Summer Book Suggestions 2019 - William Annin Middle School - Bernards Township Library
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William Annin Middle School
Summer Book Suggestions 2019
For students entering 6th, 7th, 8th Grade
Deb Goetjen, Library Media Specialist
With the assistance of the Media Makers student
group
Find the magic in a book this summer!
New Books/Great Stories/New Authors
Alsaid, Adi North of Happy Realistic
Carlos Portillo has always led a privileged and sheltered life. A dual citizen of Mexico and the United
States, he lives in Mexico City with his wealthy family, where he attends an elite international school.
Always a rule follower and a parent pleaser, Carlos is more than happy to tread the well-worn path in
front of him. He has always loved food and cooking, but his parents see it as just a hobby. When his
older brother, Felix--who has dropped out of college to live a life of travel--is tragically killed, Carlos
begins hearing his brother's voice, giving him advice and pushing him to rebel against his father's plan
for him. Carlos runs away to the United States and manages to secure a job with his favorite celebrity
chef. As he works to improve his skills in the kitchen and pursue his dream, he begins to fall for his
boss's daughter--a fact that could end his career before it begins. Finally living for himself, Carlos must
decide what's most important to him and where his true path really lies. From the publisher. (Media
Makers note: This is a quiet, character focused story that really makes you think. Also great if
you like cooking!)
Applegate, Katherine The Last (Book 1, Endling series) Fantasy
Byx is the youngest member of her dairne pack. Believed to possess remarkable abilities, her mythical
dog like species has been hunted to near extinction in the war-torn kingdom of Nedarra. After her pack
is hunted down and killed, Byx fears she may be the last of her species. The Endling. So Byx sets out
to find safe haven, and to see if the legends of other hidden dairnes are true. Along the way, she meets
new allies--both animals and humans alike--who each have their own motivations for joining her quest.
And although they begin as strangers, they become their own kind of family--one that will ultimately
uncover a secret that may threaten every creature in their world. From the publisher. (Media Makers
note: If you love Wings of Fire or Warriors series, this is the perfect book for you!)
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. GoetjenArden, Katherine Small Spaces Scary/Horror
When Ollie happens upon a crazed woman at the river threatening to throw a book into the water; she
doesn't think--she just acts, stealing the book and running away. Ollie discovers a chilling story about a
girl named Beth, the two brothers who both loved her, and a peculiar deal made with "the smiling man,"
a sinister specter who grants your most tightly held wish, but only for the ultimate price. The next day
on her school trip to Smoke Hollow, a local farm with a haunting history all its own, she sees the woman
and stumbles upon the graves of the very people she's been reading about. Could it be the story about
the smiling man is true? On the way home, the school bus breaks down, sending their teacher back to
the farm for help. But the strange bus driver has some advice for the kids left behind in his care: "Best
get moving. At nightfall they'll come for the rest of you." Then Ollie's previously broken digital
wristwatch, a keepsake reminder of better times, delivers a terrifying message: RUN. Only Ollie and
two of her classmates heed the bus driver's warning and head out into the woods--bordered by a field
of scarecrows that seem to be watching them. The bus driver has one final piece of advice for Ollie and
her friends: "Avoid large places. Keep to small." F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note:A creepy,
spellbinding ghost story destined to become a classic; a scary book that’s not TOO scary!)
Chanani, Nidhi Pashmina Graphic Novel/Magic Realism
Priyanka Das has so many unanswered questions: Why did her mother abandon her home in India
years ago? What was it like there? And most importantly, who is her father, and why did her mom leave
him behind? But Pri's mom avoids these questions--the topic of India is permanently closed. For Pri,
her mother's homeland can only exist in her imagination. That is, until she find a mysterious pashmina
tucked away in a forgotten suitcase. When she wraps herself in it, she is transported to a place more
vivid and colorful than any guidebook or Bollywood film. But is this the real India? And what is that
shadow lurking in the background? To learn the truth Pri must travel farther than she's ever dared and
find the family she never knew. F
rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: Really good story, loved it!)
