tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55303025593006211922024-03-14T05:15:24.631-07:00Book Blogger For A CauseBook Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-31601340485324707872018-07-06T07:20:00.001-07:002018-07-07T06:55:50.209-07:00Everything, EverythingVolume Thirty Five in the Books That Matter Series<br />
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Madeline lives in a white room with every possible protection against germs. Due to a rare illness, she can't go outside. She occupies her time with books, online education, and game nights with her mom. But things change when new neighbors move in and Madeline learns as much as she can about them and their routine, or more specifically about Olly—the teenage boy who she IMs and emails. When that's not enough, Madeline convinces her nurse, Carla, to let Olly visit as long as they take the proper precautions so she doesn't get sick. Soon, Madeline's love for Olly grows into a desire for the outside world. She wants out of the bubble she has always known and into the life Olly can offer.</div>
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<i>Everything, Everything</i> is the story of love, loss, and illness. It is a fast read filled with many emotions. Nicola Yoon brings readers into Madeline's isolated world with her mother who is a doctor and her nurse who is a friend until Olly upsets that balance. <i>Everything, Everything</i> is a book that matters, leaving a memory of touch in the mind of its reader.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-57971738787786603742018-04-06T16:05:00.001-07:002018-04-06T16:09:40.417-07:00Goodbye DaysVolume Thirty Four in the Books That Matter Series<br />
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Even though I have been reading a lot lately, it has been a
few months since one resonated with me in such a way that it became a book that
mattered. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goodbye Days</i> by Jeff
Zentner reminded me just how powerful a book can be.</div>
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One text changed everything. Seven words caused the car
crash. An unfinished response for Carver Briggs was found on the driver's
phone. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a high school student in a
creative writing program at Nashville Academy for the Arts, Carver is used to
telling stories but his words have now caused an ending for his three best
friends: Blake, Eli, and Mars. Carver blames himself and he's not the only one.
Eli's twin sister openly blames Carver for the loss of her brother. Even Judge
Edwards, whose son was driving, holds Carver responsible and persuades the District
Attorney to open an investigation against him. According to Carver's lawyer, he
might be responsible if he knew Mars was driving and that his friend would
answer. As the investigation closes in around him, Carver surrounds himself
with the few people he can count on: his sister, Georgia; Blake's grandmother,
Nana Betsy; and Eli's girlfriend, Jesmyn. But as those relationships grow
distant, Carver embarks on a series of goodbye days with each victim's family
as a way to pay his final respects to his friends and lay their memories to
rest.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goodbye Days</i> tears
at the heart. The investigation brings up the question of who is to blame in this
new age of technology: the driver who answered the text who is no longer alive,
the passengers who didn't offer to text Carver for Mars so he could focus on
the road, the friend who texted but wasn't even in the car, or the society of instant
gratification that never lets a text wait. Author Jeff Zentner shows how
Carver's world grows smaller due to guilt and grief while some well placed
flashbacks offer insight onto all he has lost. This is a book that truly
matters.</div>
<br />Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-85604335298642980832017-08-31T13:43:00.000-07:002017-08-31T16:37:20.687-07:00The Whole Thing Together<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Thirty Three in the Books That Matter Series<br />
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Ray and Sasha have never met but they live in the same
house--the same room to be exact. Ray's mom, Lila, used to be married to
Sasha's dad, Robert, but that was before they were born, before Lila and Robert
married other people. Now the two families are kept apart by the bitter divorce
that connects Ray and Sasha to their three half sisters: Emma (the
perfectionist), Quinn (everyone's favorite), and Mattie (the beauty). Even
their second house in Long Island is kept divided with both families
alternating weeks in the summer to live in it, including Ray and Sasha staying
in the same room on their separate weeks there. The two families never mix.</div>
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But all this separation is about to change when Emma
announces her plans to marry her boyfriend, Jamie, next summer. The two families will have to mix for
one wedding so Quinn and Mattie decide to throw an engagement party on August 9--a
trial run for the actual wedding. Will this be the thing to bring the two
families together or the disaster everyone fears? One thing is for sure, August
9 will be a day none of them will ever forget.</div>
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Author Ann Brashares weaves a masterful third person tale
