True tales & startling stats - nonfiction reads
2020-21 Recommendations
Apple: Skin to the Core by Eric Gansworth
The red skin of apple is easily bruised. In this lyrical and revealing verse memoir, Gansworth shares what it was like growing up as an apple, an outsider. He was the wrong tribe and had the wrong interests on his reservation, so he never quite fit in there. Off the rez, Gansworth is also an outsider, constantly facing racial stereotypes that attempt to strip him of his worth. This haunting glimpse into Gansworth's life is a gift to the world. He gives readers a chance to understand modern tribal life: the long-term effects of families being sent to boarding schools, the fight to reclaim lost traditions and language, the extreme poverty, and the complex tribal system. You will want to savor Gansworth's language and simmer in his stories in order to better understand his specific truths about Native life. Put this book at the top of your reading list. Highly, highly recommended!
The red skin of apple is easily bruised. In this lyrical and revealing verse memoir, Gansworth shares what it was like growing up as an apple, an outsider. He was the wrong tribe and had the wrong interests on his reservation, so he never quite fit in there. Off the rez, Gansworth is also an outsider, constantly facing racial stereotypes that attempt to strip him of his worth. This haunting glimpse into Gansworth's life is a gift to the world. He gives readers a chance to understand modern tribal life: the long-term effects of families being sent to boarding schools, the fight to reclaim lost traditions and language, the extreme poverty, and the complex tribal system. You will want to savor Gansworth's language and simmer in his stories in order to better understand his specific truths about Native life. Put this book at the top of your reading list. Highly, highly recommended!
Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes
Poet and author Nikki Grimes grew up in a home where her mom, rather than being a source of comfort, was someone she learned to fear. Her mom was a paranoid schizophrenic, and therefore, home was not a safe place for her most of the time. Luckily, different things came in to her life that saved her. At six years old, Nikki fell in love with words and began to write to process her pain. Also, she was blessed by having a few amazing teachers and foster families that encouraged her to excel. With these gifts, Nikki was able to sour. This verse memoir is both haunting and uplifting as Nikki and her sister fight to survive the "ordinary hazards" of life. I could not put the book down, and because the memoir is in verse, it is accessible to so many and so perfect to advanced literature analysis. Highly recommended!
Poet and author Nikki Grimes grew up in a home where her mom, rather than being a source of comfort, was someone she learned to fear. Her mom was a paranoid schizophrenic, and therefore, home was not a safe place for her most of the time. Luckily, different things came in to her life that saved her. At six years old, Nikki fell in love with words and began to write to process her pain. Also, she was blessed by having a few amazing teachers and foster families that encouraged her to excel. With these gifts, Nikki was able to sour. This verse memoir is both haunting and uplifting as Nikki and her sister fight to survive the "ordinary hazards" of life. I could not put the book down, and because the memoir is in verse, it is accessible to so many and so perfect to advanced literature analysis. Highly recommended!
Stamped by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi
In Stamped, the fantastic Jason Reynolds rewrites Kendi's National Book Award-winning book, Stamped from the Beginning, a book about the history of racism and antiracism in the United States. Reynolds translates Kendi's text into something conversational, thought-provoking, and powerful in order to make Kendi's research more accessible to teenagers and adults open to seeing a different view of American history. This is essential reading! Jason Reynolds is so much cooler than me, and he knows that cool sells books. Therefore, I will let you watch him, the cool guy, explain the book in this video. Jason reads the audio! Highly, highly recommended!
In Stamped, the fantastic Jason Reynolds rewrites Kendi's National Book Award-winning book, Stamped from the Beginning, a book about the history of racism and antiracism in the United States. Reynolds translates Kendi's text into something conversational, thought-provoking, and powerful in order to make Kendi's research more accessible to teenagers and adults open to seeing a different view of American history. This is essential reading! Jason Reynolds is so much cooler than me, and he knows that cool sells books. Therefore, I will let you watch him, the cool guy, explain the book in this video. Jason reads the audio! Highly, highly recommended!
Becoming Kareem by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is considered one of the best basketball players of all time. Winner of 6 NBA championships, 6 MVP awards, the leading NBA scorer of all time, and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, it is fascinating to learn that as a kid he was known as the shy, studious, and awkward Lewis Alcindor, a quiet and tall boy with a talent for basketball. This book is the story of how the shy Lewis became the confident Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In it, he discusses how his life was blessed with powerful mentors such as UCLA coach John Wooden, Mohammed Ali, and Bruce Lee, and how their wisdom helped him become a success on and off the court. This fast-paced memoir will draw even the most reluctant reader into Kareem's journey. The quotes from Kareem and his mentors will stay with readers as they face life's challenges and encourage them to keep going. I LOVED this book. Highly, highly recommended!
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is considered one of the best basketball players of all time. Winner of 6 NBA championships, 6 MVP awards, the leading NBA scorer of all time, and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, it is fascinating to learn that as a kid he was known as the shy, studious, and awkward Lewis Alcindor, a quiet and tall boy with a talent for basketball. This book is the story of how the shy Lewis became the confident Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In it, he discusses how his life was blessed with powerful mentors such as UCLA coach John Wooden, Mohammed Ali, and Bruce Lee, and how their wisdom helped him become a success on and off the court. This fast-paced memoir will draw even the most reluctant reader into Kareem's journey. The quotes from Kareem and his mentors will stay with readers as they face life's challenges and encourage them to keep going. I LOVED this book. Highly, highly recommended!
2019-20 Recommendations
Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
Laurie Halse Anderson became famous for her powerful young adult novel, Speak, which tells the story of a freshman girl who can't speak about being raped by a boy from her school. Readers cheered for Melinda as she fought to tell her story of abuse. This novel, published 20 years that has been translated in 16 languages, has become a YA classic. In Anderson's latest book, Shout, she shares that Speak was based on her own rape at age 13 by a boy she trusted. She too couldn't speak about what happened, and the attack almost destroyed her. In this painful verse memoir, Anderson talks about how she survived the event and how she continues to fight for the voiceless victims of sexual abuse. This memoir will encourage everyone to make their stories heard. Anderson performs the audiobook, so listening to her tell the story in her own voice was haunting and powerful. Reading Speak and Shout together would be fantastic. Highly, highly recommended.
