The Blood Lie
Shirley Reva Vernick
On September 22, 1928 in Massena, New York, the Jewish Community is eagerly preparing for and anticipating the solemn holy day of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It’s also Jack Pool’s sixteenth birthday and he’s got his eyes on a driver’s license and a pretty girl; unfortunately for Jack, the driver’s license is the only thing that might be within his reach. Emaline Durham is Christian, so being friends is the only thing they can ever be, even if they both long for more.
It only takes a moment for everything to change. Emaline’s little sister Daisy never arrives back at home and Jack Pool is accused of murder. The townspeople get wrapped up in a lie that the Jews collect the blood of a Christian child to use in their holy day ritual, and neighbors begin to distrust neighbors in an attempt to explain the disappearance of missing Daisy. Jack is caught in a whirlwind of adult irrational behavior and discovers for the first time in his young life the complete destruction that can result from intolerance.
This is a short mystifying novel about a very real Jewish experience in American history. An eye-opening author’s note at the conclusion of the story relays an important message to all middle great readers.
Requiem : Poems of the Terezin Ghetto
Paul B. Janeczko
Paul Janeczko is an award-winning author for youth and is best known for his lyricism and poetry, as well as his ability to tackle harsh topics with a simple hand.
Requiem takes on the lives of those who fought and suffered during the Nazi war era in Czechoslovakia. Verses based upon real incidents of cruelty, love, oppression, and innocence are told in a straightforward voice, and the various perspectives of war are gracefully acknowledged. Though this title may not have appeal to all readers, it’s another important look at how the horrors of war affect all ages, abilities, religions, and sides.
The Running Dream
Wendelin Van Draanen
If she knows nothing else, Jessica knows one thing for absolutely sure: She is a runner. Jessica lives for running, and is one of the best on her school’s track team. She just beat her personal record in the 400 meter. But then, just a few days later, her team’s bus was in an accident on the way home from a meet. One of their teammates was killed, and Jessica’s leg had to be amputated.
Now Jessica doesn’t know who she is. And she has no idea how she’s supposed to figure it out while surrounded by well-meaning doctors, friends who don’t know what to say to her, overbearing parents, and an irritating younger sister. Not to mention the guilt that she has over the financial troubles that her parents are having because of fighting insurance companies. But with the support of an undaunted best friend, her track team and coach, and something of a new cheering squad, Jessica begins to recognize that the finish line doesn’t always have to be an ending, and she can finally see the new start that is unfolding in front of her.
Recommended for older middle grade readers and all high school girls.
———————————————————————-
Katherine Vasilik
Librarian, Head of User Services
J. F. Kennedy Library
Piscataway, NJ
telephone: 732-463-1633 x18
email: kvasilik@piscatawaylibrary.org or kate_thelibrarian@yahoo.com
blog: http://katethelibrarian.blogspot.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/piscatawaylibrary