Condie, Ally & Brendan Reichs The Darkdeep (Book 1, Darkdeep series) Scary/Horror
A thriller for middle-grade audiences! After 12-year-old Nico falls off a cliff while trying to rescue his
quadcopter, his friends Tyler and Ella, along with Opal—caught between popularity and feeling semi
responsible for Nico’s dire situation—stumble upon a hidden island, a mysteriously abandoned
houseboat, and a swirling well of water that is home to something dark and possibly deadly. As the
friends deal with personal experiences and navigate their various homelives, they also start to discover
the effects of their experimentation with the well: figments begin appearing around the island in greater
frequency and with bad intent. But what happens when their deepest fears start to manifest, and they
have no idea how to defend themselves? F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note:A book for kids that
LOVE horror by two great authors!)
DiCamillo, Kate Louisiana’s Way Home (Sequel to: Raymie Nightingale) Realistic
When Louisiana Elefante's granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of
reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn't overly worried. After
all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas. But this time, things are different. This time, Granny
intends for them never to return. Separated from her best friends, Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana
struggles to oppose the winds of fate (and Granny) and find a way home. But as Louisiana's life
becomes entwined with the lives of the people of a small Georgia town -- including a surly motel owner,
a walrus-like minister, and a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder -- she starts to worry that she
is destined only for good-byes. (Which could be due to the curse on Louisiana's and Granny's heads.
But that is a story for another time.) A story of discovering who you are -- and deciding who you want to
be. F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: Part of a great series and Louisiana is a great
character!)
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. GoetjenDraper, Sharon Blended (from the author of Out of My Mind) Realistic
Eleven-year-old Isabella's parents are divorced, so she has to switch lives every week: One week she's
Isabella with her dad, his girlfriend Anastasia, and her son Darren living in a fancy house where they
are one of the only black families in the neighborhood. The next week she's Izzy with her mom and her
boyfriend John-Mark in a small, not-so-fancy house that she loves. Because of this, Isabella has always
felt pulled between two worlds. And she is beginning to realize that being split between Mom and Dad
involves more than switching houses, switching nicknames, switching backpacks: it's also about
switching identities. Her dad is black, her mom is white, and strangers are always commenting: "You're
so exotic!" "You look so unusual." "But what are you really?" She knows what they're really saying:
"You don't look like your parents." "You're different." "What race are you really?" What does it mean to
be half white or half black? To belong to half mom and half dad? And if you're only seen as
half of this and half of that, how can you ever feel whole? F
rom the publisher. (Media Makers note:A
book for kids trying to figure out who they are.)
Gemeinhart, Dan The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise Realistic
Five years.That's how long twelve-year-old Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have lived on the road in an
old school bus, criss-crossing the nation. It's also how long ago Coyote lost her mom and two sisters.
Coyote hasn't been home in all that time, but when she learns that the park in her old neighborhood is
being demolished--the very same park where she, her mom, and her sisters buried a treasured memory
box--she devises an elaborate plan to get her dad to drive 3,600 miles back to Washington state . . .
without him realizing it.On the way, they'll pick up an eclectic group of folks. Lester has a lady love to
meet. Salvador and his mom are looking to start over. Val needs a safe place to be herself. Coyote will
learn that going home can sometimes be the hardest journey of all, but that with friends, she just might
be able to turn her 'once upon a time' into a 'happily ever after.' F
rom the publisher. (Media Makers
note: You will feel like you are a part of this traveling group and love every minute of it!
Unforgettable story.)
Graff, Lisa Far Away Realistic
CJ's Aunt Nic is a psychic medium who tours the country speaking to spirits from Far Away, passing on
messages from the dearly departed. And CJ knows firsthand how comforting those messages can be --
Aunt Nic's Gift is the only way CJ can talk to her mom, who died just hours after she was born. So when
CJ learns that she won't be able to speak to her mother anymore, even with Aunt Nic's help, she's
determined to find a work-around. She sets off on road trip with her new friend Jax to locate the one
object that she believes will tether her mother's spirit back to Earth . . . but what she finds along the way
challenges every truth she's ever known. Ultimately, CJ has to sort out the reality from the lies. From the
publisher. (Media Makers note:Couldn’t put this down, exciting and fun to read.)
