Wave by Diana Farid

Wave by Diana Farid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a great book, everyone must read- they will love Ava (Persian American) and Phoenix's voices as OCD, cancer, surfing, families are discussed. The words are beautiful and the beauty of surfing and friendship made this reader so happy to have found this book!!!

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The Vanderbeekers Ever After (The Vanderbeekers, #7) by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers Ever After by Karina Yan Glaser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 7th and final book in the Vanderbeekers series and I am so so sad! I LOVE this series so much!!! The family, their friends and Harlem became so important to me; and this final book was awesome. The Vanderbeeker family has a medical crisis, and when they become daily visitors to Sloane Kettering, the children also find a way to help the patients in the pediatric cancer wing. I could not put this book down, everyone will love this book---buy it & read it! I will be sharing this book with all my adult friends and librarians who have become Vanderbeeker fans!!!

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Private Label by Kelly Yang

Private Label by Kelly Yang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Kelly Yang and this YA novel hit me with the reality of Serene's and Lian's lives as ehtnic students in a largely white high school. Serene's mom has raised her but Serene has always had questions about her father, and her mother has always responded---That is in the past, only go forward, but that still does not stop Serene thinking about who he might be. Serene and her mother are very very close while Lian has a family with a mother who pushes him to be an engineer while he would love to be a stand up comic. When they finally get to know each other---both realize how much the honesty they share with each other changes their lives. A must read! Just like her other YA novel, Parachutes, teens will see what other teens lives are like.

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Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah

Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, many thanks to Ben Gartner @BGartnerWriting for this recommendation. I could not put this debut down---the mystery, the strong female characters, and the best ending in the world, had me turning those pages, falling in love with Jo, Ursa, Gabe and Tabby. Jo has endured a lot the past few years and now that she is healthy and feeling good, she jumps headlong into her school project in a remote area with nesting birds. One day a disheveled little girl appears and with a fantastical story of her being from another planet. Jo does what she should and contacts the police, the girl bolts and the policeman does not give her good advice. So when this girl comes back, we all fall in love with her wit, she is very very smart, and she is adventurous, helpful, and insightful. When they both become friends with Gabe, this little trio is perfect, until it wasn't (reality!!!). Gabe's family, his depression, and his belief that Jo should give Ursa over to the authorities is a major conflict but it also brings them closer and I rooted for them the whole book. Glendy Vanderah's writing is beautiful, with the beauty of the area, and the characters being so so real. I can't wait to read more from this author!


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Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad

Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks so much to Tara Smith, MaryAlice BD, and Pat Graham for your high recommendations that pushed me to read it immediately! Flawlessly narrated by the author, Suleika Jaouad's story had me captivated from page 1! As a 22 year old she contracts a form of leukemia 60 year olds deal with. Over a four year period, Suleika will share her treatments, her relationships, her friendships and her blog that the NYT picks up as a way of helping others, helping herself and coming to terms with what her life will be after cancer. This is a must read, I will think of Suleika and what she has accomplished whenever I want to feel sorry for myself---this book is a testament to the beauty of life even during cancer. She gave me meaning, hope, and beauty with her emotional truth and her triumphs as she learns how to drive and visits some of the people who wrote to her after reading her column, Life Interrupted.

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I Want to Grow Hair, I Want to go to Grow Up, I Want to Go to Boise by Erma Bombeck

I Want to Grow Hair, I Want to Grow Up, I Want to Go to Boise by Erma Bombeck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My mom gave me this awesome book to read---how Erma Bombeck turned a humorous light on cancer through interviews with the children who shine through their challenges with cancer. She also takes on the women- Moms and the men-Dads and doctors and how cancer has affected them. A must read, lots of information but even more the strength and resilience of kids and their families fighting a disease, which still has no cure.

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Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler

Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this Author Debut Book as part of my 2nd #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge for 10 points and I ached for Georgia as she grieved the death of her "famous" artist Dad from cancer a year ago. Georgia's life has been defined by her artist father and art history mother and she has loved every moment. She has been best friends with Theo since their birth and they sit around all the time working on their art. Theo is the son of single mom, Harriet, who is best friends with Georgia's mom. Theo has a graphic novel that features him and Georgia as avengers of good against the evils of the world. But with the death of her father, Georgia is feelings things she has never felt before; jealousy of Theo, anger at her dead father and living mother, and the urge to stop her artistic endeavors because art is just not working for her anymore. When she finds a portfolio of her father's pictures of her, Georgia takes his last drawing of her at age 10, and does not tell anyone about it. She becomes consumed with trying to solve a mystery; but with no one to talk to, she feels even more alone and questions everything in her life. As Georgia begins to lie more and more, things unwind, and she is threatened with so many questions and feelings--will she be able to right her wrongs? I loved this debut novel, the characterization, the plot and oh what I learned and loved about all the art techniques and colors was just awesome. A must read!

