The Black Friend by Frederick Joseph

 I do love having time on holidays to read books.  The Black Friend is a book I heard about on Twitter and preordered it. I love that it arrived last week, just as my holidays were starting.  I've got so many books on my bookshelf (and many more on my Kindle), so it is nice to work my way through some of them.  

The Black Friend is unlike most books I read and review on this blog.  For starters, this book is nonfiction, which I don't review on my blog.  This book is also more of an adult book,  however, I can see students enjoying it as well.  It is very appropriate for all ages.  I am reviewing it here because I know many teachers read my blog, and this is one you should read!  

The Black Friend's tag line is 'On being a better white person'.  Frederick Joseph uses his past experiences to showcase the damage racism has on people.  Throughout his stories, Joseph discusses the impact and how he handled the situation and what he would do differently if confronted with it now.  It is through these open and honest stories that the reader not only gets a glimpse into the harm caused by words and actions, but also provides an education to the historical or cultural significance of the microagressions (and out right racism) that many people of colour are faced with on a daily basis.  

Each of Joseph's chapters covers relevant topics such as why it is important to see a persons colour, cultural appropriation, stereotypes and white privilege.  After Joseph shares his experiences, he then brings in a conversation with another artist or activist to add another level to the discussion.  Throughout the book, Joseph also shares where the reader can learn more about the topic- I've got several new movies and documentaries in my 'must-watch' list.  

At the end of the book, Joseph also includes an Encyclopedia of Racism- as I was reading through it yesterday I found myself sharing definitions and new learning with some of my friends.  I am lending this book to a friend today, and will be passing it along to others as well.  This is a book that I want to talk with people about - I want to be a better white person and not an ally, but an accomplice - you'll have to read the book to discover the difference!

Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles

 I'm not sure where I heard about this book, probably on Twitter - it arrived at home a few weeks ago which means I preordered it at some point (I have a small obsession with buying books :) I'm really glad I ordered it though, it was a great read.  

Not So Pure and Simple is a story about Del who is in grade 11 and has had a crush on Keira since they were in Kindergarten.  But Keira has been in a relationship with someone since then and Del has had to just admire her from afar.  But, when Del accompanies his mom to her new church, and sees Keira volunteering for a new program, he jumps at the chance to spend time with her.  Much to Del's surprise, Keira (and now him) have joined the Purity Pledge, vowing to not have sex until marriage.  Del's participation in this program is met with various reactions from his father and his friends.  But all Del wants is to have a chance to be with Keira.  As Del gets to know Keira, he also gets to know others in the group, the difference between what happens at church and what is happening at school, in the classroom and in the halls forces Del to confront preconceived notions he has about relationships, gender stereotypes and religion.  

I thought this book was amazing- it was funny, engaging and had really good messages.  I don't think I would give this to students in grade 7 & 8 though, I am shipping it off to my friend who teaches at the high school.  I would love to sit in on a conversation with students as they discussed some of these topics.  

Don't Stand So Close To Me by Eric Walters

 If you check out other book recommendations by me on this blog, you know that I love all books by Eric Walters.  I can't wait to read whatever he writes.  This one was no exception. 

Don't Stand So Close to Me was written in the spring of 2020 during the Covid lockdown.  In this book, Water's describes the emotions, uncertainty and small acts that were prevalent in the spring. 

This story starts in early March of 2020, just before the country went into lockdown.  Quinn and her friends think they are pretty lucky to have an extra two weeks off after March Break.  However, when reality starts to hit them with what the new restrictions mean for their lives, they are not quite as happy.  Quinn watches her mother switch to working from home, her father, who is a doctor is exhausted dealing with all the patients at the hospital.  Her friend Isaac's mother is a police officer and is having to enforce new bylaws that not everyone agrees with.  Then there is Reese who is worried about her grandmother who is in a long term care facility and can no longer receive visitors.  These three thirteen year olds are forced to deal with online schooling, worries about their parents, missing their friends and all the things they are missing out on because of Covid-19.  

This story did such a great job of describing the events of the Covid pandemic. There were times that it hit a little close to home for me and I found myself getting quite emotional about what the kids were facing.  I can see some kids finding it hard to read and remember the emotional roller coster that many of them faced last spring.  

It is a well written book that I think will be a great reminder in a few years post-Covid about how we coped with all the changes that have been thrown our way this year!  

Breaking Through - Heroes in Canadian Women's Sport by Sue Irwin

 If you were to look through a library or bookstore, the shelves are often filled with sports books written about men and their accomplishments.  Finding a book that focuses on women athletes is much more challenging.  Finding a book about Canadian women athletes is rarer still.  Author Sue Irwin has written a book for those young athletes sitting in your classroom who need inspiration and someone to look up to.  

