Book of the Week: The Weight of Water, by Sarah Crossan

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”

Book of the Week: Wicked Girls, by Stephanie Hemphill

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”

Book of the Week: Velvet Undercover, by Teri Brown

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”

Book of the Week: The Night She Disappeared, by April Henry

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”

Book of the Week: The Great Trouble, by Deborah Hopkinson

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”

Book of the Week: Roller Girl, by Victoria Jamieson

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”

Book of the Week: Paper Hearts, by Meg Wiviott

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”

Book of the Week: City of Light, City of Dark, by Avi & Brian Floca

City of Light, City of Dark, Avi & Brian Floca
Graphic novel/Fantasy

The Kurbs owned an island. When People came, the Kurbs agreed to share their Power to bring light and warmth so the people could build a city. But once a year, a chosen person must return the Power to the Kurbs, or the city will be destroyed. When the power is stolen, it’s up to Carlos and Sarah to find it and save their city.