Readingjunky's Reading Roost

ONE WORD, SIX LETTERS by Adib Khorram

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:28:00 +0000

What happens when someone bets you $20 to yell out a slur during a special assembly? For Dayton it means serving a 3 day in-school suspension and earning a reputation as a troublemaker with something against gays. According to Dayton, the whole thing was a mistake, a momentary lapse in judgement he wishes he could take back.

For Farshid the incident in the assembly seemed personal. Now he thinks he is hearing that word directed at him throughout the school - in the hall, in the classrooms, and on the playing field. Farshid isn't even sure if he is gay, but every time he hears the word, he believes it reflects on him.

As the school year continues, Dayton and Farshid try to get passed the incident, but they are constantly thrust together in partner projects, in the hallway, and seating arrangements in class. Dayton would like to move on, but he feels Farshid's dislike no matter what he does.

In ONE WORD, SIX LETTERS author Adib Khorram presents both sides in a situation all too common in schools today. Using this book in the classroom is sure to spark some excellent discussion.

THE FREE STATE OF JAX by Jennifer A. Nielsen

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:36:00 +0000

Jax has been living with his grandmother ever since his parents died. Things were going well until his grandmother's mind began failing her. Jax is forced to move in with his aunt and uncle and their horrible children.

Living with the Grimmitz's means being bullied by the cousins and ignored by the adults. They don't even call him by his name. Why can't they remember his name is Jaxon Averett not Jack Everett? Jax is sure he would be better off living alone.

Forming his own country seems like the only way to be free of the Grimmitz family. Jax sets off across the cornfield to some land beside a hot spring lake. He has done his research and knows what it takes to form his own country - the Free State of Jax. It will take some doing, but Jax is determined.

Author Jennifer A. Nielsen shows readers what it is like to take matters into their own hands. There's a bit of history and mystery and legal wheeling and dealing as Jax prepares to make his own way in what is sometimes an unfair world.

A SCAR LIKE A RIVER by Lisa Graff

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 16:35:00 +0000

Fallon Little has secrets - three to be exact. Her story dates back to when she was five years old. The first secret she has already told her two best friends. They know that the scar that runs down the length of her face was put there by her Uncle Geebie. The terrifying experience required many surgeries and is likely to require more. Her parents were by her side, but they don't really know the truth about what happened.

Fallon isn't ready to reveal her other secrets, but she knows she will at some point. The arrival of her mother's sister, Aunt Lune, opens up more about Fallon's secrets. As Fallon discovers more about her past and Aunt Lune's part in it, a huge anger grows in her.

Counting on her best friends turns out to be something Fallon can't depend on. Instead, a girl named Stella, once an enemy, turns out to have more in common with Fallon than she imagined. With Stella's help, Fallon might be able to open up about what happened years ago. Could this help with the healing Fallon so wishes for?

Author Lisa Graff presents this dramatic and emotional book certain to touch hearts and open minds to a problem many quietly face. This needs to be available to all middle grade and teen readers and many adults will find it useful as well.

SUNSHINE by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 16:16:00 +0000

Author and artist Jarrett J. Krosoczka is known for HEY, KIDDO. Jarrett grew up living with his grandparents and trying to overcome childhood trauma. His latest book focuses on a time in high school when he volunteered at a summer camp for sick kids. He credits the experience with teaching him about life, death, and hope.

The day Jarrett arrived at the camp he was given a one-on-one assignment with a kid not much younger than he was. The kid was diagnosed with cancer and restricted to a wheelchair. Jarrett wasn't sure how he would relate to this kid. It didn't take long for the two to form a connection that made the week at camp an incredible one.

In SUNSHINE Jarrett uses his artistic talent and storytelling skills to take readers into his week at camp. This is an uplifting and important book that should be in all libraries and classrooms.