Green, Tim The Big Game Realistic/Sports
Danny Owens is dedicating his seventh-grade season to his Super Bowl champion father, who recently
passed away. Danny promises everyone that, just like his dad, he'll dominate the big game at the end
of the season and earn a spot on the high school varsity team. Then his English teacher catches him
cheating on a test. Even though Danny can retake it, he knows there's no point. He can't read. And if
Danny can't pass this class, he won't be eligible to play in the championship game that could unlock his
future. While his resentment rises against the only person willing to help him win off the field, the
pressure to succeed begins to weigh heavily on Danny's shoulders. Danny is being tested on every
level now, and to pass, he may very well have to choose a different path from his father's.
From the publisher. (Media Makers note: This story really got to me and made me think about my
choices!)
Gudsnuk, Kristen Making Friends Graphic Novel/Magic Realism
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. GoetjenDanielle needs a perfect friend, but sometimes making (or creating) one is a lot easier than keeping
one! - When Danielle inherits a magical sketchbook from her eccentric great aunt Elma, she draws
Madison, an ideal best friend that springs to life right off the page! But even when you create a best
friend, it's not easy navigating the ups and downs of relationships, and before long Danielle and
Madison are not exactly seeing eye-to-eye. F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: Funny story with
a middle school setting!)
Haydu, Corey Ann Eventown Fantasy
The world tilted for Elodee this year, and now it's impossible for her to be the same as she was before.
Not when her feelings have such a strong grip on her heart. Not when she and her twin sister, Naomi,
seem to be drifting apart. So when Elodee's mom gets a new job in Eventown, moving seems like it
might just fix everything. Indeed, life in Eventown is comforting and exciting all at once. Their kitchen
comes with a box of recipes for Elodee to try. Everyone takes the scenic way to school or work--past
rows of rose bushes and unexpected waterfalls. On blueberry-picking field trips, every berry is perfectly
ripe. Sure, there are a few odd rules, and the houses all look exactly alike, but it's easy enough to
explain--until Elodee realizes that there are only three ice cream flavors in Eventown. Ever. And they
play only one song in music class. Everything may be "even" in Eventown, but is there a price to pay for
perfection--and pretending? F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: This story tugs at your heart
and makes you cheer for Elodee!)
Korman, Gordon The Unteachables Realistic
The Unteachables are a notorious class of misfits, delinquents, and academic train wrecks. Like Aldo,
with anger management issues; Parker, who can't read; Kiana, who doesn't even belong in the
class--or any class; and Elaine (rhymes with pain). The Unteachables have been isolated in room 117.
Their teacher is Mr. Zachary Kermit, the most burned-out teacher in all of Greenwich. He was once a
rising star, but his career was shattered by a cheating scandal that still haunts him. After years of
phoning it in, he is finally one year away from early retirement. But the superintendent has his own
plans to torpedo that idea--and it involves assigning Mr. Kermit to the Unteachables. The Unteachables
never thought they'd find a teacher who had a worse attitude than they did. And Mr. Kermit never
thought he would actually care about teaching again. Over the course of a school year, though, room
117 will experience mayhem, destruction--and maybe even a shot at redemption. From the publisher.
(Media Makers note: Great author and hilarious, relatable story!)
Letts, Elizabeth The Perfect Horse (Young Reader’s Edition) Nonfiction
In the chaotic last days of the war, a small troop of battle-weary American soldiers captures a German
spy and makes an astonishing find--his briefcase is empty but for photos of beautiful white horses that
have been stolen and kept on a secret farm behind enemy lines. Hitler has stockpiled the world's finest
purebreds in order to breed the perfect military machine--an equine master race. But with the starving
Russian army closing in, the animals are in imminent danger of being slaughtered for food. With only
hours to spare, one of the U.S. Army's last great cavalrymen, Colonel Hank Reed, makes a bold
decision--with General George Patton's blessing--to mount a covert rescue operation. Racing against
time, Reed's small but determined force of soldiers, aided by several turncoat Germans, steals across
enemy lines in a last-ditch effort to save the horses. F
rom the publisher. (Media Makers note:
Something I never learned that happened during WWII - great for animal lovers!)
