Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 4.6 grade

Lexile: 740L

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 117 chapter 6

Joseph Brooks is 13 years old and he is a father. His daughter's name is Jupiter. Jupiter's mother died in childbirth. Joseph's father abuses him and the state of Maine has removed him from his home. Now in foster care, Joseph is beginning to heal. He wants to see his daughter. An amazing story! I am carrying around the book hoping for a minute or two to read a couple of pages.

Freaks by Kieran Larwood

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 5.8 grade

Lexile: 850L

Genre: Mystery

Finished the book



I found this book very enjoyable. I thought the characters were interesting and very likable. He has set the storyline up so that it could easily lend itself to a series. If Larwood choose to write more mysteries involving the Peculiars, I would definitely purchase them for the library.

The Hidden Summer by Gin Phillips

Finished the book

I highly recommend this book. Phillips does an excellent job illustrating both the life of a homeless family and Nell's home life which is far from ideal. SPOILER ALERT - In the end, Nell comes to realize that her mother's happiness is not her responsibility. She has worked out a way to tolerate her mother's mood swings. She plans to ride the storm (of living with her mother) out until she is old enough to move out on her own.

The Hidden Summer by Gin Phillips

Currently on pg. 140, chapter 15

In chapter 13, Phillips does an excellent job in explaining how being homeless creates a vicious circle that is hard to break out of. Phillips also paints a vivid picture of Nell's home life and the fact that life in the mini-golf course with Gloria, Maureen, and Jakobe is more appealing than Nell's current situation.

The Hidden Summer by Gin Phillips

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 4.7 grade

Lexile: 750L

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg.82, chapter 9

Nell and Lydia are best friends. Lydia's mother no longer wants her to hang out with Nell. Nell's home-life is far from perfect. Lydia is Nell's the most sane and healthy relationship she has. Nell gets an idea for the two friends to spend the summer together at a deserted mini golf course. Lydia tells her mom she is going to day camp. Nell tells her mom she is going to summer school. But they are not alone at the mini golf. There is evidence that someone else has been there.

Num8ers by Rachel Ward

Finished the book

I would recommend this book to 8th graders and older that like science fiction. The book ends without a cliffhanger. I know that is important to many. The second book is about (SPOILER ALERT) Jem's son. I enjoyed the book but won't be reading the sequel.

Num8ers by Rachel Ward

Currently on pg. 189, chapter 22

Jem and Spider are on the run. They are wanted for questioning regarding the bombing of the London Eye. Their relationship has grown into an intimate one. Jem still sees the date of Spider's death as just a few days away. Although I am enjoying the story, I am not invested enough in the characters to read the next book in the series. Maybe in the last 136 pages that will change.

Num8ers by Rachel Ward

Currently on pg. 78, chapter 10

SPOILER ALERT - Jem confided in Spider telling him about her ability. It is a tough situation. Jem has never had a friend before. This friend's, Spider's, days are numbered. Spider is reeling. He can't seem to wrap his head around what Jem has just told him. They are heading back to Spider's house. Spider's nan, Val, knows that there is something special about Jem. I hope that Val and Spider can offer some comfort to Jem.

Num8ers by Rachel Ward

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 3.9 grade

Lexile: 650HL (high interest/low reading level)

Genre: Fantasy

Currently on pg. 16, chapter 3

Jem makes eye contact with another person and then knows the date of their death. She is alone. Her parents are gone. Her foster mother tries but Jem can't see herself as anything but a freak. This book was originally published in England in 2009. Between 2010 and 2012, it received 8 English book awards. I like fantasy and science fiction. So, I am keeping a good thought.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Finished the book

I would highly recommend this book to 8th graders and older. It is again not the Disney ending but Eleanor perseveres. SPOILER ALERT - In the end Eleanor and her siblings are safe but it is not a happily ever after for all involved. Still a really good read.