WHERE ONLY STORMS GROW by Alyssa Colman

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:24:00 +0000

It's 1935 in Oklahoma. Twins Howe and Joanna Stanton live on the family farm. Their lives are filled with chores, school, and surviving dust storms. When their uncle can't make his loan payments and loses his farm, he moves his family to California where jobs are supposedly available. Howe and Joanna's dad decides to head west as well in the hope of making money he can send back to the family.

Left to manage the farm with their older brother and their mother, the twins find themselves working even harder. The dust storms increase in intensity causing destruction and illness throughout the region. When their older brother Lou falls from a ladder and breaks his leg, all the farm work falls to the twins and their mother.

Despite having scoliosis, Joanna impresses the Red Cross nurses at the local makeshift hospital. They offer her a job that provides extra money for the family, but they still hope their father returns soon.

Author Alyssa Colman deftly portrays the Dust Bowl time in the Midwest. Tales of the constant cleanup after the suffocating dust and dirt that coats the land informs readers of a time in our history that taught farmers how to better handle their crops and manage the land.

THE TOWN WITH NO MIRRORS by Christina Collins

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:21:00 +0000

I highly recommend THE TOWN WITH NO MIRRORS by Christina Collins. It grabbed me on the first page and there was no stopping.

Can you imagine never seeing your reflection? Zailey never has seen her face. She is fascinated by the faces she sees every day in her small community, but she knows it is wrong to stare. She knows it is even worse that she secretly sketches the faces she sees.

Living in Gladder Hill means superficial thoughts and ideas are prohibited. There are no mirrors. In fact, all reflective surfaces have been illuminated. Zailey's neighbor is evicted when it is discovered that he has a silver spoon.

The community was created to insulate people from physical fascinations. There are strict rules and conditions in Gladder Hill, but Zailey is getting more curious every day. When an argument with her grandmother ends in a horrible accident, Zailey is airlifted to the hospital where she discovers the world outside Gladder Hill.

Inspired by body image issues and eating disorders, author Christina Collins creates a world designed as a utopia, but like many utopias, things end up more like a dystopian experience. This one will stick with readers long after they finish.

FINDING LOST by Holly Goldberg Sloan

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:02:00 +0000

Since Cordy lost her father, she has been searching for something to convince her mother that they should stay in the town she and her brother have always lived in. Staying where she remembers her dad and all they shared is her number one priority.

When Cordy finds a homeless little dog, she is sure this is the answer. She christens him "Lost" and they do everything together. Cordy is thrilled that her mom seems to adore the little dog, too.

A trip to a visiting vet turns up a problem with Lost's health. The reason for his horrible bad breath is some rotten teeth that need to be removed. When the cost seems impossible, the vet suggests a plan that will cost them nothing. He also seems to be taken with Cordy's mother. That could be good or bad. Only time will tell.

Author Holly Goldberg Sloan doesn't disappoint with another of her heartwarming tale about family, friendship, and love. FINDING LOST is a sure winner.

AFTER ZERO by Christina Collins

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 14:36:00 +0000

Elise has discovered using words sparingly is the best plan for her. She and her mother live in the same house but rarely communicate. Her mother barely provides what Elise needs physically and even less emotionally. After always being homeschooled, Elise's mother declares she can attend public school.

Entering school for the first time as an eighth grader isn't easy. It just takes a few days for Elise to realize this is also a place where not talking is best. She even uses a notebook to keep a tally record of how few words she can use in a day.

Elise is growing suspicious of her mother's activities. She realizes that she has never celebrated a birthday. In fact, she didn't even know there was such a thing until she sees her best friend celebrating. Her mother disappears into a shed in the backyard, and she takes off in the car to parts unknown. When Elise confronts her mother, she is told there is nothing to know.

AFTER ZERO by Christina Collins will draw readers in immediately and take them along on Elise's journey to fit in and learn the truth about her past.

