The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Daughter of Chaos by Sarah Rees Brennan

This is not the cute Sabrina, TV series.  It may have some of the same characters from the show but this is a very dark version of the story.  Much more closer to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, only with witches.  I'm going to pass on getting this for my library. 

The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf

Wow.  The author has talked to many people who have survived this violent time.  So many people were killed that the government had to create a mass burial.  Melati has a mental condition, formed after the death of her father, a policeman killed on duty.  Her mother is a nurse.  There is a lot of violence in this story.  This story was written in a way that it takes you there back in time.  With the tread of music to tie it all together.  History becomes alive in this very scary time.  Get this one for your high school library.

Get Out Of Your Own Way by Dave Hollis

The audio book is very good.  An honest book about personal demons and building and rebuilding a relationship with self, and family.  I'm glad Dave Hollis wrote this book.  It's a good read.

Farm to Fork Mystery Deep Fried Revenge by Lynn Cahoon

I love a good mystery and am a fan of Lynn Cahoon various series. It's a good read.  Enjoy.

On The Horizon by Lois Lowry

Wow.  In the eyes of a child, history comes to life.  The audio book is very very good.  This is a must read.  It's short but powerful.  I'm adding this to my high school library.  Told in perspectives of both sides of the ocean during a very tragic time.

Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee

I think this should be any middle school library.  It's a good book and discuss how bully behavior and inappropriate touching is something that explains feelings and communication in a good story line.  It's a solid book.  Add this to your middle school collection.

They Went Left by Monica Hesse

Wow.  What happens after the camps are open?  After the survivors who walk out of the Nazi camps,  can they reunite and rebuild their lives.  People having been moved all over, how do you know who's alive and who is looking for you?  Go on a journey with Zofia as she is looking for her brother.  She knows the rest of her family are dead.  A very good read.  The audio book also very good.  I am getting for my high school library.

Moment of Truth by Kasie West

I liked this story.  There is a lot of good parts to this story that makes it work.  I'm getting this one for my high school library.  Enjoy.

Avatar The Last Airbender The Rise of Kyoshi by F. C. Yee

It's a good read.  A page turner.  The characters and plot well developed and the action and game plan are well described.  It's a good read and I will get for my high school library.  Enjoy.

The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead

I liked this book.  I think it would be perfect for middle school and upper elementary school.  Bea has some guilt issues and learns to overcome them.  She also has supportive parents and her family is growing when her father gets married again.  It's a good read.

The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow

A space alien and human adventure romance story.  It works.  I will get for my high school library.  Enjoy.

Peony in Love by Lisa See

A fine piece of writing and bring the past alive.  Women in this century are about sacrificing for the the men.  That they don't have their own identity.  Peony is the 16 year old daughter of a well to do family.  Journey with her as she goes from full of life, to how literature changes her and follow her in death as she watches her family and love continue on.  A brilliant piece of literature.  I would say for adults. 

Yes No Maybe So by Albertalli & Saeed

Sweet story about growing up, falling in love and figuring it out.  It's a good read.  Enjoy.

The Game of Silence by Louise Erdrich

We are in a pandemic right now and interesting to read a story in which life goes from normal to then an illness spreads out and affects the Native Americans.  Read the story about a young girl who is growing up in her culture and also the white people's culture.  The audio book also good.

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater

Well documented.  I confess this is new territory for me with classifications of genders and pronouns, so I'm going to be neutral in writing this because of not sure which use of genders to use.
I am getting this book for my high school library.  It is excellent because of it shows both sides.  Builds a back story about all involved and Sasha recovers and Richard is forgiving.  Go on on this journey and read the story or listen to the audio book.

The Institute by Stephen King

Stephen King can tell a story.  Think Fire Starter meets Dr. Mengel.  It's a good story.  The audio book also good.  Fine for high school libraries.

Dig by A. S. King

First:  This is a very good book.  Second it's filled with all kinds of harsh raw situations:  Family dysfunction, racism, drugs, abuse, mental health/trying to survive and a ghost.  I think I would want one copy in my library and personally connect the book with the students who are serious readers and would appreciate it for it is. 

