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Read by Mrs. Baker

Mai is a twelve year old California surfer girl.  She has no interest in learning more about her Vietnamese roots.  Everything will change as she spends her summer vacation in the exotic homeland of her ancestors.   This Newbery author weaves an intriguing story with rich characters and a sense of humor.

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Read by Mrs. Lontai

Marcus is the new kid in town and can't wait to try out for the high school football team. The only problem is that Marcus is a Quarterback and Troy Popovich is already the star Quarterback for the team. While Marcus is practicing his passing skills at Three Alarm Park he befriends a middle aged man who teaches him the art of tackling and not being afraid to take a hit. What Marcus doesn't know is that this man is an ex-NFL football player and Troy's father! Troy doesn't seem to want Marcus hanging around his dad and at times the NFL great acts more like a teenager than an adult. What is the secret that no one wants Marcus to know? This is a great read for any gender. I was on the edge of my seat as I was reading the book and stayed up till 12:30 at night because I couldn't put it down! It is an emotional story about friendship and compassion.

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Promposal by Rhonda Helms read by Ms. Pierson

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Promposal by Rhonda Helms read by Ms. Pierson

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Camilla likes Benjamin, but gets an over the top promposal from Zach she feels pressured to accept.  Her best friend Joshua is secretly in love with his friend Ethan, who wants Joshua to help him design a promposal for his crush Noah.  This is a fabulously realistic portrayal of modern teens from the perspectives of Camilla and Joshua that is funny, painful, sweet, awkward, and hopeful.  I really liked the emotional depth of the characters,  especially all of the boys, both gay and straight.  I even read it twice before returning it!

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Read by Mrs. Carlson

Told in graphic novel format, this memoir chronicles the real life experiences of a young girl living during a modern day war. Set during The Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) , this story sheds light on timely issues of fighting for freedom against the sometimes violent enemies. I am admittedly a graphic novel fan. I'll add this one to my list of "must read" for sure!

Sample page from the book.....

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Read by Mrs. Lathrop

Zach, Alice and Poppy are longtime childhood friends who are now in Middle School and experiencing new feelings and facing hurdles in their once easy going relationships. They are setting off on one last adventure together to bury "The Queen", an antique porcelain doll who holds a secret. This was a slightly scary read for younger middle schoolers but I would recommend it to lovers of the super natural and coming of age stories.

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Read by Mrs. Kraminitz

Anna is not looking forward to a boring summer on Dune Island, her home of sixteen years until she comes across a boy named Will. Will is visiting with his mom and brother from New York, and are staying on Dune Island for the summer. Ever since the day on the beach when Will and Anna’s eyes met, they have not stopped thinking about each other. When they finally connect, they realize that summer is only a few months, and who knows what the future will bring for the two of them. If you are interested in reading a love story that keeps you on your toes, look no further!

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Read by Mrs. Plesmid

Secret agents, double agents and the wrath of the Gestapo are the backdrop for this intruiging tale of courage between friends. By weaving together ficitional events with WWII espionage, the author creates a more than compelling read. The bonds of friendship and loyalty are challenged as the characters make their way through this minefield of events.

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Read by Christine Cirrotti

This was an interesting book for lower level readers. I wan't too thrilled by the plot -- not much happens. It deals with the relationship between 2 sisters who struggle to get along amidst some difficult family dynamics. This might be good for girls who really like stories about relationships.

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GUYS READ TRUE STORIES by Jon Scieszka read by Mrs. Benn

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GUYS READ TRUE STORIES by Jon Scieszka read by Mrs. Benn

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If you like true short stories that capture your attention with graphic details, then you will love this book! You also don’t have to be a guy to enjoy it –topics included being shipwrecked, early dental care and tarantulas.  The stories are written in a variety of forms including: narrative, graphic, and poetry. You won’t be able to put this one down!!

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Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott read by Ms. Cassidy

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Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott read by Ms. Cassidy

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When Tella gets the chance to enter the Brimstone Bleed, a survival contest with The Cure as the prize, she knows she must go.  Her older brother is dying, and this may be his only chance at survival.  As a Contender, Tella must survive four habitats - and get to the finish line first.  Packed with action and suspense, this is a great book for fans of the Hunger Games.