HOW GIRLS ARE MADE by Mindy McGinnis

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 04:23:00 +0000

Shelby spends her time in the gym training. Her goal is to be a professional fighter. It is a surprise to everyone when her boyfriend loses his cool and breaks her nose. How can the person she thought she could trust betray her so much?

Fallon strives for perfection. She's organized to a fault, and everyone knows it and depends on her. Her grades are top notch, and she knows her parents never have to worry about her. But, what happens when someone like Fallon decides that she must step up to make sure her little sister and everyone else deserve better when it comes being educated about a woman's body and sex?

Jobie is a good girl. She's creative and cute. She spends most of her time online. It's amazing the sites she's found to help her with personal care and ways to attract attention. Her goal is to increase her followers and find ways to earn money for the things she believes she needs to make herself beautiful.

All three girls have different reasons for starting the club they dub SHAFT Class. It is supposed to be helping girls (and eventually, guys) have a better understanding of their bodies and sex than the traditional sex ed course provided by the school. Their intentions are good, but as the word spreads about the class, there are those who are critical, and those who are determined to shut it down and ruin them.

In HOW GIRLS ARE MADE author Mindy McGinnis takes on topics teens struggle with around the world. Self-esteem, self-worth, physical and emotional abuse, the pressure created by social media, and the expectations of family, friends, and society. Questions are raised and questions are answered but is there a chance that not everyone will appreciate the good intentions of her characters.

MAGNOLIA WU UNFOLDS IT ALL by Chanel Miller

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:55:00 +0000

Magnolia Wu's parents own and operate a laundry in NYC. They are extremely busy, so Magnolia is often lonely, at least until she meets Iris. Iris recently moved to NYC from California. She's not happy about the move because she thinks New York is too busy, noisy, and dirty.

The girls hit it off, and when someone comes into the laundry and makes fun of Magnolia's Lost Sock display, Iris makes a suggestion that turns them into a creative, adventurous team. They decide to become detectives and solve the mystery of each missing sock by reuniting them with their owners.

This turns out to be challenging but great fun. They also learn about the challenges of what it takes to be a good friend.

This middle grade novel by Chanel Miller is a quick read filled with family, friends, and what it's like being new.

THE STORY OF MY ANGER by Jasminne Mendez

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:46:00 +0000

THE STORY OF MY ANGER by Jasminne Mendez is a very timely book. With today's political climate many people are angry and looking for ways to best express their anger and frustration. Mendez's novel written in verse/play shares the story of one teen, her friends, and in one case, her enemy. It highlights book banning and racism and reactions to both.

Yuli is a Black/Latino. She tries to earn good grades, follow the rules, and always make her mother proud. She is involved in her school's drama club and aspires to one day act professionally. Yuli is excited about the upcoming production of OUR TOWN. After her audition, she is certain she will be awarded the lead role. That would mean she is the first ever Black girl to have a lead in a play at her high school. Unfortunately, she is on the cast list as the understudy for the lead. Her frustration increases when she notices there are no students of color in the cast.

Yuli's anger blossoms when her favorite teacher is forced to remove all the books in his classroom library because they are deemed inappropriate for students. Many students feel that this teacher has always provided books that have spoken to them and in some cases changed their lives.

With the encouragement of her activist brother, Yuli begins a campaign to educate people about the dangers of banning books. Forming a group called A.C.T. Now, Yuli and her friends hope to convince the administration to return the books to the classroom shelf. Being an activist gives Yuli a platform for her anger, but she also discovers that it isn't easy to make her voice heard.

This book needs to be in every classroom library and public library. Jasminne Mendez has an important message for teens and adults alike.

FIGHT LIKE A GIRL by Sheena Kamal

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:50:00 +0000

How I found this book: I was recently watching a Canadian produced/filmed show called FAMILY LAW. The two adolescent characters on the show were often seen reading, and the books were clearly displayed for viewers. This was one of the books the teenage girl was reading.

