Again, this was really difficult. I read so many amazing books last year. Here are some of them, keeping in mind I didn't want the post to be too long. I've tried to arrange them in such a way that the ones that appeal to younger students are first, with YA books at the end. It's tough to put an age recommendation on books though, because so much depends on a reader's abilities and maturity level. Here goes:
Ice Dogs: This is the second of Terry Lynn Johnson's on my list. It's a new release and follows her theme of animals and survival. In this one, the main character is realizing that she is slowly going blind but has not shared her fears with her family yet. She has something to prove - that she can still have a life, even if it means racing sled dogs through dangerous territory. Great information and message! The War Below: How much do you know about the Ukrainian Insurgent Army? Based on true events, this novel follows young protagonists first introduced in Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch's Making Bombs for Hitler, and is just as good. The Night Diary: It is important for people (not just kids) to read historical fiction - there is so much to be learned! This story is set during the 1940's at a time when India and Pakistan are being split into two countries. The main character becomes a refugee, and writes in her journal along the way. Beautiful, entertaining, informative. By author Veera Hiranandani. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise: One of the best books I've read, ever, not just this past year! Dan Gemeinhart's writing gets into your head, into your heart, and makes you CARE SO DEEPLY about his characters! Coyote and her dad have been traveling around the United States in their schoolbus-turned-home since a tragedy occurred in their family. But Coyote needs to go home now, and she must trick her dad into taking her there. The Bridge Home: This was a Global Read Aloud choice for upper middle grades, and I can totally see why. The story, about homeless children in India, packs a punch! So much to discuss while reading this book. I had to do some research while reading it. Padma Venkatraman will be author to keep an eye on. Endling: The First (Book Two): Katharine Applegate is another author whose books I will always read - so many have become favourites, including Wishtree, The One and Only Ivan, and Endling: The Last (which is Book One in this series). Fantasy stories are typically not my favourite genre, but this one about endangered species connects so deeply to the stories of racism and cultural ignorance that we see happening in the world, that it is a must-read.
They Called Us Enemy: George Takei's graphic novel account of his experiences in Japanese internment camps during World War Two. Kids will eat this one up. No Fixed Address: Susin Nielsen (former writer for DeGrassi Junior high) has written a funny, enlightening story about a boy living in a van with his mother, who has mental illness. It's a tough topic, but an important one, and is ultimately about the power of friendship and community.
Internment: I loved author Samira Ahmed's Love, Hate and Other Filters, so it was a no-brainer to pick this one up as well. Wow! Set in a near-future Dystopian world where Muslim-Americans are placed in internment camps, this one is a glimpse into the fears of many Americans today. Lots to discuss here, and you'll have trouble putting it down.
The Fountains of Silence: Author Ruta Sepetys has written many books that I have enjoyed, and this one is her latest. I greedily devoured this book (a signed copy from the ILA Conference!!!), an historic fictional account featuring the rule of Franco in Spain, and occurring over several years. There's also a mystery and a love story. White Rose: Novel-in-verse non-fiction account by writer Kip Wilson of the White Rose, a secret society headed by Sophie Scholl and her brother Hans, two German university students and their friends who tried to stop Adolf Hitler's war on his own people. Bone-chilling, especially when you read the back matter and learn how accurate the story is. And now I'm feeling bad about the stories I didn't include here, but also really enjoyed. If you follow my Instagram page, you'll see so many more titles that I recommend. I definitely need to work on the Recommendations page on this site. (\A New Year's Resolution, perhaps? Regardless, I have a huge TBR pile and an even huger TBR list, so I'm pretty pumped to get started on my 2020 reading life. Happy New Year, and I hope your year includes family, friends, health, happiness and loads of great books!
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