Books I Have Read
Mrs. Heethuis
Everland
9 out of 10 Stars
Completed - September 2016
Author - Wendy Spinale
Published - 2016
Genre/Topic - Fantasy, Dystopian Fairytale
Review - Peter Pan meets Divergent in this fantasy, Everland, a broken fairytale of sorts by Wendy Spinale. If you love Peter Pan, you’ll love this novel by Spinale. A plague has hit London and nearly everyone has died, except for the children who have managed to escape to create their own city. A quite predictable and spontaneous love story is intertwined. My only critique of this book is just how predictable the love story was; the ending was also very expected, however the lovable characters and dystopian nature of this story more than make up for it!�
The Merciless II
7 out of 10 Stars
Completed - September 2016
Author - Danielle Vega
Published - 2016
Genre/Topic - Suspense, Horror
Review - “Mean Girls meets The Exorcist” is a more than fitting phrase for this sequel to The Merciless by Danielle Vega. This had me up all night and a little itchy. Definitely a book for a more mature young adult, this novel tackles some adult content as well as some religious scenarios. The main character is going through extreme hardship and is sent away to a religious boarding school as a last result before entering the foster care system. It is not long before the evils from her past start haunting her, both emotionally and spiritually. For mature audiences only! �
My Lady Jane
9 out of 10 Stars
Completed - September 2016
Author - Brody Ashton, Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows
Published - 2016
Genre/Topic - Historical Fiction, Comedy
Review - With three authors working on this book together, I was skeptical of My Lady Jane. The authors also interact with the reader with dialogue intertwined throughout the novel giving insight and explanation; I’m not usually a fan of this, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel. This was about one hundred pages longer than it needed to be; the second half was dragged out more than I felt was necessary, but the characters are hilarious and very likable. The story is of Jane Grey, King Edward, and �
Three Dark Crowns
9 out of 10 Stars
Completed - October 2016
Author - Kendare Blake
Published - 2016
Genre/Topic - Fantasy
Review - Dark indeed! Blake’s “Three Dark Crowns” is not for the faint of heart! On the island of Fennbirn triplets are born every generation, and said triplets are separated until they come together at the Beltane festival to begin their fight to reign. Only one can be queen; she must kill her sisters first. Each supposedly possesses a magical power to aid her in her fight. In addition to darkness and power, friendship, love, betrayal and forgiveness are themes present in this novel. �
Simon vs. the Homosapian’s Agenda
10 out of 10 Stars
Completed - MMLI Camp 2016
Author - Becky Albertalli
Published -
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction, LGBT
Review - Simon, a high school boy who hasn’t yet come out openly as gay, is involved in an online relationship with a stranger from his school named “Blue”. Witty, clever, and honest, Simon is the perfect narrator for this coming of age story. This book is recommended to mature readers who may appreciate sarcasm and a little bit of love!�
Denton Little’s Death Date
9 out of 10 Stars
Completed - October 2016
Author - Lance Rubin
Published -
Genre/Topic - Comedy, Sci-fi/suspense
Review - Denton Little’s Death Date takes place in a future society where babies are given a deathdate when they’re born. Denton, an “early”, will die during his junior year of high school, a month earlier than his best friend. A little sci-fi mixed with wit, humor, friendship and love, this book will not let you down! A sequel is coming out in 2017!�
The Women In The Walls
5 out of 10 Stars
Completed - October 2016
Author - Amy Lukavics
Published -
Genre/Topic - Horror, Thriller
Review - The Women In the Walls started strong; I really thought I had finally found a high-quality, legitimately scary book! Much to my dismay, however, this book dragged on for a lot longer than it needed to. While there are some suspenseful parts, there is a lot of swearing and the plot doesn’t seem very developed. I’ll give it an “OKAY”. �
Orbiting Jupiter
10 out of 10 STARS
Completed - November 2016
Author - Gary Schmidt
Published - 2014
Awards - ALA Notable Book for Young Adult
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction, Diverse Text
