Category Archives: Contemporary

Review: Hope is a Dangerous Place by Jim Baton

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Hope is a Dangerous Place by Jim Baton

Hope is a Dangerous Place
Jim Baton
Published February 5, 2020

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About Hope is a Dangerous Place

Seventy-five years ago, fifteen-year-old Hope McCormick disappeared. To remember her, the newly incorporated town was named “Hope.” When high school friends Kelsey and Harmonie begin looking into this unsolved mystery, they discover that someone will do anything to make sure the town’s secrets never come to light. Which neighbors are allies, and which face masks a violent enemy? And what will it take for their struggling town to fulfill its original destiny of … Continue reading →

Review: Music for Tigers by Michelle Kadarusman

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Music for Tigers by Michelle Kadarusman

Music for Tigers
Michelle Kadarusman
Pajama Press
Published April 28, 2020

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About Music for Tigers

Shipped halfway around the world to spend the summer with her mom’s eccentric Australian relatives, middle schooler and passionate violinist Louisa is prepared to be resentful. But life at the family’s remote camp in the Tasmanian rainforest is intriguing, to say the least. There are pig-footed bandicoots, scary spiders, weird noises and odors in the night, and a quirky boy named Colin who cooks the most amazing meals. Not the least strange is her Uncle Ruff, with his unusual … Continue reading →

Review: The Space Between Lost and Found by Sandy Stark-McGinnis

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The Space Between Lost and Found by Sandy Stark-McGinnis

The Space Between Lost and Found
Sandy Stark-McGinnis
Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Published April 28, 2020

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About The Space Between Lost and Found

Cassie’s always looked up to her mom, a vivacious woman with big ideas and a mischievous smile. Together they planned to check off every item on a big-dream bucket list, no matter how far the adventure would take them. But then Mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and everything changed.

Now, Cassie tries to keep Mom happy, and to understand some of Dad’s restrictive new rules. She tries to focus on math lessons and … Continue reading →

Review: Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson

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Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson

Ways to Make Sunshine
Renée Watson
Bloomsbury Children’s
Published April 28, 2020

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About Ways to Make Sunshine

Ryan Hart loves to spend time with her friends, loves to invent recipies, and has a lot on her mind—school, self-image, and family. Her dad finally has a new job, but money is tight. That means changes like selling their second car and moving into a … Continue reading →

Review: The Lucky Ones by Liz Lawson

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The Lucky Ones by Liz Lawson

The Lucky Ones
Liz Lawson
Delacorte Press
Published April 7, 2020

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About The Lucky Ones

May is a survivor. But she doesn’t feel like one. She feels angry. And lost. And alone. Eleven months after the school shooting that killed her twin brother, May still doesn’t know why she was the only one to walk out of the band room that day. No one gets what she went through–no one saw and … Continue reading →

Review: We Didn’t Ask for This by Adi Alsaid

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We Didn't Ask for This by Adi Alsaid

We Didn’t Ask for This
Adi Alsaid
Inkyard Press
Published April 7, 2020

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About We Didn’t Ask for This

Every year, lock-in night changes lives. This year, it might just change the world.

Central International School’s annual lock-in is legendary — and for six students, this year’s lock-in is the answer to their dreams. The chance to finally win the contest. Kiss the guy. Make a friend. Become the star of … Continue reading →