into the eye of a storm known as divorce, covering all points of view from the
innocent victims who are kept as two separate families due to the bitter
resentment of the people who are supposed to be the adults. <i>The Whole Thing Together</i> is a young
adult novel that is as beautiful as it is devastating. It is truly a book that
matters.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-24021174826530485042017-03-18T17:10:00.000-07:002018-07-07T06:57:19.449-07:00Highly Illogical Behavior<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Volume Thirty Two in the Books That Matter Series</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Solomon Reed is sixteen years old, a big fan of <i>Star Trek: The Next Generation</i>, likes the
water, has a family who loves him, and suffers from a panic disorder that has
kept him inside his house for three years--since he had an episode that drove him into the fountain at school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lisa Praytor has her sights set on the second best
college psychology program in the country, but to pay for it, she needs to apply
for a full scholarship and write an essay about her personal experience with
mental illness. And Lisa knows what--or rather who--she will write about:
Solomon Reed, the boy from her school who she hasn't seen since his breakdown
at the fountain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After tracking down Solomon's mom, Lisa finds a way
into his life and soon so does her boyfriend, Clark. But as the
three of them get closer, things get complicated and life
might not be the same as any of them once knew it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author, John Corey Whaley, takes readers into the
life of an agoraphobic teen and the struggles that come with that. <i>Highly Illogical Behavior</i> is the young
adult novel about mental illness, friendship, love, loss, and the unpredictability
of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-17684364338594478722017-02-28T16:43:00.001-08:002018-07-07T06:57:43.031-07:00Things We Know By Heart<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Thirty One in the Books That Matter Series</div>
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It has been four hundred days since Trent died. Four hundred
days since his organs were removed and given to someone else. Four hundred days
after those transplants and his girlfriend, Quinn, has still not heard from the
recipient of Trent's heart. Having done some research of her own, Quinn decides
to find him herself. But when she meets nineteen-year-old Colton Thomas,the
present owner of Trent's heart, everything she thought she wanted to know is
about to change.</div>
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<i>Things We Know by
Heart</i> is the young adult story of grief and love, moving on and letting go.
With every chapter opening by means of quotes pertaining to hearts or relevant facts
about them (including information on organ transplants, cellular memory, and
organ rejection), Jessi Kirby tells a poignant story about one girl's journey
for closure in the most masterful way: through the journey of one's heart. <i>Things We Know by Heart</i> is truly a book
that matters.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-74471192913430907052017-01-28T12:09:00.001-08:002018-07-07T06:57:57.821-07:00Symptoms of Being Human<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Thirty in the Book That Matters Series<br />
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Is Riley a boy or a girl? That question is at the forefront of everyone's mind in Jeff Garvin's young adult novel, <i>Symptoms of Being Human</i>.</div>
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Riley is a gender fluid teen with an internal gauge that sometimes points more feminine, other times more masculine, and at times hovers somewhere between the two. The novel is told in first person from Riley's point of view so readers are not aware of the gender assigned to Riley at birth. And as Riley reflects it is usually the first thing people want to know about someone. Even Riley, occasionally, makes mistakes when assigning genders to new people.</div>
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This powerful novel shows the struggle of a teen trying to find acceptance in a new high school, in a home with a conservative congressman father up for reelection and a mother supporting that campaign, in the blogging community where Riley writes under the anonymous name of Alix, in friendships with Bec and Solo, and in one's own self. <i>Symptoms of Being Human</i> by Jeff Garvin is a book that matters.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-77385539631652433772017-01-04T19:32:00.002-08:002018-07-07T06:58:07.429-07:00Phantom Limbs<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Twenty Nine in the Books That Matter Series<br />
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<i>Phantom Limbs</i> by
Paula Garner is a tragic young adult novel about three teenagers coping with
the pain of all they lost in the past few years. Otis lost his younger brother,
Mason, three years ago and hasn't spoken to Meg, his best friend and first love,
since she moved away around that same time. Meg has been dealing with a lot
since Mason's death and is returning to Willow Grove after years of separating
herself from the town and all that happened there. Dara has known Otis since
Meg left and is coaching him to become an Olympic swimmer, having lost her