Laurie Halse Anderson became famous for her powerful young adult novel, Speak, which tells the story of a freshman girl who can't speak about being raped by a boy from her school. Readers cheered for Melinda as she fought to tell her story of abuse. This novel, published 20 years that has been translated in 16 languages, has become a YA classic. In Anderson's latest book, Shout, she shares that Speak was based on her own rape at age 13 by a boy she trusted. She too couldn't speak about what happened, and the attack almost destroyed her. In this painful verse memoir, Anderson talks about how she survived the event and how she continues to fight for the voiceless victims of sexual abuse. This memoir will encourage everyone to make their stories heard. Anderson performs the audiobook, so listening to her tell the story in her own voice was haunting and powerful. Reading Speak and Shout together would be fantastic. Highly, highly recommended.
Attucks! Oscar Robertson and the Basketball Team that Awakened a City by Phillip Hoose
It is well known that Indiana's favorite sport is basketball. Hoosiers, one of the best basketball movies of all time, was about the small-town Indiana basketball team that beat a huge school to win the Indiana basketball tournament in the 1950's. Hoose's books tells the story of another Indiana basketball team whose inspirational story would also make an unforgettable movie. Crispus Attucks high school was the all black school in a segregated Indianapolis. In the 1950's, their coach Ray Crowes steadily built the basketball program, and in 1955, they won the state championship. They were not only the first Indianapolis school to win a state basketball championship, they were also the first all black team in the United States to win a championship in a racially open tournament. The teams was lead by future Hall of Famer, Oscar Robertson. It wasn't until their team became so successful that Indiana decided to desegregate. The story of the Crispus Attack's success is a phenomenal basketball story, but it is alsa a story of the triumph of the human spirit over hatred and prejudice. Basketball fans will devour this! Highly, highly recommended!
It is well known that Indiana's favorite sport is basketball. Hoosiers, one of the best basketball movies of all time, was about the small-town Indiana basketball team that beat a huge school to win the Indiana basketball tournament in the 1950's. Hoose's books tells the story of another Indiana basketball team whose inspirational story would also make an unforgettable movie. Crispus Attucks high school was the all black school in a segregated Indianapolis. In the 1950's, their coach Ray Crowes steadily built the basketball program, and in 1955, they won the state championship. They were not only the first Indianapolis school to win a state basketball championship, they were also the first all black team in the United States to win a championship in a racially open tournament. The teams was lead by future Hall of Famer, Oscar Robertson. It wasn't until their team became so successful that Indiana decided to desegregate. The story of the Crispus Attack's success is a phenomenal basketball story, but it is alsa a story of the triumph of the human spirit over hatred and prejudice. Basketball fans will devour this! Highly, highly recommended!
Recommendations Before 2019
Being Jazz by Jazz Jennings
Reality star Jazz Jennings shares her experiences growing up transgender and fighting to be herself.
Reality star Jazz Jennings shares her experiences growing up transgender and fighting to be herself.
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
We all make decisions in the blink of an eye. Some instantaneous decisions are good, but others lead us down darker paths. In this book, psychologist Malcolm Gladwell examines these blink of an eye decisions, which will make you reconsider your own snap judgments.
We all make decisions in the blink of an eye. Some instantaneous decisions are good, but others lead us down darker paths. In this book, psychologist Malcolm Gladwell examines these blink of an eye decisions, which will make you reconsider your own snap judgments.
The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden & the Trial of the Century by Sarah Miller
Many have heard the old rhyme: "Lizzie Borden took an ax. She gave her mother forty whacks, and we he saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one." However, many do not realize it came from one of the most horrible and fascinating crimes and trials of the century. In 1892, Lizzie Borden was at home and discovered that both her father and mother had been brutally murder with an ax. The police and public believed she was guilty, but at the trial, she was found innocent. There was not enough evidence to convict. Author Sarah Miller re-examines the evidence, including many photographs and primary documents, and lets you decide if you think Lizzie Borden was the most ingenious murderer or most vilified innocent. I could not put down this fascinating true crime novel. Highly recommended!
Many have heard the old rhyme: "Lizzie Borden took an ax. She gave her mother forty whacks, and we he saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one." However, many do not realize it came from one of the most horrible and fascinating crimes and trials of the century. In 1892, Lizzie Borden was at home and discovered that both her father and mother had been brutally murder with an ax. The police and public believed she was guilty, but at the trial, she was found innocent. There was not enough evidence to convict. Author Sarah Miller re-examines the evidence, including many photographs and primary documents, and lets you decide if you think Lizzie Borden was the most ingenious murderer or most vilified innocent. I could not put down this fascinating true crime novel. Highly recommended!
The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club by Phillip Hoose
When the Nazi's came to Belgium, the government knew they could not defeat the Nazi war machine, so to save itself, they peacefully allowed the Nazi's to take control. However, not everyone agreed that this decision was best for Belgium. Knud Pedersen, a teenager, and his friends hated the Nazi's presence and decided that if the adults in the country were not going to fight, then they would take up the banner. The organized the Churchill Club and terrorized the Nazis of their city by stealing guns, destroying vehicles, and attacking locations supporting the war effort. There actions, and their bravery in the face of capture, inspired people across to Europe to resist the Nazis, which ultimately helped to win the war. So many kids believe they cannot make a difference in the world, but Knud and the Churchill Group's action prove otherwise. An inspiring read!
When the Nazi's came to Belgium, the government knew they could not defeat the Nazi war machine, so to save itself, they peacefully allowed the Nazi's to take control. However, not everyone agreed that this decision was best for Belgium. Knud Pedersen, a teenager, and his friends hated the Nazi's presence and decided that if the adults in the country were not going to fight, then they would take up the banner. The organized the Churchill Club and terrorized the Nazis of their city by stealing guns, destroying vehicles, and attacking locations supporting the war effort. There actions, and their bravery in the face of capture, inspired people across to Europe to resist the Nazis, which ultimately helped to win the war. So many kids believe they cannot make a difference in the world, but Knud and the Churchill Group's action prove otherwise. An inspiring read!
