The Penderwicks is a heartwarming story about friendship, sisterhood and loyalty by Jeanne Birdsall. It depicts the family's vacation to Arundel in the Berkshire mountains. Along the way, the sisters meet a boy named Jeffrey as he struggles to find his place among his ill-natured mother and her cruel boyfriend. The sisters form lifelong friendships, make countless memories, share adventures and of course find themselves in plenty of mishaps during what they thought would be an ordinary family vacation.
The Hate U Give is a realistic fiction young adult novel that follows the young woman, Starr, through a difficult time of hate and racism in her life. Her childhood friend, Khalil, is shot by a police officer even though Khalil did nothing wrong. As Starr goes through grieving, her neighborhood falls into chaos as the news keeps portraying Khalil as the enemy.
This book is about a girl named Sarah, who lost her mom six months before the start of the book. Since her death, she has been put with the duties of caring for her younger brother and now her dad, who has fallen apart because of the death of his wife. Sarah has to do it all from the bills, school, food and everything else a parent normally does. She meets a boy she likes, but she is too busy with everything else to have another person in her life. But, one art project changes her perspective on everything.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney is the fourteenth book in the series, and it takes Greg Heffley on a journey through the chaos of home renovations. The story begins when Greg’s family receives an unexpected inheritance, which they decide to use to make some much-needed improvements to their house. However, what starts as a simple renovation quickly spirals out of control as the Heffleys encounter one disaster after another, from faulty construction to unexpected expenses.
Lena Wise is a high school senior with a lot on her plate. From college applications to friend drama, she has a stereotypical teenage life. Except for the fact that she’s been in love with her best friend for years. Sebastian has been there for Lena since they were kids, although nothing has gone past good friends. The new year for Lena is one of taking chances, and maybe, just maybe, she’ll tell Sebastian how she feels. Until one stupid decision ruins everything, and she doesn’t think Sebastian will ever forgive her. Not for what happened, not for what was entirely her fault.
The Hate U Give is an amazing book that follows the story of Starr, an African American girl living in Garden Heights. Starr switches between her predominantly Black neighborhood and her predominantly white school. After witnessing her childhood friend Khalil get shot by a police officer, Starr decides to speak up against racism. Despite facing many challenges and intimidation, she eventually testifies and helps bring the perpetrator to justice. The book touches on themes of racism and the power of speaking out.
The Meaning Of Maggie follows 11 year old gifted child Maggie as she discovers the meaning of growing up and the struggle that comes with it. Maggie knows almost everything, but can’t seem to figure out why her cool dad’s legs are falling asleep, or why her mom is working double shifts. Maggie is a science fair winner, novice stock investor and future president, so she’s sure she can fix whatever is wrong. Maggie has to fight her middle school fears and work harder than ever to keep her family one loving unit.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsfollows four high school girls and their journey through a summer of discovery, excitement and friendship. Carmen, Tibby, Lena and Bridget have been friends forever, and this summer is the first they will spend apart. As the group celebrates their last night together they discover "The Pants," a pair of magical jeans that somehow fit each of them. The pants help create their sisterhood. With ten rules and a declaration of self love, a special bond is created.
Wonder is a realistic fiction novel by R.J. Palacio. August, or Auggie, is a young boy who was born with facial abnormalities. Auggie has been homeschooled entire life but is going to school as he starts a new chapter of life that is middle school. He struggles with bullying but also forms strong friendships, and readers follow the lives of August and those around him.
This book is about Yumi Chung, an ambitious comedian. Growing up in a strict Asian household, her parents want her to focus more on helping with the struggling family restaurant and studying for the SSAT. Amid a hard time, Yumi feels her parents can’t relate to her interest in being a comedian. Her sister, Yuri, had dropped out of med school recently to try to find her interests, upsetting their parents. With a twist of fate, however, Yumi mistakenly winds up at a comedy camp.
