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.
Lekha is an Indian American who loves her culture, but only in the comfort of her home. When she is at school, she covers her culture in fear of the kids at her school bullying her. But then another Indian student moves to town that starts challenging the bullies, unlike Lekha. Is this going to be good or bad for Lekha? Lekha will have to figure out how to balance her love of her culture and her need to fit in.
Counting By 7’s is the story of 12 year old genius, Willow Chance. Willow has just joined a new school and is struggling to make friends and fit in. She’s accused of cheating on a test because she got a perfect score on it, so she is sent to the counselor, Dell Duke. Dell Duke is fascinated by Willow and her intelligence and asks her many questions relating to the stock market and other smart topics.
In Donte’s school, he is the only person of color. Which makes him less able to fit in. He is disliked by students and his teachers don’t trust him because of his skin color. But, one day it gets really bad. Donte becomes framed for something he didn’t do and ends up being suspended and arrested. Will Donte fight this injustice?
14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis, and his brothers Sodapop and Darry, struggle to make ends meet after the death of their parents. Ponyboy and his friends are part of a lower-class gang called the Greasers. The Greasers are opposed to a wealthier gang called the Socs. Ponyboy and one of his friends, Johnny, are jumped by the Socs late at night with no one around. In an act of self-defense, Johnny ends up killing one of the Socs. As a result, Ponyboy and Johnny are forced to go into hiding.
