Ruptured by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz

Ruptured by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being an only child isn't always great; Claire loves to read books and this summer she wants to do a lot of that but when her parents (who do not talk much to each other anymore) want to go to a vacation, Claire is all in. At a mother-daughter lunch Claire is astonished at a secret her mom has, but even worse---at that lunch her mom passes out & is hospitalized for a brain aneurysm. Will Claire be able to keep the secret and what will her mom be like after this??? A must read middle grade novel in verse based in part on the author's 2 brain aneurysms! Gripping and authentic!

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The Last Mile (Amos Decker, #2) by David Baldacci

The Last Mile by David Baldacci
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amos Decker investigates the incarceration of Melvin Mars, accused of killing his family and finds there are many other similarities to Amos' life; will he solve this case with his "powers" of investigation??? Readers will be turning the pages to find the mysteries, answers, and reasons!

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Detour Ahead by Pamela Ehrenberg & Tracey Lopez

Detour Ahead by Pamela Ehrenberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story of the friendship between Jewish Gilah who is neurodiverse & Guillermo who has just moved to Washington, D.C. who becomes friends with Gilah as they navigate life, family & friendship in Washington, D.C. in this awesome middle grade novel in verse. A must read!

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Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this debut novel in verse which do well with middle school and YA with the issues (PTSD, death, grief, anger, mental illness) Iveliz presents. Iveliz has a journal which the reader knows is from her heart and since her father's death, which she blames herself for, she is suffering, feels she can't talk to anyone (especially Mami) and even though she looked forward to a newer better year in 7th grade, she has run ins with friends and family and school. I rooted for Iveliz to share her burdens with others like her psychologist, friend Amir and her grandmother. A must read!

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Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosocozka

Sunshine: A Graphic Novel by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I so loved Hey Kiddo & this book is just as great--as a teen Jarrett becomes a camp counselor for kids with terminal illnesses and as fearful as he is, once he gets to Camp Sunshine, he sees it as so much more (for himself, the kids & parents, & the staff who do this every summer) There are many funny, sad, and fierce moments & Krosoczka is masterful in his telling, drawing, and thoughts. A must read for middle school & high school!

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Growing Pangs by Kathryn Ormsbee

Growing Pangs by Kathryn Ormsbee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another winner of the 2022 Nerdie Book Club Graphic Novels---Katie and Kacey are best friends until Kacey starts acting weird, but Katie has some ticks that she does not want anyone to know about because that would make her weird. Being home schooled she has her world of friends there but there are cracks in friendships, worry about getting braces & what is going on in her mouth? Middle Grade Readers will love Katie's story and enjoy her growth as she meets each challenge head on and has supportive parents who help her navigate the tough times. Highly recommended!

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A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This was an awful sad read/ I loved the narrator, Oliver Wyman but there was no redemption in this novel, frustrating, dismal, and no positivity...I wanted to like Jude but Yanagihara made sure the reader was flumoxed by Jude's life and choices. Such a waste, therapy would have helped Jude and his many friends would have helped but Jude was such a damaged character, no one was able to rescue him.

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After Anna by Lisa Scottoline

After Anna by Lisa Scottoline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this stand alone book by Lisa Scottoline! Alernately told by Dr. Noah Alderman who is on trial for murdering his step daughter beginning with Day 10 of his trial (and then working backward in time with his wife, Maggie, being contacted by the daughter taken away from her when she was an infant. There was mystery, angst, and lying as well as just not mentioning a lot. I loved their romance and life with Caleb, Noah's son who has a speaking disability. Recommended!

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Ben Y and the Ghost in the Machine (The Kids Under the Stairs, #2) by K. A. Holt

Ben Y and the Ghost in the Machine by K.A. Holt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the kids under the stairs and this 2nd in the series brings back Ben Y, Ben B, Jordan and Javier as the divergent learners and friends who is led by the greatest teacher in the world, Ms J and the new after school club, Newspaper Typing Room which accomplishes 2 things- playing in the Sandbox and now because of the heinous principal---they have to write newspaper articles. While all of this is going on, Ben Y (Benita) misses her dead brother, Benicio, desperately--they were very close and used Sandbox (Benicio's invention) to talk, fight, argue, and remember. The bullying still continues and there is a new weird kid, Ace that Ben Y has mixed feelings about. This book is as strong as the first, using text messages and emojis, and her awesome novel in verse! A must read!