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The Lions of Little Rock by Kristine Levine read by Mrs. Rizzo

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The Lions of Little Rock by Kristine Levine read by Mrs. Rizzo

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I absolutely loved this book and am not ashamed to say I read it all in one day because I needed to see how it ended.  The book is a historical fiction based on actual events that occurred in Little Rock,
Arkansas in 1958 surrounding the struggle with integration.  Marlee was a very bright but shy and timid
girl who would never speak unless she had to and even then would not say more than a few words.  Liz is the new girl at school.  Liz chooses Marlee as her partner for a History project that includes an oral presentation.  Liz helps Marlee find her voice and overcome her fears.  Just days before the project is due Liz disappears because she is not welcome at “this” school.  Liz and Marlee figure out ways to keep in
touch and to stand up for what they believe in.

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The Lions of Little Rock has 15,203 ratings and 1,773 reviews. Jennifer said: Required Summer Reading = Unhappy Tween BoyMy poor boy. Apparently, the...

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Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi read by Mrs. Vigliotti

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Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi read by Mrs. Vigliotti

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An enlightening graphic novel that provides a brilliant look into the life of a Persian child growing up during the Iran and Iraq conflict.  In this memoir Marjane captures your heart as she struggles to find her place with her religion, country, and education and how to stand up for the right of free choice.

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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins read by Mrs. Zgombic

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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins read by Mrs. Zgombic

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I could NOT put this book down! And now I can't put down Catching Fire... and my daughter is begging me not to start Mocking Jay without her!

So I have a kinship with Katniss, I connect with her but not because I can shoot a mean arrow and kill someone and not because I have two guys vying for my attention. I am Katniss because I am a warrior too, our fights aren't the same but I have to stand up for what I believe in and advocate for technology in our school. It is not an easy battle, so I understand her, even though I am not dehydrated and dying in an auditorium with 12 districts watching my every move. I also admire and empathize with her love to save people including Rue, her sister Prim and of course Peeta, the baker's son who falls madly in love with her... or is he? That's what the games are all about, part show and part reality.  Hard to tell the difference sometimes...

Read the book, you won't be sorry!

PS I Have NOT seen the movie!

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The Hunger Games has 5,302,957 ratings and 158,628 reviews. Kiki said: I have got to stop poking fun at this series with memes. Someone take them away ...

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Warriors, The Lost Warrior by Erin Hunter read by Mrs. Alger

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Warriors, The Lost Warrior by Erin Hunter read by Mrs. Alger

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In this Graphic Novel, Graystripe, a warrior cat, is captured by Twolegs trying to rescue other members of the ThunderClan. Graystripe finds himself living in a Twoleg home, dreaming of finding his way back to his clan. Will this lost warrior find his way home or will he be forever trapped as a kittypet?

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The Old Willis Place by Mary Downing Hahn read by Mrs. Schreck

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The Old Willis Place by Mary Downing Hahn read by Mrs. Schreck

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Though ghost stories are not my usual genre of choice, picking a book around Halloween made a ghost story involving mystery and suspense appealing. The Old Willis Place turned out to be an excellent book full of secrets to be revealed that kept me wanting to know more. The format of the book also kept me interested. I enjoyed the mixture of narration told by Diana and the journal entries written by Lissa. This format enabled me to see different perspectives of what was going on within the story.

The Old Willis Place is the story of Diana, Georgie, Miss Lilian Willis, and the caretakers that live on the farm. Right from the beginning readers recognize that there is something unusual about Diana and Georgie, but reasons are not revealed until later on. When Lissa and her father move to the old Willis place, Oak Hill Manor, for his new job strange things happen without explanation. Read this book to uncover the truth of what happened at the mysterious old Willis place, learn about “the rules” that must not be broken, and discover how important friendship and forgiveness really are.

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Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse read by Mrs. Cooper

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Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse read by Mrs. Cooper

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Out of the Dust is a story set on a small farm in Oklahoma during the Great Depression. Billie Jo, the 13-year-old narrator and her parents struggle to manage a farm when the rain doesn’t come and the dust covers everything. One might think that all of the dust would make Billy Jo sad or depressed, but is doesn't. She is a positive young lady who enjoys playing the piano until the day of the accident. Then her life is changed forever.
The story reminds us that sometimes the answers to life’s biggest challenges and setbacks are simple and right in front of us. When Billie Jo experiences a life altering accident, somehow, even among the dust and despair, she pulls through. This is a story about hope.

