notes on books, teaching, and tech from your friendly neighborhood librarian
Full Cicada Moon, Marilyn Hilton
Historical fiction/Novel in verse
Mimi knew how things worked back in California. In California, she excelled in math and science, she had friends whose families were from all over the world, and her cousins lived right next door. And she had big dreams: to become the first woman astronaut. Continue reading “Book of the Week: Full Cicada Moon, by Marilyn Hilton”
House Arrest, K.A. Holt
Realistic fiction/Novel in verse
Timothy knows stealing is wrong. He’s not dumb. Everyone knows that. Continue reading “Book of the Week: House Arrest, K.A. Holt”
The Weight of Water, Sarah Crossan
Realistic fiction/Novel in verse
Before they’ve even left the railroad station, their suitcase breaks, and Kasienka knows that things are only going to get worse. Her father abandoned them, so now she and her mother are moving from their home in Poland to make a new life in England. Continue reading “Book of the Week: The Weight of Water, by Sarah Crossan”
Wicked Girls, Stephanie Hemphill
Historical fiction/Novel in verse
In Colonial Era Salem, Massachusetts, there is one path to righteousness and many rules to follow. Life is strict and rigidly controlled: you are told what to wear, what to believe, and who to spend time with. Continue reading “Book of the Week: Wicked Girls, by Stephanie Hemphill”
Velvet Undercover, Teri Brown
Historical fiction/Adventure
Samantha excels at everything she does. She’s at the top of her class, studies advanced math for fun, speaks five languages fluently, and serves as a messenger for MI5, the British intelligence organization, during World War I. Continue reading “Book of the Week: Velvet Undercover, by Teri Brown”
The Eighth Day, Dianne K. Salerni
Fantasy/Adventure
Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, this fast-paced adventure story is rooted in King Arthur and Aztec legends. Continue reading “Book of the Week: The Eighth Day, by Dianne K. Salerni”
The Night She Disappeared, April Henry
Mystery
It starts out as a normal night at Pete’s Pizza. Most of the employees are high school and college kids like Drew, Gabie, and Kayla. They get along and joke around in between orders, and there’s plenty of blossoming friendships and romances. When Kayla gets sent out on a delivery, it’s still business as usual. Continue reading “Book of the Week: The Night She Disappeared, by April Henry”
The Great Trouble, Deborah Hopkinson
Historical fiction/Mystery
London in 1854 had some things in common with today’s London. For centuries, London has been the center of the English-speaking world: full of business and science and fashion, with crowded streets and lots of culture and excitement. Continue reading “Book of the Week: The Great Trouble, by Deborah Hopkinson”
Roller Girl, Victoria Jamieson
Graphic novel/Realistic fiction
From the first time Astrid sees a roller derby match, she’s hooked. It’s a game where a bunch of girls speed around a track trying to knock each other out of the ring. It’s fast and kind of violent and fully awesome, and Astrid desperately wants to become a roller girl – even though her best friend Nicole is not so interested. Continue reading “Book of the Week: Roller Girl, by Victoria Jamieson”
Paper Hearts, Meg Wiviott
Historical fiction/Verse
Paper Hearts is a story told in verse – in poetry form – by two girls, Zlatka and Fania, who were Jewish teenagers in Europe during World War II. The story starts out when they and their families are sent into two different ghettoes, and then to the same concentration camp. Continue reading “Book of the Week: Paper Hearts, by Meg Wiviott”