Chasing King's Killer: the Hunt for Martin Luther King Jr.'s Assassin by James Swanson
The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. still haunts our nation, but sadly, I can't remember learning much in school about the civil rights movement or his assassination. Swanson's fast-paced book chronicles the life King, focusing on his leadership of the Civil Rights Movement until his final breath. Alongside King's journey, we learn about his killer, James Earl Ray. Although Ray was a life-time criminal, his first murder was of King. The final portion of the book tells the store of the manhunt for King's killer. Filled with pictures from King and Ray's lives, this book puts you in the front seat of the life of one of America's greatest leaders and one of the most tragic events in American history. I learned so many fascinating things, and I could not put the book down. Swanson is a master of bringing history to life, and I highly recommend this book!
The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. still haunts our nation, but sadly, I can't remember learning much in school about the civil rights movement or his assassination. Swanson's fast-paced book chronicles the life King, focusing on his leadership of the Civil Rights Movement until his final breath. Alongside King's journey, we learn about his killer, James Earl Ray. Although Ray was a life-time criminal, his first murder was of King. The final portion of the book tells the store of the manhunt for King's killer. Filled with pictures from King and Ray's lives, this book puts you in the front seat of the life of one of America's greatest leaders and one of the most tragic events in American history. I learned so many fascinating things, and I could not put the book down. Swanson is a master of bringing history to life, and I highly recommend this book!
Dear Nobody: The True Diary of Mary Rose by Mary Rose
For those of you looking for gritty, true-life tale, Dear Nobody is the book you must pick up. I read it in a single setting! It is the real diary of a teenager named Mary Rose who died when she was only seventeen years old. At the start of the book, your heart breaks as she moves to a new town and makes worse and worse choices in order to fit in. It does not help that her mom often likes to help her make these dangerous decisions. Along with her unhealthy lifestyle, Mary also faces other physical challenges that make the world dangerous to her. You will not be able to look away as you watch Mary fight through life until her untimely death. This haunting story is not for the faint of heart, but it is unforgettable.
For those of you looking for gritty, true-life tale, Dear Nobody is the book you must pick up. I read it in a single setting! It is the real diary of a teenager named Mary Rose who died when she was only seventeen years old. At the start of the book, your heart breaks as she moves to a new town and makes worse and worse choices in order to fit in. It does not help that her mom often likes to help her make these dangerous decisions. Along with her unhealthy lifestyle, Mary also faces other physical challenges that make the world dangerous to her. You will not be able to look away as you watch Mary fight through life until her untimely death. This haunting story is not for the faint of heart, but it is unforgettable.
Discovering Wes Moore by Wes Moore
Wes Moore grew up in Baltimore. He is a Rhodes Scholar, combat veteran, political analyst, and entrepreneur. However, he was shocked to discover another Wes Moore that lived in Baltimore at the same time as him and was also raised by a single mom ended up with a lifetime prison sentence. In the book, Moore explores how their lives had such drastically different paths.
Wes Moore grew up in Baltimore. He is a Rhodes Scholar, combat veteran, political analyst, and entrepreneur. However, he was shocked to discover another Wes Moore that lived in Baltimore at the same time as him and was also raised by a single mom ended up with a lifetime prison sentence. In the book, Moore explores how their lives had such drastically different paths.
Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover was born on mountain in Idaho to a fundamentalist Mormon family that trusted in God and not the government. She was born at home, and her parents did not get her a birth certificate. She never went to public school, and if she or family was sick, their mother, a homeopathic healer, treated them. When her controlling older brother hurt her, even her mother looked away. She was told to be a good, subservient Mormon girl, but although she loved her dysfunctional family, she dreamed of a life away from her mountain home. With dedication, her independent studies got her accepted into Brigham Young University and eventually led her to Harvard and Cambridge. The more she became "educated," the further she grew from her family. This powerful novel explores the complex power of family, friends, women's rights, and education. Some of Tara's stories will shock and horrify you, but you will not be able to stop reading and she recounts the path of her education. This is a book to savor, reread, discuss, and recommend. There are few books I feel everyone should read, but I have just added this book to that list. Highly, highly recommended!
Tara Westover was born on mountain in Idaho to a fundamentalist Mormon family that trusted in God and not the government. She was born at home, and her parents did not get her a birth certificate. She never went to public school, and if she or family was sick, their mother, a homeopathic healer, treated them. When her controlling older brother hurt her, even her mother looked away. She was told to be a good, subservient Mormon girl, but although she loved her dysfunctional family, she dreamed of a life away from her mountain home. With dedication, her independent studies got her accepted into Brigham Young University and eventually led her to Harvard and Cambridge. The more she became "educated," the further she grew from her family. This powerful novel explores the complex power of family, friends, women's rights, and education. Some of Tara's stories will shock and horrify you, but you will not be able to stop reading and she recounts the path of her education. This is a book to savor, reread, discuss, and recommend. There are few books I feel everyone should read, but I have just added this book to that list. Highly, highly recommended!
Elena Vanishing by Elena and Clare B. Dunkle
Elena always strives to be perfect. Her grades are perfect, her manners are perfect, and her looks are perfect. She is in total control, especially of what she eats. A voice in her head constantly tells her that food is the enemy and that her size is never small enough. If Elena keeps listening to this voice, she will die. This memoir is the haunting story of a young woman's battle to survive anorexia. You will be horrified as Elena lies about her eating disorder, refuses to acknowledge the dangers of her condition, and is unable to force herself to eat. Even with her family's support and multiple trips to treatment centers and psychologists, she struggles to stop the voice from controlling her actions and view of the world. This beautifully written collaboration between Elena and her mother, author Clare B. Dunkle, brings to life the daily battles of recovering anorexic. It's a story that made me think of all of my loved ones who fight daily with eating disorders. This is an essential read. Highly recommended!
