The Gravity of Us 

      by Phil Stamper 

The Gravity of Us is a boy meets boy novel about Cal, a teen from Brooklyn with a flourishing presence on social media.  His goal is to become a reporter, and truth in reporting as well as concern for the people behind the reports are his focus.  When Cal's father is accepted by NASA's upcoming Mars' Mission, the family is uprooted to Texas within three days.  Cal's plans are dashed.  In Texas, however, Cal meets Leon, the handsome son of one of the astronauts.  As their relationship develops, Cal also finds ways to continue his social media reporting which, ultimately, helps promote NASA's plans.  This book would be of interest to anyone who loves reading about the space program, social media ethics, LGBTQIA+ topics, and cassette collectors.  My favorite quotation from the book: "Don't aim to fix people.  Fixing seems so permanent, so absolute.  Like there's no room for error.  Aim to make things better" (Kindle version, 257).

Night Becomes Day

by Cynthia Argentine

Argentine's Night Becomes Day is a lovely, informative book about natural transformations taking place on the earth. The photographs are beautiful, and the description of these wonders will engage and inspire student learning.  Night Becomes Day would be appropriate for multiple reading levels covering picture books to elementary science studies.  This book would greatly benefit from the addition of a glossary. Words such as ancient, intense, glacier, magma, cavern, spires, etc., should be included.  Self-motivated younger readers might not comprehend some of the words used in the scientific descriptions found in each section and would benefit from having those words defined.  A glossary would also enable teachers and parents (especially homeschoolers) to assign further study of the information presented.  Publication date: October, 2021

Talala:True Stories of Animal Heroes

      by Vita Murrow

Talala is a touching true story of a tiny leopard left alone to fend for herself in the Gir NationalPark in India.  The delightful illustrations will engage young readers, and the real photos of Talala and her new family at the end are a fantastic way to show proof for the story.  This sweet story teaches inclusiveness and acceptance within the animal kingdom, a true lesson for humankind.  Published by the Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Talala will be out in September of 2021.

Glory in the Margins

       by  Nikki Grimes

Nikki Grimes has once again found words to inspire, teach, and bless.  Her poetry speaks to the heart of issues and highlights the glory found in the smallest of places.  She is bold in her stand for right and perceptive as she views the world in the light of Scripture.  I will be purchasing this book!

 Only Ants for Andy

by

Jushar Awan

Only Ants for Andy by Jashar Awan has unique, colorful artwork that will catch the eyes of children looking for a picture book.  Andy's eyes draw the reader into the book, and the lessons Andy learns when he visits his friend Sam Sloth and begins to enjoy new experiences are clear and easy to understand.  Available from WW Norton Young Readers 10/12/21

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds

Look Both Ways

by Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds has hit another one out of the park! My students love @JasonReynolds83 !! Just as I did with As Brave As You (poop references), I found that I had to look beyond the booger references in the first story. After all, we all have boogers, right? Once I caught a glimpse of the hearts and minds beneath the boogers, in a full-on study of the motivations, strengths, heartaches, determination, love, friendship, humor...I began to see future lawyers, artists, writers, businessmen, actors, doctors, people I could like. People I could love. Take a walk with the kids of Look Both Ways. Share in the love, laughter, loyalty, friendship, and fun. Oh, and watch out for that school bus!

Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

Every Last Word

by Tamara Ireland Stone

Purely Obsessional OCD controls Samantha McAllister's every thought and action.  Because she obsesses about appearance, friendships, and what people think about her, she maintains a superficial friendship with the very unpleasant "Crazy Eights," the queen bees of her high school.  These are the wealthy, stylish "mean girls" in the school, of course; and Samantha compromises her own character as she struggles to live up (or down as the case may be) to their standards.  Samantha, an excellent swimmer, dreams of earning a scholarship and going to college; however, her obsessive behavior, dark and violent thoughts, and insecurities are holding her back, forcing her to maintain the status quo with the Crazy Eights.  

Samantha's counselor encourages her to distance herself from her destructive friends and develop new, more healthy friendships; so when Samantha meets the mysterious Caroline, who invites her to attend a meeting of the Poet's Corner, she hesitantly agrees.  Finding she enjoys writing poetry and the secrecy, comfort, and acceptance offered in the Poet's Corner, Samantha becomes involved and interested in the lives of her new friends.  Samantha and the talented musician AJ, who had been wounded by bullying from the Crazy Eights as a child, begin to develop a relationship.  

Stone accurately and sensitively portrays teens who struggle with emotional issues and mental illness.  This book is definitely a worthwhile read for teens or adults.  For those who fear that the storyline may be trite, beware--Every Last Word contains an intriguing twist.

EQ: Are you attentive to bullying?  Are you willing to reach out to those who may be viewed as "different" by others students?  Are you willing to look beyond the façade to see the soul of a person?