While students will likely be drawn in by the video game theme and excellent cover design, they may be less than thrilled with the heavy handed treatment of screen time vs fresh air, friendship, and board games.
3.5 stars This is a new stand-alone from the author of the Truly Devious series. It is similar in many respects: there is a cold case mystery and a mod3.5 stars This is a new stand-alone from the author of the Truly Devious series. It is similar in many respects: there is a cold case mystery and a modern day mystery at the same location; there is a group of teens all gathered at that location; there is one teen who seems singled out from the others.
Marlowe had a disastrous first date where a house caught on fire! Not her fault!!! Yet, she can't shake it off so easily. Her parents help her move on by finding her a summer job at Morning House, several hours away. The other teens there quickly let her know that she will be replacing their friend who died in mysterious circumstances just a short time ago. Not only that but Morning House was the site of a drowning and suicide of two family members who lived there in the 1930's.
Props for the queer representation in the protagonist! *See if you can solve the mysteries before the teens do... It's a slow reveal.
Book 3 in series If you thought this was going to be a trilogy... it's not. Apparently this will be a 5 book series, which should make fans of Amari quBook 3 in series If you thought this was going to be a trilogy... it's not. Apparently this will be a 5 book series, which should make fans of Amari quite happy. Amari is trying desperately to keep her former partner and now enemy Dylan from taking over the wizarding world.
I often tell students that if they want a read-alike to Harry Potter, this series is a good choice. The similarity in this book is "wonders" which feel like a bit like horcruxes to me. But there are other differences that set it apart and make it worth your while! Lots of action, great characters and world-building. CW: violence (not gory), a few creepy bits/suspenseful - again, think HP level...more
While this is a perfect book for educators to help them reflect on their practices, it is also useful for students. Students of the global majority, uWhile this is a perfect book for educators to help them reflect on their practices, it is also useful for students. Students of the global majority, upon reading Jewell's (and others) stories, will see a reflection of their own lived experiences that are a result of the systemic systems that have so terribly affected our schools. White students can reflect on how they can be upstanders and help interrupt racist practices that take place in classrooms, sports arenas, etc. Back matter includes resources, recommended reads, acknowledgements, references, about the contributors, and about the author....more
3.5 stars because of the cliffhanger ending Lots more royal drama and scandal with some attempted assassinations thrown in for fun. CW: violence (possi3.5 stars because of the cliffhanger ending Lots more royal drama and scandal with some attempted assassinations thrown in for fun. CW: violence (possibly swearing, can't remember for sure)...more
3.5 stars Ivy is determined to do well at a prestigious boarding school as it is the first step to her plans to become a Supreme Court Justice one day.3.5 stars Ivy is determined to do well at a prestigious boarding school as it is the first step to her plans to become a Supreme Court Justice one day. However, she does not realize that there is a group of students at the school, including her room-mate, who have all been stuck at the age of twelve and have lived for many, many years. Ivy becomes caught up with them and the mystery of their missing friend. Give this to your students who like that mystery with a twist of sci-fi/fantasy. If they liked McAnulty's other books, this is sure to please as well. I found it to be a bit predictable - but that isn't necessarily a bad thing CW: grief/loss/missing parent...more
Book 2 in series I hadn't read the first book in the series but that did not lessen my enjoyment of this book at all. Ash has been chosen to be the "ShBook 2 in series I hadn't read the first book in the series but that did not lessen my enjoyment of this book at all. Ash has been chosen to be the "Shadow" to Prince Khufu of Egypt. It is his job to shadow the prince and protect him and ostensibly to help him make smart/responsible choices. Easier said than done. Meanwhile Set, the god of Chaos has teamed up with Apep, a god eating snake to get rid of Ra, the sun god. It is up to Ash, Khufu, and their group of friends to set things right or their will be interminable night and hordes of demons wreaking destruction everywhere!
Give this to your fans of Rick Riordan. Great worldbuilding and characters. CW" violence...more
Kathy has a Thai mother and a retired American military father. They usually spend most of the year in Bangkok and summers in Maine. With her mixed heKathy has a Thai mother and a retired American military father. They usually spend most of the year in Bangkok and summers in Maine. With her mixed heritage, Kathy often feels like she doesn't quite fit in either world but she absolutely loves her summers in Maine, even though people often stare at her family. One summer she is super excited to go to summer camp there but despite all her best efforts, she still doesn't fit in.
This graphic memoir will be relatable for so many middle school students with the issues of fitting in, even more so for bi/multiracial students who I understand can often feel like they don't quite fit into either culture. Illustrations are blues/greens/grays that are very evocative of a Maine setting. Give to your Raina Telgemeier fans....more
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