The Rapid Reader

Purchase this book on Amazon here! If Birds Fly Back is a YA contemporary novel by Carlie Sorosiak. Ever since Linny's sister ran away, she has been obsessed by disappearances. She spends her time researching famous people who have gone missing. Sebastian, on the other hand, is more interested in scientific things. That's until he finds out the true identity of his father. Although they've never met, Linny and Sebastian are brought together when Alvaro Herrera reappears, after missing for several years. They both come to him seeking answers, but leave with more than they expect. Sex: There is sex in this book. It's not too graphic, but it's there. Language: Moderate. Drug/Alcohol Use: There is some underage drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is a character that dies. Final Note: This book really fell flat for me. I wanted to like it, but it took me several days to get through it because it couldn't keep my interes...

Purchase these books on Amazon here! The Unwind Dystology is a series of YA dystopian novels by Neal Shusterman. Connor, Risa, and Lev are the three main characters in this four book series. The Second Civil War is over after new reproductive laws are passed. Abortions are no longer legal, but when a child is between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, their families can choose to have them "unwound." Unwinding takes all of a person's organs and transplants them into new donors. Unwinding can happen for several reasons. Connor was a problem child whose family just couldn't "handle" him anymore. Risa is the victim of an overcrowded group home. Lev is a tithe, a child designated by his parents from birth for unwinding. But these three manage to escape and start to challenge the way society views them. Will things ever change? Sex: Sex is not a big aspect of this series, despite it's coverage of reproductive rights. There is a near sexual assault ...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! What to Say Next is a contemporary YA novel by Julie Buxbaum. Kit just doesn't feel like her regular self. It has been months since her dad died and everyone seems to think she should be "over" it, but she can't seem to move on. David doesn't have any friends. He never even sits with anyone at lunch, until the day Kit sits next to him. Kit's grief and David's social disorder lead to an unlikely friendship that neither of them saw coming.  Sex: It's been a few months since I actually ready this book, but I don't remember anything sexual. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: Underage drinking on occasion.  Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Kit lost her father in a car accident. She constantly replays this and it's a topic of several discussions.  Final Note: I loved this book! I was really happy to read a book that had high school characters that aren't "typical." Dav...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Warcross is a YA science fiction novel by Marie Lu. The world no longer revolves around reality: it revolves around Warcross. More than just a game, Warcross is a virtual reality that has a fan base that spans the entire world. When Emika Chen hacks the opening game of the international Warcross Championships, she becomes an overnight celebrity. Not only that, but she catches the attention of the Warcross creator, Hideo Tanaka. Hideo immediately gives her a job and a place in the championship games. But Emika's investigation will unearth secrets she wasn't expecting. Sex: There are a couple of mildly sensual scenes. They never go too far, but they have the potential to in future novels or even in the reader's imagination. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: A few instances of drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several fights and battles. A couple of deaths are talked about in the past tense as...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! You Bring the Distant Near is a YA historical fiction novel by Mitali Perkins. This book spans three generations and tells the stories of five different girls. It starts with Ranee, who after moving to America is terrified that her daughters will lose their Indian culture. Her daughter Sonia is brilliant but outspoken, while her other daughter Tara focuses most of her attention on fitting in. As time passes, Sonia and Tara have daughters of their own who also struggle with finding their true identity. This novel beautifully weaves all of their stories together. Sex: None. There is some romance, but nothing graphic. There is one scene where an older man is interested in Tara and tries to come get her from her house, but nothing more than him banging on the door happens. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is a death that greatly affects the characters. Final Note: This was a ...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Renegades is a YA science fiction novel by New York Times' Bestselling Author Marissa Meyer. The first in a series, Renegades tells the story of Nova and Adrian, two teenagers with extraordinary abilities and secret identities. Nova, also known as Nightmare, the niece of a well-known Anarchist, hates the Renegades. Her one mission in life: to take them down. Especially their newest member, the Sentinel. Adrian, also known as the Sentinel, is the adopted son of the two most famous Renegades. He's also on a mission: to find the true identity of Nightmare.  Sex: None. There are some flirty scenes and Adrian was adopted by two dads, but romance isn't a huge aspect of this book. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several battle scenes, fights, and deaths. Final Note: This series is going to be amazing! I couldn't put this book down. Marissa Meyer is a phenome...

