The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer

I have to admit that I have seen this series and been interested in it, but was much more motivated to read it when the Netflix movie came out. I did dutifully read it before I watched the movie and I enjoyed both the book and the movie. Enola Holmes is a delightful character and the mystery is a fun, lighthearted read. As usual, there are differences between the book and movie, but they carry the same feeling and both are highly entertaining.

Enola Holmes is a much younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. When her mother goes missing, Enola is sure she is the only one who can solve the mystery and bring her back. However, as Enola begins her search, she is drawn into yet another mystery--that of the missing Marquess of Basilwether. Can Enola find her mother and save the missing Marquess all at once? This is a perfect mystery for middle grade readers and tweens and there are several other books in the series for Enola lovers.

Recommended ages--all

Friday Night Stage Lights by Rachele Alpine

Brooklyn Gartner hates football. When her mother remarries, Brooklyn and her mother relocate from their home in Oregon to Leighton, Texas. Brooklyn has to give up her friends, her ballet studio, and everything she loves, all because her new stepbrother is a star football player--and in Leighton, football is life. If that isn’t enough, now the middle school football team has invaded her refuge, the Center Stage Dance Studio. Their coach insists dance conditioning practice will improve their football.

Brooklyn is beyond angry, but when her dance partner is injured, she might just have to rely on one of those football players to get her out of a tough spot. This football/ballet showdown is a perfect fit for tween readers. While sports are at the center, it is also a good story about understanding, forgiveness, and the importance of family and friendship.

Recommended ages--10-12 years old

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

I finally made it through this powerful, painful, but wonderfully necessary book. I’m grateful for Thomas’s character Starr and her strong voice that helped expand my worldview and understanding. Starr’s experience is difficult to read about, mostly because I wish it weren’t true to life, but I know it is. I recommend this read for all who may relate to Starr’s experience, but especially for those of us who can’t relate--because we need to learn to at least understand.

When fleeing a neighborhood party gone wrong, Starr and her friend Khalil are pulled over by a police officer. The officer says they weren’t speeding, but he orders Khalil out of the car and searches him. When Khalil leans in the ask if Starr is okay, the police officer fatally shoots Khalil multiple times, thinking he was reaching for a nonexistent gun. Grief stricken for her friend, Starr must decide if she will speak out against the police officer or stay silent--knowing that justice is rarely served in these circumstances.

As Starr gains her voice, she meets with help and support as well as hatred and misunderstanding. Her story sheds light on police violence and the riots that so often follow. This is a coming of age story that everyone should read.

Recommended ages--13 and up