chances at achieving that goal when part of her arm was amputated years ago. Each
character has their own baggage and their own unique way of getting through
each day but all three are dealing with phantom limbs and the pain that comes
along with that. <i>Phantom Limbs</i> is beautifully
written and so heartbreakingly devastating, earning its place as a book that
matters.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-22188492365336703582016-11-05T19:10:00.001-07:002018-07-07T07:00:18.674-07:00I'll Give You the Sun<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #fff6e5; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px;">Volume Twenty Eight in the Books that Matter Series</span><br />
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<i>I'll Give You the Sun</i> is a young adult novel of family, love, loss, and being true to the person you are. Noah tells part of the story when
he and his sister start off as NoahandJude, thirteen year old twins who are half of a whole. Jude tells the other part when she and Noah are sixteen, no
longer talking to one another, and have become totally different people than
who they used to be.</div>
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Jandy Nelson writes a masterful tale told in alternating
points of view set three years apart. This story pulls at the reader in the
most emotional, heartrending ways. <i>I'll
Give You the Sun</i> is a beautiful story told with intrigue and mystery through characters who are woven together with careful precision.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-42063292171879778642016-10-15T07:59:00.002-07:002016-11-06T05:49:50.783-08:00Wrecked<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #fff6e5; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px;">Volume Twenty Seven in the Books that Matter Series</span><br />
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<i>Wrecked</i> is the
young adult novel by Maria Padian, told in alternating points of view from
Haley and Richard. Haley is a college freshman, rooming with Jenny who has just
been assaulted at a recent party. Richard is also a student at the same college
whose housemate, Jordan, is accused of the assault. Neither Haley nor Richard attended
the party in question. They don't even know the connection when they first
meet, when they start to fall for one another. But as events unfold, they are soon
forced into a college investigation involving their roommates. This story shows the reactions of others from the outside looking in, how it all impacts the victim, why a judge in an investigation makes certain decisions, while providing pieces of the incident between each chapter so the truth is not revealed until the end. <i>Wrecked</i> is a book that matters for dealing with such an intense, heavy topic that needs to be discussed.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-73284508697223114462016-10-09T16:02:00.001-07:002016-10-10T05:38:09.613-07:00Holding Up The Universe<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Twenty Six in the Books that Matter Series<br />
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Jennifer Niven has done it again. Her new book, <i>Holding Up The Universe</i>, soars into the
books that matter category with flying colors. Much like, her first novel, <i>All The Bright Places</i>, her new young
adult novel is told in alternating points of view from two high school students
who are anything but ordinary. </div>
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Libby is heading back to school after several years of being
homeschooled. She hasn't been to school since fifth grade, the year she lost
her mother, the year she was bullied relentlessly. Then at the age of thirteen,
when she had to be rescued from her house, Libby was labeled America's Fattest
Teen, weighing in at 653 pounds. Now, she is about to enter her junior year and
has lost the weight of two whole people but is still over 300 pounds. Ready to
face the world again, Libby knows who she is, has endured the worst of people,
and won't let that stop her from achieving her dreams.</div>
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Jack is popular but is holding onto a secret that is turning
him into someone he doesn't recognize. He is face-blind and has trouble finding
even his own family in a crowd. With his father having recently survived a battle with cancer while in the midst of an affair, Jack's condition has gone
unnoticed for many years. Jack has swagger and charm that allows him to bury his
fear and mask the condition that could lead to disaster.</div>
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But when their two worlds collide, nothing may ever be the
same for either of them again. This is the story of Libby and Jack. It is for
anyone who has ever felt unwanted. It is inspiring and beautifully written. It
is a book that matters.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-49652202508125399172016-10-02T15:28:00.002-07:002018-07-07T07:01:01.884-07:00The Truth About Alice<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Twenty Five in the Books That Matter Series</div>
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Alice Franklin is a junior at Healy High and the talk of her
small Texas town, mainly because word has spread of her actions at a party in the summer. But when a car accident in the fall claims the life of Healy High's star
