Great Reads

Recommendations from the Media Center

What is Ms. Patrick reading this week?

Devil On My Heels

by Joyce McDonald


In 1959 fifteen-year-old Dove, the daughter of a prosperous orange grower in Benevolence, Florida, feels increasingly uneasy after learning of acts of racism against the African American orange pickers by those close to her.

What is Mrs. Molin reading this month?

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day when his plane is supposed to land, Camino arrives at the airport to see crowds of crying people…

In New York City, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office, where her mother is waiting to tell her that her father, her hero, has died in a plane crash.

Separated by distance—and Papi’s secrets—the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered.

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Student Recommendations

What are YOU reading this month?

The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Recommended by Samuel D.

Before I read this book I thought it would be really generic, as the name implies, just about another unfortunate child growing up to be an assassin and have the same redundant plot. I was very wrong.

An orphan, Celaena Sardothein, is her kingdom’s most feared assassin, trained at birth to be lethal by Arobynn, the proclaimed “King of Assassins.” He sends her on perilous quests to remote islands, hostile deserts, and other kingdoms. As she goes on these quests, after being betrayed over and over, she questions her allegiance. Acting independently, she meets some memorable characters, but by disobeying Arobynn’s orders she risks horrendous punishments.

This book really stands out from all the other generic books as it has unforgettable characters and chair-gripping moments that you will never forget. The plot really is just one of a kind. You think some things would never happen and then they do. Almost all of the characters are so dynamic and mysterious that it will leave you eager to find out what happens next.

Behind Enemy Lines by Bill Doyle

Recommended by Jared L.

If you love an easy to read, thrilling story of American courage, this book is for you. Behind Enemy Lines by Bill Doyle is a compilation of first-hand accounts from several different servicemen serving in the Middle East. Being that it consists of eight different authentic stories, you never get bored by overdrawn details like you do in some novels. None of the stories are the same either. You get chapters talking about staff sergeants commanding numerous men into battle as well as chapters about dogs repaying their rescuers. In reading this book, you also have the opportunity to learn more about what militaries have to go through, which for me is very interesting. You will feel gratitude toward the Americans in the story because you realize that these are people that gave up so much to protect each and every one of us. I’d give this book a five star rating because not a single chapter left me bored.

Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders by John Geirach

Recommended by Karl S.

Read these questions to see if you might enjoy reading this book!

1. Do you enjoy reading a book and learning new things about activities you’re not familiar with?

2. Have you ever had an interest in fishing?

3. Do you like being in the great outdoors whenever you have the chance?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should definitely read this book because it has elements that will intrigue, confuse, and cause you to laugh throughout it.

John Geirach is famous in the fishing world for writing great stories all having to do with the outdoors. His writing style has many great aspects that are recurring such humor, which is one of the best things about reading his books. After reading one of Geirach’s books, you’ll really want to go fishing!

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Recommended by Sierra C.

Let’s see. Boy meets girl, both fall in love, something forbids them from going on, but in the end, they’re reunited and live a long, beautiful life with a white picket fence to go with it. Right?

Think again.

That’s not how it goes in The Fault in Our Stars. To be honest, you’ve probably heard of this books and/ or seen the movie. And there’s a reason. If you can get past the average-looking cover and cheesy title, it’s actually pretty unique.

In this sentimental page-turner, you might yourself accidentally using the pages of the book as tissues. Not saying that it’s guaranteed to make you shed a tear, but it is pretty heartbreaking. You’ll follow Miss Hazel Grace, an ordinary character by the looks of her, but oh, does she have a pretty extraordinary story to tell. There is romance (in fact, that’s the genre of the whole thing), but don’t worry it’s a very unique tale, so you won’t need that bucket next to you.

If you like to laugh and cry at the same time, this book is a #1 pick. The twists and turns might make you a little dizzy though. You know what, on second thought, keep that bucket close. This is a book that has the cliché “don’t judge a book by its cover” holding true. Just please, for the love of all that is holy, don’t watch the movie first. Not to say it’s bad, but it really doesn’t do this masterpiece justice.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Recommended Ayden L.

The Giver is a dystopian novel by Lois Lowry, in which a seemingly perfect community is run by a group of “Elders. Jonas, the main character is turning twelve and then can be elected for a role in his society. The role he gets is “The Receiver”. The “Receiver” is one who soon becomes the “Giver,” but he has to prove that he is worthy. Jonas is the only one who can receive the memories. Jonas falls in love with this girl named Fiona; the only problem is he is not allowed to love her. Also, he connects with a baby named Gabe, and both of them go on a journey to try and bring feelings and color back to the community.

Personally, The Giver was a page turner. It was so intense and intriguing that every time I picked up the book, I couldn’t put it down. It was one of those books that nearly every chapter, something exciting is going to happen. The author uses extremely lush language and gives great descriptions of the scenes.

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes character-driven books. This is by far one of my favorite novels and I rate it a 4.8 stars out of 5 stars.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Recommended by Kathy N.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick is a middle grade historical drama that follows orphaned Hugo Cabret on his journey to uncover a secret message from his deceased father. After the death if his father, Hugo is forced to live within the walls of a train station in Paris and his survival depends on secrets and lies. However, everything changes once his life intertwines with that of an intelligent young girl and a crabby old man. Now, not only does Hugo have to uncover the hidden message, but also the truth.

Despite its intimidating size and possibly overwhelming number of pages, the novel is a very quick read. The story is told not only through words but also through captivating illustrations.

I recommend this books to anyone who liked The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart. Though the plot and basic premise don’t appear similar at all, both are quick, easy reads that convey similar feelings and messages that leave readers with thoughts of their own capabilities and ambitions.

Overall, I would rate The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selzick a 7 out of 10. While it was not the most memorable book, it was a worthwhile and enjoyable novel that deserves to be read by many others.

Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli

Recommended by Sarah S.

I recommend the book Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli. It is a fantastic and easy-to-read book about a boy who starts the book out thinking only of himself, but matures throughout the book into someone who understands the concept of putting others first. This fictional book challenges everyone to look past themselves with a simple, yet engaging plot. Will Tuppence, the main character, has already mapped out his life and thinks that if he makes plans, life will follow. Soon he questions if his “plan” is really best for him. Even early in the book, the reader can relate to Will and can see themselves every time Will says, does, or thinks something.

Smiles to Go is my recommended book because the lesson is deeper than the plot. The author purposefully chooses characters that everyone can relate to and events everyone has experienced and has been through. The word choice is important; the book is written from the voice of a high school boy, with casual language and a casual feel. When put together, the book creates a comfortable place that anyone can find themselves lost in the pages and words of the book.

I rate this book a 6 out of 10 because the reader can look at Spinelli’s book two different ways. The reader could look at the book as just a story about Will or the reader could look at this book as their story. Smiles to Go is a great book that subconsciously engages the reader and changes their outlook on life.

The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Recommended by Anjilena R.

Do you like magic, twisted thoughts, action, and a little bit of romance? If you do, then The Young Elites is the book for you!

The Young Elites are a group of people who were touched by the fever, which left terrible scars, but also magical powers gifted by the gods. They were feared by all; that fear soon turned into hatred. Adelina Amouteru was one touched by the fever. It changed her hair from black to silver and left her with only one eye. After Adelina is falsely accused of murdering her own father, she is noticed by the Young Elites because of her power to create illusions. Now she will join the secret society of the Young Elites and discover the power of her own dangerous abilities.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes action, magic, and romance.

The Young Elites is a venturesome novel that will leave you wanting more. I give this book a five out of five star rating.