The Rapid Reader

Going Where It's Dark is a middle grade fiction novel by award-winning author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Buck's best friend David has just moved away and Buck is struggling to make new friends. Not only does no one seem to share his interest in caving, but Buck also stutters. When Buck meets Jacob, an elderly neighbor who needs help from time to time, he finds more than just a teacher. He also finds a friend. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: Some bullies hold Buck down and try to pour a beer they stole down his throat. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is some serious bullying in this book. I don't want to give away the ending, but Buck is placed in a pretty serious predicament because of the bullies in his town. The end of the book is also pretty suspsenseful. Final Note: What an awesome adventure book, especially for middle grade boys! Buck deals with real problems: the loss of a friend, bullies, and a speech disorder. It was heartwa...

King's Cage is a YA fiction novel by Victoria Aveyard. It is the third installment in the Red Queen series. Mare Barrow, also known as the lightning girl, has surrendered herself to Maven and is being kept as his prisoner. Told from three different perspectives, the Red Queen saga continues, with the voices of Evangeline and Cameron included with Mare. Sex: There are a couple of scenes that let the reader know characters have had sex, but they aren't graphic. Also, one of the main characters comes out as gay. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: As in every Red Queen book, there are wars and battle scenes. People die and they usually die violently. This is a typical dystopian YA series, similar to the Hunger Games and Divergent. Final Note: What can I say? I love this series! I've reviewed the first two books already and this one did not disappoint. I especially loved being able to see things from Evangeline and Ca...

Scam is YA fiction novel by award-winning author Lesley Choyce. Josh has just lost his mom to a drug overdose when he meets Lindsay, a girl who seems like she could be a friend. But Josh doesn't know anything about Lindsay and she isn't exactly what she seems. Sex: None. The main characters date and kiss, but nothing more than that. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: Josh's mom died of a drug overdose. He tries drinking with Lindsay. Lindsay smokes weed in front of him. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Both of the main characters lose someone close to them. A boy in Josh's group home accidentally burns himself badly. Final Note: This was a really short, quick read. While it does have some mature material, including teenage petty theft, it would be a good book for kids in high school who may still struggle some with reading.

The Circus Dogs of Prague is a junior fiction novel by Rachelle Delaney. It tells the story of JR, a rat terrier, and his dog friends as they go on vacation to Prague with their humans. When they find out a local circus is in trouble, they take matters into their own hands. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: A cute book for kids, especially ones who love animals. This story is told from the dog's point of view. There are several amusing scenes when the dogs have to interact with cats. A really fun novel!

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero is a YA nonfiction book by bestselling author Patricia McCormick. It was a Publishers Weekly Best YA Book of 2016. This book tells the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who vehemently opposed Hitler. Along with members of his family, Bonhoeffer devised many plots to assassinate Hitler. He failed and was eventually put to death, right before the war ended. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: This book is all about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and how he plotted to kill Hitler. The assassination attempts are described in detail. The deaths of the conspirators are described as well. Final Note: An awesome nonfiction book about a person few people know about. I've read a lot of World War II history and I had never heard of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. A quick and interesting read for high school students.

Lost in the Sun is a middle grade fiction novel by Lisa Graff. It was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. Twelve year old Trent is having a hard time playing sports again after he accidentally killed a classmate with a stray hockey puck. He withdraws from his friends and family and spends his time writing in his Book of Thoughts. When Trent becomes friends with Fallon, the girl with the scar on her face, he slowly starts to change his outlook on life and begins moving forward. Sex: None. Trent and Doug tease their older brother about having a girlfriend. Language: There are a few mild curse words. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Trent accidentally killed a classmate with a hockey puck. Fallon often jokes about different ways she got the scar on her face. Trent loses his temper sometimes and gets in a fistfight with a boy from school. A few instances of bullying. Final Note: Middle school is already emotional as it is, but when yo...

Things Too Huge to Fix by Saying Sorry is a middle grade fiction novel by Susan Vaught. Set in Oxford, Mississippi, this book tells the story of Dani, a mixed race 12 year old girl whose grandmother was witness to a race riot during the Civil Rights Movement. Dani's grandmother is currently suffering from Alzheimer's and her former best friend, Avadelle, is famous for writing a fictional novel about the Meredith riot at Ole Miss. Somewhere along the line, their friendship ended and no one knows why. Dani soon finds that her grandmother has left her clues to find the truth and she sets out to discover it. Sex: None. Language: Very mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: Avadelle is known for being a heavy drinker. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a couple of deaths. The riot scenes are suspenseful and scary. Final Note: I loved this book! It was probably one of the best books I've read this year. The author was actually from Oxford and tried to make the sto...