Breaking Through introduces readers to great moments in Candian sports history featuring both known and less familiar female athletes.  These athletes are introduced through their moment of glory as the reader learns about the excitement leading up to their success in a play-by-play description.  Following that introduction, we learn of the struggles and challenges these resilient women faced as they worked to reach their goal.  

Throughout the book, the author shares inspirational quotes that speak directly to the young reader.  Quotes such as “Take every opportunity that comes and never look back” by Jen Kish.  “Don’t believe anyone that says you can’t do something because you’re a girl” by Carol Huynh.  “When you fail, always get up, and you’ll learn from your mistakes...Each day is a new beginning , and you get to start all over again.” from Sharon Anne Firth are sure to motivate young girls who want to succeed in sports.  

The stories of these women will be sure to excite your students,  teach them that through hard work and dedication you can achieve anything while introducing students to new sports and new heroes.  

Class Act by Jerry Craft

 This summer, I read New Kid by Jerry Craft and decided it was the book we were going to use for our whole school read aloud, which is just getting started now.  I know the kids are going to love it.  Once I finished New Kid, I learned that Craft was publishing a companion to the book and so I ordered it right away.  It came in last week, and I couldn't wait to read it.  

Class Act begins where New Kid ends. This year, the students are in grade 8 and are still navigating what it is like to be 13.  This story focuses more on Drew, one of Jordan's friends.  Drew lives with his grandma and is struggling to come to terms with the privilege, wealth and opportunities some of his friends at Riverdale Academy Day School have that he doesn't have.  One of his close friends Liam seems to have it all, and Drew isn't sure how to be friends with someone who experiences such a different life.  Jordan also struggles in this story by trying to keep his friends together, recognizing that their differences are what make them unique, but also that other people may label them based on things out of their control.  

Once again, Jerry Craft has written a book that is engaging, funny and causes the reader to consider things from a different perspective.  I have a feeling that I might need to order a few more copies of this book for the library because I know once the kids have finished New Kid, they are going to want to read this one!  

 

Me and Banksy by Tanya Lloyd Kyi

 This book was given to me by a teacher at school who likes reading similar books to me.  He thought I might like this one, and he was right!  

Me and Banksy is the story of Dominica and her friends in grade 8.  Dom and her friends go to a private school where the motto is "Security breeds success".  Security now comes in the form of cameras in the classrooms, hallways and all other places students interact.  This is concerning to some students, but for others, they don't care.  But when unflattering videos taken from these school computers start to appear in on classmates phones, people start to take notice.   Dominica is embarrassed by something circulating showing her in an unflattering light, but doesn't know what to do.  But she has been reading a book about Banksy, an anonymous graffiti artists, and it is through learning about Banksy that Dominica begins to fight back.  

This is a great story that deals with cyberbullying, security and the cost of constant surveillance.   It's an easy read that I can see kids enjoying.  

Swing by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

 I have bought several Kwame Alexander books (although it appears I've only read one other one) for the boys at school.  His sports books really appeal to boys who claim they don't like to read.  This book I bought last year for a few of the boys, and I brought it home over the summer to read.  I picked it up a few weeks ago, but haven't had a chance to finish my review of it until now.  

Swing is the story of two friends- Noah and Walt.  Walt is looking for fame through baseball, he is hoping that after three years of not making the varsity ball team, this will be the year he will.  Noah is hoping at some point he can work up the nerve to tell his friend Sam how he feels about her.  

I love the fact that Alexander writes his books in prose. There are times I have to convince the boys they will like it, and they always do.  This book has the added appeal of mixed media art as Noah tries to express his feelings towards Sam in a unique way.   This is a book I will certainly share with kids at school.  

Dear Justyce by Nic Stone

 I've been waiting for Dear Justyce since the summer when I ordered it.  I was so happy when it came in this week, although it was hard not reading it right away!  Dear Justyce is the sequel to Dear Martin, a book I really loved reading.  

Dear Justyce is the story of Quan from Dear Martin, a boy much like Justyce, but without all of the advantages Justyce had.  Quan's story is the story of a boy who tries to do the right thing, but his home life, his dad's incarceration, and trouble at school led him along a different path than Justyce.  When Quan finds himself in jail facing charges of murder, he begins writing Justyce who is in his first year of prelaw at Yale. As Quan tells his story, from the day he met Justyce to witnessing his father's arrest to the abuse his mother faced in her relationship, we learn of all the disadvantages that led to Quan looking for connections and a sense of belonging.  

