White Like Her by Gail Lubasik

 A deeply personal story, the author does research when she finds out years later her mother had been hiding a big secret, that she was black with light skin.  Her father never knew. Why?  What is her family story.  Gail is a mystery writer, now she applies her research skills and finds out a lot about her family based on research, interviews and putting it all together.  A good read and a good audio book.  I learned a lot about a different time and a different part of the world.

Bailey Ruth Ghost Ups Her Game by Carolyn Hart

 It's been a stressful year, a welcome escape is reading.  My escape are murder mysteries.  I found a new series to enjoy.  

The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris

 I listened to the audio book.  Since this is an election year, I wanted to know about some of the people who will be considered during the election process.  It's a good read.  

Hocus Pocus and the Sequel By A. W. Jantha

Remember the kids in the first story.  Well, they've all grown up and have their own families.  Now the witches have been brought back and there is an extra sister in the mix.  Entertaining and I do hope that Disney makes this into a movie also.  Enjoy.

A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman

 This is one of my new favorite murder mysteries. Set in Great Britain in a different era, the humor, wit, language and plot will keep you entertained.  Okay, I do like a good murder mystery.  And these last few months have been stressful with all sorts of events in the news.  Escape into a good story.

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad and Ali

 This is a book that belongs in all libraries, no matter what the grade.  It is beautifully written and illustrated about two girls getting ready for their first day of school.  Imagine how proud the girls are as the oldest shops for a hijab and then how sad they feel when mean words are spoken at school.  A good book to read to students about diversity.  

King George by Sheinkin & Robinson

 The author wrote this like he was talking to you in person.  Facts come alive and peppered with comments.  It's entertaining and fine for any library.  Enjoy.

Dumpty by John Lithgow

 A smart parody about people in the news connected with Donald Trump and politics.  So much has happened in the last four years, this actually reminded me of various events that took place.  Honestly, the year 2020 has made me asked, "What next?"  and then there you go....

Twins by Johnson and Wright

 This graphic novel is just fine for any elementary and middle school.  Twin sisters breaking away from each other and still remaining sisters changes their relationship.  What is great is their diverse friends and also their parents.  These girls are well loved and love each other but are learning to mature a little further.  It's  a good read.

Dreams from Many Rivers by Margarita Engle

 Margarita Engle does it again!  Add this one to your library.  Told in poetry, the story of so many peoples over hundreds of years.  Latino people who were treated unfairly, taken advantage of and discriminated.  How actions can affect so many.  It's a good read.

All The Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey

 This is a story that stays with you for a long time.  It is a must for all school libraries.  Enjoy.

One Summer America, 1927 by Bill Bryson

 First it's a great book.  Second, the audio book is a good drive around book.  I learned a lot with this book.  It's all woven together really well.  It's a good read.

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

 A new fantasy is out!  I like this one.  It is fine for any high school library.  It's a layered story about building relationships and forging alliances.  With a bit of magical abilities.  It's a good read.  Enjoy.

The Lost Girl by Anne Ursu

This is one strange story, especially at the end.  I am going to pass on this story.  Was disappointed.

 

Mastering Diabetes by Khambatta & Barbaro

It is a different way of looking at Diabetes and how to manage it.  A lot made me think.  It is explained in a relatable manner.  Worth reading if you are interested in Diabetes.  The audio book also good. 

 

In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

 The world has been filled with dictators over the years and, currently we have two dangerous ones.  Maybe three.  This is a time from 1960s.  This is a time when sisters dared to stop a dictator.  This is a time when they gave their people hope.  This is a time when they paid the deadly price of choosing to do what they did.  This is the time to read their story.

Leaphorn & Chee The Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman

Journey to the world of the Navajo, as legends are used to wreck havoc and murder for the wolf witch who is up to no good.  Learn about culture and how there are more then one ways to communicate.  Joe Leaphorn is an excellent lawman, he knows his people and their culture.  You learn a great deal in this book.  A good read.

 

King and the Dragon Flies by Kacen Callender

 

Set in Louisiana, Kingston is the last son of his mother and father.  As the family grieves while continuing to go on, Kingston's friend disappears.   He's found out his friend is gay.  The friend's father is the sheriff and not a very nice.  Kingston finds out who he is himself.  

I think this book is important for libraries to have, for young boys who may be looking for stories like this.  I would say read the book before you put it in your library.

Spy School Spy School British Invasion by Stuart Gibbs

This is a fun read, filled with adventure and action.  Looking for a good guy's read,  here you go.

Add this one to your middle school library.  Enjoy.

 

Spy School Spy School Goes South by Stuart Gibbs

 

A good guy's read serious.  Fine for any school library.  Enjoy.

Spy School Spy School Secret Service by Stuart Gibbs

 

This is a funny series.  Enjoy.  Great guys read.

Spy School Ski Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

 

A great series and fine for any school library.  A good guy's read!

Spy School Evil Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

 

This is a funny series.  The audio book also funny.  Enjoy and great for guys to read.

Follow this series!

Shark Lady by Jess Keating and Miguens

A great picture book for any school library from children's to high school.  Add this one to your library.

 

Dream Within A Dream by Patricia MacLachlan

It's a good book to add to middle school library.  Enjoy.

 

Once Upon A Con The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston

It's a cute story, fine for high school.  Enjoy.

 

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

 

I've been meaning to read this and I now I have.  A good theme of when things go wrong, keep on going  It's a good story and fine for any school library for elementary and middle school.

The Book Of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond TUTU

 This is a charming and inspiring book to enjoy.  The audio book captures their voices and thoughts of these two important men.  Enjoy.

A Tourist Trap Mystery Murder in Waiting by Lynn Cahoon

 

I like this series and enjoy trying to figure out who murdered the victim and why?

A good read.

Run, Hide, Fight Back by April Henry

A intense read and a page turner.  A good read and fine for high school libraries.  

 

Stranger Things Have Happened by Jeff Strand

 

This book is a bit silly for my tastes but is fine to read or have any middle school library.

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon James

 This is a book book to add to any young children's library.  A good read aloud or a good gift in this book.  A great affirmation for young boys, especially black boys.  

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson

The first story I have read in which the very real problem with football players with brain injuries due to playing the football.  It's a good book to add to any school library.  Shows the frustration of a son who has a dad who is ill.
 

The Smoke Thieves The Burning Kingdoms By Sally Green

 

There are some mature content in this book.  Maybe better for older Young Adult readers.   Lots of layers in this story as the characters play against each other.  

Serpent & Dove Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin

Language and confusing plot made this story muddled.  I shall pass on this one for my high school library.  
 

Disloyal by Michael Cohen

I confess, I don't trust Donald Trump.  I wasn't impressed with him in the 80's and 90's and I am sure you see a pattern.  The man concerns me and now we are in a time of all sorts of craziness.  Reading this book, I would say keep an open mind.  If all this book is true, then it is very troubling indeed.  

 

On Borrowed Time by David Rosenfelt

 Wow this is one intense story.  A stand alone book and far different then other books he has written. It's a page turner.  The audio book also good.  Enjoy.

Bibliophile Mystery The Grim Reader by Kate Carlisle

Sometimes, it's nice to add other genres and I do enjoy a good murder mystery.  You had me at book festival.  Enjoy.  Audio book also good.

 

Ruth Bader Gingsburg The Case of R B G vs Inequality by Jonah Winters and Stacy Innerst

 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg has passed away a few weeks ago.  I am looking for books for my high school library to add about this very important woman who had made a positive difference in the world.  This is one that I will add to my collection.  It's brief but it is a good starting point for students to learn about this important woman.