Book Bites by Lori Rogers
Set in pre-World War II 1939 in Messina, California, this historical coming-of-age novel will draw you in from the first page. Angie, a 12-year old girl, and her 2 friends have decided to show kindness to the needy people in their town. They set out to offer friendship to everyone they can find who needs it. It is a noble plan, but Angie feels uncomfortable around one certain man who everyone else seems to welcome. His actions make her suspicious, but the adults in town don't seem to notice. She is conflicted about what to do or say about him, but when a tragic accident occurs, she is confronted with the decision to speak out or keep quiet. Read this book with The War that Saved My Life and/or The Boy from the Basement.
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Charlie's dad has been arrested, accused of being the infamous stocking bandit bank robber. Charlie knows his dad is innocent and is determined to prove it. The only problem is........Charlie is blind and the police don't put much stock in the convictions of a blind teenager. Charlie enlists the help of some friends and sets out to unravel the mystery and find out who is really robbing banks. You will enjoy the story, but you will also gain some insight into the challenging life of a blind person.
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If you are a football fan, you don't want to miss this biography about Kansas City Chief's linebacker, Tamba Hali. His life before the NFL will shock you. A true example of how determination and perseverance can mold your life, this true story will inspire you to keep going, work harder, and never give up. From war-torn Liberia to New Jersey, to Kansas City, Tamba's life is a shining example of the Power of One!! Check it out!
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If you think your life is complicated and difficult, you need to read this book. Based in Syria in 2010, it is the story of Nadia and her family as their nation is torn by civil war and the ensuing war on ISIS. it is the realistic story of many families in the Middle East who have faced unbelievable hardships and trauma and loss due to the war in their countries. Nadia and her family become refugees as they try to flee to safety. Nadia's story is one of heartbreaking loss but also hope, kindness, and the undying will to survive. Highly recommended!
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Kieran Scott writes this suspenseful tale of mystery, intrigue, and plot twists that will keep you guessing. Hannah and her new stepsister, Katie, go to stay at her friend's lake house for the summer. Hannah is thrilled until strange things start happening and wild rumors start flying. She gets frustrated when Jacob crushes on Katie. Hannah is a great swimmer, but she is sure there were hands trying to drag her into the lake. Then she witnesses a horrific event, but she is not sure what she actually saw. Are there monsters in the lake, murderers lurking just below the surface? If you love a spooky suspenseful story full of teenage drama, this book is for you!
Us: In Progress This moving collection of short stories is told and illustrated by award winning author, Lulu Delacre. She includes twelve different stories about Latinos living in the United States, candidly portraying their lives, their heartbreaks, challenges and triumphs. Delacre dispels some misconceptions, and illuminates some of the intimate details of the lives of her main characters. This collection will provide a better understanding of what it means to be Latino in today's America.
The Icebreaker Series by Lian Tanner is a new dystopian series that will intrigue you from the start to the finish. Full of adventure, mystery, treachery, and memorable characters, it will keep you eagerly on the edge of your seat!! Oyster is a sailing ship that has been on the high seas for 300 years, hiding from the Anti-Machinists who have destroyed everything mechanical and all the knowledge that went with it. The society on the ship has evolved into three warring factions whose only remaining purpose is to survive. Petrol, a 12-year old girl, hides below ship with her pet rats and makes friends with a stowaway boy who can't remember his name. But she doesn't know that he has been sent to the ship to destroy its hidden secrets. Enthralling !!
Have you read the Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard? You must!! The lowly Reds in this society are required to serve the elite class--The Silvers. The Silvers have supernatural abilities that the Reds don't possess. Mare Barrow is a Red who must steal to survive, but one day she discovers that she has a rare ability that Reds aren't supposed to have. When she tries to save her best friend, her ability comes to the attention of the Silver Prince, and she ends up being forced to be part of the King's Scarlet Guard. This action-packed fantasy series will definitely have you thirsting for more !! Power is a dangerous game!!
When Truly is asked to join the popular crowd, she is thrilled. Unfortunately, her quirky best friend, Hazel, isn't invited. She wants to fit it with her new super cool friends, but the drama that goes along with it leaves her feeling a bit unsettled and downright baffled. Are her new friends all that they think they are? This realistic fiction book will have you turning the pages to see what happens next, and might just possibly remind you of what friendship really means.
Winner of the National Book Award and the Newberry Honor Award, this book tells the heartfelt story of a 10 year old girl who must flee her country of Vietnam when Saigon falls. She and her family try to start a new life in Alabama, but prejudice and rejection from her classmates makes life difficult for her. Based on the real life experiences of the author, Thanhha Lai, this book offers a unique insight into the life of a political refugee that will stir your heart.
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Zig has always loved gadgets and electronics. They are reliable and predictable, unlike his father, whom he hasn't seen in over a year. Convinced that his father is leaving clues about his disappearance, Zig wonders all over town looking for hints and trying to solve the mystery of his father's whereabouts. Along the way, he finds a friend, learns that people aren't always what they seem, and discovers the exact location of home.
In the very last safe place on Earth, all the citizens of Ark must speak LIST-- a language made up of only 500 words. Only the Wordsmith is allowed to know more words. Letta is the apprentice to the wordsmith, and she gets to know words like freedom, music, poetry, and betray. Letta meets a teenage boy who somehow knows all the banned words. When Letta suddenly becomes the Wordsmith, she has to choose. Does she allow language to slip away, or does she introduce the words that could lead to her banishment? How many words do you need to be free?
In the small Kenyan village where Auma lives, she is a track star. Her running talent might even allow her to attend high school and fulfill her dream of going to college and becoming a doctor someday. When her father contracts AIDS, Auma's family needs her help at home. She must decide if she will pursue her own dreams, or quit school to help support her family. This story of loss and sacrifice, of love and heartbreak will stay with you long after you read it.