Th!rteen R3asons Why

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

This was a student recommendation but I don't know who!  Someone mentioned it in the Guest Book (at the bottom of the page).  This book was always lingering toward the top of my Want To Read list and when I saw a student recommended it, I ordered from the library right away.  I am so glad one of you mentioned it.  I liked this book so much I read it in 2 days flat, ordered it for my classroom library, and gave it to my favorite reader (my mom) to check out.  So thank you whoever you are!  Keep those recommendations coming!

You will like this book if:

• You are worried about the social pressures (rumors, partying, etc.) that come up with students in middle school and high school.
• You like books that make you think about your own life.
• You want to read a book that you will discuss with others when you finish it.
• You like scavenger hunts or books that don't tie all details together until the end.
• You want a book that you can't put down or that you immediately want to re-read to make sure you didn't miss anything.
• You liked reading Before I Fall; there are many similar themes.

You will not like this book if:

• You prefer books that are upbeat and happy.
• You are offended by mature content in novels.
• You like books that have fantasy or action.
• You can't see your own role in the natural drama that occurs in schools.

Fun Fact #1:  I have so much to say about this book.  I want to discuss it with everyone that reads it!  My sister is a school counselor and I am going to make her read it immediately because I want to hear her input about student suicide.  I want to create a chart that traces the actions of all the characters.  I want to re-read the book to make sure I understand it more clearly.  It has been sometime since I have read a book that I have wanted to interact with so much.  It is refreshing.

13 Little Blue Envelopes

Title: 13 Little Blue Envelopes
Author: Maureen Johnson
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

You will like this book if:

• You like to read romance novels.
• You have ever fantasized about traveling to or around Europe.
• You are lucky enough to have a painfully cool older woman in your life that you admire despite their flaws: an aunt, a neighbor, or even an older sister.
• You like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series.
• You want a quick read that is both easy, fluffy, and entertaining.
• You like scavenger hunts.

You will not like this book if:

• You like books with action, violence, and/or major conflicts.
• You prefer books with male main characters.
• You are looking for a book that will make you think about life or that you learn something from.

Fun Fact #1: I have to admit...I think I am partial to this book.  Having just become an auntie in the past year, I totally connected to the relationship between Ginny and her aunt Peg.  I kept finding myself hoping that I could do something so cool for my niece someday.  Maybe I should just work on not gagging as I change her diapers for now...

Fun Fact #2:  There is a second book!  The Last Blue Envelope is the sequel to this book.  I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I can't wait!!!  The premise is something that I was so curious about when I finished the first one.

Messenger

Title: Messenger
Author: Lois Lowry
Genre: Fantasy

You will like this book if:

• You liked The Giver and Gathering Blue.  These three books are meant to be companion novels to each other.
• You enjoy reading dystopian literature.
• You like to imagine a place where all people are welcome.
• You would like to trade some of your valuable things for other, new valuable things.
• You wonder if have or would like any special gifts that others don't have.

You will not like this book if:

• You like to read books that are realistic.
• You don't have patience for books with corrupt characters.
• You like stories that answer more questions rather than give you more questions to think about.

Fun Fact #1: This book is the last companion novel with The Giver and Gathering Blue.  This novel is different though.  The first two novels have completely different characters.  In Messenger, the characters in all of the books come together. 

Fun Fact #2:  I think that this book, more than the others, asks readers to look at the flaws of individuals rather than the flaws of communities or groups of people.  The antagonist is sickening and fascinating at the same time.  This novel was my favorite of the three!

Gathering Blue

Title: Gathering Blue
Author: Lois Lowry
Genre: Fantasy

You will like this book if:

• You like The Giver or Messenger, both books by Lois Lowry.
• You like to read dystopian literature.
• You wonder how the world would be different with more, less, or different laws.
• You recognize the importance of people's differences.
• You like to read books that make you think as you go.
• You believe in people being given unexplainable gifts.

You will not like this book if:

• You prefer reading books with action and/or romance.
• You like books that are exciting.
• You have never read and are not interested in The Giver.

Fun Fact #1: This book is meant to be a companion book to The Giver.  None of the characters are the same, but the theme of dystopian ideals is definitely repeated.  This community is very different from that in The Giver but still just as interesting to think about.

Fun Fact #2: If you like The Giver AND this book don't miss Messenger.  That books is also a companion and ties all the stories together. 

Blood Red Road

Title: Blood Red Road
Author: Moira Young
Genre: Fantasy

You will like this book if:

• You liked Katniss and the action in the Hunger Games trilogy.
• You liked the world-gone-wrong, battle-against-injustice fighting in Shipbreaker.
• You think that loyalty is an admirable quality in relationships.
• You are not afraid to commit to a long book.
• You like a little romance in the books you read.

You will not like this book if:

• You are offended by or against violence in the books.
• You like books that are realistic.
• You want a book that is a short, quick read that you won't haunt you when you finish.