Review - Yesterday, I cracked open my newly delivered Gary Schmidt novel, Orbiting Jupiter, and from the first page I was hooked. The walls of my room easily disappeared, and I found myself in a beautiful organic farm with a family that all families can learn a thing or two from about love, acceptance, and hope. I knew this novel followed the life of a 6th grader named Jack as his family fostered an 8th grader named Joseph. Joseph clearly has a rough passed, and I excitedly shared two gripping excerpts describing this character with my students, “He really could have been any other eighth-grade kid at Eastham Middle School. Except he had a daughter. And he wouldn’t look at you when he talk - if he talked” (Schmidt 5), and “maybe if the teachers had heard Joseph late at night, they might have been a little afraid of him” (Schmidt 19). Bam! Just like me, they want to know more. I now have a list of students waiting for the moment they too can turn the pages of this fast paced book - this book that is both heart wrenching and hopeful at the same time. I finished Orbiting Jupiter with tears on my cheeks during my final class for the day. With this story still twirling in my mind, I am having a hard time moving on to another text… maybe when my next Gary Schmitd novel arrives I will be ready to move on. (Review from Mrs. Medendorp)
American Born Chinese
7.5 out of 10
Completed - November 2016
Author - Gene Luen Yang
Published - 2006
Genre/Topic - Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Diverse Text
Awards - Michael L. Printz Award
Review - For my first experience with a graphic novel, I was happily surprised at how invested I quickly became in the main character. Although the ending of this text left something to be desired, I did enjoy how the three stories developed through this texts, found a way to creatively weave together. The honest account of the experience of a young Chinese American boy in a predominantly white school illuminated an experience that my students and I could learn a great deal from.
October Mourning - A Song for Matthew Shepard
10 out of 10 stars
Completed - November 2016
Author - Leslea Newman
Published - 2012
Genre/Topic - Narrative non-fiction, poetry, Diverse Text
Awards - Stonewall Honor Book
Review - This was a truly heartbreaking account of the very possible perspectives of all those involved in the tragedy that happened with Matthew Shepard. From the first to the sixty-eighth poem, I was in tears. It’s absolutely crucial that we all become more tolerant, accepting, and kind, as to avoid anything like this happening again.
Maybe Someday
9 out of 10 stars
Completed - November 2016
Author - Melissa Kantor
Published -
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Olivia and Zoe were the best of friends and did everything together; nothing could separate them, except maybe cancer. When Olivia is diagnosed their worlds are turned upside down.
The Great American Whatever
9 out of 10 stars
Completed - November 2016
Author - Tim Federle
Published -
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Quinn has not yet come out to his family and friends; he is a want-to-be screenwriter who has just experienced extreme trauma six months ago. A love story, a friendship story, a family story, a coming of age story...The Great American Whatever is hilarious! For mature readers only.
Mosquitoland
9 out of 10 stars
Completed - November 2016
Author - David Arnold
Published -
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Join Mim on a wild ride of adventure, suspense, mental instability, heartache, love, and friendship!
P.S. I like you
10 out of 10 stars
Completed - November 2016
Author - Kasie West
Published -
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - What a cute love story!
What Light
9 out of 10 stars
Completed - November 2016
Author - Jay Asher
Published -
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - A holiday love story!
Everything, Everything
10 out of 10 stars
Completed - November 2016
Author - Nicola Yoon
Published -
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Maddy has never been outside of her home due to her illness. What will happen when she falls in love for the first time?
A fast read, as some of the pages are e-mails, notes, drawings, and conversations.
An unexpected event that you won’t see coming!
Kids of Appetite
9 out of 10 stars
Completed - December 2016
Author - David Arnold
Published -
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Vic runs away from home after a blowing up on his soon-to-be stepfather (his dad recently passed away and mom is remarrying). He finds a group of unlikely friends to take him under their wings and help him on a quest to honor his father’s dying wishes. The story is told through flashbacks and opens with them being interrogated by the police.
