Jefferson's Sons by by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Interest level: 4-8 

Reading Level: 3.9

Lexile: 600L
Genre: Historical Fiction

Finished the book

The recent election led me to a podcast series called Presidential by the Washington Post. The podcast about Thomas Jefferson led me to this book. When I purchased this book for the library back in February, I put it on my 'to read' list. As readers of this blog know, I love historical fiction. This book did not disappoint.  Although the ending was not a happy one, it was realistic. 

My Life with the Liars by Caela Carter

Finished the book

I enjoyed this book. The characters are well developed. I cared about Zylynn. Carter portrayal of Zylynn's father, step-mother, and step-siblings was believable. I plan on pointing it out to some of the middle school readers I know. I give this book a thumbs up.

My Life With the Liars by Caela Carter

Interest level: 5-8

Reading Level: 3.4

Lexile: 610L
Genre: Realistic Fiction 

Currently on pg.24, chapter 3

Zylynn is twelve years old. She has spent her whole life inside the Children Inside the Light compound. The book opens with Zylynn's father, Louis, rescuing her from the cult. At this point she is confused. She has been taught that the 'outside' is the 'darkness'. And there are liars in the darkness but there are colors and food too. She plans to find her way back to 'the light' but first she will eat.

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

Finished the book

As a historical fiction book aimed at 3rd through 6th graders I would give this book 5 stars. I have it in the library collection but I do not know if it will appeal much to 8th graders, 7th graders probably.

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

Interest level: 3-6

Reading Level: 5.6

Lexile: 950
Genre: Historical Fiction 

Currently on pg. 114, chapter 20

Harold, Homer's brother, has been sold into the Union army and is on his way to get sworn in. Homer is in pursuit of his brother. Can he get to him before he joins the army? Will they believe that he is too young. An entertaining read. 

A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Finished the book

This book is amazing. At the start of each chapter is an inspirational quote. My favorite was by Albert Camus a French author, "The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion." The novel unfolds the history of the wall, detailing how it was built and the people's reactions. The setting of this book is so powerful. Having seen the wall myself, I found the story even more engaging. The tense climax kept me reading into the wee hours of the night until I reached the very last page. I highly recommend this book to students 3rd grade through 8th.

A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Interest level: 3-6

Reading Level: 4.7

Lexile:810
Genre: Historical Fiction 

Currently on Chapter 4, pg.17

In 1981, I visited the Berlin Wall and walked through the Death Strip (the space between the wall on the East Berlin and East Germany sides and the wall on the West Berlin side). It was a very sobering experience, the East German soldiers following you with their guns. In addition to the Wall, the Death Strip, and East Berlin, my visit to the Dauchau Concentration Camp Memorial Site was life changing. Standing in the gas chambers, looking up at the shower heads, I realized that these innocent human beings had no idea that they were about to be exterminated.

Due to my personal experiences, I wanted to read this book. I hope that Nielsen will do right by the time period and those whose lives were forever changed.

Some Assembly Required by Arin Andrews

Finished the book

The search continues. I very much enjoyed Andrew's story. I will highly recommend it to the high school librarian. I have decided not to add it to this library's collection. The detail in which he shares his physical relationships is too much for this particular middle school audience. Also, his description of transition surgery is informative but a bit more graphic than what I was looking for.

Some Assembly Required by Arin Andrews

Currently on pg. 100, chapter 8

About 2 or 3 pages into chapter 5, I realized that this book was perhaps to explicit for the library's collection. I feel that Andrews' sharing about his body as he goes through puberty as a girl might be too vivid for this particular middle school. Andrews then goes on to write about his first girlfriend and their physical relationship which is very realistic.  I am very much enjoying this book. Whether or not I decide to put it in the middle school library's collection, I plan on recommending it to the high school.

Some Assembly Required by Arin Andrews

Interest level: 7th grade & up 

Reading Level: 6.3

Lexile: 970

Genre: Memoir 

Currently on pg. 39

Last summer the Oregon Association of School Librarians challenged school libraries to look at their LGBT collection. Upon review, I set out to find books that were about transgender youth. You may have seen in a previous blog post that I found and liked Gracefully Grayson. My quest continues for a f2m title. So far, I am excited with Some Assembly Required. I have high hopes. Keep your fingers crossed.