This story was so hard to read because while Dear Justyce is a fictional story, it isn't hard to imagine how similar it is to many youth today.  I never heard the term "school to prison pipeline" but this story painted a very real picture of the American juvenile justice system.  

I know there are many kids at school who will be waiting to borrow this book from me.  

Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles

 This book has been getting lots of buzz on twitter this summer.  I decided it would be the last official book I would be able to start and finish this summer sitting by the pool. 

Tyler Johnson Was Here is the story of Marvin Johnson and his twin brother Tyler.  Marvin is a boy in grade 12 who has a bright future.  He is passionate about science and hopes to study at MIT after high school.  However, he is worried about his brother.  Tyler is starting to spend more time with the local gang and when Marvin witnesses his brother passing a small baggie to the head of this gang, he is very worried.  Then, when Marvin follows his brother to a party in order to keep an eye on him, things go bad when the police break up the party and gun shots are heard.  Now Marvin has to confront his mother and explain what Tyler was getting involved with and just hope that he is ok as they have not heard from him since the party.  

This was an interesting read.  Much too mature for Intermediate students, I will be sending this book off to my friend who teaches high school.  Watching Marvin and his mother deal with the affects of police brutality and his brother trying to survive with limited choices was hard to read.   It was an interesting book that puts the reader into situations that we only see on TV.  

The Talk Conversations about Race, Love and Truth by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson

 I don't usually review nonfiction books that I read, mostly because I don't read a lot of nonfiction for kids.  But this book belongs in my Summer 2020 reading journey as I am learning how to address and talk about race and racism with students.  The Talk was promoted by Pernille Ripp on her Instagram page, usually when she promotes a book, I find I have to order it!  

The Talk is a collection of letters/poems/ articles written by award-winning authors to their children about racism, identity and what is like growing up not being part of the dominate culture in the United States.  Many of these stories had me reconsidering my understanding of what it is like being a different colour, religion, culture, race in American.  These stories really hit home as I imagined having to have some of these conversations with my own children.  

This summer I have read a lot and listened to many podcasts trying to learn more about how I can not only have conversations with students, but also to educate myself on how I can be an ally and help promote equality.  I'm not totally sure where this book fits in with that quest, but I am very glad I read it.  

The Summer of Broken Things by Margaret Peterson Haddix

 I've always been a big fan of Margaret Peterson Haddix books, I've read many of her books- even before I started writing this blog.   A few weeks ago a few friends came over to exchange books and Becky shared this one, I had to grab it because I love Peterson Haddix writing.  I loved this book the way I've loved her other stories.

The Summer of Broken Things is a story about two very different girls.  Avery, a 14 year old rich, pretty and passionate about soccer and Kayla 16, who doesn't feel good about herself, has never had money and lives in a very small town.  When Avery's father announces he is going to Spain for business for the summer and that Avery is coming with him, she is very upset.  All she wants to do is spend the summer at soccer camp.  Then, when Avery learns that Kayla - someone who she played with when she was very young, is coming along she is furious.  Avery is mad at both her mother, her father and Kayla and is determined to make their lives miserable.  As they spend time in Spain, Kayla starts coming into her own and when they learn what really connects them, they handle this new information in very different ways.  

I can see lots of kids enjoying reading this story.  Avery is the typical 'spoilt girl' you see on TV and in movies, she isn't really very likeable.  Kayla is kind and caring and so uncertain about herself that you just want to root for good things for her.  I enjoyed reading about how the girls got to spend the summer in Spain and really immerse themselves in the culture and community.  

I'll be ordering this book to have in my library.  

Suffer Love by Ashley Herring Blake

 I'm not sure where I found this book, probably on twitter.  I just received it last week so today when I was looking for a book to read, I grabbed this one right away.   It was a great read, although not really appropriate for kids in grade 7 and 8, maybe mature kids in grade 8.  

Suffer Love is the story of Hadley and Sam, both dealing with the repercussions of a family crisis.  For Hadley, she is trying to live with the fact that her father was unfaithful to her mother.  Hadley doesn't know how to forgive her father for the mess they find themselves in.  Sam is trying to support his sister and deal with his mother's anger towards him as well as his father's absence. Neither Sam or Hadley are looking for a relationship, they are just looking for a way to get through life.  But Sam and Hadley are drawn together and their connection feels right for both of them.  But Sam is hiding a secret that he is afraid will mean the end of this connection.  As Hadley and Sam try and deal with friends, family and each other, they learn lessons along the way about how to really live.  