Stitches: A Memoir

Title: Stitches: A Memoir
Author: David Small
Genre: Graphic Novel

You will like this book if:

• You like graphic novels or memoirs.
• You are angry about the way your parents treat you.
• You think about things in pictures.
• You have ever had a major illness that has shaped your life.

You will not like this book if:

• You prefer books with more words than pictures.
• You are not interested in other people's sad stories.
• You love all parents and think that they always do what is best for their children.

I Am J

Title: I Am J
Author: Cris Beam
Genre: Multicultural Contemporary Realistic Fiction

You will like this book if:

• You are interested in learning more about people who transgendered.
• You like to read books where the emotions of a character are discussed at length.
• You sometimes feel like people don't understand the real you.
• You prefer books that are very serious.

You will not like this book if:

• It makes you uncomfortable to talk or read about people who are gay or transgendered.
• You like books about action, fantasy, or humor.
• You like books with a lot of dialouge.

The Berlin Boxing Club

Title: The Berlin Boxing Club

Author: Robert Sharenow

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

You will like this book:

• You are interested in learning more about boxing.
• You like to read books about WWII Germany and the discrimination the Jewish people suffered at the time. 
• You enjoy characters who are mentors to less experienced people.
• Your favorite characters are the ones who face the odds and win.

You will not like this book if:

• You like books that take place in modern time.
• You are easily offended by and sensitive to prejudice and bullying.
• You get a queasy stomach when you hear about violence and fighting.

Fun Fact #1: This was another guest blog post that I wrote with my mom's help.  I haven't read this one yet, but she highly recommended it!!!

Fun Fact #2: If you are interested in award-winning books, The Berlin Boxing Club was mentioned as an early prediction to receive a Printz Award or Honor on one of the book blogs that I read. 

North of Beautiful

Title: North of Beautiful
Author: Justina Chen Headley
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

You will like this book if:

• You enjoy sharing a character's journey through self-discovery as you read.
• You are self-conscious of a birthmark or anything else that makes you feel different.
• You like to read books that take place in both America and other countries.
• You have a friend who accepts you exactly as you are.
• You know how difficult it can be to have a parent who is very controlling and/or cheap.

You will not like this book if:

• You cannot relate to people that set high goals for themselves.
• You get frustrated by technical words as you read, even if they are used infrequently.
• You are impatient with books that start out slowly.

Fun Fact #1:  I didn't even read this book.  I had someone whose opinion I totally trust read it for me and help me add it to the blog.  Just one reason I love my mom.

Swim the Fly

Title: Swim the Fly
Author: Don Calame
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

You will like this book if:

• You like to LOL as you read.
• You think gross boy humor is funny.
• You have ever embarassed yourself because of a crush.
• Your friends are really fun and really embarassing at the same time.
• You like to read books that could actually happen.

You will not like this book if:

• You are offended easily by sexual references or jokes about girls.
• You like to read fantasy or science fiction books.
• You prefer books that make you think or help you learn something.

Fun Fact #1: Mrs. McCarthy read this book after I gave it to her on our vacation this summer.  She read it in just 2 days, had her first lol on page 11, and loved the book.  Ask her about it!

Fun Fact #2: If you like this book there is a sequel called Beat the Band.  I haven't read it yet, but I am really excited to check it out!  I hope it is as funny as the first one.

Matt and his two best friends set an annual summertime goal, and this year's might end up being their first fail.  They want to see a live naked woman.  Between trying to impress a girl, dealing with his desperate-to-date grandfather, being an all-star swimmer (when he actually sucks), and trying to see some skin, Matt's summer adventures are ridiculous, raunchy, and hilarious.  As you can imagine, there is mature content in this book.  Don't say I didn't warn you...

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod

Title: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites
Author: Heather Brewer
Genre: Fantasy

Thank you to Jared K. and Gwen S. for this book recommendation!  Jared told me about it, Gwen wrote about it in one of her Reading Responses, and I picked it up from the library shortly afterward.  Vlad definitely lives up to the reputation Jared and Gwen set for him.  Thanks Jared and Gwen!!!

You will like this book if:

• You like to read vampire books.
• You prefer books that are mysterious.
• You enjoy when characters aren't always what they seem.
• You like a lot of action in the books you read.
• You want to read a book that is a fast, easy, and enjoyable read!

You won't like this book if:

• You like when there are a lot of girl characters in books.
• You prefer to read books that are realistic.
• You don't like to use your imagination as you read.
• You like books that are serious.

Fun Fact #1: Imagine this book as a combination between Harry Potter and Twilight, expect without the wizards and without the romance.

Fun Fact #2: There is a whole series of Vladimir Tod books (as you can tell from the picture).  I have only read the first one, but I can't wait to keep reading the series.  So if you like the first one, keep going and read the rest!