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Out of My Heart by Sharon Draper

Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Melody, from Sharon Draper's first book, Out of Mind, is older and has a caring neighbor who makes her learn and question things. She also has a voice synthesizer that she uses to communicate since she can't verbalize, but her brain is still intelligent and wants to break out into the big world. I loved Melody's family and their deep commitment to one another. When Melody finds out there could be a summer camp for disabled kids, she does her research and presents it to her parents; Green Gables really knows what they are doing according to the website, they fill out the dense application and wait to see if Melody is accepted. When she gains approval (someone dropped out) they have 2 days to prepare. Once at the camp, Melody's world opens up she rooms with 3 others and their counselors (each camper has their own counselor) and Melody's counselor, Trinity, has spent summers here. Each counselor knows their camper inside and out (the dense application) and the fun begins with trying things like swimming, zip lining, horseback riding and the evening camp fires are the best. Melody becomes friendly with her roommates and meets a boy. The camp experience changes her and I can't wait for a high school adventure with Melody! A must read, highly recommended!

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Oracle Code//A Graphic Novel by Marieke Nijkamp and Manuel Preitano

The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this graphic novel from Marieke Nijkamp about DC Comics Barbara Gordon's teen years! She is shot, lands in a wheelchair and goes to rehab at a place that doesn't sit right with her. As she struggles with her new life, she is angry at her father and exasperated because he will not listen when she tries to sound the alarm that things are not okay here! I loved Barbara and her determination, her friends at the center and Benjamin, her best friend. Artist Manuel Preitano's illustrations were awesome, spooky when they needed to be. Teens will love this DC Comic!

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BenBee and the Teacher Griefer by K.A. Holt

BenBee and the Teacher Griefer: The Kids Under the Stairs by K.A. Holt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

K.A. Holt has done it again; a superior middle grade novel in verse about kids who have summer school and their awesome teacher (---she wins them over!) Labeling them divergent learners rather than struggling students required to pass a state assessment test, they meet under the stairs and through all of their efforts and the computer game of Sandbox, begin to read and play sandbox...will it work? Recommended reading, you will laugh, love the novel in verse, illustrations as a summer changes kids and their teacher!

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Summer of L.U.C.K. by Laura Segal Stegman

Summer of L.U.C.K. by Laura Segal Stegman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to #BookJunkies, @Laura Stegman, @maestraw for recommending Summer of L.U.C.K by debut author, Laura Segal Stegman. Oh did I love this book and I know middle grade students will absolutely enjoy Darby, Naz, and Justin as they become friends, allies, and sleuths at summer camp. The fantasy/magic elements were mesmerizing and sucked me in. It seems only Darby, Naz and Justin hear the music playing, they are transported in flying carnival rides, and best yet, they can send each other mind messages! And the mystery of who Leroy Usher is and what he wants from the children spur them to become their best selves. Laura Stegman has crafted a superior debut novel that had me turning the pages, falling in love with these kids, and best of all, finding out there will be another book of their adventures, I am so excited and can’t wait. Highly recommended!


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Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles by Shari Green.

Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles by Shari Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for the #MGBookChat this Monday 3/23/20 at 9PM EST to discuss novels in verse for middle grades, come join us! This is Shari Green's (@sharigreen) 2nd novel in verse I have read (and loved) and the whole beauty of the sea, seashore, the townspeople , new friends, new family kept me turning the pages! Bailey and her brother are plopped with their grandmother (who they never see) on the West Coast seashore town of Felicity Bay. Her parents have been fighting for a long time and are attending a couples camp to try and rescue their family and marriage. But the longer Bailey and her brother remain in Felicity Bay, the more they love their grandmother and have hopes their parents will reconcile. I loved Bailey's friendship with Daniel, who had cystic fibrosis and her belief in the mermaid who is made of driftwood, as the symbol of making miracles happen, because Bailey is hoping for many miracles this summer. A must read, there is beauty and heartache but Bailey never gives up hope.

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Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another winner from Raina Telgemeier as she uses Maya's cystic fibrosis as a reason for the family to move to a warmer climate. Cat is not happy about the move, leaving her friends, but she is a supportive big sister. When they arrive in Bahia de la Luna the girls find out from their next door neighbor there is a long history of celebrating ghosts and loved ones who have passed on. I loved Maya's joy and exploring nature and Cat's protective side. Cat's mom loves the new neighbors because they are Mexican American like her and many new dishes and cultural roots are explored. I loved the ghosts, the beauty of the Day of the Dead and Cat's acceptance of many things in her new home, family and friends. This graphic novel will be flying off the shelves!

