Textbook Chart

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Ready for a Brand New Beat: How "Dancing in the Street" Became the Anthem for a Changing America (2014 Outstanding Books for the College Bound)

Kurlansky, M. (2013). Ready for a brand new beat: How "dancing in the street" became the anthem for a changing America. NY: Riverhead Books

Dancing in the Street was a song that came out during a time America was changing with people fighting racial discrimination and fighting for equal rights. Kurlansky writes in his biopic how this song was made, and goes into the history of the artists, producers, and record company that made this song a hit. This book is very entertaining as it discusses how this one song appealed to teens of all races across the country, and became a hit for many years to come. Great read for those interested in knowing more how music had an influential part in America's history during and after the Civil Rights Movement.

Wonder (June 2015 NYT Bestseller List)

Palacio, R.J. (2012). Wonder. NY: Random House

There are so many themes present in this novel: self-acceptance, prejudice, and bullying, just to name a few. R.J. Palacio tells the touching story of August, a ten year old boy who has a facial deformity. In the past, August has always been home schooled by his mom, but now his parents are ready to send him to a private school, Beecher Prep. Although he is apprehensive in the beginning, August begins to make friends and starts to enjoy school. There is one boy, Julian, who can not stand the way August looks, and continuously makes hurtful remarks towards him. Despite all of the verbal and sometimes physical abuse, August ends his school year on a good note and is even awarded the Beecher Award which is given to students who are considered notable in certain areas throughout the school year. Readers in grades four and up will enjoy this lovable story that teaches them how to face their fears and overcome their challenges, no matter what their situation my be.

The Shadow Hero (2015 Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens)

Yang, G.L. (2014). The shadow hero. NY: First Second

This graphic novel is based on a comic series from the 1940s, The Green Turtle. Yang does an excellent job of reinstalling this character for the 21st century. Hank, the main character, is a nineteen year old working in his father's grocery store. After his mother meets a superhero, she is determined to turn Hank in to a superhero as well. After his father is killed by people he owed money to, Hank sets out to avenge his father's death. This novel is full of action and thrills, as well as laughs that will make this a story one will not be able to put down.

Popular (2015 Winner Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults)

Van Wagenen, M. (2015). Popular. NY: Penguin

This funny and touching story tells the true life story of author Maya Van Wagenen as she tries to survive her middle school years. Seeing herself as a social outcast, Maya decides to use a self-help book from the 1950s: Teenage Popularity Guide by Betty Cornell. Maya is completely dedicated to following all of Betty's tips, even if it means more embarrassment for her. The book includes real photographs of Maya and her family as she is going through this particular time in life. Young girls will find this book hilarious as well as helpful as they too might be experiencing some of the same feelings Maya had during middle school.

I'll Give You the Sun (2015 Printz Award Winner)

Nelson, J. (2014). I'll give you the sun. NY: Penguin

Jandy Nelson uses a distinctive and unique writing style in this breathtaking novel. Here she tells the story of fraternal twins Noah and Jude who do everything together, until they hit puberty and things start to change. Nelson writes the story from both teens perspectives, with one telling the story of when they are early teenagers, and the other telling the story when they are in their older teen years. This style of writing comes together beautifully to tell the whole story of this crucial developmental time in their lives.Noah and Jude find themselves competing for the same things: boys, school, and the affection and attention of their parents. This causes them to grow farther and farther apart. When a tragedy strikes the family, readers will be able to relate to the twins' emotions, and their relationship as siblings.

Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir (2015 Top Ten Quick Picks)

Prince, L. (2014). Tomboy: A graphic memoir. San Francisco, CA: Zest Books

This graphic novel tells the story of author Liz Prince's childhood and how she grew up as a tomboy. The story tells how she struggled to fit in with other kids her age, seeing as how she wasn't a girly girl, and she wasn't one of the guys either. This novel shows young readers that it's ok if you don't fit in and you don't have to conform to what the "norm" is. It teaches them that what's most important is that they are happy with who they are. This will also make a good read for parents who are trying to understand what they're child might be going through that doesn't dress the way they may particularly like. The true story being told through comic strips makes this book appealing to young readers of different ages.