Great By Choice by Collins & Hansen

Good book filled with advice and examples that well explain what works and what didn't.  

Gone Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright

Not my favorite, it was alright. Writing for children's book in the 50's is different then now.  Some cultural references that could be considered not appropriate.  There are also some terms that are old fashion that modern students may not understand such as jack knife, button hook.  FYI button hook is for old fashion shoes were fasten by buttons and need a tool to do that.  I would pass on this one.  It would be fine for parents to read to children.

Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

This is a metaphysical story.  It's good but I think it wouldn't fit my high school.  I'm glad the public library carries this book. 

The Map from Here to There by Emery Lord

Lots of conversations about being a senior.  I didn't really get into the book.

The Speed of Falling Objects by Nancy Richardson Fischer

It's a great read.  Think Survivor show, and all the other survival shows put together.   A young girl gets to spend some rare times with her father in the trip of a life time.  As the group treks out, truths come out.  The audio book also very good.  I'm getting this one for my high school library.

Torpedoed by Deborah Heilgman

An amazing story.  A must read.  Fine for middle school and high school libraries.

Pig the Stinker by Aaron Blabey

Too cute.  If you are a pug fan, you'll enjoy this.  Great images and a funny story are paired to make a funny picture book.  Enjoy.  fine for any library.

Pig The Tourist by Aaron Blabey

A great addition to any elementary school library.  Pig is one cute pug.  Enjoy.

Haven Fall by Sara Holland

This is a page turner.  A monster on the loose.  Magic infused in silver.  A prince who has ambition to take over Haven Fall and the Innkeeper who is unable to work.  Maddie is just a seventeen year old who ends up calling shots because it's a family job.  Oh and her childhood sweetheart is accused of murder.  It's a great read and I'm going to get for my high school library.  Enjoy.

The Letter For The King by Tonke Dragt

Think Lord of the Rings with out Elves, magic, wizards and other magical creatures.  It's an epic journey for a young man who becomes a bit more worldly.  Facing danger and friendship, follow this journey as he travels for the first time on the fly on a secret mission.  It's a good read and fine for any high school library.  Enjoy.

Shadow of the Fox Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa

I love this series.  I am so getting this for my high school library.  It's a page turner of never ending danger, rich words and a great story.  If I were to have a fantasy dinner party and could invite authors, Julie Kagawa would be on the list.  She can tell a story.  Each book gets better and better.  A big thank you.  Also audio book is great and I would invite the reader also to the dinner party.

Tangled in Time The Burning Queen by Kathryn Lasky

This is a good story and great for middle school.  A young girl who blogs fashion and redesigns clothes with great talent, travels back into time.  Rose is a very likable character and encounters history first hand in search of her father.  It's a good story.  Enjoy.

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

This book is filled with lots of Austen literary references as well as other literary references.  Think Jane Austen meets Daddy Long Legs.  I am a fan of Austen so decided to listen to this story.  It's okay, not my favorite but it's okay.  

The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox

It's important for us to know what happened in the past.  To learn from events, helps us see history come alive through primary resources and through well researched novels. Add this book in the cruel and terrible world of the slave trade.  It's a good read.

Before She Was Harriet by Ransome & Ransome

Lovely words that tell about Harriet Tubman and beautiful images to accompanied the words, make this a beautiful introduction to who Harriet Tubman was.  A married couple, created this book.  I'm going to add this book to my school library.

Bob, Not Bob! By Liz Garton Scanlon, Vernick & Cordell

To cute!  Perfect for reading aloud.  Add this picture book to your library.  Enjoy.

What If It’s Us by Albertalli & Silvera

Not my favorite but fine for high school.  I'll get for my high school.

