Tomboy by Liz Prince

Interest Level: YA

Lexile: HL460L
Reading Level: 4.5
Genre: Historical Memoir/Graphic Novel

In her first full-length graphic novel, award-winning comics artist Prince tells the story of her lifelong battle with gender stereotypes through the lens of her tomboy childhood, marked by a preference for male role models, slouchy oversize clothes, and some serious bullying. As a kid, Prince chafed at femininity but her offbeat choices made it hard for her to find friends or a boyfriend. She starts to believe that her disinterest in being girly is what makes her unlikable, and soon she feels embarrassed by being a girl altogether. 

I chose to read this book because I wanted to see if it was appropriate to add to the middle school library collection. Growing up I was called a tomboy. I may not have had the same disgust toward dress and all things girly but I could relate to a lot of what Prince wrote. I will be purchasing this book for the library. I would recommend it to 8th graders who have an interest in gender stereotypes.

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

Interest Level: 5-8

Lexile: 630L
Reading Level: 4.5
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy

In nineteenth-century England, after her mentor disappearance Nan Sparrow, ten years old, works as a "climbing boy," aiding chimney sweeps, but when her most treasured possessions end up in a fireplace, she unwittingly creates a golem.

This is a tale of survival, friendship and loss. I enjoyed this book immensely. It is the front runner for my vote for the 2020-2021 Oregon Readers' Choice Award. I highly recommend this book to middle school readers.

It Ain't So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas

Interest Level: 5-8

Lexile: 730L
Reading Level: 4.7
Genre: Historical Fiction

Eleven-year-old Zomorod, originally from Iran, tells her story of growing up Iranian in Southern California during the Iranian Revolution and hostage crisis of the late 1970.

I grew up during the Iranian Revolution and the hostage crisis. I was young and didn't remember a lot of what was going on at that time or perhaps my parents sheltered me from it. Either way I enjoyed learning more about that time. The plot was well written. I cared about Zomorod and her family. I was angry at the people that treated them poorly. I highly recommend this book to middle school students and older.

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Interest Level: 5-8

Lexile: 600L
Reading Level: 4.0
Genre: Historical Fiction

A twelve-year-old boy named Moose moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 when guards' families were housed there, and has to contend with his extraordinary new environment in addition to life with his autistic sister.

I found it interesting that families and their children actually lived on Alcatraz Island from 1934 to 1963. I found this story interesting. I was interested in the characters. I cared what happened to them. I just didn't care enough to read the next book in the series. That is why I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars.