The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming

This nonfiction book chronicles the lives of the Romanov family, the last of the Tsar’s of Russia.  Beginning with the life history of Tsar Nicholas II, the book tells the tale of his meeting Alexandra, their courtship and marriage, and the subsequent children that arrived.  The book ends with their brutal murder and the mystery surrounding what happened to one of their most famous daughters, Anastasia.  Interposed throughout the book are facts about Russia’s history as well as first-hand reports from peasants and workers as to what their life was like during the same time period.

Content Notes:                       

While the book ends with the famous murders of the Romanov family, the book was tastefully written.  I would recommend this to any middle school or higher student interested in learning more about Anastasia, the Romanov family, or Russia during World War I.

 

Teacher Notes:
I loved this book & had a hard time putting it down.  I’ve always been fascinated with the story surrounding Anastasia Romanov and this book chronicled her life in a way I hadn’t seen before.  I highly recommend this book to my students!

Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyxp8_crFNM&list=PLmfsLzvqhAW5W4xzKV8h5UWuL-i3aJZNQ&index=16

 

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Lucy is faced with a crazy mother and an uncertain future until she is adopted by a sweet family that she loves.  As she tries to put her past behind her, tragedy happens and she realizes she has fallen under a family curse.  Can she be saved in time & break the fairy curse that has been upon her family for generations?

Content Notes:                       

This book discusses topics such as rape and teen pregnancy.  I would not recommend this book for Middle School or Jr. High students.

Teacher Notes:

This is a good story, but not appropriate for my middle school students.

Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNjavMx1Jlw

Black Out by Robison Wells

Prom turns surreal as police show up & start rounding up students.  Aubrey faces the real possibility that they are looking for her.  Do they know that she can make herself invisible?  And if so, what do they want with her?  As she runs from the police, she finds help in a childhood friend, Jack.  Together they set out to figure out what is going on and why the police are treating children as terrorists.

Content Notes:                       

This book has some bad language & violence.  If made into a movie, it would be rated PG-13.

 

Teacher Notes:

I enjoyed this book but would probably recommend it for Jr. High students and up.

Scorched by Mari Mancusi

Trinity is struggling after her mother’s death.  Stuck with a grandfather who spends money on seemingly frivolous things, Trinity is facing the very real possibility that they are getting ready to lose everything.  All that changes, however when Trinity’s grandfather brings home the “last dragon egg”.  Her speculation turns to incredulity when the egg begins to talk to her….and soon she is caught up in a battle where she must choose which side to really believe.

Content Notes:                       

This book has some bad language.  If made into a movie, it would be rated PG-13.

 Teacher Notes:

I actually picked this up a year ago, read the first chapter & put it back down.  At the urging of one of my students, I decided to give it another shot and this time read through the first few chapters before I quit.  I really enjoyed this book!  Once I gave it a second shot I couldn’t put it down.  I would recommend this book to middle school students & up.

Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B66s6lxoQ_Q

 

Kizzy Ann Stamps by Jeri Watts

Kizzy Ann Stamps is facing a daunting task, starting at the integrated school in the fall of 1963.  As Kizzy Ann looks forward to her future, her current teacher recommends that all the students write to the white teacher over the summer so their new teacher will get to know them.  What follows is a delightful correspondence between Kizzy Ann and Miss Anderson as Kizzy Ann explores the world around her in this new integrated society.

Content Notes:                       

This book does not contain any questionable content.

 

Teacher Notes:
I LOVED this book!  I’m not generally a lover of historical fiction books, but you can’t help but love Kizzy Ann who has a fiery spirit & a unique perspective on the integration of schools during the 60s.

Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNTudf0Eoa8

 

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

Set during the great influenza outbreak in 1918, Mary Shelley finds herself separated from her family and arriving in the bustling seaport of San Diego.  She begins to settle into her life and then receives word that the boy she is secretly in love with has been killed at war.  When a man takes her picture and insists a ghost is in the photograph with her, Mary Shelley sets about to prove the science from the fiction.  But is the fiction real?

Content Notes:                       

There is a scene discussed where someone walks in on Mary Shelley and her “boyfriend” and it looks compromising from the door (it wasn’t, but that didn’t stop the person from spreading rumors about what he saw). 

Teacher Notes:

I thought this book was odd.  It reads a lot like a historical fiction book with the ghost story part being thrown in almost as an afterthought.  While I wouldn’t discourage kids from reading it, I don’t know that they would enjoy it or get into it.

Book Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph31JdCvMIQ

From Norvelt to Nowhere by Jack Gantos

In this hilarious sequel to Dead End in Norvelt, Jack is once again pitted with Miss Volker, this time on a road trip!  After several old ladies pass away under suspicious circumstances, Miss Volker finds herself the oldest resident of Norvelt, and thereby must honor her promise of marrying old Mr. Spizz.  When Mr. Spizz admits to killing all the old ladies so that Miss Volker must marry him, Miss Volker decides that he must pay for his crimes.  Miss Volker then receives word that her sister has died and this provides Miss Volker with the perfect opportunity to take Jack across the country for a history lesson as he helps Miss Volker make funeral arrangements.  Or is he along to help her destroy Mr. Spizz?  Find out in this action-packed, belly-laughing adventure!

Content Notes:                       

None J

Teacher Notes:

While not as good as the first book, this sequel still provided plenty of belly laughing moments as well as an unusual twist at the end!  I teach an excerpt from Dead End in Norvelt to my 6^th grade students and they BEG to read the rest of the book.  I’m excited to recommend this to my kids to read when they finish the first one!

Excerpt read by Jack Gantos! J

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0phLhFwu0wU

The Book of Bad Things by Dan Poblocki

Cassidy Bean is looking forward to her last summer being a part of an exchange program that places students who live in the city with a family in the country during the summer.  Cassidy can’t wait!  The family she’s lived with for the past 2 summers has invited her back.  Upon her arrival, however, things aren’t all that they seem and not every member of the family is glad to have her back.  As strange things begin to occur in this sleepy town, Cassidy begins to wonder what exactly is going on and if she’ll ever get back to the city life again.

Content Notes:                       

None J

Teacher Notes:

Nail biting and suspenseful!  This book is an excellent age-appropriate ghost story book that completely creeped me out.  I highly recommend it to all my students wanting a good scare.

Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby

With her king father caught in a deadly war, Solveig along with her siblings are sent to a hidden fortress to wait out the war.  Once the ice freezes, the royal siblings along with the soldiers sent to protect them are separated from the rest of the world by a frozen sea of ice.  Treacherous acts begin to take place with every person suspecting the other.  No one realizes who is responsible or how deep the treachery goes.

Content Notes:                       

None J

Teacher Notes:

Great book!  I highly recommend to any student who loves a good fantasy or a book about kings and queens set in the medieval period.  

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Carley Conners has always been self-sufficient with a mother who at times can be unreliable.  She never imagined, however, the events that would place her in foster care with the Murphy’s, a fun-loving family with three boys and a mother Carley never imagined existed.  As Carley lets down her guard and allows this family in, her mother recovers and Carley is faced with life-changing decisions.

Content Notes:                       

None J

Teacher Notes:

I absolutely loved this book.  It takes an honest look at how people are not always what they appear to be and I think that’s something everyone needs to be frequently reminded of!  This book is appropriate for all middle school students.

 Book Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBFUPBw7KLI

Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Jack knew upon waking that something was wrong.  While his mother had promised him a few days’ vacation camping at a national park, Jack wakes to discover he is all alone.  Not only alone, but all traces of his mother have vanished and she won’t answer her cell phone.  Jack must face the startling realization that his mother has abandoned him and as he begins his trek home, Jack must decide who to trust.

Content Notes:                       

A hungry child steals food and other items.

Teacher Notes:

I really enjoyed this story.  This story would be appropriate for any middle school student.

Book Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKgG3b0XDD0

Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax Explosion of 1917 by Sally M. Walker

This nonfiction book chronicles the events that led to the largest man-made explosion prior to the detonation of the atomic bomb.  Filled with photographs and interviews, this griping non-fiction book entices the reader to become lost in the devastation of the explosion and how families recovered afterwards.

Content Notes:                       

This book discusses family members being killed as well as includes a picture of a makeshift morgue with bodies covered by sheets. 

Teacher Notes:

I normally have a really difficult time reading nonfiction books, and I absolutely loved this book.  For any kids who have a hard time reading non-fiction or who enjoy reading about disasters, they would love this book too!

Perfected by Kate Jarvik Birch

Ella has been bred to be the perfect pet.  She is quiet, graceful, stays when told, and performs on command.  No need to clean up after her or feed her, she can clean up and feed herself.  She’s even potty trained.  The hitch?  Ella is human.  In a world where cloned humans can be bought, sold & treated as pets, Ella finds herself living with a rich family as a playmate for their only daughter.  But as Ella begins to have dangerous thoughts of her own, will she survive to live her life, or will she discover what is behind the red door?

Content Notes:                       

This book alludes to sexual content and is about human pets. 

Teacher Notes:

This was a book I had to seriously think about when I finished reading. I found it disturbing that a book would be written about human pets, which are essentially slaves.  Even though these pets were cloned, they were still human and I had a hard time with the concept & how the characters in the story justified this.  I honestly wouldn’t recommend this to a student to read.

Taken by Erin Bowman

As Gray Weathersby nears 18, he realizes he has two choices.  Face the Heist that takes all boys at the age of 18 or take his chances with the wall, a barrier built around his village that no one has survived crossing.  Contemplating his choices, a startling discovery makes him desire the truth even more.  What IS outside the wall?  How did they all get in the village and what happened to their memories of before?  The more Gray receives answers, the more questions he has.  What is really the truth, and can he survive it?

Content Notes:                       

This book has no bad language, but does allude to sexual content.  Younger readers may be unaware of what is alluded to, but older readers would be.  I would recommend this to Jr. High students and above.

Teacher Notes:

This was an interesting story that I thought was a little slow in spots.  This will be a trilogy but I won’t be pursuing the other books in this series.

Enders by Lissa Price

After bringing down Prime Destination (Starters), Callie wants life to just return to normal.  But when she begins to hear the Old Man in her head, she realizes that things are far from normal and answers must be found to protect the ones she loves.  Things take a startling spin when the identity of the Old Man is revealed and Callie struggles with who to trust….and who is trying to kill her.

Content Notes:

This book is appropriate for middle school readers.

Teacher Notes:

A great sequel to Starters!  I look forward to the third book in the series coming out. J

The Enemy by Charlie Higson

No one is really sure what caused it, but parents in London suddenly began to get sick.  Not only sick, but as the illness continued, these parents turned on their children and began to hunt them.  Children are forced to join together, but can they really outwit the zombie parents and survive this deadly illness?

Content Notes:

This book contains bad language including deity swear words.  This book would probably be rated PG-13 for the language.  The violence is pretty grotesque (zombies!) but it isn’t exceptionally graphic.  This book also does not contain any boy/girl relationship issues.

 Teacher Notes:

I was pretty pumped because up until probably half-way through there wasn’t any bad language!  That doesn’t happen very often with books any more.  Then the language started.  It wasn’t horrible, but I would not recommend this book to younger 6^th grade readers.  The book is also written in shifting points of view, so if your reader has trouble keeping up with characters, this may not be the best book for him or her.  There were a couple of times I had to go back to previous chapters to re-read in order to keep up with who was doing what.

Torn Away by Jennifer Brown

When the tornado sirens begin to sound, Jersey didn’t really think much about it. Living in Elizabeth, Missouri, the tornado sirens frequently blew in the spring and it never meant danger.  As the sky began to get darker and the storm pounded against the house, Jersey’s concern began to grow. Along with the sound of a freight train, all-out dread encompassed her and what happened next changed the course of Jersey’s life forever.

Content Notes:

This book contains bad language including deity swear words and would probably be rated PG-13 for the language.  Aside from tornado violence, this book does not contain violence & does not contain any boy/girl relationship issues.
 
Teacher Notes:
This book was pretty intense and was very relatable living in “Tornado Alley”.  I was immediately gripped by the storyline & read this book in an afternoon.  In my opinion, it is more of a Jr. High book & I would not recommend it for my younger readers.

Curses and Smoke: A Novel of Pompeii by Vicky Alvear Schecter

Faced with an unwanted marriage to a man forty years older than her, Lucia feels trapped in her home.  Things begin to change, however, with the return of a house slave, Tag, a childhood friend who has obviously grown up in the three years he had been in Rome to train as a medic for Lucia’s dad’s gladiator school.  As the earth begins to tremble, Lucia and Tag are faced with decisions in a desperate attempt to find freedom.

Content Notes:

While there isn’t any sexual content other than kissing, “virginity” is mentioned several times.  There is no bad language.  Even though the setting is at a school for gladiators, the violence is minimal.

 

Teacher Notes:
The only thing that made me a little uncomfortable for my middle school students was the infrequent talk of virginity.  Other than that, this was a good romance book that was essentially “G” rated in nature.  I would recommend this book for Jr. High students and up.  One thing to note is that the chapters are written in alternating points of view (Lucia & Tag) so a reader who has trouble keeping characters straight may struggle with this book.

Up for Sale: Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery by Alison Marie Behnke

This nonfiction book relays statistics and true stories about people who are involved in the human trafficking epidemic in the world.  The book is divided into sections that discuss the different types of slavery (from debt-bonded slaves to sex trafficking slaves) and the final chapter outlines what is currently being done to help fix the problem.  It also lists websites so the reader can look up how he or she is inadvertently contributing to the human trafficking problem.

