The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is a fantastic book that really connects with readers through its honest look at average teenage struggles. It follows Holden Caulfield, a teenager who feels lost and frustrated by the world around him. Salinger writes in a way that makes Holden’s thoughts and feelings relatable, capturing the challenges of growing up and advancing through life. The themes of innocence and the search for genuine connections are powerful throughout the story.
Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth explores Greg Heffley’s struggles with growing up as he faces new responsibilities, awkward social changes and the realization that adulthood isn’t as great as it seems. When Greg and Rowley have a falling-out, he’s left to navigate middle school without his best friend, making everything from family drama to school pressures even harder.
Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid introduces readers to the hilarious and relatable world of Greg Heffley, a middle schooler navigating the ups and downs of school, family and friendships. Written in a diary format with witty illustrations, the book captures Greg’s often self-centered yet amusing perspective as he deals with bullies, embarrassing moments and his best friend Rowley’s unexpected rise in popularity.
Teenager Autumn navigates her way through high school beside loyal friends and a loving boyfriend. Throughout the book she reflects on her relationship with her former best friend and boy next door Phineas Smith, or Finny as she calls him. Finny and her were closer than siblings, but popularity and unspoken truths pushed them apart. Autumn's realization that she is in love with Finny causes problems as they rekindle their friendship. They are both in loving relationships, but that does not make their love nonexistent.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney is the third book in the widely loved series, continuing the misadventures of Greg Heffley. This time, Greg's father, Frank Heffley, becomes more involved in his life, determined to toughen Greg up and make him more active. The story revolves around Frank's attempts to push Greg into becoming more "manly," whether through sports or military school threats.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney is the fifth book in the series, focusing on the often uncomfortable and awkward phase of growing up. In this installment, Greg Heffley faces the realities of adolescence, including changing friendships, increased responsibilities and the challenges of coming of age. The story begins with Greg navigating middle school without his best friend, Rowley, after a fallout.
Two sisters go on a road trip with their parents to embark on a new journey. Memories come back to young Raina Telgemeier when her sister and she were close and happier than ever. When the memories of simpler times ever be real again? This book had a tight grab on my heart. Raina telling the story of her and her sisters’ relationship when they were younger has that personal touch to the graphic novel. This book is great for kids with siblings to understand that finding is not always the way out. This book is a 10 out of 10 in my book!!
Raina is just entering middle school and changes are starting to happen. Friendships, relationships, mood swings etc. every day is different for Raina, and nothing is certain. How with Raina deal with everyday challenges that are thrown her way? This book was definitely an eye opener. Seeing Raina go through 6th through 10th grade, was an experience. The feeling this book gave me was very exciting. I was anticipating what was coming next and loved seeing her growth throughout.
The House on Mango Street is the coming of age story of a young Latina girl named Esperanza as she grows up with her family in a predominantly white Chicago. We get to see her struggles with friends, family, school, money, racism, and much more. What I love about this story is that it is told in vignettes. Each vignette is a unique portion of Esperanza’s childhood, each with its own lesson and message that can be applied to the lives of the reader.
