Pay It Forward is a fiction title that tells the story of a boy who believed in the goodness of human nature and set out to change the world.   A teacher challenges his class to earn extra credit by creating a plan to change the world for the better.  The boy invents a simple plan to do good for others and in return, ask them to ‘pay it forward.’  This is a great choice for you if you like a story that features the impact that kindness can have on the world. 

On January 19, 2000, a fire raged through Seton Hall University’s freshman dorm, killing three students and injuring 58 others.  Shawn and Al were best friends and roommates who were able to escape the fire but were both burned terribly.  After the Fire is the story of these young men and their courageous fight to recover from the worst damage the burn unit had ever seen.  It is the story of amazing nurses and doctors, mothers and fathers, and most of all the friendship and survival of Shawn and Al.  Choose this book if you enjoy reading truly inspirational stories. 

If you love Last Chance U on Netflix - take a chance on everyone’s favorite counselor’s book entitled Next Chance You.  Brittany Wagner shows readers that even when they think they have failed and all hope is lost, every day offers a new chance to get up, start over, and seize the opportunities that come their way.  

Her core mission is to empower you to bring your A-game into every interaction and offer a motivational guide to personal success. She shares practical strategies to help readers overcome obstacles and to develop a growth mindset.  If you are looking to view every day as an opportunity to be better than choose this book for your summer read!

You may know this guy.  In his memoir, Eric LeGrand recounts the football game and the hit that left him paralyzed. He shares how his life has changed due to his transformative road to recovery. Doctors said he would never breathe again without a ventilator but in true Eric LeGrand style he drew his own breath only five weeks after the accident. One year later, he led his Rutgers teammates onto the field in his wheelchair.  This powerful story is a great choice for anyone who believes anything is possible with the right outlook. 

For the dystopian reader! Imagine never seeing your own face!  

Zailey, the main character in The Town With No Mirrors, has never seen her face, reflection, photo, or even a drawing of herself. She lives in Gladder Hill where cameras and mirrors are forbidden and consequently,  everyone is happy. Nobody talks about anyone else’s appearance - you’re not even supposed to think about what you or others look like. But Zailey does. She knows that she shouldn’t be filling her sketchbook with secret portraits but can’t help it. Zailey finds herself outside of her town and is faced with many decisions.  Read this book if you want to find out if Zailey can handle the truth!

You may have read Holocaust-themed books before - but not like White Rose! White Rose is written in verse (fast-paced poetry) and tells the true story of young German college students who rise up against the Nazi party when no one else did - you’ll also read a love story as well about friendship and loyalty and family relationships. They wrote and distributed leaflets that exposed Hitler and the Nazi party at a time when they knew if they were caught that it would mean their deaths.  These young students lived by the motto to stand up for what is right, even if you stand alone.  Sophie and her brother were courageous and if you are looking to be inspired this summer and experience a different type of writing style, choose this title!