Levine, Gail Carson Ogre Enchanted (Companion novel to Ella Enchanted) Fantasy
Set in the world of the Newbery Honor-winning Ella Enchanted, this tale stars a clever heroine who is
determined to defy expectations--and outwit a fairy's curse. Evie is happiest when she is healing
people, diagnosing symptoms and prescribing medications, with the help of her devoted friend (and test
subject) Wormy. So when Wormy unexpectedly proposes to her, she kindly turns him down; she has far
too much to do to be marrying anyone. And besides, she simply isn't in love with him. But a certain
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. Goetjenmeddling fairy named Lucinda has been listening in, and she doesn't approve of Evie's rejection.
Suddenly, Evie finds herself transformed from a girl into a hideous, hungry ogre! Stuck in this new and
confusing form, Evie now has only sixty-two days to accept another proposal--or else be stuck as an
ogre forever. F
rom the publisher. (Media Makers note:If you loved Beauty and the Beast, this will be
the novel for you!)
Lu, Marie Wildcard (sequel to Warcross) Sci-Fi
Emika Chen barely made it out of the Warcross Championships alive. Now that she knows the truth
behind Hideo's new NeuroLink algorithm, she can no longer trust the one person she's always looked
up to, who she once thought was on her side. Determined to put a stop to Hideo's grim plans, Emika
and the Phoenix Riders band together, only to find a new threat lurking on the neon-lit streets of Tokyo.
Someone's put a bounty on Emika's head, and her sole chance for survival lies with Zero and the
Blackcoats, his ruthless crew. But Emika soon learns that Zero isn't all that he seems--and his
protection comes at a price. Caught in a web of betrayal, with the future of free will at risk, just how far
will Emika go to take down the man she loves? F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: Awesome and
exciting end to this story!)
Morris, Chad & Shelly Brown Squint Realistic
The hero of my comic books can shoot lasers from his eyes when he squints. But it might not be
enough to save the Empress. What he'll need most of all is a friend named Diamond Girl. Flint loves to
draw. In fact, he's furiously trying to finish his comic book so he can be the youngest winner of the "Find
a Comic Star" contest. He's also rushing to finish because he has an eye disease that could eventually
make him blind. At school, Flint meets McKell. She's a new girl and doesn't seem to have trouble
making friends. She does have a problem with how some of her new friends treat this boy they call
"Squint." He seems nice and really talented. He also seems like the kind of person who wouldn't laugh
at you. That's important, because McKell has hidden talents of her own but is worried about what will
happen if she shares them. F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: Reminds me a little of Wonder -
a great friendship story!)
Ramée, Lisa Moore A Good Kind of Trouble Realistic
Twelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. All she wants to do is to follow the rules. (Oh, and she'd
also like to make it through seventh grade with her best friendships intact, learn to run track, and have a
cute boy see past her giant forehead.) But in junior high, it's like all the rules have changed. Now she's
suddenly questioning who her best friends are and some people at school are saying she's not black
enough. Wait, what? Shay's sister, Hana, is involved in Black Lives Matter, but Shay doesn't think that's
for her. After experiencing a powerful protest, though, Shay decides some rules are worth breaking.
She starts wearing an armband to school in support of the Black Lives movement. Soon everyone is
taking sides. And she is given an ultimatum. Shay is scared to do the wrong thing (and even more
scared to do the right thing), but if she doesn't face her fear, she'll be forever tripping over the next
hurdle. Now that's trouble, for real. F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: Emotional, great coming
of age story in the era of Black Lives Matter)
Schmidt, Gary D. Pay Attention, Carter Jones Realistic
Carter Jones is astonished early one morning when he finds a real English butler, bowler hat and all, on
the doorstep--one who stays to help the Jones family, which is a little bit broken, driving Carter to
school in a purple Bentley car nicknamed the Eggplant. In addition to figuring out middle school, Carter
has to adjust to the unwelcome presence of this new know-it-all adult in his life and navigate the butler's
notions of what is appropriate behavior for a young man. And ultimately, when Carter’s burden of grief
and anger from the past can no longer be ignored, Carter learns that a burden becomes lighter when it
is shared. F
rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: A story with humor but also a lot of meaning
and compassion around a family that is split.)
