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