Rating: **

I thought this book was just okay. Good, not great. Amusing, not hilarious. Sometimes painfully truthful.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Rating: ***

I was expecting a lot from this book but I think it's probably much more appealing to teen readers. It got better in the last quarter but overall I thought it was a bit slow moving. Still I think many readers would like it more than I did.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Rating: *****

I really enjoyed this story. It was unique, the characters were realistic and interesting, and I enjoyed the way that the author wove in fun nods to current culture. This is a great read!

Rating: ****

This book has beautiful illustrations and gives an honest picture of what life might have been like for a Japanese person sent to an American Internment camp during WWII. What makes it really unique is that the main character is only half Japanese so he struggles to fit in anywhere.

Genre: Science Fiction

ON HOLD

This book is super weird and I will end up finishing it if only to see how the author wraps the story up. But there are other books I want to read more now so I have it on hold.

Genre: Graphic Novel, Memoir

Rating: **

I give this book two stars for creative layout but I was soooooo bored by it. I mean, so bored. Now, I can see how it might appeal to a certain genre of high school student or first year art students going through a similar life change. So, I do think there are readers out there who would love it. But for me, I was skipping pages and flipping through just to finish.

Rating: ****

A funny and accessible book about favorite Greek mythology. The author took some liberties but the overall affect is a humorous books that lots of young readers will enjoy! This book is a great blend of the best of Greek mythology and graphic novels in one.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: *****

started this book on audio but ultimately had to switch to print. The beginning may feel a bit slower in pace but stick with it! I promise you won't be disappointed in the end. This book is amazing and about 98% historically accurate so you might learn something as well!

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Rating: *****

I really, really enjoyed this book. It could have turned into a typical school story about a girl who struggles but Hunt wrote a wonderfully crafted book with unique characters and beautiful language. There were lines in this book I will pull out and savor again and again!

Genre: Memoir, free verse

Rating: *****

Beautifully crafted free verse poetry reveals the details of Jacqueline Woodson's life in this memoir. I loved this book chocked full of history and story. Emotional and powerful!

Rating: ****

I loved this book about friendship and all of the trials and tribulations that came with it. There are a lot of great performance pieces in this poetry book.

Rating: ****

Another great poetry book about school by Sara Holbrook. What I really love is the word play and hooks for readers to participate and do some of their own writing!