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Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand

Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vickie, Brenda, and Melanie come to Nantucket with problems, children and endeavor to enjoy the sun and beauty of Nantucket away from the stark reality that caused them to flee. Vickie and Brenda are sisters that inherited the small cottage (Vickie has 2 kids and lung cancer while Brenda is a disgraced professor who had an affair with a student), Melanie is Vickie's friend who runs from a husband who is carrying on an affair. As they struggle, Josh Flynn, longtime Nantucket resident becomes their babysitter, lifeline, and so much more to each of the women. I just loved everything about Josh; he was empathetic, kind, happy, friendly and what Vickie's boys needed as they went to the beach each day, made friends, and became grounded with Josh's special brand of babysitting. I could not stop turning the pages, loved this story!!!

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In Waves by A. J. Dungo

In Waves by A.J. Dungo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautiful, haunting graphic novel! Thank you to Jennifer LaGarde for this wonderful recommendation- graphic novel, memoir of love, grief, and honor. A.J. Dungo weaves his love of Kristen, who has been stricken with cancer but keeps a fierce love of life, surfing, and friends and family as the illness ravages her. Interspersed with chapters on the history of surfing narrating the heroes Duke Kahanamoku and Tom Blake, done in beige, white and black illustrations---the chapters on Kristen, her cancer, their love of surfing with friends is painted with aqua blue, white and black. Haunting, yet riveting, I loved learning about the history of surfing while being ensconced in A.J.'s life and love of Kristen, a romance at once so sad but honoring his memory of Kristen.

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Checked by Cynthia Kadohata

Checked by Cynthia Kadohata
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story of ice hockey expert, Conor and his father (divorced) and his beloved dog, Sinbad. Day in and day out, Conor is ferried by his father to ice hockey rinks from early morning to night; he loves ice hockey, is really good at it, takes special care of his pet, Sinbad and life is good. Until it is not, what will life hold for him as he worries about his father and his dog. Cynthia Kadohata has written an engrossing story middle grade students will love.

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My Oxford Year by Julia Whalen

My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this debut by awesome narrator Julia Whelan (I have listened to and loved many of her narrations as well) I was intrigued to listen to a debut and heroine, Ella Duran is one feisty, smart, compassionate character. Arriving to begin her work as a Rhodes Scholar (she also has a job back in the US which she conducts by phone or Skype) in English Lit which she really has no background in- but boy is she good with dates, authors, etc. I was mesmerized by Jamie Davenport from beginning to end- Whelan's descriptions of him and her British voice were so sexy and as a couple they were exciting with their forays, discussions, and their "no strings" romance (haha) but even more, I loved Ella's friends, Ella's thoughts, Ella's voice, and everything Ella. What a wonderful adventure for this reader; I'd like a series---Ella's life will be exciting, I am sure!

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The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord

The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I could not put this book down, I loved (and hated) all that happens with Lucy. Lucy is strong, a leader, and daughter of a pastor. Her mom is a school nurse and her cancer re-occurs. Lucy is devastated, she is angry at God, her faith is blindsided, and so she struggles big time. Add to this- her boy friend, Lukas wants them to PAUSE for the summer (jerk), her mother wants her to work at the next door camp (rather than the one her parents own and run) for high risk kids and Lucy does not want to be away from her mother now but she also wants to grant her mom's every wish. So she does it, and from the first day at camp with her 3rd graders and the other camp counselors, she is challenged, questions herself constantly, worries about her mom BUT she also begins to change her mind about the campers and the counselors and very soon, she is finding herself completed by these kids & teens. I loved the way Emery Lord dealt with the faith issue- it was so real and believable from Lucy, her mom and dad's POV. She lived her faith, loved her faith, practiced her faith but she also questioned, railed, and anguished about/over her faith. The other counselors have all attended this camp as kids and now as counselors and they all have "a checked bag" (their issue) - they too are real and thoroughly supportive. Anna quickly becomes Lucy's best friend and confidante, Henry wears his heart on his sleeve - settles Lucy with his trumpet and his conversation and caring. Keely and Tambe round out this group and they all SAVE Lucy with their honesty, inclusion, and friendship (weekly discussion of "highs" and "lows") but through it all the reader sees such much inward and outward change in Lucy and an acceptance of what life is going to throw at Lucy and her family as long as there is love. I thought Emery Lord could not top When We Collided, but this book is such a gem with diverse characters, kids dealing with tough lives due to illness, death, sickness and learning coping skills at this camp from the counselors. Highly recommended!