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Rescue & Jessica: ALIfe-Changing Friendship by Jessican Kensky and Patrick Downs Illustrated by Scott Magoon

Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This children's picture book is for the young and the old- for everyone. Young Jessica has lost one of her legs and it is through a chance meeting she meets and learns about the service dog organization, NEADS, and applies for a service dog. The other great thing about this book is reading/seeing it through the service dog, Rescue's view. The Author's Note & Acknowledgments are important and the illustrator, Scott Magoon, wrote a post for the Nerdy Book Club on his use of symbolism in his art (https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2...) An inspirational book about struggles and staying strong- as the title says - this book is about the life-changing friendship of Jessica and Rescue and it will change each reader too!

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Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So many of my good reading friends highly reviewed and recommended this gem and oh did I love everything about it! The characters Aven, her parents, Connor, and Zion were very different and special, real, good people. Dusti Bowling's creativity as an author effectively used the setting of Arizona and the Stagecoach Pass with confident, funny Aven who was born with no arms and adopted by wonderful, loving parents that molded her into the normal, happy, funny girl she was throughout the move, beginning middle school, and settling into a new home. With unfailing wit and perkiness Aven stole my heart and her friendship with Connor who suffers from Tourette Syndrome and Zion who is overweight was totally special, yet true as they navigated school, friendship and life together. A must read for middle school but teens and parents would love this book because it teaches empathy, the value of family and friendship and acceptance. Highly recommended!!!

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Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert

Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Brandy Colbert's Pointe and her latest, Little & Lion grips your heart for so many reasons. With a very diverse cast, current themes of diversity, mental illness and disabilities, teens will be passing this book to all their friends. Little is Lionel's sister, she is fierce in her love for her brother but there are many complications she deals with, as she returns home from boarding school for the summer. Little and her mom are black and Lionel and his dad are white (and Jewish) and a very close-knit family. But the summer before, Lionel was diagnosed with bipolar disorder her parents thought it better to send Little away while they dealt with Lionel's mental illness, medicines, doctors and psychiatrist appointments. While at school, Little hides who she is because she just can't deal. So her summer back with her family and friends is just what she needs, but there are whole new unexpected issues and complications fraught with anxiety, secrecy, and lies Little must deal with. How will Little's summer turn out? Colbert's characters were real and I loved getting to know them- roommate Iris, love interest Emil, Rafaela (Lion's girlfriend and Little's co-worker) and mostly supportive parents. Colbert's latest is a must read, recommended.

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The One Memory of Flora Banks by Emily Barr

a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30849412-the-one-memory-of-flora-banks" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px">The One Memory of Flora Banks by Emily Barr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks for my reading friend, Maureen for this compelling read. I loved Flora, she was mighty, she was brave and oh was she trapped by her memories because she has a type of amnesia and only remembers from the age of ten. Now she is 17, she kisses her best friend's boyfriend and surprise of surprises, SHE REMEMBERS this memory and what results is an adventure, scary, and true. As she follows her memory to the Arctic, Flora has this one memory but others like her brother who she loves desperately present themselves on pictures and emails she trades with him. I loved the way Emily Barr unfolded this gem of a book with Flora's memory of the boy and the kiss, but also her daily schedule, interactions with others, and her notes (loved those notes). I rooted for Flora and loved the delicious ending to this book!

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Things I Should Have Known by Claire LaZebnik

Things I Should Have Known by Claire LaZebnik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Doris Heise, my librarian hero, for recommending this read!!! First of all I LOVE the cover with the hashtags turning the title to read Things I Know, how brilliant! Claire LaZebnik has a great voice- her dedication to her husband is totally awesome and main protagonist, Chloe is such a real voice- she is popular, dates & kisses lots of guys, doesn't like to complain about many things BUT just look how her mood changes when her autistic sister, Ivy is involved in any way. Chloe's love, concern and aggravation for her autistic sister unfolds in so many wonderful ways in this MUST READ YA novel. Then the very annoying David Fields also has an autistic brother, Ethan - Chloe thinks Ivy and Ethan should date, and get out in the world more. Together Chloe and David share many harrowing dates with Ivy and Ethan and together they find out many things about their families, themselves, and what really matters. This book did really steal my heart and it will steal your too! Highly recommended.

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