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

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.

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.

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.

Endangered by Eliot Schreffer

As Sophie arrives in the Congo to visit her mother, she is taken in by a bonobo monkey for sale.  Purchasing the monkey without thinking of the consequences, Sophie is now the “mother” of a monkey who may or may not survive the day.  With her mother away, and war breaking out, Sophie must figure out a way to take care of herself and the bonobo monkey and find their way safely across the war-torn Congo.

Content Notes:
This book takes place in the Congo and as war breaks out, many people are killed.  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. 
Book Trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBwHaSB0Ugk

 

Wanted! by Caroline B. Cooney

When 15 year old Alice’s dad calls and tells her to grab a file and drive his shiny red corvette to meet him, Alice hesitates.  She’s only 15 and not legally able to drive.  Could he be serious?  After thinking it over she decides he sounded like he meant business.  But after the harrowing drive to meet him, Daddy never shows.  And the broadcast on the radio is saying her dad is dead…and Alice sent an email confession saying she killed him.  What is going on?  With the police, her mother, and all her friends out to find her, Alice begins the desperate search to uncover the truth and discover why her father was killed and how to clear her name.

Content Notes:

If made into a movie this book would be rated PG. 

 

Teacher Notes:

As with most Caroline B. Cooney books, this book is suitable for middle school kids and up.  An interesting component to this book is how the author writes the thoughts of the main character, Alice, and her internal conflicts as the story continues.  Students may want to take notice of this as it helps the reader to understand how the main character contributes to the plot of the story.