Racing in the Rain My Life as a Dog by Garth Stein

This is the junior version of the adult version.  I was curious how the author was going to handle some scenes from the original. This is perfectly fine for older elementary up to high school.  Brilliantly written.  Enjoy.  You'll need some tissues.  Also there is the loss of a mother/wife who becomes seriously ill. 

The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner

A blend of fairy tales and legends that may not be as commercial but still potent.  Set in a world of Jewish customs and culture.  Bits of history is woven into this enchanting story.  It's the coming of age story of young girls becoming women.  It's fine for any high school library and for adults as well. 

Funjungle Lion Down by Stuart Gibbs

Looking for fun books with a bit of mystery and animals in them?  Add this series to your middle school collection.  Also fine for older elementary students.  Lots of humor and information placed in a smart plot.  Enjoy.  Stuart Gibbs knows how to write a good story.

The Benefits of Being An Octopus by Ann Braden

Put this in your library and make sure you read it.  It's about domestic abuse.  Maybe not physically but certainly mentally and emotionally.  Children are witnessing their mother being belittled and set up to feel small.  Add this book to your reading list.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2 by Favilli & Cavallo

I hope there will be a book 3 because this is an important series.  I like that we get to meet women who have done or experience incredible things and or have made the world a better place.  It's a nice sampling of short biographies that I would use to start a research project, or History Day project and launch it to other resources to dive deeper.  Enjoy and add this to your library.  Also makes a good gift.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Favilli & Cavallo

A book like this is a welcome addition to any library.  I like that it's a good launch point for students who are looking for someone to research.  This would also make a good gift for daughters to inspire them or sons as well.  Enjoy this read.

The Reader Trilogy The Storyteller by Traci Chee

The series is over.  There is a lot of violence in this story.

Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

It's a mystery, best friends and then one disappears. Stories are told, lies are told and there's a cover up.  Claudia is a determined girl.  There is some bullying going on and some family dysfunction.  It's a good read.  Listen to Tiffany D. Jackson explain how this story came to be.  Also listen to some go go music from Washington D.C. 

Flora and the Peacocks by Molly Idle

This is a wordless picture book that is exquisitely done.  The lines and colors are great to share with older teens who are learning about art.  The story line is charming.  It's an enjoyable picture book.

The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M. T. Anderson & Eugene Yelchin

This is a brilliant satire, reminds me of Gulliver's Travels and also Peter Sellers, How I learned to Love the Bomb.  I would say not for teens unless maybe AP students.  But you never know.  Also, if you like Doug Addams, this would be a book you may consider reading.  I read and listened to the audio book.  YOU Must have the book because the illustrations are an integral part of the story.  The illustrations are incredible. Alice in Wonderland meets Wizard of Oz meets the Hieronymus Bosch.  Big time on the Bosch.  (Thank you college art teacher)  I got to meet Eugene Yelchin, at the California School Library Association Conference last week.  I have a signed copy.  Now I need to meet M. T. Anderson.  What a collaboration these two talented authors came up with.

The Assassin Game by Kristy McKay

I like this thriller.  It reminds me of a teen version of "And Then There Was None" by Agatha Christy in an updated modern setting.  I have this already in my library and I am glad that it's in.  Happy Readings!  It's a page turner if you like a good mystery.

The Folk of the Air The Wicked King by Holly Black

It's a dangerous world that Holly Black has created.  The Faeries are cruel, power grabbing, step on weaklings and who cares world.  Jude is our main character who has learned to fight, steal, lie and endure.  I can't wait to see what book 3 has to offer.  Would I order for the library?  I think so.  Maybe one copy.  It's not a mainstream book but I think it will appeal to a niche group of students.

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

Refugees come in all time frames from now to history.  Learn about what was happening in India in 1947.  And feel for a family lost in a divided world. 

Truly Devious The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson

I am adding this one to my library list.  It continues from the first story.  It's a good read, interesting characters and a good mystery.  Enjoy. 

Monster Villain by Michael Grant

There is a lot of violence and torture in this book.  I have my concerns to add this to the library, just because of the violence.  Over all the story is good but lots of torture.  and crazy stuff. 

Ella Enchanted Ogre Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

If you loved reading Ella enchanted, you'll love this one as well.  Evie must learn a lot if she is to become human again.  Especially who to love and trust.  Enjoy.

How Dare the Sun Rise by Sandra Uwiringiymana

True story of the author's young life.  She went through so much and endured loss of loved ones.  This is an important read to help us understand what it is like to be a refugee.  I'm adding it to my library.

Summer Seaside Kitchen Christmas on the Island by Jenny Colgan

I'm ready to move to this island.  You will fall in love the characters in this book.  Brothers must reunite and come to terms, a pregnancy is a surprise and brings all sorts of emotions.  A father of two sons has no idea what happened to his wife back in their war torn country. 

Sometimes family is made of the community that you live in.  Enjoy.

Fox the Tiger by Corey R. Tabor

To adorable.  I look forward to reading more of the story of Fox and his friends.  This is a perfect book for elementary and for older students to read to younger ones.  A welcome addition to any elementary library.

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson does it again.  How does she take lives and create them into a worth while reading moments.  All I can say is this is a worthwhile book to add to your library.