Making Friends with Billy Wong is a middle grade fiction novel by Augusta Scattergood. Set in rural Arkansas during the early 1950's, this book is about accepting people for who they are, not what they look like. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: The Chinese grocery store is vandalized. A lot of bullying takes places, especially to Billy Wong, just because he's Chinese. Two children are living all alone because their mother is in the hospital. Final Note: This was such a lovely book! I grew up in the Delta and didn't realize how many Chinese Americans lived and ran businesses in Arkansas and Mississippi. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about this part of history. Azalea was a wonderful leading lady. She was compassionate not only to Billy Wong, but also to his bully, who had a rough home life. I highly recommend this book for kids in grades 4-8!

Losing Gabriel is a YA fiction novel by Lurlene McDaniel. I grew up reading all of McDaniel's books. In fact, I still have them all on a shelf upstairs. This particular book was geared more toward a high school audience with a little more mature subject matter. Sex: Sex is discussed pretty openly, but not too graphically. Sloan catches her boyfriend with a girl in the backseat of his car. She mentions several times that she and her boyfriend have sex. When she later ends up with Dawson, they also have sex and this results in a pregnancy. Language: Mild to moderate. More language than other books by Lurlene McDaniel. Drug/Alcohol Use: Dawson and Sloan drink champagne on New Years. Sloan's mother is a drunk. Sloan's ex-boyfriend dabbles in drugs and a character dies from a drug overdose. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a couple of deaths in this book. Also, there are several suspenseful scenes surrounding health issues with certain characters. Th...

The Boy at the Top of the Mountain is a YA historical fiction novel by John Boyne. When Pierrot is left an orphan, his aunt Beatrix brings him to live with her. She's a housekeeper for a house called Berghof, in the Bavarian Alps. Little does he know, the master of the house is none other than Herr Hitler himself. Sex: Pierrot attempts to force himself on a neighborhood girl he likes. It's mentioned in the book that Eva is Hitler's mistress. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Told from a young German's perspective during World War 2, there are definitely some disturbing scenes. Several people die. There is also an attempted poisoning. Final Note: John Boyne is also the author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I actually enjoyed this book a lot more. This story gives a look into German history and how easy it was for people to watch and do nothing. I thought it was a nice twist on typical World War 2 novels....

The Gallery is a middle grade fiction novel by Laura Marx Fitzgerald. In the 1920's, Martha worked as a kitchen servant and maid for Mr. Sewell, a well-known newspaper owner in New York City. Martha soon discovers that Rose, Mr. Sewell's wife who is locked upstairs, may not be as crazy as everyone believes. Sex: None. There is one reference to "scantily-clad women who come to visit." There's also one kiss. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: Set during Prohibition, but there is still a rather wild party with alcohol involved. Martha's father is a drunk. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Someone is slowly poisoned. There are mentions of anarchist attacks. Final Note: This was a wonderful book! Perfect for middle school. The writing was amazing and the story was engaging. The author used actual newspaper stories as inspiration. This book has been compared to The Westing Game, a Newbery winner from the 1970s. I highly recommend this one!

Heart of a Dolphin is a middle grade fiction novel by Catherine Hapka. Eleven year old Annie and her best friend Emma are ready for an amazing summer. While swimming in the cove, Annie and her brother spot a dolphin tangled in fishing life. After Annie frees it, the dolphin continues to come back and visit her. Annie is thankful to have found a friend in Admiral Squeak, especially since Emma seems to have tossed their friendship aside in favor of Morgan, their neighbor. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Several instances of bullying. A couple of near-drowning scenes as well. Final Note: What young girl doesn't enjoy dolphin stories? A cute book that tackles the issues of bullying and growing apart from friends as you grow older. The dolphin aspect is just icing on the cake.

Understood Betsy is a junior fiction novel by Dorothy Canfield Fisher. Originally published in 1916, Understood Betsy is one of the lesser-known classic novels for girls. Nine year old Elizabeth Ann is an orphan who lives with her aunts in the city. But when one of them becomes ill, she's sent to live temporarily with other family on Putney Farm. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: One of Betsy's classmates has a stepfather who is often called a drunk. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a couple of scenes where Betsy has to really use her brain to get herself out of a sticky situation. Final Note: What a lovely book! I had never heard of this book before reading The Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick. It reminded me a lot of Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, and The Great Gilly Hopkins. If you're looking for a story for girls in grades 3-6, this is the perfect book for you!

