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.

We Speak in Storms

I'll be honest, I picked up this book because I like the cover. I briefly read the flap to see what it was about and so when I went to actually read it, it was not what I expected. A tornado hit Mercer, Illinois in 1961. It plowed through a drive in movie and took the lives of many of the teenagers who had been in attendance. Most families were touched in some way by the devastating loss. Now it is the anniversary of this event and another tornado touches down in the same place leaving behind 2 cars. But no people are found by either of the cars. Three teenagers witnessed the event. Breanna, recovering from a break up, Joshua, the invisible boy who has come out as gay, and Callie, who is watching her mother slowly die from cancer. Each of them have heard or seen something unexplainable since the tornado. Each of them need something to help them get through this hard time they are going through. The ghosts of Mercer show up to help each of them, leading them to heal, find acceptance or work through an impossible time. As the teenagers get helped, they also must help the ghosts to rest, leading them on journeys of healing. This was a very different read that I enjoyed. All the kids had relatable problems current to today and the messages they received were touching and relevant. I am glad I picked a book by it's cover. Happy reading my friends.

Aurora Burning

   My favorite author pair is at it again. In this sequel to Aurora Rising, the squad is back trying to save the galaxy from the Ra'haam who wish to take over every living creature. Their secret weapon, Auri, a girl lost in time, is trying to find a way to control her immense power. Tyler, Scarlet, Kai, Finian and Zila round out Squad 312, the misfits of Aurora Academy. Each has a special talent and a mission that they are finding out on the fly. After their adventures from book one, they are on the run from everyone and to top that off, Kai's sister is trying to find him. And she is not someone you would like to tangle with. As all that is going on, they are on the hunt for the weapon that can end the Ra'haam, the cost of which will be more than any of they will be willing to pay. But what is one life in the battle for a galaxy- an age old question made all the harder when it is one of your own who will pay that price. Kaufman and Kristoff really know how to tell the tales of space in an engaging and fast paced way. This is their 2nd series set in space, their first being one of my favorites- the Illuminae Files. So if you haven't checked any of these books out, now's the time. You're trapped inside, nothing to do but watch Netflix, pick up one of their books and the whole galaxy will be yours. Happy reading my friends.

One of Us is Next

This is the third Karen M. McManus books I have read and I must say I have yet to be disappointed. This one follows up on the characters from One of Us is Lying. The siblings of the Bayview four find themselves embroiled in another text scandal. There is a new game in town, Truth or Dare. If you are texted, you must complete a dare or a secret about you would be spread around the school. Phoebe is target number one and when she chooses to ignore the text, a secret about her sister is exposed causing a rift in there relationship. Maeve is the sister of Bronwyn. She and Knox had been a couple but it didn't work out so they remain good friends. But she also ignores the text and a secret may just ruin her friendship with her ex. When another Bayview student dies, fingers get pointed and a complex scheme is revealed. Even after confessions are made, the culprit may get away. And it certainly isn't who you think. These books are un put down able. The characters are interesting and real and the consequences or our social media age are plausible. If you want to catch the attention of a teen reader, these books will do it. Happy reading my friends.