They lived, and they laughed, and they saw that it was good <3
Towers Falling
7 out of 10 stars
Completed - December 2016
Author - Jewell Parker Rhodes
Published -
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - A story about a student learning about the events that unfolded on September 11th, 2001 through class assignments and her father’s untold story. A story of homelessness, friendship, commemoration of the events that unfolded that day, family, and growing up. This is geared for younger readers, so it’s a pretty quick read!
Talking as Fast as I Can
_ out of 10 stars
Completed - December 2016
Author - Lauren Graham
Published - 2016
Genre/Topic - Nonfiction, autobiography
Review - An impulse buy to preorder a copy of this book was brought on by the huge void left in my heart after finishing the final ninety minute episode of the Gilmore GIrls revival. Gilmore Girls got me through some tough times and brought me even closer to my own mom, so when a revival happened, we were all in (Luke reference, anyone?) Upon its completion I took solace in the fact that her autobiography was being released only days later (clever marketing) and I eagerly awaited for its delivery. I was not disappointed. Lauren Graham is hilarious, witty, and smart.
The Sun is Also a Star
7 out of 10 stars
Completed - December 2016
Author - Nicola Yoon
Published - 2016
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction, Diverse
Review - After reading Everything, Everything I had really high hopes for this book that is ALL over #bookstagram. It was good, but it wasn’t as great as I had expected given all of the hype. The main character is in jeopardy of being deported and is spending one last day trying to figure out a plan to stay in the United States and meets a boy who adds to the adventure. I recommend this book, but I recommend reading it BEFORE Everything, Everything!
I’ll Give You The Sun
10 out of 10 stars
Completed - January 2, 2017
Author - Jandy Nelson
Published - 2014
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - I have never read a book with more metaphor and figurative language. It actually took a chapter or two before I really could fall into the writing, because it was so beautiful and intense. This is a story of a set of twins, Jude and Noah who were once very close and aspiring artists. The chapters alternate between POVs and time periods. This is definitely for a more mature reader, as there is some adult content.
Love & Gelato
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - January 5, 2017
Author - Jenna Welch
Published - 2016
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - A quick read, I finished this in one night and a few classes worth of silent reading. Carolina, Lina, has just lost her mother (not a spoiler alert) and is following through with her dying wish to spend the summer in Italy. Lina is skeptical and would rather stay at home with her best friend to continue grieving, but decides to take a chance and carry out her mother’s wish. Love & Gelato is a sweet read that tackles love, family and friendship. It will make you want to fall in love, eat gelato, smile, and visit Italy! My only criticism is that it’s pretty predictable, however, it’s worth it for a calming read.
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - January 14, 2017
Author - Jennifer Smith
Published - 2012
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Sort of predictable, good feel-good story! A light read :)
When We Collided
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - January 14, 2017
Author - Jennifer Smith
Published - 2012
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Sort of predictable, good feel-good story! A light read :)
Attachments
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - February 2017
Author - Rainbow Rowell
Published -
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Not a young adult novel, but likable characters and a good story line.
Denton Little’s Still Not Dead
7 out of 10 stars
Completed - February 2017
Author - Lance Rubin
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction/Sci-Fi
Review - I wanted to love this book as much as I loved the first Denton Little book, but this one just seemed too unbelievable. Paolo’s character seemed forced and too cliche.
Lily and Dunkin
10 out of 10 stars
Completed - March 2017
Author - Donna Gephart
Published - 2
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Lily (transgender) and Dunkin (bipolar) meet as they enter the 8th grade.
The Sky is Everywhere
9 out of 10 stars
Completed - March 2017
Author - Jandy Nelson
Published -
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - A story of grief.
Roseblood
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - March 2017
Author - A. G. Howard
Published -
Genre/Topic - Fantasy/Retelling
Review - A modern day retelling of The Phantom of the Opera.
The Hate U Give
10 out of 10 stars
Completed - April 2017
Author - Angie Thomas
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction, Diverse Lit.
