The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Interest Level: Young Adult
Reading Level (Readng Counts Level): 9.5
Lexile: 1000L
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Finished the book

This book covers 24 hours in the life of Hadley and Oliver. They meet at an airport. Is it love at first sight? This romantic novel is about family connections, second chances, and first loves. This day should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. Having just missed her flight, she's stuck at JFK airport and late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon-to-be stepmother Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. Oliver, British, and he is on her same flight. What is Oliver's story? Is this their beginning and their end?

Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes

Interest Level: Young Adult
Reading Level: 5.4
Lexile: 840L
Genre: Fairy Tale Fantasy

Finished the book

Before Alice falls down the whole and before there is a Queen of Hearts, there is a princess. All that Princess Dinah wants is her father's approval and a future with the man she loves. But her father does not want to relinquish his crown. An exciting tale you find yourself reading just one more chapter in hopes of seeing a glimpse of a character that might turn into one of the characters from the classic tale. I highly recommend this book.

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

Interest Level: 11th grade to Adult
Reading Level: NR
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Finished the book

The lives of three women are set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens. Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager acting as a courier for the underground resistance movement, is catch and sent to Ravensbruck, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. There she meets Herta Oberheuser a young ambitious German doctor who performs unspeakable experimental surgeries. Their story crosses continents from New York to Paris, Germany, and Poland. Kasia meets Caroline Ferriday a New York socialite. Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten. A powerful novel this book made me cry. A must read so that we, the human race, never repeat the horrors of the holocaust again.

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton

I recommend this book for adults. It is a story of survival, of overcoming hardships, of strength, and of perseverance. It ran true and was inspiring.

Love Warrior: A Memoir by Glennon Doyle Melton

Interest Level: Adult

Reading Level: NR
Lexile: NR
Genre: Non-fiction, Autobiography

Currently on pg. 74, chapter 5

This book was given to me by a friend and colleague. We have yet to discuss it but I look forward to it. In the first chapter, Melton writes about her stay in a psychiatric ward. She was 17 years old. Melton has had many challenges in her life. I am ready for her to have some good luck.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Interest Level: Young Adult
Reading Level: 5.3
Lexile: 590HL
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Finished the book

Lately I have been disappointed in the human race. I dream of a world which everyone can live together side by side, where no one cares about race, religion, or sexual preference. I wish that we could each accept and appreciate each other's differences. This book helped me to try to see a crime from a point of view of a young African American witness. This powerful story was so very real that it could have easily been nonfiction. I highly recommend this book.

Backstories: Batgirl: New Hero of the Night by Matthew Manning

Finished the book

This turned out to be a reference book not a story. Keeping that in mind, it was not bad. But it had one huge error. Barbara Gordon, a.k.a. Batgirl, is a librarian!

Backstories: Batgirl: New Hero of the Night by Matthew Manning

Interest Level: 3-7 grade

Reading Level: 4.0
Lexile: 1100L
Genre: Science Fiction

Currently on pg. 25

I LOVE Batgirl. The main reason I love her is because she is a librarian. In this book, Barbara Gordon is not a librarian. She owns and runs a company called Gordon Clean Energy. I will still read the book and display it with my other Batgirl stuff in the library.

The Nest by Kenneth Oppel

Interest Level: 5-8

Reading Level: 4.0
Lexile: 640L
Genre: Horror Fiction

Finished book

I am reading this book because it is nominated for the 2018 ORCA. I would probably have not chose to read this book. I usually do not like scary books or movies. This book, however, is not that scary. I believe that if I were afraid of wasps or bees that this book would freak me out a bit more than it actually did. I will recommend this book to students that like creepy tales.

Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery

Finished the book

Much like Anne of Green Gables, this book is a coming of age story set in the early 1920's. I enjoyed the story. I found myself skipping over the flowery descriptions and getting to the meat of the story. There is a lot of similarities between the character Emily of this book and Anne of Anne of Green Gables. After reading a little bit about L.M. Montgomery, I think that she is writing her own life story with some variations. All in all, I recommend this book.

Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery

Interest Level: YA
Reading Level: 7.8
Lexile: 1060
Genre: Historical Fiction

Currently on pg. 124, chapter 12

As I was packing for my trip to Lake Tahoe, I stood looking at the pile of books I want to read. There was so many to choose from and impractical to take them all. A decision had to be made. I chose "Emily of New Moon" and one other, just in case I finished "Emily." One of the reasons I chose "Emily" was that it came highly recommended. I had told my colleague, Ms. Clyde, about a Netflix show called "Anne with an E." It is based on the book "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery. She loved the show and asked me if I had read "Emily of New Moon." Another reason I chose to bring "Emily" to the lake was that it is 5" x 8" x 1", a great size to put in my purse or the beach bag.

The story is a little slow starting out but it gains speed. Montgomery's flowering description of the scenery can get a bit long but that is part of her appeal. The plot is interesting. Emily is a ten year old girl who is left alone when her father dies. (Her mother died when she was born.) She goes to live with her mother's family, the Murphy's, whom she has never met. Much like Anne from "Anne of Green Gables," Emily is unique and a bit like a fish out of water at New Moon. She has never been to school or church. She must learn how to interact with her peers. Her upbringing is quite different from the proper and pride-filled believes of the Murphy's. So far, Emily has made a friend and been betrayed by that friend. She has found a second friend, Isle. Isle is from a very poor family. She, like Emily, is being raised without a father. At this point in the story, the reader has discovered that they both like the same boy.

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler by Phillip Hoose

Interest Level: YA

Reading Level: 6.9
Lexile: 970L
Genre: Nonfiction

Finished the book

I do not gravitate toward non-fiction novels. On the whole, I find them dry and difficult to read. That is not the case with this book. Knud Pedersen's story is both interesting and compelling. This book is a 2018 ORCA nominee. With only one more nominated title yet to read, this book has my vote for the 2018 ORCA award. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Denmark, World War II, or stories about young heroes.

Lumberjanes: Beware the Kitten Holy by Noelle Stevenson

Finished the book

My daughter told me that the illustrations in this book made her pick it up and page through it. I do see how this book may appeal to middle school students. I am curious to see how well it is received when we return to school in the fall. As for me, this book was not my cup of tea. I found the plot non-existent and the concept ridiculous. The story-line appears to be continued in volume two of the series. I say 'appears' because I am assuming that now that the nemesis has been introduced that he will be defeated. I will not be reading the second volume or recommending this book.

Lumberjanes: Beware the Kitten Holy by Noelle Stevenson

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 3.5
Lexile: NR
Genre: Action adventure graphic novel

Currently on pg. 72

I am not a huge fan of graphic novels. I love superhero comics and comic strip collections but I haven't really found a graphic novel that I love, yet. I chose to read this book because it was one of the 2018 Oregon Readers' Choice Award nominee. I am not entirely sure but I think it is a story about five friends and their summer together; as they earn their merit badges for the Lumberjanes.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Finished the book

OMG!!! Read it!!!

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Interest Level: 3-6 grade
Reading Level: 5.0
Lexile: 790
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 127

August was born with a facial difference that some may call a deformity. Up until now (middle school) he has been home schooled. At this point in the story, I love Summer, hate Julian, and are disappointed in Jack. This book inspired the Choose Kind movement. In November, there will be a movie starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay as Auggie.

Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 5.3
Lexile: 800
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Finished the book

Mai is a typical California middle school student. She is only interested in her summer vacation spent at the beach with her friend and trying to her her crush to notice her. But that is not how Mai will be spending her summer, she is going to Vietnam. Her grandmother wants to find out what happened to her husband during the Vietnam War. Mai's summer is ruined or is it?

I thought that the writing itself was good but I just wasn't drawn into the story.

Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton

Finished the book

I chose to read this book because it is a nominee for the 2018 ORCA (Oregon Readers' Choice Award). Even though, I am not a fan of novels in verse, I enjoyed this book very much. Mimi is a great role model for those who have more than one nationality that they identify with. She is respectful, sensitive, and insightful regarding both cultures. Hilton develops Mimi into a character that you would pursue a friendship with. I highly recommend this book.

Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 4.8
Lexile: 790
Genre: Historical Fiction / Novel in Verse

Currently on pg. 16

I know I have said it before but I usually do not read novels in verse. I have read "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson, "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander, and a couple others. I gave the majority of them four stars. I did give "The Crossover" five stars. It was the winner of the 2017 ORCA. I do love historical fiction so perhaps I will give this book five stars as well.

