The Librarian of Auschwitz

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an incredible story. I learned something new about the Holocaust-that there was a children's block at Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944, and that there was a clandestine school for the 500 children there. This book is based on a number of real people who survived the death camps, including Dita Kraus, the book's main character. Sometimes it seems that people can become numb to the atrocities of the Holocaust. And then, along comes a book, about books, which can change the reader's heart once again. I loved Dita, her determination, her grit, and her love of where a book can take you. This is YA literature, but any adult who has a heart and soul will be moved to tears. The writing and translation are well done. I would recommend this for mature 8th graders through adult.


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Turning 15 On the Road to Freedom

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very interesting snapshot of an important era in our country's history. The Selma Movement in the 1960's, was a kids movement, and that came out loud and clear in this very readable book. We learn the story of one marcher, who begins the story with, "By the time I was fifteen years old, I had been in jail nine times." Very simply, Lynda Blackmon tells her story of the time before African Americans could vote in the South. There are great illustrations, along with black and white photographs to move the story along, and make it real for young readers. A good choice for all readers!


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The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine

Patina (Track, #2)

Patina by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really liked the first book in this series, Ghost. (My review is at www,maxsonbattlebooks.blogspot.com). That one was a definite 4 stars. This book is just not quite as good as that one. We have some of the same characters, especially the kids from the track team, but Patina and her little sister Maddie own the pages of this book. The sisters have an unusual story. They live with their Uncle Tony and his wife, who they affectionately refer to as Momly. But, their real mom is very much in the picture. She has diabetes and other serious illnesses, and so they don't live with her, but visit her every weekend and text every day. Patina is dealing with a new school, bratty girls, and trying to be the best track star ever. I felt the dialogue was not quite real, almost forced. I think it's a good pick for girls (and boys) who enjoy track, or just like to read about kids who are dealing with some stressful issues. This is an easy read for middle schoolers.


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Solo

Solo by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved The Crossover, and so I eagerly jumped into this book. Blade is the son of a has-been musical superstar, and he looks at his father's antics, including drugs and booze, as so childish, and so not what his life will be about. Blade is very much in love with Chapel, but her parents have forbidden the relationship, because of Blade's notorious family. When Blade discovers that he was adopted, he sets out to Ghana to find his birth mother. This book is funny, sad, and filled with old song lyrics. It is a fast read, and absolutely fits the 8th grade to high school library. It is written in the same style as The Crossover, free verse, which makes it great for reluctant readers.


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Beyond the Bright Sea

Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was interested in the setting of this book, as it takes place in the Elizabeth Islands, which are close to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This story takes place in the early 20th century, and I wish I could say that I loved this story, I didn't, but I liked it. This is the story of a young girl named Crow, who was found in a boat washed up on an island close to Cuttyhunk. Crow is happy living with Osh, the man who found her, but she is very curious as to who her parents were, and why they gave her up, putting her out to sea. Who would risk a baby's life like that? We discover the island of Penekese, where years ago people who had Hanson's disease, (leprosy) were sent to live and die. Miss Maggie and Osh are great adult characters, and there is a mystery to be solved. This book is well written, with lots of descriptions, and you really feel the salt and wind. It is not that easy a read, but is worth it if you have the stamina.


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Review: A Monster Calls

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of Conor, and the monster that has decided to come to him each night. Conor is already dealing with a terrible nightmare, which he will not even discuss, and, the fact that his mom is very sick with cancer. His dad has remarried and gone to live in America, and Conor is left to deal with some awful bullies at school. And now, his wicked grandmother is insisting that Conor should move in with her. The monster is scary, but so is Conor's life. There are some great illustrations that go along with this story, and now, there is even a movie about it.

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Review: Cleopatra's Moon

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A really good book for high school and very mature 8th grade students. This book was so well done, that I think it could definitely be read by adults and teens alike. This is the story of Cleopatra's daughter, Cleopatra Selene, and I must say, I didn't really know anything about her story. The book begins in the tranquil days before Rome had sacked Alexandria, and the descriptions of that city and life in the palace are well done. Cleopatra Selene is a young girl when we meet her, with a twin brother and a baby brother. She loves her mother and father, and longs to grow up to be as powerful as her beautiful mother. Of course, the Roman empire gets in the way, and as a 13 year-old, Cleopatra Selene and her siblings are brought to Rome as prisoners. Lots of great characters and adventure follow, with a love story woven in between.

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