Content Notes:

The book does talk about the sex-trafficking industry.  It also describes the physical abuse many slaves face in captivity.

Teacher Notes:

This is a very tastefully written book about the current human trafficking problem.  Because of the discussion on sex-trafficking, I would not recommend this book to any student lower than an 8^th grade level.  I do think we need to educate our students about this problem & have real discussions about ways they can protect themselves & help others. 

The Vault of Dreamers by Caragh M. O'Brien

In a world where the only hope of receiving an education is through participation in a reality tv school, Rosie struggles to remain within the top 50 students who will make the cut to stay.  As Rosie struggles to remain, she uncovers a startling mystery about the school and what really occurs during the night. This discovery leads to a fight for her life as she tries to outwit the people in charge.

Content Notes:

The book mentions the word “sex” one time and is a vague reference to something that occurs in a rough part of the country.   

Teacher Notes:

I was able to read a pre-released copy of this book (it is scheduled to be published September 16, 2014).  I read another series by this author (Birthmarked) and while that is more Jr. High/High School appropriate, The Vault of Dreamers would be appropriate for middle school students and up.   This book was a little more Sci-Fi in nature and had an interesting cliff hanger twist at the end of the book.  I enjoyed it!

The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

In an effort to prevent war, Arabella is being forced to marry an old man who she has never met before.  Seeing no other way out, Arabella (or Lia as she is known throughout the rest of the book), takes her ladies maid and runs away to start a new life far from wars, kingdoms, and being a princess.  Lia soon discovers, however, that no matter how far she runs, she cannot escape her destiny or her duty to her kingdom.

Content Notes:

The book has bad language & mild sexual content (kissing, discussions about sex, a character is an unwed mother).

Teacher Notes:

This book is not appropriate for middle school students but would be appropriate for mature Jr. High and High School students. While a little slow at the beginning, the storyline did pick up as the book went along.  This book is similar to The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson.

 

The Circle: Book One of the Sidhe by Cindy Cipriano

Calum Ranson’s family is full of secrets.  Magic swirls around them, and as Calum starts to lose his abilities, he begins to worry.   When a new girl comes to town, strange things begin to happen.  Calum must decide who to trust in a battle to regain loved ones who have been lost.   

Content Notes:

No bad language or inappropriate content.

Teacher Notes:

I loved this fantasy book!  If you liked the Fablehaven books by Brandon Mull or the Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black you would like this book!

 Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgZugrFB6OE

 

The Fallout by SA Bodeen

After escaping from the Compound, Eli and his family must begin to adjust to a life that went on without them.  Eli begins to research charity organizations his father supported and uncovers a startling discover as well as a horrifying truth.  As the family adjusts, they must decide who they can trust and with people not being who they appear to be, this becomes increasingly difficult.

Content Notes:

No bad language or inappropriate content.

Teacher Notes:

This is the sequel to The Compound, which I loved!  While I liked this book a lot, I was a little disappointed in the author’s writing style.  Kids will love this book…it was just a little slow at the start! J

Drowning by Rachel Ward

After a drowning accident at a lake, Carl begins to be haunted by his brother.  But was the accident really an accident?  Carl has no memories before the lake, but as his memories return, a horrifying realization occurs and Carl must deal with consequences, and his dead brother, before it’s too late.

Content Notes:

The book has bad language, sexual content, and deals with alcoholism. 

Teacher Notes:

This book is not appropriate for middle school or junior high students.  It may be appropriate for high school students who are aware of the content.

Hidden Like Anne Frank by Marcel Prins, Peter Henk Steenhuis, & Laura Watkinson

This book is collection of true stories of 14 people who hid like Anne Frank did during World War 2.

Content Notes:

The stories are children friendly in talking about hiding during the Holocaust.    

Teacher Notes:

I found this book to be a little hard to read.  If students like The Diary of Anne Frank or if they like to learn more about the Holocaust, they would enjoy this book.  As a teacher, this book would be good to use as a whole class read aloud since each story is a self-contained story.  A similar book that I enjoyed more would be Survivors:  True Stories of Children in the Holocaust by Allan Zullo & Mara Bovsun.

 

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

A dystopian book like none other, Brandon Sanderson takes the reader on an adventure through a world ruled by Epics, regular people who one day begin to exhibit extraordinary super powers.  Watching his father die at the hand of an invincible Epic, Steelheart, David burns with a desire for revenge.  As he meets up with a band of humans who are fighting the Epics, David has an opportunity to change the face of the human race…if he can stay alive long enough to do it.

Content Notes:

The book has many fight scenes & opens with people being vaporized in a bank. 