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Anger, revenge, lust, and envy lead the way in the telling of the war between ancient Troy and Greece. I SAY,"DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME READING THIS BOOK!!" Although it contained more details than I had previously known, many of these details spoke of hatred, revenge, lust, violence and just bad human behavior. Additionally, this book told of gods and goddesses behaving as badly as humans. After reading the book, I was left with the idea that life in the Bronze Age was very sad and people's lives were being adversely affected by their illogical minds. Find something else to read!!

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All the Broken Pieces by Ann E Burg....Read by Mrs. MacGorman 

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All the Broken Pieces by Ann E Burg....Read by Mrs. MacGorman 

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All the Broken Pieces is told in first person "verse" by Matt Pin. Matt is a 12 year old, refugee from Vietnam whose father was a soldier during the war who abandoned him and his Mom. Then, his Mom gave him up and sent him to America where he was adopted by a loving, caring family. Matt struggles with memories and daily life as a 12 year old, many important life topics are covered. This is a very fast read book.

I could not put the book down and read it in under 2 hours! I loves so many of the messages of this book and if you read it, please come and talk to me about them! I especially loved the baseball coach!

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the summer i turned pretty by Jenny Han read by Ms Seccamanie

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the summer i turned pretty by Jenny Han read by Ms Seccamanie

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Belly was a beautiful young girl, who never quite saw herself that way. She spent every summer, for as long as she could remember, with her Mom, her brother Stephen, and her Mom's best friend, Susannah, at Susannah's shore house. Susannah had two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. ,When she turns 16, she finds herself in a love/hate relationship with both boys. She was not aware, however, that this was to be their last summer at the shore house. Enjoy this book and find out why.

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The Nazi Hunters by Neal Bascomb read by Mr. Comba

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The Nazi Hunters by Neal Bascomb read by Mr. Comba

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If you read Night, you would find this interesting. The search for Adolf Eichman after WWII leads Mossad to Buenos Aires, Argentine, where Eichman has been living under an alias. Mossad is able to kidnap Eichman and bring him back to Israel for justice.

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We are all made of Molecules by Susan Nielsen read by Mrs. Dornfeld

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We are all made of Molecules by Susan Nielsen read by Mrs. Dornfeld

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Stewart, a teenage genius, finds himself living with a new family when his mom dies and his father falls in love again. He has major difficulties with social interactions, while Ashley the daughter of his dad's girlfriend is mortified that her life is turned upside down with this new living arrangement. Ms. Nielsen uses humor throughout the book where I actually laughed out loud several times! I would highly recommend reading this book....

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I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest read by Mrs. Christou

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I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest read by Mrs. Christou

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This is one book that you shouldn’t judge by its cover.  What looks to be a childish story about a princess in Converse sneakers turns out to be a dangerous adventure.  Follow May as she uncovers clues buried in an internet comic ironically titled Princess X, a character that her and her dead friend Libby created many years ago.

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Green Angel by Alice Hoffman read by Mrs. LaSaracina

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Green Angel by Alice Hoffman read by Mrs. LaSaracina

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Green Angel is an enchanting character whose transformation from green to black challenges the reader to wonder how we would deal with life's tragic moments. This beautifully written story gives hope to all who have had to face trauma young in their lives. Follow Green on her path and you will never regret the journey.

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The One and Only Ivan read by Mrs. Sasso

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The One and Only Ivan read by Mrs. Sasso

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Ivan is a silverback gorilla living in a small cage in the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. He was taken from his family when he was just a baby, and this is all he has ever known. His best friend is Stella, the elephant in the cage next to his, and Bob, the stray dog who sleeps on his stomach at night. One day a baby elephant, Ruby, arrives. She is young and scared, but Stella comforts her, even though Stella is in great pain from an infection. Ivan promises Stella that he will protect Ruby and get her to a better place. He begins painting pictures for the public to get his point across. Will he be able to save Ruby (and himself)? This book is told from the viewpoint of Ivan, the gorilla. It was a fantastic read and is perfect for the reluctant reader. I laughed and cried!

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Google Images. The most comprehensive image search on the web.

