We Had To Be Brave: Escaping the Nazis on the Kindertransport by Deborah Hopkinson

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: NR
Lexile: 990L
Genre: Nonfiction

The Kindertransport was a rescue effort in 1938-1940 during World War II that sent children to other countries in order to escape the Nazis. Through the moving and heart-wrenching personal accounts, Kindertransport survivors tell of the rise of Hitler and the Nazis which resulted in lives and families torn apart in order to safe the children.

This book is so powerful and moving. It is so hard to believe that mankind could ever do something so horrifying as kill millions of individuals for their religious beliefs. But it did happen and so 'those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it'. I hope and pray that the human race never lets anything like the holocaust happen again. I recommend this book for middle school students to adults.

Sadie by Courtney Summers

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: NR
Lexile: HL750L
Genre: Thriller

Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water. But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meager clues to find him.When West McCray--a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America--overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts a podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late.

I choose this book because it was one of the few young adult novels available from the public library in an online format. I enjoyed the plot. The author made me care about Sadie and Mattie. Although the subject matter maybe too mature for some middle school students, I would recommend this book for 11th graders to adults.

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Interest Level: 5-8

Reading Level: 3.6

Lexile: GN320L
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Graphic Novel

Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds--and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his friends and staying true to himself? The book won the 2020 Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award. It was the first graphic novel to be awarded the Newbery Medal.

I highly recommend this book. Craft has created characters that are endearing. You want only the best for them. I can't wait until October when "Class Act" is released.

The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Counts Level: 5.5

Lexile: 740L
Genre: Science Fiction

What isn't written, isn't remembered. Even your crimes. Nadia lives in the city of Canaan, where life is safe and structured, hemmed in by white stone walls and no memory of what came before. But every twelve years the city descends into the bloody chaos of the Forgetting, a day of no remorse, when each person's memories -- of parents, children, love, life, and self -- are lost. Unless they have been written.In Canaan, your book is your truth and your identity, and Nadia knows exactly who hasn't written the truth. Because Nadia is the only person in Canaan who has never forgotten.But when Nadia begins to use her memories to solve the mysteries of Canaan, she discovers truths about herself and Gray, the handsome glassblower, that will change her world forever. As the anarchy of the Forgetting approaches, Nadia and Gray must stop an unseen enemy that threatens both their city and their own existence -- before the people can forget the truth. And before Gray can forget her.

One of my favorite people, a 6th grade language arts teacher, suggested that I purchase this book for the library. I did then I read it. I really enjoyed it. The message that we are our memories, that want we experience in our lives makes us who we are is so true. I recommend this book for middle school and up.

Ali Cross by James Patterson

Interest Level: 5-8

Reading Level: 5.5
Lexile: 700L
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Mystery

James Patterson's blockbuster Alex Cross series has sold over 100 million copies--and now he's bringing those thrills to a new generation! Alex's son Ali is eager to follow in his father's footsteps as a detective, but when his best friend goes missing, what price will he have to pay to solve the mystery?

When Ali's best friend Gabe is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him. At the same time, a string of burglaries targets his neighborhood---and even his own house. With his father on trial for a crime he didn't commit, it's up to Ali to search for clues and find his friend. But being a kid sleuth isn't easy---especially when your father warns you not to get involved!---and Ali soon learns that clues aren't always what they seem. Will his detective work lead to a break in Gabe's case or cause even more trouble for the Cross family?

I hope that there will be more Ali Cross adventures. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a mystery. I will definitely be purchasing this for the middle school library collection.