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! 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! 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!   I See London, I See France is a YA contemporary novel by New York Times bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski. Sydney is spending four weeks of the summer traveling through Europe with her best friend Leslie. It's a nice break for Sydney, who has spent her entire life caring for her anxiety-ridden mother. But when Leslie's ex-boyfriend shows up with his handsome best friend, Sydney finds more than she was looking for. Sex: There should definitely be a mature rating on this book. Sex is talked about quite frequently and there are some parts that are graphic. Language: Moderate to high. Drug/Alcohol Use: There are scenes with both. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: Sorry Sarah Mlynowski, but I was NOT a fan of this book. There are many other books a lot like this one that are much more tastefully written.

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Antisocial is a YA contemporary novel by Jillian Blake. Anna has just been dumped by her boyfriend. While they were together, she completely cut off ties with all of her previous friends. Now, she's all alone but trying to make amends. Unfortunately, someone in school has discovered how to hack into everyone's phones and is slowly releasing anything and everything people have searched, texted, or posted. No one's secrets are safe. Things Anna said in private messages may destroy her friendships for good. Sex: There is one character in particular who frequently talks about things of a sexual nature. Language: Moderate to high. Drug/Alcohol Use: There are instances of underage drinking and steroid use. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are threats between characters.  Final Note: While this wasn't my favorite book, it still successfully showed that nothing you say online or on your phone is actuall...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Rooting for Rafael Rosales is a middle grade fiction novel by Kurtis Scaletta. Told by two different perspectives in two different time periods, this is the story of Rafael and Maya. Rafael has big dreams about playing baseball in the Major Leagues in America. As he gets older, his path crosses with Maya, a young girl living in Minnesota who has decided to root for Rafael, despite the fact that she doesn't even like sports all that much. Both Rafael and Maya learn many lessons about life and how they see the world. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: This was a very cute book! I think both middle grade boys and girls will enjoy it. Because it's told from two different perspectives, readers will get the chance to see different points of view. 

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!   Towers Falling is a middle grade historical fiction novel by award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes. Deja has lived in New York City her entire life, but by the fifth grade, she still doesn't know anything about the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center that occurred fifteen years before. As her class begins to learn more about this history, Deja finds herself asking more and more questions, and for some reason, this seems to upset her parents. Will Deja ever find the answers she's looking for? Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Deaths are mentioned. This book talks frequently about September 11th, how people died, and how people who survived are coping. Final Note: There aren't too many middle grade books out there about this topic. I was in middle school myself when September 11th occurred and I think Jewell Parker Rhodes did a fantastic j...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Clayton Byrd Goes Underground is a middle grade fiction novel by Coretta Scott King Award winner Rita Williams-Garcia. After his Cool Papa dies, Clayton's mother forbids him from playing the harmonica his grandfather gave him. But Clayton can't stop. The blues are what connects him most to Cool Papa. Clayton runs away from home and his journey teaches him many things along the way. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Clayton has a few run-ins with a local gang on the subway. Clayton finds his grandfather after he has died. Final Note: I love Rita Williams-Garcia! This book was short, but it was an awesome read! Clayton is a character that many kids will be able to relate to. Clayton and his mother disagree, but I loved how they were eventually able to see things from the other's perspective.

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Waiting for Normal is a middle grade fiction novel by Leslie Connor. It is a School Library Journal Best Book, an ALA Notable Children's Book, and the recipient of many other young literature awards. Addie has waited her entire life for normal. But she never knows what she's going to get when it comes to her mother. Her mom is either all in and fully present, or long gone and completely absent. Addie's mother is bipolar. Sex: No sex. Addie doesn't know who her father is, but she's close to her stepfather. Her mom is often out late for business dinners with men. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: Mild. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Addie is frequently neglected by her mother. There are a few intense scenes but it's nothing inappropriate for middle grade readers. Final Note: This book has been on my list for awhile and I just now got around to reading it. I'm glad I did! Again, I truly bel...

