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.

A wonderful story about family, friendship, and figuring out who you are. Darius and his family live in the USA but when his grandfather becomes ill, they all travel to Iran to be with family. Darius has never been there before and learns a lot about his heritage and who he is. Darius suffers from depression and while the fact that he and his father take meds to help them with it is open conversation at home, he learns that his Iranian family see this mental illness differently. A powerful story about understanding yourself and your heritage and being ok with who you are.

This has been on my TBR list for ages and I finally got to it yesterday. I started and couldn’t stop, it was so powerful. Amazing, profound, important, I could go on and on. This book impacted me in the same way that Ghost Boys (by Jewell Parker Rhodes) did- it will stay with me for a long time.
Justice decides to start a project to be more like Martin [Luther King]. As he experiences injustices and racism, he writes letters to Martin, often looking for advice on how he would have dealt with these situations. Told with brutal honesty, and reflective of the world black people live in today, this book is a winner. Even better, there is a sequel, which is what I plan to read today. I am quickly becoming a super-fan of Nic Stone and her writing.

Looking for a great book for your pre-teen/teen? Looking for great read-aloud for your Middle Grades classroom? Looking for a book to add to your classroom/school library?This is it! A beautiful story about loss and discovering who you are. This page-turner, with just the right amount of humour and heart-warming moments, was one I couldn't put down. Author Dan Gemeinhart is quickly becoming a favourite among students at our school and his latest release does not disappoint. This book joins the list of best books I have ever read.

Not having seen the musical (someday, I hope!) I had no background knowledge on how this book would roll. I also only learned after I had started listening (audiobook) that the book was written based on the musical. I really loved this book and the very imperfect Evan Hansen. His desperate need to not be so lonely, to have friends, and his willingness to lie to make that happen, is something I think many teens can relate to.

I don't know if I have the right words to properly explain this incredible book. Devastating, gut-wrenching, raw, and powerful are words that come mind, yet it is so much more than that. The story is intricately told through the weaving of Nate's deposition in his friend's case and their relationship, which started a year previous. While we learn about Nate and Cam's history, we also watch as Nate deals with a tragic past, an abusive situation at home, and his devotion to the Catholic Church. This books will stay with me for a long time!

Started this gem of book yesterday afternoon and ended up staying up into the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't put it down! Full of humour, sarcasm, cursing, and hope, readers will instantly connect with Ricky, the amazing protagonist of this story. Ricky (aka Erica) has recently been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis and lives her life is constant pain. Unbeknownst to her divorced parents (another recent challenge in her life) she has skipped the last 6 wks of school because of the constant pain, and the regular humiliation she faces from her peers. Her secret is discovered and she much make big changes to her life if she is going to pass grade 9. Ricky slowly discovers there is good in the world- a new friend, parents and a sister who really do want to support and help her, and most importantly, hope. Absolutely love Ricky's salty personality and her brutal honesty!

When I read a book I often want to know what becomes of the main character. A couple of days ago I talked about Stone’s book “Dear Martin” and after reading it I held hope that things would continue to go well for Justyce. The sequel, “Dear Justyce” not only gave me a follow up to where he’s at, but also a reality check on the truths that young black boys face every day. Justyce had a good education and strong people supporting him and he still faced racism, bias and intolerance. In “Dear Justyce” we remeet his friend Quan, who we are introduced to in the first book. Unlike Justyce Quan grew up in a poor and abusive home where he felt responsible to try and take care, and protect, his siblings. Quan was a smart kid but he didn’t have anyone in his corner who believed in him. He ends up in jail and writes letters to Justyce, where we learn about his past and what he faces everyday. A very powerful read.

Late to the game with this book, and oh how I loved it! Willowdean (aka “Dumplin’ by her mom) is an overweight high schooler living in Texas. She lives with her mom and, until recently, her aunt Lucy who has passed away. Lucy was Willowdean’s favourite person because she always felt loved, no matter her size, by her aunt. Lucy also introduced her to everything Dolly Parton, who is Willowdean’s idol. Willowdean and her mom have had long-standing contentious relationship because Willowdean has always felt judged by her mom about her size. It also doesn’t help that her mom manages (and is a previous winner) of the local teen pageant. When Willowdean discovers an old registration form Lucy had filled out, but never completed, for the beauty pageant (she was very overweight as well), Willowdean decides to register for the pageant. Willowdean has struggled with her self-confidence and has never felt she could be in a pageant because of her size, but decides to do it for her aunt. Willowdean is also being pursued by a handsome and athletic classmate, and feels that there is no way that this relationship can happen because fat girls like her don’t deserve handsome, kind guys like Bo. Willowdean is forced to face her insecurities and self-loathing as she prepares for the pageant and considers a relationship with Bo.