Elena always strives to be perfect. Her grades are perfect, her manners are perfect, and her looks are perfect. She is in total control, especially of what she eats. A voice in her head constantly tells her that food is the enemy and that her size is never small enough. If Elena keeps listening to this voice, she will die. This memoir is the haunting story of a young woman's battle to survive anorexia. You will be horrified as Elena lies about her eating disorder, refuses to acknowledge the dangers of her condition, and is unable to force herself to eat. Even with her family's support and multiple trips to treatment centers and psychologists, she struggles to stop the voice from controlling her actions and view of the world. This beautifully written collaboration between Elena and her mother, author Clare B. Dunkle, brings to life the daily battles of recovering anorexic. It's a story that made me think of all of my loved ones who fight daily with eating disorders. This is an essential read. Highly recommended!
Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee
Our disputes with North Korea have continued to escalate, and we continue to hear about their missiles. However, we have rarely been privy to the stories of the people that live in this ruthlessly controlled dictatorship. Lee's book gives readers a first hand look into the stark reality of life in North Korea. He shares how his father was once a wealthy government official, but after displeasing the party, Lee's family is forced to move to the country. While the money lasts, Lee is full of food and is able to go to school. He can't believe the boys who cannot afford school. Soon, the money runs out, and Lee becomes one of those boys. When both of his parents disappear looking for food and work, Lee forms a gang with these boys. They will hustle and steal to stay fed, and their biggest promise is to never leave a boy behind. As they struggle together to stay alive, Lee's path will eventually and miraculously lead him to freedom. The fascinating tale of suffering, friendship, and family in North Korea will transform you. Highly recommended!
Our disputes with North Korea have continued to escalate, and we continue to hear about their missiles. However, we have rarely been privy to the stories of the people that live in this ruthlessly controlled dictatorship. Lee's book gives readers a first hand look into the stark reality of life in North Korea. He shares how his father was once a wealthy government official, but after displeasing the party, Lee's family is forced to move to the country. While the money lasts, Lee is full of food and is able to go to school. He can't believe the boys who cannot afford school. Soon, the money runs out, and Lee becomes one of those boys. When both of his parents disappear looking for food and work, Lee forms a gang with these boys. They will hustle and steal to stay fed, and their biggest promise is to never leave a boy behind. As they struggle together to stay alive, Lee's path will eventually and miraculously lead him to freedom. The fascinating tale of suffering, friendship, and family in North Korea will transform you. Highly recommended!
First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung
When I was a young girl, I had heard my parents talk about the Cambodian genocide, but I did not realize the full scale of the horrors that Cambodians endured when Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge s took power from 1975-1979. An estimated 1.5-3 million Cambodians were killed due to mass shootings, forced labor, famine, and disease as the Khmer Rouge forced the urban and educated population into the country. Ung's father worked for the previous government, and so they fled to the country using false names, knowing if they were caught that they would end up killed. With everything stacked against them, will any of them survive? Read Ung's heartbreaking story to truly understand the depths of this terrible tragedy. Highly recommended!
When I was a young girl, I had heard my parents talk about the Cambodian genocide, but I did not realize the full scale of the horrors that Cambodians endured when Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge s took power from 1975-1979. An estimated 1.5-3 million Cambodians were killed due to mass shootings, forced labor, famine, and disease as the Khmer Rouge forced the urban and educated population into the country. Ung's father worked for the previous government, and so they fled to the country using false names, knowing if they were caught that they would end up killed. With everything stacked against them, will any of them survive? Read Ung's heartbreaking story to truly understand the depths of this terrible tragedy. Highly recommended!
Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Economist Steven D. Levitt discusses the fascinating connections between things you would not suspect in a book that you cannot put down. My favorite chapter is where he discusses how your name affects your future success. Prepare to be shocked and amazing by his amazing ability to find connections.
Economist Steven D. Levitt discusses the fascinating connections between things you would not suspect in a book that you cannot put down. My favorite chapter is where he discusses how your name affects your future success. Prepare to be shocked and amazing by his amazing ability to find connections.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Jeannette Walls is a wealthy writer who owns an apartment in New York City, but her childhood was far from perfect. She grew up in a severely dysfunctional family. Her mom was neglectful, and her dad was an alcoholic who varied between brilliant and dangerous depending on the day. She survived with the support of her siblings, and you will be inspired by their ability to find success despite their challenges. This thought-provoking read is engrossing and unforgettable. It remains one of my favorite nonfiction books. Highly recommended!
Jeannette Walls is a wealthy writer who owns an apartment in New York City, but her childhood was far from perfect. She grew up in a severely dysfunctional family. Her mom was neglectful, and her dad was an alcoholic who varied between brilliant and dangerous depending on the day. She survived with the support of her siblings, and you will be inspired by their ability to find success despite their challenges. This thought-provoking read is engrossing and unforgettable. It remains one of my favorite nonfiction books. Highly recommended!
Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders by Vincent Bugliosi with Curt Gentry
Charles Manson and the Manson Family became infamous criminals when they went on a killing spree in the summer of 1969. Written by the prosecutor, Bugliosi, that sent Manson and many of his family members behind bars, the book graphically describes the terrible murders they committed. It explores the foibles of the police department as they fought each other and lost evidence as they attempted to discover who was behind the murders and eventually realize that they had been committed by the same group. Once they discovered Manson and his followers were behind the brutal murders, Bugliosi details the events of the trial that eventually led to life in prison for almost all involved. This horrifying narrative is the most famous true crime novel of all time, and I can understand why. Even when I was so frightened by the images that I had to stop reading the book before bed, I felt compelled to keep reading to discover the truth behind the murders and the depth of Manson's depravity.
