Definitely different than Sonnenblick‘s other novels; however, this book did not disappoint. A 15 year old boy, who struggles with his relationship with his dad, travels back in time. During this time, he goes to Woodstock, meets his uncle that died of a heroin overdose before he was born, falls in love, and genuinely gets to know his dad. The Woodstock experience was told with amazing detail and I enjoyed every minute of this book!

This book was good... I can imagine teens devouring it. It‘s about a teen abduction, abusive boyfriends and high school struggles while students are preparing for their ballet recital. I was disappointed though... I felt like there wasn‘t enough description, and the character development was just basic. I would recommend this to my students though... especially the ones who have been a fan of “Stolen”.

I read this after a student told me I should get a copy for my classroom library... not quite for middle schoolers, but an interesting and unique storyline. I enjoyed the plot and there were definitely “I can‘t put this book down” moments... but the ending was frustrating. I wanted SO much more. I enjoyed the book, but there were a few irritating aspects of it for sure.

I don‘t think I‘ve read a Jason Reynolds book that I don‘t like. Matt has just lost his mom and gets a job working in a funeral home to help his dad. His job there allows him to meet a unique friend, as well as learn a little about himself. With a shocking ending, I couldn‘t put this book down. Definitely one that I loved! I can‘t wait to read more by #JasonReynolds!

Such a good nonfiction read! I‘m trying to expand my nonfiction repertoire and this one did not disappoint! It told the story of MLK Jr‘s assassination from his upbringing to the chase to find his killer. Awesome pictures and infographics... I definitely am sharing this one with my students this year!

My original review never posted - it was a quick read; however it gave AMAZING insight to a kiddo who struggles with ADHD and other issues at home and school. It was heartwarming; it made me laugh, made me feel sad, and it made me look at the way that I interact with others. A great book for anyone - especially for kiddos exposed to anyone in their lives who may have been diagnosed ADHD... or are simply struggling and need help and understanding.

The general storyline of this book was predictable, and I feel like it ended too quickly. However, the author does a fantastic job in word choice and details. I couldn‘t put this book down!! With political issues that are still extremely prevalent today, coupled with a teen romance... I really enjoyed this read! As for students, it is definitely for more mature readers; but the main character in this book has a wonderful story to tell.

This book was SO GOOD. Dealing with the struggles of mental illness and the power of music, the main character in this book is SO relatable. I will be getting a few more copies of this one for my classroom, for sure.

What a wonderful memoir — it truly shows the reader to be grateful for education and SO MUCH MORE. It is amazing what horrific events and abuse Westover has gone through and overcome... and still struggles with. An amazing memoir; one of the best that I have read. “Whomever you become, whatever you make yourself into, that‘s who you always were”.

I will definitely be recommending this to students! Something that struggling readers would LOVE — this book is about a kid who lives in the projects in New York. He is struggling with his brother‘s murder, his neighborhood and his family. Feeling alone, he turns to art with LEGOS and makes an amazing friend along the way. I can‘t wait to get a few more copies for my students! “The decisions you make can become your life. Your choices are you.”

This book has been in my stack for YEARS and I‘m sad I just finally read it. I stayed up last night and finished it... and I was only halfway done. 😬 Such a good story about finding yourself, family relationships and relationships with others. A good “LGBTQ” story that takes place in 1987 that teaches a wonderful lesson of acceptance and love.

I‘m SO sad I missed the broadway show when it was in town, because this is an AMAZING story. A journey of self-discovery, all while combatting with depression, anxiety, and loneliness. I couldn‘t recommend this more. 💙 “Today is going to be an amazing day. Because you‘re you, and that‘s enough.” 💙

I took a break from YA fiction to read this. I used to love her books... so I thought, why not?! I enjoyed the storyline over this controversial topic. Piccoult really shows that people can have different opinions and work together. To take time and listen to what others have to say-but to remain kind and good-hearted. My main complaint is the backwards plot setup. Unique, but I felt like I didn‘t get closure on the characters I loved. Good, tho!

The ending to this book... I did NOT expect. One of the best plot twists I‘ve ever read. Loved it! This book is written so well... a quick read for the summer as the chapters are short and they end in ways that make you want to keep reading. Romantic, mysterious, well-written... Definitely one that I recommend!

A few of my struggling readers devoured this book this year, and I had to give it a try. What a great story about acceptance and friendship. 😊 With alternating points of view and varying structure of prose and story, this was a great read that was hard to put down. The main character has Tourette‘s Syndrome and struggles with acceptance and her mother. Definitely something I‘d recommend to students this upcoming school year!

My second book by these wonderful authors; however, I feel like this one ended too abruptly. I grew incredibly attached to these characters and found myself needing more at the end. Incredibly well written and I LOVE how art and music was included in this text; but I wanted more.

Written in prose, this book is a quick read, with a fantastic development of theme and characters. There are songs intertwined in the story, and listening/knowing the songs makes the story so much more enjoyable! I‘m going to need a few copies of this one for my classroom.

When you go to the library for your kids and get three books for yourself... even though you already had a giant stack at home.

Such a great book to start summer reading. I was very sad when it ended, because I feel like I wanted to know these characters even more! A relatable story that is current with social issues — a fantastic read!

Starting my summer reading with a book that a few of my students loved — All American Boys! I have a shoebox full of books that I hope read this summer... and maybe a few more from Amazon or the library. 😜 Happy Summer!