A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter

A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter If you want to learn more about modern American history, might as well get it from a former president. Learn about Jimmy Carter's life as a young lad to a man in his 90s. It's a good read/listen to. Enjoy.

An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood by Jimmy Carter

An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood by Jimmy Carter A beautiful book of Jimmy Carter's family history. The background and foundtion of how he came to be. His family, friends and the love of his life. A good book to enjoy about a great man who was very humble.

Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay

Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay I grew up close to Watsonville and learned a few things about the history of Watsonville. It's a good story, very touching. Add this one to your high school library.

A First TIme For Everything by Dan Santat

A First Time For Everything by Dan Santat Is a great middle school coming of age book in graphic novel format. Santat's life as a awkward middle school kid from the 1980s is sweet and charming and authentic. Add this one to your middle school library. IT's a great read.

The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman

 

This is a book that will be on the list for California Young Reader Medal.  It's a great story that uses two time lines at the same time.  The nuclear reactor accident of the 1980s and World War II escaping the Germans.  Its about friendship, surviving dangerous and what really is family.  I liked this book a lot and even though it is middle school level, it's great to teach about history as well.  Add this to your school library.  It's a good read.  The audio book is also well done.  Good voice actor.

Like Vanessa by Tami Charles

I liked this story.  I would add this to my own high school library.  It's a good read.  I remember when Vanessa Williams was crowned.  I was very happy for her.  This story is excellent.  When problems occur, it made one feel like you were part of the story.  A great read.  Add this to your library.

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!

Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian

Flash back to 1989.  AIDS is a disease that is barely talked about as people are dying from it.  Reza comes into the world and knows he's attracted to boys.  The girl he is dating is attracted to him and her best friend who is also gay.  It's a good read.  I would say read it before you decide putting this in your library.

Astronauts by Ottaviani and Wicks

I'm getting this one for my high school. Well done and even has it's works cited pages at back.  It's a good read for a graphic novel blending history, women's rights and people of color as well.  Go travel with these special and amazing people as they journey through space.  It's a good read.

Butterfly Yellow by Thanhha Lai

This is a beautiful story filled with pain and joy, patience and love.  A little boy is mistakenly sent to America.  A dangerous journey, years later filled with pirates and death are entwined with the long awaited family reunion.  A young man dreams to be a cowboy and rodeo hero but really has no idea what that all entails goes on his own journey.  A sister and a cowboy go in search of a brother.  It's a good read.  Also good audio book.  Good one to add to the high school library.  Well crafted.