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. GoetjenScott, Mairghread The City on the Other Side Graphic Novel/Fantasy
Sheltered within her high-society world, Isabel plays the part of a perfectly proper little girl--she's quiet,
well-behaved, and she keeps her dresses spotlessly clean. She's certainly not the kind of girl who goes
on adventures. But that all changes when Isabel breaches an invisible barrier and steps into another
world. She discovers a city not unlike her own, but magical and dangerous. Here, war rages between
the fairies of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Only Isabel, with the help of a magical necklace and a few
new friends, stands a chance of ending the war before it destroys the fairy world, and her own. From
the publisher. (Media Makers note: The graphics really help tell the story in this exciting graphic
novel!)
Shusterman, Neal Dry Adventure/Thriller
The drought--or the Tap-Out, as everyone calls it--has been going on for a while now. Everyone's lives
have become an endless list of don'ts: don't water the lawn, don't fill up your pool, don't take long
showers. Until the taps run dry. Suddenly, Alyssa's quiet suburban street spirals into a warzone of
desperation; neighbors and families turned against each other on the hunt for water. And when her
parents don't return and her life--and the life of her brother--is threatened, Alyssa has to make
impossible choices if she's going to survive. From the publisher. (Media Makers note: This book is
never on the shelf because someone is always reading it - scary to think this could actually
happen in our world. )
Sutherland, Tui (Deutsch, B. adapt.) The Dragonet Prophecy Graphic Novel/Fantasy
Bestselling Wings of Fire s eries soars to new heights in this first-ever graphic novel adaptation! - Clay
has grown up under the mountain, chosen along with four other dragonets to fulfill a mysterious
prophecy and end the war between the dragon tribes of Pyrrhia. He's not so sure about the prophecy
part, but Clay can't imagine not living with the other dragonets, they're his best friends. So when one of
the dragonets is threatened, all five spring into action. Together, they will choose freedom over fate,
leave the mountain, and fulfill their destiny--on their own terms. From the publisher. (Media Makers note:
Very popular fantasy series now in graphic novel format!)
Venkatraman, Padma The Bridge Home Realistic
Life is harsh in Chennai's teeming streets, so when runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, their
prospects look grim. Very quickly, eleven-year-old Viji discovers how vulnerable they are in this
uncaring, dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter--and friendship--on an abandoned bridge.
With two homeless boys, Muthi and Arul, the group forms a family of sorts. And while making a living
scavenging the city's trash heaps is the pits, the kids find plenty to laugh about and take pride in too.
After all, they are now the bosses of themselves and no longer dependent on untrustworthy adults. But
when illness strikes, Viji must decide whether to risk seeking help from strangers or to keep holding on
to their fragile, hard-fought freedom. From the publisher. (Media Makers note: If you care about
people, they become your family, even when you’re homeless!)
Weyr, Garret The Language of Spells
Fantasy
Grisha is a dragon in a world that's forgotten how to see him. Maggie is a unusual child who thinks
she's perfectly ordinary. They're an unlikely duo--but magic, like friendship, is funny. Sometimes it
chooses those who might not look so likely. And magic has chosen Grisha and Maggie to solve the
darkest mystery in Vienna. Decades ago, when World War II broke out, someone decided that there
were too many dragons for all of them to be free. As they investigate, Grisha and Maggie askthe
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. Goetjenquestion everyone's forgotten: Where have the missing dragons gone? And is there a way to save
them? From the publisher. (Media Makers note: Full of adventure and friendship!)
