Tumble by Celia C. Perez

Adela Ramirez has never known her father, but when her stepfather suggests adoption, Addie figures it’s time to find out about him. Little does she know that her search will lead her to the legendary Bravos, a family with a legacy of professional wrestling. Addie enjoys getting to know her grandparents, Uncle, and cousins, but Manny is trickier. Her father may be a great wrestler, but does he know how to be a great father?

Tumble is a fun coming of age story, filled with humor and depth. It’s an especially great read for those interested in luchadores and the culture that surrounds those wrestlers. This is a story about family, but it is also a story about finding yourself and forging your place in the world.

Recommended ages–9-14 years old

Avalanche by Melinda Braun

When Matt joins his friends for a backcountry ski adventure, he doesn’t fully understand the danger he is facing. Half a day into the trip, an avalanche is triggered leaving one dead and another severely injured. Soon Matt and his new friend Leah are fighting the elements to save their entire group.

A fast-paced story of survival, Avalanche will keep readers hooked. It is perfect for reluctant readers because the action never stops (it’s actually a little over the top for me) and the book is rather short. Even with a quick story, the characters are well-developed. Perfect for action movie lovers.

Recommended ages–12 and up

The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum

Hoodie Rosen and his Orthodox Jewish community are trying to get used to life in the mostly non-Jewish town of Tregaron. Sure some of the locals are complaining, but it isn’t Hoodie’s problem. He has school, friends, and basketball to keep him occupied. But when Hoodie becomes friends with Anna-Marie Diaz-O’Leary, his life begins to change. His whole community shuns him as the enemy, and to make things worse, anti-Semitic hate crimes begin to increase in the area. Can Hoodie find a way to be himself, but bring peace to a community filled with hate and misunderstanding?

The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen was a fascinating book for me. I loved the glimpse of Orthodox Jewish life. The characters were excellent and Hoodie’s experiences were thought provoking. There are difficult issues in this book, but enough humor and hope that it doesn’t get too heavy. It would be a good book to read and include lots of discussion.

Recommended ages–14 and up