Bea is for Blended

 I was dying to read this one by Lindsey Stoddard.  I loved her Just Like Jackie, Right as Rain and especially her Brave Like That.  She writes beautifully moving realistic fiction for middle grade students.  This one did not disappoint.  Bea is moving in with her mom's new husband and they are having a baby.  But the dad has three sons, one of which is in Bea's class and is a bully-follower.  Her challenges in getting used to a new life will resonate with so many students.  The other problem in her life is her principal (and soccer coach) who is sexist and believes girls are not worthy of the same things boys are.  When Bea and some friends decide to create a girls' soccer team, they run into a lot of problems as they demand equal treatment.  I loved the #girlpower message.  (FIC STO)

Rescue

World World II historical fiction stories are always sought out in my libraries.  Jennifer Nielsen is one of my favorite authors, so this is sure to be a hit.  Meg's family lives in France during WWII.  Her father who worked for the Bristish resistance has been hidden from the Nazis and apart from the family for over a year.  Her mother is also working for the Resistance.  Meg's father smuggles her a letter by way of another secret agent, that is really a code to find him.  But in order for the people who are holding him to free him, she must lead some people to safety.  Can she trust them, break the code, stay safe from the Nazis hunting them, and rescue him?  This was a page-turning, thrilling story, full of secret codes, betrayal and courage.  (FIC NIE)

Don't Hug Doug

This picture book written by Carrie Finison and illustrated by Daniel Wiseman is not only a reminder to adults to respect boundaries but a lesson to children that some students just don't like a lot of physical contact.  It's always right to ASK if someone wants a hug.  This book teaches children that they are the masters of their own body.  (PIC FIN)