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. Goetjen2019 Award Winning Books
John Newbery Medal
Most distinguished American children's book published in 2018
Medina, Meg M
erci Suárez Changes Gears Realistic
Merci Suarez knew that sixth grade would be different, but she had no idea just how different. For
starters, Merci has never been like the other kids at her private school in Florida, because she and her
older brother, Roli, are scholarship students. They don't have a big house or a fancy boat, and they
have to do extra community service to make up for their free tuition. So when bossy Edna Santos sets
her sights on the new boy who happens to be Merci's school-assigned Sunshine Buddy, Merci
becomes the target of Edna's jealousy. Things aren't going well at home, either: Merci's grandfather
and most trusted ally, Lolo, has been acting strangely lately -- forgetting important things, falling from
his bike, and getting angry over nothing. No one in her family will tell Merci what's going on, so she's left
to her own worries, while also feeling all on her own at school. From the publisher. (Media Makers
note:Touching story and shows what middle school can be like.)
Newbery Honor winners
Hiranandani, Veera The Night Diary Historical Fiction
It's 1947, and India, newly independent of British rule, has been separated into two countries- Pakistan
and India. The divide has created much tension between Hindus and Muslims, and hundreds of
thousands are killed crossing borders. Half-Muslim, half-Hindu, twelve-year-old Nisha doesn't know
where she belongs, or what her country is anymore. When Papa decides it's too dangerous to stay in
what is now Pakistan, Nisha and her family become refugees and embark first by train but later on foot
to reach her new home. The journey is long, difficult, and dangerous, and after losing her mother as a
baby, Nisha can't imagine losing her homeland, too. But even if her country has been ripped apart,
Nisha still believes in the possibility of putting herself back together. Told through Nisha's letters to her
mother, The Night Diary is a heartfelt story of one girl's search for home, for her own identity...and for a
hopeful future. F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: If you liked The War That Saved My Life,
you’ll love this story! )
Murdock, Catherine Gilbert The Book of Boy Adventure
Boy has always been relegated to the outskirts of his small village. With a hump on his back, a
mysterious past, and a tendency to talk to animals, he is often mocked by others in his town--until the
arrival of a shadowy pilgrim named Secondus. Impressed with Boy's climbing and jumping abilities,
Secondus engages Boy as his servant, pulling him into an action-packed and suspenseful expedition
across Europe to gather seven precious relics of Saint Peter. Boy quickly realizes this journey is not an
innocent one. They are stealing the relics and accumulating dangerous enemies in the process. But
Boy is determined to see this pilgrimage through until the end--for what if St. Peter has the power to
make him the same as the other boys? F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: Exciting story,
couldn’t put it down! )
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. GoetjenCoretta Scott King Award
Recognizing African American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for
children and young adults
Hartfield, Claire A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Nonfiction
On a hot day in July 1919, five black youths went swimming in Lake Michigan, unintentionally floating
close to the "white" beach. An angry white man began throwing stones at the boys, striking and killing
one. Racial conflict on the beach erupted into days of urban violence that shook the city of Chicago to
its foundations. This mesmerizing narrative draws on contemporary accounts as it traces the roots of
the explosion that had been building for decades in race relations, politics, business, and clashes of
culture. F
rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: The author wrote this book after hearing stories
from her grandmother who lived through this time period.)
Cline-Ransome, Lesa Finding Langston Historical Fiction
When 11-year-old Langston's mother dies in 1946, he and his father leave rural Alabama for Chicago's
brown belt as a part of what came to be known as the Great Migration. It's lonely in the small apartment
with just the two of them, and at school Langston is bullied. But his new home has one fantastic thing.
Unlike the whites-only library in Alabama, the local public library welcomes everyone. There, hiding out
after school, Langston discovers another Langston, a poet whom he learns inspired his mother enough
to name her only son after him. F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: How cool that Langston had
the public library to go to!)
