Top Picks
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
Published May 3, 2016
Andie has her summer planned out completely, but at the last minute her plans are all canceled because she was been kicked out of her summer internship. She thinks it’s because of a scandal concerning her congressman dad. Instead of trying to do something on short notice, Andie decides to stay home with her two best friends. She has to get a job, and picks up a flyer for walking dogs. She isn’t sure about the job at first, but it’s a relaxing escape. She meets a boy called Clark on one of her walks, who is also staying in the town for the summer. In this young adult book, friendships blossom and wither, and Andie finds out that sometimes it’s better to find the unexpected. Although Andie sometimes makes not the smartest decisions, this book is about finding yourself, and that was what happened. This book is recommended for grades 7 and 8.
Harry Potter And The Cursed Child by Jack Thorne, J.K. Rowling, and John Tiffany
Published July 31st, 2016
The Harry Potter world is back with this amazing sequel to the seven book series that has become a worldwide phenomenon over the past 19 years! Harry Potter And The Cursed Child is centered on Albus Potter, Harry’s youngest son. The book (in the format of a play) follows him through his school years at Hogwarts, his friendship with Scorpius Malfoy, and a turbulent relationship with his father. The book brings together characters from the past and some new faces, revealing the Harry Potter world after the beloved series concluded. The script has gotten mixed reviews from both critics and fans, making it a kind of ‘love it or hate it’ type of story. This book is recommended for anyone in middle school who loves Harry Potter.
Honorable Mentions
And I Darken by Kiersten White
Published June 28, 2016
Lada is the daughter of the prince of Wallachia, a kingdom under rule of the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East. She is ruthless and brutal, as it is the only way she can survive. Radu, her younger brother, is gentle and even-tempered. As a child, Radu was always picked on, despite being the son of the prince. After Lada and her brother were sold to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, they were mostly left to themselves. Then, they met Mehmed. They soon found themselves drawn together. But children can’t stay children forever…
The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye
Published May 17, 2016
In the vast wilderness of Imperial Russia, Vika is training to become the tsar’s enchanter. Nikolai lives in St. Petersburg as an apprentice magician. One of them will become the tsar’s enchanter to protect the kingdom, and that person will have to be able to use all of the magic in Russia. The tsar begins the tsar’s game to decide who will become the magician, and who must die. Meanwhile, when Vika moves to St. Petersburg for the test, the heir to the throne and Nikolai’s best friend, Pasha, is drawn to her. And so is Nikolai – but one of them must die.
Genius: The Game by Leopold Gout
Published June 7, 2016
Technology has taken over the world. It is everywhere. Tunde, Rex, and Painted Wolf met online, and run a website that helps young coders and programmers. They are all child prodigies in their areas of programming, coding, and spying. They meet in person for the first time for a game designed by India’s youngest CEO. This game will test all of their knowledge and skill. However, they each have their own problems, and can’t just set them aside. The stakes are higher than ever before, and whatever happens next will drastically change their lives.
Being Jazz: My Life as a Transgender Teen by Jazz Jennings
Published June 7, 2016
Jazz Jennings has not had the easiest life. She knew from an early age that she was transgender, but many people did not accept her for who she was. Her parents and siblings always supported her, but she had to fight for her rights to things that other people take for granted, including use of the girls’ bathrooms and the right to play on the girls’ soccer team. This is the story of a remarkable girl who fought for herself, and in doing so, the rights of transgender people all over the US.
