In Case You Missed It by Sarah Darer Littman

Another book review from the Spring Book Fair Preview pack... In Case You Missed It by Sarah Darer Littman will be a hit among those loving high school drama with a side of romance.  The author does embed the importance of common sense use of technology, which as a librarian - she gets two thumbs up.

Sammy is the main character and just a typical teen.  She's having to study for tests, get good grades, seeking a prom date, and sneaking out with her friends to see her favorite band.  Her world comes crashing down when her father's work place is hacked.  He's the president of an international bank, and the hacking ultimately extends into his private accounts - including Sammy's.  Her emails, texts, photos, everything, including her online journal, are put out there for everyone.  Social media can be vicious, especially when you disregard appropriate social rules thinking no one else will see it.  Surprise!  Nothing in the cloud is private!  An important lesson for everyone to learn, and this book does it, along with addressing some racism issues.

While this is not my favorite book by Sarah Darer Littman, it will be a keeper for the middle school library.

Exo by Fonda Lee

Exo by Fonda Lee was one of the preview books from our Spring Book Fair.  I would not have personally selected this book, definitely not my go to reading for pleasure choice.  However, it has its place with sci-fi reads, especially in the young adult category.  I would recommend it for middle school collections.  And... I did enjoy it.

Earth has been invaded by aliens, and they decide to help protect Earth from other vicious aliens out there and another galactic war.  Certain kids are chosen to undergo a special procedure, which results in these kids developing the ability to have an outer skeleton.  They have "super human" powers.  However, the procedure is extremely painful and not all of the kids live through it.  Donovan's father holds a prestigious position as the Prime Liaison.  He goes against his wife's opinion and decides Donovan will undergo the procedure.  Donovan is lead to believe his mother died and grows up with an exo.  As a teen, he joins the patrol group to help keep his city safe and his father proud.  However, during a routine check a revolutionary group changes everything he's grown up believing.

This book screams for a sequel.

Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly

I'm feeling pretty good this year's Sequoyah Intermediate Book List!  I'm plowing through these titles!  Next up is Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly.  This book kind of reminded me of last year's book There Will Be Bears by Ryan Gebhart.  Socially awkward middle schooler discovers how to accept their uniqueness and realize opinion of their peers are not the most important thing in life.

Apple, who's real name is Analyn, moves to Chapel Spring, Louisiana from the Philippines after her father dies.  Her mother wants to make sure they have a better life, and with help from a friend, they make the across the world move and arrive on a snowy day.  Apple looks different, eats different foods, has an unusual nickname - and all of this causes trouble during the middle school years.

The author cleverly titles each chapter after a Beatles's song.  Before they left the Philippines, Apple took her father's favorite Beatles CD with her.  She develops a love for the music and desperately wants to learn to play the guitar, just like her favorite Beatles, George Harrison.  Her mother doesn't want Apple to waste her time with foolishness of learning to play the guitar.  However, Apple is determined and soon discovers she has talent.  All of this happens during the difficult time of navigating through middle school.

Definitely would recommend this book for the middle school collection.  It highlights the many kinds of "friends" during middle school.  Some are good choices and others are not...  You'll be rooting for Apple as she finds her place and better friends.

Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin

This book happens to be the nonfiction selection for this year's Sequoyah Intermediate Book List.  I was kind of interested in reading it because my father was actually in the Marines during the Vietnam War.  We were never allowed to talk about it while I was growing up... kind of this mysterious piece of US History not to dig too deep into.  I knew this is obviously a painful part of my dad's life, so while I did learn about through my school, I just didn't learn specific details.  I also knew this war is something of a thorn for all Americans to accept - what do you mean the USA didn't win?  Unheard of!  Aren't we the greatest country after all?

With some time to focus, I picked up Steve Sheinkin's Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War.  It turned out to be a fascinating read, so much so that I've already passed it along to Ken - a huge history fan.  I also found it intriguing with his ending tie in about Edward Snowden.  Is he our modern day Daniel Ellsberg?

Look, we already know our government keeps secrets.  It's understandable for our nation's security.  I get it!  But when we are continued to be lied to, just to save face... how far is too far?  I will definitely recommend this book, especially for those interested in history.  It was a great choice for this year's nonfiction pick.  It's written in easily understood manner and will definitely raise questions.  I learned details, and I know students will enjoy the controversial aspect of exposing the truth - even it's difficult.