Books I Love. . . and You Will Too!
Ungifted by Gordon Korman
​Gordon Korman gives readers unparalleled insight into the minds of his characters. Literally… he gives you their IQ points. The story follows the journey of Donovan Curtis, an ungifted kid who lands in a world of extremely talented children thanks to an administrative error. Despite his apparent shortcomings he manages to help his peers complete a variety of amazing tasks, including building a robot! The cleverly written book borrows the perspective of a specific character for each chapter. It is a very comical and heartfelt read that captures the essence of a young boy out of his element, and teaches us that everyone has something special to offer!
Jackie & Me by Dan Gutman
Joe Stoshack, a young boy, has an amazing power. He can travel through time and space simply by rubbing a baseball card. This time he has chosen to visit the era of Jackie Robinson. Joe learns what it was like as Jackie broke the color barrier for Major League Baseball. It is a powerful insight into the history of racism in America. Jackie’s story is one of strength and courage in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Wonder teaches you about acceptance. Everyone faces challenges in their lives, and there is always someone trying to hold you back. The important thing to remember is that there are always people willing to lend a helping hand. R.J. Palacio tells us about a young boy with a severe facial deformity. He spends most of his life homeschooled until the fifth grade when his parents decide it is time to make a change. It becomes clear that his appearance has an effect on his peers. Some react with kindness, others with cruelty. The dramatic story tugs at the heart strings as we empathize with the protagonist, and get a glimpse into what it might be like if we “looked different”.
From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess by Meg Cabot
Meg Cabot, of The Princess Diaries fame, is thrilling young readers once again. This time the story follows Mia's half-sister Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison (what a name!). She is a 12 year old who discovers she is a princess. Prior to the revelation she was being raised by her aunt and step-uncle. School was tough, friends were hard to come by, and nothing seemed to go as planned. However, things begin to change quickly as she is thrust into the magical world of royalty. She learns what it means to be a princess, and how to carve out her own path in life.