In FIGHT LIKE A GIRL Trisha spends most of her time at the local gym training as a kickboxer. The activity provides a powerful release for her frustrations. She struggles with her Trinidadian roots. Women are supposed to be strong while at the same time know their place in the home. She observed this by watching her mother and her mostly absent father who commutes between his two families - one here in Canada and the other back in Trinidad.

Trisha has been plagued by emotional upheaval since the recent death of her father. She was driving the car the dark and rainy night when he was hit and killed. Everyone tells her it was an accident, but she harbors guilt that she doesn't understand.

When a new man enters her mother's life, Trisha is disturbed by the abuse he unleashes on her mother. Why does her mother put up with him? Didn't she learn from earlier experiences with Trisha's father?

Author Sheena Kamal hits hard with FIGHT LIKE A GIRL. Following Trisha's emotional journey will no doubt resonant with teen readers also trying to navigate their own coming of age journey.

SAFE HARBOR by Padma Venkatraman

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:57:00 +0000

Moving from India to the United States so her mother can follow her dream with a new job at a university, means Geetha is leaving everyone behind. It is difficult getting used to a new school, and her second-hand clothes and accent make her a target for the mean girls.

Geetha is thrilled to have the beach so close to where they live. It is her favorite place especially when she meets a boy named Miquel. They rescue a harp seal pup and are welcomed at the marine sanctuary where they take the injured animal.

Working to rehabilitate the baby seal, Geetha recognizes that she can also make a difference by collecting trash along the beach. Her environmental efforts become a way to make friends as well as help protect nature.

Author Padma Venkatraman uses her unique verse-style storytelling to share Geetha's story. She brings together nature, music, and friendship to help Geetha find ways to become comfortable in her new surroundings.

ABBY, TRIED AND TRUE by Donna Gephart

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:58:00 +0000

I'm so glad I ran across this book. Author Donna Gephart writes with such hope and passion as she shares Abby's experiences. It grabbed my attention immediately, and I couldn't stop reading.

When Abby's best friend moves over 2500 miles away to Israel, she is sure that it is a worst thing ever. However, when her brother returns from summer camp to the news that he has testicular cancer, Abby realizes some things are even worse.

Cat was not only Abby's best friend but also her voice on many occasions. Abby knows finding new friends when school starts will be a challenge. Fortunately, she meets Conrad, the new neighbor who moves into Cat's house with his mom. They immediately hit it off. Walking to and from school with Conrad becomes the best part of Abby's day. He also understands Abby's fears about her brother and whether or not he will beat his cancer diagnosis.

ABBY, TRIED AND TRUE needs to be in every classroom library.

THE PECAN SHELLER by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:01:00 +0000

It's 1937 in Texas. Petra lives with her stepmother and two younger siblings. She is studying hard so she can keep the promise she made to her father. Her goal is to graduate high school and become a writer who travels the world. However, since her father's death, it has become harder and harder for the family to survive.

Petra's stepmother works at the nearby pecan shelling factory. The money she makes isn't enough to pay the rent and feed and clothe the children. She tells Petra she will have to quit school to work alongside the women shelling pecans. The work is difficult, and the conditions are horrible. Even with Petra's pay, there still never seems to be enough money.

The factory is filled with dust from the pecans. The workers are constantly coughing, and many develop tuberculosis. When the boss announces that wages will be cut yet again, Petra and the workers decide it is time for action. They go on strike. While picketing, Petra and several others are arrested and spend the night in jail. Forming a union becomes the objective.

THE PECAN SHELLER is a work of historical fiction highlighting the early formation of unions in Texas. Author Lupe Ruiz-Flores paints a clear picture of harsh working conditions and greedy factory owners. Petra becomes an example of women fighting for their rights in the workplace in the early 20th century.

THE POETRY OF CAR MECHANICS by Heidi E.Y. Stemple

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 16:03:00 +0000

Dylan works with his grandfather repairing cars. He is fascinated by his ability to add this and tighten that and fix what is broken. Unfortunately, fixing his mother has been impossible. Her wild emotional shifts seem uncontrollable.