quarterback, Brandon, soon Alice becomes the even bigger talk of an even bigger story as she gets blamed for the events leading up to the crash.</div>
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<i>The Truth About Alice</i> is very much her story and yet it is told from
multiple outside points of view. Elaine is the girl who threw the party, who
had an on again, off again relationship with Brandon. Josh is Brandon's best
friend and fellow football teammate who survived the car crash. Kelsie did not
attend the party, but as Alice's best friend, she is very much a driving force in
this story. And Kurt lives next door to Brandon's family, is genius level
smart, and has a crush on Alice. These four players tell a story that does not
belong to them but yet is very much their own to share.</div>
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Author, Jennifer
Mathieu, weaves a tale about truths and lies, the secrets kept and the ones shared,
and the power of rumors that can soon take on a life of their own. <i>The Truth About Alice</i> is certainly a book that matters. It is a young
adult novel of how each new event, new lie, new
secret, new truth, new story can bring out the worst in people and can change
the lives of others forever. It is the story of high school students set in a small town, so true it could be anyone's tale. <i>The Truth
About Alice</i> is a must read for teenagers and for parents alike.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-87806229898099312522016-09-10T17:54:00.001-07:002018-07-07T07:01:12.319-07:00The Unbelievable FIB: Over the Underworld<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Twenty Four in the Books That Matter Series<br />
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As I have stated before, fantasy can be a powerful portal into
the world of books that matter. Adam Shaughnessy's second book in <i>The Unbelievable FIB</i> series once again
proves that it belongs in this category. In the sequel, readers are reunited
with Pru, Mister Fox, Odin, Thor, Ratatosk (the insult squirrel), and even Mrs.
Edleman but this time the events are told from ABE's point of view. <i>The Unbelievable FIB: Over the Underworld </i>has
many twists, turns, and cliffhangers that will leave the reader yearning for
more. Join ABE, Pru, and Mister Fox for this next tale. It is a new year, a new
grade, a new teacher, and a new adventure. So much can (and does) happen.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-67563802384806944962016-08-25T18:23:00.001-07:002018-07-07T07:01:23.326-07:00The Seventh Wish<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Twenty Three in the Books That Matter Series<br />
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A couple months ago, I bought <i>The Seventh Wish</i> by Kate Messner. At the time, I was reading
another book so I put it in my to be read pile, not realizing what a gem I had
waiting for me. Then last week, when a friend said that she'd read the book and
would let me borrow it, I remembered I had it so I fished it out of my pile and
started reading it.</div>
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<i>The Seventh Wish</i>
is a middle grade fantasy novel with a much deeper reality. Charlie Brennan is
a normal middle school student with an older sister in college, several close
friends, and a passion for Irish dancing. But one day when Charlie is ice fishing
with a friend and his nana, she catches a magical fish that grants wishes. Having
read stories of people who make wishes through other magical sources, Charlie
understands the risks but still gets caught up in the allure of her wish-fish.
However, Charlie's addiction is not the only one faced in this story. There is
a more serious situation working its way into her life, but you must read the
book to find out what it is.</div>
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I met Kate Messner a few years ago at a conference where she
gave an inspirational speech. Then, she was talking about her book, <i>Eye of the Storm</i>, and of course I read it
after that. So I was excited when I heard that she was releasing a new book, this one a fantasy. I
was surprised--though I should not have been--by how serious this
novel was and how much parallel there was between the fantasy elements and the true
life moments. <i>The Seventh Wish</i> proves that fantasy can be a powerful vehicle to bring forth deeper real world problems that many are struggling with today. There is an author's note at the the back of the book that provides important information for people who are seeking additional resources. <i>The Seventh Wish</i> is a must read and a book that truly matters.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-3285933208987545542016-08-10T13:28:00.001-07:002018-07-07T07:01:34.885-07:00Still A Work In Progress<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Twenty Two in the Books That Matter Series<br />
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Author, Jo Knowles, is the
master of books that matter. Her new middle grade novel, <i>Still A Work In Progress</i>, proves to be anything but that. Much like <i>See You At Harry's </i>(Volume Five in the Books That Matter Series<i>)</i>, there is a clear before and after to this book. The story
opens with Noah, a seventh grader going about everyday activities with his two
best friends, Ryan and Sam; his older sister, Emma; her dog, the Captain; the school's
hairless pet cat, Curly, who wears various handmade sweater vests; and his
