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Ms. Hardesty Recommends
Ms. Hardesty Recommends
Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopian Fiction/Adventure
The Hunger Games is a story about girl fighting for what she believes is right. Katniss Everdeen has grown up in District 12 where many people are poor and oppressed by the government in, far away, District 1. Every year, two young people from each of the 12 districts are selected by the government and forced to fight in the Hunger Games. This is Katniss's story.
I really enjoyed the exciting and suspenseful plot of The Hunger Games, and the two next books. Katniss fights many internal and external conflicts as she finds her power. But my favorite part of the book is the way the author tells the story from Katniss's perspective. She is a complex, intense, and sometimes flawed protagonist. So much fun to read!
Ms. Harte Recommends
Ms. Harte Recommends
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure / Diverse Voices
Nic Blake and the Remarkables is the story of Nichole Blake, a "Remarkable" without the training for the Gift, who lives in the Unremarkable world with her dad.
Nic and her best friend JP share a love for a fantasy book series and when the two have the opportunity to meet their favorite author at a book signing, they jump at the chance. Of course, things start to go terribly wrong and now Nic and JP, together with a third friend, must find a powerful magical tool to save her dad's life!
In this fast-paced adventure, Thomas weaves African folklore and African American history into a fantastic world full of friendship, family, loyalty, and betrayal.
It's the perfect summer read for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.
Ms. Medeiros Recommends
Ms. Medeiros Recommends
Genre: Realistic fiction/Sci Fi/mystery
When You Reach Me tells the story of 6th grader Miranda, who lives in NYC with her single mom in the late 1970s. She is helping her mom prepare for an appearance on a game show, trying to repair her relationship with her ex-best friend Sal, and navigating her first job, false accusations, and racism against a friend. While all this is happening, she gets involved in a mystery, receiving strange notes that somehow predict the future.
One reason I loved this book was how it refuses to be any one thing - it tackles real life issues like racism, poverty, and navigating relationships, but also has you solving a complex mystery, leading up to a plot and genre twist I genuinely did not see coming. This book is one of a kind!
Ms. Tosto (SKY) Recommends
Ms. Tosto (SKY) Recommends
Genre: Historical Fiction (based on the author's real life!)
Code Talkers by Joseph Bruchac is a historical fiction novel that recalls the efforts of Navajo peoples who were contracted by the US Military during World War Two. Due to the Navajo language being incredibly difficult for an outsider to understand, the Navajo People were tasked with sending important military messages throughout the war. These "Code Talkers" were a vital part of the war effort, and put themselves in danger to fight for the US, a country with a very complicated history with Indigenous people.
The story Code Talkers explores various themes of identity, (a major focus of our seventh grade curriculum!) as protagonist Ned and his friends struggle with maintaining aspects of their culture that they were once forced to give up.
**Note: I am not usually drawn to war books, but this is a beautiful novel. Don't count it out just because it is not your typical genre pick!**
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