I have had this on my shelf for quite a while and I’m so glad I have finally read it. There is so much to unpack in this story and I could see this creating a lot of discussion in a classroom. Set during WWll, this novel-in-verse is about a family who has to deal with an “unteachable” child. When Henry is 4 he gets a terrible ear infection and loses his hearing. His family work hard to help him, and try to find a school that will be able to teach him. They are told that having such a child at home would be too much for them. His parents would like him to go to the school the deaf but after a misguided test by an intolerant adult, Henry is deemed “feebleminded” and his parents are coerced to send him to the state school. Reluctantly they take him there. At this “school” Henry is abused and is is not cared for well. There is no attempt to try to teach him to communicate. A few years into his stay a new staff member arrives because many of the previous ones have enlisted in the war. This young man is a conscious objector to the war and this is his duty in lieu of him refusing to enlist. He is a kind and gentle man who sees the true potential in Henry and works to change Henry’s future, because he is in no way “feebleminded”. This is such a powerful story about kindness and a interesting lesson in history.

A beautifully written novel-in-verse about the relationship between a boy and his dad. ZJ’s dad was a pro football player and sustained numerous concussions and ZJ has noticed changes in his dad, like crushing headaches, bursts of anger, and confusion. He doesn’t understand why his dad has good days and bad, and crushed when his doesn’t remember who he is. ZJ and his dad have always had a connection around music and in the hard moments he sometimes tries to remind his dad of this by playing his guitar and singing to his dad.

A powerful novel-in-verse about childhood trauma and PTSD, and learning to trust again. Cal has lost his mother to Leukemia and his dad is in prison. He has recently moved in with his mom’s twin sister and her family, but is finding the adjustment to a new home and school very difficult. This is mostly because others think him strange or weird because of his reactions to stressful situations (he screams, has tantrums, runs away) and his difficulty in telling the truth. A fabulous novel for middle grades.

This incredible novel about grit, bravery, resilience, and survival will certainly be a favourite for many middle grade readers. I absolutely loved this novel-in-verse and as I read this as a read aloud to my grade 7s, they ask me daily to keep reading. Maddie finds herself left behind after a mass evacuation and must keep herself alive until someone comes back for her. Full of twists and turns and adventure, this book is sure to please readers everywhere.

Read these two AMAZING novels in one day, written by the fabulous Kwame Alexander. These verse novels are great for any Middle Grades reader. They would also be perfect for the reluctant readers in your life. Love, love, love these!

Read these two AMAZING novels in one day, written by the fabulous Kwame Alexander. These verse novels are great for any Middle Grades reader. They would also be perfect for the reluctant readers in your life. Love, love, love these!

Wow! A brilliant story told in both prose and in verse by two powerhouse authors, this story shared Cassius Clay's beginning and how he became Muhammad Ali.

Love this book! Camino and Yahaira are two girls living an ocean apart but connected in a way neither are aware. When their father is killed in a plane crash, their father's secrets begins to unwind and as they deal with their separate grief, they become aware of connections and family they knew nothing about. A beautifully written novel in verse about family, connection, love, grief, and forgiveness.

I had never heard about this story and am appreciative that this book opened my eyes to the tragedy of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Beautifully written in verse, this story beings alive the lives of the people impacted by this tragic event.