Wonder, by R.J. Palacio

Wonder, by R.J. Palacio, was a great story.  Kids love the book.  It sends a positive message and opens a lot of eyes at the same time.  It's a wonder there aren't more books like it. :)

Three Times Lucky, by Sheila Turnage

Three Times Lucky, by Sheila Turnage, was a cute book that students read for literature circles.  The story is a mystery that takes place in a small hick town in North Carolina.  There's a girl who was separated from her mother when she was just a baby, there's a murder in the town where everyone is a suspect, and an unsolved bank robbery that happened a few years back.  More appropriately, this book should be named "Three Times UNlucky," but the book was very enjoyable and I'm lucky to have read it!

Rules, by Cynthia Lord

Rules, by Cynthia Lord, was a real eye-opening and heart-warming book.  I loved it.  If you liked Wonder, then for sure you'll like this one too.

Notes from the Midnight Driver, by Jordan Sonnenblick

Notes from the Midnight Driver, by Jordan Sonnenblick, was an awesome book that my students read for literature circles.  I read this book a few years back, but it was great reliving the story with new readers once again.  With Jordan Sonnenblick coming to our school next year, this is definitely one to consider reading beforehand.

Monster, by Walter Dean Myers

Monster, by Walter Dean Myers, was a good book that won a bunch of awards.  I can honestly say that I did not like this book, and I'm not quite sure why it received such honored acclaim.  The writing was awkward and difficult to follow, with its script-like style.  The idea of following along with courtroom procedures and how a trial unfolds is cool, but I felt like there was such a lack of evidence that there shouldn't have been a trial in the first place; then again, perhaps that is the angle the author was going for?  I did enjoy rooting for the main character, and they story was engaging and suspensful.  With the right readers, this is a rewarding story to read.  Otherwise, pass on it.

Million Dollar Throw, by Mike Lupica

Million Dollar Throw, by Mike Lupica, is an awesome book!  The star character is a 12-year-old starting quarterback, he's got a good heart and a rare opportunity to win a million dollars and help his friend and family.  Plus, the story takes place in New England, the kid loves the Patriots and idolizes Tom Brady.  What more would you look for in a book from Mike Lupica?

The Maze Runner, by James Dashner

The Maze Runner, by James Dashner, was an awesome book.  It's just the first of three, but all kids that read the book for literature circles in class truly enjoyed the read.