Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 4.2 grade

Lexile: 580HL (high interest/low reading level)

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 33, chapter 8

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits-smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. (Amazon.com) Eleanor and Park have seen each other. Park has done one act of kindness toward her but not without a bit of attitude to go with it. They have not had a conversation yet. 
This book has won six awards. As of August 23rd of this year, it had been on the New York Times Bestseller list for sixty weeks.

Freaky Green Eyes by Joyce Carol Oates

Finished the book

I would recommend this book to 8th graders and older students. Although it does not have a 'happily ever after' ending for all the characters. Franky does land on her feet. The story shows that through perseverance and courage one can come out the other side of adversity.

Freaky Green Eyes by Joyce Carol Oates

Currently on pg. 247, chapter 21

SPOILER ALERT - Franky's mom, Krista, has gone missing. It looks like she has runaway from her abusive husband unfortunately she has left her daughters with this violent man. The police are questioning Franky's dad, Reid. He is under suspect for having killed his wife. So the story has become a mystery!

Freaky Green Eyes by Joyce Carol Oates

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 6.8 grade

Lexile: 810

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 45, chapter 3

The first chapter of this book starts out with Francesca "Franky" almost getting raped. There are a lot of good lessons in that one chapter: lesson one - under age drinking is a bad idea, lesson two - drinking to excess is a bad idea, lesson three - when in a situation like that - fight, and lesson four - hanging out with an older group of kids may not be wise. Nine months later, Franky realizes that her parents are having troubles. Amazon.com gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. The copy in the LRMS library gets checked out pretty regularly. I have hit hopes.

The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer

Finished the book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. SPOILER ALERT! I was a little disappointed that the issue regarding Enola's mother was not resolved. I would totally read the next book in the series. If you like mysteries, I recommend the Enola Holmes Mystery series.

The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer

Currently on pg. 127, chapter the 10th

I am enjoying the story. I like how Springer entwines historical tidbits of the time, everything from the uncomfortable undergarments to social restrictions of the upper-class and the day-to-day horrors of the lower-classes.

The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 6.6 grade

Lexile: 1020

Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery

I love Sherlock Holmes movies and television shows. I have read some of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. I have it on my phone and read it sometimes when I am stuck somewhere without a book. I find it difficult to get through. Enola Holmes, the younger sister of Sherlock, is the main character of Springer's novel. I have read Shane Peacock's Eye of the Crow: Boy Sherlock Holmes 1st Case. I enjoyed it. I have high hopes for this book.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

Finished the book

Most excellent book!! I can see why this book won the Cybils Award (Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Award) in 2013 and the Pura Belpré Award (for a Latino or Latina writer) in 2014. When Piddy says goodbye to Joey at the bus station and he tells her to run if she has to, I teared up. I like the ending which if you are a regular blogger reader you know is a happy one. I highly recommend this book but some of the content is a bit too mature for middle school. I will be donating this book to the high school.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

Currently on pg. 116, chapter 16

Medina has done a good job in getting me to care about Piddy. I really want her to resolve the problem with Yaqui bullying her. I totally understand why she believes that she can't tell anyone but I hope that she can find the courage to either face Yaqui or get help. Piddy's grades are suffering and she is making bad choices. She is so consumed with fear that she cannot function in her daily life.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick You Ass by Meg Medina

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 5.3 grade

Lexile: 670 HL

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 40, chapter 6

Piddy Sanchez is attending a new school. She is currently hanging with the brainiacs. Then one of her new brainy friends tells her that Yaqui Delgado wants to beat her up. Piddy doesn't even know who this girl is. Then Piddy's friend Darlene points Yaqui out. Piddy can't recall ever seeing her before. Why would Yaqui have a problem with Piddy? Mitzi, Piddy's best friend, moved to Queens and then Piddy moved. Unfortunately, she didn't move anywhere close to Mitzi. On top of all of this, Piddy's mom is working more hours. Therefore, Piddy not only cooks dinner but is in charge of the laundry. So far, I am enjoying it. I want to find out. Why Yaqui is upset with Piddy? Why is her name Piddy? Is it a nickname?

My Fight/Your Fight by Ronda Rousey

Finished the book

I would recommend this book to high school students and adults. The only reason that I didn't give the book 5 stars is that I am not a fan of fighting. Since Rousey has never had a fight last even 5 minutes. I think I would watch a Rousey fight. The truth of the matter is I don't have the stomach to watch 25 minutes of two people beating each other up. Regardless, Rousey's story is inspiring. She is a great example of hard work and determination. If the Regan Arts. publishers decide to put out a young adult edition, I would buy it for the library.