Egg & Spoon by Gregory Maguire

Currently on pg. 193 and calling it quits

As much as I hate to admit it, I am calling it. Drop the mike. I am done. I have to say that I use to never 'not finish' a book, once I had started it. I usually power through and in the end am glad that I did. But now that I am responsible for buying books for a middle school library, I have discovered that I do not have that kind of time to dedicate to a book. And so, I am sorry to say that I will be leaving Elena and Cat in the woods outlining St. Petersburg, Russia. Perhaps I will revisit during winter break.

As I stated in my previous post, I did find the Prince and the Pauper story-line intriguing. However, once Elena got off the train and Cat found herself with Baba Yaga, I again lost interest. And so, I must bid Russia farewell. I am onto another tale. Let's hope this one is more enthralling.

Egg & Spoon by Gregory Maguire

Interest level: 6th grade & up 

Reading Level: 4.3

Lexile: 700

Genre: Fantasy

Currently on pg. 102

I have read Wicked, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, and Mirror Mirror all by Gregory Maguire. And I liked them.  Even though Wicked was 560 pages long, I have to say that the 475 pages of Egg & Spoon has me scared. But it is the last of the 2017 Oregon Readers' Choice Award nominees, so I will do my best to read it.

It was around page 60 that I decided that I might like this book after all. It has a Prince and the Pauper feeling to it. I am not quite carrying the book around with me, which is a true mark of an excellent read, but I will keep you updated.

Boundless by Kenneth Oppel

Finished the book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although, I am not sure how historically accurate it is. The Boundless, on its maiden voyage, reminded me of The Titanic. I kept waiting for the iceberg, so to speak. I found the Maren and Will story-line entertaining. I am not sure how I fell about Will's decision at the end.

The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel

Interest level: 5-8 grade 

Reading Level: 5.0

Lexile: 730

Genre: Historical Fiction

Currently on pg.35, chapter 2

I LOVE historical fiction. I have high hopes for this book. The first chapter was exciting and action packed. Let's see if Oppel can keep me enthralled.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Interest level: 5-8 grade 
Reading Level: 4.3

Lexile: 750

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Finished the book

This is probably the third or fourth book in verse that I have read. I really enjoyed it. I think this book would be perfect for a middle school boy who loves basketball and is a reluctant reader. I highly recommend this book.

Greenglass House by Kate Milford

Finished the book

On page 235 this book started to get a lot better. I wish I would have known the true nature of the character Meddy. I might have enjoyed the book more. Because I did like the character of Meddy, I would more than likely read a sequel if Milford writes one.

Greenglass House by Kate Milford

Interest level: 5-8 grade 

Reading Level: 5.8

Lexile: 800

Genre: Fantasy/Mystery

Currently on pg. 78, chapter 4

The book's main characters, Milo and Meddy, play a role-playing game sort of like Dungeons and Dragons. Having never been a fan of role-playing games, I am hoping that that element does not overshadow that story-line. The story-line has potential. Milo finds a map and someone steals it from him. Meddy and MIlo are using the role-playing game to try to solve the mystery surrounding the map. I am not in love with the story, YET.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Finished the book

I highly recommend this book. The only reason I give this book 4 1/2 stars instead of 5 is that I wish it wouldn't have ended when it did. I would of liked to hear about her life in high school, college, and meeting her husband. Definitely the best non-fiction book I have read in 2016.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Interest level: 5-8 grade

Lexile: 990

Genre: Autobiography
Reading Level: 4.3 

Currently on pg. 177

I am enjoying this book very much. I have read a book in verse before and was surprised how much I liked it. Reading this book feels like a honor; as if Woodson is letting you in a very personal story, her story.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling

Finished the book

The plot was excellent. As I said previously, I miss Rowling's narrative. I miss the way she paints a scene with her words. Even with that being said I would recommend this book. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you'll love it.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling

Interest level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: NR

Lexile: NR

Genre: Fantasy

Currently on pg. 54, Act 1, Scene 11

This book is written in script form; maybe Rowling thought she'd cut out the middle man. Now Warner Brothers won't have to hire a screen writer. So far, I miss Rowling's descriptive words as she paints a scene or describes a character's physical or emotional reactions. Luckily, the plot is intriguing enough to hold my interest.

