Bodie on the Road by Belinda Jones

Interest Level: Adult
Reading Level: NR
Lexile: NR
Genre: Nonfiction

Belinda's heart is broken by the love of her life. She finds her solace in the heart of a mystery mix breed rescue. When her pup's best friend moves to Portland, Oregon. Belinda plans a 2,000 mile dog friendly road trip.
This book reads like a travel log. Many of the dog-friendly location that were mention sounded very cool. I found the book enjoyable even though it was a slow read.

The Sword of Summer: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard 1 By Rick Riordan

Interest Level: 5-8

Reading Level: 4.9
Lexile: 630L
Genre: Fantasy

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother's mysterious death, he's lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. One day, he's tracked down by an uncle he barely knows-a man his mother claimed was dangerous. Uncle Randolph tells him an unbelievable secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god and that the gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Magnus begins a quest to prevent Ragnarok. When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision. But can the son of god die.


J.K. Rowling is often given credit for making it alright for adults to read young adult fiction. Rick Riordan's "Lightning Thief" came out seven years after "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". This book, the first book in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series, joins Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Heroes of Olympus, The Kane Chronicles, and The Trials of Apollo series to dethrone Rowling.  I highly recommend this book for middle school students and up.

Batgirl Robin Year One by Scott Beatty

Interest Level: YA
Reading Level: NR
Lexile: NR
Genre: Science Fiction

This book was originally published in single magazine form in "Batgirl: Year One 1-9", "Robin: Year One 1-4". Dick Grayson jumps into the thick of it as Robin. The Boy Wonder for the first time patrols the night by Batman's side. In his earliest adventures, Robin learns very quickly that what he thought would be fun is actually a matter of life and death. Barbara Gordon's transforms from average citizen into costumed super-heroine Batgirl.

I am not a huge graphic novel fan. I read them. I enjoy them. However, I miss the word play of a novel. I enjoy creating the pictures in my head using the words of the author. I love Batgirl. She is a librarian like me. I liked reading about how Barbara Gordon became Batgirl.  I recommend this book.

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

Interest Level: 5-8 
Reading Level: 5.1
Lexile: 760L
Genre: Historical Fiction

Set in 1963, Arthur Owens gets in trouble with the law when he throws a brick at the neighborhood Junk Man's head and injures him. The judge gives Arthur 120 hours of community service working with the Junk Man. 

This story is based on the real life and work of James Hampton. I enjoyed this book. I really wanted Arthur to get his act together. I was routing for him the whole way. I would recommend it to students.

Mango Delight by Frascaswell Hyman

Interest Level: 5-8 
Reading Level: 5.3
Lexile: 820L
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Seventh-grader Mango Delight Fuller's BFF Brooklyn gets a new cell phone. Mango beats Brooklyn in a race at track practice. Then Mango accidentally breaks Brooklyn's now phone. She loses her BFF and her spot on the track team, and even costs her father his job. Brooklyn plots her revenge by signing Mango up to audition for the school musical. Her plan backfires when Mango not only wins the lead role, but becomes a YouTube sensation and attracts the attention of the school's queen bee, Hailey Jo.

Realistic fiction is one of my favorite genres. And this novel is a good one! I thought that at the end of the story that those peers that end up being her friends is realistic with a splash of that Disney ending that I love. I highly recommend this book.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.0
Lexile: 640L
Genre: Fantasy

Once a year the people of the Protectorate leave the youngest child in the forest for the witch to eat. This is suppose to appease the witch and prevent her from turning her wrath on the town and its people. But what the people of the Protectorate don't know is that the witch is kind. She journeys to the other side of the forest and finds the babies homes.


Slow to start, this book was hard for me to get through. Although Xan, the forest witch, and Luna, her adopted granddaughter, were the main characters. I cared more for the character of Antain. This could be that I could relate more to him. I am on the fence as to whether or not I would recommend this book even though it is an ORCA nomination.

Darkstalker: Wings of Fire: Legends #1 by Tui T. Sutherland

Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.6
Lexile: 750L
Genre: Fantasy

Alright, let me start by saying, 'I love dragons.' That being said, I was less than thrilled to read this book. First off it has 366 pages and I read very slowly. In the 9 days before starting this book, I had read 2 books. That has got to be a record for me. So, I was afraid of how long this book would take me to read. Then after the first 20 pages, I was already lost. Struggling to keep the characters and their tribes straight. Frustrated, I put it aside, started another book, and put the audio version of "Darkstalker" on hold. With a long vacation drive, I started to listen to the book and follow along with the paperback.

The dragons of Pyrrhia fight to be the ruler of all of Pyrrhia. Some dragons are magical. Darkstalker is a magical hybrid of the nightwings and the icewings. Some dragons believe that every time a dragon uses their magical it kills a bit of their soul. Darkstalker will change the kingdom forever. This book is a prequel to the "Wings of Fire" series.

