Rebound

Rebound by Kwame Alexander, 414 pages

“Before Josh and Jordan Bell were streaking up and down the court, their father was learning his own moves. In this prequel to Newbery Medal winner The Crossover, Chuck Bell takes center stage, as readers get a glimpse of his childhood and how he became the jazz music worshiping, basketball star his sons look up to.  A novel in verse with all the impact and rhythm readers have come to expect from Kwame Alexander, Rebound will go back in time to visit the childhood of Chuck "Da Man" Bell during one pivotal summer when young Charlie is sent to stay with his grandparents where he discovers basketball and learns more about his family's past.”  This is a great book for reluctant readers.  Despite its length, there is a lot of white space because it is in verse.  A great pick for teens who like realistic fiction, especially boys.

A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ But A Sandwich

A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ But A Sandwich by Alice Childress, 126 pages

“The life of a thirteen-year-old Harlem youth on his way to becoming a confirmed heroin addict is seen from his viewpoint and from that of several people around him.” This book is kind of tough to read but hopeful.  Teens who like realistic fiction about issues will want to read it.

Hoodoo

Hoodoo by Ronald L. Smith, 208 pages

Hoodoo’s family are all workers in folk magic, except Hoodoo himself.  He’s never been able to do any kind of magic at all, despite his name.  Until the day he begins to be plagued by a menacing man in black, the Stranger, who wants something from him.  It is then that Hoodoo finds out that his family has been keeping secrets from him, secrets he needs to know if he wants to survive an encounter with the Stranger. This book was scary, and I’m sure it would be even scarier for an elementary age kid, which is the intended audience.  Kids who like scary stories will love this book.

Turning 15 On The Road To Freedom

Turning 15 On The Road To Freedom: My Story Of The 1965 Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, 127 pages

“A memoir of the Civil Rights Movement from one of its youngest heroes A Sibert Informational Book Medal Honor Book Kirkusa Best Books of 2015 Booklista Editors' Choice 2015 BCCB aBlue Ribbon 2015 As the youngest marcher in the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Albama, Lynda Blackmon Lowery proved that young adults can be heroes. Jailed nine times before her fifteenth birthday, Lowery fought alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. for the rights of African-Americans. In this memoir, she shows today's young readers what it means to fight nonviolently (even when the police are using violence, as in the Bloody Sunday protest) and how it felt to be part of changing American history. Straightforward and inspiring, this beautifully illustrated memoir brings readers into the middle of the Civil Rights Movement, complementing Common Core classroom learning and bringing history alive for young readers.” This is a short and powerful memoir that should be given to kids who are interested in the civil rights movement.  Reading about Selma from the perspective a teenager will help kids today better relate to the events.  This is an excellent read.

Go Set A Watchman

Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee, 278 pages

Tiger already reviewed this so I'm not going to spend any time on plot.  I'm just going to say that I liked it.  I read it aloud to someone who loved it.  I thought there were some flaws but I thought that a lot of the flaws could have been fixed by a good editor, so I was a little disappointed that some of that wasn't fixed but I liked the story and I wasn't bothered by the whole "Attiucs is a racist" storyline.  I understand why Lee was concerned about it being published and it probably could have and would have been more polished if she had intended to submit it for publication but overall I still enjoyed it.

Lies We Tell Ourselves

Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley, 368 pages

Sarah is one of ten African American students integrating at Jefferson High School.  Nearly the entire white population at school is upset and horrified at this prospect.  The governor shut down the schools and was able to keep them closed until February, so no one started school until the spring.  Sarah and the other students are faced with bullying and harassment every single day.  Of course, Sarah believes in what they’re doing but it’s very hard to go back and face it every day.  To further complicate life for Sarah, there is one white girl, Linda, who is vehemently against desegregation.  Sarah and Linda are forced to work together on a project and the two girls constantly battle about the subject but also come to realize that in another situation, they might actually be able to be friends, or even more.  This was an excellent story that I would highly recommend to any teens interested in books about issues or history and civil rights.

How It Went Down

How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon, 326 pages

Told from multiple perspectives, this is the story of Tariq, gunned down in his own neighborhood after leaving a store.  Some people claim he was carrying a gun, some people say he was unarmed.  The media is having a field day, and it appears that the police believe that Tariq is at fault and have let the shooter, Jack, go.  Although it isn’t stated the book is clearly inspired by recent events and many teens have seen or can relate to the type of events in this book.  It was gripping and realistic and one I would recommend to many high school age teens.