I thought this story was great, I could not put it down!  Sam and Hadley are both such wonderful, believable characters.  Learning about love through watching their own parents while exploring their own feelings was so realistic.  I can see lots of girls enjoying this story.  But I would suggest for Intermediate students that you read it first because there are mature scenes, although not graphic or explicit, it could be glossed right over by readers. 

 

Send by Patty Blount

 I've read several books by Patty Blount and have always really liked her stories.  The other books I've read have always had a female main character, so this one was a bit different.  I'm not sure why I've not read this one before, I thought it was a new release, but when I looked, this book was written in 2012.  I'm glad I found it!

Send is the story of Dan, whose life changed when he hit send when he was 13 years old.  Now, in his senior year of high school, he just wants to get through this last year and move onto college.  He is starting fresh in a new school, and hopes to just coast through the year.  However, all that changes the first day of school when he sees two students getting into a fight, he steps in to protect the weaker student from being hurt.  It is the right thing to do, however, it doesn't help Dan stay hidden from the rest of the school.  However, Dan knows the consequences of bullying and sees the fear in Brandon eye's.  He also meets Julie- the girl who he can't seem to stay away from, even when everything tells him he should.  Dan is hiding a big secret and his fear is that people will learn who he really is, but as he starts to develop a friendship with Brandon and Julie, he tries to fight being a normal teenager because of a mistake he once made.  

I loved reading this story.  Dan, Brandon and Julie's story were all difficult to read, they are all dealing with trauma and trying to find a way forward.  Reading about Dan's journey to forgive himself was very interesting, his relationship with his parents and grandpa was also really fascinating.  Even though the situations Dan, Brandon and Julie found themselves in were quite unique, I can see many kids relating to the situation and how they tried to handle themselves.  I know many kids are going to enjoy reading this book.  It does deal with mature content, but I wouldn't hesitate to give this to a student in grade 7 or 8.  

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

This book was highly recommended by several people on twitter.  I ordered it last week and yesterday when I was looking for my next book, this was the one that caught my eye.  

Clap When You Land is the story of two girls- Camino living in the Dominican Republic waits all year for the summer when her father comes to visit and Yahaira, who lives in New York City, but whose father goes home every summer and never brings her with him.  When Camino is waiting at the airport for her father, she gets the terrible news that his plane went down over the ocean.  On the same day, Yahaira is called to the principal's office to hear the news that her father's plane went down and they are assuming there are no survivors.  Both girls struggle to deal with the aftermath of their favourite persons death, they also learn that their father had a secret he kept from both of them, but when they learn this secret, the loss of their father brings new family and new relationships into play.  

This story was phenomenal.  I love stories told in verse, and the way this story alternates perspectives gave insight into how the girls were dealing with such a big loss.  I loved learning about life in the Dominican Republic, outside of the very narrow view vistors to local resorts get there.  Camino had so many talents and dreams and the fear that she might not achieve her goals is very hard to imagine.  Yahaira also has an interesting life in New York City and reading about how she navigates her life there was also fascinating.  Yahaira's mother also was quite an interesting character, she clearly knew of her husbands secret, and held a great deal of anger towards him and where does that anger go when the person dies is a question that was addressed through this story.   I know that these two girls are going to live with me for a while after finishing this story.  

Clap When You Land does deal with mature sexual content, but it wouldn't stop me from giving it to grade 8 students.  

Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake

This book has been sitting on my 'to-be-read' shelf for about a year.  Yesterday I wanted a different book to read from what I've been reading this summer and so this was the one I picked.  I've not read any books by Ashley Herring Blake before, but I am adding a few of hers to my cart.  

Girl Made of Stars is a story about Mara and Owen- twins who have always been close.  One Monday morning, Mara's best friend/ ex-girlfriend Charlie tells Mara that their other friend Hannah is accusing Owen of raping her.  This event confuses Mara to no end.  How could her brother who she loves and respects be accused of such an awful thing?  Mara doesn't know how to handle this, she has been brought up to understand that you always believe the female, but her mother is taking Owen's side.  Mara believes Owen is telling the truth, but she also knows that Hannah wouldn't make up a lie like this, and so she is torn between these stories.   As Mara navigates her family dealing with this aftermath, she is also forced to remember a past trauma of her own that she has never shared with anyone.  While dealing with this, she is also confronted with Charlie's new relationship and trying to navigate how to be a best friend to an ex.  

Watching Mara deal with all of these issues is really difficult.  She has so much thrown at her and struggles to cope with all of these issues.  I thought this story was really well told.  All of the characters are so believable and real.  The relationship between Mara and Owen is interesting to watch how it changes.  Watching how Mara's mother deals with the accusation is also very heart wrenching.  All in all, this was a fabulous book.  It does deal with a mature topic, but I can see giving this book to grade 8 students without question.  

