The Rapid Reader

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Unteachables is a middle grade fiction novel by Gordon Korman. Told from multiple perspectives, this book tells the story of an eighth grade class of "unteachable" students and their burned-out teacher, Mr. Kermit, who is counting down the days until early retirement. But the class soon finds that their days of learning are not over - and neither are Mr. Kermit's days of teaching. Sex: There is no sex in this book. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few instances of kid on kid hitting, but nothing serious.  Final Note: This book was so heartwarming! It will be enjoyed by both students and teachers. I've always really liked Gordon Korman and this book did not disappoint! 5\5 stars from me!

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! 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! 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! 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! Fish in a Tree is a New York Times bestselling middle grade novel by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Ally is extremely smart. For most of her school career, she's been acting out in class to hide the fact that she can't read. But when she meets Mr. Daniels, he's able to see past her harsh exterior to the intelligent and creative individual underneath. Fish in a Tree is a heartwarming book about dyslexia and how great an impact teachers can make when they show that they truly care. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: I strongly believe that this book should be required reading for both teachers and students alike. Lynda Mullaly Hunt did a fantastic job showing what it's like to struggle with a learning disability and how teachers have the power to really make a difference in a student's life. 

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Midnight Without a Moon is a middle grade historical fiction novel by Linda Williams Jackson. Rose Lee Carter is a 13-year-old African-American girl living in 1950s Mississippi. Life is moving forward normally until Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African-American boy, is killed for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Now Rose must decide what is truly important: letting things stay the same or fighting for her rights.  Sex: There are mentions of unplanned teenage pregnancies. A character sneaks off to see a boy at night, but no details are told.  Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: The death of Emmett Till is very emotional and disturbing. While less graphic than some other books, this novel still shares details.  Final Note: I truly believe this book is a Newbery contender. Upper middle grades and high school students will learn a lot from this story. Rose is a likeab...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Someday Birds is a middle grade fiction novel by Sally J. Pla. Charlie likes for everything to be predictable. He has a very specific way of doing things and he knows what he likes. But when his dad is sent across the country to be treated for a medical condition, Charlie and his siblings embark on a road trip that challenges everything he knows. Will he be able to go with the flow? And most of all, will he be able to find every bird on his dad's list? That's the only thing that will make him better, right? Sex: No sex, but Charlie often remarks on how "boy crazy" his sister is and she is often seen flirting with different boys. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are some discussions of death and war. There are also a few suspenseful scenes, but nothing too mature. Final Note: I loved this book! It's on my Newbery prediction list. Middle grade lite...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Scar Island is a middle grade fiction novel by Dan Gemeinhart. Jonathan has been sentenced to ten weeks at the Slabhenge Reformatory School for Troubled Boys. On an island in the middle of the sea, Slabhenge is far from civilization. When an accident leaves the prisoners without adult supervision, the "troubled boys" must figure out how to survive on their own. Will they make it out alive? Sex: None. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: One of the adults is seen drinking near the beginning of the book. The boys talk about getting into his "booze" later, but it doesn't happen. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: This is a very suspenseful book. There are a few violent scenes between the boys and several frightening scenes. There are also some deaths.  Final Note: Once again, Gemeinhart has written an awesome middle grade novel that both boys and girls will enjoy! Reminiscent of Lord of the Flies, thi...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Three Pennies is a middle grade fiction novel by Melanie Crowder. Marin has been in foster care since she was four. But even now, at the age of eleven, she still can't believe her mother left her and isn't coming back. Determined to find answers, Marin researches ways to find the woman who gave her up years ago. But then, Marin is placed in a foster home that seems as though it could become a permanent home. Will she be okay with life working out differently than she originally planned? Sex: None. Lucy, Marin's new foster mother, does mention that she was romantically involved with another woman.  Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is child abandonment in this novel and that may be a trigger for some kids. There's a frightening scene with a natural disaster. A death that occurred before the events of this novel is discussed. Final Note: I absolutely adored t...

Purchase this book on Amazon!   Short is a junior fiction novel by Holly Goldberg Sloan. Julia has always been small. So when her mother encourages her to audition for the local play and she's cast as a munchkin, Julia is not surprised. What does surprise her, though, is how much she loves it. Sex: None. Julia talks about some of the older cast members dating and liking each other, but it's all pretty harmless. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: Champagne is mentioned once. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Julia is sad throughout the book because of the loss of a pet. Another character talks about how she lost her daughter. Final Note: This book was so cute! I couldn't help but absolutely adore Julia. Holly Goldberg Sloan really hit this one out of the park. I think kids in grades 4-7 will enjoy this novel!

  Purchase this book on Amazon here! See You in the Cosmos is a middle grade fiction novel by Jack Cheng. Eleven-year-old Alex is fascinated by rockets. He builds a rocket all on his own and decides to send his golden iPod into space, with recordings for anyone who may be living out there. What begins as a simple journey to a rocket convention becomes an epic adventure to find answers about his family. Sex: There's no sex scenes. A character says he's going to stay at his girlfriend's house for the night. Not exactly sex related, but one character says she's having her period and Alex decides to research what that is online. It doesn't give details but he's embarrassed by what he finds. Language: Alex substitutes curse words with "bleep." Drug/Alcohol Use: Alex doesn't drink, but other characters in the book do. Alex mentions both beer and vodka. Alex mentions that he tried beer once and he didn't like it. Violence/Gore/Frightenin...