Charles Manson and the Manson Family became infamous criminals when they went on a killing spree in the summer of 1969. Written by the prosecutor, Bugliosi, that sent Manson and many of his family members behind bars, the book graphically describes the terrible murders they committed. It explores the foibles of the police department as they fought each other and lost evidence as they attempted to discover who was behind the murders and eventually realize that they had been committed by the same group. Once they discovered Manson and his followers were behind the brutal murders, Bugliosi details the events of the trial that eventually led to life in prison for almost all involved. This horrifying narrative is the most famous true crime novel of all time, and I can understand why. Even when I was so frightened by the images that I had to stop reading the book before bed, I felt compelled to keep reading to discover the truth behind the murders and the depth of Manson's depravity.
Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos
Today Jack Gantos is known as the famous children's author who has received numerous awards for his writing, including a Newberry Medal, Printz Honor, National Book Award Finalist, and more. However, when he had just graduated high school, he did not know what he wanted to do with his life, and so he decided to help run drugs into the country to make some extra cash. He was caught and sent to prison, but he realized that he wanted more from life and fought to become a writer. This powerful story of learning from mistakes is a fast paced read.
Today Jack Gantos is known as the famous children's author who has received numerous awards for his writing, including a Newberry Medal, Printz Honor, National Book Award Finalist, and more. However, when he had just graduated high school, he did not know what he wanted to do with his life, and so he decided to help run drugs into the country to make some extra cash. He was caught and sent to prison, but he realized that he wanted more from life and fought to become a writer. This powerful story of learning from mistakes is a fast paced read.
A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: The Journey of Doaa Al Zamel by Melissa Fleming
Humans everywhere have similar dreams of living in safety and freedom. In Syria today, these dreams are impossible due to the continuous wars ripping the country apart. Doaa and her family are forced to flee Syria to Egypt for safety, but when Egypt becomes dangerous, Doaa and her boyfriend Bassem decide that their best chance of seeking asylum in Europe is to be smuggled over in a boat. After four days at sea, their boat is attacked and sunk. Doaa is floating in the water using a child's inflatable ring, and she is the only thing keeping the two children clinging to her neck alive. The waters around her are littered with bodies. How will she have the strength to survive? The war in Syria is often on the national news, and I new facts about the trials Syrians faced in attempting to get to Europe: a land of freedom and safety. However, this book brought those stories to life and made them personal. Doaa is a strong and opinionated girl who fights hard to bring her dreams to life. As a reader, you will fight for her dreams as well as sheet floats on the sea, with death growing ever closer. I could not put this book down. It was amazing! Highly recommended!
Humans everywhere have similar dreams of living in safety and freedom. In Syria today, these dreams are impossible due to the continuous wars ripping the country apart. Doaa and her family are forced to flee Syria to Egypt for safety, but when Egypt becomes dangerous, Doaa and her boyfriend Bassem decide that their best chance of seeking asylum in Europe is to be smuggled over in a boat. After four days at sea, their boat is attacked and sunk. Doaa is floating in the water using a child's inflatable ring, and she is the only thing keeping the two children clinging to her neck alive. The waters around her are littered with bodies. How will she have the strength to survive? The war in Syria is often on the national news, and I new facts about the trials Syrians faced in attempting to get to Europe: a land of freedom and safety. However, this book brought those stories to life and made them personal. Doaa is a strong and opinionated girl who fights hard to bring her dreams to life. As a reader, you will fight for her dreams as well as sheet floats on the sea, with death growing ever closer. I could not put this book down. It was amazing! Highly recommended!
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai was once a simple Pakistani girl whose greatest desire was to go to school. When she refused to stop in face of Taliban pressure, they shot her in the head, yet miraculously, Malala survived. Her story of fighting for a woman's right to receive an education in the face of death threats so inspired the world that she was given the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2014, making her the youngest person to receive the award at age 17. This book details her struggles and gives you a personal look at Pakistani culture. An essential read.
Malala Yousafzai was once a simple Pakistani girl whose greatest desire was to go to school. When she refused to stop in face of Taliban pressure, they shot her in the head, yet miraculously, Malala survived. Her story of fighting for a woman's right to receive an education in the face of death threats so inspired the world that she was given the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2014, making her the youngest person to receive the award at age 17. This book details her struggles and gives you a personal look at Pakistani culture. An essential read.
I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced Nujood Ali
Girls are married young in Yemeni culture, and Nujood's marriage at age 10 to a man three times her age was somewhat young but no shocking. What was shocking was that she realized that what was happening to her was not okay, and she fought to obtain a divorce from said husband. Even more surprising was that she received her divorce. This shocking memoir is a stark reminder of why women need to continue to fight to be more than property. The saddest thing about this story is that despite the money and press she received from the book, she continues to live with her father who sold her and is now remarried with two kids. She has not fought to be educated. This heartbreaking story is another essential read.
Girls are married young in Yemeni culture, and Nujood's marriage at age 10 to a man three times her age was somewhat young but no shocking. What was shocking was that she realized that what was happening to her was not okay, and she fought to obtain a divorce from said husband. Even more surprising was that she received her divorce. This shocking memoir is a stark reminder of why women need to continue to fight to be more than property. The saddest thing about this story is that despite the money and press she received from the book, she continues to live with her father who sold her and is now remarried with two kids. She has not fought to be educated. This heartbreaking story is another essential read.
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Change Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda with Liz Welch
When Caitlin was in 7th grade, she was a assigned a pen pal. She chose to write to someone from Zimbabwe because that country sounded exotic and fascinating. As a top student, Martin was one of the lucky boys to receive letters from America, and he received Caitlin's letter. Little did they realize how this one letter would dramatically change the direction of both of their lives. While Caitlin comes from a wealthy, suburban home, Martin comes from an impoverished family who struggled to pay for his schooling, clothing, and food. While other students lost touch with their pen pals, Caitlin and Martin continued to write to each other year after year. As Martin's home life gets so desperate that he can't even afford school, he reluctantly shares his struggles with Caitlin in hopes of getting enough money, less than $50.00, that would let him attend school. When Caitlin becomes aware of her friend's struggles, she vows to help. Both Caitlin, Martin, their families and friends lives are transformed by this amazing friendship. I am not a huge fan of nonfiction, but I read this book in one setting. I was entranced as I watched Caitlin and Martin become friends, even though their worlds could not be more different. Things we take for granted like having a picture of yourself, owning your own pair of shoes, and having the right to a free education were luxuries in Martin's world. I also loved watching Caitlin's family adopt Martin and one of his friends to help them get the education and support that they needed. This book demonstrates how one small act of kindness can change the world forever. Caitlin giving up some of her babysitting money allows Martin to go to school and helps feed his family. I could go on and on about how much I learned from this story and loved this story, but instead, I will just encourage you to read it yourself. Prepare to be transformed!