Johnson, Varian The Parker Inheritance Historical Fiction
Twelve-year-old Candice Miller is spending the summer in Lambert, South Carolina, in the old house
that belonged to her grandmother, who died after being dismissed as city manager for having the city
tennis courts dug up looking for buried treasure--but when she finds the letter that sent her
grandmother on the treasure hunt, she finds herself caught up in the mystery and, with the help of her
new friend and fellow bookworm, Brandon, she sets out to find the inheritance, exonerate her
grandmother, and expose an injustice once committed against an African American family in Lambert.
From the publisher. (Media Makers note: You can really see the injustice caused by racism in the
past and the present.)
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. GoetjenMichael L. Printz Award
for excellence in literature written for young adults
&
Pura Belpre (Author) Award
honoring a Latinx writer and illustrator whose children's books best portray, affirm and
celebrate the Latino cultural experience
Acevedo, Elizabeth The Poet X Realistic
Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body
grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking. But Xiomara has
plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather
notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers--especially after she catches feelings for a boy in
her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about. With Mami's determination to force
her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to
herself. So when she is invited to join her school's slam poetry club, she doesn't know how she could
ever attend without her mami finding out. But she still can't stop thinking about performing her poems.
Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent. From the
publisher. (Media Makers note: This has been a popular book for 8th graders this year!)
Schneider Family Award (Middle School)
Best book for teens that embodies the artistic expression of the disability experience
Connor, Leslie The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle Mystery
Mason Buttle is the biggest, sweatiest kid in his grade, and everyone knows he can barely read or
write. Mason's learning disabilities are compounded by grief. Fifteen months ago, Mason's best friend,
Benny Kilmartin, turned up dead in the Buttle family's orchard. An investigation drags on, and Mason,
honest as the day is long, can't understand why Lieutenant Baird won't believe the story Mason has told
about that day. Both Mason and his new friend, tiny Calvin Chumsky, are relentlessly bullied by the
other boys in their neighborhood, so they create an underground club space for themselves. When
Calvin goes missing, Mason finds himself in trouble again. He's desperate to figure out what happened
to Calvin, and eventually, Benny. But will anyone believe him? From the publisher. (Media Makers
note:This book really makes you understand how bullying can hurt someone right in their heart.)
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. Goetjen2020 Garden State Book Award Nominees
(Children and Teens - selected list)
Fiction
Adeyemi, Tomi Children of Blood and Bone Fantasy
Coming of age in a land where her magi mother was killed by the zealous king's guards along with
other former wielders of magic, Zelie embarks on a journey alongside her brother and a fugitive
princess to restore her people's magical abilities. F
rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: A great
fantasy story with lots of twists and turns!)
Black, Holly The Cruel Prince Fantasy
Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen
away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to
belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the
youngest and wickedest son of the High King. F
rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: Holly Black
writes the best fantasy stories!)
Dee, Barbara Halfway Normal Realistic
Norah Levy has just completed two years of treatment for leukemia and is ready to go back to the "real
world" of middle school. She knows it'll be tricky--but like the Greek mythological characters she read
about while she was sick, Norah's up for any challenge. But seventh grade turns out to be trickier than
she thought. Norah's classmates don't know what to make of her. Her best friend, Harper, tries to be
there for her, but she doesn't get it, really--and is hanging out with a new group of girls. Norah's other
good friend, Silas, is avoiding her. What's that about, anyway? When Norah is placed with the eighth
graders for math and science she meets Griffin, a cute boy who encourages her love of Greek
mythology and art. And Norah decides not to tell him her secret--that she was "that girl" who had
cancer. But when something happens to make secret-keeping impossible, Norah must figure out a way
to share her cancer story. F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: You feel very hopeful after
reading this book - if you liked The Fault in Our Stars, try this book!)
Emerson, Kevin Last Day on Mars Adventure/Sci-Fi
It is Earth year 2213--but, of course, there is no Earth anymore. Not since it was burned to a cinder by
the sun, which has mysteriously begun the process of going supernova. The human race has fled to
Mars, but this was only a temporary solution while they prepared for a second trip: a
one-hundred-fifty-year journey to a distant star, the best guess at where they might find a new home.