Sometimes his mother is living there with Dylan and his grandfather, but with only a moment's notice, she packs up and takes off. Usually, she takes (steals) money and usually a car so she can head off to wherever. She doesn't seem to miss Dylan, but maybe he's better off where he is.

School is difficult for Dylan. He is bullied from the bus ride in the morning until the very end of the day. No one seems to notice, so he tries to make the best of it. As soon as he can, he heads off to the woods to follow the one thing he cares about - birds. On one of his adventures, he comes across a wounded hawk. This leads him to a bird sanctuary where he finds help for the injured animal and maybe the help he has been searching for himself.

Author Heidi E.Y. Stemple uses verse to tell Dylan's story. Just as he states, poetry is a perfect vehicle to express his complex thoughts and feelings. Covering topics related to mental health, bullying, and animal rescue, THE POETRY OF CAR MECHANICS will captivate teen readers.

HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE by Dusti Bowling

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:35:00 +0000

Canyon Cress wants to be seen and recognized by his dad. Canyon is sure that his dad will finally focus on him if he can just qualify for and win the Junior Bull Riding World Championship.

Canyon spends almost every waking moment practicing and preparing for the competition in Las Vegas. He has to stay in third place to qualify. Being up against his best friend Tate makes it difficult, but they have always planned to qualify and head to the championship together.

His grandmother and his little sister Josie are worried about Canyon who seems to keep getting hurt. He ends up in the hospital after his ride on Wonderstruck. A serious concussion threatens to sideline him permanently. He knows having had previous concussions means just one more bad knock on the head could end his riding career, and maybe even his life.

Bull riding is in his blood from his dad who was one of the best until the car accident that ended his riding and killed Shy, his wife and Canyon's mom. Since then, Canyon has watched his father struggle with alcohol abuse and frequent unemployment.

When he's not bull riding, Canyon plays the fiddle. This he inherited from his mother who played violin in the symphony. He would also like to make her, his grandmother, and little sister proud by competing on American Superstar. Playing fiddle on TV and maybe winning that competition might mean even more to Canyon and make his father just as proud as being a winning bull rider, but doing both seems impossible.

Author Dusti Bowling introduces readers to Canyon Cress who lives on the dangerous side of bull riding at the same time as he lives to create beautiful music in honor of his mother. Making choices in life is never easy, and Canyon must decide which direction is best for him.

THREE BLUE HEARTS by Lynne Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:50:00 +0000

If you are a fan of Lynne Kelly's SONG FOR A WHALE, you will want to get your hands on THREE BLUE HEARTS. Once again Kelly focuses on an ocean creature and a human character trying to find his place in the world around him.

Max is headed to a small island for the summer. His mother is going there to do research, and Max is hoping to escape his politician father and the bullies who have taunted him all school year. As part of changing scenery for the summer, Max decides to try out a new name. As he meets his soon-to-be new friends, he introduces himself as Milo. No one knows the difference, and all accept him in the island community.

One morning while walking along the beach, Max discovers a helpless octopus. He rescues it and takes it to the local vet clinic. They make a home for the octopus that Max names Ursula. What follows is a truly educational and entertaining story about the talents of octopuses and Max's hard work making human and animal friends.

Readers will love Lynne Kelly's heartwarming story from start to finish. They will bond with Max and be fascinated with Ursula. This one is perfect for middle grade readers or anyone who loves animals and learning more about them.

JUST JAIME by Terri Libenson

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:02:00 +0000

It's the last day of seventh grade! It should be exciting and special, but Jaime is struggling. Her BFF Maya suddenly started hanging out with other girls who pick on Jaime. They criticize her clothes and the activities she likes. She is hoping to confront Maya today to find out why she ended their friendship.