Mimi is a Japanese-African American. The year is 1969. She is moving to a predominantly white Vermont town. As if her race isn't enough to make her stand out, she enters science competitions, tries to take shop class instead of home ec, and dreams of becoming an astronaut.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Finished the book

This book is nominated for the Oregon Reader's Choice Award for 2018. I am a fan of historical fiction so I was pretty sure I would enjoy it. I liked the ending. Although this book did not knock out "Orbiting Jupiter" as my lead candidate for the ORCA, I would highly recommend it to middle school students.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Interest Level: 3-6 grade
Reading Level:4.1
Lexile: 580
Genre: Historical Fiction

Currently on pg. 62, chapter 10

Ten year old, Ada and her five year old brother Jamie decide to leave their abusive home to join the other children that are evacuating England due to the war. Set during World War II, the author immediately pulls you into the horrifying life that Ada and Jamie endure at the hand of their mother. Ada having been born with a clubfoot never learned to walk. Her mother won't let her out of the house and tells her that no one wants to see her and her disgusting foot. How will she and Jamie get to the train station to join the other evacuees? This book has already become a book that I carry around in the hopes that a better life awaits Ada and Jamie when they get off the train in the English countryside.

Alice Paul and the Fight for Women's Rights by Deborah Kops

Finished the book

A seventh grade student came into the library and asked me if we had any books on Alice Paul. I am embarrassed to say that I did not know who Alice Paul was. I did some research and found this book. This book is inspiring and educational. In addition to learning about a number of women that I did not previously know, I also discovered that the Equal Rights Amendment is still not ratifies. I will DEFINITELY be purchasing this book for the library. 

Alice Paul and the Fight for Women's Rights by Deborah Kops

Interest Level: YA
Reading Level: 8.0
Lexile: 1050
Genre: Biography

Currently on pg.50, chapter 3

Alice Paul (January 11, 1885 – July 9, 1977) was an American suffragist, feminist, and women's rights activist. She was one of the main leaders and strategists of the 1913 campaign for the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which prohibits sex discrimination in the right to vote. A 7th grade student asked me if we had any books on Alice Paul. We did not. I found this book, checked it out from the public library, and are reading it with the intent of buying it for the library. So far, it is getting 2 thumbs up.

The Uncommoners: The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifer Bell

Interest Level: 3-6 grade

Reading Level: 5.0
Lexile: 700
Genre: Fantasy

Currently on pg. 50, chapter 8 & Done

I give up. This book has not grabbed me. I thought the concept of the story was interesting, everyday items can do magical things. I have many books on my nightstand that I want to read. So, I feel 50 pages is plenty.

Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart

Finished the book

I highly recommend this book. I think that Gephart tells a very age appropriate tale about a transgender middle school student. The character of Dunkin and his struggle with bi-polar disorder adds another dimension to the plot. Dunkin gives Lily a chance to see that everyone has their own struggles. Gephart does a great job of developing Lily and Dunkin into characters that you care and route for. It is an interesting place in which we join Lily on her journey to be her true self. She knows that she is a girl. Her mother, sister, and best friend support her. It is her father that she needs to see her for she truly is. Of course, there are the small minded 'Neanderthals' at school that she has to copy with. Dunkin's story unravels at a pace that you learn about him and his disorder as the plot advances. The climax of the winter dance leaves the reader smiling. I am so glad that this book is in our middle school library.

Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart

Interest level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level:4.3
Lexile: 680
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 78, chapter A Hopeful Feeling

Lily Jo was born Timothy and desperately wants to just be able to be herself. Dunkin's real name is Norbert. He is new in town. He has a painful secret. As if that wasn't enough, he is bi-polar. One summer the two meet.

In my search for a middle school female to male transgender novel, I found Lily and Dunkin. I am enjoying the book so far. It has already become a book that I carry everywhere hoping for a chance to read a page or two.

Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson

Finished the book

I found this book very informative. I never knew anything about Rosemary Kennedy. I knew that there was a special needs Kennedy, sibling to John F., Ted, Joe Jr., and the rest. I didn't know anything more than that she existed. I like at the end of the book how her sister Eunice was quoted as saying, "...more than any one single individual, Rosemary made the difference." Larson goes on to end the book with, "Through the loving, indomitable spirit of Rosemary, the Kennedy family found one of its greatest missions, and in doing so changed millions of lives."

Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson

Interest level: Adult

Reading Level:NR
Lexile: NR
Genre: Biography

Currently on pg. 28, chapter 2

Rosemary Kennedy was born in 1918, a time where little or nothing was done for those with disabilities. Rosemary was Joe and Rose Kennedy's third child. In comparison to her brothers, she was slow to walk, talk, and feed herself. Her mental disability was a guarded secret of the Kennedys. This book is purely for my enjoyment.

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

This coming of age story is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans in 1950. This historical fiction is a first-person narration of an intriguing tale. It was a book that I carried around with me. A believable setting and a colorful cast of memorable characters make the story compelling and entertaining. I highly recommend this book. Although due to its mature content will not be adding it to the school's library collection.

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

Interest level: YA
Reading Level: 4.3
Lexile: 590HL
Genre: Historical Fiction

Currently on pg. 323, chapter 55

I read Between Shades of Gray by the same author and liked it a lot. Our library also has Salt to the Sea another one of Sepetys' books. But I can not bring myself to read that book due to my fear of being on a sinking ship. I saw this book at Mudpuddles' Toys and Books and wanted to read it. I am thoroughly enjoying the story. I love Josie the main character. Sepetys has written a character that you will route for that you so badly want to get her happy ending. With only 23 pages left in the book, I am thinking that this story is not going to have a happy ending.

A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

Finished the book

I was told to read this book with a box of Kleenex. I only actually cried real tears once at the end of the book. With deaths of Bailey and Ellie, I came close. I read in the afterword that Cameron wrote this story for his wife (then girlfriend) after the death of her dog. I am a HUGE fan of dogs. I own three. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever loved a pet.

A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 7.4
Lexile: 970
Genre: Fiction (Reincarnation, Dogs, Family-life)

Currently on pg. 112

I love how Cameron writes in the third voice as if the dog is speaking. I think he has a great insight as to how a dog might see the human world. When people see what I am reading (yes, I am carrying the book around), they always ask, "It is a sad, right?" So far no tears.

Bots Book One: Emergent Behavior by Nicole M. Taylor

Done with the book.

Up until page 105, I was questioning whether this book was too mature for middle school students. Now there is no doubt, I will not be adding this book to the middle school library. I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars because up to this point I found this book well written and interesting but I did not read the entire book. I jumped to the end and read the epilogue. It seems to have an appropriate ending. It was a hard to decide to not read the book in its entirety. I have many more books to read for work and some I would even like to read for pleasure. So, I can not either recommend or not recommend this book at this time.

Bots Book One: Emergent Behavior by Nicole M. Taylor

Interest level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 5.5

Lexile: 860
Genre: Science Fiction

Currently on pg. 27, chapter 2

The back cover of the book reads "Edmond West is about to save the world. The robotics genius has developed a plan to create the world's first Artificial Intelligence truly indistinguishable from a human being. His Bots will eradicate global slavery and allow humanity to channel dark impulses safely, harming only soulless machines. When his work attracts the attention of the US Army, a brighter future seems to be just around the corner. Edmond's greatest success, however, may also be his undoing. In Hart, he's created the perfect humanoid robot: intuitive, emotive...and completely unpredictable."  I grabbed this book because it was marketed as a high interest low level reading. We shall see.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman

Being a middle school librarian, I primarily read young adult fiction. This book was at first a bit confusing, not as easy to follow as a young adult plot. The parallel story-lines of Elsa and her grandmother and then the story-line of the Land-of-Almost-Awake were at first odd and unrelated. As the story progresses, the reader realizes that the grandmother uses the tales of the Land-of-Almost-Awake to tell her young granddaughter, Elsa, about the real world. I feel it is important to know that this book was translated from Swedish; and although it is not stated out right, I believe it is set in Sweden. I would recommend this book. It is surprisingly not too sad or heavy considering that the grandmother dies.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman

Interest level: Adult

Reading Level: NR

Lexile: NR
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 45, chapter 5

I very rarely read anything that is not young adult fiction. I thought this book looked good and put it on my Christmas wish list. It was under the Christmas tree! I am enjoying it so far. There is nothing in it, as of yet, that would keep it out of a middle school library. However, it is a bit slow to start out. And the make-believe Land-of-Almost-Awake is confusing and seems to be irrelevant to the story. So, it won't go into the middle school library. Let's see if it picks up enough to hold my interest.