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! Slacker is a middle grade fiction novel by New York Times Bestselling Author Gordon Korman. Cameron Boxer is perfectly content to do nothing but play video games. But when he almost accidentally burns his house down, Cameron must come up with a way to convince his parents that there's more to him than meets the eye. He convinces his friends to help him create a fake school club, but instead of it being the "cover" he desires, Cameron finds himself leading nearly the entire school! He just wants to play video games! Getting rid of the club won't be too difficult, will it?  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: A few physical altercations between students, but nothing too over the top. Final Note: Gordon Korman writes some wonderful books for middle school students. This was a book kids, especially boys, can relate to and it was funny as well!

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! Grit is a YA contemporary thriller by Gillian French. Darcy spends her summer raking berries with her sister Mags and their cousin Nell. She works hard at her job as a distraction, and she needs a lot of distracting. A local girl has been missing for a year and Darcy and Nell are hiding a secret of their own. On top of all that, Shea, the boy she went too far with on the Fourth of July, won't leave her alone. Will Darcy make it through the summer with no new secrets, or will the ones she already keeps come spilling out? Sex: Sex is big theme in this book, but there aren't any explicit details. Language: Moderate. Drug/Alcohol Use: Underage drinking and drug use. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: It's suspected that a girl is dead. There are several instances of physical abuse and fist fights.  Final Note: I don't read a lot of thrillers, but this one was pretty good. It was a little predictable, but no...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Gem and Dixie is a YA contemporary fiction novel by Sara Zarr. Gem and Dixie have always been the best of friends. That's what sisters are for, right? But the older they get, the further Dixie seems to drift away from Gem. Troubled by the fact that her father has left them and their mother doesn't make their welfare a priority, Gem struggles with day to day life and finds a confidant in the school counselor. Dixie, on the other hand, seems to be unaffected by it all. When their father shows up again out of nowhere, the two sisters are thrust back together. Will this fix their relationship? Or will they find themselves further apart? Sex: No sex scenes. Gem remarks that her dad messed around on her mom frequently.  Language: Moderate. Drug/Alcohol Use: Underage drinking and smoking. Gem and Dixie's parents are drug abusers.  Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is some verbal abuse. Final Note: My heart ...

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 here!   Gabby Garcia's Ultimate Playbook is a junior fiction novel by Iva-Marie Palmer. Gabby has always been the best pitcher on the team. But when she's forced to transfer schools in the middle of the season, she's afraid her winning streak is coming to an end. Can Gabby learn to work with new teammates and find where she truly belongs? Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: This was a really cute book, especially for younger girls who love sports. The illustrations were also a lot of fun! This story teaches a wonderful lesson on what it really means to be a winner.

Purchase this book on Amazon here!   Looking for Alaska is a New York Times' Bestselling YA novel by John Green. It also won the Michael L. Printz Award in 2006. Although this book was published in 2005, it continues to be extremely popular and is often on required reading lists for high school students. There's a rumor floating around that it may become a movie sometime in the near future as well. Miles leaves his home in Florida to attend a boarding school in Birmingham, Alabama. While there, he develops close friendships with his roommate, "The Colonel", and a girl down the hall named Alaska. Throughout the year, they spend their time sneaking around and playing pranks on the "rich" kids. When tragedy strikes, Miles is determined to find answers and figure out how to move forward. Sex: This book is extremely sexually explicit. There are several graphic conversations and one scene in particular that is very detailed. Language: High. Drug/Alco...

Purchase this book on Amazon here!   Lucky Broken Girl is a middle grade semi-autobiographical fiction novel by Ruth Behar. Ruthie and her family have relocated to America from Cuba.When a tragic accident turns Ruth's world upside down, she spends a year contemplating her life and future. Her dreams change and she transforms into a brand new Ruthie. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: There's an instance of drinking and driving. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There's a tragic accident and several people die. Another character close to Ruthie also loses their life later in the story. There's also a semi-graphic scene about an enema being used because a patient isn't able to use the bathroom. Final Note: I thought Ruth Behar did a wonderful job sharing her experiences as a child. I loved how she frequently referred back to her Cuban heritage. I felt like I not only related to her as a person, but I also learned things I didn't kno...

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!