The Battle of Darcy Lane is a middle grade fiction novel by Tara Altebrando. Julia and her best friend Taylor always spend their summers together. But when the new girl, Alyssa, moves in across the street, Taylor seems to slip away and Julia suddenly feels all alone. Sex: Alyssa spies on her neighbors through their open window and tells everyone they "walk around naked." Alyssa also makes several comments about people "making out." She's also very open about who needs to go bra shopping and who doesn't. Language: Julia says that Alyssa called her a "really awful name." It's implied, but not repeated. Drug/Alcohol Use: Julia mentions that her parents drink beer and wine together. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Lots of bullying in this book. Also, Julia throws a tennis ball and hits Alyssa in the face. It's implied that Julia's parents may have lost a baby. Final Note: If anything, this book is super accurate abo...

Beast is a YA fiction novel by Brie Spangler. It was a Publishers Weekly Best YA Book of 2016, a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2016, and a Rainbow Book List selection. Dylan is fifteen years old but looks like a grown man. He is nearly 7 feet tall, over 250 pounds, and extremely hairy. People at his school jokingly call him "Beast," but Dylan doesn't find it funny. After falling from a roof and breaking his leg, Dylan is forced to attend therapy where he meets Jamie. But Jamie has a secret - one Dylan missed when he wasn't listening during group. Jamie is transgender. Sex: There is a pretty graphic sex scene. Not only that, but Dylan thinks about it a lot and this book is told from his perspective. Language: Pretty strong. Drug/Alcohol Use: Dylan disguises himself to buy beer. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Dylan uses his size to threaten people for his best friend. Most of the people in Dylan's therapy group are there because of self-harming...

What Light is a YA fiction novel by New York Times' bestselling author Jay Asher. It's the story of Sierra, a teenage girl whose family lives in Oregon but travels to California every holiday season to sell Christmas trees from their farm. Sierra has never been too interested in romance, especially being so far from home, but she meets someone this year who changes her mind. Sex: None. A few allusions to physical activity by Sierra's friend Heather, but nothing graphic. Sierra and Caleb kiss a few times. It's extremely tame compared to a lot of YA books. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: One of the main points of the story is a rumor surrounding Caleb and how he supposedly pulled a knife on his sister. Final Note: A quick, enjoyable read. Although it's definitely geared toward teenage romance, it's pretty different from the typical books you find today. Sierra takes things extremely slow and is also ...

Liar & Spy is a junior fiction novel by Rebecca Stead. It was a School Library Journal Best Book of 2012. Rebecca Stead won the Newbery Award several years ago for her book "When You Reach Me." This was another lovely book by Stead. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Safer claims that the mysterious neighbor is sneaking bodies out in suitcases. Georges is often bullied. Final Note: This is a great book for middle grade boys! It touches on bullying and finding friends in unlikely places. It also shows what it's like when a parent loses a job, when a parent is often away from home, and what it's like to lose close friends.

Listen, Slowly is a middle grade fiction novel by Thanhha Lai. Mai is all prepared to spend her summer at the beach, but her family has other plans. Instead, Mai will be traveling to Vietnam with her grandmother, to find out the truth about what happened to her grandfather. Sex: None. Mai makes several comments about her friend Montana being large-chested and buying a swimsuit with a "butt bow." She also convinces some of her Vietnamese family that most American girls wear thongs and talks them into cutting their underwear likewise. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are many references to the Vietnam War, but they aren't graphic at all. Final Note: Another lovely book by author Thanhha Lai. It was interesting to learn about Vietnamese culture, from a Vietnamese-American point of view. Mai's summer in Vietnam changes and matures her in a lot of positive ways.

Orbiting Jupiter is a middle grade fiction novel by Gary D. Schmidt. Jack is in the 6th grade when his parents bring Joseph, a thirteen year old foster child, into their home. It soon comes to light that Joseph is a father. Joseph spends his days trying to figure out where his daughter it located and how he can see her. Sex: There are no sex scenes in this book. Joseph mentions that his girlfriend's housekeeper found them in the living room "under a blanket." The story shares from the very beginning that Joseph is a father. Language: Mild, mostly by Joseph's father. Drug/Alcohol Use: Joseph's dad is a heavy drinker. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several deaths in this book. Joseph's father pulls a gun on Jack and his family. There is a scene where Joseph and Jack fall into an icy river. Final Note: This is not your average middle grade novel. The material is pretty mature, but it's handled very delicately. Gary D. Schm...