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe

Interest Level: YA
Reading Level: 7.2
Lexile: 940L
Genre: Historical Fiction

Based on real person, Dita Kraus, this tale is powerful and realistic. This 14 year old girl is one of the many prisoners of the concentration camp of Auschwitz in Poland during Word War II. She us asked to be the librarian of the 8 precious volumes the prisoners have managed to sneak into the camp. Iturbe does not sugarcoat the horrors of the holocaust. This book is a must read. I highly recommend that you read the postscripts as well. A compelling novel about a time that the human race should never forget.

The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner

Interest Level: 3-8
Reading Level: 4.8
Lexile: 720L
Genre: Fantasy

Charlie (Charlotte) feels ignores by her family. Her sister is struggling in her first year away at college. Thanks to a magical fish and a wish Charlie makes her mom gets a new job that takes up more of her time. Charlie can't seem to catch a break. As she continues to wish, things get worse. This middle school student faces some grown up problems.

Slow to start, this book appears to be aimed at 3rd to 6th grade. But as Charlie continues to wish and her problems continue to escalate, the story becomes more interesting. Because of this, I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I do recommend it.

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 4.6
Lexile: 730L
Genre: Realistic Fiction

This was the fifth of eight ORCA nominees that I have read. Castle Cranshaw is a middle school student. He struggles with his temper and his situation. He finds himself when he joins a community track team. I recommend this coming of age story for anyone who is a fan of track and field. Although I do recommend this book, I give it only 4 1/2 stars. "Ghost" does not beat out "Wolf Hollow" for my choice for the 2019 ORCA.

My Seventh Grade Life in Tights by Brooks Benjamin

Interest Level: 3-6

Reading Level: 4.1
Lexile: 560L
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Dillon wants to be a dancer. His did wants him to play football. Dillon and his friends have a YouTube channel on which they post videos of them dancing. Dillon has never had a formal dance lesson but the girl in his crew that he has a crush on hates dance studios. When Dillon finds out about a dance competition for free dance lessons at a locate studio, he must decide between the girl and his dream to dance.

Another ORCA nominee (& OBOB book), I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I liked it but not as much as "Wolf Hollow".

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

Interest Level: 3-6Reading Level (Reading Counts Level): 4.6
Genre: Historical Fiction 


Lexile: 800L

I choose to read this book because it is a nominee for the 2019 Oregon Readers Choice Award. I simply loved it. I carried this book everywhere. I did not play games on my phone when I went to bed. I read instead. I highly recommend this book.

Set in 1943 in rural Pennsylvania, 11 year old Annabelle has a kind heart. Although World War II has everyone on the edge. Annabelle befriends Toby, a World War I vet, who others in her community think is dangerous. But Toby help Annabelle with the bully whose malice grows each day. 

Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

Interest Level: Young Adult
Reading Level (Reading Counts Level): NR
Lexile: NR
Genre: Science Fiction Novella

Binti, a teenage girl, is the first of the Himba people to attend the most prestigious university in the galaxy. While on her journey to the university, her ship encounters the Meduse, a warring alien race. She must use the gifts of her people to make sure she survives. 

I heard about this book from the podcast "Levar Burton Reads". It appealed to me because the Himba people find numbers and mathematics to be a harmonizing, mediating thing. Math and numbers are a religion to them. I very much enjoyed this book and plan on reading the other two novellas in the trilogy. I will share this book with my youngest daughter who is a gifted mathematician.

Booked by Kwame Alexander

Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level (Reading Counts Level): 3.9
Lexile: 660L
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Novel in Verse

Another ORCA 2019 nominee, this novel in verse is a captivating read. Nick is twelve years old who loves soccer but hates books. His father is a college professor and an author of a dictionary. Through some trials, which include a bully, Nick discovers the power of words. He uses a book recommended by his school librarian to try to impress a girl and a new knowledge of words to communicate with his parents. Booked is a story that grabs you right away. A quick read, it has taken the #1 spot for my choice for the 2019 ORCA.

May B. by Caroline Starr Rose

Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level (Reading Counts Level): 4.0
Lexile: 680L
Genre: Historical Fiction/Novel in Verse

This book was given to me by a friend and colleague. This book was a quick read. I read it in 3 days. The story is set in the late 1870's. Twelve year old May is sent to work for a couple who lives 15 miles west of her family's farm in the Kansas prairie. When the young bride takes off and her husband follows, May is left alone. The book chronicles her attempt to survive the winter. Written in verse, this book is a page turner. You want to find out if May survives and is reunited with her family.

The Nameless City 1 by Faith Erin Hiccks

Interest Level: 5-8

Reading Level (Reading Counts Level): 3.0
Lexile: GN390L
Genre: Fantasy Graphic Novel

The city is called The Nameless City because everyone that conquers it changes it name. Kaidu is a member of the current nation to occupy the city. He meet Rat who is a native of the city. Their friendship brings them to where the future of their city lies in their hands.