First, Jaime tries to talk to Maya on the bus, but it's noisy and too many people are interrupting. Then she tries at their lockers, but Maya's new friends distract her. Jaime thinks maybe homeroom would work and then she tries during lunch. She just isn't having any luck.

As the day goes by, Jaime hangs out with a couple of her guy friends who invite her to join them and some other friends. They make her feel comfortable, so maybe she should just forget about Maya. Will anything happen to convince Maya that they should renew their friendship, or she too committed to her new friendship with the mean girls?

JUST JAIME by Terri Libenson is a graphic novel that highlights friendship trials and tribulations. It would be a perfect classroom read with plenty of opportunities for discussion. There are also a number of other books in the series.

POCKET BEAR by Katherine Applegate

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:39:00 +0000

If you are a fan of Katherine Applegate's ONE AND ONLY IVAN, you will want to get your hands on a copy of POCKET BEAR as soon as possible. It is filled with precious characters, intrigue, and wonderful storytelling.

The backstory tells readers about a WW I tradition. Many men went to battle with a soldier (pocket) bear in their uniform pocket to remind them of those at home wishing them well. Pocket Bear in the story lives in a loving home with a mother and daughter. With the help of their cat who they refer to as a Kleptocat, they take in lost and abandoned toys and stuffed animals.

The toys are carefully cleaned and set out in a wagon along the sidewalk to be reclaimed by owners who may have accidentally lost them. If they aren't claimed, the mother and daughter make every attempt to re-home the precious, loveable toys.

An antique toy collector visits often hoping to find something valuable among the castoffs. She is particularly interested in Pocket Bear and another rare German bear named Berwon. The mother and daughter and the toys know that Picky Vicky will not offer a fair price if she offers to buy the bears, so they set out to make sure the bears remain safe and sound.

Readers will immediately be pulled into the story and the brave friends who help protect each other and their caregivers.

WAR GAMES by Alan Gratz

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:50:00 +0000

It's 1936. Evie Harris has qualified as a member of the United States Olympic gymnastics team. She's only thirteen and can't believe she will be traveling to Germany to represent her country.

Evie grew up in Oklahoma, but recently the massive dust storms have driven her family out of the only home they've ever known. They packed up and moved to California. Her parents have not been able to find jobs so Evie, her sister, and her parents have been living in their Model T Ford. Gymnastics is the one positive thing in Evie's life.

As part of the U.S. team, Evie hopes to win a gold medal so she can return to California and maybe find a place in the movie industry in Hollywood. Another competitor she knows has been working in movies and suggested Evie could do the same.

Between practices, competition, and watching others compete, Evie receives a letter that connects her with two men who offer her a chance to "win" gold that could be even better than a gold medal. She isn't sure, but as her gymnastic dreams begin to fade, she decides their offer is the only way she can return to her family with the riches they need.

Author Alan Gratz has once again created an historical novel that will take middle grade readers on an amazing adventure. Set in Hitler's Nazi Germany, WAR GAMES depicts a threatening pre-war culture that eerily resembles some of the concerning issues we see in society today. The parallels may be lost on some younger readers, but older readers, even adults, may find it disturbing and a bit unnerving.

WOLF CLUB by James Bird

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:14:00 +0000

In WOLF CLUB readers will join a group of three misfits as they set off on a quest to find a white wolf that has caused their community to go on high alert. The three are not normally friends, but working together will help them discover their individual strengths at the same time their weaknesses fade away.

First, there's Okan, known as Raccoon. He is a target for bullies. His gimpy walk and his thrift shop clothes make him the perfect mark, especially for the rich kids. He wishes his mother didn't have to work so hard so they could spend more time together.

Next is Sarah, or Skunk. Her odor has earned her the nickname Skunk. No one knows why she smells so bad, and if anyone asks, they soon regret it. She misses her dead mother and wishes her father wasn't hidden away in his depression.

Marcus, known as Moose, has rich parents, but living in a mansion and having everything doesn't mean his parents show him the love he craves.

