Dear Martin

Next up on my quest is Dear Martin. This is also another one that probably won't work for my needs but what a great, timely story. It is the story of Justyce, an honor roll, college bound kid who is unjustly handcuffed and mistreated by the police. As he ponders what has happened to him, he writes letters to Martin Luther King Jr. asking for advice. Justyce must figure out if his "friends" and their attitudes, jokes and actions are really okay with him. He also must decide if he wants to go against his mother's wishes and date his white debate partner. While he questions all that is going on, a tragedy happens changing everything. This is the perfect book for what I am looking for, but the language and some sexual situations just won't play in my school. I will be handing this book to every kid who wants to read it- that is, if I get to hand any kid anything this year. So, loved the book, hate that the story is a reflection of what our society is going through right now. The letters to Martin are a highlight and ask some very deep, thought provoking questions. It is a must read. Happy reading my friends.

Harbor Me

I'm on a quest to diversify our reading list. This one sounded like it might be perfect. And it would have been if the characters had been a little bit older. That being said, for a younger group of kids this is a lovely book. It is about six kids in a special class who meet once a week to talk. They are each going through their own tough times. One has a father who is detained and deported, one is African American, one has ADD and one has a father in prison. Haley is telling the story of their time together, which she records so she can remember what everyone sounds like when they are no longer together. Each character tells their story and is safe in knowing that the six of them have created a safe harbor for each other. It is a poetic and poignant story that really hits home in our troubled times. It asks the question- Will you be a harbor for others? And while this won't work for my needs, I'm better for having read it. Happy reading my friends.

Kingdom of Back

How many girls do you think were held back from greatness just because they were girls? Marie Lu delves into this issue with an actual historical example. Meet Nannerl Mozart, the older sister of Wolfgang. Did you know she was just as talented as her younger brother? She toured all over Europe playing for royalty in every country. She wrote her own music- which was forbidden. Yet, no one has heard her name. This story shares the life of this talented woman. The Mozarts had a hidden fantasy world called the Kingdom of Back. Lu has turned it into a story of want and need. What would you do to not be forgotten? Nannerl must decide if she is willing to give up her brother to come into her own. Who would you sacrifice to become the one in the spotlight? While I loved learning about this talented young lady, I really did not care for the story. It was creepy- and don't get me wrong, I love a good creep- but it was not an enjoyable story. For me. As for you, my friends, you must decide on your own what catches your fancy. I wish we had some of her music today. Happy reading my friends.

The Shadow Wand

Book 3 of the Black Witch Chronicles most definitely takes a turn towards the dark. Elloren and Yvan have to separate to learn how to use their powers and everyone wants to get a hold of them. They are the prophecy that will take down a civilization. Elloren must find a way to harness her immense power as the Black Witch, but those who find out about her are determined to kill her. Or, in Vogel's case, use her to fulfill his own desire for power. The only one who she can turn to for help is her fastmate Lukas Grey. But she isn't sure she can trust him. As they go on the run together, and Elloren gets horrible news about Yvan, her feelings for Lukas grow. Which leads him to make a great sacrifice to help her get away. This is a great series in the spirit of Sarah Maas books- amazing characters each with their own impressive power, working to do what is right. I don't know how Forest will resolve the love triangle, but hearts will be broken no matter what happens I'm sure. I will say I missed Diana and Rafe and Wynter's voices in this book, but there were definitely some  new and interesting characters that kept my attention. I highly recommend this to any fantasy fan. Now, how long until the next one? The waiting game never ends. Happy reading my friends.