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July 11th- Science Fiction, Fantasy, Sports, and Novels in Verse

Out of the Dust by: Karen Hesse. Grade level: 4-6.

This story is about Billie Jo and her family during the Dust Bowls of the 1930s in Oklahoma. Even though their situation is grim, she is content. However, when her mother dies in a tragic accident, Billie Jo and her father slip into their own depressions and are unable to communicate with one another. However, the story does have hopeful ending because after she runs away that she realizes that she must come home in order to have a future. Although it was kind of depressing, it was a quick read and I think students will learn a bit about that time period in American history.

Catching Fire by: Suzanne Collins. Grade level: 8 and up.

The second installment of the Hunger Game Series, was just as exciting as the first. Katniss learns that her actions have caused the government to decide to put her, Peeta and other previous winners back in the games. The reader is at the edge of their seat wondering who will be left standing! She also faces a tug of war with her feelings when trying to decide between Peeta and Gale. This book had a lot of action like the first and I could not put it down!

Mockingjay by: Suzanne Collins. Grade level: 8 and up.

The third and final book in the series, I have to be honest, was not my favorite. Katniss and other rebels discover that district 13 does indeed exist, underground! They assemble a rebellious force and take on the government, but Katniss and others must sacrifice not only relationships but other peoples lives. I liked the whole premise of this book but I felt that it was kind of drawn out and that they were battling forever. However, I was oddly happy that she picked Peeta in the end, although as the author I think Collins had a way of making you  pick him too.



Miracle on 49th Street by Mike Lupica. Grade level: 5-8.

This Mike Lupica book focuses on Molly Parker. She is forced to move to America after her mother dies of cancer, and she struggles to meet and get close to her NBA father, Josh Cameron. Cameron has an NBA championship, endorsements, and a great image; he's not prepared for a surprise daughter. However, as soon as she enters his life, he is changed forever. I really enjoyed this book, because although sports was touched upon, this focused on two people struggling to find a beginning.



Fahrenheit 451 by: Ray Bradbury. Grade level: 8 and up.

I read this book in the 8th grade, and since Bradbury died I really wanted to read it again. This story is about Guy, a fireman who burns books and buildings that they are found in. However, when he meets Clarisse, who ultimately dies, his world is forever changed. He wonders what books hold, and after he reads one his chief and those closest to him, turn against him. He and other rebellious people then have to hide after the government drops a nuclear bomb, and then must try to rebuild. I always thought his book was about censorship, but now I feel that its about more than that and I loved it more now then when I was 14.

Heat by: Mike Lupica. Grade level: 6-8.

I decided to also read a more sports oriented novel by Lupica, and i really liked it! This story is about Michael, a young phenom on the pitchers mound, who has the opportunity to pitch at the Little League World Series at Yankee Stadium; the home field of his favorite player! However, after his father's death he and his older brother try to maintain their lives, even when the other team tries to ruin his chances to pitch! I'm a big baseball fan (Yankees fan) so i thought this was great read, and i think young boys would really enjoy this story!


Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked With of the West by: Gregory Maguire. Grade level: 9 and up.

This book gives readers another side of the story out of OZ. The story focuses on the Wicked Witch of the West and the prologue begins on her spying on Dorothy and her friends, and perspective really makes the reader think about the differences between good and evil. Furthermore, it begs the question if good intentions have bad result is nthat the same as truly malice intentions? I really loved the book.



What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones. Grade level: 9-12.


This book really covers the high school, teenage years. Sophie is trying to navigate the teenage dating waters, and keeps hitting snags. Until she ends up falling for Robin, a nerdy outcast, which will definitely bring down her reputation. However, she doesn't care because she loves him! I think that any teenage girl would love this, and I just might read the sequel!



Chasing Brooklyn by: Lisa Schroeder. Grade level: 9-12.

This novel in verse is a tale of grief and coping with lose. Brooklyn loses her boyfriend Lucca and then her friend Gabe. She is haunted and does not know what to do. However, Nico, Lucca's brother, communicates to his brother that he must help Brooklyn, and they then begin to lean on each other. This was a pretty quick read and I thought it was really interesting, although very sad.