Words in the Dust

Title: Words in the Dust
Author: Trent Reedy
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

You will like this book if:

• You want to learn more about Afghani culture (this book is very interesting for that!)
• You like to read about young woman in difficult circumstances.
• You don't mind books that might make you cry.
• You are interested in ways that American soldiers help people in the countries they are stationed. 

You will not like this book if:

• You like a lot of action in the books you read.
• You prefer to read books with many male characters.
• You like to read books that have a touch of fantasy in them.

Snitch

Title: Snitch
Author: Allison van Diepen
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
You will like this book if:

• You are interested in reading about gangs and gang members.
• You like urban romance stories.
• You prefer books that take place in modern times.
• You like some gritty content in the books you read.

You will not like this book if:

• You are easily offended by language and content.
• You become annoyed by weak, easily influenced female characters.
• You like stories with a hint of fantasy to them.
• You don't like to think about unpleasant circumstances.

Fun Fact #1Right away I have to say that I don't like this kind of book.  I felt like Julia, the main character, was weak and doesn't give credit to the self-confidence that many girls have.  However, I was drawn to this book (as I think many of my students will be) because of the gritty nature of the gang world.  Also, I like to believe that my girls would be able to look at a character like Julia and see the errors in her way.  Right, ladies?

The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie

Title: The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie: A Doll's History and Her Impact on Us
Author: Tanya Lee Stone
Genre: Nonfiction

You will like this book if:

• You played with Barbies growing up.
• You like to read about controversial topics and all of the different opinions that surround the subject.
• You are all about Girl Power.
• You like to read nonfiction.

You will not like this book if:

• You have no interest whatsoever in Barbies.
• You don't have patience for other opinions besides your own.
• You like to read fiction.

The Sons of Liberty

Title: The Sons of Liberty
Authors: Alexander Lagos & Joseph Lagos
Genre: Graphic Novel

You will like this book if:

• You are interested in different perspectives on history.
• You are a fan of graphic novels.
• You like action and violence in the books you read.
• Your favorite books are books that could never take place in real life.
• You are a fan of comic books and the story lines that go along with them.

You will not like this book if:

• You like realistic books.
• You like to have more words than pictures in the books you read.
• You don't like books with violence.
• You need at least a grain of truth in books you read.

Fun Fact #1: If I am going to be completely honest, this book was not my cup of tea (meaning I didn't like it a ton).  I still included it on the blog though;  just because I wasn't a big fan doesn't mean that you might not love it.  Give it a try!!!

Jerk, California

Title: Jerk, California
Author: Jonathan Friesen
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

You will like this book if:

• You want to learn more about Tourette's Syndrome and the people that live with it.
• You like to read about a character's journey.
• You live a moral life and want others to do the same.
• You have every been lied to about the important people in your life.

You will not like this book if:

• You like to read books that have to be imagined.
• You are annoyed by religious or preachy stories.
• You prefer books that have a lot of action and adventure.

Thank you to Morgan M. and Danny M. for this book recommendation!  Danny pointed it out to me, I picked it up at Half Price Books, and Morgan read it shortly afterward.  Both students loved it so I couldn't wait to check it out myself.  Morgan even said it was her favorite book that she had read this year.  Thanks Morgan and Danny!!!

The Limit

Title: The Limit
Author: Kristen Landon
Genre: Science Fiction

You will like this book if:

• You like to read dystopian literature.
• You have ever worried about how the adults in your life spend their money.
• You feel responsible for your younger brothers and sisters.
• You worry about how technology might be playing with our heads.

You will not like this book if:

• You like to read realistic fiction.
• You prefer books with female main characters.
• Imaging the dangers of the future makes your nervous.

Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty

Title: Yummy; the Last Days of a Southside Shorty
Author: G. Neri
Genre: Graphic Novel

You will like this book if:

• You like graphic novels.
• You are curious about gangs and gang fighting.
• You wonder about how people can be both bullies and victims.
• You are interested in hearing about true stories.

You will not like this book if:

• You prefer books that are uplifting and happy.
• You want to read books that have to be imagined.
• Gangs and their activities scare you.

Cardturner

Title: The Cardturner
Author: Louis Sachar
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

You will like this book if:

• You are a fan of Holes.
• You are competitive and like to root for the underdog.
• You have ever been suckered into doing a job for your parent.
• You like playing card games (euchre, bridge, hearts, etc.).
• You skip sections of books as you read because you find them boring.

You will not like this book if:

• You prefer to read books that have a fantasy element.
• You don't care for card games.
• You don't want to learn as you read.