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Every Day by David Levithan read by Mrs. Banks

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Every Day by David Levithan read by Mrs. Banks

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Every Day is about a person named "A" who wakes up in a different teenager's body each day. A never knows if he/she will wake up as a boy, girl, skinny, overweight, caucasian, asian - each day is a mystery. One day he wakes up in Justin's body and spends the day with Justin's girlfriend. As time moves on and A continues to wake up in a different body, he can't stop thinking about Justin's girlfriend Rhiannon. WILL he ever see her again? CAN he ever see her again? Read this "can't-put-down" book filled with humor, drama and sensitivity to find out!

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Read 22.7k reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same ...

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Fat Kid Rules the World by K. L. Going read by Mrs. Lettire

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Fat Kid Rules the World by K. L. Going read by Mrs. Lettire

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Troy, a 6' ft 1"in 296 pound, 17 year old, stands poised on a subway platform ready to throw himself to his death when Curt McCrea, a guitar legend, high school drop-out, homeless kid "saves him"! Curt has a plan and a new name for Troy. Big "T" is going to buy him lunch and become the new  drummer for their punk rock band Rage/Tectonic...and by the way they're having their first gig in just five weeks. In this book both Troy and Curt learn that the way they perceive the world is not always correct and through this unlikely friendship each one finds a way to "save" the other. I loved this book - the characters are quirky and eccentric and I enjoyed the story and the NYC music scene. I couldn't put it down!

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Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick read by Ms. Pierson 

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Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick read by Ms. Pierson 

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Steven is a talented drummer, average student, and reluctant older brother. When his little brother Jeffrey becomes ill, Steven struggles to handle the changes in his family until the girls in his life come through for him in unexpected ways. Told with humor and sensitivity.

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Define "Normal" by Julie Anne Peters read by Ms. Pierson

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Define "Normal" by Julie Anne Peters read by Ms. Pierson

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Antonia is a smart rule-follower and Jazz acts tough and looks like a punk rocker when they come together in an awkward peer counseling arrangement. Each begins to realize that there is much more to the other girl than she originally believed, and they build a friendship against a backdrop of family issues.

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The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey read by Mrs. Shimko

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The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey read by Mrs. Shimko

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It's the end of the world, yet again, in this dystopian novel set in the not too distance future. The story is cleverly told from two perspectives, giving the reader a good dose of military chaos and complicated love.

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Guys Read Sports Pages by Jon Sciezka read by Mrs. Baker

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Guys Read Sports Pages by Jon Sciezka read by Mrs. Baker

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I know you remember Jon Scieszka, he co-authored the Stinky Cheese Man. He has compiled a great group of stories that center around the theme of sports. You don't have to be a sports fan to find something to enjoy in this collection!

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Four Secrets by Margaret Willey read by Mrs. Bardy 

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Four Secrets by Margaret Willey read by Mrs. Bardy 

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Four Secrets is an excellent novel that makes you want to keep reading to find out why three teens would rather get sent to juvenile hall for kidnapping one of their classmate than have their secrets revealed. It is an excellent novel however the character, Nathaniel, writes his story in a style that is difficult to understand.

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Con Academy by Joe Shchreiber read by Mrs. Degen

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Con Academy by Joe Shchreiber read by Mrs. Degen

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The biggest con in Con Academy is that Houghton Mifflin was conned into publishing it. The premise is that two students have conned their way into Connaughton, a prestigious rich-kid boarding school in New England. These two students, Will and Andrea, discover that they have each conned their way in and make a bet to see who gets to stay. (That of course begs the question why they both can’t stay). The first student to get $50,000 from Brandt Rush, the ultra-rich big dog on campus wins the bet. What follows is a preposterous string of events to determine who wins the bet and gets to stay at Connaughton.

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Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead - read by Ms. Halpern

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Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead - read by Ms. Halpern

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Goodbye Stranger is told from the perspecitves of mulitple characters. Bridge, Emily, and Tabitha have been best friends forever. They made a pact: no fighting. Can they get through seventh grade without fighting? Sherm's grandfather has recently moved out of his family's house. Sherm is struggling to come to terms with the idea that his grandfather is no longer living with them. Finally, an unnamed high school girl is struggling with her friend group. How will these characters navigate the trials and tribulations of middle school and high school? This was a great coming of age story featuring struggles that students are familiar with and can understand.