Notorious by Gordon Korman – BOOK REVIEW

Keenan is used to a fast-paced, independent life as he travels the world with his mom, an international schoolteacher. But when he is sidelined by tuberculosis, he winds up on the seemingly sleepy island of Centerlight with his dad.

Words on Fire by Jennifer Nielsen – BOOK REVIEW

It is 1893 in Lithuania, a time when the Russian Empire controls the country. It is also a dangerous time, especially for anyone who still preserves and protects Lithuanian culture. Unbeknownst to Audra, her parents help smuggle books to keep memories of their homeland alive.

Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros – BOOK REVIEW

Efrén, a young Mexican-American, loves his family, especially his Amá. He appreciates all the small miracles she performs each and every day, whether cooking delicious breakfast despite sparse ingredients, patching up clothes in creative ways, or any of the other caring acts that fill his life with love.

Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj – BOOK REVIEW

Karina and Chris may be next door neighbors but they also might as well live on opposite sides of the country. Their interactions are few and far between. As a result, each develop a multitude of assumptions about the other.

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes – BOOK REVIEW

Jerome Rogers is a good kid. He loves his family, enjoys school, and does the right thing. However, his life is not without conflict. For instance, he faces relentless bullying at school. When Jerome befriends a new student, a series of events leads to his tragic death at the hands of the police.

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds – BOOK REVIEW

Look Both Ways recounts the myriad stories of a cast of characters and their walks home from school. Through their ten tales, Jason Reynolds offers a brief glimpse into the trials and tribulations students face in their lives outside of school.