Dear Hank Williams by Kimberly Willis Holt (M Miller)

   

     This book started slowly for me and took a while to get into it. But once I did, it stole my heart! The story is about a young girl named Tape P. Ellerbee whose class has an assignment to write to a pen pal. She chooses Hank Williams. The story is told through her letters to him. Tate is an endearing young girl with big hopes and dreams. She lives with her aunt, her uncle, her brother, and eventually, her dog, Lovie. We learn about her family and her life as she shares her thoughts and, sometimes, her secrets with Hank, whose music she truly loves.
     The story takes place in 1948-49 in Rippling Creek, Louisiana. It is a good example of historical fiction. This is a great choice for students in 4th - 7th grades, especially those who like the letter style format.  :)

Booked by Kwame Alexander (M Miller)

     What can I say? I love kids' books and I love YA...maybe that is just another reason why I love my job! Booked, by Newbery author Alexander, is another great story. Again, like The Crossover, it is a story written in verse ; but this time it is about a boy, Nick, who loves the game of soccer. Life is hard at the moment because his parents have split up, he is being bullied and his father continues to make him read the dictionary he has written. Nick is a bright kid but he can't get away from feeling sorry for himself, although sometimes there is good reason. But, with the help of a counselor and the people who care about him, he learns to cope and readers know he will be okay. 
     I love his librarian, Mr. Mac! I love all the vocab readers get as the read and learn with Nick! This is a great, quick read for middle school aged kids looking for stories about soccer, school, friendship, families, or books in verse!

Gemini by Sonya Mukherjee (M Miller)

     I am starting with one I just finished.  :) This is just to get us going.

I loved this story! It is realistic fiction about conjoined twins. The author's voice is fresh and right on the mark as far as teen life. We hear from each twin in alternating chapters as Clara and Hailey deal with life in their senior year. When I started this book I thought I would not like this. I thought it would take a sad turn. But, I was surprised at what a hopeful and spot on story it is. :) Yay! Now, I just have to get a real copy for the library. Mine was a galley. For grades 8-12.