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.