Mrs. Malecha Reads!

 by Alan Gratz Genre:  Historical Fiction This is a story of two children whose lives are impacted by one devastating day.  Brandon lives in New York City and on September 11, 2001 has to go to work with his dad.  His dad works on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center.  Just before 9:00am, Brandon decides to leave his dad and sneak downstairs to go to the mall.  Reshima is growing up in Afghanistan where during her lifetime all she has known is war, but she dreams of a life of peace.  When a battle erupts in her village on September 11, 2019, she has the opportunity to save a wounded American soldier. She knows that doing this will put her family and her entire village at risk from retaliation from the Taliban.  Brandon and Reshima are both about to have their courage put to the test.

 by Davide Morosinotto Genre:  Historical Fiction Viktor and Nadya are 12 years old when their comfortable life in Leningrad turns upside down.  When Hitler declares war on the Soviet Union, the city's children are evacuated to safety in the countryside.  However, life is anything but safe and Nadya and Viktor are forced to separate.  As war comes to the countryside, Nadya and Viktor will have to fight for their lives if they are to survive and find each other again.  

 by Hena Khan Genre:  Realistic Fiction Amina has enjoyed her visit to Pakistan as it has given her a chance to reconnect with family members who she hasn't seen in a long time.  When she returns to her home in the U.S., she struggles to convey to her friends just how wonderful Pakistan is.  Her friends hear things on the news that Amina knows are true, but don't fully represent the Pakistan that she knows and loves.  Her new friend, Nico, might be someone who can help her use her voice to share all that she has learned.

 by Aaron Philip Genre:  Memoir Aaron Philip is no ordinary kid. He is a 14 year old kid who has cerebral palsy.  He has his own blog and regularly speaks to educators about what it is like to have CP.  His family has given up a lot so that he can live in New York and have access to the best care.  His mom and dad take turns living in New York while the other lived in Antigua.  Aaron's story shows how the power of possibility and determination can take your life to all kinds of places.

 by Christina Soontornvat Genre:  Science Fiction The power of light rests with one man:  the Govenor.  It has been his way for a long time, but there are people who want to challenge his way and make changes.  Pong escapes from prison, Nok wants to catch him, and Somkit is hard at work inventing new light.  While the 3 of them are at times going their separate ways, they will have to work together if they want a better future for themselves and others.

 by Meg Medina There's a lot going on in 7th grade Merci's life.  Her grandpa's confusion is increasing, middle school friendships are tricky to navigate, and it seems like her aunt is hiding something from her.  Merci gets involved running the school store with a boy named Wilson, who she really likes spending time with.  But there is no way that she would ever go to the Heart Ball, because if there is one thing that Merci can't do, it's dance.  When her aunt wants her to get involved with her after school dance program, Merci is sure it is just going to be one more hassle in her already busy life.  Sometimes new experiences can be exciting...is Merci open to new friendships and new activities?

 by Dwayne Reed Genre:  Realistic Fiction Simon Barnes has big plans.  He wants to be the most famous rapper of all time.  At first he thinks his new teacher, Mr. James, might be someone who can help him, until he finds out that his first assignment will be to give a presentation to the class about something that matters to him.  Simon hates speaking in front of people so he's not looking forward to giving the presentation and he has no idea what matters to him!  With the help of his dad, Simon develops a plan to help raise awareness about the people who are homeless in his community.