Eliza and Her Monsters is a YA fiction novel by Francesca Zappia. Eliza is the creator of a web comic called Monstrous Sea. Monstrous Sea has a huge following and the fans know everything there is to know about it: except who the creator is. Eliza prefers to be completely anonymous. One day at school she meets Wallace, a huge fan of Monstrous Sea. They quickly become close, but Eliza holds on to her secret. When she is accidentally exposed, Eliza isn't sure how to move forward. Her life is no longer a secret. What will Wallace think? Sex: There are no sex scenes, but Eliza's parents make a doctor's appointment for birth control when they find out she's hanging out with a boy. Eliza, as the narrator, often describes very vividly how she feels physically. Language: Moderate. There isn't a lot, but it's strong when used. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Suicide is discussed. A past death comes up in several conversations. E...

The Ethan I Was Before is a middle grade fiction novel by Ali Standish. Ethan and Kacey were the best of friends. But when a terrible accident rips them apart, Ethan and his family pick up and move from Boston to a small town in Georgia. Now Ethan must figure out what life looks like moving forward. He meets Coralee and is enthralled by her marvelous stories. Can the two of them share secrets and give each other the friendship they both long for? Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several suspenseful scenes. Death is a big part of the story line as well. Final Note: I loved this book! This is Ali Standish's first novel and she hit it out of the park. It was hauntingly beautiful. My heart ached for Ethan. I think readers grades 6-8 would really like this one.

Heartless is a YA fantasy novel by New York Times' bestselling author Marissa Meyer. It is an Alice in Wonderland retelling - but it's not what you would think. Catherine has her future all planned out. She's going to open a bakery with her best friend and be the most successful baker in all of Hearts. But when the King of Hearts sets his sights on Cath for marriage, she can see her plans quickly slipping away. Cath's situation is further complicated when she meets the handsome Jest. Will she be able to have the life she so desires? Or will she become the Queen of Hearts? Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is a frightening monster, the Jaberwock, that attacks from time to time. Several characters die. Final Note: I LOVED THIS BOOK. I cannot express how amazing this book is! Marissa Meyer did an amazing job putting her own spin on the world of Wonderland. I'm really hoping she'll write som...

Alex and Eliza is a YA historical fiction novel by Melissa de la Cruz. Written beautifully, this is the love story of Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler. Eliza is part of one of the most distinguished families in the country. Alex, on the other hand, is an orphan and is only known for his position as General Washington's right-hand man. Although circumstances seem to be working against them, Alex and Eliza continue to find their way back to one another. But is their love enough to last? Sex: There is one scene near the end of the book where a man tries to assault a woman. Soldiers also mention visiting prostitutes in passing. Nothing is graphic or detailed. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: A few drunken scenes by different characters. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: War-related scenes. Final Note: I thought this book was amazing! Melissa de la Cruz has a beautiful writing style and I couldn't help but be drawn in to Eliza and Alex's story. Historica...

Flawed and Perfect are the two books in a YA dystopian duology by Cecelia Ahern. Celestine North has a wonderful life. Her parents have the best jobs, she's extremely well-liked, and she's dating the popular Art Crevan. In a society where anyone who makes a mistake is considered Flawed, Celestine seems like perfection. But when she makes an instinctive decision that breaks the rules, Celestine is faced with life-changing consequences. Sex: Celestine is intimate in the second novel. It's not graphic, but readers will know it happened. Also, the Flawed are forced into immodest attire as part of a punishment in one later scene. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: Mild. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: These are very suspenseful books. People who are Flawed are branded with an 'F' on their body. The location of the brand depends on the flaw. Several characters must go into hiding and several people are abused and harmed. Final Note: I loved this ser...

Hello, Universe is a junior fiction novel by Erin Entrada Kelly. This book tells the story of four characters and how their lives weave together in the span of one day. First there's Virgil, extremely shy and kind. Then there's Valencia, strongly independent and also deaf. Next, there's Kaori, a self-proclaimed child psychic. And finally, Chet, a bully. When an incident between Chet and Virgil in the woods goes wrong, Valencia and Kaori find themselves working together to help. A wonderful story about friendship and speaking up for yourself. Sex: None. Language: Chet calls Virgil a "retard" on more than one occasion. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Virgil is trapped alone for a bit. Chet makes it a point to bully both Virgil and Valencia. Someone is bitten by a snake. Final Note: I read this book in almost one sitting. I loved it! Erin Entrada Kelly did a wonderful job incorporating very diverse characters and telling e...

Yours Truly is a middle grade fiction novel by Heather Vogel Frederick. It is the second book in the Pumpkin Falls Mystery series. Spring is finally coming to Pumpkin Falls, and with it, the annual maple festival. When it seems as though someone is stealing sap from local farms, the Pumpkin Falls Private Eyes come together to solve the mystery. But it turns out there's more than one mystery to solve. Sex: None. Truly is kissed on her birthday and she and her cousin discuss crushes on boys. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. There's a suspenseful scene where a character goes missing. Final Note: Heather Vogel Frederick has done it again! This series is just lovely. Perfect especially for middle school girls, Truly is a very relatable character. I especially loved how Frederick pulled in a character from her Mother Daughter Book Club series. There's also a historical aspect, bringing in some Civil War history and...