When Raccoon hears about the white wolf, he is determined to find it. He enlists the help of Skunk who insists the wolf can solve all her problems, and Moose who basically just comes alone without much of an invitation. What follows is an entertaining adventure. The three adventurers will learn new things about each other and themselves.

Using the backdrop of Native American culture, author James Bird weaves a tale that is sure to capture the hearts and minds of middle grade readers everywhere.

A SEA OF LEMON TREES by Maria Dolores Aguila

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 02:40:00 +0000

Roberto Alvarez is twelve years old. He has grown up on the U.S. side of the southern border. For most of his life he has thought of the border as an invisible line. He and his family have traveled back and forth from one side to another with little thought of danger or the possibility of not being able to return to the U.S.

Roberto's story takes place in 1930-1931. It details a time much like current times. Those in charge of his community have decided that the children of Mexican descent should attend a separate school. This means that Roberto will be forced to leave the Lemon Grove school to go to the Olive Street school that is basically just an old barn.

Some of the students agree to make the move because their parents fear deportation. In fact, this happens to Roberto's best friend, David. It's possible that Roberto may never see David again. Roberto's parents decide to keep him at home rather than send him to the new school, and when they consult a lawyer about the situation, they decide to fight.

Roberto becomes involved in the legal fight as the lead plantiff representing all the other children. He knows this will require being in front of the court answering questions from both sides. Roberto knows how important this is as he prepares with the help of the lawyer.

A SEA OF LEMON TREES by Maria Dolores Aguila is historical fiction written in verse. Readers will feel the sense of injustice many are feeling today about immigration and the deportation of people who have lived in the U.S. for years with their families. This is a book that needs to be in classroom and school libraries everywhere.

THE INCREDIBLY HUMAN HENSON BLAYZE by Derrick Barnes

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 03:13:00 +0000

Life seems like it is all about football for 8th grader Henson Blayze. His amazing talent on the field is known by everyone, and everyone is looking forward to him starting on the high school team for the first game of the season. Everyone is expecting him to take the team to victory.

At home Henson knows that football isn't the most important thing. His family owns and operates a vineyard that has been in the family for many years. As a black family, it is unusual for them to own such a profitable enterprise. Henson is proud of his father and the history of their land, but he doesn't truly comprehend all that it entails. Events will soon unfold that will have Henson learning just how important his family inheritance is to the lives of many people.

Problems in the football part of Henson's life begin when a close friend of his becomes a victim of bullying. It happens the night of the first football game, and when Henson learns how badly his young friend is hurt, he makes a decision that has many in the town furious. Henson leaves the game at halftime to go to the aid of his friend. When he doesn't return to play, he feels the hatred of the white townspeople for the first time in his life.

Author Derrick Barnes shows readers how justice works in favor of some and against others. Fairness isn't always considered when judgements are made. Barnes illustrates how decisions are difficult and not at all easy to make.

MAYDAY by Karen Harrington

noreply@blogger.com (Readingjunky) — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:08:00 +0000

MAYDAY, told in "before" and "after" snippets, takes readers into the world of Wayne, a middle schooler who lives with his mother and grandfather.

When Wayne's uncle is killed in action, he and his mother and grandfather go to the burial at Arlington Cemetery. His grandfather decides to stay behind and drive back while Wayne and his mother decide to fly. That's when life changes. The plane crashes, but Wayne and his mother survive.

Wayne suffers a severe injury to his throat. He is unable to speak and hopes that therapy will help him regain his voice, but it could take months. In the meantime, his mother is recovering from her injuries while Wayne tries to find a way to become closer to his grandfather. Just when that begins to happen, Wayne discovers his grandfather is quite ill.

Author Karen Harrington weaves a tale that includes overcoming physical limitations, dealing with a deadbeat parent, stepping up to help others, and figuring out friendships and a bit of romance.