The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a fiction novel that is centered around Ponyboy and his Greasers. After the death of his parents, Ponyboy is raised by his fellow Greasers, who are a gang that live in the poor part of town. While Ponyboy does not have a real family, he considers his fellow Greasers his family as they take care of him. The Greasers’ rivals, the Socs are rich and live a much better life. The Greasers and the Socs often have conflicts that often end in violence.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a realistic fiction novel that focuses on a boy named August, or Auggie who is born with facial deformities. Undergoing numerous medical procedures, Auggie has been homeschooled for his whole life up until fifth grade, where he finally starts going to a normal school. The book focuses on the twists and turns of his experience at school, as he forges new friendships while also experiencing bullying due to his looks.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a historical fiction novel based on Nazi Germany during World War II. The book has a unique approach to storytelling as the narrator of the story is actually Death. The character Death narrates the story of a girl named Liesel, who early on was placed into a foster care home. Instead of the usual perspective of a Jewish person in Germany for a book like this, the book actually focuses on the viewpoint of a German which I found quite interesting.
Refugee by Alan Gratz is a historical fiction novel that focuses on the lives of 3 children who all have one thing in common, seeking refuge in a foreign country. The first character introduced is Josef, a jewish boy living in Germany during the Holocaust. The book follows his journey as he and his family board the MS Saint Louis in an effort to escape Germany and find refuge in Cuba, however things turn for the worse as they are denied entry into Cuba.
In the final installment of the series we see our heroes try to stop Gaea from awakening and stop a war between the two camps. The fate of the world rests in their hands, if they fail the Olympians will be overthrown and civilization will be shaken apart…
Percy and Annabeth are trapped in Tartarus and have to reach the doors of death, the other five demigods travel to the mortal side of the doors in hope of rescuing their friends and closing the doors of death. Failure is not an option as the fate of the whole world is in their hands…
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah is a compelling memoir that explores the comedian's remarkable life growing up in apartheid-era South Africa. The book provides a unique perspective on the racial and social complexities of the country's history as Noah, a mixed-race child, navigates the challenges of being born to a black mother and a white father, a union that was illegal at the time.
Atonement by Ian McEwan is a captivating novel that explores themes of love, guilt, and the consequences of actions. Set in England during World War II, the story revolves around Briony Tallis, a young aspiring writer who makes a false accusation that changes the lives of her sister Cecilia and their childhood friend Robbie Turner forever. The novel delves into the ripple effects of Briony's lie, spanning decades, and the characters' struggle for redemption and forgiveness.
The Great Cow Race is a graphic novel, the second book of a 7-book series called Bone. At the end of the first book, the rat creatures attacked Grandma's house, but she fought them back and everyone was safe. Also, the reader learns that for some mysterious reason, the rat creatures and their two leaders want Phoney Bone, because he would fulfill a prophecy. In this book, since the house was ruined, they were temporarily staying in Deren Gard, the local town.
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco is a dark and captivating fantasy book that follows the story of Emilia, a young witch who seeks to unravel the mystery behind her twin sister's murder. Set in a lush, atmospheric Sicilian village, Emilia discovers herself entangled with a powerful demon prince, Wrath, as they join forces to solve the murder and confront a dangerous secret society of witches.
