Ungifted by Gordon Korman is about Donovan Curtis, who is far from anything close to gifted. When a prank goes too far, instead of getting in trouble, Donovan is sent to the academy for gifted students because of a mix-up by one of the administrators. Now in the academy of scholastic distinction, Donovan has to fool all the other students with super high IQ’s in order to stay there.
An encapsulating journey that presents the dynamics of 12 men as they attempt to prove a boy “guilty” or “not guilty” for the charge of murder. All jurors must unanimously agree on whether or not the boy is responsible for the crime. Some vote based on “undeniable proof,” some on preconceived notions, and others for no certain reason. Reasonable doubt can change it all. It is captivating and intriguing to watch 12 jurors as they attempt to convince one another of the suspect’s guilt or innocence using systematic logic, or less substantial matters.
Moxie features Vivian Carter, who goes to Rockport High School in her small town. However, in her school, a recent riot of sexist dress codes and football players getting away with harrassing girls in plain sight spurs Vivian into taking action. After discovering her mother’s old box full of photos of rockstars and “Riot Grrls”, Vivian decides to create a zine full of different images and text related to going against all the misogynistic qualities that most of the guys in her school possess.
Slacker by Gordon Korman follows Cameron Boxer who created a ‘lifestyle’ where all he does is gaming. He avoids homework, doesn’t join any clubs, and no one knows him besides his two best friends (basically, he’s a slacker). Until he starts a positive action club after almost burning down his home. The club wasn’t supposed to be something anyone could join, it was just supposed to be a distraction for his parents so that they would let him keep gaming.
Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin follows Rose Howard who has Asperger’s syndrome. Rose is obsessed with homonyms, which is why she named the lost dog her dad brought home, Rain. When a storm hits Rose’s town, Rain goes missing because her father let him out. Now it is up to Rose to try and find Rain, but can she find him before his original owners do?
Wonder by R.J. Palacio follows August Pullman with facial differences. The story is mostly told in Auggie’s perspective about how he wants to be treated like an ordinary kid, but some are told in other people’s perspectives. The book is about the day-to-day challenges he faces.
A Review of Walter Dean Myers’s Fiction Work: Monster
Steve Harmon’s potential involvement of a murder of a shopkeeper drags him into prison and the legal system. By the creative outlet of a theatrical play script, he records his experiences in prison. An internal struggle composed of self-confidence, misery, and hope, he works his way through to reflect on his current and past actions as he tried to become liberated from prison.