parents who live by Emma's ever growing vegan food rules. Throughout the
beginning, Noah hints at a scary problem under the surface of his everyday life
and refers to it as "the Thing They Don't Talk About."<br />
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With his two
best friends becoming more interested in girls and Emma's well being a
growing concern on everyone's mind, Noah often feels unnoticed. He's the one
who is not supposed to cause waves, not give his parents any trouble, and not
complain about Emma's demands when it comes to food. He's the one who blends
into the background, only allowed to shine through his artistic abilities.<br />
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<i>Still A Work In
Progress</i> is heart wrenching and Noah's devastation is palpable. It moved me
to tears several times, but also made me laugh out loud in other moments. It balances
humor and everyday life with the heartaches and struggles of a family just
trying their best to help a loved one through a serious illness. But this is
not Emma's story, it is Noah's.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-702997548924454312016-07-16T19:07:00.000-07:002018-07-07T07:01:52.784-07:00Paper Things<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->Volume Twenty One in the Books That Matter Series<br />
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Eleven year old Arianna Hazard has had more than her fair
share of tough moments. She doesn't remember her father who lost his life while
serving his country. Her mother passed away four years ago after being sick,
but Ari has never forgotten the promises she made to her. First, she must get
into Carter Middle School. It is where her parents, brother, and legal guardian
all went but it is now a school solely for the gifted and talented. Second, she
must always stay with her brother, Gage. Now, eighteen, Gage is tired of
butting heads with Janna, their legal guardian, so when he moves out, Ari goes
with him. Only, he has no permanent work and no place to live. Despite Ari's
attempts to see it otherwise, she and Gage are now homeless and no one can know.<br />
<br />
With her grades slipping and her appearance questionable, Ari tries to be
invisible and keep everything a secret, even from her best friend. But as the application deadline closes in, Ari wonders how she is ever going to get into Carter Middle School when she can't even fill out the simplest question on the form: her address. At night,
Ari and Gage never know where they will end up: a friend's apartment, a
stranger's house, a storage unit, or even a car. Sometimes, they can get into a shelter but only if they sneak in with the help of West, because if anyone finds out, Ari will get taken away from her brother.<br />
<br />
It is her paper things that get Ari
through. Ever since her mother died, Ari has created a paper world by
cutting out people and furniture from catalogs. To most people, they appear to be
nothing more than paper dolls, but to Ari, they are a large family, each member
with names and stories. They are the home she's always wanted but never
had. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paper
Things</i> by Jennifer Richard Jacobson is the touching and heartbreaking story
of a young girl caught in the middle of the promises she made to her dying
mother, the love she has for her struggling brother, and her own needs to just be
a child.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-80970925847358497332016-06-27T14:11:00.000-07:002018-07-07T07:02:44.007-07:00The Art of Being Normal<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Twenty in the Books That Matter Series</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fourteen-year-old David Piper has only ever had one wish: to
be a girl. Fifteen-yea- old Leo Denton is about to start a new school and
just wants to be blend into the crowd and be left alone. But when their worlds collide in the school
cafeteria, it becomes clear that Leo will not get his wish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Art of Being
Normal</i> by Lisa Williamson is a must read book. I found it tucked away on
the bottom shelf of the young adult section at a fairly new independent
bookstore. All I could see was the spine. Between the title and the tiny bit of
design, I fished the book out away from the others and read the
jacket description. I had not heard about it before but I
instantly knew I wanted to read it. I bought it Saturday afternoon. I was in
the middle of another book, but by Saturday night, I decided I couldn't wait to
read it. Within twenty four hours, I had finished it. I didn't want to put it
down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These characters will stay with you after the book is over. David
and Leo were instantly likeable. They
face insurmountable struggles that are both sad for the reader and devastating
for the character. But there are also positive moments that shine through,
including some excellent British humor. <i>The
Art of Being Normal</i> should be in every bookstore, library, and school. It
is truly a book that matters and has the makings for a modern classic.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-46963915795205509112016-06-19T20:46:00.001-07:002018-07-07T07:02:56.957-07:00The Season of You and Me<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Nineteen in the Books That Matter Series</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Season of You and