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Ghost is the second book I've read by Jason Reynolds this summer and it's another great read!  This one is much more appropriate for Grade 6-8 students too.  

Ghost is the story of Castle Cranshaw, who likes to be known as Ghost.  Ghost lives with his mom and is really struggling deal with the effects of witnessing a violent incident.  Ghost has always known he is a fast runner, but he has never even thought about learning how to run fast.  But when he runs in front of a man who not only trains runners, but also was an Olympic medalist, Ghost is asked to run with the team.  However, learning to be part of a team is challenging for Ghost- he is dealing with a lot of issues from his past that gets in the way of his ability to be a top level racer.  

This was a great read. Ghost is a great character whose own behaviour and attitude stop him from achieving what is possible.  I can see many boys enjoying this book to not only learn about running, but also about growing up and being responsible for your own actions.   

There is a sequel to this one called Patina which is now in my shopping cart to order with my next batch of books.  

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

Today's read was All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely.  It is a book I've had on my shelf for a while, and as I went through all the books I wanted to read, this made it to the top of my list.  

I haven't read anything by Jason Reynolds yet, but I have a few by him on my shelf. 

This book, like other's I've been reading this summer deals with young adults being confronted with race and racism as they are trying to navigate their world.  This story is about Rashad, a young black boy who is shopping one night before heading out with his friends when he is suddenly arrested on charges of theft and beaten for supposedly resisting the arrest.  As we watch Rashad deal with the aftermath of that event, we also get a different outlook on the event from Quinn, a fellow classmate of Rashad who is not only white, but also best friends of the Guzzo, the younger brother of policeman who beat Rashad up while arresting him.  Quinn has always idolized his best friend's brother and is conflicted between what he knows of Paul and what he witnessed.  

 Teachers, administration and coaches just want to push things down and not let this issue affect what is happening at school, but that is impossible as things start to heat up with students, adults and family members taking sides.  

I thought this was a great story, that deals with issues that must crop up every time something like what we see in the news happens.  The two main characters are quite rich and complex, both dealing with their families expectations while trying to determine how they want to handle the events and the aftermath.  It think this would be a great book to read with high school students.  There is a bit of swearing in it, I will keep it in my library for my grade 7 & 8's, but I wouldn't use it as a read aloud for that young of a group.  

Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes

This is the second book I've read this summer by Jewell Parker Rhodes. The first one was Ghost Boys .  Black Brother, Black Brother was on my radar, but it was after my friend Heather read it and loved it that I bumped it up to the top of my reading list.  

Black Brother, Black Brother is the story of Donte, a grade 7 boy who goes to a prep school where he is constantly being blamed for things and teased by the popular boys at school.  Dubbed "Black Brother" because Donte is black and his brother Trey is lighter skinned because they are the children of biracial parents.  Donte is tired of feeling like he doesn't fit in and tired of being picked on by Alan, captain of the fencing team.  Donte wants nothing more than to show Alan that he is as good as him.   Donte then finds a former Olympic fencer at the local Boys and Girls club and begins to train with him.  Along the way, Donte deals with racism, bullies and determines what is important to him and the type of person he wants to be.  

I enjoyed reading this book- I read it in about 2 hours straight because I couldn't put it down.  Both books I've read by Jewell Parker Rhodes have a very unique writing style- the prose is choppy and doesn't flow naturally.  However I believe that is purposeful because her books deal with uncomfortable topics.  I loved the fencing references throughout the story. Fencing is a sport that is not as well known, and I can see how the detail about the sport would be of real interest to many who read this book.  

Several of us are looking for a book to read aloud to our grade 6-8 students this upcoming school year, this is one that is in contention for sure.   Even if it isn't the book to we choose to read aloud, it is a book that belongs in every classroom/ school library for sure.  

Black and White by Eric Walters

I've always loved Eric Walters books.  I love reading them, love recommending them and love watching kids come back for more.  Back in 2009 (holy cow that is a long time ago!), I read Black and White and reviewed it here, my copy of the book has gone missing- hopefully some past student kept it because it was one of their favourite books.  I ordered it again this week to go along with my theme of reading books dealing with racial issues.  I sat down to read it again today.  

Black and White is the story of Thomas and Denyse, both share similar passions of basketball and eating sugar on their popcorn.  They find that they have so many things in common, but the one thing they don't have in common is the colour of their skin, Thomas is white and Denyse is black.  For them, this doesn't matter, but their families are concerned about how difficult it will be for them to be in a relationship because of what others will think.  Both Thomas and Denyse are confronted with people who take issue with their relationship and have to figure out how to deal with the anger that is thrown their way when people see them together.

