The Rapid Reader

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Pearl Thief is a YA historical fiction novel by Elizabeth Wein. The prequel to Code Name Verity , this book gives readers a look into Julie's life. When she was fifteen years old, Julie spent her summer saying goodbye to her grandfather's estate. While there, Julie is attacked but cannot remember the circumstances surrounding the incident. A family employee is also missing and no one can find him. Julie makes it her mission to find out what really happened and to help the Scottish Traveller family she has befriended. Sex: There are no explicit scenes, but Julie explores her sexuality, with both an older man and a female friend. Both scenes just involve kissing, but the details are pretty sensual. A man is naked when searching in the water. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: Some drinking and smoking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are suspected deaths and Julie is attacked. There are a couple of f...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Everything That Makes You is a YA contemporary novel by Moriah McStay. Fiona, or Fi, Doyle's life could have gone two different ways. Fiona was in a terrible accident as a child, leaving one side of her face covered in scars. She loves to write songs but is too afraid to stand up and let anyone listen to them. What would her life be like if the accident had never happened? Then there's Fi. She has a flawless face and is the top lacrosse player in school, headed toward Northwestern. But one choice changes her future. Moriah McStay gives readers the answers to "what if?" How do our circumstances and choices truly determine our future? Sex: Nothing explicit. There is romance and kissing. Language: Mild to moderate. Drug/Alcohol Use: Some instances of underage drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is a death in this book. Fiona was also in an accident that burned her face when she was younger. ...

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 Amaon here! One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance is a middle grade collection of poetry by Nikki Grimes. Grimes uses the "Golden Shovel" method to combine poems from the Harlem Renaissance with her own words. This book also includes beautiful illustrations.  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Some poems discuss struggles with violence faced by African Americans. Final Note: This book was gorgeous! Not only will readers be exposed to classic poems, but Nikki Grimes does a fabulous job including her own works.

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Me and Marvin Gardens is a middle grade fiction novel by Amy Sarig King. Obe Devlin's family has had their farm taken over by developers. The only thing Obe has left is the creek. He doesn't even have his best friend Tommy anymore.Tommy found new friends when the development kids moved in. One day, Obe spots a creature that is unlike anything he's ever seen or read about before. He names him Marvin Gardens and the creature becomes his best friend. But when something strange starts to happen, Obe must decide if he can share his secret. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is some bullying and fist fighting. Final Note: This book was super cute! I recently read Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere and this book was pretty similar, but with a deeper story line. I think middle school boys and girls will really enjoy this unique novel!

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! 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.