Purchase this book on Amazon here!   The Road to Ever After is a middle grade fiction novel by Moira Young. Davy David loves drawing pictures of angels. He's an orphan and too poor for pencil and paper, so he uses a broom to sweep his pictures into the dust. When the local minister, Reverend Fall, decides that he's had enough of Davy's art, he makes it his own personal mission to run Davy out of town. Luckily for Davy, he meets the elderly Miss Elizabeth Flint. She hires him to drive her to her childhood home, so that she can die on her own terms on Christmas Day. But there are more adventures on the open road than they expect. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: Miss Flint drinks a few times and lets Davy try a sip of something as well. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Miss Flint intends to kill herself. The local boys meanly destroy Davy's home. Death is a main topic. Final Note: This was an eerie, but interesting, book. It...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Wizards of Once is the latest middle grade novel by Cressida Cowell, the author of the How to Train Your Dragon series. Wizards and warriors have always been taught to hate each other. The wizards stay in the forbidden Badwoods and the warriors live in their iron castle. But when Xar, a wizard, and Wish, the warrior queen's daughter, meet each other in the woods, they find that they must work together to fight the one thing everyone is afraid of: witches. Sex: None. Language: None. Xar uses his own cursing. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few suspenseful scenes and battles, but nothing too over the top. Final Note: This book was cute, but it wasn't my favorite. It would be a good stepping stone for younger readers who are showing an interest in things like Harry Potter , but who aren't quite old or mature enough for that particular series.

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers is a nonfiction YA book by Deborah Heiligman. This biography tells the story of Vincent and Theo Van Gogh, not only brothers, but best friends. Heiligman did extensive research, reading all 658 letters Vincent wrote to Theo during their lives. Brilliantly weaved together, this is a tale of love and friendship. Sex: Both brothers had encounters with prostitutes. While not described in detail, these incidences are recorded in the book. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: There was some minor drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Several deaths are covered in this book. There's also the infamous ear loss scene. Final Note: One of the best biographies I've ever read. I didn't have much knowledge of the Van Gogh brothers before reading this and I came away feeling like I actually knew them. I highly recommend this book!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Pathfinders: The Journeys of 16 Extraordinary Black Souls is a middle grade nonfiction book by Coretta Scott King winner Tonya Bolden. This book tells the stories of 16 individuals who made history, but who are often forgotten or not recognized. Beautifully presented with eye-catching illustrations and photographs, this is a book that brings history to life and will be interesting for readers of all ages. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few deaths mentioned. Final Note: A wonderful book worth picking up! This book has tons of information and many great lessons about perseverance. I highly recommend this one!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! When Dimple Met Rishi is a YA contemporary novel by Sandhya Menon. Dimple can't wait for summer. She has finally convinced her traditional Indian parents to let her pursue her dreams and attend a program for aspiring web developers. She won't have to listen to her mother constantly nag her about finding a nice, Indian husband. Rishi is also anxious for summer. He is attending the same summer program, but not to learn about web development. He's there to finally meet the woman his parents arranged for him to marry: Dimple. Sex: Dimple and Rishi's parents have very traditional views on sex before marriage. While Dimple and Rishi don't necessarily share those same views 100%, they want to be respectful of their parents, Rishi especially. While sex is discussed, there are no explicit scenes. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: Mild. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: This book is much mo...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Fireworks is a YA contemporary novel by Katie Cotugno. Set in the 90's, best friend's Olivia and Dana are competing against one another to become part of a new singing group. Olivia has always been the talented one and this is her biggest dream. Dana, on the other hand, is just along for the ride. She sees this as an opportunity to get out of their small town before she's trapped there forever. Will this experience bring them closer? Or tear them apart?  Sex: This book has one particular pretty graphic scene. It was near the end of the book, so it caught me by surprise, but be forewarned! Language: Moderate to high. Drug/Alcohol Use: Several instances of underage drinking and drug use. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: No physical violence, but some of the girls were verbally abusive. Final Note: I had high hopes for this book, but it really let me down. The only positive thing I can say is that Dana deci...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Romancing the Throne is a YA contemporary novel by Nadine Jolie Courtney. Charlotte is a social-climbing teenager at a posh boarding school. She's popular, has amazing friends, and now it seems like all of her dreams have come true: she's dating Prince Edward! When Charlotte's sister Libby transfers to her school, Charlotte can't wait to introduce her to her new boyfriend and all of her friends. But what happens when it seems like Edward and Libby have more in common than Edward and Charlotte? Sex: Sex is discussed. There are several physical scenes. Language: Mild to moderate. Drug/Alcohol Use: Several instances of underage drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: This book was supposedly based on Kate and Pippa, but I'm not sure if it's true. For me, this novel fell pretty flat. Charlotte was not a likeable character and I think I would have preferred the story be told fr...