Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Places, Everyone!

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         Drama is the word at Eucalyptus Middle School. It seems all of Callie's dreams have come true. So what if her crush, Greg, isn't in to her. She's designing the set for the the school musical, working with her friends on stage crew, AND Jesse, the new guy, seems to be just her type! But Drama has a way of catching up with you; and just when she thought things couldn't get better...they all fall apart.

Beautiful illustrations, bright colors, and expressive characters make this story come alive!

Telgemeier demonstrates the new realities of being in middle school with humor, style, and grace. Jealousy, embarrassment, sexuality, friendship, and family are all explored in an innovative and captivating way.

Arielle Recommendation: Much like Telgemeier's popular Smile, Drama is a quick read and explores some of the lesser represented realities of middle school. While Callie isn't an especially dynamic character she's easy to relate to and likable. Character's discussions of homosexuality are respectful and brief and may leave some younger readers with more questions than answers. This is a great pick for reluctant readers as the illustrations are so captivating and fun and the dialogue is substantial. This book definitely belongs on public library shelves and in school libraries where graphic novels are popular. Recommend Drama to reluctant readers, drama geeks, and graphic novel lovers. 

Telgemeier, Raina. Drama. New York, NY: Graphix, 2012.  Print. ISBN: 9780545326988 Pages: 233 Hardbound U.S. $23.99

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

chocolate is contraband

caffeine is illegal

the city is riddled with crime

Anya is torn between accepting her birthright and following her heart

--from the cover--

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All These Things I've Done

by Gabrielle Zevin

First in the Birthright series

Anya is a powerful, no-nonsense character and, at the same time, she's a completely realistic 16-year-old. Not a lot is recognizable about New York City in the 2080s. Everything from water to chocolate, paper to coffee has been taxed, limited, and banned. Anya stands between her desires to honor her father's legacy (the former head of the chocolate mafia) and protect her brother and sister and rise above a life of violence and crime. This is a gripping, fast-paced story. Drama, intrigue, and romance combine with Anya's wonderfully unique humor and well-developed voice. Great read!

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Arielle's Recommendation: Every school and public library should make a place on their shelves for this fantastic book. There are zero instances of questionable language and the few mentions of sex are respectful and mature. Recommend this book to dystopian fans as well as realistic fiction and romance lovers. 7th grade and up.

Don't miss the brand new second book in the series:

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Zevin, Gabrielle. All These Things I've Done. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011. Print. ISBN: 9780374302108 Pages: 354 Hardbound U.S. $16.99

Across the Great Barrier

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Across the Great Barrier
by Patricia Wrede

Second in the Frontier Magic series

Wrede, Patricia C. Across the Great Barrier. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc., 2011. Print. ISBN: 9780545033466 Pages: 339 Paperback. U.S. $9.99

Click here to see if this book is available at Ericson Library

Click here to see if this book is available at Ames Library

Harry Potter meets Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

Arielle's Recommendation: Harry Potter meets Laura Ingalls Wilder, that's the way I like to describe this action-filled, innovative series. Eff is back for a second adventure in Across the Great Barrier. The first book, The Thirteenth Child, saw her struggles growing up as a supposedly dangerous and unlucky thirteenth child. (Thus the title, eh?) This book follows her post-upperschooling exploits as she harnesses her magical powers, discovers her passion, and (of course) saves the day. This is a must have for public and school libraries. Recommend this book to 5th grade to adult readers that enjoy magic, historical fiction, and quick reads. Excellent choice for middle school readers and those that don't like adult language or situations as the book is plenty satisfying without any iffy words or scenes.

Meet Patricia Wrede!

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Don't miss the other books in the series:

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