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When Friendship Followed Me Home by Paul Griffin

When Friendship Followed Me Home by Paul Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Paul Griffin's YA books Orange Houses and Stay With Me; this latest middle grade book was so powerful, funny, sad, and I think it should be read by everyone! Ben is a foster child who has found his forever home with the therapist who helped him through a rough patch. One day he finds a dog who changes his life, makes him try new things, and meets many new wonderful people through his association with this perfect little ambassador. As Flip and Ben navigate life and their bond, they meet Halley who urges Ben to use flip as a therapy dog; Flip helps reluctant readers become better readers. Halley and Ben become fast friends, write novels, and give Flip belly rubs. Halley has a wonderful mom (librarian extraordinaire) and great dad (Master Magician). As Ben falls in love with this family, there is heartbreak ahead; how will Ben and Flip fare with all the bumps in the road life throws at them? Definitely a favorite for me; realistic with good doses of happiness and sadness and special characters you truly love; highly recommended!

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Me. Earl & the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A tug at your heart sad and humorous book (because Greg has a very funny way of looking at things and talking to people)about friendship and life. Greg Gaines is a comedian who loves to think he hasn't let anyone become his friend and he is okay with that...but he does have a sort of friend, Earl who is just as hysterical as Greg with his outlook on life and his comments (some of them nasty) and they both enjoy making sub par films. Rachel is a girl who used to like Greg in middle school and now has cancer and it is her mom and Greg's mom who "force" him to hang out with her (he hasn't really talked to her in years). I loved Greg's family, his teachers and his constant comments to the reader about putting this poorly written book down and he wouldn't hold it against you. There are lots of funny lists, bad jokes but this book will make you laugh, laugh, laugh but you will also cry for Greg and Earl as they lose one of their friends.

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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rebecca Skloot has done a superb job of crafting a nonfiction book that reads like a fiction book! The story of Henrietta Lacks, her life, her cells, and her children are painstakingly researched by Rebecca over many years and what she uncovers is the "immortal life" of her cells and how the doctors from Hopkins took them, used them without anyone's permission, and continue to use them today. Even as Henrietta's family is poor, uneducated, and can't even afford health care, insurance and an education; still Henrietta's cells have helped find many cures in the world of medicine. Henrietta's children, especially her daughter, Deborah was one when her mother died an excruciatingly painful cervical cancer death. No one knew she was sick in her family, and as she continued to go to Hopkins for treatment, she also took care of her family. It was not until she went in for radiation, that she even told her sisters she was sick. After her death, her surviving children would suffer abuse at the hands of relatives, deprived of their loving mother. I read this to see if it would be a good title for faculty book club and I highly recommend it!!! But with the common core standards, I think students would benefit from reading this nonfiction title because it has so many points for students to discuss and learn about such as medicine, cancer, race relations, family dynamics and religious faith.

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The Fault in our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a funny, tender, yet somber story of two teens meeting at a cancer support group and Augustus Waters falling for Hazel. Augustus is a good looking, very friendly guy who has lost below his knee to cancer. He wears a Prosthetic leg and when he meets Hazel he falls hard for her. But Hazel is a tough cookie and she doesn't fall for Augustus but slowly begins to respond to his constant optimism. Hazel has a very supportive mother and father as does Augustus, but his family is even larger. I just loved the way John Green described these characters; their worlds which includes their homes, especially their bedrooms and then the dreaded hospital. Green uses sarcasm, laughter and empathy in describing how cancer has totally defined their lives; but through their meeting, their relationship, their support group, friends and family, Green brings together friendship, romance and sorrow in a MUST READ for young adults and also adults.

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Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a wonderful, intense novel in verse concerning Lupita’s close Mexican American family who must deal with her mother’s cancer and the heartache it brings. Lupita puts her life on hold to care for her siblings as they fervently wish their mother good health. With the loss of her mother, Lupita must learn to live with life’s limitations, star in the school play, and write her deepest thoughts and fears under the shade of the mesquite in her yard. A novel of affirmation and hope, the best choice for the 2012 Pura Belpré Award Winner!







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The Last Summer of the Death Warriors by Franciso X. Stork

The Last Summer Of The Death Warriors by Francisco X. Stork

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Stork's book was just as good as Marcelo In The Real Worldbut in a very different way. Stork's writing is just so engrossing! When we meet Pancho, he is bent on finding the killer of his sister (even though the police said she wasn't murdered, it was natural causes) and going to live at St. Anthony's an orphanage and plot his revenge. But it is at St. Anthony's that he meets D.Q., a kid with cancer, who comandeers Pancho as his aide because DQ has brain cancer but DQ has plans to make Pancho and DQ "death warriors" and DQ is writing the manifesto while Pancho is tracking clues to his sister's killer. And along the way, Pancho's anger with his father's accidental death, his feeling somehow responsbile for his sister's death, is used by D.Q. to change him. D.Q. is such a strong character, even though he is suffering from cancer,but he is knowledgable, kind, not given to "whining---part of the Death Warrior Manifesto" and along with his love interest, Marisol, we see Pancho begin to grow as a person once hardened into a vulnerable young man with a future that does not include prison. I urger everyone to read this book, if you liked Marcelo, YOU WILL LOVE this book! Stork is one of my new favorite writers!



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