When Caitlin was in 7th grade, she was a assigned a pen pal. She chose to write to someone from Zimbabwe because that country sounded exotic and fascinating. As a top student, Martin was one of the lucky boys to receive letters from America, and he received Caitlin's letter. Little did they realize how this one letter would dramatically change the direction of both of their lives. While Caitlin comes from a wealthy, suburban home, Martin comes from an impoverished family who struggled to pay for his schooling, clothing, and food. While other students lost touch with their pen pals, Caitlin and Martin continued to write to each other year after year. As Martin's home life gets so desperate that he can't even afford school, he reluctantly shares his struggles with Caitlin in hopes of getting enough money, less than $50.00, that would let him attend school. When Caitlin becomes aware of her friend's struggles, she vows to help. Both Caitlin, Martin, their families and friends lives are transformed by this amazing friendship. I am not a huge fan of nonfiction, but I read this book in one setting. I was entranced as I watched Caitlin and Martin become friends, even though their worlds could not be more different. Things we take for granted like having a picture of yourself, owning your own pair of shoes, and having the right to a free education were luxuries in Martin's world. I also loved watching Caitlin's family adopt Martin and one of his friends to help them get the education and support that they needed. This book demonstrates how one small act of kindness can change the world forever. Caitlin giving up some of her babysitting money allows Martin to go to school and helps feed his family. I could go on and on about how much I learned from this story and loved this story, but instead, I will just encourage you to read it yourself. Prepare to be transformed!
Laughing at My Nightmare by Shane Burcaw
Shane Burcaw is a typical 21 year old, enjoying school, sports, friends, and girls, stuck in a body that is anything but that is anything but normal. At age two, Shane was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, which means his muscles are continually degenerating and he has been in a wheel chair his entire life. Although there is no cure for the disease and Shane is constantly dealing with new challenges from his failing body, Shane has dealt with his life with a raw humor instead of hopelessness. He began blogging about his everyday life, and within months, his blog "Laughing at My Nightmare" had more than 500,000 followers. Due the popularity of his blog, this book was created. I am going to start this review admitting, once again, that I rarely enjoy nonfiction. However, this book was riveting. Shane's raw honesty about the struggles of dealing with a debilitating condition and the frustrations of being thought of as mentally disabled based on his wheel chair made me reexamine my own assumptions about living with a disability. I laughed about his frank discussions about peeing when one is stuck in a wheelchair and how he and his cousin used his condition to miss a lot of class in high school. I appreciated how angry he was when he learned his baseball league for students with disabilities would not be at all competitive, which totally changes how I see the one-size-fits-all approach to adaptive programs for people with disabilities. I especially loved how he dealt with his challenges with humor and how he felt his challenges were no more powerful than the challenges all of us face in life. If we use humor to face them, everything can be better. Shane's words have a universal appeal, and I highly recommend everyone should read them.
Shane Burcaw is a typical 21 year old, enjoying school, sports, friends, and girls, stuck in a body that is anything but that is anything but normal. At age two, Shane was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, which means his muscles are continually degenerating and he has been in a wheel chair his entire life. Although there is no cure for the disease and Shane is constantly dealing with new challenges from his failing body, Shane has dealt with his life with a raw humor instead of hopelessness. He began blogging about his everyday life, and within months, his blog "Laughing at My Nightmare" had more than 500,000 followers. Due the popularity of his blog, this book was created. I am going to start this review admitting, once again, that I rarely enjoy nonfiction. However, this book was riveting. Shane's raw honesty about the struggles of dealing with a debilitating condition and the frustrations of being thought of as mentally disabled based on his wheel chair made me reexamine my own assumptions about living with a disability. I laughed about his frank discussions about peeing when one is stuck in a wheelchair and how he and his cousin used his condition to miss a lot of class in high school. I appreciated how angry he was when he learned his baseball league for students with disabilities would not be at all competitive, which totally changes how I see the one-size-fits-all approach to adaptive programs for people with disabilities. I especially loved how he dealt with his challenges with humor and how he felt his challenges were no more powerful than the challenges all of us face in life. If we use humor to face them, everything can be better. Shane's words have a universal appeal, and I highly recommend everyone should read them.
Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland
If you dream it, you can achieve it. Misty Copeland's meteoric rise in the world of ballet exemplifies these words. Starting from humble origins, Misty and her five siblings were constantly moved around the country as their mom lived with and married many men. She took her first ballet class at age thirteen at a Boys and Girls Club, and the teacher discovered she was a prodigy. The combination of family issues, being a black ballet dancer in a world still mostly lily white, and the pressures of her publicized talents has made Misty's road to becoming a soloist in the prestigious American Ballet Theatre challenging. It was fascinating to learn about her rocky road to fame. I am not a big fan of biographies, but I wanted to read this one because I was so impressed with Misty's eloquence when she judged on So You Think You Can Dance this past summer. I was intrigued to find out how a black woman fought her way to the top in the predominantly white world of dance. It was disappointing to read that despite her accomplishments, she has still not been named a principal dancer, the highest honor, at ABT, especially since they have never had a black principal dancer. I was so impressed how she continues to stay positive as she has to fight so hard for every victory and has been denied much based on the color of her skin. For many of her stories, I think there is another side to the story, but this does not take away from what she has accomplished.
