Wither
Lauren DeStefano
Sixteen-year-old Rhine knows that she only has four more years left to her life. What was once thought of as the miracle of modern science took a dangerous turn with new generations, and now males only live to age 25, and females to age 20, no exceptions. To keep the population from dying out, young women are forced into polygamous marriages. Rhine and her twin brother Rowan vigilantly kept an eye out for Gatherers, but Rhine was kidnapped anyway and forced to live in matrimony with the wealthy Linden Ashby, in a mansion where even just stepping outside is a restricted privilege. The gate surrounding the home keeps everyone under lock and key.
Over the next year, Rhine’s main focus is that of escape and ultimate freedom. But over the course of time, she also can’t help but develop relationships with those around her: her nineteen- and fourteen-year-old sister-wives; the help, including the handsome Gabriel; her powerful and horrifying father-in-law; and even her husband, who shows her kindness and genuine affection.
This is the first in the Chemical Garden Trilogy, and it is a mixed bag of terror, uncertainty, and enchantment. Recommended to all high school readers.
Better Than Weird
Anna Kerz
It isn’t always being different, especially when you go to school with people who don’t understand “different.” Especially when your dad left home after your mom died, years ago, and you are worried he’ll never come back. Especially when you can’t seem to figure out when things are funny or not, when people are angry, or when you are supposed to keep still. Especially when you would do anything to hold onto just one friend (besides your grandmother).
Aaron has a lot on his plate. His excitement for his dad to come home (with a surprise!) is overwhelming, and he’s been making lists of all the things they can do together. Plus, he’s working with the chorus to be part of the upcoming play, even though it doesn’t seem like anyone thinks he’s a very good singer. And he’s trying to avoid Tufar who even Aaron can tell looks angry every time they cross paths. His mind is in one hundred different directions, and he’s having a very difficult time just getting through each day without getting into trouble or getting hurt.
This is the story of Aaron, a pretty normal kid who everyone else thinks behaves badly or inappropriately. Parents and brothers and sisters of kids with special needs, learning difficulties, or behavior disorders will recognize their own lives, and Aaron’s perspective on life is endearing, eye-opening, and humbling for all of us. Great reading for all readers in middle school.
Soldier Bear
Bibi Dumon Tak
This short novel for tweens is based on a true historical occurrence: during World War II, a bear joined the ranks of the Polish Army. One day, soldiers of the Polish 22nd Transport Artillery Supply Company, Peter, Stanislav, Pavel, Janusz, and Lolek, were sent to transport a truckload of equipment, and on the way the boys decided to take a break from the heat of the truck to sit outside in the shade and share a snack. It was during this break that they saw a young Iranian boy holding a blanket, and wrapped inside was a tiny bear cub. They paid the young boy with food in exchange for the bear, and from that moment on vowed to care for and raise the bear – named Voytek – as their comrade and their mascot. With some convincing, Voytek was even officially named a Private in the Polish Army.
This is the story of Peter, Voytek, and their friends during their years in service against the Nazis during World War II. It’s a fascinating and almost unbelievable story that is told in an approachable way for all young middle grade readers to enjoy. For more information, start here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wojtek_%28soldier_bear%29
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Katherine Vasilik
Librarian, Head of User Services
J. F. Kennedy Library
Piscataway, NJ
telephone: 732-463-1633 x18
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