Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library is a novel by Chris Grabenstein that follows twelve year old Kyle Keeley. Kyle and his friends love playing games created by Luigi Lemoncello. Upon learning about an essay writing contest where the prize is the first to visit a grand new library opened by none other than Lemoncello himself, Kyle decides to join despite his distaste for books and writing. After emailing Lemoncello himself to send his essay in, Kyle is announced as one of the winners that get to visit the library.
Prisoner B-3087 is a historical novel based on the life of Jack Gruener, also known as Yanek. Yanek lived in Poland during World War II and was 10 when his hometown of Krakow fell to the Germans. He quickly becomes separated from his family and has to endure the unbearable conditions of numerous concentration camps that include the infamous Auschwitz and Dachau. Yanek is finally liberated at Dachau as a young adult when the Americans take control.
Othello is a Shakespearean play that is set in Cyprus. The play is about a tragedy where Othello, the protagonist through manipulation by the story’s antagonist, Iago, kills his wife. For some context, Iago is Othello’s assistant and vows to seek revenge against Othello after being passed up for a promotion. He does this by spreading rumors and lies that Othello’s wife, Desdemona is being unfaithful. This jealousy breaks Othello where he finally kills Desdemona, then himself.
The House on Mango Street written by Sandra Cisneros, is a collection of vignettes that follows the life of a girl named Esperanza. Esperanza lives in a Latino neighborhood in Chicago, and throughout the book describes the struggles as well as joys of life. With each vignette telling a different story, Esperanza’s character growth is one to note as she starts off timid and shy and throughout the book journeys to find who she really is.
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is an autobiography penned by Douglass as he recounts his life in slavery and his escape to freedom. This book offers a first hand view from someone who had to bear the harsh conditions of being a slave. Douglass starts off with being separated from his mother at a very young age and begins to work on plantations. Throughout his life as a slave, he moves to a plethora of different plantations with different plantation owners.
365 Days of Wonderserves as an add on book to the Wonder series by R. J. Palacio. When Auggie starts his journey at Beecher Prep, one of the teachers Auggie has is Mr. Browne. Mr. Browne always has a different precept for everyday and Palacio has brilliantly compiled them into this book. This compilation of precepts is a wonderful short read that you can pickup everyday. I personally love the variety of quotes used ranging from popstars to famous authors. Given how significant Mr.
White Bird by R.J. Palacio serves as one of the sequels to Auggie & Me, a book based off of the Wonder series. This book focuses on, Sara, who is Julian’s (Auggie’s main bully) grandmere. Sara grew up in France, which at the time was occupied by Nazi Germany. Sara grew up in a Jewish family that was quite well off. She had a loving family that provided her a good childhood. At school, she had lots of friends and was well known. However, in her class she sat next to Julien, who was disabled and constantly bullied.
Auggie & Me is a fiction novel written by R.J. Palacio is a sequel to Wonder. The book is focused on 3 of Wonder’s characters, Julian, Christopher and Charlotte. First off, Julian Albans, the main antagonist of Wonder, or Auggie’s bully, is going to his Grandma’s for the summer and during his time there, learns about his family’s past and tries to better himself. Next, is Christoper, Auggie’s old friend where we learn about his struggles in life.
The Giver by Lois Lowry is a fiction novel that is centered around Jonas, who lives in a futuristic but dystopian society. A society where there are no emotions, color, music etc. Everyone lives the same, dresses the same, behaves the same and are assigned jobs as opposed to real life where someone would apply and interview for one. Jonas is nearing the age of 12, where each individual receives their first work assignment. On the day of the ceremony, Jonas is given the role of the Receiver of Memory.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a fiction novel that is centered around Ponyboy and his Greasers. After the death of his parents, Ponyboy is raised by his fellow Greasers, who are a gang that live in the poor part of town. While Ponyboy does not have a real family, he considers his fellow Greasers his family as they take care of him. The Greasers’ rivals, the Socs are rich and live a much better life. The Greasers and the Socs often have conflicts that often end in violence.
