- Michael Ames
- Jul 9, 2019
With his starkly beautiful verse, Jason Reynolds makes the cycle of gang violence approachable and profound. The story features fifteen-year-old Will whose brother Shawn was just shot and killed. Will now has Shawn’s gun and is on his way to take revenge. But on the elevator out of the building, Will is visited by several ghosts--all the people in his past killed by gang violence.
The story is short, the writing concise, but Reynold’s story carries a powerful message that everyone needs to hear. I can’t imagine a better way to attack a painful subject for teen readers. I would recommend Long Way Down as a must for middle school curriculum. Let kids hear about this in just this way and let them talk about it.
Recommended ages--13 and up
- Michael Ames
- Jul 3, 2019
As the author Jordan Stratford explains, “this is a made-up story about two very real girls.” Mary Godwin and Lady Ada Byron are two clever girls at a time when girls are restricted. Together they start a clandestine detective agency. When they advertise their services, they find themselves searching for a stolen necklace. Their first case brings together a variety of historical and literary figures in a hilarious race to catch a thief.
Stratford’s storytelling is clever on its own, entertaining enough for young readers. I especially enjoyed the humor and puns surrounding the literary figures. This would be lost on the intended audience of 10-12 year olds, but makes it fun for literary parents reading with their kids. The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency is a great addition to the mystery genre for young readers.
Recommended ages--10-12 years old
- Michael Ames
- Jul 3, 2019
Kate Bailey prefers to stay in the background and spend all her time on the lake. When her best friend Alana talks her into taking a podcasting class, Kate intends to stick with production. Then Kate’s idea for an advice podcast wins the vote and she finds herself a co-host of her high school’s podcast. Suddenly, Kate has to talk AND give advice. Life gets more complicated when an anonymous caller asks for advice about his unnamed crush. Kate thinks she has everything figured out, but soon realizes advice can be hard to give and hard to take.
As usual, Kasie West creates likable characters with realistic, high school problems. Teen and tween readers will relate to Kate, her friends, and all their need for advice. With Listen to Your Heart, West creates an interesting high school life that stays clean, appropriate and relevant to her readers.
Recommended ages--12 and up