One-third Nerd

This author wrote a Newbery-honor winning book called Al Capone Does My Shirts.  I had hope for this.  Unfortunately, it did nothing for me.  The plot revolves around three kids who are trying to save money to help their family.  Their dog keeps peeing all over the house and the landlord is making them get rid of the dog if they can't fix it.  Dakota is a total nerd, and proud of it, and she thinks her problem-solving mind can figure this out.   I found this uneventful, quite boring, and very forgettable.  It is on the Great Stone Face list this year.  (FIC CHO)

Captain Superlative

There are so many stories about middle-school bullies and how friendship can overcome the way in which you react to them.  This was that.  A little.  However, it was so much more.  It was such a beautiful and powerful story of making a difference and being brave.  I adored it.  I will say, as a warning to younger readers, it contained some heavy issues, including domestic violence and cancer.  But their presence was such an integral part of the story and not gratuitous in any way.  I adored it.  I want to throw on a cape right now and be superlative.  And I wish it for all students everywhere.  #willyoubesuperlative

Towers Falling

I was nervous about this one.  Anything having to do with that horrific day of course builds tension.  I wanted to make sure any book I add to the collection is appropriate for my students.  Jewell Parker Rhodes has written a beautiful story that I believe will answer questions and get students thinking.  I love the way she does it.  The students in Brooklyn start a new school year close to the 15th anniversary of the disaster.  Their teachers integrate lessons about community and what it means to be American.  They are leading the students to the event in a way that won't traumatize them.  The main character knows nothing about it, and yet lives with the fall-out of it every day.  Her discovery of her father's story is beautifully told.  I had chills reading it.  (FIC RHO)