Me</i> is a young adult love story. Two teenagers meet on a beach, one in a car
and the other with her bike. Their encounter is brief but then they meet up
again at a summer camp where they will both be working. Sounds like a classic
boy meets girl romance. Only, the girl is spending the summer at her father's bed
& breakfast, trying to escape a bad
break-up back home. And the guy, he is paralyzed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bryan, a former surfer, had an accident a year and a half
ago that left him in a wheelchair and he is just getting back to work at the
summer camp. Parents have concerns about whether he will be up for the physical
demands of camp but Bryan doesn't let that stop him. He refuses to let anything
hold him back, except when it comes to surfing. Despite the encouragement of
his friends, Bryan has not surfed since the accident and doesn't want to talk
about making the adjustments that would be needed to make it happen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cassidy 's boyfriend has cheated on her and her answer is to
flee for the summer. Leaving her mom and Nan, Cassidy moves in with her father,
step-mother, and half-brother. When
school starts again, her ex-boyfriend will be away at college and she won't have
to see him again. Running sounds like the perfect plan...until it isn't.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Season of You and
Me</i> by Robin Constantine is an alternating point of view novel of two
teenagers falling in love and helping one another heal from the things that
hurt and scare them the most. It is certainly a book that matters.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-39796280339206194442016-06-04T14:44:00.002-07:002018-07-07T07:03:10.347-07:00Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Eighteen in the Books that Matter Series</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Junior year is tough: what with schoolwork, friendships, family, and extracurricular
activities. No one knows this better than Simon Spier who is trying to juggle
school, his diverse group of co-ed friends, his interesting
family, and the demands of the upcoming drama production. But Simon has more
than just all of this going on. He is being blackmailed by Martin Addison, one of the
theater students who has read Simon's personal email when he forgets to log out
at school. Martin wants to date one of Simon's friends. In exchange, he won't
tell anyone Simon's secret. Simon Spier is gay. And Martin has screenshots of Simon's personal emails to prove it. If he doesn't help Martin, soon his correspondences
with another gay student, who uses the name Blue in his emails, might become
public. And neither Simon nor Blue have come out yet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda</i> is thought-provoking,
funny in parts, and poignant throughout. Simon is likable and it is easy to
feel sorry for him as events spin out of his control. Author, Becky Albertalli,
does an amazing job with her characters. Each one has a unique voice and style
that is true to teenagers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This
young adult novel is the story of a gay teenager in Georgia, not ready to out
himself to the public. And why should he? Because as it is stated in the email
correspondence between Simon and Blue, why is that everyone isn't expected to
come out-- whether straight, gay, or bi? It is the Homo Sapiens Agenda against
Simon. And that is precisely why <i>Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda</i> is a book
that matters.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-44570615032584154912016-05-26T16:59:00.000-07:002018-07-07T07:03:21.209-07:00Out of My Mind<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Volume Seventeen in the Books That Matter Series</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Out of My Mind</i> by Sharon M. Draper is surprising in
many ways. It is told from the point of view of Melody, a fifth grade girl with
cerebral palsy who is unable to talk, walk, or care for herself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However,
Melody has a photographic memory and an exquisite
vocabulary. Only, everything is trapped inside of her, yearning to get out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Melody endures many people in her life who can't see
past her diagnosis but she has some amazing individuals who know her true
abilities. When a communication board shows its limitations, Melody discovers
the Medi-Talker, a device that allows her words to be heard. Once she has that,
she is able to participate in inclusion classes and prove her superior
intelligence when she joins a quiz team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Melody faces many obstacles in this book, and the
ending was a complete surprise that moved me to tears several times. This is
Melody's story and <i>Out of My Mind</i> is a book that matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-35148825467559984652016-04-21T10:00:00.000-07:002018-07-07T07:03:50.132-07:00Don't Touch<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Sixteen in the Books That Matter Series</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sixteen-year-old Caddie Finn is scared. She has just changed
schools, having been accepted to an arts academy so she can study acting. She
has been reunited with a former friend and her father has recently moved away.