I'm really glad I reread this book today.  I can see a lot of my kids enjoying this story with all of the complexities in it.  Thomas is a boy who reminds me so much of the kids at school, loving basketball, unsure of how to be around girls and navigating challenges that are thrown at them.  It was interesting reading this 11 years after it was published, I'm not sure how much has changed and that is something that I will be able to talk to kids about when they borrow this book from me next year.

The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake

This is a book I read years ago, apparently before I was even writing this blog since I don't have a record of what I thought about this book.  I ordered it again because it is a book that comes up a great deal when I was searching for books to read this summer.  I was also interested to read the foreword by Jason Reynolds, an author I've also ordered several books by this summer. 

The Skin I'm In is the story of Maleeka, a girl in grade 7 who is teased terribly every day because of how dark her skin is, how ugly her clothes are and how smart she is.  Maleeka is a pretty lonely girl, who is able to hang out with Char, who treats her terribly.   When a new teacher comes to school, Maleeka learns from her about how to deal with being different from those around you and how to stand up for what is right.

I really liked the foreword in this book.  Reynolds talked about how this is the book he gave to all of his female family members so that they could appreciate the beauty they carry.  This wouldn't be a book I would use as a read aloud for a class, however, it certainly belongs in a classroom library.  There are a few mature pieces mentioned in this story, however it is age appropriate for grade 7 & 8 students. 

The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe

This book came recommended to me by a friend on Facebook when I wrote that I was looking to read books with more diversity.  

The Field Guide to the North American Teenager is the story of  Norris Kaplan- a Black French Canadian who has just moved from Montreal to Texas.  Norris is determined to not like Texas, he is convinced he won't fit in, he is missing his best friend from home and playing hockey.  But slowly, Norris begins to find his place in his high school and starts to learn what makes Texas such a great place.  He has a love interest, a new friend, a job and is even coaching a hockey team.  However, Norris is still not convinced that Texas is where he belongs, and still feels awkward in a new country with new friends.  

I loved this story- I laughed out loud in places.  Norris's observations about the people around him are quite funny to read (although not so funny when they are about you) Norris is a great character, not perfect- but interesting to read about.  

This book might be a little mature for grade 7 & 8's, but I can see boys quite enjoying reading this one.  

New Kid by Jerry Craft

I am not a graphic novel reader- I never really know how to follow the story and I like making the pictures in my mind.  However- this book- blew me away and has convinced me I need to read more of not only Jerry Craft's books, but graphic novels in general. 

New Kid is the story of Jordan, a young black boy in 7th grade who is leaving his home school and traveling across town to attend a rather expensive private school.  At Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan finds himself one of the few students of colour and he finds the difference between being at school and traveling home to be quite different.  Jordan isn't really sure who he should be, or how he should be acting.  His parents also have different opinions on the benefits of being at Riverdale.  Throughout the story, Jordan needs to learn how to stay true to himself and his family, but also learn to navigate different perspectives and opinions of the people (both students and adults) at school. 

One of the things I liked about this story was that Jordan is an artist and there are times throughout the story that Jordan sketches his feelings about events taking place.  Many of his drawings made me laugh out loud.  I also really liked the way micro-aggressions were brought up in the story- I think this book would make a great read aloud for grade 7 & 8 (and younger).  Right now this book is one I would like to see my whole school read aloud in the fall- I just have to figure out how to do that with a graphic novel...any thoughts on that? 

Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson

I picked this one up after lunch today and read it in one sitting- it was THAT good!  This is the first book I've read y Renee Watson, but I will be ordering more of her books today!

Piecing Me Together is the story of Jade, a young girl who is trying to find her voice as she learns to navigate the world.  Jade lives with her mom and her uncle in a poor neighbourhood in Portland, but she goes to private school a few neighbourhoods away.  She attends this school on a scholarship which sets her apart from the other students at the school.  When Jade is there, she often hears stories of opportunities her peers have that she doesn't.  But, when she is asked to participate in a new mentorship program called Woman to Woman, she isn't convinced she wants to join.  Jade is tired of being made to feel like something is wrong with her, that she needs help and needs to be fixed.  However, girls in this program also have the opportunity for a scholarship to college, which is impossible to pass up on. 

As Jade navigates the different worlds she lives in, she feels different pressures from her mom, her uncle, her best friend from her previous school, her new friend and her mentor.  Jade is learning to speak up and speak out in order to share her thoughts, ideas and feelings. 