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Orphan Island is a middle grade fantasy novel by Laurel Snyder. Nine children live on a perfect island. Everything is wonderful and nothing ever changes, except one day a year. On this day, a boat arrives, carrying a new young child. The children on the island take the new boy or girl in, and the oldest child on the island leaves in the boat, never to be seen again. Where does the boat go? Where does it come from? No one knows and no one seems to wonder, except Jinny. When it's Jinny's turn to leave, she decides she doesn't want to go. But will the island stay perfect if she doesn't follow the rules?  Sex: There is no sex, but a character starts her period and this is something parents need to be aware of in case they haven't had that discussion with their child. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few frightening scenes and a few instances where kids a...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! This Mortal Coil is a YA science fiction novel by Emily Suvada. Cat Agatta has been living on her own for years now. The Hydra virus has taken over the world and Cat has been hiding to escape infection. Her father, a gene-hacking genius, was taken away by the organization Cartaxus several years ago to help find a cure, but when Cole, a Cartaxus agent, shows up and tells Cat of her father's death, she discovers she must use her own hacking skills to find the cure herself. Sex: It is alluded to in a couple of scenes, but never described in detail. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: Some celebratory drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Lots of suspense and death. There are also several gory scenes that are not for those with a weak stomach. Final Note: This was an amazing dystopian novel! While the gore was a little heavy at times for me personally, the story was incredibly well-written and intriguing! I ha...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Apprentice Witch is a middle grade fantasy novel by James Nicol. When Arianwyn flunks her witch's assessment, she's sent to the town of Lull as an apprentice. Arianwyn is worried that she'll never become a real witch, but when she arrives in Lull, she finds that there are plenty of things requiring her assistance. Along the way, she makes many friends, both human and magical. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few attacks and scary scenes. Arianwyn's mother died when she was young. Final Note: I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! It was included in an Owlcrate Jr. box. I've been making my way through the Owlcrate Jr. books and this one did NOT disappoint! A wonderful fantasy book for middle grade readers, this novel also has great lessons regarding friendship and believing in yourself!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Letters to the Lost is a YA contemporary novel by Brigid Kemmerer. Juliet has always written letters to her mother. Now that she's gone, Juliet leaves the letters on her mother's grave. Declan is working at the cemetery as part of his court-ordered community service. When he finds one of these letters, he can't help but write back. Juliet and Declan begin writing back and forth with no idea that they actually know each other. What will happen when they learn the truth? Sex:  Juliet finds some risque pictures of her mother on an old camera. Language: Moderate. Drug/Alcohol Use: Minor underage drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Declan reacts violently to his stepdad sometimes and Juliet's mother's death is a topic of discussion. Final Note: I felt like this was a unique YA book! It had the romantic aspect, but it also was quite gloomy too. I gave it 4/5 stars on Goodreads!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Lemons is a middle grade novel by Melissa Savage. Nine-year-old Lemonade has lost her mother and now must move to a small town called Willow Creek, California, to live with a grandfather she's never even met. When she arrives, she meets Tobin, the CEO of Bigfoot Detectives, Inc. He's on the lookout for Bigfoot and asks Lemonade to help him out for the summer. But Bigfoot may not be the only thing she finds. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Lemonade talks about the death of her mother and grandmother. There are a few suspenseful scenes. War is also discussed. Final Note: This was such a good read! Not only was the story full of adventure, but there were many positive lessons about family and friendship. I think both middle grade boys and girls will enjoy this one!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Refugee is a middle grade historical fiction novel by Alan Gratz. This book spans three time periods and covers the stories of three different 12 year old refugees and their families. Josef is escaping Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Isabel is fleeing Castro's Cuba in the 90s. Mahmoud is a Syrian refugee, running from civil war in 2015. Each chapter changes perspective, giving the reader a glimpse into the lives of refugees.  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: This book is heavy. There are several deaths and every story is quite suspenseful.  Final Note: EVERYONE should read this book, not just middle grade and YA readers. It's so important to see what it's like to actually be a refugee and how we should be compassionate to anyone and everyone, giving help whenever possible. This book is extremely eye-opening and I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Sandcastle Empire is a YA dystopian novel by Kayla Olson. After the revolution happened, life as Eden knew it changed. She lost everything, including her family. A group called the Wolfpack now controls the world and all of its resources. Eden has heard of a place called Sanctuary Island, the only neutral territory left. She decides to make her way there, but what she find isn't what she expected. Sex: There are some romantic attractions, but nothing over the top. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are many deaths and acts of violence. The book is pretty suspenseful, like most dystopian novels.  Final Note: I typically love dystopian novels, but this one fell flat for me. It never really captured my interest, but I hate to quit books! I've heard rumors that it's going to be made into a movie so maybe it will be more intriguing on screen.