If you dream it, you can achieve it. Misty Copeland's meteoric rise in the world of ballet exemplifies these words. Starting from humble origins, Misty and her five siblings were constantly moved around the country as their mom lived with and married many men. She took her first ballet class at age thirteen at a Boys and Girls Club, and the teacher discovered she was a prodigy. The combination of family issues, being a black ballet dancer in a world still mostly lily white, and the pressures of her publicized talents has made Misty's road to becoming a soloist in the prestigious American Ballet Theatre challenging. It was fascinating to learn about her rocky road to fame. I am not a big fan of biographies, but I wanted to read this one because I was so impressed with Misty's eloquence when she judged on So You Think You Can Dance this past summer. I was intrigued to find out how a black woman fought her way to the top in the predominantly white world of dance. It was disappointing to read that despite her accomplishments, she has still not been named a principal dancer, the highest honor, at ABT, especially since they have never had a black principal dancer. I was so impressed how she continues to stay positive as she has to fight so hard for every victory and has been denied much based on the color of her skin. For many of her stories, I think there is another side to the story, but this does not take away from what she has accomplished.
Make It Messy by Marcus Samuelson
As child in Ethiopia, Marcus Samuelson and his family contracted tuberculosis. After carrying him miles to the hospital, his mother died from the disease, but Marcus and his sister were saved by her actions. Adopted by Swedish parents, Marcus first dreamed of becoming a world famous soccer player, but when that dream died, he decided that he wanted to become a chef. His forward-thinking cuisine has earned him the highest accolades. At age 24, he was the youngest chef to receive a three star review from the New York Times. He won a James Beard award the same year and has won Top Chef Master's. His story proves that although your life goes a different direction than your dream, you can still make it amazing.
As child in Ethiopia, Marcus Samuelson and his family contracted tuberculosis. After carrying him miles to the hospital, his mother died from the disease, but Marcus and his sister were saved by her actions. Adopted by Swedish parents, Marcus first dreamed of becoming a world famous soccer player, but when that dream died, he decided that he wanted to become a chef. His forward-thinking cuisine has earned him the highest accolades. At age 24, he was the youngest chef to receive a three star review from the New York Times. He won a James Beard award the same year and has won Top Chef Master's. His story proves that although your life goes a different direction than your dream, you can still make it amazing.
Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin
Daniel Ellsborg was a political insider during the years of the Vietnam War. While he was at first supportive of the war, he heard over and over again from military officials that the war was unwinnable. However, no American president wanted to be listed as the first president to lose a war, and so the war grew instead of ended. As more American lives were lost, Daniel felt the American people deserved to know the truth, and he released the "Pentagon Papers," a 7000 page document outlining the futility of the war. For sharing these secret documents, he became the most dangerous man in America. A fascinating look at the history of the Vietnam War and those who leak information for the betterment of society. Highly recommended!
Daniel Ellsborg was a political insider during the years of the Vietnam War. While he was at first supportive of the war, he heard over and over again from military officials that the war was unwinnable. However, no American president wanted to be listed as the first president to lose a war, and so the war grew instead of ended. As more American lives were lost, Daniel felt the American people deserved to know the truth, and he released the "Pentagon Papers," a 7000 page document outlining the futility of the war. For sharing these secret documents, he became the most dangerous man in America. A fascinating look at the history of the Vietnam War and those who leak information for the betterment of society. Highly recommended!
Muslim Girl: A Coming of Age by Amani Al-Khatahtbeh
When Sept. 11th happened, Amani was a teenager and was hurt by the Islamophobia that spread through the United States. She goes on to found the groundbreaking website muslimgirl.com, where modern Muslim can celebrate their identity. Her memoir is an enlightening view of being a modern Muslim woman.
When Sept. 11th happened, Amani was a teenager and was hurt by the Islamophobia that spread through the United States. She goes on to found the groundbreaking website muslimgirl.com, where modern Muslim can celebrate their identity. Her memoir is an enlightening view of being a modern Muslim woman.
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Everyone wants to be a success in life, but why are some people successful and others not? Psychologist Malcolm Gladwell explores various factors that lead to success from date of birth, practice, intelligence, and more. This thought-provoking read is an essential read. Highly recommended!
Everyone wants to be a success in life, but why are some people successful and others not? Psychologist Malcolm Gladwell explores various factors that lead to success from date of birth, practice, intelligence, and more. This thought-provoking read is an essential read. Highly recommended!
Playing with the Enemy by Gary W. Moore
Gary Moore's dad never came to see him play baseball, even though his dad played for the Dodgers. Shortly before his death, he finally reveals to his son why he has avoided the sport he used to love. He reveals that he playing on traveling military team during the war, and they ended up in charge of some German POWs. To pass the time, they decide to teach the prisoners how to play baseball, and this decision defines the rest of his life. A phenomenal sports read!
Gary Moore's dad never came to see him play baseball, even though his dad played for the Dodgers. Shortly before his death, he finally reveals to his son why he has avoided the sport he used to love. He reveals that he playing on traveling military team during the war, and they ended up in charge of some German POWs. To pass the time, they decide to teach the prisoners how to play baseball, and this decision defines the rest of his life. A phenomenal sports read!
Positive by Paige Rawl
Paige visited doctors often throughout her childhood, but she thought this was normal. When she starts middle school, her mom finally revealed to her that she was born HIV positive, but due to drug advancements, Paige did not have to worry about her condition leading to a death sentence. When Paige shares her new HIV positive status with a new friend, she discovers how cruel kids can be. Her "friend" immediately tells the school, and soon, the students are calling her PAIDs and saying she had AIDS. The bullying was so severe that Paige left school and considered suicide, but after she began successfully competing in pageants, Paige rediscovered her inner beauty and discovers the power of being "positive." An inspiring read!
Paige visited doctors often throughout her childhood, but she thought this was normal. When she starts middle school, her mom finally revealed to her that she was born HIV positive, but due to drug advancements, Paige did not have to worry about her condition leading to a death sentence. When Paige shares her new HIV positive status with a new friend, she discovers how cruel kids can be. Her "friend" immediately tells the school, and soon, the students are calling her PAIDs and saying she had AIDS. The bullying was so severe that Paige left school and considered suicide, but after she began successfully competing in pageants, Paige rediscovered her inner beauty and discovers the power of being "positive." An inspiring read!
