Book Review: May, June and July

Welcome Book Lovers!

I really fell behind on my Book Reviews. 

I'm a reading and writing teacher, so it's only fit that I'm constantly reading new things whether it's on how to become a better teacher or books that my students will love. 

Today I've reviewed 10 books for you!

Divergent

Ok, so the next two books I'm going to be terrible at giving a review. 

We have a 40 Book Challenge in my classroom, and I needed more Fantasy/Science Fiction books. 

Most of those genres bore me to death. 

Like I can't even figure out what's going on. 

However, the Divergent series got me a bit interested. 

You will find Tris battling her way through 5 various factions. 

She was born into one faction but as she becomes an adult she has to choose to stay or go. 

Tri chooses Dauntless- the most daring group of them all. 

Once she gets there she finds out that she is different- a Divergent- than the others and doesn't truly fit into one faction. 

As she realizes her own strength and powers, she finds out about a war going on that may consumer other factions and her home faction if she doesn't intervene. 

Insurgent

Insurgent is the second book in the Divergent series. 

Tris is bound to save her family and initial faction from the hidden war that's taking place. 

Tris has fallen for one of the Dauntless leaders and has to decide whether to remain loyal or fight for the safety of her family. 

When her own brother has opposed her, Tris realizes that she must act fast or her family will be taken from her forever. 

Here's a little look at one trip to the library in June. 

So far, I've read half of them. 

The other half are still waiting because I've ordered more books since then and have been reading them instead.

Little Beach Street Bakery

Polly is ready for a change. She's running from a failed relationship and business. She makes her way to a small town on the Cornish coast. She barely has any money to rent a place, but finds the perfect spot for her. Her love for baking drives her to not give up on her dreams. This is the perfect cozy book about relationships, baking and following your dreams!

What Light

Sierra's family runs a Christmas tree farm in California. Each Thanksgiving they leave their home in Oregon to run the Christmas tree lot. Times are getting tight and they aren't sure if they will return. It's hard enough to leave Sierra's friends each winter and she's completely against finding anyone new to hang out with besides Heather. Against her initial will she spies someone who catches her eye; however, their secret may tear them apart for good.

This is more of a Christmas book, but who doesn't love a good Christmas book at any time of the year?

Count All Her Bones

Cheyenne Wilder has been found after unknowingly being kidnapped while in the backseat of her stepmom's SUV. She's tired of all of the safety precautions in addition to being blind and wants to rebel. Cheyenne makes many efforts to use her new car and ditch her bodyguard to meet up with Griffin. Griffin saved Cheyenne's life initially and is bound to save Griffin from the pain of testifying against his dad, but will Cheyenne make it to the trial? Maybe the Griffin she loves and cares about isn't the true Griffin at all.

If you love mysteries, you will love Count All Her Bones.

First, though, you need to read Girl, Stolen.

We will be reading Girl, Stolen in class this year, and students may even choose to read Count All Her Bones in one of their literature circles.

Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery

Polly recently started a bakery in Mount Polbearne. Everything seemed to be going perfectly in her new little bakery when she was struck by unexpected news and doesn't know if her business will be able to carry on.

If you're looking for a feel good, summery book, you should read this.

But first, read Little Beach Street Bakery.

Four Perfect Pebbles

Story of a family of 4 in concentration camps.

I was sad that this story didn't really have a story line.

It jumped around a lot and don't think my 8th graders would enjoy it.

.

Prisoner B-3087

Excellent Holocaust story detailing the life of Jack Gruener called Yanek in the book. Yanek's family is taken by the Nazis, but he is determined to live. Bouncing through 10 concentration camps Yanek tries to not only help himself but others, which his Uncle Moshe warned him against.

Many of my students suggested Prisoner B-3087.

If you enjoy Holocaust novels, you should try it!

Everything, Everything

Madeline is stuck in her house with her mom and nurse. She has SCID and isn't able to breathe the outside air. She knows nothing about friends or friendship until a boy moves in next door. Madeline is a great spy to this new boy Olly; however, something about him intrigues her. Madeline is bound to meet him and once she's done that she's on a roller coaster ride that questions her health and relationship with her mother.

This book shouts John Greene.

If you love his books, you will love Everything, Everything.

The Boy on the Wooden Box

Leib/Leyon is on the run from the Germans. He is able to fit in as a German for a while before they find out his real identity as a Jew. Can Oscar Schindler save Leib and his whole family or will they be separated forever?

So there you have it. 

My favorite of them all was Little Beach Street Bakery.

I can't to read the other Jenny Colgan books in my stack. 

Did any catch your eye?