To Catch a Cheat by Varian Johnson

Finished the book

The sequel to The Great Greene Heist is as equally entertaining as the first book. Another home-run for Johnson. I highly recommend this book. I sent Johnson a Facebook message telling him how much I enjoyed his books. He said that at this time there is not plan for another Jackson Greene novel. I hope that he will reconsiders and writes another Jackson Greene adventure. I will definitely be checking out his other books.

To Catch a Cheat by Varian Johnson

Interest Level: 3-6 grade

Reading Level: 4.2

Lexile: 650

Genre: Action/Adventure

Currently on pg. 107, chapter The Running Man


In this sequel to The Great Greene Heist, Jackson Greene and his crew Gang Greene are sucked back in to the art of conning. A falsified video is being used to blackmail the team into stealing a history final exam. Jackson and his friends must prove the video is fake and catch the real culprits. A little less than half way through the book, I am loving every minute of it. I can not put this book down.

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier

Finished the book

The Horn Book Magazine review reads "All proper scary stories require a spooky, menacing atmosphere, and Auxier delivers the goods with his precise descriptions of the gothic setting and teasing hints of mystery and suspense." Scary tales are not my thing but I know there are middle school students that will thoroughly enjoy this book. This book will not be my choice for the 2017 Oregon Readers Choice Award. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy books that give them nightmares.

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 5.3

Lexile: 690

Genre: Horror/Ghost Stories 

Currently on pg. 244, chapter 37

Amazon calls this book a Victorian ghost story with shades of Washington Irving, author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The story follows two abandoned Irish siblings who travel to work as servants at a creepy, crumbling English manor house. The house and its family are not what they appear to be. The children are confronted by a mysterious entity and an ancient curse.

I am enjoying this story. I am not a fan of scary stories but can see the appeal to other readers. I have had one unpleasant element added to a dream because to this dream. That in itself will be enough of a recommendation to get some middle school students to read it.

The Great Greene Heist by Varian Johnson

Finished by book

This is going to be a hard book to beat as my choice for the 2017 ORCA winner.  On page 62, Johnson drew me in with his chapter entitled The Kobayashi Maru. From that point on, I was hooked. I was carrying the book with me everywhere. I have the second book in the series, To Catch a Cheat, on hold at the library. I will make sure that I purchase not only the 2 copies of The Great Greene Heist due to the ORCA contest but a couple of copies of To Catch a Cheat as well. I highly recommend this book. The twists and turns and the style of writing make this book enjoyable for adults and middle school students. If you liked the television show White Collar or the movie The Sting, you will love this book.

The Great Greene Heist by Varian Johnson

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 4.6

Lexile: 660

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 58

This book is a Oregon Readers' Choice Award nominee. I can already tell that I vote for this book above "The Fourteenth Goldfish." I like the way Johnson does not tell us what the Blitz at the Fritz is exactly. I love the suspense. What exactly did Jackson do that made him swear of conning people? How'd he get caught? Why did he get in so much trouble at school? Although this book has not reached the level of my carrying it around everywhere, I am still enjoying it.

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

Finished the book

The description on the book jacket and on Amazon does not do this book justice. It should have said something about being a coming-of-age story for a middle school girl. The story tells of Ellie and her transition to middle school. It tells of Ellie's grandfather, Melvin's, struggle with an ethical issue regarding a scientific discovery. Holm's has created characters the reader cares about. This is the first Oregon Readers' Choice Award nominee that I have read.

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

Interest Level: 3-6 grade
Reading Level: 4.1

Lexile: 550

Genre: Fantasy & Humor

Currently on pg. 22, chapter 5

This book is a 2017 Oregon Readers Choice Award nominee. Ellie's grandfather, Melvin, has discovered the fountain of youth. He is now a 13 year old boy. He gets picked up by the police when he tries to get into his laboratory. Ellie's mom picks him up from the police station and brings him home. I am wondering where this story is going to go from here. What will the plot be? The conflict?

Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger

Finished the book

I very much enjoyed this book. It reached the standard of me carrying it around with me everywhere that I went. Wittlinger made Grady a character that the reader cares about and routes for. I would recommend this book to high school students and older. I gave this book five out of five stars but I am still searching for the trans man book to add to the middle school library collection.

Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger

Currently on pg. 228, chapter 19

I am really enjoying this book. I am carrying it with me wherever I go. I really wish that it was more appropriate for middle school. Wittlinger has made Grady a very lovable character. You want to be his friend. You want for him to find peace at home and at school. Wittlinger also does a great job developing Gray's best friend Eve and her struggles with her best friend Angie becoming Grady. I also appreciate that there are a few high school classmates that are kind to Grady. Although, there are, of course, those who are not kind.

Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 4.7
Lexile: 790

Genre: Realistic Fiction 

Currently on pg. 52, chapter 5

Angela knew his whole life that he was a boy. Now he is a junior in high school and changed his name to Grady, he must deal with the reactions of others. His parents, siblings, and best friend at this point in the story are not supportive.

He has just met Sebastian, a geeky classmate. The dust cover of the book tells us that Sebastian will become an unlikely friend to Grady.

I am already getting the vibe that this will not be appropriate for the middle school library but I will continue to read it to make sure. Perhaps I will have found another recommendation for the high school.

Beautiful Music for Ugly Children by Kirstin Cronn-Mills

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 4.4
Lexile: 600

Genre: Realistic Fiction 

Finished the book


Liz knows that he is a boy but he was born a girl. If he can just make it through his high school graduation, he can start his life as Gabe. His family is not thrilled with the idea. To make things more difficult he has a crush on his best friend, Paige. He is bullied by his classmates. His friendship with his neighbor and his love of music are his lifesaver. 

I give this book five out of five stars. I will not be adding it to the middle school library collection. The main character is eighteen years old. Cronn-Mills writes about Gabe wearing a prosthetic device. There are other details of the story that speak to an older reader.  I think this book would be a great addition to a high school library.

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

Finished the book

Wow! Awesome! I am so definitely buying this book for the library collection. The book I read previously was good but this one was excellent. I love and hated the ending. SPOILER ALERT - it leaves you hanging. But maybe there will be more to come about Grayson. Polonsky did an amazing job of helping the reader understand what life is like for Grayson. A small share - I cried when Grayson read Finn's letter.

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

Interest Level: 3-6 grade

Reading Level: 4.5

Lexile: 720
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 26, chapter 5

I continue my quest for a book(s) for the middle school library with a transgender lead character. My previous post was about the book George by Alex Gino. I enjoyed that book and have put it on my list to buy. This book is written in the first person so for now I will use the pronoun 'he' in reference to Grayson. Grayson is in middle school and a loner. The new girl at the school, Amelia, reaches out to him. At this point in the book, they are starting to develop a friendship.

George by Alex Gino

Interest Level: 3-6 grade

Reading Level: 4.7

Lexile: 790
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Finished the book


I went in search of a book(s) for the middle school library that has a transgender lead character. This book is about a fourth grade boy named George and her desire to have the world see her as she truly is, a girl. The author's use of pronouns is wonderful. While the world interacts with George as a boy, Gino's use of pronouns reinforces that George sees herself as a girl. Gino does an excellent job of making you love George and route for her happiness. I am adding this book to my must buy this.

The Haven by Carol Lynch Williams

Finished the book

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars because it had a slow start. I grew to care about the characters. I liked the ending. Williams set herself up to write a sequel; and I hope she does. I would read it.

Haven by Carol Lynch Williams

Currently on pg. 107, chapter 13

Now it is getting good. SPOILER ALERT - Shiloh has been told the truth. Terminals are genetic clones of people that have paid for them to sit in Haven Hospital and wait. When the Whole (the person that the had the Terminal made from their DNA) needed an organ or a body party, it was taken from the Terminal. Now will Shiloh go with Abigail, Daniel, and Gideon as they try to escape.

At this point, this book will be added to the middle school's library collection. However, I will not be recommending it to the 8th grade team. It just takes too long for the story to take off.

The Haven by Carol Lynch Williams

Interest Level: Young Adult
Currently on pg. 44

Reading Level: 3.6

Lexile: 430 HL
Genre: Dystopian Fiction


I originally decided to read this book for two reasons. The first reason was that the book was recommended for grades 8 and up; and I wanted to make sure it wasn't too mature for the middle school library's collection. The second reason was that it had a low lexile number. If it was any good, I could recommend it to the 8th grade language arts team for the dystopian lit circles. I won't be recommending it to the 8th grade language arts teachers. Now the question is will the book grab me before I totally give up on it. There needs to be a bit of excitement or intrigue soon.