Liam Saunders-Chang is one of the last humans left on Mars. The son of two scientists who have been
racing against time to create technology vital to humanity's survival, Liam, along with his friend Phoebe,
will be on the last starliner to depart before Mars, like Earth before it, is destroyed. Or so he thinks.
Because before this day is over, Liam and Phoebe will make a series of profound discoveries about the
nature of time and space and find out that the human race is just one of many in our universe locked in
a dangerous struggle for survival. F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: Cool space story!)
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. GoetjenPullman, Philip La Belle Sauvage (Book 1, The Book of Dust trilogy) Fantasy
Malcolm Polstead is the kind of boy who notices everything but is not much noticed himself. And so
perhaps it was inevitable that he would become a spy....Malcolm's parents run an inn called the Trout,
on the banks of the river Thames, and all of Oxford passes through its doors. Malcolm and his daemon,
Asta, routinely overhear news and gossip, and the occasional scandal, but during a winter of unceasing
rain, Malcolm catches wind of something new: intrigue. He finds a secret message inquiring about a
dangerous substance called Dust--and the spy it was intended for finds him. When she asks Malcolm to
keep his eyes open, he sees suspicious characters everywhere: the explorer Lord Asriel, clearly on the
run; enforcement agents from the Magisterium; a gyptian named Coram with warnings just for Malcolm;
and a beautiful woman with an evil monkey for a daemon. All are asking about the same thing: a
girl--just a baby--named Lyra. Lyra is the kind of person who draws people in like magnets. And
Malcolm will brave any danger, and make shocking sacrifices, to bring her safely through the storm.
From the publisher. (Media Makers note: This book returns to the fantasy world from The Golden
Compass, and Lyra,the main character but as a baby.)
Non Fiction: Grades 6-12 (selected list)
Furstinger, Nancy Unstoppable: True Stories of Amazing Bionic Animals
Chris P. Bacon was born with malformed legs, but with the help of a wheelchair made of construction
toys, he's become a hero to people with similar challenges. Nancy Furstinger profiles Chris P. Bacon
and many other animals all of whom are making their way around with the help of prosthetics, braces,
orthotics and wheelchairs! Readers will meet the caretakers, prosthetists, vets, and loving families that
help to make recovery possible. Furstinger offers a glimpse into the cutting-edge technologies, such as
3D printing and brain-controlled prosthetics, that are helping to improve the lives of animals and
humans alike. From the publisher. (Media Makers note: So cool what technology can do for
animals and people!)
Hansen, Dustin Game On!: Video Game History from “Pong” and “Pacman” to
“Mario”, “Minecraft” and More!
This zippy primer on video game development takes readers from the arcades of the 1970s to
Minecraft and the future of gaming. Short, chronological chapters introduce iconic games that represent
innovations in design, story, and player experience. The well-told origin tales are a fantastic mashup of
pop and gaming culture and reveal the dedication and creativity of industry leaders such as Shigeru
Miyamoto, creator of Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros. Each chapter builds on the last, tracing the
development of gaming technology, including apps. F rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: If you are
a gamer, you need to read this!)
Muhammad, Ibtihaj Proud: Living My American Dream--Young Readers Edition
At the 2016 Olympic Games, Ibtihaj Muhammad smashed barriers as the first American to compete
wearing hijab, and she made history as the first Muslim American woman to win a medal. But before
she was an Olympian, activist, and entrepreneur, Ibtihaj was a young outsider trying to find her place.
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. GoetjenGrowing up in suburban New Jersey, Ibtihaj was often the only African American Muslim student in her
class. When she discovered and fell in love with fencing, a sport most popular with affluent young white
people, she stood out even more. Rivals and teammates often pointed out Ibtihaj's differences, telling
her she would never succeed. Yet she powered on, rising above bigotry and other obstacles on the
path to pursue her dream. F
rom the publisher. (Media Makers note: A great role model and she’s from
New Jersey!)
You are sure to find several great books from this list that you will enjoy
reading. Have a wonderful summer break – see you in September!
2019 WAMS Summer Reading Suggestions-D. GoetjenYou can also read
