Popcorn by Rob Harrell Andrew struggles with anxiety. He has a lot going on in his life as well. His grandmother has Alzheimer’s. She had to move in with Andrew and his mom in their two-bedroom apartment. That means Andrew sleeps on the fold-out couch. His mom is starting a new job that will help … More Popcorn
Fear Street: Double Date by R. L. Stine Goosebumps books are a big hit at my school, but I feel like most of my students are able to move beyond them to some bigger scares. I remember going from Goosebumps to Fear Street and loving it! I hope the same goes for my students. I … More Fear Street: Double Date
Birdie by Eileen Spinelli Novel in verse. Birdie got her nickname from her love of birds. Her father was a firefighter, and he died in a fire a few years back. She now lives with her mom and her grandmother. The problem is that things are starting to change. Her grandmother, who used to talk … More Birdie
The Sleepover by Michael Regina Another spooky graphic novel! Four boys are having a sleepover, and of course, they are watching scary movies. They start talking about the scary stuff in their own hometown, including the witch in the forest. She apparently will lure people into the woods, and if you go, you are marked. … More The Sleepover
Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner You got to love seeing a sign for something free. Free Piano. NOT HAUNTED Totally normal. Please take it away. Sounds safe. I would probably take a closer look. Margot sees this piano on the side of the road with that sign, and she is super excited to … More Free Piano (Not Haunted)
The Jake Show by Joshua S. Levy Jake loves TV! He explains most of his life as if it were a TV show. I liked that. It was a fun way of explaining things. This book starts off making me feel so bad for Jake. His parents are divorced, and he lives part-time with both. … More The Jake Show
Not the Worst Friend in the World by Anne Rellihan First off, that title is hilarious. I found myself thinking phrases like this when I was a kid. Sometimes even as an adult. Not the worst friend, sister, teacher, librarian, daughter… Lou said something to her best friend that she wishes she could take back. … More Not the Worst Friend in the World
The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh I meant to read this book for school last year, but I just didn’t find the time. I came across it again, and when I read the summary, I pretty much started reading it the same day. Matthew is stuck at home during the Covid lockdown, bored out of … More The Lost Year
The Swifts by Beth Lincoln I wasn’t sure about this one as it started off with what felt like a lot of detail that I didn’t think all my students would like. Some would, for sure, but a lot of them want action right away. Well, our main character is named Shenanigan Swift. Unusual name … More The Swifts
World Made of Glass by Ami Polonsky Set in the late 80’s, Iris is a young girl trying to navigate a world where AIDS is off limits to talk about, and she desperately wants to talk about it. Her dad is dying of AIDS, and she feels like she has to hide what she is … More World Made of Glass
Literary Coffee 