The women in this story are real women- they are not perfect, but along the way, they speak to Jade and help her figure out how she wants to operate in her world and how she needs to fight for the opportunities she is looking for.  One of my favourite characters in this story is Jade's mentor Maxine.  Jade thinks Maxine as her mentor should have all of the answers, but what Jade comes to learn is that everyone is trying to figure out how to make their voices heard- no matter what age they are. 

I think the girls at school are going to love reading Jade's story, she will stay with me for a while I think. 

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Ghost Boys is another book I ordered last week in an effort to bring in more BIPOC books into my library.  I am also searching for a book we can use for our school to read next year to tackle the topic of racism and tolerance.  

Ghost Boys is the story of Jerome, a 12 year old victim of another police shooting in Chicago. We learn his story as his ghost watches his family and community deal with his loss as well as through a series of flashbacks showing what led up to his murder.   As Jerome is coming to terms with his death, his family is dealing with being thrust into the spotlight, he also meets a few other young people. He meets Sarah, who is the daughter of the police man who killed him.  Sarah is also trying to understand how someone she loves could have made such a tragic mistake.  Jerome also meets another ghost- Emmett Till- who was a young black boy murdered in the South in 1955 who is credited for kicking off the Civil Rights Movement.  

This story was tough to read at times.  The story is told in very short, choppy sentences, which leaves the reader feeling a bit unsettled - which is appropriate given the topic.  It is hard reading about all the young people in this story- it is hard to make sense of these killings that seem to occur more often.

I'm not sure if this is a story I would want to read aloud, you would certainly need to open up the discussion so that students would be able to talk through the issues that are brought forward.  I feel like this is a book that is going to stay with me for a long while.  I'm going to lend it to a few other teachers to get their take on it, before deciding how I might use it in the fall.  Regardless, it is going to be in my library come September.

When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk

The summer of 2020 has begun, which means more time for me to read YA books!  This summer, my plan is to read more diverse books, books with characters of different races, cultures and religions.  I've been doing lots of searches and looking for recommendations.  This book arrived earlier this week and it was the first one I grabbed yesterday.

When You Were Everything is the story of two best friends who are no longer best friends.  Cleo and Layla have been best friends for years, they have navigated middle school together and the beginnings of high school.  When Layla looks to branch out from their tight knit duo by joining the school chorus, Cleo isn't sure how to deal with it.  Layla begins to spend more time with the girls from the choir and things at home start to fall apart for Cleo.   The only way for Cleo to deal with the loss of this friendship is to wipe out all the good memories she had with Layla with the help of a new friends and a budding romance.

I loved this story- I actually couldn't put it down and had to stay up quite late to finish the story.  As a female, I connected with the loss of a close friend.  As a teacher, I've witnessed the pain girls who were once friends inflict on one another.  When you tell someone your deepest secrets it gives them the power to hurt you when that trust is gone. I've seen one person 'steal' another person away and the pain that causes.    Layla and Cleo deal with all of these issues in a real way and I can see this story being very popular with many of the grade 7 & 8's at my school.

There was a little bit of swearing in this story, but nothing inappropriate and nothing that would stop me from having this in an Intermediate classroom.   Ashley Woodfolk  is a new author for me, but I've got her first novel in my shopping cart already- she writes books that are relatable, realistic and a must have for classrooms!

Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers

I'm a huge fan of Courtney Summers books- I've reviewed a few of her books on this blog.   I like the stories she tells, although they tend to be a little more mature than the audience I usually write for.  Some of her books I would be hesitant to give to Intermediate students because of the topics she writes about.   

Cracked Up to Be is one of those books that is mature, deals with topics that tend to be more suited to high school students, but I would give it to a more mature grade 8 student. 

Parker is the main character, she is a deeply flawed young lady who is trying to cope with an event that happened at a party last year.  Before that party, Parker was the perfect student, daughter and girlfriend.  But something happened there that changed everything.  Now, Parker is trying to hold it together in order to graduate and escape her town so that the secret she knows never has to be told. 

Parker was a great character- sassy, smart and damaged.  She was someone who I wanted to survive in order to move forward and be successful.  I would suggest reading this book before giving it to any younger student since there are some mature topics. 

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Last summer, I read the book Holding Up the Universe  and I when I looked to see what else Jennifer Niven has written, I found All the Bright Places.  I must have ordered it right away, but didn't get around to reading it until this week. 

All the Bright Places is the story of Fitch and Violet who meet high up on the ledge of a tower close to their school contemplating life.  This chance meeting changes both of them in very significant ways.  Fitch has a fascination with death.  He often researches ways people have died and this helps him when he gets into his 'dark' moods and struggles to get out of bed and engage with the world around him.  Violet is dealing with the tragic death of her sister less than a year ago in a car accident. Violet is counting down the days until the end of high school when she can finally leave her town, her home and memories of her sister. 

