So Not the Drama- Paula Chase

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So Not the Drama is a light easy read that still talks about some serious issues.  Mina is entering high school along with 3 best friends (1 girl, 2 boys) and is very concerned with becoming one of the “popular” crowd.  Throughout the novel Mina deals with keeping up her friendships, forming new ones, [...]

Tangerine- Edward Bloor

  Tangerine kept me interested for the entire novel.  Paul, the seventh grade protagonist, is an engaging character with whom I was able to empathize.  One of the story lines that kept me the most intrigued throughout the book was the mystery of how Paul’s eye sight was harmed.  There is just enough mystery and intrigue in [...]

Cuba 15- Nancy Osa

Nancy Osa’s Cuba 15 centers on a 15 year old Cuban American girl named Violet.  Violet doesn’t know much about her Cuban roots until her grandmother (Abuela) decides that she needs to have a Quincenera.  Throughout the book Violet learns more about the tradition of the Quince, her roots, her family, and her friends.  [...]

House of the Scorpion-Nancy Farmer

This novel was really interesting.  It is futuristic, science fiction, and deals with the moral issues of cloning. It is set in a future, dystopian, Mexico.   I think this book could be used in 8-10th grade.  The issues presented can be linked to science and social studies courses as well.
Awards:
Newbery Honor 2003
National Book Award [...]

Romiette and Julio-Sharon Draper

I have liked every single one of Drapers books that I have read.  This book is great because it plays off of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet by having two teens of different races dating.  It has gangs, some violence, and deals with race issues in a very real way.  Draper catches readers’ (esp teens) attention [...]