I am not a big graphic novel reader but chose to read this because it is a 2019 Oregon Readers Choice Award nominee. It is the first of the eight nominees that I have read. I read it in one sitting and very much enjoyed it. 

Popular: How a Geek in Pearls Discovered the Secret to Confidence by Maya Van Wagenen

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level (Reading Counts Level): 4.5
Lexile: 730L
Genre: Memoir

Maya's father finds a 1950's popularity guide written by teen model Betty Cornell. Maya's mother suggests that Maya follow the guide and write about. This book is the of a girl, Maya,  who on the social ladder is “pretty much the lowest level of people at school who aren’t paid to be here." Maya journals her eight grade year and her attempt to become popular.

The book has a great message. "Popularity is more than looks. ... Real popularity is kindness and acceptance. It is about who you are, and how you treat others."

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level (Reading Counts Level): 4.7
Lexile: 650HL
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Jessica and her track teammates get into a bus accident on the way home from a track meet. Jessica loses her leg below the knee. She urns to run again. The track team want to buy her a running prosthetic limb but her parents can hardly pay for her hospital bills.

I loved Van Draanen's book Flipped and I must say I liked this book as well. I will have to remember to add more of Van Draanen's novels to my must-read list.

The German Girl by Armando Lucas Correa

Interest Level: Adult

Reading Level (Reading Counts Level): NR
Lexile: NL
Genre: Historical Fiction

Twelve year old Hannah Rosenthal has had a charmed life. Then in 1939, the Nazi party arrives. Her family loses all their possessions and are no longer safe in their Berlin home. The transatlantic liner, the S.S. Louis, offers the Jews safe passage out of Germany. However, their overseas asylum turns out to be an illusion.

At times the story slows down but I was so invested in the characters that I hung in there to see if Hannah and her best friend, Leo, would be reunited and if she would ever see her father again. 

The Autobiography of Jean-Luc Picard by David A. Goodman

Interest Level: Adult
Reading Level (Reading Counts Level): NR
Lexile: NL
Genre: Science Fiction

I love Star Trek Next Generation the television show; and I loved this book. Now
I want to read "The Autobiography of James T. Kirk".

The Paris Review Podcast

Interest Level: Adult/Young Adult/Varies
Reading Level (Readng Counts Level): NR
Lexile: NR
Genre: All Types

I recently discovered the "Levar Burton Reads" podcast. I so very much enjoyed that podcast that when Levar recommended "The Paris Review" podcast, I had to check it out. In the first episode, actor and writer Wallace Shawn read "Car-Crash While Hitchhiking" by Denis Johnson. It was phenomenal. A bit gory, the tale might not be appropriate for middle school students. Since I have heard all the episodes of "Levar Burton Reads" that are currently available, I will continue to listen to "The Paris Review."

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Interest Level: Adult

Reading Level (Reading Counts Level): NR
Lexile: NL
Genre: Mystery

Finished the book

I highly recommend this book for adults. I found the characters interesting and the plot captivating. The book follows three women, Madeline, Celeste, and Jane, and their lives in a beach-side community. Jane is the newcomer to their community. Madeline and Celeste take her under their wing and their lives are forever changed. Much of the book takes place in and around an elementary school. Being in education, I found a lot that I could relate to in that setting. A story of survival, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Levar Burton Reads

Interest Level: Adult/Young Adult/Varies
Reading Level (Readng Counts Level): NR
Lexile: NR
Genre: All Types

I have recently discovered the "Levar Burton Reads" podcast. My children loved
Burton's  "Reading Rainbow" when they were kids and so did I. "Levar Burton Reads" is "Reading Rainbow" for adults. I listen to the podcast while I exercise; and I LOVE it. Burton reads short stories of all genres. In the first episode Burton reads "Kin" by Bruce McAllister. It is a sci-fi story about a boy who hires an alien hit-man. "The Lighthouse Keeper" by Daisy Johnson is a realistic tale entwined with some fable-like fantasy about a female lighthouse keeper who is obsessed with a certain fish. After each episode, Burton tells why he chose that particular story. I enjoyed hearing why he choose "The Lighthouse Keeper" and about the women in his family. His postscript of this story made me look at it in a whole new way. I felt like I was in a book club with Levar Burton! The latest episode I listened to was "Empty Places" by Richard Parks. It is a fantasy story about a wizard and a thief. Although not my favorite of the three I have listed to so far, I still found it enjoyable. As for recommending these stories to read on your own or listen to Levar Burton perform them, I would say all three are appropriate for 7th graders and older. I give "Kin" 5 out of 5 stars, "The Lighthouse Keeper" - 4 stars, and "Empty Places" - 3 1/2 stars. As for "Levar Burton Reads," I give the podcast 5 billions stars.