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The Moon and More
I have turned so many teens on to Sarah Dessen’s books. Her characters, the dialog, the situations they are placed in all ring true to the teenagers that stop into the library. She’s my go-to author for “chick-lit” books that also deal with heavier topics that teens deal with everyday. …
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Beholding Bee
Beholding Bee written by Kimberly Newton Fusco is about orphaned “Bee” who lives and works in a traveling carnival. She was born with a birthmark on her face in the shape of a diamond and is often faced with the taunts and jeers of the children (and adults) who come…
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My Family for the War
My Family for the War written by Anne C. Voorhoeve and translated by Tammi Reichel won the Mildred L. Batchelder medal for most outstanding children’s book in translation (from German) this past year. This book intrigued me on three different levels, the first being a winner for a book in translation. I honestly…
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe written by Benjamin Alire Saenz is a coming-of-age story about an angry, young Mexican boy and how he learns the secrets to his own universe and learns about himself and his family. Aristotle is essentially an only child, his twin sisters are much older…
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Hattie Big Sky & Hattie Ever After
I actually spent much of my weekend reading – a shock, I know! I was able to read three books this weekend, which is often unheard of and made me extremely happy! I finally got to read Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson, which I had thought I already read,…
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Doll Bones
If you’re looking for a creepy book that makes you want to leave the lights on when you go to sleep, Doll Bones by Holly Black is the perfect choice! Middle schoolers Zach, Alice, and Poppy are best friends that play an elaborate adventure-filled imaginative game filled with action figures…
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In Search of Goliathus Hercules
In Search of Goliathus Hercules honestly scared me a little when I heard about it. A young boy finds out that he can speak with 6-legged insects and soon realizes he is becoming more bug-like by the day. My immediate thought went straight to Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis and I am…
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Summer of the Gypsy Moths
Sara Pennypacker’s Summer of the Gypsy Moths is a story of belonging, of finding a family in an unexpected place, and of dreams. Stella is living with her Great-Aunt Louise on the Cape Cod coast with another foster girl, named Angel. The two girls are complete opposites and have no…
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Ask the Passengers
Ask the Passengers by A.S. King is a great young adult novel focusing on the ideas of not fitting in, bullying, small-town life, and figuring out who you are. I grew up in a small town and could easily relate to the main character, Astrid Jones. Small town life can be…
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The Center of Everything
The Center of Everything by Linda Urban is a coming-of-age story for a young girl whose grandmother has recently passed away. Ruby Pepperdine lives in Bunning New Hampshire where it is said the inventor of the donut settled after spending years on the ocean in his sailing ship. Ruby’s grandmother…