These might be some of her reasons for being worried but her true fear is that
someone might touch her. Caddie fears that any skin contact might cause
negative things to happen. <i>Don't Touch</i>
explores the inner workings of a teenager dealing with OCD and anxiety.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Caddie is easy to relate to. Like all teenagers, she wants
to find a place where she fits in, to have friends, and to be in love, but her
fears are keeping her from all of these things. Author, Rachel M. Wilson, has
created a believable character who readers will connect with. She uses Shakespeare's
play, Hamlet, to parallel Caddie's own journey. As Caddie prepares to play
Ophelia in the school play, she finds herself wondering what makes her similar
and different from the character she is portraying. It also brings her closer
to Peter, the guy she has a crush on, who is playing Hamlet. With her feelings
intensifying for Peter but not wanting to be touched, Caddie finds it hard to keep
control with her mantra, "Don't touch."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ms. Wilson's author note at the end of the novel explains
her own battle with OCD, answers questions readers may have, and offers important
phone numbers and websites where people can go for help. Thank you, Rachel M.
Wilson, for writing this novel and shining a spotlight on the struggles that
come with OCD and anxiety. <i>Don't Touch</i>
is a book that matters.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-30690742944284205812016-04-16T11:35:00.001-07:002018-08-11T08:56:41.940-07:00Leaving A Mark<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Fifteen in the Books That Matter Series</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just recently, I received the book, <i>Leaving A Mark</i>, by Nicole DeRosa Cannella and Dorian
"D-Strong" Murray. For those of you who don't know, Dorian was eight
years old, dreamed of becoming famous around the world, and had cancer. Dorian
fought his battle for half his life, diagnosed at the age of four. Nicole
DeRosa Cannella started writing this story after her sister was diagnosed
with cancer but she teamed up with Dorian after she heard of him and his
efforts to become famous. Sadly, Dorian passed away before <i>Leaving a Mark</i> was released.<br />
<br />
<i>Leaving A Mark</i> certainly fits its title. It is
a picture book that helps children who have cancer and their families,
something Dorian did throughout his battle. He fought with strength and courage and so often with a smile on his face. Tim Hodge captures the spirit, energy, and determination of
young cancer patients in his vibrant illustrations. The story is age
appropriate to even young children facing this fight and covers the entire
journey. Dorian's mom wrote the afterword and gives an
important message to families facing this fight with their children. Dorian was
only eight years old and he inspired so many with his courage, smile, and
faith. <i>Leaving A Mark</i> continues his mission.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are looking for ways to help pediatric cancer
patients and their families, this book lists several organizations where you
can donate including: St. Jude Children's Hospital, Dana Farber Boston Children's
Hospital (Jimmy Fund), and Hasbro Children's Hospital (The Tomorrow Fund).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you Dorian, Nicole, and Tim for making this book to help others. And
thank you to Dorian's family for sharing his story with the world. <i>Leaving A Mark </i>is a book that matters.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-86624423094293140742016-04-13T18:51:00.001-07:002018-07-07T07:04:15.009-07:00Always Remember<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Fourteen in the Books That Matter Series</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up until now, I have focused on middle grade and young adult
novels for my books that matter series. Picture books, however, can
be, and perhaps are, the most likely candidate for such an honor. If a picture
book is good, it could shape a child's whole view on reading and help them
become an adult who appreciates books. Picture books are simply books that
matter. But the true treasure is to find a picture book that addresses a
serious issue in an easy, light, and understandable way while still showing the
depth and complexity of the issue. <i>Always
Remember</i> by Cece Meng (illustrated by Jago) is just such a book.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once again, this book found me at a time when I needed it. I
didn't even know it was out there. I was browsing for some books and there it
was: the only copy on the table. The illustration of the turtle on the front
drew me in. I flipped to the book's description and didn't even finish reading
it before I was at the register buying the book. The topic of this book was one
that is hard for most people: grieving. When someone close passes away, it is a
difficult thing to deal with. Everyone's grieving process is unique even if
psychology tells us there is a pattern to it. And yet, worse than our
own grief is how to explain loss to children. This book takes elegant ocean illustrations
and simple, straight-forward, and beautiful words to tell the story of how the
sea animals remember Old Turtle after his passing. It is a must have for parents,
educators, writers, and illustrators. It masterfully shows children how to recall
the times they have shared with someone while also showing them what kind of
acts will be remembered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At a time, when I needed it most, this book found me. <i>Always Remember</i> is a book that matters.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-5605879229989621692016-04-05T18:22:00.001-07:002018-07-07T07:06:36.368-07:00Maybe A Fox<div class="MsoNormal">
Volume Thirteen in the Books That Matters Series<br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sisters, Sylvie and Jules, often ask themselves what happens when someone dies and their answers usually start with maybe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
With so
many beliefs on what happens after someone dies, this middle grade book touches