Booked is a YA fiction book by Kwame Alexander. Written in verse, Booked tells the story of Nick, whose parents are separating and throwing his entire life for a loop. Booked is a New York Times Bestseller and was on the National Book Award's Long List. Sex: None. Nick has a crush on a girl named April, but it's very innocent. Language: Very mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Nick and his best friend deal with some bullying. There are a couple of self-defense fights. Final Note: Although this book didn't win as many awards as The Crossover, I think I enjoyed it more. Because it's written in verse, it's a pretty quick read. Nick is a strong male character and this book is excellent for boys! I also really enjoyed Nick's relationship with librarian The Mac.

Cloud and Wallfish is a junior historical fiction novel by Anne Nesbet. I found this book because it was predicted by many blogs to be a Newbery contender. Unfortunately, it hasn't won any awards so far. In my opinion, it should have! Set in 1989, this book tells the story of Noah/Jonah and his family's journey from America, across the Berlin Wall, and into East Berlin. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Cloud/Claudia is told that her parents were killed in an accident. There are several suspenseful moments involving GDR police. Final Note: One of my favorite books so far this year. I love historical fiction and I know very little about the history of the Berlin Wall. I learned a lot from this novel! Perfect for grades 4-8.

My Sister Rosa is a YA fiction novel by Justine Larbalestier. It was a Publishers Weekly Best YA Book of 2016. Che spends his life watching his younger sister Rosa, making sure she doesn't hurt anyone. But when their family moves to a new city, there's only so much Che can do to keep Rosa under control. Sex: My biggest concern with this book is the sex. There was a pretty graphic sex scene between two teenagers and the main character, Che, who is the narrator, talks about it a lot. I would give this book a pretty explicit rating. Language: Very strong. Drug/Alcohol Use: Che experiments with both drugs and alcohol. He's only 17. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: This book is a psychological thriller. Che's sister Rosa promises to never hurt anyone, but she's successful in manipulating others to either hurt themselves or hurt others. The book is very frightening. Final Note: The idea for this book is a good one - for a thriller. But, it must be not...

Still Life with Tornado is a YA fiction novel by A.S. King. This is another book with lots of awards and recognition this year! It's a 2016 New York Times Notable Children's Book, a News & Observer Best Book of 2016, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2016, a School Library Journal Best Book of 2016, a Booklist Best Book of 2016, and a Shelf Awareness Best Book of 2016. Sarah is a 16 year old who can no longer "do art." She's confused by this because art has always been her passion. But something has happened, and memories have begun to surface, and Sarah must face the truth. Sex: Sarah's dad threatens to accuse her brother of sexual abuse if he comes around. Sarah witnesses a female teacher kissing a female student. Language: Very strong. Drug/Alcohol Use: Sarah's parents spend a lot of time drinking on their Mexican vacation. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Sarah is skipping school because of some serious bullying she endured, b...

Kids of Appetite is a YA fiction novel by David Arnold. The list of accolades for this book is long, so bear with me! It was a New York Times bestseller, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2016, an Amazon Book of the Year for YA, a Junior Library Guild selection, a Kids' Indie Next List "Top Ten" pick, a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2017, and a Southern Living Best Book of 2016. Told in alternating perspectives and time periods, Kids of Appetite is the story of Vic, a boy who suffers from Moebius syndome, and his friends who become family. Sex: Vic had mild fantasies about Mad (Madeline). They kiss a couple of times. Several comments are made about a waitress who "wants" Baz. Language: Mild to strong. Drug/Alcohol Use: Mad's uncle is drunk a lot. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Vic's father died from cancer. Vic speaks of self-harming in the past. Mad's uncle is abusive. Mad's uncle is killed and the circumstances are...

Anna and the Swallow Man is a YA fiction novel by Gavriel Savit. It was on Publishers Weekly's list of top YA books for 2016. Set in Poland during World War II, this book tells the story of Anna and the stranger who takes her under his wing when she's left an orphan and homeless. Sex: There's a scene near the end of the book where Anna is trying to get medicine for the Swallow Man and she's forced to undress in front of the pharmacist and "do what he asks." Language: There's one instance of strong language. Alcohol/Drug Use: Reb Hirschl likes to drink and is drunk as often as he can find alcohol. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is a lot of death and many disturbing images. Anna and the Swallow Man are constantly on the move during the war and they see a lot of terrible things. This book contains the normal amount of war-related scenes you would typically see in a story set during this time period. Final Note: Gavriel Savit h...