Review - An inside perspective of the #blacklivesmatter movement. Starr witnesses one of her best friends be murdered by a police officer, struggles with grief, protesting, and where she fits in. Chilling and thought-provoking. I loved this book!
172 Hours on the Moon
10 out of 10 stars
Completed - April 2017
Author - Johan Harstad
Published - 2008
Genre/Topic - Sci-fi, thriller
Review - Three teenagers have a chance to visit the moon for the first time in fifty years; they’re chosen from a world-wide lottery. However, NASA isn’t being honest about their intentions and a lunar landing isn’t nearly as exciting as it has been made to seem!
Carry On
10 out of 10 stars
Completed - April 2017
Author - Rainbow Rowell
Published - 2015
Genre/Topic - Fantasy
Review - With its Harry Potter feel, I fell in love with Carry On and zipped through its 500+ pages in just two days. Amazing!
FANGIRL
_ out of 10 stars
Completed - April 2017
Author - Rainbow Rowell
Published - 2013
Genre/Topic -
Review -
The Lovely Reckless
6 out of 10 stars
Completed - April 2017
Author - Kami Garcia
Published - 2016
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction, Contemporary
Review - Frankie comes from a wealthy family and attends a wealthy school, but when she witnesses her boyfriend being beaten to death, Frankie starts acting out. She is kicked out of school and has to start over in a new school district. She suffers from PTSD and can’t remember who killed her boyfriend. I liked the characters in this story and the plot, but it was very cliche and predictable.
Girl in Pieces
9 out of 10 stars
Completed - April 2017
Author - Kathleen Glasgow
Published - 2016
Review - This was a heartbreaking story of a girl who is involved in self-harm. It also, through other characters, shows the dangers and harsh realities of addiction and loss. This was not appropriate for my eighth grade shelves, but it was a good read. It had me on edge, smiling at the end, and maintaining a high level of anxiety throughout the book.
Tell Me Three Things
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - April 2017
Author - Julie Buxbaum
Published - 2016
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - After reading something so heavy, I raced through this book because it’s cute. This is a story of a secret admirer and a girl in a new school, state, and home. After the loss of her mother, the main character’s father remarries and moves them to California, away from the live she knows and her best friend.
The Infinite Moment of Us
3 out of 10 stars
Completed - April 2017
Author - Lauren Myracle
Published - 2013
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Under Rose-Tainted Skies
7 out of 10 stars
Completed - May 2017
Author - Louise Gornall
Published - 2012
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - This book reminded me so much of Everything, Everything. However, instead of an autoimmune disease, the main character suffers from anxiety disorders.
First & Then
3 out of 10 stars
Completed - April 2017
Author - Emma Mills
Published - 2015
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review -
The Single Guy
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - June 2017
Author - Jen VanHekken
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Because the author of this book is a local woman (and a fellow cheer coach!) I ordered this book right away when it became available on Amazon. This book read like an episode of The Bachelor (in a good way). I really enjoyed the characters, the plot, the writing, but hated the ending. The ending felt rushed, but overall this was a cute story and I’d recommend to other adults; students won’t be interested.
Forbidden
2 out of 10 stars
Completed - June 2017
Author - Tabitha Suzuma
Published - 2010
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Do not read this book. My anxiety has never been higher while reading a “young adult” book. Incest was the theme of this novel, and while the experiences the characters went through definitely did not glorify incest, it also did not serve as a cautionary tale for it. I will not be putting this one on the shelves of my classroom.
By Your Side
7 out of 10 stars
Completed - June 2017
Author - Kasie West
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - I love Kasie West! Her stories are just what I need after a heavy book (Forbidden) to cheer me up. The characters are always likable, they read fast, and they have satisfactory endings with no questions left unanswered. This one in particular was about a girl trapped in a library for four days (my dream?) with a boy from school.
The Fill-In Boyfriend
6 out of 10 stars
Completed - June 2017
Author - Kasie West
Published - 2015
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Another cute, fast, likable Kasie West book! This one is about a girl whose boyfriend breaks up with her in the parking lot before prom so she convinces another boy (a total stranger) to go in with her. A light read.