Fitch and Violet are very different people whose paths do not cross much at their high school.  Violet is popular and hangs out with all the right people.  Fitch is considered a freak by his fellow classmates.  Yet somehow these two different people are thrown together and become friends.  Along the way, they help each other deal with everything life has thrown at them. 

I really enjoyed this book and the story.  There were times I was crying, and other times I was laughing.  It is a serious book, but with such beautiful moments.  Fitch is a unique character who looks at the world differently than most people.  Watching Violet deal with the grief of her losing her sister is heartbreaking. 

This book, while appropriate in many ways for Intermediate students does deal with mature topics.  Suicide is a prevalent theme in this story so I would caution anyone who wants to give this book to a student to read it first and ensure the student could handle the topic. 

Uprising by Margaret Peterson Haddix

While in self-isolation, I'm trying to work my way through all of my books sitting on my shelf.  When I taught grade 6 a million years ago, I read a lot of Margaret Peterson Haddix, but I haven't read her books in a while.  This one is unlike any others I have read by her, but I did like it.

Uprising is the story of three young girls in 1910 who live in New York and work under terrible conditions.  Bella has just arrived in the United States from Italy, she is working hard to make money to send for her family back home.  However, not knowing the language is very challenging for her, she has no idea how to navigate this new world, and working at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory is hard, confusing work for her.   Yetta arrived in New York from Russia and is working to create a union to fight for better conditions for the women who work at the Shirtwaist Factory.  Then there is Jane, who grew up with privilege and money, but her father doesn't believe that women are entitled to an education and wants to marry her off as soon as possible.   These three young women are living during the time when workers were fighting for their rights and for fair working conditions. 

I enjoyed reading this story, the characters lived through such trying times in fighting for a better life for themselves and others to follow.  I knew a little bit about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and the fire that changed the lives of the workers and rights of others, but not much.  It's amazing how people were treated then. 

I can think of a few students who would like this story. I think the audience might be limited to kids who like historical novels, I did find the character development took a longer time than I usually like, but I did enjoy the story. 

See All the Stars by Kit Frick

This is one of those books that has been sitting on my to-be-read shelf since last summer.  I find it harder to read real books because I rely on my kindle to read at night.  But decided during this time when I'm at home, I should focus on reading some of the books I've picked out.  This was a great start.

See All The Stars is the story of Ellory, and her group of three friends.  For three years of high school, they have been inseparable.  Spending all of their time together.   But that was then- in grade 11, now it is grade 12 and they have all gone their separate ways, often going out of their way to avoid each other.  This story alternates between grade 11 and grade 12 year as we slowly start to discover what happened to this friendship. 

I really enjoyed this story, I liked the main character Ellory a lot, I also liked learning about her friends, although I didn't really like them as people all that much.  Ellory and her friends seem like many high school friends, trying to figure out what life is going to be like for them and how they want to move through the world. 
I also really liked the way the author moved between the two time periods.  She gave enough hints in the future to know that something serious happened, but it wasn't until the very end that you learned what actually happened. 

This story does have some mature pieces to it, however I wouldn't hesitate to give it to my grade 7 and 8's. 

Chirp by Kate Messner

A few weeks ago, I read on twitter that Kate Messner had a new book out.  I've not read any other books by her, but know that she is a great author for Junior age students.  This one really appealed to me, so I ordered it quickly.  One of my goals for this time when we are not working in school is to read more of the YA books on my shelf.  So this was the first one I wanted to start with. 

This book is the story of Mia, who is returning to Vermont after being away for a few years.  While she was away, Mia had an accident while training for gymnastics, and that fall took away a lot of her courage and self-confidence.  One of the reasons Mia's family move back is to live close to her Grandma who is trying to turn her cricket farm into a profitable business.  But strange things keep happening at the farm, and Gram thinks someone is out to get her. 

During the summer, Mia meets new friends, attends a few different camps, solves a mystery and learns about challenges women have to overcome in order to be successful. She learns as well that there are some secrets that need to be shared, or they will change how you feel about yourself and the world around you. 

This story was compelling right away.  I liked all the characters and liked how the girls could be both athletic and successful in academic pursuits.  This book couples nicely with Barbara Dee's book Maybe He Just Likes You .  I think this book would be great for students in grade 5-7.  There are a few sensitive topics brought up in the story, but they are handled in a very age appropriate way.  I'd highly recommend reading this book!