Teacher Notes:

This book was recommended to me by my son and when I first picked it up, I did not have high hopes that it would live up to how great he said it was.  I honestly LOVED this book!  I loved the action and suspense that the book brings, as well as the twist on a dystopian society.  This is a wonderful boy book that I highly recommend!

Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sC9NtpXLH4

Similar Books:

While not exactly like this, I think if you like this book you would also like the Michael Vey series by Richard Paul Evans

The Selection by Kiera Cass

In a dystopian society ordered by castes, the Selection affords an opportunity to move up.  Thirty-five girls compete to become the Princess of the nation, for most a dream come true.  For America Singer, however, the Selection is an opportunity to send money home to her family and nurse the heartbreak of losing her secret love.  Can anything change her mind and change the course of her future?

Content Notes:

The book references a boy taking advantage of a girl and briefly talks about virginity.

Teacher Notes:

While there is nothing graphic in this book, I feel this book would be more appropriate for Jr. High students or mature 6^th graders.  There is not any bad language or violence, just some boy/girl relationship issues.  This book reminds me a lot of the tv show, The Bachelor.

I'm Not Who You Think I Am by Peg Kehret

At her birthday party, Ginger is approached by an unknown woman and is left with a feeling of being watched.  She continues to notice this woman at odd times and becomes increasingly creeped out.  When the woman confides in her a startling secret, Ginger must figure out the truth and find a way to keep herself safe.

Content Notes:

This book deals with “stranger danger”.  If made into a movie, it would be rated G.

Teacher Notes:

This book is appropriate for all middle school students.  I loved the way the book approached child abduction and ways that students can empower themselves to make smart choices.  Excellent book!

Similar Books:
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney
Three Black Swans by Caroline B. Cooney
Abduction by Peg Kehret

Followers by Anna Davies

Briana has always wanted to fit in at MacHale, a prestigious private school in Maine.  After trying to find her niche for several months Briana decides to audition for a role in the Winterm production of Hamlet.  Disappointment soon follows when Briana does not receive a role, but is instead asked to be the plays “social media director”.  When actors begin to die, Briana must uncover the truth about the play to save the rest of the cast.

Content Notes:

The book does discuss several students dying.  There is no bad language and the deaths are not blood and gore type incidents. 

Teacher Notes:

This book is appropriate for all middle school students.  I was impressed that the author could write a “horror” book and keep it age-appropriate.

The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

Racing against time, Allie, Kanin, and Jackal, set out to defeat the evil vampire Sarren.  Dealing with heartbreak of losing Zeke only makes the journey all the more difficult.  Will Allie come to grips with his death and stop Sarren from destroying the world?  Or will she succumb to her grief and become the monster the humans think she has become?

Content Notes:

The book contains several scenes with bad language.  It also has a lot of violence and gore.

Teacher Notes:

While I really enjoyed this series, like the 2^nd and third books, this book is not appropriate for middle school students.  It would be appropriate for mature Jr. High students or High School students and above.

Inhuman by Kat Falls

Lane McEvoy has always enjoyed the safety and security of living in the sterile environment behind the wall.  In a post viral world, Lane’s curiosity about the Feral Zone is not strong enough to make her leave the safety of home.  Things change however, when her dad is accused of illegally smuggling and Lane is forced to confront her biggest fears in order to save her dad.

Content Notes:

The book briefly mentions kissing in the first chapter. Other content includes violence when the main characters fight some inhuman characters.   

Teacher Notes:

This book is appropriate for all middle school students.  This book is a dystopian book that has a fantasy element to it.  I haven’t read anything like it and thought it was great! J

Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst

Eve is being chased by a serial killer.  To make matters worse, she has no idea why he’s chasing her and can’t even remember her past.  Her dreams at night are filled with circus images and an old woman who tells stories.  Could this be a clue to her past?  Eve must navigate between the real and the imagined to find her way to safety.

 

Content Notes:

This book would be rated PG if made into a movie.

Teacher Notes:

This book is appropriate for all middle school students. 
Book Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5b4nQKM-YE

 

Variant By Robison Wells

Looking for a fresh start, Benson Fisher is excited to be starting at the private school, Maxfield Academy.  This changes the moment Benson steps foot inside the school and realizes there are no adults and the students are locked inside school grounds surrounded by razor wire.  What is going on?  As Benson understands the truth about the school, he becomes even more desperate to escape.  But do the other students want him to succeed?

Content Notes:

When students get in trouble they are sent to “Detention” and never return.  There is also some violence between students.  For this reason, the book would be rated PG-13 if made into a movie.

Teacher Notes:

This book is appropriate for all middle school students.