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! Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War is a nonfiction book by Mary Roach. Although it isn't technically a young adult book, it has been on several recommended reading lists for high school students. This book covers the science behind modern warfare: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Sex: Sex is discussed in relation to war injuries. Language: Moderate. There are several instances of strong language. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several gory chapters and topics covered. This book is not for those with a weak stomach. Final Note: This book was not my cup of tea. But the author has a very unique and intriguing writing style and anyone who is interested in nonfiction war-related books will like this one. It is very graphic, but it is also quite humorous. I can say I learned a lot of new information.

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! We Will Not Be Silent: The White Rose Student Resistance Movement That Defied Adolf Hitler is a middle grade and YA nonfiction book by Newbery Award winning author, Russell Freedman. This is the story of the Scholls, the siblings who formed the White Rose, a resistance movement in Germany against the Nazi regime. They wrote and distributed leaflets throughout their country, defying the government and urging their fellow country people to do the same. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are descriptions of imprisonment and death. Final Note: Russell Freedman is truly a literary genius when it comes to nonfiction works for middle grade to high school readers. This book eloquently shared the story of the Scholl siblings. It was extremely informative and engaging and the pictures were just icing on the cake. Anyone who is interested in World War II history, whether they are a s...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink is a nonfiction middle grade novel by Tod Olson. In October 1942, a B-17 bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean. The survivors included one of America's greatest living war heroes on a secret mission. For days, they drifted along in the ocean, with nothing to eat or drink. Would they make it out alive?  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: The crash scene is pretty suspenseful. There is also a death. There are several mentions of war and the story itself is about survival and is a little intense. Final Note: This is a truly wonderful book for middle grade students interested in war history. It was captivating and easy to read. Although about different people, it remind me a lot of Unbroken. I highly recommend this book for male middle grade readers especially.

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Bubonic Panic! When Plague Invaded America is a middle grade nonfiction novel by Gail Jarrow. This book tells the history of the bubonic plague in America and how it has been approached and handled over the years. Sex: None. There are a few mentions of symptoms of bubonic plague being from sexually transmitted diseases, but it's never in detail. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: The pictures and descriptions are pretty graphic. This book is definitely not for any students who have a weak stomach! Final Note: I learned a ton about the bubonic plague that I didn't know before! For middle graders who are interested in science and nonfiction, this book is well-written and informative. I think students will really enjoy it. 

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...