Staff Recommendations

Copper Sun by Sharon Draper

It would be best for grades:  6th-8th

Sharon Draper's Copper Sun is a powerful historical novel that offers a gripping, emotional journey of Amari, a 15-year-old girl taken from Africa and sold into slavery in America. The book explores themes of resilience, injustice, and hope. It’s an exciting read that brings history to life while sparking meaningful conflicts around freedom, identity, and the human spirit.

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

It would be best for grades:  6th-8th

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton is a fast-paced fantasy adventure that has Western grit with Middle Eastern mythology. With a fierce, witty heroine, shape-shifting djinn, and a desert full of danger, the story hooks readers from the start. It mixes magic, rebellion, and romance which makes it a thrilling read for fans of strong female leads and imaginative world-building.

Alone by Morgan E. Freeman

It would be best for grades:  7th-9th

It was nice to see a dystopian story in verse! I also liked the character and her determination to solve the major conflict and mystery. 

Trespassers by Breena Bard

It would be best for grades:  6th-8th

Not only is this a very good mystery story in graphic novel form, but there is a story within a story --something I love! 

Ground Zero by Alan Gratz

It would be best for grades:  6th-8th

This book is great because it keeps you on the edge of your seat.  You want to keep reading to find out what is going to happen next.

The Canyon's Edge by Dusti Bowling

It would be best for grades:  6th-8th

This book is partly in verse and is full of action! The protagonist is on a hiking trip with her dad when disaster strikes! There are layers to this book, much like the canyon it is set in. 

Words On Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen

It would be best for grades:  6th-8th

This book shows us how powerful words and books can be in times of turmoil. Our culture and history can never be erased, so long as we have books. The protagonist is brave and courageous! 

Pages and Co. Tilly and the Bookwanderers by Anna James

It would be best for grades:  6th

It's a fun, cozy adventure. It's illustrated, plays with the text on the page, has strong themes of friendship, courage, family/found family, and introduces children to classic literature (A Little Princess, Anne of Green Gables, Treasure Island, Pride and Prejudice, etc.). The author was a school librarian for years, and her writing is very accessible without being patronizing. It's great for all ages.