The Best Man is a junior fiction novel by Richard Peck. It was on Publishers Weekly's list of top middle grade books of 2016. Archie is in sixth grade when he discovers his uncle is gay and marrying his favorite student teacher, Mr. McLeod. Sex: Archie tells his mom that he already knows all about where babies come from and sex education class is mentioned a couple of times. Archie discovers that his uncle is gay and asks him several questions about dating. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Archie loses a family member. While Archie was in the first grade, a fellow first grader pulled a knife on him in the bathroom. During fifth grade, Archie finds a classmate tied up in the bathroom with a clothesline and the word "GAY" written on his forehead. Bullying is the biggest concern violence-wise in this book. Final Note: Archie is a super lovable character. He has a great relationship with his family and he is extremel...

Unbecoming is a YA fiction novel by Jenny Downham. It was on Publishers Weekly's list of top YA books for 2016. Spanning three generations, Unbecoming tells the story of Katie, a high school girl quietly exploring her sexual identity. Her grandmother, Mary, suddenly appears on the scene, afflicted with dementia and unable to recall important memories. The two become close, with Katie's mother stuck in the middle. Sex: It's mentioned pretty frequently in this book. Mary speaks a lot about her different boyfriends and lovers growing up. She also got pregnant with Katie's mother when she was a teenager. Katie herself is struggling with her sexuality. She tries to have a relationship with a boy she meets at a party, but in the end decides that she's attracted to girls. She has a few detailed discussions with a girl from her school who is gay. Language: Mild to moderate. Drug/Alcohol Use: Mary often smokes. Katie gets drunk at a party. Violence/Gore/Fright...

What Is the Statue of Liberty? is a junior nonfiction book by Joan Holub. This book tells the complete history of one of America's most iconic landmarks. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: The book mentions that one of the people who helped build the Statue of Liberty died before it was finished. Final Note: Another good book in the Who Was/What Was/What Is series! It's easy to understand for young readers and provides a good bit of history. Reading about all of the dimensions and financial aspects got a little tedious, but overall it was quite interesting to learn how the Statue of Liberty was made and the background behind it's construction. 

The Poet's Dog is a junior fiction novel by Patricia MacLachlan. It was on Publishers Weekly's list of top junior fiction novels for 2016. I've loved Patricia MacLachlan since "Sarah, Plain and Tall" back in the day. This book didn't disappoint, either! Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Teddy rescues two children in a snowstorm. There is a death, but I don't want to ruin the story. Final Note: I adored this little book! It's a quick read and perfect for elementary aged kids, especially those who are animal lovers. Patricia MacLachlan has a way of pulling at your heartstrings and she did it again with Teddy.

Snow White is a YA graphic novel by Matt Phelan. It was on Publishers Weekly's list of top YA books for 2016! I'm not a huge fan of graphic novels, but this was a unique retelling of the classic Snow White! Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Snow White's stepmother is out to get her. She poisons Snow White's dad and tries to do the same to Snow. The stepmother is electrocuted by a sign near the end. Final Note: The graphics were absolutely fabulous! Changing the setting to the early 1900s was brilliant. Like I said, graphic novels aren't my favorite, but this was a fun book nonetheless!

Soar is a junior fiction novel by Tracy Edward Wymer. After Eddie loses his dad, he makes it his mission to spot the golden eagle: a rare bird Eddie's dad claimed to have seen. While searching, he learns some important lessons about friendship. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Eddie's mom smokes. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Eddie's father recently died. Part of Eddie's journey is dealing with his grief. Final Note: A wonderful novel for kids dealing with grief and the struggles of friendship. This book also addresses Tourette's Syndrome, which I haven't seen often in junior fiction. Elementary and middle school boys would really enjoy this read!

Scythe is a YA dystopian novel by Neal Shusterman. It was on Publishers Weekly's list of top YA novels for 2016 and it's a Printz-honor winning book. Set in the future, Citra and Rowan are chosen to be scythe apprentices. Scythes are responsible for population control, since the world now knows enough to make everyone immortal. Sex: None. There is one mention of two scythes becoming lovers, but there's no more detail than that. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There's a lot of death in this book. Because people are immortal, scythes kill so many people per year to keep the world's population under control. The deaths are usually described in detail. Final Note: As chilling as this book was to read, I also couldn't put it down. Neal Shusterman did an amazing job. This book is supposed to be part of a trilogy. The idea behind the story is extremely unique and the writing style was captivating. This bo...