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Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.0
Lexile: 920L
Genre: Historical Fiction
Ten year old Kenny Watson and his family the Weird Watsons travel from Flint, Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama in the summer of 1963. Kenny and his siblings have not experienced 'colored only' drinking fountains or bathrooms. The Watson parents that Alabama will be a wake-up call for their eldest son Byron. His delinquent ways have his parents worried. They may get more than they bargained for.
This book is on the reading list for 7th graders. I listen to the audio book. I wanted to listen to the book as well as read it because it was read by LeVar Burton. He did an excellent job. I hope he reads more young adult titles very soon. I highly recommend this book especially the audio version.
Interest Level: Young Adult
Reading Level: 5.6
Lexile: 790L
Genre: Biography
Caitlin, a typical American middle school girl, and Martin, a poor boy from Zimbabwe, become pen pals. The friendship that develops is deep and changes them both of their lives. This book begins in 1997 with their first letter and ends eighteen years later. It is a heartwarming tale that will inspire the reader to try to make a difference in the life of someone other than themselves.
I highly recommend this book. A quick read. I read it in a week and I am a slow reader.
Interest Level: Adult
Reading Level: NR
Lexile: NR
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Mimi, a famous reclusive author and the mother of a very unique nine year old boy, loses her money in a Ponzi scheme and needs to write another novel quick. Alice, a editorial assistant, is assigned to help Mimi type pages and deliver coffee. Instead, she ends up becoming Mimi's son's, Frank, Nanny. Frank's "IQ is higher than 99.7% of the American public's." He dresses like he is a movie star from the 1930's. This boy who has nothing in common with his peers will simply capture your heart.
Although I won't be purchasing it for the middle school library, I do recommend this book for high school students and adults. I enjoyed it so much that I am planning on asking for it back if and when I loan it to a friend. I hope to read it again some day; and I never reread books.
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.5
Lexile: 810L
Genre: Realistic Fiction
This dystopian romance tells the tale of Sloan and James and their fight to stay together. Teenage suicide has become an epidemic. The Program is a treatment that claims to have found a cure. The problem is that along with the desire to end your life, you also lose any memory the program sees as harmful.
I read this book during a time in switch someone close to me was struggling with suicide. Although it was probably not the best time to read it, I found myself drawn into the story. I will probably end up reading the next book in the trilogy. I recommend this book to high school students and older. I will not be purchasing this book for the middle school library.
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.5
Lexile: 810L
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Frankie and Walter aren’t really running away. Just like the kids in their favorite book, they are running to somewhere. Specifically, a massive furniture store. They’ve been obsessed with the Ikea catalog for years. So they make a plan, pack their backpacks, give their parents the sleepover switcheroo . . . and they’re in. All they want is one night all on their own, with no grown-ups or little brothers. One night of couch jumping, pillow forts, and unlimited soda refills. One night of surprises and twinkle lights and secrets they have been keeping—and waiting to share. One unforgettable night in Ikea.
This is a cute story with a serious message. I think that it would appeal more to 3rd through 6th graders.
Interest Level: Adult
Reading Level: NR
Lexile: NR
Genre: Historical Fiction
In 1819 Rachel Kalama comes down with leprosy. She is seven years old. Taken away from her family and everything she knows, she is set to Kalaupapa, the leper colony on the island of Moloka'i. This book follows Rachel as she finds a new family in this unlikely place. Vivid scenery and character touch the reader. This book is NOT appropriate for middle school students but I highly recommend it to adults.