I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali & Dephine Minoui

Bravo for Nujood!  It is a short read but a hard read.  Known that her story is the story of many other girls living locked and trapped by a marriage that was arranged when they were very young, as young as 8, 9 and ten years old.  Instead of playing with other children,  Nujood is rapped, forced to clean house and be abused verbally and physically.  Her actions to escape and ask for divorce was the shot around the world to bring to light these young girls married off.  Laws are changing.  And thankfully there were judges and lawyers who were there to help her and make a difference.  It's an important read.

Villains The Odd Sisters by Serena Valentino

This has a very complicated plot that felt muddled.  I am going to skip this one in the series.  Over all, I like the series, it's just this book didn't really work for me.  It's not bad, it's okay.  I would say read this one for yourself to make your decision. 

Stolen Children by Peg Kehret

I listened to the audio book for this story.  Over all I liked this story and I think it is a good model to show young people to think about what options they can do if they are in trouble.  Some parts are a bit of a stretch.  Pay phone instead of cell phones, but to be fair they end up in a remote area and there might not be cell phone reception.  I would put this one in my high school library and I highly recommend for middle schools as well, just to get readers thinking about safety and what to consider if they are in a dangerous situation with people with bad intents.

Tigers, Not Daughter by Samantha Mabry

It's a bit of a dark story, filled with family dynamics.  The three sisters grieve in their own ways.  Their mother had died in childbirth and their father is his own emotional problems.  I liked this book, the pacing of the story, the character development and the plot. And having traces of Ana showing up a year later.  I would order one copy for my high school library.  It is written beautifully.  It's a good read. 

The Cerulean by Amy Ewing

It is one strange book.  I could not finish.  It was beyond me.  I think I was lost when the girl had three mothers, only known by their colors.  And I didn't understand how girls could be born, it was sort of explained but .... I don't know.  All I know is that this is not a book for my high school library.  Maybe adult??  Just plain strange.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl

This is a blend of fiction and nonfiction.  I would add this to my high school library.  Fantasy and real life in their own stories.  Dahl can tell a story in a way that it really comes to life.  It's a good read and the audio book is also very good.  The reader does a great job. 

Dread Nation Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland

Justina Ireland does a good job telling a story.  Her characters, plot and flow of words works well.  I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.  The audio book reader does a great job bringing the characters to life.  Enjoy.

Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt De La Pena and Christian Robinson

A sweet picture book fine for any young children's library.  Enjoy.

Samurai Shortstop by Alan Gratz

It's a good read and a good audio book.  The author has done some amazing research on various topics that fit this book.  It pays off.  Fine for any school library.  Yes I did mention the death of the uncle and the loss of his head.  But it all works.  It's a good read. 

Always Never Yours by Wibberley & Siegemund-Broka

I had to force myself to finish this book.  It's a teen Sex in the City.  She's a bit vapid, the main character.  And things sleeping around is a good way to get the guy.  I'm not getting this for my school library. 

Love A La Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Oh this is cute.  Put this one in your high school library.  It's darling.  Fun to read and the audio book is good as well.  Enjoy. 

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DragonWatch Master of Phantom Isle by Brandon Mull

Brandon Mull can write a good story.  His imagination is filled with all sorts of magical places and creatures.  If you have a young reader who enjoys fantasy, have them read this series.  Enjoy.  Fine for any school library.

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

This book is a brilliant book.  There is a dark side about an event that happened with one coach that comes to light, just a heads up.  It's about the author, learning about basketball and how it connects with his school, where he teaches.  We get to meet the coaches, players, parents and others.  The drawing of the book is smartly done.  I am getting this for my high school library. 

The Portal Tangled in Time by Kathryn Lasky

Imagine being transported in time and specifically to England during the Tudor times.  Rose is part of a family group that is able to go back in time.  Her mother has died from a car crash and she's living with her grandmother.  A new experience for both of them.  This book works and I recommend the story for any elementary, middle and high school.  Enjoy. Audio book also good. 

The Green Ember Ember Rising by S. D. Smith

Great series.  If you love the Red Wall series, you'll enjoy this one also.  Almost an allegory of oppression in the world.  Told with animals as people.  It's a good read.  Enjoy.  Also audio book is very good.  Enjoy.