More Happy Than Not
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - July 2017
Author - Adam Silvera
Published - 2015
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction/Sci-Fi
Review - The main character in this novel lives in a world where unhappy memories can be erased by having a procedure. He is also struggling with his own sexuality, having relationship struggles with both his family and friends. This novel was so emotional and pretty heavy, but I really enjoyed it.
Goodbye Days
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - August 2017
Author - Jeff Zentner
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Our narrator feels responsible for killing his three best friends when the driver texts and drives, causing them to crash. A story of grief, forgiveness, and family.
Lucky in Love
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - August 2017
Author - Kasie West
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - A story about a girl who needs money for college and wins the lottery! A hint of a love story in there, too.
On the Fence
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - August 2017
Author - Kasie West
Published - 2014
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - A cute love story about a girl and her neighbor.
The Distance Between Us
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - August 2017
Author - Kasie West
Published - 2013
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - A cute love story about people who come from very different financial situations.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - September 2017
Author -
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Historical Fiction
Review - Monty, his sister, and his best friend (and crush) are on a tour of Europe before they all part ways. Monty seems to only disgrace his family with all of his shenanigans.
The Names They Gave Us
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - September 2017
Author - Emery Lord
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - A sad story about a girl whose mother is sick. She goes away to camp and is questioning her faith.
One Dark Throne
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - Fall 2017
Author - Kendare Blake
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Fantasy Fiction
Review - Sequel to Three Dark Crowns
Turtles All the Way Down
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - November 2017
Author - John Green
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - I’ve waited so long for a new John Green book to come out! This one was much more serious than others, as it offered an inside perspective on living with anxiety.
They Both Die at the End
9 out of 10 stars
Completed - Fall 2017
Author - Adam Silvera
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction/Sci-Fi
Review - This takes place in a (near) futuristic society where humans are called on the day that they’re going to die, informing them that their final (up to) 24 hours are upon them!
History is All You Left Me
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - December 2017
Author - Adam Silvera
Published - 201
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - The main character has recently lost his best friend (who was also his ex boyfriend). The chapters alternate between TODAY (the day of the funeral) and HISTORY (the story of what leads up to his death). Heartbreaking, as per usual with Silvera’s books!
The Up Side of Unrequited
10 out of 10 stars
Completed - December 2017
Author - Becky Albertalli
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - For more mature audiences, this book is addicting. I love Becky Albertalli and her well-developed characters. This is a story of love, friendship, sisterhood, and weight struggles.
Almost Midnight (short stories)
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - December 2017
Author - Rainbow Rowell
Published -
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Two short stories. One about New Year’s Eve and crushes and one about a girl waiting in line for a new Star Wars movie for a week!
Love, Life & The List
8 out of 10 stars
Completed - January 2018
Author - Kasie West
Published - 2017
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - Kasie West’s books are really cute love stories. This one is a tale of an agoraphobic mother, a girl who is in love with her best friend (unrequited) and is struggling to find depth in her artwork.
We Were Liars
9 out of 10 stars
Completed - December 2017
Author - E. Lockhart
Published - 2014
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction/Suspense
Review - A bit darker, for someone who is looking for major plot twists!
Other Books I’ve Read
Life and Death
_ out of 10 stars
Completed -
Author - Stephenie Meyer
Published -
Genre/Topic - Vampire Literature
Review - Twilight reimagined! The genders are swapped in this version of one of my very favorite sagas.
Current read
The Song of Achilles
__ out of 10 stars
Completed - July 2017
Author - Madeline Miller
Published - 2011
Genre/Topic - Mythology
Review - Current read!
Thirteen Reasons Why
7 out of 10 stars
Completed - May 2017
Author - Louise Gornall
Published - 2007
Genre/Topic - Realistic Fiction
Review - I read this book years ago and decided to read it again after watching the Netflix series. I HATED the Netflix series and wanted to reassure myself that the book was good and I wasn’t remembering it incorrectly.