Great Books

I have read a ton of great young adult books over the years, however when I went to write a posts about them I realized that I should have done it right after reading the book, not several months or years later.  I can tell you a book is a great read, but I can't tell you if it had any foul language in it, etc.  So maybe I should post a list of great books to read (no guarantees on the exact content) and review them one by one as I reread them. 

Julie

A Pocket Full of Seeds by Marilyn Sachs

Yet another holocaust/Nazi era survivor book.  This one is a little different, in that it is about a Jewish family that lived in France at the time of the occupation.  It is told from the viewpoint of Nicole an 11 year old girl
who lives with her parents and little sister.  She comes home one day to find them gone.    Based on a true story (the best kind of book in my opinion).  The book details the effects of war on her country, her town, and her friends and family.  A sad but insightful read.

Belle Prater's Boy by Ruth White

This book takes place in 1953 in Virginia.  Belle Prater's boy Woodrow is sent to live with his maternal grandparents after his mother just suddenly disappears one night.  While there he reconnects with his cousin Gypsy and they become best friends during their 6th grade year.  They both have some deep sorrows to share and find great comfort and support in each other.  I think both boys and girls would like this book .
It moves quickly and is just a great read.

Purely Rosie Pearl by Patricia A. Cochrane

I liked this story because it had a different flavor to it than most.  Rosie Pearl is a 12 year old girl who is a migrant worker with her family during the great depression.  Their southern farm was destroyed by dust storms and they moved west to follow the crops.  The description of migrant life is vivid and detailed.  The story chronicles her family's summer, their experiences in California, and Rosie Pearl's relationship with her new "educated" friend Maggie.  Funny and poignant.  Don't let the dated looking cover turn you off. 

Bird Lake Moon by Kevin Henkes

I rejected another book by Kevin Henkes a few years ago, but decided to give his another try.  This book is great for middle school boys as it deals with two boys, honesty, grief, and friendship.  The chapters alternate between Mitch and Spencer, two young boys both dealing with their own grief.  One of the boys younger brother drown in Bird Lake and the other boy's parents are getting divorced.  They both end up on the shore of Bird Lake where their adventures begin. 

Have I got a book for you...

This blog was developed to help other teachers, parents and librarians find good, clean books for their middle and high school students to read.  It is more difficult than it should be so I thought I would post reviews of my favorite clean reads and hopefully you can share yours with me.  Read On!