How to Find What You're Not Looking For by Veera Hiranandani

How to Find What You're Not Looking For by Veera Hiranandani Set in the 60's the Beatles are the popular band for young teens and laws against mixed marriages. A Jewish older sister falls in love with a young man from India. They elope and both sets of parents are not happy about it. The younger sister misses her sister very much. School is also challenging for her, writing and shaping letters is really difficult for her. A good read.

Run by John Lewis and company

 Based on the life of Senator John Lewis.  John Lewis has passed on.  His life's work still stands.  

This graphic novel started with a trio of graphic novels called March.  Run continues the story.  Add this one to your high school library.

Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt

 This story will stay with you for a while.  Two stories collide once the two main characters end up meeting.  A good read.  What's nice is that some of the adults are super good people.  

Malcolm X By Any Means Necessary by Walter Dean Myers

 

Add this one to your high school library.  It's a good read about a man who was a major part of history from the 60s.  Audio book also very good.  

A Ride To Remember by Langley, Nathan & Cooper

 A beautiful book that reflects what happened in history as people marched for their civil rights.  I am adding this to my high school library because I want my students to understand a time of history that is so important.  

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

A good read.  Add this one to your elementary and middle school library.  It's a good read.  Grandma relives the 60's and she isn't doing so well.  Her young grandson feels responsible and is place in a very difficult situation.  A delicate balance of being both a young grandson and also trying to be responsible.  Enjoy.

Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X Kendi

This is a book we need now.  To help us as a whole understand how black people have been treated

over the years and why.  How different perspectives played out.  From presidents to everyday people 

responded to racism with actions that go beyond abuse.  This book was written a few months before what is going on right now in the United States.  It is timed perfectly to help us all understand the roots of  anger, hurt and frustration that are being expressed in today's world.  It is an important read.

I'm getting for my high school library!

Return to Gone-Away by Elizabeth Enright

It's a sweet dated story of a time long ago.  The people are very nice and kind and they are restoring an old house.  If you are a fan of This Old House or If This House Could Talk or any HGTV show, then this would be fine for you.  It's simply told and dated.  It's fine for any library but my concern would be terms, objects  and history may be over young children's head.  It's akin to the original Box Car Children series.  This would be good for a parent or a teacher to read to children so they can explain or even do research on items such as a button up hook. (shoes used to be button up vs lace up or velcro or slip on).  Again it's sweet but goes back to a way different time.  Still,... enjoy.

Gaither Sisters One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

A very good book, told in the perspective of the oldest sister.  At 11 years old, she takes responsibility of making sure her sisters are fed and entertained.  Working on trying to make a connection with her mother who abandoned them so many years ago.  Brooklyn is home with her grandmother and father but there is hope that maybe her mother can forge a bond.  It's a very good read and a good audio book.  I already have in my high school library and glad I have.  Enjoy, it's a good read.

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.