Samurai Rising: The Epic Life Minamoto Yoshitsune by Pamela Turner
Discover what it means to be a samurai warrior in the 12th century in Japan. Full of continuous, tumultuous changes in power and prestige, Yoshitsune is considered to be one of the greatest samurai warriors of all time even though he started out as the son of a traitor. Despite, and perhaps because of, his talents, his life is cut short by betrayal.
Discover what it means to be a samurai warrior in the 12th century in Japan. Full of continuous, tumultuous changes in power and prestige, Yoshitsune is considered to be one of the greatest samurai warriors of all time even though he started out as the son of a traitor. Despite, and perhaps because of, his talents, his life is cut short by betrayal.
Some Assembly Required by Arin Andrews
Arin Andrews is a transgender teen whose transgender journey and romances were on reality TV, and her memoir lets you into her journey to become her true self. A good primer to transgender issues and life.
Arin Andrews is a transgender teen whose transgender journey and romances were on reality TV, and her memoir lets you into her journey to become her true self. A good primer to transgender issues and life.
Superman Versus the Ku Klux Klan by Rick Bowers
After WWII, the Ku Klux Klan began to rise in popularity once again, and to combat it, the government decided to use the new Superman radio show to fight racism and bigotry. Like always, Superman won. Integrating the story of Superman's creation to his cultural influence, this is a fascinating slice of American history.
After WWII, the Ku Klux Klan began to rise in popularity once again, and to combat it, the government decided to use the new Superman radio show to fight racism and bigotry. Like always, Superman won. Integrating the story of Superman's creation to his cultural influence, this is a fascinating slice of American history.
Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team by Steve Sheinkin
When football was in its infancy, it was wildly different than today's game. A forward pass was illegal, no one wore pads or helmets, and players were known to die due to injuries sustained on the field. For a while, football was getting so dangerous that the government was threatening to ban the game. Sheinkin tells the story of how Jim Thorpe, one of America's greatest athletes, and the Carlisle Indian Football Team helped football transform into today's game. Not only is this football's story, but It is also the story of how despite being stripped of their family and culture, the Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian Football Team fought its way to football glory. Jim Thorpe's life was marked by the most amazing victories and the most terrible defeats, and you will cheer for him and his team as they attempt the impossible. I could not put this book down! It is my new favorite sports book. Filled with great sports action and a fascinating slice of history, sports fans and history buffs will love this book. Highly recommended!
When football was in its infancy, it was wildly different than today's game. A forward pass was illegal, no one wore pads or helmets, and players were known to die due to injuries sustained on the field. For a while, football was getting so dangerous that the government was threatening to ban the game. Sheinkin tells the story of how Jim Thorpe, one of America's greatest athletes, and the Carlisle Indian Football Team helped football transform into today's game. Not only is this football's story, but It is also the story of how despite being stripped of their family and culture, the Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian Football Team fought its way to football glory. Jim Thorpe's life was marked by the most amazing victories and the most terrible defeats, and you will cheer for him and his team as they attempt the impossible. I could not put this book down! It is my new favorite sports book. Filled with great sports action and a fascinating slice of history, sports fans and history buffs will love this book. Highly recommended!
Warrior's Heart by Eric Greitens
Even though Eric Greitens was a Rhodes Scholar, he felt like the best way he could make the world better after 9/11 was to become a Navy Seal. In his memoir, he shares what he had to endure to become an elite Navy Seal. We all know that Navy Seals are known as the toughest of warriors, but after reading this book, I don't know how anyone leaves this program alive the training is so dangerous. This is an essential military read.
Even though Eric Greitens was a Rhodes Scholar, he felt like the best way he could make the world better after 9/11 was to become a Navy Seal. In his memoir, he shares what he had to endure to become an elite Navy Seal. We all know that Navy Seals are known as the toughest of warriors, but after reading this book, I don't know how anyone leaves this program alive the training is so dangerous. This is an essential military read.
The World's Strongest Librarian: A Memoir of Tourette's, Faith, Strength, and the Power of Family by Josh Hanagarne
Josh Hanagarne is the world's strongest librarian. However, it is not the fact that he is able to deadlift 600 pounds or whip through 500 page novels that gives him the title. It is his lifetime battle to overcome Tourette's Syndrome that will amaze you. When his Tourette's gets so severe that his vocalizations are constant and he begins attacking his own body, Josh begins a quest to take back his life from the monster controlling it. Trying everything from prescription medications that leave him exhausted, quack remedies that leave him sick, and botox injections that leave him mute, nothing works until he trains with an eccentric former Air Force Sergeant who helps him unlock the secret to controlling his condition. Written with humor and hope, Josh's struggles to have a normal life: get married, graduate from college, hold a job, and have a child will amaze you. I particularly loved his hilarious scenes from life in a public library. I was crying because I was laughing so hard. You do not have to be a librarian to laugh with Josh at the absurdity of life and fight with him to overcome the monster that continuously haunts him. It is one of the best nonfiction books I have read. I highly recommend it!
Josh Hanagarne is the world's strongest librarian. However, it is not the fact that he is able to deadlift 600 pounds or whip through 500 page novels that gives him the title. It is his lifetime battle to overcome Tourette's Syndrome that will amaze you. When his Tourette's gets so severe that his vocalizations are constant and he begins attacking his own body, Josh begins a quest to take back his life from the monster controlling it. Trying everything from prescription medications that leave him exhausted, quack remedies that leave him sick, and botox injections that leave him mute, nothing works until he trains with an eccentric former Air Force Sergeant who helps him unlock the secret to controlling his condition. Written with humor and hope, Josh's struggles to have a normal life: get married, graduate from college, hold a job, and have a child will amaze you. I particularly loved his hilarious scenes from life in a public library. I was crying because I was laughing so hard. You do not have to be a librarian to laugh with Josh at the absurdity of life and fight with him to overcome the monster that continuously haunts him. It is one of the best nonfiction books I have read. I highly recommend it!