The Rapid Reader

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! Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War That Changed American History is a YA nonfiction book by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger, the authors of the New York Times bestseller George Washington's Secret Six . It tells the little known history of President Jefferson's confrontation with the pirates of Tripoli. These pirates kidnapped American ships and sailors. In response, Jefferson began developing what is now the United States Navy.  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Several war battles. There are a few deaths. There are also prisoners of war. Final Note: This was a very compelling nonfiction novel. I learned so much about Thomas Jefferson. I had never heard of the Tripoli pirates and this book kept my attention. This is a great read for history lovers!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team is a nonfiction book by Steve Sheinkin. Most people have never even heard of the Carlisle Indian School. But in the early 1900s, the Carlisle Indian football team was the team to beat. When Pop Warner, the coach, and Jim Thorpe, arguably the world's greatest athlete, came together, history was made. This book tells the story of one of America's least-known, but most impressive, football teams of all time.  Sex: None. Language: Pop Warner often cursed at his players, but the words are "bleeped" out in the book. Drug/Alcohol Use: Several instances of underage drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Several football related deaths are mentioned. Also, when football first became a sport, it was incredibly more violent and was almost banned entirely. This book describes what those days were like in detail. There are also several fistfight...