beautifully on where a spirit might go, especially if some unfinished business
needs to be resolved before moving on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having faced some difficult losses, this is a book I needed
to read. I have said it before but sometimes books have a way of finding a
reader at exactly the appropriate time. While visiting a new local independent
bookstore on Sunday afternoon, I found <i>Maybe
A Fox</i> on the shelf. I had not heard anything about it (a strange occurrence
for me). The cover drew me in with a beautiful image of a fox and subtle
pictures in the words. I read the description and immediately decided to buy
it. This book called to me, almost as if it knew I needed to find it. And I did
need to find it.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you, Kathi Appelt and Alison McGhee, for writing this
book and making it a book that matters.</div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-53159322891601974172016-03-19T12:23:00.002-07:002018-07-07T07:10:34.850-07:00Off the Page<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Volume Twelve in the Books That Matter Series</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<i style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">Off the Page</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is the companion book to </span><i style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Between the Lines</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, the story of a teenage
girl obsessed with a fairy tale only to realize the main character in the story
is alive and wants out of his book. While </span><i style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Between
the Lines</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> deals with the predictability of being stuck in a story with a guaranteed
happily ever after ending--even though it is not the one the main character wants, </span><i style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Off the Page</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> deals with the realness of
life and all the uncertainties that come with it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am a big fan of the television show, <i>Once Upon A Time</i>, so naturally I was
drawn to Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer's book, <i>Between the Lines</i>--structured into three different sections that switched
between the fairy tale story, Prince Oliver's story when the book was not being read from the point of view of the main character,
and Delilah's story from the point of view of the reader in the outside world. I
love the full page color illustrations that accompany each fairy tale section,
reminding me of Henry's storybook in <i>Once
Upon A Time</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After reading <i>Between
the Lines</i>, I moved to its companion book, <i>Off the Page</i>. I figured it would be hard to beat the first book but
I was pleasantly surprised. The second book far exceeded my expectations. The story centers on what happens when life is not dictated by written words.
There is so much freedom, so many choices, and so much to experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just like in <i>Once
Upon A Time</i>, and in so many fairy tales, there is a strong message of hope.
With so much to lose, there has to be a reason to not stop in the face of fear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the real world, there is no guarantee for a
happily ever after. Loss is at the heart of this story and it came to me at a
time when I needed to read it. This story truly spoke to me. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This book is not just for someone who likes fairy
tales. It is for all authors, illustrators, and anyone who enjoys the creative
process. As a writer, I often question my work. Is it good enough? Do I have
something worth saying that is not already out there? And as I read <i>Off the Page</i>, I felt like the characters
were speaking to me, answering these questions. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you Jodi
Picoult and Samantha van Leer, for writing this story. Off the Page is a book
that matters.</span></div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530302559300621192.post-30960035907919392912016-01-31T07:50:00.001-08:002018-07-07T07:11:34.955-07:00Sword and Verse<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Volume Eleven in the Books That Matter Series</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Raisa is an Arnath slave, turned Tutor, tasked with
the job of one day teaching the future king's heir how to write. U</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">nlike most slaves in Qilara, who are forbidden to learn how to read and write, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">Raisa is in an unique position. She is the child of the Learned Ones, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">a secret she must keep from everyone if she hopes to survive as a slave and Tutor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a time when so many Young Adult novels are about
dystopian societies and revolutions, this book stands apart from the pack. It
has the feeling of being set in ancient times, but there was also a strong sense of the Civil War era too. The aspects of the
Resistance and the dystopian society make it current to what is already in the
market but it also addresses the power of the written word and how taking that
from people is a means of keeping them down. Because of this creative aspect,
it spoke to me as a writer, an educator, and an avid reader. At times, I question
if writing actually can make a difference, and then I look to my books that matter series, and I remind myself that it can and it does.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are looking for a good book that fits solidly
in the Young Adult market while still being unique, then I highly recommend
<i>Sword and Verse</i> by Kathy MacMillan. The power of words can make a difference.
Not to mention, the ending is pure genius but you will have to read it to find
out for yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Book Blogger For A Causehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230798341487718500noreply@blogger.com0